How to be an asset to a PM as a technical writer

The relationship between a technical writer and a product manager (PM) is often misunderstood. A technical writer may feel inferior to a PM. In reverse, a PM may lack confidence in a writer. This can result in an ineffective relationship where the writer doesn't receive what they need, or aren't free to engage in their … Continue reading How to be an asset to a PM as a technical writer →

Thinking 5 Moves Ahead as a Technical Writer

Chess grandmasters can see 15 moves ahead. Seeing ahead is common talk in the chess world. It's also an idea that can be incorporated in general strategic thinking. Patrick Bet-David explained the concept of thinking multiple moves ahead as each step being a specific lens to view the move you want to make. The following … Continue reading Thinking 5 Moves Ahead as a Technical Writer →

How far can you go into your craft?

We concluded our Experience Organization (EO) Craft Summit on Thursday at ServiceNow. I was struck by a couple of things. The first was seeing work as a craft and not a job. The second was the connection made to my craft by listening to craftspeople across industries talk about their crafts. The atmosphere suggested there … Continue reading How far can you go into your craft? →

Surfing isn’t just recreational, it enables the best me

I took my six year old daughter to whale watch. Strong wind pushed through the jetties in Mission Bay, San Diego, creating a lot of swell and green faced passengers. My daughter was more impressed with the people losing their lunches than the humpback whales breaching. I get car sick, but I was trying to … Continue reading Surfing isn’t just recreational, it enables the best me →

Innovation is a team sport

Innovation is hot. Who doesn't want to originate the idea that creates a new process, product, or procedure? When it comes to innovating in practice though, innovation actually becomes pretty hard. By definition innovations are new ideas, methods, or products, and they require creativity and tremendous understanding of a problem. I'm probably like you and … Continue reading Innovation is a team sport →

The Technical Writerpreneur: Why the Future of Technical Writing is Entrepreneurial

The future of technical writing is entrepreneurial. Sure, contract positions are becoming more common and those can demand some business acumen. But technical writers are increasingly empowered with tools and autonomy that create the expectation that they either have a broad range of skills, or are able to acquire those skills to get to the … Continue reading The Technical Writerpreneur: Why the Future of Technical Writing is Entrepreneurial →

Talking with Josh Fechter about technical writing

I sat down with Josh Fechter to talk about how I became a technical writer and what has contributed to my success. Josh is putting together technical writing resources and creating a community of writers. He's a powerhouse entrepreneur and innovator and I couldn't be more honored to give my thoughts. Subscribe to his Technical … Continue reading Talking with Josh Fechter about technical writing →

Surfing is a struggle, and that’s why it’s good for your career

When you think of a surfer, who comes to mind? I'd imagine it's probably a specimen like Jeff Spicoli from the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The long-haired, semi-intelligible, perma-blazed brainiac played by Sean Penn has his true to life counter parts, no doubt. Here's the weird thing, those guys are almost never good … Continue reading Surfing is a struggle, and that’s why it’s good for your career →

Splitting table entries in DITA

You can split entries in DITA to create entry 1A and 1B to your entry 1. You can create rows (red below) and columns (blue below), or combine both (blue below). You can join them again if you're not satisfied. Right-click in the table and select Split or Join.