August/September 2003

Volume 44, Number 1

Tips from the trenches

by Deb Lockwood

Recent discussions with other technical writers have prompted me to ask myself a probing question. "What would you do if you couldn't do what you do?"

The consequences of the decimated high-tech industry have obviously had a devastating effect on Colorado's job market. I am extremely fortunate to be counted among the employed at the moment. I call myself fortunate because (1) I am a writer who is being paid to write, and (2) I am employed by a company that serves what is left of the telecommunications industry. Several of our chapter's members are not nearly so fortunate right now.

So, what would I do if I couldn't do what I do for my current employer? Since I love writing, and I'd want to stay in the same line of work, the most obvious thing would be for me to get a like position with another company. And what if I looked and looked, but the jobs just didn't exist. What then?

This article is a result of discussions and brainstorming sessions I've had with other writers, educators, and my own ruminations. I offer these ideas to anyone who may need some creative solutions to their current employment situation, or for inspiration for you to have your own brainstorming session with colleagues and friends.

First things first

First analyze your skills and your previous work history. Make a list of what you have done. Instead of the name of your employer and the titles or subjects of what guides you authored, make a list of the skills. For instance, did you analyze government statistics, create workflow diagrams, chart trends, write marketing copy, create a Web site, or write detailed procedures? Did you manage projects, people, or information?

Next, make a list of the industries in which you have experience. Include all of the industries in this initial list. For the first pass, include everything. You can eliminate things later. For example, many years ago I paid the rent by bartending at night. I'd never want to go back to that nightlife (I'm too old to be up past 9:30 p.m. anymore), yet that experience gives me unique insights that other people just don't have.

Apply your skills

Once you are armed with a list of your skills, and have reminded yourself of the industries in which you have experience, ask a friend or companion to help you brainstorm creative ways you could use those skills for profit. You want to focus on how you can apply your skills outside of a traditional 40-hour a week job.

Writing for magazines

John Hedtke recently gave a very informative and helpful telephone seminar for the STC that was titled "Writing for Magazines" (http://www.hedtke.com). This excellent presentation was inspirational to me because it made me realize that I had the skills to write articles for magazines, and that I have something unique to write about. The only thing I lacked was the key to open the door, and John supplied that to all of the participants. This is something I am currently pursuing, even though I am employed full-time. As most of us have learned, you never know what will happen tomorrow, and I want to have other options available should I find myself at the unemployment office.

Teaching

What about education? Have you had any experience teaching what you know? Technical colleges or community colleges might be looking for someone with your skills in writing, editing, or English. Are you an expert in a particular software program? Think about writing a proposal to teach a class. Some recreational centers and senior centers are now offering software skills classes, including introductory "how to use e-mail?" kind of classes. Or how about checking with a company that teaches software skills? Also, check with your local libraries who might offer classes in something you know about, which is something that you could teach? Or— better yet— is there a software program or skills class that they don't offer that people might be interested in? You could write up a proposal and a course outline!

Grant and proposal writing

Grant and proposal writing is a specialized type of writing, but most technical writers can quickly make the switch to this field of writing because the essential skills are the same. If you don't know a lot about grant and proposal writing, here's some resource information that is helpful for finding out more information:

• www.grantproposal.com
• www.mcf.org/mcf/grant/writing.htm
• http://www.epa.gov/seahome/grants/src/msieopen.htm (tutorial)
• http://www.cfda.gov/public/cat-writing.htm
• http://fdncenter.org/learn/shortcourse/prop1.html
• http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/trade/howtodogrants.htm

I'm only including the grant and proposal information that is free in this list, but several excellent books are available that you can purchase on the subject. Also, if this kind of writing interests you, I know of at least two universities in the Denver metro area that offer classes specifically in grant and proposal writing.

STC's Rocky Mountain Chapter

One of the most helpful things you can do for yourself is to establish relationships with other writers. This is a major benefit that you have as an STC member. Our Rocky Mountain chapter membership is very diverse and experienced. Your local chapter always needs more volunteers, and I can guarantee you that you would profit from spending time with fellow professionals. I am sure that you will be inspired and challenged.