Question: What was the most interesting project you’ve ever worked on?
Answer: My current project – I write about software that is used during the process of donating and collecting blood. I also write service manuals for plasma and blood salvage devices. I find it fascinating to learn about blood and all of its components. It’s great to write about products that make a difference in people’s lives and can help save lives.
Question: If you could go back and talk to yourself when you first started in the field, what advice would you give yourself?
Answer: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It never hurts to ask questions and the more you ask the more you will learn. Also, keep asking until you understand. For example, sometimes a technical person explains a feature to me and I don’t understand it. I continue to ask different questions or if necessary another person to explain the concept a different way. I need to understand how the software or a device works before I can write how a user should use it.
Question: What aspect has kept you working in the field for as long as you have?
Answer: I enjoy seeing a project through all the phases of a project lifecycle. It also helps that I get to travel for work at least once per year and I love travelling. In the past, I helped set up equipment at client sites and it was great to meet some of our clients. The company I work for allows employees to work from home, so I have been working from home for three years now.
Question: Why did you decide to become a technical writer/communicator?
Answer: While I was taking my Bachelor of Applied Communications degree in Professional Writing, I really enjoyed the Technical Writing and Instructional Design classes. My professor, Lucille Mazo, sold me on Technical Writing and helped me apply for my first job. I also enjoy documenting how to do things and teaching people how to do things. I often write mini manuals about how to perform tasks for non-technical members of my family.
Question: What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of the field?
Answer: I find it challenging to gain access to the users. It would be great if I had more access to user feedback and usability testing. A few years ago, I worked as a business analyst to meet with users and brainstorm a wish list of functional requirements they would like to have in a new version of the software. I enjoyed interacting with the users.
Question: What do you like most about being an STC member of the Canada West Coast Chapter?
Answer: I enjoy all the resources on the STC Canada West Coast Chapter website. I recently became a member of the chapter last year when I moved from Edmonton to Victoria. It is a great resource to connect with other writers in BC.
