AlexaDGreene

[AlexaDGreene @AlexaDGreene1]

Loving my new #Secretlab chair! @secretlabchairs

[AlexaDGreene @AlexaDGreene1]

When asked “What is something that you know now that you wish you knew when you first started out in tech writing?” @preranapradhan said:
Don’t be fearful, you are on the right path. Work hard and always keep learning #cmpw2019 @writethedocs #writethedocsto

[AlexaDGreene @AlexaDGreene1]

Having doubts in your career Path? You aren’t alone. Joining a community, like write the docs can help strengthen the bond you feel with you job and find passion through shared experiences #cmpw2019

[AlexaDGreene @AlexaDGreene1]

Write the docs is about creating a community to support technical writers as they grow in their career. As someone who came into technical writing without the education background @preranapradhan wanted to educate students on this viable career option #cmpw2019 #livestorytelling

[AlexaDGreene @AlexaDGreene1]

Another helpful resource:
Google initiative-season of docs

An extensive list of organizations that need professional technical writers!

[AlexaDGreene @AlexaDGreene1]

Resources for freelance technical writers:
Write the Docs Slack
LinkedIn
A website
#industryengagement

[AlexaDGreene @AlexaDGreene1]

Collaboration as a technical writer:

It brings in the human aspect. Writers tend to be introverted. Plus as a freelancer you work alone a lot. Collaboration is an opportunity to connect and create a stronger piece of writing together

[AlexaDGreene @AlexaDGreene1]

Interested in freelancing?
Panelist Alex gives her insight:
She suggests starting by finding clients and doing technical writing as a side job. Build up your client list until you can comfortably freelance full-time!
Pro-tip: track hours right away!

[AlexaDGreene @AlexaDGreene1]

What do you do if you have very little direction for a project?

-Take the initiative! Help management be aware of the work being done.
-Balance the needs of the company with what you are interested in.
-maintain your voice

[AlexaDGreene @AlexaDGreene1]

SME- subject matter expert
Tips for working with an SME:
-Maintain a collaborative work relationship
-Accommodate the SME’s work style
-show interest in what they are doing, ask questions in a friendly manner
-be as knowledgeable on the subject matter as possible

[AlexaDGreene @AlexaDGreene1]

The tools that you use as a technical writer- having the freedom to choose the tools you use is beneficial.
Some of the panelists favourites:
Flare
Brackets
Google docs
Source tree

[AlexaDGreene @AlexaDGreene1]

Organization structure continued-
When working with a company, that mentorship from senior staff can be very helpful. Who you report to matters, is it a senior technical writer or a senior VP with a million other things to do?

[AlexaDGreene @AlexaDGreene1]

Organization structure in technical writing.
As a freelancer, you respond directly to the client. It creates a direct and seamless communication process. You avoid having to go through layers of communication to get your work signed off on.

[AlexaDGreene @AlexaDGreene1]

When working in technical writing you find that the environment you are working in has a large influence on how you work. Finding a workplace where you enjoy what you are writing and where the work is valued changes your job.

[AlexaDGreene @AlexaDGreene1]

Question asked to the panelists:
How did you get into the technical writing industry?

Most started out in different positions and filled a role that involved technical writing.

Technical writing seems to be a field that is constantly growing.

[AlexaDGreene @AlexaDGreene1]

Panelists: Alex Knoll- freelance writer newer to technical writing industry. Scott Garlick- long-term technical writer and teacher. Phil- technical writer at a software company. #industryengagement

[AlexaDGreene @AlexaDGreene1]

Dan explains why write the docs is important: creating a community for technical writers locally. Young technical writers can use this event as a way to break into the industry.

[AlexaDGreene @AlexaDGreene1]

Live tweeting the Write The Docs Toronto event

A discussion panel surrounding technical writing

[AlexaDGreene @AlexaDGreene1]

There's now a satirical helpline for adults who are angry with Greta Thunberg https://t.co/aiheMNvT7A

[City of Toronto PFR @TorontoPFR]

To commemorate #NationalForestWeek and this year's theme "Canada's Forests: Diverse Outdoor Classrooms”, here's a look back at High Park's Forest School from 1913 to 1926.

#tbt #ThrowBackThursday #CanadianWilderness #TOtrees