Usability: Think in terms of scenarios
When you design a user interface, it helps to think in terms of the scenarios instead of tasks. A task is simply a major or minor event that needs to…
My current technical writing toolset
Ten years ago, most of these tools would not have been on my list. Only Microsoft Office, WordPress, Acrobat, and Notepad have remained in my toolset over the past ten…
10 Ways to Annoy the Hell out of your Writers’ Group
A writers’ group is a collection of writers who get together to discuss each other’s work. Each writer submits a piece to the group and as a group, suggestions are…
How Technical Writers use Microsoft Visio
For the past two weeks, I have been fixing FrameMaker document graphics. The problem is that the graphics contained in those documents do not conform to company standards in multiple…
Creating Memorable Characters in Fiction
Creating memorable characters is a challenge. It is work to come up with compelling characters that interest the readers and fit the story. Fitting the story might seem like the…
Creating Characters
Building Characters by Brainstorming Character Bio Sheets Several methods to help you create characters Using interviewing to create fictional characters Basing Characters on Real People Twelve questions to ask when…
How to Create Fictional Characters Using Adversity
There are very few happy stories in the world. This is not to say that there aren’t happy endings, and that there aren’t happy characters, but very few stories revolve…
How Much Money Does a Technical Writer Make?
Discussing money is always difficult when it comes to jobs. People tend to exaggerate (and sometimes downplay) how much money they make. Also, because of the variation in benefits, a…
Mapping out your novel’s characters
In much the same way that you need to outline the action points in your plot, you should map out the relationships of your characters. Creating the backgrounds for your…
10 Days of Character Building: Defining Characters By Their Roles
One of your first considerations when creating a character should be the role you intend them to play in your story. Is the character a hero or a villain? If…