Articles
Welcome—glad you stopped by. The Articles page is where I share practical advice, real-world stories, and insights on technical writing, documentation, and information design. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, there’s something there for you.
Audience Analysis in Action: Lessons from Smart Thermostat Documentation
If you’ve ever wondered why some product manuals feel effortless to use, the...
Writing Manuals That Serve Both Homeowners and Technicians
Creating one manual for two totally different audiences feels like juggling....
Quick-Reference Guides for HVAC Technicians: A Smart Thermostat Case Study
Picture this: an HVAC technician is on-site installing a smart thermostat, and...
Simplifying the Complex: Writing Smart Thermostat Manuals for Homeowners
We’ve all been there—facing a manual packed with technical jargon and overly...
The Power of Introductions in Technical Documentation: Setting the Stage for Success
When users open technical documentation, they’re not just looking for instructions—they’re seeking clarity, confidence, and direction. An effective introduction is the gateway to the entire manual. It provides users with the context they need to understand the system....
Why Storytelling is the Secret Weapon for Better Operations and Maintenance Manuals
Why Should You Care About Storytelling in Technical Manuals? When you think about storytelling, you probably imagine novels, movies, or even great marketing campaigns—but operations and maintenance (O&M) manuals? Not so much. However, storytelling isn’t just for...
Oversaturation: A Technical Writer’s Perspective on The job market
Keyword: Job Market Oversaturation Introduction The modern job market is grappling with significant challenges, particularly oversaturation. As a technical writer, I frequently receive multiple calls and emails from recruiting firms about the same position. The...
Top 7 money making Technical Writing specialties
Keyword: High-Paying Niches Purpose: Outline profitable areas of technical writing to help readers find a lucrative niche. Top 7 High-Paying Technical Writing Niches in 2024 Technical writing is a diverse field with opportunities spanning industries from technology to...
5 Steps to Start Making Money as a Technical Writer
Keyword: Technical Writing Income Purpose: Introduce the basics of getting started in technical writing for income potential. Technical writing is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to enter a high-paying writing career. With an average annual salary of...
Technical Writers vs. Fast Food Workers: How they make money
Introduction: A Surprising Income Comparison The income disparity between highly skilled technical writers and entry-level fast food workers is narrower than many might expect. This is surprising in today’s job market. Technical writing requires specialized skills. It...
Let’s Build Smarter Documents
Transform your documentation—from scattered content to strategic assets.
Whether you need a quick rewrite or a full system overhaul, we’re here to help you get it done right—the first time.