A Little Bit About Me

I have been writing professionally for many years. I have also managed documentation projects involving one or many writers. In the process of handling both types of positions, I have acquired a lot of experience in how to do both.

  • Writing requires organization, attention to detail, a clear and structured approach to tasks, and step-by-step follow through on a plan. It requires a great deal of listening to discover information. Let’s face it, no writer springs full-blown into a knowledge of all aspects of the subject. This information generally comes from somewhere else. This means an ability absorb information from many sources, to listen, and to work well with others is essential to discovering not only what to write but how to write it .
  • Writing also requires an understanding of who will use the final product, whether that’s a manual or instruction sheet, a marketing slick or a website. If you don’t know who you’re talking to, how can you tailor the message effectively?
  • Managing requires another set of skills. Making sure projects are thoroughly planned so surprises (usually unwelcome!) don’t drive up costs or stretch out time is essential. This means understanding what questions to ask up front so the plan can be properly put together. It means working with many people to discover need and timeline.
  • Of course, you can’t ask the right questions unless you understand the options and the process of putting your project together. That’s where experience comes in. Having been through the process many times means I understand the possible pitfalls and have learned to manage in ways that (mostly) avoid them.
  • Managing also involves listening — to program managers, users, information providers (SMEs, or “subject matter experts”), writers, and anyone else who has input and an opinion. And it means valuing all viewpoints while moving toward the goal.

In the end, a successful project, for me, is one that meets the goals while leaving all parties feeling respected and valued. I believe I have achieved this goal more often than not in my career, and it’s something I continually strive to do.