vocabulary of technical writing and creative writing

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Difference between Technical Writing and Creative Writing

1. Technical Writing : Technical writing is a piece of writing which focuses on factual and straight forward content and technical papers are published to inform and instruct and educate the user about some specific topic. There exists specific readers who prefers technical papers. It gives readers information about some technical topics or it gives directions on how to do something.

2. Creative Writing : Creative writing is a piece of writing which focuses on imaginative and symbolic content and creative papers are published to entertain, provoke, inspire the user. There is no such specific readers who prefers creative papers. Anyone if wants can read creative paper and it gives readers a theme, message, moral or lesson which is helpful in their real lives or gives a temporary entertainment to the reader.

Difference between Technical Writing and Creative Writing :

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A Guide to Technical Writing (With Examples)

4-minute read

• 5th May 2023

You can find technical writing in lots of places, including in your home, at your job, in many industries, and in businesses of all sizes. If you need help with business writing specifically, check out how we can assist you .

In today’s post, we’ll break down what technical writing is and how to do it effectively. We’ll also provide some handy examples.

What Is Technical Writing?

Technical writing doesn’t always look very technical! It can be anything that describes how to do a task or how to operate a machine or system. Or it can cover a specialized topic. Technical writing includes recipes in your favorite cookbook, board game instructions, operator manuals, health and safety regulations, legal documents, and financial reports.

Instructions for Carrying Out a Task

This type of technical writing can be a recipe for a cake, the instructions for a board game, tips on how to walk your dog to heel, or the script for a social media video on how to cut your own hair.

Operating Manuals for Machinery, Appliances, or Systems

Technical writing can also be the user guide for a dishwasher, for a factory machine that makes cardboard boxes, a “how to” guide for spreadsheets, or instructions for changing the oil in your motorcycle.

Specialized Topics

The list here could be very, very long! Technical writing on specialized topics includes a company’s business reports, a medical consultant’s letter to a patient, health and safety regulations, employment policies, and legal documents.

So How Do I Produce a Great Piece of Technical Writing?

Let’s take it in three stages: Who? What? How?

Who Is It For?

In any type of writing, knowing your audience is important. This is particularly true of technical writing. Here are some examples of who might read technical writing:

·  A renter of an apartment that needs details on their lease

·  An electrical engineer who needs to know how the wiring is laid out in the apartment block

·  The janitor of that same building who needs to know the location of the emergency lights

·  The occupant of apartment 61, who needs to know how to use the oven in their kitchen

They all need information presented to them, but what information do they need?

What Do They Need?

The renter needs a legal document that leaves no room for doubt about their legal rights and obligations and those of their landlord. The document will be very detailed, containing terms that need careful explanation.

The electrical engineer needs accurate, clear information about the wiring, as they could get hurt or cause harm to someone else if the diagram is inaccurate.

The janitor needs clear directions and a map of where the emergency lights are.

The occupant of apartment 61 needs instructions that are written in plain English so they can use their oven safely.

How Should Technical Writing Be Composed?

Follow these steps when writing a technical document:

·  Research and know your subject thoroughly.

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·  Decide on the appropriate writing style. Just because it’s technical, doesn’t mean it has to contain lots of jargon . Be concise, be direct, and be straightforward.

·  Consider whether you need to include diagrams, maps, images, charts, and/or tables.

·  If writing instructions, take it one step at a time, write objectively , and make sure the instructions work!

Examples of Technical Writing

Let’s look at some examples:

The first version contains unnecessary words, but the warnings are not specific enough. The instructions should be concise and clear. In the second version, the danger is stated right away, and the critical warnings are concise and specific.

In these examples, the first version is unnecessarily wordy. It provides a lot of detail for minor tasks but gives vague instructions for bigger tasks. The second version is much clearer. The instructions are easier to follow, and they include each necessary step.

Good technical writing needs the following attributes:

1. Relevance

2. Accuracy

4. Accessibility

5. Simplicity

Really good technical writing will include these attributes every time.

Is technical writing difficult?

Technical writing does not have to be difficult if you follow our guide and do your research beforehand.

Are there professional bodies for technical writers?

There are several professional organizations for technical writing. This list from UTA Libraries is very useful.

What can I do if I’m not sure that my technical writing style is appropriate to my subject?

We have experts in many fields who can check your writing and advise on style .

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Creative Writing vs. Technical Writing

• Technical Writing

Today, after learning what creative writing is and how to get started in it , we’re going to compare the two of them.

There are writers all over the world in the two categories – and it boggles the mind to hear that millions have been made from both creative writing and technical writing. Some have made fortunes. While some have not made anything.

Enjoyment can be gained from both types, but it’s fair to say that they both serve different purposes. They both have their own do’s and don’ts and they both have their own rules. Both are governed by grammar and style. Both appear everywhere. So what’s the difference?

Here’s my take: creative writing is written for the right brain (creative) and technical writing is written for the left brain (logical). Confused yet? Wait, there’s more…

A Further Look into Creative Writing

Creative writing is written to entertain and educate. We enjoy reading novels and stories, not because they are necessary to read or helpful for us, just because we get a certain pleasure from reading them, the pleasure which can’t be got from reading technical writing.

Creative writing has so many genres and sub-genres that they deserve a whole section of an article for themselves. It sometimes follows a given set of rules, and sometimes throws caution to the winds and breaks all of them. Either way, talent is somewhat of a necessary ingredient if you want to write creatively. Of course, writing can be improved by practice. But if you don’t have the necessary talent, your writing would not give pleasure to anyone.

Skills and talent both make up creative writing. Hence, they are its constituents.

Further reading: An Introduction to Creative Writing

A Further Look into Technical Writing

Technical writing is wholly written to inform and sometimes to trigger the person reading into making an action beneficial to the one of the writer. Whoa, what a mouthful. That’s not a subject I’m going to cover here (copywriting), but if you want to know more about it, you can visit the master of its game, Copyblogger.com .

I already gave the examples of technical writing in the first post of the series. If you look at them with the context of copywriting, they make much more sense. Copywriters are some of the highest paid writers, says Copyblogger. Sales letters, pitches, advertisements, etc constitute copywriting.

Technical writing is not written to entertain. It has its own set of rules, conventions, do’s and don’ts, masterpieces and pieces of rubbish. There is a whole art to mastering technical writing, although it too is branched: online technical writing and offline technical writing. Personally, I think that if you want to master technical writing, you should first master concise and magnetic writing that draws the reader in, regardless of whether it’s creative or technical.

Are you a master or a learner of concise writing? If you are, so am I, and I’m going to cover it here in future posts. Creative leads or hooks contribute to it.

So that’s it for creative writing. The differences between creative writing and technical writing are that creative writing is written mainly to entertain with the creativity of the mind and technical writing is written mainly to inform in a formal manner or to incite the reader to make an action such as purchase the writer’s product.

This, in a mouthful, is the main difference. In the beginning of this article, I made my own claim: right brain vs. Left brain. However, they deserve an article of their own, and not here. If you want to know more, you can always do your own research.

For my part, I’m going to focus on creative writing tips here, mainly because this is a creative writing blog and I’m much more interested by creative writing than by technical writing. Next post will be solely on fiction writing elements. Stay tuned.

This is the third instalment in the 8-part series “Creative Writing 101.”

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Further reading:.

• Creative Writing Skills: Do You Have Them All?
• Who Else Wants to Master the Creative Writing Skills?
• An Introduction to Creative Writing
• Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Creative Writing
• Creative Non-Fiction: What is it?

20 thoughts on “Creative Writing vs. Technical Writing”

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Great post, and you’ve summed up the difference quite nicely! Technical writing definitely requires a lot of analytical thinking. Persuasion is still necessary; you have to convince people to read the documentation, otherwise they don’t bother. You have to give them a good reason to learn. But it’s definitely more instructive. As a result, technical writers who dabble in fiction tend to write really dry stuff!

Great comment — I fully agree. Technical writers have to be passive writers. Informal language is of course a big no-no.

By the way, I checked out your blog, very nice. Just wondering why you don’t allow comments. Anyway, nice job.

I work in the United States, so it’s possible that the expectations are different, but here in the US, good technical writing is often quite informal and friendly. I’ve been a lead Technical Writer for more than 18 years, and not only is “informal” acceptable, it’s often expected.

The point of a well-written Technical document is to get the other person to understand the idea you want to convey. The best way to achieve that is with clear, simple language. Fancy, formal phrasing and choosing long words just to prove that you know them often distracts from the ideas you want to communicate.

For example, the first instruction that I give to Junior Tech Writers who work for me is: use contractions! No “it is” and “you will,” why clutter up the page? Instead, a good Tech Writer will use “it’s” and “you’ll” which keeps things simpler for the reader.

Passive voice is a real “no-no” when it comes to good Tech Writing. Almost everything is written in the imperative mood, for example: “Locate the ‘Create HTML’ link and click it.” The reader (at least in the US/European market that I write for) wants to know how something works as quickly and simply as possible. Apologetic or passive language is an frustrating distraction from what they want to learn.

Another important thing to note is how helpful a warm tone can be – this is part of the reason that the best tech docs are written in a casual voice. A warm, friendly, accessible style of writing sends the message that the topic being covered is not that complicated, and the reader will be able to understand it.

Finally, Technical Writing is one of the most creative kinds of writing out there. You need to be an extremely creative wordsmith to evoke passion, pathos and humor while discussing the requirements of an API. You also need very strong graphic and visual design skills. Document layout and the treatment of images is intrinsic to the clarity of the finished doc.

Take a look at some of those “For Idiots” books – they may not be my favorites, but they give an example of some of the things I’m talking about.

I hope I’ve given you all some food for thought, and I hope some of you start seeing Technical Writing in a new way.

Best of luck with your studies!

Thanks for such a nice, constructive comment. I just gave an exam on communication in my management undergraduate degree where I wrote that business writing is creative (going out on a limb). Turns out I was right, but I don’t know what the examiner will think (it wasn’t in the original answer of 7 Cs of Business Writing, so I’ll still probably get no marks for that).

Thank you very much for the blog post and comment. These tips are useful in fields outside of writing as well! Source: An engineer by day and comedian by night, who also works in N.A.

Thanks! As far as not allowing comments, I’ve found that between writing posts and family obligations, I just don’t have time to respond to comments. So I figured I’d just remove them. You’re blog is great; keep up the good work!

My spouse and I stumbled over here different website and thought I may as well check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to looking into your web page again.

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Great post! However, I feel I have to point out that the whole thing with the right side of the brain being creative, and the left side being logical is simply pseudoscientific garbage.

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“The differences between creative writing and technical writing are that creative writing is written mainly to entertain with the creativity of the mind and technical writing is written mainly to inform in a formal manner or to incite the reader to make an action such as purchase the writer’s product.”

Nonsense. You’re confusing technical writing with marketing writing. Incite? User manuals are written to help users use their hardware or software product.

Technical writing is no longer limited to just user manuals. Content marketing is considered a part of technical writing. The “formal” part is, however, incorrect. Whether a technical document should be ‘formal’ or ‘informal’, depends on the audience or client’s requirements. For web readers, you should always follow an informal style.

Thank you sir! This article helps my take home essay assignments 🙂

great post sir i have a technical blog and i write a problem solution article and it is very difficult to me as a beginner to write problem solution article and i try to learn a unique technical writing and your post help me to differentiate in technical and creative writing thanx sir for giving a amazing and beneficial information.

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This is a guest article by Indiana Lee. If you want to submit a guest article of your own, be sure to  read the guest article guidelines.

There’s nothing quite as exciting and invigorating as escaping the 9-to-5 and becoming a successful remote writer. While this may be your dream, you may get home and realize that being a freelancer with ultimate freedom is more challenging than expected. To accomplish your goals, you must have the right tools, mind frame, and environment. Set everything up just right, and the sky’s the limit to what you can achieve.  

Here are some guidelines to get you started before you exit from 9-to-5 work and venture out on your own.

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Writing is not tough , for any one, contrary to what you will be made to believe at certain points. That is so because every person has something to write about, everybody has a story.

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And need I say about how profitable freelance writing is? You are paid and well, you can work from the convenience of your home, and thanks to the diversity of assignment topics, work is never boring. What more could a lover of words ask for, right?

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• Technical Writing
• Português – Brasil
• For Students
• Technical Writing One

We researched documentation extensively, and it turns out that the best sentences in the world consist primarily of words.

Define new or unfamiliar terms

When writing or editing, learn to recognize terms that might be unfamiliar to some or all of your target audience. When you spot such a term, take one of the following two tactics:

• If the term already exists, link to a good existing explanation. (Don't reinvent the wheel.)
• If your document is introducing the term, define the term. If your document is introducing many terms, collect the definitions into a glossary.

Use terms consistently

If you change the name of a variable midway through a method, your code won’t compile. Similarly, if you rename a term in the middle of a document, your ideas won’t compile (in your users’ heads).

The moral: apply the same unambiguous word or term consistently throughout your document. Once you've named a component thingy , don't rename it thingamabob . For example, the following paragraph mistakenly renames Protocol Buffers to protobufs :

Protocol Buffers provide their own definition language. Blah, blah, blah. And that's why protobufs have won so many county fairs.

George Fairbanks, a Google software engineer, provides this excellent note about consistent naming:

Yes, technical writing is cruel and restrictive, but at least technical writing provides an excellent workaround. Namely, when introducing a long-winded concept name or product name, you may also specify a shortened version of that name. Then, you may use that shortened name throughout the document. For example, the following paragraph is fine:

Protocol Buffers (or protobufs for short) provide their own definition language. Blah, blah, blah. And that's why protobufs have won so many county fairs.

Use acronyms properly

On the initial use of an unfamiliar acronym within a document or a section, spell out the full term, and then put the acronym in parentheses. Put both the spelled-out version and the acronym in boldface. For example:

This document is for engineers who are new to the Telekinetic Tactile Network ( TTN ) or need to understand how to order TTN replacement parts through finger motions.

You may then use the acronym going forward, as in the following example:

If no cache entry exists, the Mixer calls the OttoGroup Server ( OGS ) to fetch Ottos for the request. The OGS is a repository that holds all servable Ottos. The OGS is organized in a logical tree structure, with a root node and two levels of leaf nodes. The OGS root forwards the request to the leaves and collects the responses.

Do not cycle back-and-forth between the acronym and the expanded version in the same document.

Use the acronym or the full term?

Sure, you can introduce and use acronyms properly, but should you use acronyms? Well, acronyms do reduce sentence size. For example, TTN is two words shorter than Telekinetic Tactile Network . However, acronyms are really just a layer of abstraction; readers must mentally expand recently learned acronyms to the full term. For example, readers convert TTN to Telekinetic Tactile Network in their heads, so the "shorter" acronym actually takes a little longer to process than the full term.

Heavily used acronyms develop their own identity. After a number of occurrences, readers generally stop expanding acronyms into the full term. Many web developers, for example, have forgotten what HTML expands to.

Here are the guidelines for acronyms:

• Don't define acronyms that would only be used a few times.
• The acronym is significantly shorter than the full term.
• The acronym appears many times in the document.

Fix the following passage. Assume that this passage is the initial instance of the term MapReduce in the document and that MR is the best abbreviation.

Jeff Dean invented MapReduce in 1693, implementing the algorithm on a silicon-based computer fabricated from beach sand, wax-paper, a quill pen, and a toaster oven. This version of MR held several world performance records until 2014.

(Please note that the preceding passage is meant to be humorous, not factual.)

Click the icon to see the answer.

Jeff Dean invented MapReduce ( MR ) in... This version of MR held several...

Jeff Dean invented MapReduce in... This version of MapReduce held several...

Recognize ambiguous pronouns

Many pronouns point to a previously introduced noun. Such pronouns are analogous to pointers in programming. Like pointers in programming, pronouns tend to introduce errors. Using pronouns improperly causes the cognitive equivalent of a null pointer error in your readers’ heads. In many cases, you should simply avoid the pronoun and just reuse the noun. However, the utility of a pronoun sometimes outweighs its risk (as in this sentence).

Consider the following pronoun guidelines:

• Only use a pronoun after you've introduced the noun; never use the pronoun before you've introduced the noun.
• Place the pronoun as close as possible to the referring noun. In general, if more than five words separate your noun from your pronoun, consider repeating the noun instead of using the pronoun.
• If you introduce a second noun between your noun and your pronoun, reuse your noun instead of using a pronoun.

It and they

The following pronouns cause the most confusion in technical documentation:

• They, them, and their

For example, in the following sentence, does It refer to Python or to C++?

Python is interpreted, while C++ is compiled. It has an almost cult-like following.

As another example, what does their refer to in the following sentence?

Be careful when using Frambus or Carambola with HoobyScooby or BoiseFram because a bug in their core may cause accidental mass unfriending.

This and that

Consider two additional problem pronouns:

For example, in the following ambiguous sentence, This could refer to the user ID, to running the process, or to all of these:

Running the process configures permissions and generates a user ID. This lets users authenticate to the app.

To help readers, avoid using this or that in ways where it's not clear what they refer to. Use either of the following tactics to clarify ambiguous uses of this and that :

• Replace this or that with the appropriate noun.
• Place a noun immediately after this or that .

Substitute or add explicit terms as needed, as in the following rewrites of the example's second sentence:

This user ID lets users authenticate. The process of configuring permissions lets users authenticate. The combination of permissions and a user ID lets users authenticate.

Identify all possible meanings for the ambiguous pronouns in each of the following passages:

Aparna and Phil share responsibilities with Maysam and Karan and they are next on call.

You may import Carambola data via your configuration file or dynamically at run time. This may be a security risk.

• Aparna and Phil
• Maysam and Karan
• Aparna, Phil, Maysam, and Karan
• Any one of the individuals as a singular gender-neutral pronoun
• Importing via the configuration file
• Importing dynamically at run time

Next unit: Active voice

Except as otherwise noted, the content of this page is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License , and code samples are licensed under the Apache 2.0 License . For details, see the Google Developers Site Policies . Java is a registered trademark of Oracle and/or its affiliates.

Last updated 2024-08-06 UTC.

Technical Writing for Beginners – An A-Z Guide to Tech Blogging Basics

If you love writing and technology, technical writing could be a suitable career for you. It's also something else you can do if you love tech but don’t really fancy coding all day long.

Technical writing might also be for you if you love learning by teaching others, contributing to open source projects and teaching others how to do so, too, or basically enjoy explaining complex concepts in simple ways through your writing.

Let's dive into the fundamentals and learn about what you should know and consider when getting started with technical writing.

Table of Contents

In this article, we’ll be looking at:

• What Technical writing is

Benefits of Technical Writing

• Necessary skills to have as a Technical Writer

The Technical Writing Process

• Platforms for publishing your articles

Technical Writing Courses

• Technical Writing forums and communities
• Some amazing technical writers to follow
• Final Words and references

What is Technical Writing?

Technical writing is the art of providing detail-oriented instruction to help users understand a specific skill or product.

And a technical writer is someone who writes these instructions, otherwise known as technical documentation or tutorials. This could include user manuals, online support articles, or internal docs for coders/API developers.

A technical writer communicates in a way that presents technical information so that the reader can use that information for an intended purpose.

Technical writers are lifelong learners. Since the job involves communicating complex concepts in simple and straightforward terms, you must be well-versed in the field you're writing about. Or be willing to learn about it.

This is great, because with each new technical document you research and write, you will become an expert on that subject.

Technical writing also gives you a better sense of user empathy. It helps you pay more attention to what the readers or users of a product feel rather than what you think.

You can also make money as a technical writer by contributing to organizations. Here are some organizations that pay you to write for them , like Smashing Magazine , AuthO , Twilio , and Stack Overflow .

In addition to all this, you can contribute to Open Source communities and participate in paid open source programs like Google Season of Docs and Outreachy .

You can also take up technical writing as a full time profession – lots of companies need someone with those skills.

Necessary Skills to Have as a Technical Writer

Understand the use of proper english.

Before you consider writing, it is necessary to have a good grasp of English, its tenses, spellings and basic grammar. Your readers don't want to read an article riddled with incorrect grammar and poor word choices.

Know how to explain things clearly and simply

Knowing how to implement a feature doesn't necessarily mean you can clearly communicate the process to others.

In order to be a good teacher, you have to be empathetic, with the ability to teach or describe terms in ways suitable for your intended audience.

If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't understand it yourself. Albert Einstein

Possess some writing skills‌‌

I believe that writers are made, not born. And you can only learn how to write by actually writing.

You might never know you have it in you to write until you put pen to paper. And there's only one way to know if you have some writing skills, and that's by writing.

So I encourage you to start writing today. You can choose to start with any of the platforms I listed in this section to stretch your writing muscles.

And of course, it is also a huge benefit to have some experience in a technical field.

Analyze and Understand who your Readers are

The biggest factor to consider when you're writing a technical article is your intended/expected audience. It should always be at the forefront of your mind.

A good technical writer writes based on the reader’s context. As an example , let's say you're writing an article targeted at beginners. It is important not to assume that they already know certain concepts.

You can start out your article by outlining any necessary prerequisites. This will make sure that your readers have (or can acquire) the knowledge they need before diving right into your article.

You can also include links to useful resources so your readers can get the information they need with just a click.

In order to know for whom you are writing, you have to gather as much information as possible about who will use the document.

It is important to know if your audience has expertise in the field, if the topic is totally new to them, or if they fall somewhere in between.

Your readers will also have their own expectations and needs. You must determine what the reader is looking for when they begin to read the document and what they'll get out of it.

To understand your reader, ask yourself the following questions before you start writing:

• Who are my readers?
• What do they need?
• Where will they be reading?
• When will they be reading?
• Why will they be reading?
• How will they be reading?

These questions also help you think about your reader's experience while reading your writing, which we'll talk about more now.

Think About User Experience

User experience is just as important in a technical document as it is anywhere on the web.

Now that you know your audience and their needs, keep in mind how the document itself services their needs. It’s so easy to ignore how the reader will actually use the document.

As you write, continuously step back and view the document as if you're the reader. Ask yourself: Is it accessible? How will your readers be using it? When will they be using it? Is it easy to navigate?

The goal is to write a document that is both useful to and useable by your readers.

Plan Your Document

Bearing in mind who your users are, you can then conceptualize and plan out your document.

This process includes a number of steps, which we'll go over now.

Conduct thorough research about the topic

While planning out your document, you have to research the topic you're writing about. There are tons of resources only a Google search away for you to consume and get deeper insights from.

Don't be tempted to lift off other people's works or articles and pass it off as your own, as this is plagiarism. Rather, use these resources as references and ideas for your work.

Google as much as possible, get facts and figures from research journals, books or news, and gather as much information as you can about your topic. Then you can start making an outline.

Make an outline

Outlining the content of your document before expanding on it helps you write in a more focused way. It also lets you organize your thoughts and achieving your goals for your writing.

An outline can also help you identify what you want your readers to get out of the document. And finally, it establishes a timeline for completing your writing.

Get relevant graphics/images

Having an outline is very helpful in identifying the various virtual aids (infographics, gifs, videos, tweets) you'll need to embed in different sections of your document.

And it'll make your writing process much easier if you keep these relevant graphics handy.

Write in the Correct Style

Finally, you can start to write! If you've completed all these steps, writing should become a lot easier. But you still need to make sure your writing style is suitable for a technical document.

The writing needs to be accessible, direct, and professional. Flowery or emotional text is not welcome in a technical document. To help you maintain this style, here are some key characteristics you should cultivate.

Use Active Voice

It's a good idea to use active voices in your articles, as it is easier to read and understand than the passive voice.

Active voice means that the subject of the sentence is the one actively performing the action of the verb. Passive voice means that a subject is the recipient of a verb's action .

Here's an example of passive voice : The documentation should be read six times a year by every web developer.

And here's an example of active voice : Every web developer should read this documentation 6 times a year.

Choose Your Words Carefully

Word choice is important. Make sure you use the best word for the context. Avoid overusing pronouns such as ‘it’ and ‘this’ as the reader may have difficulty identifying which nouns they refer to.

Also avoid slang and vulgar language – remember you're writing for a wider audience whose disposition and cultural inclinations could differ from yours.

Avoid Excessive Jargon

If you’re an expert in your field, it can be easy to use jargon you're familiar with without realizing that it may be confusing to other readers.

You should also avoid using acronyms you haven't previously explained.

Here's an Example :

Less clear: PWAs are truly considered the future of multi-platform development. Their availability on both Android and iOS makes them the app of the future.

Improved: Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) are truly the future of multi-platform development. Their availability on both Android and iOS makes PWAs the app of the future.

Use Plain Language

Use fewer words and write in a way so that any reader can understand the text.‌‌ Avoid big lengthy words. Always try to explain concepts and terms in the clearest way possible.

Visual Formatting

A wall of text is difficult to read. Even the clearest instructions can be lost in a document that has poor visual representation.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. This rings true even in technical writing.

But not just any image is worthy of a technical document. Technical information can be difficult to convey in text alone. A well-placed image or diagram can clarify your explanation.

People also love visuals, so it helps to insert them at the right spots. Consider the images below:

First, here's a blog snippet without visuals:

Here's a snippet of same blog, but with visuals:

Adding images to your articles makes the content more relatable and easier to understand. In addition to images, you can also use gifs, emoji, embeds (social media, code) and code snippets where necessary.

Thoughtful formatting, templates, and images or diagrams will also make your text more helpful to your readers. You can check out the references below for a technical writing template from @Bolajiayodeji.

Do a Careful Review

Good writing of any type must be free from spelling and grammatical errors. These errors might seem obvious, but it's not always easy to spot them (especially in lengthy documents).

Always double-check your spelling (you know, dot your Is and cross your Ts) before hitting 'publish'.

There are a number of free tools like Grammarly and the Hemingway app that you can use to check for grammar and spelling errors. You can also share a draft of your article with someone to proofread before publishing.

Where to Publish Your Articles

Now that you've decided to take up technical writing, here are some good platforms where you can start putting up technical content for free. They can also help you build an appealing portfolio for future employers to check out.

Dev.to is a community of thousands of techies where both writers and readers get to meaningfully engage and share ideas and resources.

Hashnode is my go-to blogging platform with awesome perks such as custom domain mapping and an interactive community. Setting up a blog on this platform is also easy and fast.

freeCodeCamp has a very large community and audience reach and is a great place to publish your articles. However, you'll need to apply to write for their publication with some previous writing samples.

Your application could either be accepted or rejected, but don't be discouraged. You can always reapply later as you get better, and who knows? You could get accepted.

If you do write for them, they'll review and edit your articles before publishing, to make sure you publish the most polished article possible. They'll also share your articles on their social media platforms to help more people read them.

Hackernoon has over 7,000 writers and could be a great platform for you to start publishing your articles to the over 200,000 daily readers in the community.

Hacker Noon supports writers by proofreading their articles before publishing them on the platform, helping them avoid common mistakes.

Just like in every other field, there are various processes, rules, best practices, and so on in Technical Writing.

Taking a course on technical writing will help guide you through every thing you need to learn and can also give you a major confidence boost to kick start your writing journey.

Here are some technical writing courses you can check out:

• Google Technical Writing Course (Free)
• Udemy Technical Writing Course (Paid)
• Hashnode Technical Writing Bootcamp (Free)

Technical Writing Forums and Communities

Alone we can do so little, together, we can do so much ~ Helen Keller

Being part of a community or forum along with people who share same passion as you is beneficial. You can get feedback, corrections, tips and even learn some style tips from other writers in the community.

Here are some communities and forums for you to join:

• Technical Writing World
• Technical Writer Forum
• Write the Docs Forum

Some Amazing Technical Writers to follow

In my technical writing journey, I've come and followed some great technical writers whose writing journey, consistency, and style inspire me.

These are the writers whom I look up to and consider virtual mentors on technical writing. Sometimes, they drop technical writing tips that I find helpful and have learned a lot from.

Here are some of those writers (hyperlinked with their twitter handles):

• Quincy Larson
• Edidiong Asikpo
• Catalin Pit
• Victoria Lo
• Bolaji Ayodeji
• Amruta Ranade
• Chris Bongers
• Colby Fayock

Final words

You do not need a degree in technical writing to start putting out technical content. You can start writing on your personal blog and public GitHub repositories while building your portfolio and gaining practical experience.

Really – Just Start Writing.

Practice by creating new documents for existing programs or projects. There are a number of open source projects on GitHub that you can check out and add to their documentation.

Is there an app that you love to use, but its documentation is poorly written? Write your own and share it online for feedback. You can also quickly set up your blog on hashnode and start writing.

You learn to write by writing, and by reading and thinking about how writers have created their characters and invented their stories. If you are not a reader, don't even think about being a writer. - Jean M. Auel

Technical writers are always learning . By diving into new subject areas and receiving external feedback, a good writer never stops honing their craft.

Of course, good writers are also voracious readers. By reviewing highly-read or highly-used documents, your own writing will definitely improve.

Can't wait to see your technical articles!

Introduction to Technical Writing ‌‌

How to structure a technical article ‌‌

Understanding your audience, the why and how

‌‌ Technical Writing template

I hope this was helpful. If so, follow me on Twitter and let me know!

Hey there! You're welcome to my blog - Here I pen down articles specifically targeted at newbies in tech and front end web development and technical writing. If you're an expert, you could also use a thing or two.

If you read this far, thank the author to show them you care. Say Thanks

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Technical Writing 101: What is it and How to Get Started

Technical writing is a specialized form of written communication that aims to make complex concepts understandable and accessible to a specific audience. As a freelancer, understanding and mastering this skill can significantly widen your career prospects. In this post, we’ll explore what technical writing is, why it’s important, and how you can get started. The world of technical writing can seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance and resources, anyone can learn how to effectively communicate complex information in a clear, concise manner.

Unpacking the Concept of Technical Writing

So, what exactly is technical writing? At its core, technical writing is a type of communication that uses language to convey technical or specialized topics in a way that is easy to understand. Think of it as the bridge between complex information and the people who need to understand that information. It’s all about breaking down complex concepts and presenting them in a way that is accessible to a specific audience.

One of the key characteristics of technical writing is its focus on clarity and accuracy. Technical writing is not about showcasing your vocabulary or using flowery language. Instead, it’s about getting straight to the point and providing accurate, useful information. This makes it different from other types of writing, such as creative writing or journalism, which may prioritize storytelling or persuasion.

Technical writing can take many forms, including user manuals, how-to guides, technical reports, white papers, and more. The goal is always the same: to make complex information understandable and usable.

Importance of Technical Writing in Today’s Digital Age

In our increasingly digital world, technical writing has become more important than ever. As technology continues to evolve and become more complex, the need for clear, understandable documentation and guides has increased. Whether it’s a user manual for a new piece of software, a technical report on a scientific study, or a guide to using a new piece of machinery, technical writing plays a crucial role in our society.

Technical writing is particularly important in sectors such as IT, healthcare, and manufacturing. In these industries, where complex machinery or software is common, the need for clear, concise instructions and documentation is paramount. A well-written user manual or guide can make the difference between a product being used correctly and efficiently, or not at all.

Moreover, in today’s digital age, businesses are increasingly relying on technical writers to help communicate their products and services to customers. Whether it’s through online help guides, product descriptions, or instructional videos, technical writers play a key role in helping businesses connect with their customers.

Skills Required for Effective Technical Writing

Technical writing is not just about understanding complex concepts and simplifying them for the audience. It also requires a unique set of skills that differentiate technical writers from other types of writers. In this section, we will discuss the essential skills that you need to develop to become an effective technical writer.

Written Communication Skills

At the core of technical writing is the ability to communicate effectively through written words. But what does this mean in practice? Let’s break it down.

Impeccable grammar: Technical writing is all about precision and clarity. Therefore, having a solid grasp of grammar is paramount. Errors in grammar can lead to confusion and misinterpretation, which is a big no-no in technical writing.

Good sentence structure: It’s not just what you say, but how you say it. A well-structured sentence can convey a complex idea simply and effectively. On the other hand, a poorly constructed sentence can make even a simple concept seem complicated.

Rich vocabulary: A good technical writer has a wide vocabulary at their disposal. This allows them to choose the most precise words to express their ideas, enhancing the clarity and effectiveness of their writing.

Are you confident in your grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary? If not, don’t worry. These are skills that can be improved with consistent practice and learning.

Understanding of Technical Concepts

As a technical writer, you’ll often be tasked with explaining complex technical concepts to a non-technical audience. This requires a deep understanding of these concepts. But why is this so important?

Firstly, it allows you to break down complex information into simple, digestible chunks. Secondly, it gives you the ability to translate technical jargon into everyday language that your audience can understand. Lastly, it enables you to anticipate potential questions or confusion from your audience and address them proactively in your writing.

Understanding technical concepts doesn’t mean you need to be an expert in every field. Instead, it’s about having the curiosity and willingness to learn about new technologies and concepts, and the ability to understand them at a level that allows you to explain them simply and accurately.

Tools Used by Technical Writers

Technical writing is not just about the skills of the writer. It also involves the use of specific tools that help create, manage, and deliver technical information. Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly used tools in technical writing.

Microsoft Word: This is a staple in the toolkit of most writers, not just technical writers. It offers a wide range of features for creating and formatting documents, making it a versatile tool for many writing tasks.

Google Docs: This is a popular choice for collaborative writing projects. It allows multiple writers to work on a document simultaneously, making it easier to share ideas and make changes in real-time.

Diagramming tools: Diagrams are a common feature in technical documents, used to illustrate processes, systems, and relationships between concepts. Tools like Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, and Draw.io can help you create clear and effective diagrams.

These are just a few examples of the tools used by technical writers. Depending on your specific needs and the nature of your work, you may also use other specialized software for tasks such as project management, version control, and document design.

Steps to Becoming a Technical Writer

Technical writing can seem intimidating at first, but it’s a skill that can be learned and honed over time. If you’re looking to transition into a career in technical writing, here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Get a Degree: Although it’s not always required, having a degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related field can give you a leg up. Some technical writers also have degrees in fields like Engineering or Computer Science.

2. Gain Technical Knowledge: Depending on the industry you want to write for, you might need to learn specific technical skills or knowledge. For example, if you’re writing for a software company, you’ll need to understand how the software works.

3. Build Your Portfolio: Start creating samples of your technical writing. This could be anything from instruction manuals to how-to guides. A strong portfolio can show potential employers your writing ability and understanding of technical concepts.

4. Gain Experience: Look for internships or entry-level jobs that involve technical writing. This will help you gain practical experience and make valuable connections in the industry.

5. Keep Learning: The field of technical writing is always evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends and tools in the industry.

Tips for Improving Your Technical Writing Skills

Once you’ve made the decision to become a technical writer, you’ll want to continuously improve your skills. Here are some practical tips and strategies for enhancing your technical writing skills:

• Practice Makes Perfect: The more you write, the better you’ll get. Practice writing about different topics and in different formats.
• Get Feedback: Don’t be afraid to have others review your work. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement.
• Stay Organized: Good technical writing is clear and easy to follow. Make sure your writing is well-structured and logical.
• Keep It Simple: Remember, the goal of technical writing is to make complex information easy to understand. Avoid jargon and keep your language simple and direct.
• Keep Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends in the industry. This can help you stay relevant and improve your writing.

The Role of a Technical Writer in Project Management

In the realm of project management, the role of a technical writer is often underestimated. They are the silent heroes, diligently working behind the scenes to ensure smooth and effective communication within the team and with clients. Their contributions range from documenting project requirements to creating user manuals.

Firstly, technical writers play a crucial role in documenting project requirements . They work closely with project managers and stakeholders to understand and articulate the project’s objectives, specifications, and deliverables. This documentation serves as the backbone of the project, providing a clear roadmap for the team and ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Secondly, technical writers are responsible for creating user manuals and guides . These documents are essential for guiding end-users in navigating and utilizing the product or service. A well-written user manual can significantly enhance the user experience and contribute to the product’s success.

A table showing the tasks of a technical writer in project management.

Future Trends in Technical Writing

As we look to the future, several trends are set to shape the field of technical writing. These trends are largely driven by advancements in technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

One key trend is the rise of AI and machine learning in technical writing. These technologies are being used to automate routine tasks and improve the efficiency of technical writers. For example, AI can assist in generating content, proofreading, and even translating documents into different languages.

Another trend is the growing demand for interactive and multimedia content . As users increasingly expect engaging and interactive experiences, technical writers will need to adapt by incorporating elements such as videos, graphics, and interactive diagrams into their work.

A list of future trends in technical writing.

• AI and Machine Learning: Automating routine tasks and improving efficiency.
• Interactive and Multimedia Content: Incorporating engaging elements such as videos and interactive diagrams.
• Mobile-First Writing: Prioritizing mobile users by creating content that is easily readable on small screens.
• Personalized User Assistance: Using data to deliver personalized content and help to users.
• Localization: Adapting content to suit different cultures, languages, and regions.

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Creative Writing Vs. Technical Writing Vs. Academic Writing

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on Published: June 7, 2023  - Last updated: July 31, 2023

Categories Writing

You’re a writer, and you’ve got the passion and talent to explore various realms of writing. You might wonder how to navigate the diverse creative, technical, and academic writing landscapes.

Each style has its unique purpose, goals, and characteristics that can open new avenues for creative expression and professional growth.

In this article, we’ll delve into the defining aspects of these three writing styles, helping you understand their differences while offering tips on balancing creativity and accuracy.

As you develop skills in multiple writing domains, you’ll discover how to adapt your voice for different audiences and contexts. Embrace the freedom that comes from mastering these distinct forms of communication!

Key Takeaways

• Each writing style has its unique characteristics and requires different approaches for success.
• Adapting writing style to fit different audiences and contexts is important for effective communication.
• Versatile writers who master multiple writing styles have greater career and creative opportunities.
• Writing quality is crucial regardless of the style and requires clarity, precision, and continuous skill refinement.

Defining the Three Writing Styles

You’re strolling through a literary garden, where three distinct paths emerge – creative writing with vivid blooms, technical writing with structured hedges, and academic writing adorned by meticulously pruned scholarly trees.

Each path offers a unique experience as you explore the world of written communication.

A writing styles comparison reveals that each style has its own rules and unique challenges to overcome.

Creative writing allows your imagination to run wild, painting pictures with words and evoking emotions in your readers.

Technical writing, on the other hand, demands precision and clarity as you explain complex concepts or provide instructions for specific tasks.

Academic writing requires rigorous research and adherence to established guidelines while presenting arguments or findings clearly and concisely.

As you navigate these paths in the literary garden, remember that mastering each style will grant you the freedom to express yourself effectively in any situation life throws you.

Purpose and Goals of Each Style

Diving into each style’s purpose and goals, it’s crucial to understand how they uniquely cater to various communication needs and audiences.

Creative writing aims for audience engagement by evoking emotions, sparking imagination, and telling a story. Its main goal is to entertain, inspire, or provoke thought through stylistic choices such as figurative language, vivid descriptions, and memorable characters.

On the other hand, technical writing focuses on providing clear and concise information to help readers understand complex concepts or complete tasks. This style prioritizes accuracy and user-friendliness while employing straightforward language with minimal jargon.

In contrast, academic writing seeks to explore intellectual ideas or present research findings in a structured format like essays or research papers. The primary goal is contributing knowledge within a specific field by adhering to established standards of evidence-based argumentation.

Unlike creative writing that encourages personal expression and flexibility in form, academic writing demands strict adherence to guidelines concerning citation styles, tone consistency, and logical organization.

Ultimately, your ability to adapt between these different styles will free you from the constraints of one-dimensional communication skills – allowing you greater complexity in your thoughts and ideas while efficiently conveying them across various platforms.

Characteristics of Creative Writing

Imagine a world where words paint vivid pictures and stories come to life, captivating your senses – that’s the realm of artistic expression in literature.

Creative writing is about emotionally impacting your audience, using sensory language to craft immersive experiences that transport readers into the world you’ve built for them.

Some key characteristics of creative writing include:

• Emotional impact: Inspiring emotions such as joy, sadness, or fear in your reader
• Sensory language: Utilizing descriptive words and phrases that engage the five senses
• Artistic freedom: Experimenting with different styles, formats, and structures

Remember to focus on creating an emotional impact through sensory language so your readers can truly experience the world you’ve created.

By doing this, they will enjoy what’s written and indulge their subconscious desire for freedom – allowing them to escape from reality into a universe crafted by their imagination.

Elements of Technical Writing

In technical writing, focusing on clarity, precision, and a straightforward approach is essential.

You’ll need to master technical terminology and document design to effectively convey complex information in a way that’s easy for your audience to understand.

When dealing with specialized subject matter, you must ensure that your writing is accurate and concise while meeting the needs of both experts and novices alike.

To create engaging content that satisfies your audience’s subconscious desire for freedom, consider incorporating visual aids like charts or diagrams into your document design. This helps break up large blocks of text and makes it easier for readers to grasp difficult concepts at a glance.

Additionally, don’t be afraid to use contractions and an active voice in your writing – this can help make your work more relatable and enjoyable to read, even when dealing with highly technical subjects.

Clear communication is key in technical writing, so always prioritize simplicity over complexity whenever possible.

Features of Academic Writing

Academic writing, often characterized by its formal tone and precise structure, serves as a vehicle for critical thinking and the dissemination of knowledge. Through metaphorical language, it’s possible to paint a vivid picture that illuminates complex ideas for readers across various disciplines, ensuring they’re more likely to engage with the content on a deeper level.

Maintaining an academic tone requires avoiding colloquial expressions or emotional language while adhering to grammatical conventions.

Additionally, it’s important to recognize the different referencing styles used in academia. These styles enable writers to provide proper credit for sources while maintaining consistency throughout their work.

To help you better understand some key features of academic writing, take a look at this table illustrating common attributes:

Embrace these characteristics in your academic writing endeavors! By practicing clarity, accuracy, and conciseness – along with proper referencing styles – you’ll foster an environment where readers can freely explore new ideas and expand their understanding of complex concepts.

In turn, this will contribute positively towards your intellectual growth while making your work enjoyable and relatable for others who share your desire for freedom through knowledge acquisition.

The Role of Imagination and Artistry

While it’s often overlooked, the infusion of imagination and artistry can greatly enhance the impact of academic writing by drawing readers into a vivid landscape of ideas and fostering deeper engagement with complex concepts.

Imagination limitations are sometimes seen as necessary in scholarly work to maintain objectivity, but incorporating elements of creativity can help you break free from conventional thinking patterns and present your research more engagingly.

Artistry may not be explicitly required in academic writing, but it can elevate your work when applied judiciously. To harness the power of imagination and artistry in your academic writing, consider these strategies:

• Use metaphors or analogies to clarify abstract or complex ideas
• Experiment with narrative techniques to build suspense or intrigue around your research questions
• Employ active voice and vivid language for more dynamic descriptions
• Integrate visuals such as graphs, charts, or illustrations to support your arguments visually
• Choose an innovative structure that complements the content

Remember that combining creative approaches with rigorous scholarship doesn’t compromise your credibility; it demonstrates your ability to think beyond traditional boundaries and present information in a fresh light.

The Importance of Clarity and Precision

Clarity and precision can’t be overstated in academic writing, as they ensure your arguments are well-structured, your ideas easily understood, and your evidence compellingly presented.

The significance of clarity lies in its ability to eliminate confusion and ambiguity, allowing readers to grasp complex concepts without getting lost in a maze of jargon or convoluted sentences.

Similarly, the benefits of precision include fostering trust with your audience by demonstrating that you’ve conducted thorough research and can present information accurately.

In embracing these principles, you’ll empower others to comprehend and engage with your work and grant them the freedom to explore new thoughts and perspectives.

By presenting clear and precise content, you’re inviting readers into a world where they can freely navigate ideas without feeling overwhelmed or confined.

Formality and Structure in Writing

Transitioning from the importance of clarity and precision in writing, another crucial aspect is the formality and structure employed in your work.

As a writer, you need to be aware of these elements as they vary across different types of writing.

When it comes to creative writing, informal language, and unconventional structures are often embraced. This allows for more freedom and flexibility in expressing ideas, emotions, or storytelling.

On the other hand, technical and academic writing generally requires more formal language usage and structured formats. These guidelines help ensure that your audience clearly communicates and easily understands information.

It’s important to strike the right balance between formality and structure based on your purpose – engaging readers with an enjoyable narrative or providing concise, accurate information they can rely on.

Common Applications for Each Style

As you’re exploring various writing styles, it’s essential to understand their common applications and how each can serve a unique purpose in effectively conveying your message.

To evoke an emotional response from your audience, consider the following applications for each style:

• Creative writing: Unleash your imagination through storytelling, poetry, or personal essays. With this style, you have the freedom to express yourself without limitations.
• Technical writing: Simplify complex concepts and procedures by crafting clear and concise manuals, reports, or user guides. This allows your readers to grasp new information easily.
• Academic writing: Showcase your critical thinking skills with research papers, dissertations, or journal articles. Rigorous analysis and synthesis of ideas are key in this style.
• Style integration: Combine elements from different styles to create engaging content that caters to diverse audiences – a blog post blending creativity with research insights or a business proposal incorporating data analysis with persuasive language.
• Application challenges: Hone your adaptability by tackling projects requiring multiple writing styles, such as grant proposals or marketing campaigns.

By recognizing the value of each writing style and understanding when to apply them effectively, you’ll be well-equipped to face any communication challenge.

Career Opportunities and Professional Paths

You might wonder how mastering different writing styles can benefit your career, so let’s dive into the various opportunities and professional paths that await you.

Whether you’re interested in creative, technical, or academic writing, each field offers unique prospects for career growth. As a creative writer, you could pursue careers such as novelist, screenwriter, copywriter, or content creator for various mediums.

Technical writers are highly sought after in industries like technology, healthcare, engineering, and manufacturing, to name a few.

Academic writers often find their niche in research institutions or universities where they contribute to scholarly publications.

No matter which path you choose, strong networking strategies will play an important role in propelling your career forward.

Attending conferences and workshops related to your chosen field helps sharpen your skills. It allows you to connect with industry professionals who can provide guidance and possible job leads.

The Writing Process: Differences and Similarities

Now that we’ve explored various career paths, let’s delve into the writing process and examine how different styles share similarities and distinctions.

Whether you’re working on creative, technical, or academic writing projects, certain aspects of the writing process remain consistent across all fields.

To keep your audience engaged and satisfy their subconscious desire for freedom, your writing must maintain clarity, accuracy, and conciseness. Finding the right writing motivation can help you stay focused and produce high-quality content.

• Planning: Before starting any project, plan your approach by identifying your goals and target audience. This will ensure your content is well-suited for its purpose.
• Writing: Regardless of the style you’re working with, always strive to write clearly and concisely while maintaining an engaging tone.
• Editing: Once your draft is complete, use effective editing techniques to refine your work by removing redundancies or errors that could hinder comprehension.

By following these steps in each type of writing project (creative, technical, or academic), you’ll be better equipped to create captivating content tailored specifically for its intended purpose while keeping in mind the inherent differences between each style.

Balancing Creativity and Accuracy

Striking the perfect balance between imagination and precision is essential for crafting content that captivates readers while conveying accurate information.

Creative constraints and accuracy challenges can push you to think outside the box, allowing your work to stand out. Embrace these limitations as opportunities for growth, whether creating an imaginative story or composing a well-researched academic paper.

Remember that your audience has a subconscious desire for freedom – don’t be afraid to use creative techniques to engage them while maintaining accuracy. When it comes to balancing creativity and accuracy, practice makes perfect.

Experiment with different writing styles, methods, and sources of inspiration until you discover what works best for your unique voice.

Clarity, accuracy, and conciseness are crucial to effective communication.

However, don’t let those requirements stifle your creativity entirely. By consciously honing your skills in both areas simultaneously, you’ll find that striking the ideal balance becomes second nature over time – allowing you to create captivating content that resonates with readers while remaining true to the facts.

Adapting to Different Audiences and Contexts

Mastering the art of adapting your content to various audiences and contexts can be an exhilarating challenge, as it’s essential to tailor your message while maintaining authenticity – but how will you achieve this delicate balance?

One key component is audience engagement, which requires understanding who you’re addressing and their needs, desires, or interests.

By empathizing with your readers and crafting messages that appeal to them personally, you’ll capture their attention and motivate them to engage with your content.

Contextual adaptation comes into play when you consider the specific circumstances surrounding each piece of writing.

Whether it’s a creative story meant for entertainment purposes or an academic article discussing complex theories, adjusting language, tone, and style accordingly will ensure that your message is clear and concise for the intended audience.

Remember that people have a subconscious desire for freedom – so make sure your writing connects with them emotionally while still providing accurate information they need.

Developing Skills in Multiple Writing Styles

Diversifying your skill set in various writing styles can truly set you apart as a versatile and dynamic wordsmith. This will enable you to excel in any literary arena, making you a more appealing candidate for job opportunities and allowing you to connect with different audiences and contexts through your writing.

As a result, versatile writers often find themselves enjoying greater freedom in their careers and creative pursuits.

To achieve this level of versatility, consider focusing on the following four areas:

• Practice multiple writing styles : Challenge yourself to write creatively, technically, and academically – even outside your comfort zone.
• Study diverse genres : Read widely across different genres and formats to understand the unique requirements for each type of writing.
• Seek constructive feedback : Share your work with others with experience or expertise in various fields, requesting feedback on improving clarity, accuracy, and conciseness.
• Continuously refine your skills : Review and revise your work to ensure it meets the highest quality standards while remaining engaging for readers.

By embracing these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a versatile writer who can navigate any literary landscape with confidence and ease. Enjoy the freedom that comes from mastering multiple writing styles!

Tips for Success in Each Writing Domain

To excel in each writing domain, it’s essential to understand the unique requirements and techniques for success.

Did you know that 73% of employers value strong writing skills?

You’ll be better equipped to meet diverse demands and seize opportunities by honing your abilities in various domains. Skill-building exercises can help strengthen your proficiency in creative, technical, and academic writing styles while boosting your writer’s motivation.

For creative writing, practice painting vivid images with words by describing settings, characters, or emotions from personal experiences or imagination.

Experiment with different narrative structures and use stylistic devices like metaphor and simile.

In contrast, technical writing requires clarity and precision above all else; try breaking down complex processes into simple steps or creating concise user guides for software or tools.

Finally, academic writing calls for a formal tone and well-structured arguments supported by credible evidence; practice synthesizing research findings into clear thesis statements followed by logical analysis.

As you explore these distinct realms of expression, embrace your freedom to create compelling stories, convey helpful information effectively, and contribute valuable insights to scholarly discourse – the world needs all three!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a writer effectively transition between creative, technical, and academic writing styles within the same project or document.

To effectively transition between styles, master transition techniques and enhance your writing versatility. Embrace clarity, accuracy, and conciseness while engaging your audience’s subconscious desire for freedom through your adaptable writing approach.

Are there any specific tools or software programs that can help writers improve their skills in each of these writing styles?

Explore various software programs to boost your skill development in different writing styles. Embrace the freedom of mastering creative, technical, and academic writing with tools designed for clarity, accuracy, and conciseness.

How do cultural differences and language barriers impact the effectiveness of creative, technical, and academic writing when communicating with international audiences?

Imagine trying to solve a puzzle with mismatched pieces. Cultural adaptability and language sensitivity are crucial for effective communication, as they bridge gaps in understanding when addressing international audiences.

Can you provide examples of successful writers who have mastered all three writing styles and have been able to use them interchangeably in their work?

Mastering versatility in writing is key to success! Successful writer examples include Isaac Asimov, who skillfully switched between creative, technical, and academic styles. Embrace your freedom to adapt and excel in all three.

Are there any interdisciplinary fields or industries where a writer may need to utilize all three writing styles regularly, and how can they prepare for such a diverse writing landscape?

In the dance of interdisciplinary writing, you’ll glide between styles. Diverse preparation is your key to mastering this choreography. Embrace clarity, accuracy, and conciseness while engaging your audience’s desire for freedom.

So, think of yourself as a chef in the writing kitchen. Each style – creative, technical, and academic – is like a different ingredient you can mix and match to cook the perfect dish for your audience.

Remember to keep it clear, accurate, and concise so your readers can savor every bite of your literary feast.

Bon appétit!

Technical Writing vs. Creative Writing: What's the Difference?

Key Differences

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Technical vs. Creative Writing: Which Style Is the Best to Reach Your Target Audience?

• September 14, 2021

You might have heard the phrase ‘Content is King’ a million times. Ever wondered who said it? It was in 1996; Bill Gates wrote an essay titled “Content is King” and published it on the Microsoft website. In this essay, he predicted that content is where much of the ‘real money’ will be made on the internet.

It’s been more than 25 years now; content still remains the king. Today, businesses are thriving with digital marketing, and content creation is a key part of it. It is because, without it, there’s no way to connect with your customers.

Content can build a bridge that connects businesses with customers.

However, content creation isn’t easy. Most marketers and content creators wonder which is the best way to reach their target audience- creative or technical writing? When creating content, the conflict between technical and creative writing is always there because user engagement has always been a challenge. This article delves into the best writing style to reach your target audience and grow your sales.

Before that, let’s differentiate technical writing from creative writing.

Technical vs. Creative Writing

Differences between creative and technical writing.

A prototype is a sample of your product in theory form. It is the first crude design of your product development process. However, not every prototype ends as a final product. The advantage of prototypes is you can communicate your idea and design with the developers or designers easily. You can show them what exactly they need to build.

Prototypes can be as simple or as complex based on your requirements. They can be paper sketches or digital prototypes and vary in size, time, and effort based on your resources and needs.

Now that you’ve seen the differences between technical and creative writing. These differences should help you find who your target audience is. Now, let’s see the best style of writing: technical or creative?

Which Writing Style to Choose: Technical or Creative Writing? Or Both?

Technical writing keeps the direct target audience in mind and has a clear business purpose behind every word. But the catch here is, if your audience finds it boring and doesn’t read it, it’s a waste of time. Although creative writers have a target audience in mind, they have the freedom to break the rules and entertain and inspire readers.

Content has to be informative, structured, creative, engaging, and ultimately educating the readers about what it has to say. Suppose you have to write professional content as part of your sales campaign without boring the audience. In that case, you need to go the extra mile. Creativity in technical writing takes you the extra mile. So, our answer is creative technical writing. The combination of technical and creative writing is the best style of writing to reach your target audience.

Creative writing includes imagination and originality, humor and artisticness, making the content informative and engaging.

The creative approach in technical writing makes your words powerful and helps you meet your purpose straightaway. Moreover, it’s become vital to engage your audiences with your brand’s content. If you can engage and inspire them with your communication, they will likely love reading from you more. Hence, the chances of conversions also double fold.

Copywriting is the best example of this. Copywriting says what the business has to speak to the audience in a clear, concise, and creative manner. Combining creative writing with technical writing works the same way.

You can use the creative approach of technical writing in your email campaigns, web pages, pop-ups, advertisements, and wherever you think creativity doesn’t ruin the purpose.

Some businesses use the blend of both styles but fail. Why?

To make professional communication engaging, one needs to put creative and technical elements in the right balance at the right time.

Using the Right Strategy at the Right Time

Let’s start this with an example. Take a software manual; it is technical writing that must be precise, consistent in sentence structure, length, and choice of words. The main goal of a software manual is to educate users about features and how to use them; there is no room and need for creativity here. In contrast, when you run Google Ad campaigns, you should write compelling, witty headlines to attract and drive the target audience to your site. And you can’t use this strategy when writing user manuals. You should know what, where, and when you should choose the style. Again, don’t let the information get lost in the stream of creativity. If you feel the topic doesn’t need creative elements there, be rude, remove them.

Know the Rules. Play by Them or Break Them

Content creation is fun when you know where to follow, break and bend the rules. You can start writing clear and informative technical content and turn it into a story with creative writing and captivate your audience. A strong professional piece of content with creative elements in the right way reaches and influences the right people.

Word Whisperer

Keeping it simple and complete.

The Writing Itself

Words: concreteness, precision, jargon, tone.

Words are important. As a technical writer, it’s your obligation to write so that your audience understands your information as precisely as possible. Word choice for technical writing is the opposite of word choice for creative writing. Creative writing is nuanced, open to interpretation, and adaptable in the way the writer uses language. On the other hand, technical writing is straightforward, ideally interpreted exactly in the way the writer intended, and precise in language use. This doesn’t mean that the document design process cannot be creative; the process in itself can involve original ideas and ways of approaching the writing task and explaining information. However, the outcome of technical writing is clear, accurate, detailed explanation so that a reader understands a concept or learns what they need to know. Language, then, needs to be concrete, precise, concise, and technically appropriate to the audience.

Concrete Language

Concrete language is based on your senses, things that you can see, touch, smell, hear, and taste. Given similarities in human sensory experience, concrete language has a better chance of conveying information accurately, with less chance of multiple interpretations. If instructions explain that a sulfuric smell occurs during a certain phase of a process, a reader will understand more fully that what they’re experiencing is normal to the process, more than if you state that an acidic smell will occur.

Concrete language can also specify intangible concepts. When you use concrete language, you help your audience see specific realities or actual instances instead of abstract theories and ideas—you show your audience something instead of just telling them. For example, in addition to defining a concept such as conductivity as “the ability to transmit heat, sound or electricity,” you also explain in concrete terms using a sensory example: “An example of conductivity is heat transferring from hot pot of soup to a metal ladle sitting in the pot.” [1]

To help choose appropriate language in terms of concreteness, consider linguist S.I. Hayakawa’s ladder of abstraction. The highest rung of the ladder uses the most abstract language, while the lowest rung uses the most concrete, or grounded, language. As you follow a concept up the ladder of abstraction, more and more of the “essence” of the concrete object is left out, leaving more room for interpretation and thus misunderstanding.

For example, if I asked you to photograph a book, you could do that, but if I asked you to photograph “work,” using language that’s higher up the ladder of abstraction, you’d have a more difficult time understanding and would most likely end up with a photo of work that applies to your own context, which may or may not be what I needed. When shared referents are important, try to use language that is lower on the ladder of abstraction.

Here’s an example of Hayakawa’s ladder of abstraction. Try to place selected words from your document drafts on the ladder to see if you can substitute words that are more concrete.

Note that abstract language is not necessarily bad; according to Hayakawa, it actually serves as shorthand that keeps us from having a completely unmanageable language filled with millions of words, each referring to one specific thing. [2]   Abstract language also helps us test out a potential topic (like asking a favor), offer negative feedback indirectly (to avoid hurting someone’s feelings or hint), or avoid the specifics of a topic. But abstraction does require us to use context and often other words to generate shared meaning. In technical writing, you can’t rely on shared context; you need to use concrete language to avoid misinterpretation.

Precise Language

Precision works in tandem with concreteness, although the concepts are not exactly the same. Precise writing is accurate, and you are more apt to be accurate in a technical document when you use concrete language. Note that sometimes precision requires more instead of fewer words, and that’s okay, as long as your words convey the meaning you intend. Avoid using words that have several possible meanings; do not leave room for ambiguity or alternate interpretations of your ideas. Here are a few things to avoid in order to keep your language precise.

In the interest of precision, avoid or use with caution:

• Metaphors. Metaphors compare something with something else; by their nature, they illustrate certain aspects of a scientific object while neglecting others. While you may need to use metaphors to explain technical information to a non-technical audience, do so carefully: introduce it as such and illustrate its connection with the specific concept you’re explaining. Try to use a simile (e.g., an  X is like Y  statement), as there is a lower risk that a simile will be taken literally. [3]
• Intensifiers and absolutes such as “extremely” or “never.” These types of terms are not precise and may not be accurate.
• Ambiguous personalized phrases such as “we believe,” or “in our opinion.” State your observations, conclusions, or recommendations in terms of facts and evidence and not personal beliefs.

Concise Language

Concise writing uses the fewest words possible to convey the most meaning while still maintaining clarity. Avoid unnecessary padding, awkward phrasing, overuse of “to be” forms ( is, are, was, were, am, be, being ), long preposition strings, vagueness, unnecessary repetition, and redundancy. Use active verbs whenever possible, and take the time to choose a single word rather than a long phrase or cliched expression. Think of your word count like a budget; be cost effective by making sure every word you choose does effective work for you. Cut a word, save a buck! As William Zinsser asserts, “the secret of good writing is to strip every sentence to its cleanest components.” [4] Every word or phrase should have a distinct and useful purpose. If it doesn’t, cut it or revise.

For a comprehensive list of phrases that contain too many words, and concise substitutions, consult Kim Blank’s Wordiness, Wordiness, Wordiness List .

Technical Language / Jargon

Jargon is the common vocabulary used by specific professions or groups of people (e.g., computer jargon, medical jargon, legal jargon). Jargon develops as a type of short-hand to express ideas that are frequently discussed between members of a group, though it can also be developed deliberately using chosen terms. For example, the words RAM, bit, byte, CPU, HDD, and hexadecimal are jargon terms related to computing. Note that acronyms and initialisms—words formed by using the first letters of a group of words—constitute jargon as well (e.g., PET for positron emission tomography, or MRI for magnetic resonance imaging). Acronyms can simplify your language and make it more concise; just define acronyms upon first use.

Jargon is very acceptable in communications with members of the same group, although it can be a barrier to communication with those not familiar with the language of the field. Using or not using jargon depends on a careful analysis of your audience and purpose.

You can increase the usability and persuasiveness of your writing by wisely using the specialized jargon of a particular profession, if creating technical communications for a primary audience within that profession. Jargon can convey precise, technical meanings efficiently, as many technical terms have no exact equivalent in everyday speech. Jargon used accurately in documents intended for professional practitioners can also help you establish credibility.

As much as jargon can clarify information for a professional audience, though, it can cloud information for a mixed audience, or a specific primary or secondary audience who may not be immersed in the language of the profession. So, avoid using technical terms your readers may not understand. Simple language ensures that a wider variety users understands the technical document.

Note that jargon is not the same as slang, which refers to specialized words used in informal speech. You should avoid using slang in technical communications, whatever the context. While jargon is acceptable in documents for professional audiences who understand the technical language, slang is not acceptable, even in documents such as memos that usually use a conversational style.

Tone is the attitude that a document conveys towards the topic and/or the reader. The document’s tone is an extension of the author’s attitude. You have likely read something that sounded angry, optimistic, humorous, cynical, or enthusiastic. These words characterize the tone of a communication. Tone is created through word choice (diction), word order (syntax), sentence construction, and viewpoint.

Now, consider a set of instructions that you may have read. The tone may be slightly less formal but not colloquial. The language is direct and plain, and the sentences are shorter and more straightforward. Instructions often use the second person (“you”). This style suits instructions because it is directed at a less technically-expert audience, users who seek information clearly and quickly and who may need to take action on it.

Analyzing how your reader may feel after reading your document is an important part of revision. Did your tone come across as you hoped it would? Could it be misconstrued? This is where feedback can be helpful. It’s common professional practice to ask a colleague to review your document before you send it to its intended audience. Using the appropriate tone ensures that the message is communicated properly. Even the most positive message can be misunderstood if the tone is not correct.

Writing Constructively

Striking the appropriate tone involves understanding your purpose, context, and audience. It also involves an understanding that workplaces are often hierarchical, and that cooperation and teamwork are required. Therefore, it’s important to consider how you want your reader to feel, and what may make your reader feel that way. No matter what your tone, serious or informal, you should make sure that the word “positive” or “constructive” is also used to describe your tone. A negative or denigrative tone will not help you accomplish your goal. Even when you need to communicate information that’s unpleasant, communicating constructively is possible, and arguably even more important, in such a situation.

Adopt an adult-to-adult approach

Avoid talking down to your reader in a patronizing tone, or sounding unwilling to take responsibility. Aim to communicate respectfully, responsibly, confidently, and cooperatively, as one responsible adult to another.

Be courteous

Focus on the reader as much as possible. Use “you” unless it results in blaming (one effective use of passive verbs is to avoid assigning blame: “mistakes were made”). Use traditionally accepted forms of courtesy and politeness. Use gender-neutral phrasing and plural forms, unless you are referring to a specific person and you know their gender.

For example, rather than saying “You need to stay until the meeting ends, which will likely be around 7:00 p.m.,” say “Would it be possible for you to stick around until this meeting ends, which will likely be around 7:00 p.m.? I’d really appreciate it.”

Focus on the positive

Emphasize what you  can  do rather than what you can’t. Try to avoid negative wording and phrasing (no, not, never, none, isn’t, can’t, don’t,  etc .). Focus on what  can  be improved.

For example, rather than saying “I’m bringing in a new analyst to work with you on this because the rest of the group is swamped. You’ll have to take the extra time to fill her in,” say “You’ll have a new analyst to work with on this and, luckily, you will be able to train her on the way you’d like things to be done.”

Apologize if you have made a mistake. Take responsibility and promise to do better. Be authentic in your expression. Avoid sounding like marketing material (ad-speak). Make reasonable claims that can be backed with evidence.

The video below discusses some additional aspects in creating appropriate in writing: level of formality, reader orientation, directness, presuppositions, and culture. While the video is oriented toward business writing, the same concepts can be applied appropriately to different types of technical writing.

Language Matters

On October 13, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Plain Writing Act of 2010. This Act is designed to promote clear government communication that the public can understand and use. The Act calls for writing that is clear, concise, and well-organized. Check out Plain Language Guidelines and Laws at plainlanguage.gov .

• Language: Word Choice & Tone, adapted from Communication in the Real World, Technical Writing Essentials, Open Technical Communication, Business Writing, Stand Up, Speak Out, and Professional and Technical Writing; attributions below. Authored by : Susan Oaks. Provided by : Empire State College, SUNY. Project : Technical Writing. License : CC BY-NC: Attribution-NonCommercial
• 3.3 Using Words Well. Provided by : University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing edition, 2016. This edition adapted from a work originally produced in 2013 by a publisher who has requested that it not receive attribution. Located at : https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-realworldcomm/chapter/3-3-using-words-well/ . Project : Communication in the Real World: An Introduction to Communication Studies. License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
• 2.1 Key Concept: Reader-Centered Writing. Authored by : Suzan Last. Provided by : University of Victoria. Located at : https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/technicalwriting/chapter/readercentred/ . Project : Technical Writing Essentials. License : CC BY: Attribution
• 2.2 Communicating with Precision. Authored by : Suzan Last. Provided by : University of Victoria. Located at : https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/technicalwriting/chapter/communicatingprecision/ . Project : Technical Writing Essentials. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Ethics in Technical Communication (page 2 of 4). Authored by : Tamara Powell. Provided by : Kennesaw State University. Located at : https://softchalkcloud.com/lesson/serve/5m8vjCdNTiEQLB/html . Project : Open Technical Communication. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Avoiding Slang and Jargon. Provided by : Boundless. Located at : http://oer2go.org/mods/en-boundless/www.boundless.com/business/textbooks/boundless-business-textbook/business-writing-5/word-choice-46/avoiding-slang-and-jargon-235-1215/index.html . Project : Business Writing. License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
• Appropriate Tone. Provided by : Boundless. Located at : http://oer2go.org/mods/en-boundless/www.boundless.com/business/textbooks/boundless-business-textbook/business-writing-5/creating-high-value-communications-44/appropriate-tone-222-1364/index.html . Project : Business Writing. License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
• 13.2 Using Language Effectively. Authored by : Stand Up, Speak Out: The Practice and Ethics of Public Speaking. Provided by : Saylor. Located at : https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_stand-up-speak-out-the-practice-and-ethics-of-public-speaking/s16-02-using-language-effectively.html . License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
• 13.3 Six Elements of Language. Provided by : Saylor. Located at : https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_stand-up-speak-out-the-practice-and-ethics-of-public-speaking/s16-03-six-elements-of-language.html . Project : Stand Up, Speak Out: The Practice and Ethics of Public Speaking. License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
• 3.1 Style in Written Communication. Authored by : Suzie Baker. Located at : https://www.oercommons.org/authoring/54645-professional-and-technical-writing/3/view . Project : Professional and Technical Writing. License : CC BY-NC: Attribution-NonCommercial
• image of Beware sign. Authored by : Lulu Hoeller. Provided by : flickr. Located at : https://flic.kr/p/8AuXmC . Project : Stand Up, Speak Out: The Practice and Ethics of Public Speaking. License : CC BY: Attribution
• image of a ladder. Authored by : Wolfgang Eckert. Provided by : Pixabay. Located at : https://pixabay.com/photos/head-wooden-ladder-ladder-2777376/ . License : CC0: No Rights Reserved
• image of a tape measure. Authored by : Arek Socha. Provided by : Pixabay. Located at : https://pixabay.com/photos/measurement-millimeter-centimeter-1476913/ . License : CC0: No Rights Reserved
• image of magnifying glass clarifying a few words of a technical document. Authored by : PublicDomainPictures. Provided by : Pixabay. Located at : https://pixabay.com/photos/concept-document-focus-letter-18290/ . License : CC0: No Rights Reserved
• u2022timage of many people with language bubbles in front of them, and a finger pointing to choose the tone. Authored by : Gerd Altmann. Provided by : Pixabay. Located at : https://pixabay.com/photos/feedback-confirming-businessmen-3653368/ . License : CC0: No Rights Reserved
• u2022timage of three people with language bubbles in front of them, and a finger pointing to choose the tone. Authored by : Gerd Altmann. Provided by : Pixabay. Located at : https://pixabay.com/photos/finger-feedback-confirming-3653375/ . License : CC0: No Rights Reserved
• video Tutorial on Style in Professional Writing: Tone. Authored by : ProsWrite. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoWfy5Tik4E . License : Other . License Terms : YouTube video

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Professional Writing Guide: Technical Writing

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Source : Technical Writing Portfolio, Shyla's Quill

How is Technical Writing Different?

There are several factors that set technical writing apart from other types of writing.

Source: S. Jayaprakash, How is technical writing different?

Technical Writing - Video

Anand Seetharam is an associate professor of computer science at SUNY Binghamton.  In the video (20 minutes), he provides an overview of the different sections in a research paper and how to get started.

Technical Writing Guides

• How is technical writing different
• Writing technical articles
• Common bugs in computer science writing
• Computer science writing
• Top 10 ways to improve technical writing

Books on Technical Writing

Additional Resources

• Penn. State - Writing Guidelines for Science and Engineering Students Comprehensive site with tutorials, sample papers, and a collection of short films on how to write as an engineer or scientist.
• Technical Writing: Related Websites This site from the Wilmington University Library provides links to a variety of technical writing resources.
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What is Creative writing and Technical writing? (Complete Guide 2023)

What is creative writing and technical writing a complete guide.

Are you confuse about what is creative and technical writing, and what is the differences between creative writing and technical writing? Read on to discover the keys features of each and how they differ from each others.

Now here we have shared the best information for you and it will fulfill your requirements.

In today’s digital age, the ability to communicate effectively has become critical to personal and professional success. However, individual often struggles to presents their ideas clearly and concisely, especially when it comes to writing.

This problem has led many researcher to investigate technique to improves both creative and technical writing skills. Although both forms of writing requires strong communication skills, they differ in their approach and purpose.

Creative writing involves using imagination and artistic expression to convey emotions and ideas, while technical writing focuses more on providing clear and accurate information in a specific field. Despite their differences, both forms of writing can be improved through a combination of research-backed strategies and practice.

This paper will explore the unique characteristics of creative and technical writing, identify common challenges facing writers in both fields, and provide practical tips for enhancing writing skills in each field.

In this article, we will explore the differences between creative writing and technical writing, the skills requires for each, and how to determines which styles of writing is suitable for your needs.

Also Read  How to Get a Technical Writing Internships (Top 7 Tips)

Introduction

Writing is a tool that allows us to express our thought, feeling, and idea. It help us communicates with others, share our experience, and connects with the world around us. But writing is not a one-sizes-fits-all approach. There are different type of writing, and each serve a specific purpose.

Two type of writing that are often confuse with one another are creative writing and technical writing. Creative writing is an artistic expressions that allow writer to use their imagination and create original work of fiction , poetry , or dramas . On the other hand, technical writing is a form of communications that focus on providing information, instruction, or explanation about a particular subjects or products.

In the following sections, we will explores the difference between creative writing and technical writing and highlight theirs unique characteristics.

What is Creative Writing?

Creative writing is a type of writing that involve using the imaginations to create original work of fiction, poetry, or dramas. It is often characterized by its use of languages, vivid imaginary , and emotional depths . Unlike technical writing, creative writing is less concerned with providing information and more focus on telling a story, exploring an ideas, or evoking emotion .

Examples of creative writing includes:

• Fiction (novels, short stories)
• Screenplays

Types of Creative Writing

Creative writing covers a wide variety of genres, including:

• Screenwriting
• Creative Nonfiction
• Characteristics of Creative Writing

Some common characteristics of creative writing include:

• Use of figurative language
• Vivid imagery
• Emotional depth
• Character development
• Plot and story structure
• Attention to language and style

Differences between Creative Writing and Other Writing

One of the main difference between creative writing and others form of writing is that it is focus on artistic expressions rather than conveying information. Creative writing is also more open-ended and flexible than others form of writing, allowing writers to explore their idea and experiments with different style and technique.

3. What is Technical writing

Technical writing is a form of professionals writing that is used to explain complex technical concept in a clear and concise manners. It involves the creations of instructional manuals, user guide, online helps system, technical reports, and other document that provides information on how to use or understand a products, services, or process.

Technical writing is typically used in industry such as engineering, computer sciences, medicines, and science, where accuracy, precision, and clarity are essentials.

Technical writing require the use of specialized languages and terminology, as well as a deep understanding of the subjects matter.

Technical writers must have excellent communications skills, as they often works closely with subjects matter experts to ensure that the information they are presenting is accurate and complete. They must be able to presents complex information in a way that is easy for non-expert to understands.

Also Read  What is Technical Writing in Criminology? Learn Right Now

Examples of technical writing include:

• User Manuals
• Technical Reports
• Scientific Papers
• White Papers

Characteristics of Technical Writing:

• Clarity: Technical writing must be clear and concise, with no room for ambiguity or confusion.
• Accuracy: Technical writing must be accurate and precise, with no room for errors or inaccuracies.
• Audience awareness: Technical writing must be written with the target audience in mind, using appropriate language and terminology
• Task oriented: Technical writing is task-oriented, providing step-by-step instructions on how to complete a specific task.
• Use of visual aids: Technical writing often includes visual aids such as diagram, chart, and table to help illustrates complex concept.
• Formal tone: Technical writing is written in a formal tone, using objective language and avoiding emotional or subjective language.
• Logical organization: Technical writing is well-organized, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

Differences between Technical Writing and Other Writing:

• Purpose: Technical writing is focused on providing information and instructions, while other forms of writing may have different purposes such as entertainment, persuasion, or personal expression.
• Audience: Technical writing is written for a specific target audience, often with specialized knowledge or expertise, while other forms of writing may be written for a general audience.
• Language and tone: Technical writing uses specialized language and a formal tone, while other forms of writing may use more informal or creative language and tone.
• Structure: Technical writing is highly structured and organized, often following a specific format or template, while other forms of writing may have more flexibility in structure.
• Use of visual aids: Technical writing often includes visual aids to help illustrates complex concept, while other form of writing may not rely as heavily on visual aids.

The Difference Between Creative and Technical Writing

• Purpose: Creative writing is typically written to entertains, inspires, or evoke emotions, while technical writing is written to informs, explains, or instructs.
• Style: Creative writing tends to be more imaginative and uses literary techniques such as metaphors, similes, and imagery, while technical writing is more straightforward and focuses on clarity and accuracy.
• Tone: Creative writing often uses a more subjective and emotive tone, while technical writing typically uses an objective and factual tone.
• Audience: Creative writing is typically aimed at a general audiences, while technical writing is often aimed at a specific audiences with a particular interests or expertise.
• Structure: Creative writing is more flexible in terms of structure, often experimenting with unconventional structures and forms, while technical writing follows a standard structure and format.
• Vocabulary: Creative writing often employs more poetic and expressive language, while technical writing tends to use a more technical vocabulary specific to the field being addressed.
• Length: Creative writing can vary in length from short poems or stories to lengthy novels, while technical writing is generally shorter and more concise.
• Editing: Creative writing is often subject to more editing and revision, as the writer may revise for the purpose of style and emotion, while technical writing is generally more focused on accuracy and completeness.
• Creativity: Creative writing relies heavily on creativity and imagination, while technical writing relies more on researches, analyse, and organizations.
• Employment: Creative writing can leads to career in writing fictions, poetry, or screenplay, while technical writing can leads to career in technical writing, journalism, or other field where clear and concise communications is necessary.

Some benefits of creative and technical writing

• Benefits of Creative Writing:
• Enhances creativity and imagination
• Improves writing skills, including grammar and vocabulary
• Provides a creative outlet for self-expression
• Helps improve critical thinking skills
• Boosts confidence and self-esteem
• Improves communication skills
• Can serve as a therapeutic tool for managing emotions and stress
• Encourages empathy and understanding from different perspectives
• Fosters a love for reading and literature
• Provides opportunities for publication and recognition

Benefits of Technical Writing:

• Provide clear and concise instructions for completing tasks
• Improves communication within organizations and between departments
• Helps ensure consistency and accuracy in processes and procedures
• Facilitates the transfer of knowledge and expertise
• Increases efficiency and productivity
• Helps organizations meet legal and regulatory requirements
• Enhances the reputation of the organization by providing quality documentation
• Provides a basis for future improvements and updates
• Can lead to career opportunities in technical writing or related fields
• Improve problems-solving and critical thinking skills.

Here are some tips to get started with creative and technical writing:

• Identify your purpose: Before you must start writing, thinks about why you want to write and what you hope to achieves. This will help guide your writing and ensure that it is focused and effective.
• Know your audience: Understanding your target audience is crucial for both creative and technical writing. Think about who will be reading your work and what their needs and expectations are.
• Research and gather information: For technical writing, it is important to research and gather all necessary information before you start writing. In creative writing, research can also help inspire new ideas and provide authenticity to your work.
• Develop a plan or outline: Creating a plan or outlines can help organizes your thought and idea before you start writing. It can also helps ensure that your writing is focused and structured.
• Write regularly: writing takes practice.
• Edit and revise: Once you’ve written a draft, take the time to edit and revise your work. This can help improve clarity, accuracy, and overall quality.
• Get feedback: Feedback from others can be valuable in improving your writing. Seek out feedback from colleagues, friends, or writing groups.
• Read widely: Reading widely can expose you to different writing styles and genres, and can help improve your own writing.
• Embrace creativity: For creative writing, don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild. Embrace creativity and explore different writing techniques and styles.
• Use technology: There are many tools and softwares available that can help with both creative and technical writing, such as grammar checker, writing prompt, and organizational tools. Don’t be afraid to use technology to help improve your writing process.

Also Read  Top 10 Report Writing Topics for Engineering Students

In conclusion

Creative writing and technical writing are both valuable forms of writing that serve different purposes. Creative writing allows for self-expression and fosters imagination and critical thinking skills, while technical writing provides clear and concise instructions and facilitates knowledge transfer within organizations.

Despite their differences, both types of writing require careful planning, research, and revision to ensure quality and effectiveness. By following the tips outline above, aspiring writer can get started on their own writing journey and develops the skills needed to succeed in both creative and technical writing.

Q: What is creative writing?

A: Creative writing is a form of writing that is focused on expressing the writer’s imagination and creativity through literary techniques such as imagery, metaphor, and symbolism.

Q: What are some examples of creative writing?

A: Examples of creative writing includes poetry, fictions (novel, short stories), screenplay, and plays.

Q: Who can do creative writing?

A: Anyone can do creative writing, as long as they have a desires to express their imaginations and creativity through the written words.

Q: Do I need a degree to be a creative writer?

A: No, a degrees is not necessary to be a creative writer. However, studying creative writing in a formal setting can helps you develops your skills and gives you access to valuable feedback and resources.

Q: What skills are important for creative writing?

A: Important skills for creative writing includes the ability to write imaginatively, the use of literary technique, the ability to develops characters and plots, and the willingness to revise and edit your work.

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Fundamentals of Technical Writing

If you have a knack for explaining complex subjects in a way that makes them easy to understand, you should consider entering the well-paying field of technical writing. This course will teach you the fundamental techniques that all successful technical writers use.

Details + Objectives

Course code: tec.

Do you have a knack for explaining complex subjects in a way that makes them easy to understand? If so, you should consider entering the well-paying field of technical writing. This course will teach you the fundamental techniques that all successful technical writers use. You will learn how to translate complex information into easily understood language, and how to become a wizard at marrying the art of publishing with the science of technology.

You will also learn the secrets of successful technical writers, including technical writing conventions, interviewing skills, desktop publishing and formatting techniques, key tips for developing graphics and templates, documentation management, and how to publish documents both on paper and electronically.

What you will learn

• How to translate complex information into easily understood language.
• The secrets of success, including writing conventions, interviewing skills, desktop publishing, and formatting techniques.
• Key tips for developing graphics and templates, documentation management, and creating high-quality documentation with less work.
• How to get your first job as a technical writer.

How you will benefit

• Learn technical writing skills and techniques that are useful in nearly any position or industry.
• Master a new form of communication to enhance your resume and your job prospects.
• Be inspired to continue your education with classes like Business and Marketing Writing or Research Methods for Writers.

How the course is taught

• Instructor-Moderated or Self-Guided online course
• 6 Weeks or 3 Months access
• 24 course hours

Technical writing is a relatively new profession, but people have been writing technical documents for centuries. In the first lesson, you will learn the fascinating history of technical writing and how technical writing employs both the logical and creative sides of your brain.

Technical writing requires preparation. In this lesson, you will learn the basics of project management for your documentation project and key questions to help you analyze your reading audience, and how to organize this information.

In this lesson, you will learn powerful communication skills that will help you get the information you need. You will also learn how to ask questions that help you get the answers you need more efficiently, and how to apply principles of adult learning when you're analyzing the information you've gathered.

Do you ever get writer's block? Most writers do. In this lesson, you will learn how to shut off your internal editor and give yourself permission to write your first draft more quickly and easily. You will discover tips that can help you keep writing even when you don't have all of the information you need.

Every profession has rules and conventions that separate the novices from the pros. In this lesson, you will learn all about time-honored technical writing conventions, such as using parallel structure, an inverted pyramid style of writing, effective headings, and lists.

Should you save your graphics as BMPs, GIFs, or JPGs? This lesson goes over the difference between the most popular graphics file formats and guidelines for using each. You will also learn about a new file format called PNG and how to create and manipulate screenshots on your PC.

Formatting your document can be critical to its success. In this lesson, you will learn how to choose the typeface or typefaces you want to use and principles for using type effectively in your document. You will learn about the things you need to keep in mind when laying out your pages.

Microsoft Word has nearly a 93% market share for PC-based word processing. Chances are high that you will use it at some time in your technical writing career. In this lesson, you will learn how Microsoft Word is different from other word-processing applications and how to use, modify, and create in Word.

When companies use Microsoft Word for their documentation, they expect you to know how to use and create Word templates. In this lesson, you will learn how to build templates and other Word skills such as recording macros, customizing your toolbar, and more.

Did you know that indexes are the most widely read section in any technical document? In this lesson, you will review indexing conventions and ways to build a great index for your document. You will also learn how to use Microsoft Word to make indexing a bit easier.

To polish your document and make it the best it can be, you need to proofread it and edit it. In this lesson, you will learn tips from professional proofreaders and editors, as well as ways you can use Microsoft Word to help you check your spelling and grammar.

Publishing your document is an exciting time. All of your hard work is almost done—or is it? Your final lesson explores different printing options and trends in publishing. You will also learn the ways you can use your technical writing skills and a four-step plan for getting your first job.

Instructors & Support

Lynn Atkinson

Lynn Atkinson earned a B.A. in English from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) in 1993 and an M.A. in English with an emphasis in rhetoric in 1996. A published writer and editor, including contributions to college textbooks, she considers her greatest accomplishment educating thousands of students at UTA, DeVry, Tarrant County College, Southeast Career Institute, and Everest College. She has also been nominated for and awarded "Outstanding Teacher" at several of these institutions. Lynn has developed or co-developed several writing curriculums, won writing contests, and conducted over 10,000 hours of tutoring.

Instructor Interaction: The instructor looks forward to interacting with learners in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have on the course content.

Requirements

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge is also compatible.
• Any type of word processor can be used in the initial manuscript setup, however Word for Windows is used as the example (not included in enrollment).
• Adobe Acrobat Reader .
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

When can I get started?

Instructor-Moderated: A new session of each course begins each month. Please refer to the session start dates for scheduling.​ Self-Guided: Your course begins immediately after you enroll.​

How does it work?

Instructor-Moderated: Once a course session starts, two lessons will be released each week for the 6 week duration of your course. You will have access to all previously released lessons until the course ends. You will interact with the instructor through the online discussion area. There are no live sessions or online meetings with the instructor. Self-Guided: You have 3 months of access to the course. After enrolling, you can learn and complete the course at your own pace, within the allotted access period. You will have the opportunity to interact with other students in the online discussion area.

How long do I have to complete each lesson?

Instructor-Moderated: The interactive discussion area for each lesson automatically closes two weeks after each lesson is released, so you're encouraged to complete each lesson within two weeks of its release. However, you will have access to all lessons from the time they are released until the course ends.​ Self-Guided: There is no time limit to complete each lesson, other than completing all lessons within the allotted access period. Discussion areas for each lesson are open for the entire duration of the course.

What if I need an extension?

Instructor-Moderated: Students enrolled in a six-week online class benefit from a one-time, 10-day extension for each course. No further extensions can be provided beyond these 10 days.​ Self-Guided: Because this course is self-guided, no extensions will be granted after the start of your enrollment.

What do you do in a technical writing course?

Typically, activities in a technical writing class cover the principles, best practices, and real-life examples of this type of writing. While the types of documents you can create are endless, you must start with the basics of English grammar and punctuation, gathering and organizing your research, and proficiency in Microsoft Word. From there, the sky is the limit.

What software is used for technical writing?

Microsoft Word has nearly a 93% market share for PC-based word processing, and it's the de facto standard for most corporations and government agencies. Chances are high that you'll use it in your technical writing career. In fact, most companies require that you be proficient with Word when considering you for technical writing positions.

Great course! I learned so much. I wasn't sure whether to pursue technical writing, but now I'm equipped with the knowledge to make an educated opinion. I have already recommended this course to several people. I was very impressed with the instructor's technique and information.

What a valuable course! Janet boiled down the professional basics of technical writing so clearly. I have enough refreshed and new skills (including confidence) to do my own professional grade tech writing practice project, and then look for a technical writing job or contract. The course's supplementary information is great too, and will keep me busy. Thanks so much, Janet.

I've really enjoyed this course. The structure is perfect, and Janet is a beautiful writer. She is a real role model for what a technical writer and course developer should be and the results they should deliver. I have a long way to go, and I'm looking forward to taking more courses in this series - hopefully with Janet as instructor.

I loved taking this class. The information provided was up-to-date, useful, and easy to understand. The instructor was always available and I knew if I had any questions or concerns she would be there to answer them. I will highly recommend this class to anyone who is interested in pursuing technical writing.

Ms. Underwood is a gifted instructor as well as consummate professional. The instruction was better than any graduate course in my area. Not only were the assignments relevant, they were challenging enough that I couldn't wait to read her comments and other students. She personalized her comments in a very helpful way, sometimes giving very protracted answers!

I really enjoyed this course. It did exactly what I wanted by refreshing me on something I was taught in school along with the opportunity to learn the small details maybe they didn't cover in school and ideally what's current right now. I really enjoyed the class, the instructors style...You can tell the passion and experience in every lesson.

This course was great. I now know without a doubt that I like technical writing, and I feel like I have a good idea of how to start a career in it. Far more useful than any quiz or exam are the assignments. Going through the steps of creating a technical document was invaluable, and I now have work that I can be proud of and use in the future.

Janet was AMAZING!!! She is was a great instructor, writer, and was patient, responsive and made the reading interesting fun and very easy to understand. I can't say enough great things about her style of teaching and the way she conducted this online course. I would recommend it to anyone that is starting a technical career!

As a technical writer, I enjoyed this course very much. Having been out of the technical writer arena full-time for almost 10 years, there were a lot of things that I needed to review and in some instances, to learn due to the advancement of technology. Lucky me, I was taking this course while I landed a contract to edit and proofread a system manual. Needless to say this course came in handy. Professor Underwood's lectures were clear, concise and very easy to follow and understand. She was always ready to help any of her students beyond the call of duty which makes her a great teacher. I was one of those students. I would definitely referred anybody who is interested in learning more about technical writing to take her class. She is awesome!

Wow! This course is amazing! The instructor and the material is the best I've ever seen. I felt that Janet was there through every step of the course. She's very articulate, compassionate, and supportive throughout the entire course. Honestly, I was intimidated at first. But after the first lesson that went away. The discussion is was my comfort blanket. All the people in there, with the questions and answer from the instructor, made it feel like a small community with a common goal. Never once did I feel like I was judge poorly. Bottom line. I would definitely recommend this course to all who are interested in the fundamentals of tech writing. It will open your mind to things that you've never thought you know about the tech writing word. The instructor inspired me to continue to learn more about, MS Words, the English language, and most importantly, how to be write more professionally, because how you write is just as important as how you speak.

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Technical Writing vs. Creative Writing — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Technical Writing and Creative Writing

Table of contents, key differences, comparison chart, measures of success, compare with definitions, technical writing, creative writing, common curiosities, is one form of writing more challenging than the other, can technical writing be creative, how do technical and creative writing differ in purpose, what is technical writing, can a writer excel in both technical and creative writing, what makes creative writing impactful, what is creative writing, are there specific formats each type of writing follows, how important is audience understanding in technical writing, how do writers develop skills in technical or creative writing, share your discovery.

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Technical Writing

Learn words with flashcards and other activities, other learning activities, teaching tools, full list of words from this list:.

• perspective a way of regarding situations or topics
• contour language a tone language that uses pitch changes
• engage consume all of one's attention or time
• evidence knowledge on which to base belief
• expository serving to expound or set forth
• discourse an extended communication dealing with some particular topic
• flow of air the flow of air
• focus the concentration of attention or energy on something
• primary of first rank or importance or value
• source the place where something begins
• reflective capable of physically throwing back light or sound
• composition the way in which someone or something is put together
• secondary being of second rank or importance or value
• subliminal below the threshold of conscious perception
• synthesize combine and form a complex whole
• technical of or relating to aptitude in a practical skill
• document a representation of a person's thinking with symbolic marks
• thesis an unproved statement advanced as a premise in an argument
• topic sentence a statement that provides the main idea of a paragraph

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What is a Creative Writer and What Do They Do?

Understanding the Numbers When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

Many of life’s great stories that are told in the form of literature, film, short stories and poetry, among many other outlets, first get their start in the minds and on the pages of creative writers.

Creative writing is a professional discipline that is unique in many ways and has the potential to take your career in a vast array of different directions.

If creative writing is a field you’re interested in pursuing, it’s important to keep in mind that while it can be a challenging and competitive profession, it also offers a number of distinctive benefits.

What Are the Different Types of Creative Writing?

“Creative writing” is a broad term that, when it comes to professional careers, encapsulates many different forms of writing.

“There are so many genres,” said Melissa Hart , an instructor in the online Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program in Creative Writing  at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

Hart, who has a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and an MFA in Creative Writing, has authored seven fiction and nonfiction books and published articles and essays in The New York Times, Smithsonian, CNN, The Washington Post, Slate and The Los Angeles Times, among others.

She said the career pathways for creative writers are virtually unlimited.

“Creative writers can be poets and screenwriters, personal essayists, novelists, short story writers,” Hart said, explaining that even within the world of creative writing , there are a number of creative avenues you can take. Some of these include:

• Flash fiction
• Hybrid forms
• Researched nonfiction
• Writing that embraces audio and video

What Are the Main Duties of a Creative Writer?

Much like their earning potential, the daily duties of a creative writer can vary greatly depending on what projects they’re working on at any given time, Hart said.

“I think duties differ writer to writer,” she said. “In my work, I practice writing almost every day — usually rough drafts, and then revisions, of novel chapters and nonfiction book chapters, magazine and newspaper articles and essays and newsletter posts.”

According to the BLS , how you spend your days as a creative writer depends largely on what type of writer you are, some of which include:

• Biographer – writing about the accounts of an individual’s life.
• Copywriter – working in advertising and marketing writing persuasive ad copy.
• Novelist – authoring books of fiction based on imaginary plots and characters.
• Screenwriter – creating scripts for movies and television.
• Speechwriter – developing orations for government leaders, political candidates and business leaders.

And in today’s digital world, another form of writing that continues to thrive is blogging , which is defined by global website development leader Wix as articles posted to a website focused on a specific area of interest.

Social media writing , too, continues to emerge with many large organizations like Mailchimp establishing specific standards for its social media writing.

What Credentials Do You Need to Become a Creative Writer?

Hart pointed out that creative writing is a unique profession in that it doesn’t require a degree or academic credential of any kind in order to succeed.

“You don't need any credentials," she said. "You just need an open mind and a willingness to learn your craft in the genre that most interests you.”

However, high-quality college programs in creative writing can be an excellent way for writers who have natural talent and abilities to further develop their skills, Hart said. For instance, in the SNHU online Bachelor of Arts (BA) program in Creative Writing and English, students develop and sharpen their skills in a number of areas, including:

• Writing and editing techniques
• Literary form, genre, structure, style, analysis and critical thinking
• Application of storytelling elements
• Use of genre conventions  and techniques
• Professional portfolio building

There is also an abundance of resources you can look into on your own to better position yourself for a career as a creative writer .

“There are piles of books, for instance, on how to write children's fiction,” Hart said. “Ditto poetry, screenplays, creative nonfiction... and there are so many resources online, as well.”

Is Creative Writing a Skill or a Talent?

Another aspect of creative writing that makes it a unique professional field, Hart said, is that it involves both natural talent and skills that can be learned.

“Perhaps a person is born with an innate talent for storytelling, but reading and practicing and studying creative writing for years will give you the skills you need to write fiction and nonfiction and poetry that appeals to readers,” she said.

Hart said that she’s had a love of language since the age of five, which is when she started writing short stories. It was her passion for writing and storytelling that inspired her to work hard developing her skills.

“All that practice gave me skills as a creative writer,” she said. “I believe I developed a talent for writing in particular genres because I studied them so deeply.”

Is it Hard to Learn Creative Writing?

While for many, learning to be a creative writer could be characterized as hard, Hart explained that “time consuming” is probably a better way of putting it.

“For instance, I just spent three years learning to cross-country ski when I’d never been on skis before,” she said. “I think it generally takes people at least three years to grow adept at creative writing in a particular genre because you’re constantly reading and deconstructing literature and thinking about it and writing and rewriting and rewriting some more.”

That said, among the many benefits of a career in creative writing is the flexibility and freedom it provides, Hart said.

“Creative writers can work anywhere they want,” she said. “I've written novel chapters in my car outside my daughter's dance studio, on airplanes, on the bank of a local river while my kid looked for newts.”

According to Hart, many of her students work in a corner of their house with noise-canceling headphones, while others write on their lunch breaks or in bed late at night.

“You can train yourself to get into a creative writing space the moment you open your laptop,” she said. “It just takes a while.”

Find Your Program

Is creative writing a good career.

What determines if writing is a “good” career will vary person to person, but there are a lot of considerations to keep in mind if it’s a path you’re interested in following, Hart said.

“It’s a good career for me, because I get to write about topics and issues which interest me,” she said. "However, it's my husband who has the great health insurance. If I didn't have health insurance, it might not be a viable career option because freelance writers and authors don't get subsidized health insurance — we must pay for our own."

While freelance writers and authors typically do find and fund their own health insurance, there is a growing number of writer unions and guilds that can assist with health insurance plans, according to Find the Plan , an online hub for freelance writers. And non-freelance copywriters, social media writers and blog writers usually get health benefits through the organization for which they work.

Does Creative Writing Pay Well?

Unlike other professional fields — in areas like business, engineering, education, medicine and law, among others — that typically have a salary range based on experience and the level of your degree, there is a vast disparity in what creative writers earn.

While high-profile, bestselling authors can command six-figure advances for their work, they comprise just a small fraction of those earning a living as creative writers, Hart said.*

“Most of us are midlist writers, earning modest advances and royalty checks,” she said. “It's interesting to note that I can earn as much off of two 4,000-word researched essays for magazines as I can for one of my young adult novels.”

Hart said that it’s common for creative writers to generate their income from a combination of different forms of writing for a variety of outlets, along with other professional activities where they’re paid for their professional expertise. For example, Hart said she earns her living through a combination of:

• Fiction writing
• Nonfiction writing
• Private teaching and instruction through her website
• Teaching college-level creative writing

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual wage for writers and authors in 2023 was $87,590.*

“But creative writing isn't about the money, for me,” she said. “It's about getting to join the conversation and put something beautiful and inspiring out into the world.”

Discover more about SNHU's online bachelor’s in creative writing : Find out what courses you'll take, skills you'll learn and how to request information about the program.

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

Cary Jordan is an Iowa-based writer with more than 20 years of writing and editing experience on a wide range of issues related to higher education. Cary has held administrative and cabinet-level positions at multiple colleges and universities, and his writing has spanned topics related to undergraduate education as well as graduate education in the areas of business, law, medicine and engineering, among others.

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About southern new hampshire university.

SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs . Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU  page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.

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• An Interview with Artur Rosman, Translator of “The Philosophy of Drama”

August 14, 2024 | Notre Dame Press | Author Interviews , Philosophy and Ethics , Religion and Theology

Artur Rosman is an associate research professor at the University of Notre Dame and the editor-in-chief of Church Life Journal . The University of Notre Dame Press is thrilled to publish his translation of philosopher Józef Tischner’s The Philosophy of Drama (September 2024). He recently answered some of our questions about his research and writing processes.

When did you first get the idea to translate this book?

The Tischner Institute in Krakow received a grant to translate the book some years ago. They asked me if I was interested in translating Filozofia dramatu [ The Philosophy of Drama ] into English. It was an easy decision. It’s hard to say “no” to bringing one of the most important works of philosophy to come from Poland to a wider audience.

Certainly these are unprecedented times in the United States, Europe, and around the world. What can readers find in your book that will resonate with them during this era? 

Somewhere Albert Camus cites what he claims is an old Chinese blessing. It goes, “May you live in interesting times.” There is also a Chinese curse and it is identical in content.

That is the everyday drama of human life, choosing between the path of life and the path of death, rather the narrow understanding of drama as something that happens at the theater only. There is always something interesting and unprecedented going on around us: wars, peace, politics, pandemics, polarization, and so on.

Tischner’s book was written as a response to what had transpired in the Solidarity movement. Yet, more importantly, it is a fundamental ontology. This means that if the book is faithful to its calling then it will be applicable to any period. I happen to think Tischner met this challenge that he set for himself.

What was your approach to translating this book?

I first gathered together all the books by Levinas and Heidegger most frequently mentioned in Tischner’s book. I wanted to get a sense for the vocabulary (in translation) of this school of thought. 

That went only so far, because Tischner, just as any philosopher, creates his own technical vocabulary. This meant that I only got a handle on how to render some concepts through habituating myself progressively to them, feeling them out. Some things only came to me at the “end” of the translation. Then I had to go back and fix the rest of the translation. 

What did you learn while translating it?

I relearned that good philosophy makes us uncomfortable. Tischner is typically so precise with his formulations that he, uncannily, pins down the very words that people use in certain situations. This was the case in his discussion of the “liar” where he says that the liar keeps asking the person they are lying to whether they “respect” them to gauge whether the intersubjective world of lies they are weaving is holding up. Life events—I won’t go into details—made it at times very disturbing to reread those words during the several edits.

Which translator is the biggest influence on you and your work?

The poetry and essays of Czeslaw Milosz in translation (he typically translated his work with the help of American poets such as Haas and Pinsky), and his translations of other Polish poets, were my introduction to a whole “native realm” of the possibilities of what is thinkable. That whole world of Polish writing rearranged the furniture of my mind. It then became my “native realm.”

What is your writing schedule like?

Chaotic. I don’t really like either translating or writing. It’s part of the reason why I’m an editor.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start translating a book?

If you can stop yourself, then don’t do it. It’s an immense burden and responsibility.

Who would you like to read The Philosophy of Drama and why?

Everyone. It is a book about the insuperability of the human drama. What else do you need from a book?  

What books are you currently reading?

I’m reading Heidegger’s Being and Time with some friends. I’m going to get through all of it this time. Fifth time’s the charm!

What project are you working on next?

I’m chiefly concentrating on publishing around 200 pieces annually in Church Life Journal . One of my proudest achievements is publishing excerpts— around 80 of them —from books published by the University of Notre Dame Press. Steve Wrinn took over the press a little before I came to Notre Dame. I’ve always admired what he’s done since taking over the press. It is a pleasure to work with UNDP.

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