I love working with words. My career has been varied, but an underlying theme has always been getting concepts into words that communicate effectively. And it’s not just words that count, but how they’re presented. Scrunching a lot of text into a tiny font or not differentiating between levels or sections of information can mean that even beautiful words don’t get read and information can be lost.
I know how daunting that blank page can be. I know that a project to “write something up” can be very difficult when you want to be focusing on something else — like your real job! How do you get started? How do you structure your information? How do you ensure it is readable by those intended to use it? How do you know it accomplishes what you set out to achieve by doing it?
Those are questions I’ve faced, and answered, each day of my working life.
While large organizations may be able to afford a staff of writers to handle writing, documentation, or website development and maintenance chores, smaller companies or groups don’t often have this luxury, especially in today’s economic climate.
But you don’t need to hire a writer to get writing expertise, or a staff to develop and maintain your website. You can use my expertise as you need it. Just pay for what you need, as you need it.
The positions I’ve held indicate a variety of responsibilities that provide a hint of what I can do.
Where I’ve Worked
Independent Contractor
Although I retired from full-time employment in 2016, I am always happy to assist individuals and companies with technical and marketing writing, documentation design, and website development projects.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Technical writer, courseware developer, and documentation project manager, from December 2002 to February 2016
As a courseware developer and technical writer, I worked in the Training, Supply Chain, and F-35 Sustainment groups.
Evercom Systems
Technical communicator, from April 2002 to April 2003
Designed, developed, wrote, and managed a variety of documentation projects, from technical and installation documentation to marketing materials and process documents. Worked with applications development department to produce user, technical design, and installation documents. Worked within sales and marketing group to redesign user manuals and training documentation, and created product slicks, brochures, sales presentations, and advertising copy. Edited marketing and technical materials. Managed main company website redesign project. Developed website content and managed site with HTML coding and content management software.
Kudos Information, Inc.
Technical writer and documentation project manager, from August 2000 to September 2001
Worked with team of writers and illustrator to document and edit, to Nokia’s standards, descriptions and installation of wireless network hardware components. Also worked as sole author with Nortel in Germany to update the Meridian Internet Telephony Gateway (ITG) Trunk/ISDN Signalling Link (ISL) user installation document.
Various Contract Positions
From September 1998 to August 2000
- Office manager/technical writer for a start-up company
- Librarian for a small bookstore
- Newsletter editor
- Website maintainer
- Committee chair of a statewide special-interest group
- Project manager for a house reconstruction project
RadioShack
Manager of RadioShack Publications, Manager of Computer Product Information, Instructor and Software/Training Coordinator, from January 1984 to August 1998
RadioShack Publications: Responsible for production of owner’s manuals for a broad range of consumer electronics products (400+ each year). Developed, implemented, and monitored documentation procedures. Designed document formats. Developed editing standards and edited documents. Provided online documentation information to internal departments. Managed seven technical writers, two technical editor/supervisors, contractors, and administrative staff. Remotely managed the work of 12 additional writers in overseas locations. Managed system administration duties.
RadioShack Computer Product Information: Tracked and disseminated information between departments, and from headquarters to field personnel. Wrote technical and marketing-oriented articles. Participated in development of new product information plans. Assisted in developing and publishing new marketing plans. Coordinated training on new products. Managed internal inventory. Managed three people.
Software/Training Coordinator: Received and sought out information from other company departments and coordinated the storage and dissemination of that information. Responsible for a program that trained employees from all over the U.S. on computer hardware and software. Did instruction. Managed four people.
Previous Positions
Prior to 1984
- Customer service representative
- Air traffic controller
- Grounds maintenance supervisor
- Assistant office manager