Each month, Spotlights highlights a chapter member through an article about their accomplishments in the field and interesting facts about their life gained through an interview.

This month, we are learning about James Lamothe! James has been a technical writer for 20 years, mostly documenting software and telecommunication systems in Vancouver. After earning a B.A. (English) and M.B.A., he fell into technical writing and discovered the B.A. was worth more than the M.B.A. Currently he works for CA Technologies as Principal Technical Information Engineer. He finds relief from the weight of that preposterous title in nature, fine arts, friends and wine.

Me: What was the most interesting project you’ve worked on?
James: At D-Wave Systems, I helped explain how to use the world’s first commercial quantum computer. There’s nothing geekier and bleeding-edgier than quantum computers. Loved it.

Me: If you could go back and talk to yourself when you first started in the field, what advice would you give yourself?
James: To be successful, continuously develop your social skills. It’s just as important as developing your technical writing skills and subject matter knowledge.

Me: Has anyone in the field stood out, altering how you thought or continued your career?
James: Sheila Jones and many others have inspired me with their enduring passion for the technical communication profession. At the start of my career 20 years ago, I teased Sheila by asking if she would retire soon. We’re lucky that she’s still contributing to the profession.

Me: What do you like most about being an STC CWC member?
James: I like being an STC member because its publications and conferences help me keep up with our rapidly evolving profession(s). I like being a member of the West Coast chapter because Aaron Fultz and Mellissa Ruryk are fun and effective leaders eager to help us help ourselves.

Me: What do you do when you get “writers block”?
James: First, I glue my bum to the chair for an hour (do NOT use super glue!). During that time, I simply start writing or diagramming anything about the subject, keeping my expectations low. For a new document, I’ll write an outline. For a new topic, I’ll write a list of points or steps. If the tools are distracting, use pen and paper. After that, I’m clearer on what I want to write and what I need to learn.

Me: What did you want to be when you were growing up?
James: At seven, I wanted to be a scientist. By twelve, I narrowed it to marine biologist, like Jacques Cousteau.