Monthly Archives: June 2012

Working in the Little Room

Posted on June 30, 2012 by

If you ever take a job doing proposal writing, eventually you will spend some time in The Little Room. Okay, maybe it’s not that little, but there are a few attributes to a proposal “war room” that are pretty common, … Continue reading →

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Checking That Box

Posted on June 23, 2012 by

It seems that all English majors are expected to do certain things with their skills (or lives) to be considered worthy of the title. Paid to write? Check. At least one bad novel written? Check. Teach a class? Ahh, there’s … Continue reading →

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Basic Ethics for the Technical Communicator

Posted on June 16, 2012 by

Like most people, when I get cranky I can be tempted to make less-than-wise decisions. This is not a good idea. Ethics are central to a writer’s trade because if we are not ethical in how we handle ourselves and the … Continue reading →

Posted in Office Politics, philosophy, technical writing, workplace | Tagged | 1 Comment

Business Travel Tips for the Technical Writer

Posted on June 12, 2012 by

I’m coming at this topic from two (or possibly three) angles. Understand that my parents and many of my family members were airline people (Eastern, to be exact), so I got a lot of advice on, and experience in, how … Continue reading →

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Requiem for Ray

Posted on June 6, 2012 by

An ink-stained finger jabs at a well-worn key. The key slaps a lever forward to kiss a soft black ribbon. The ribbon kisses the paper, leaving behind the dark impression of a letter. Another finger jabs, and another and another. … Continue reading →

Posted in fiction writing, personal, philosophy | 2 Comments

It’s Not What You Say…

Posted on June 1, 2012 by

You hear it from your mother the first time you say, “Yes, Mom,” and the sarcasm drips from your lips or your eyes roll. Or maybe you’re unlucky enough to hear it from a friend or teacher. You say something … Continue reading →

Posted in audience, personal, philosophy | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment