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Experience

I'm a writer with almost 16 years of experience in freelance journalism, business writing, and technical communication. I've successfully completed assignments that had deadlines ranging from a few hours to a few weeks.

Here is a summary of the types of work that I've undertaken during my career.

Freelance journalism

I've written over 300 articles, essays, and reviews for a variety of publications. The topics that I've covered include science and technology, popular culture, computing, the Internet, foreign languages and culture, and auto racing.

Freelance writing requires skills that are beyond those used by most technical and business writers, but which are complementary to just about any form of writing. A freelancer must generate ideas, sell them to editors, and then research, write, and sometimes illustrate the article. This is usually done under tight deadlines and while working with editorial staff who are based just about anywhere in the world.

Blogging and podcasting

As a blogger, I've written close to 2,000 posts on a variety of topics and of varying lengths. With this experience, I can help you create content and a strategy for a corporate blog.

I also co-produce a popular podcast on technical communication that's listened to by a diverse audience worldwide. I understand the elements of good podcasting (especially within the enterprise), and can help you develop a podcast that fits your purposes.

Presenting and speaking

This is a relatively recent addition to my set of skills. Most of my presenting has been in the realm of technical communication, and has been done under the aegis of the consulting firm that I co-own. I'm also comfortable presenting and speaking on my own.

My presentation style is influenced by Garr Reynolds and his Presentation Zen concepts. I try to tell a story in my presentations, and also engage the audience. My style of presenting enables me to make a connection with an audience, and get them to take part. This makes for a more enriching experience, both for the audience and for me. I definitely believe what musician Robert Fripp pointed out: The perception of the audience is the interesting part.

You can learn more about my speaking services here.

Business writing and copywriting

I've written reports and have produced newsletter copy, press releases, promotional material, fact sheets, and profiles. On top of that, I can help you develop corporate blogs and presentations. Not only do I apply superior writing skills to business writing and copywriting projects, I also bring excellent research and analytical abilities to bear on those projects.

Technical writing

As a technical writer, I've produced user manuals, online help, administration guides, and developer references in both printed and electronic form. I have also been involved in streamlining and refactoring documentation, establishing style and usage guidelines, exploring new tools and technologies, and training/mentoring junior writers.

I'm skilled with a number of standard documentation tools and have worked with numerous source and output formats. Besides my writing and analytical skills, my strengths in the realm of technical communication are my flexibility and my technical knowledge -- both of which enable me to quickly adapt to new situations.

If you're interested in working with me on a technical writing project, please visit the Web site of DMN Communications, the consulting firm that I co-own.