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Careers: Writing/technical writing

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Expert: - 1/20/2010


Question
Do you know what technical writing? I was told I would be using this in my english class and have no idea what it is.

Answer
Hi, lynn!

I'm presuming you're in high school. Technical writing for English class is a way to prepare students for career planning. It's actually really exciting to me that your school is interested in this, because it's very progressive and much needed by students who are going to have to battle for jobs in a tight economy.

You'll be learning to apply writing techniques you've learned in past years to the real world. Rather than a standard lesson plan of 'read this chapter and you'll be tested,' you might receive generalized instructions and be required to create a product that meets the goals. For example, let's say the teacher tells you there's going to be a fundraiser to buy uniforms for the band and all of the planning for the project will be done by the class. One student or a group might be assigned to write a proposal to the school board for permission to start the fundraiser. The group would have to read the guidelines the school district uses for fundraisers to see if what you're planning fits the guidelines. The wording of the proposal would have to incorporate the parts of the guidelines that apply and use sound writing principles that will sway teachers and administrators.

Another group might be tasked with writing appeals to local businesses to support the fundraiser. This goes beyond the typical fundraiser to become a business partner with the local companies, rather than just a charity.

Things like that. In other words, you'll be learning skills that would be suitable in an office setting, or to start a small business. You'll be building vocabulary, adding to reading skills and learning psychological influences of words. I think you'll find it challenging and fun.

Good luck! Hope you'll enjoy the class. Feel free to ask any other questions you might have as you go through the course (except we're not allowed to help with homework assignments here at AllExperts.)

Cathy

Careers: Writing

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Cathy Clamp

Expertise

I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of writing articles, short stories and novels, from the beginning kernel of an idea through completion. I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology and acronyms. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication. I can teach the rules of formatting a manuscript, creating viable plots, characterization and flow in the following genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, horror, women's fiction, mainstream and mystery. I can also answer questions about writing for major print magazines in the outdoor genre (hunting/fishing/boating/travel.)

Experience

I'm a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance for Tor/Forge Books . Along with a co-author, I've published fifteen mass market novels since 2004, and have contracts for four more books through 2011. I've also published more than two dozen feature articles in leading outdoor magazines.

Organizations
Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America, National Association of Legal Assistants.

Publications
Magazines--Guns & Ammo, Fur-Fish-Game, Rocky Mountain Game & Fish, Deer & Deer Hunting. Many others. Novels/Anthologies--Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing, BenBella Books, Running Press, Wild Child Publishing. Many others.

Education/Credentials
Published Author. Published Freelance Writer. Certified Paralegal with specialities in intellectual property (copyright, trademark, patent) and real estate.

Awards and Honors
USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, 2009, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.

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