About Me.
I stumbled into this the technical writing and editing field for two very unlikely reasons.
First, because of knitting. I was sitting in a local bakery perusing the classifieds when I came upon an advertisement for part-time hand knitters and crocheters. I was in the job market at the time and as an avid knitter (and reluctant crocheter), I answered the ad. While I was interviewing I asked if there was any likelihood they would need full time help. Two weeks later they had created a position as a knit and crochet technical writer and editor. A year later I was promoted to department director. A year after that I was laid off. It was a whirlwind relationship but it positioned me for a successful freelance career in the craft publishing industry.
Second, because of choral singing. I sung with the community choir at UALR and have for several years where I met the graduate advisor for the professional and technical writing program. She helped me to realize that I had been technically writing, editing and communicating for my entire career, not just a few years in the craft publishing industry. I applied for the program and was accepted. I had finally found a home for my talents and abilities and it was a great feeling.
First, because of knitting. I was sitting in a local bakery perusing the classifieds when I came upon an advertisement for part-time hand knitters and crocheters. I was in the job market at the time and as an avid knitter (and reluctant crocheter), I answered the ad. While I was interviewing I asked if there was any likelihood they would need full time help. Two weeks later they had created a position as a knit and crochet technical writer and editor. A year later I was promoted to department director. A year after that I was laid off. It was a whirlwind relationship but it positioned me for a successful freelance career in the craft publishing industry.
Second, because of choral singing. I sung with the community choir at UALR and have for several years where I met the graduate advisor for the professional and technical writing program. She helped me to realize that I had been technically writing, editing and communicating for my entire career, not just a few years in the craft publishing industry. I applied for the program and was accepted. I had finally found a home for my talents and abilities and it was a great feeling.
By working through this process I have learned many things. When I began this journey I didn't even know what a content management system (CMS) was. Through research, I am now able to distinguish between the many options available on the web today. I created an ePortfolio with the purpose of serving as my final project for the program but more importantly to introduce myself to the world of professional writers and editors. My journey in creating this portfolio began with an exploration into the different hosting platforms available on the web today. I explored and tested five different CMS options finally settling on Weebly as the best hosting site for my needs. Once I chose a hosting site the real work began. I played with different mapping configurations in an effort to find the simplest and cleanest format. I had some writing examples in mind prior to starting my portfolio so the real work was in configuring the site and writing introductions to each piece.
Most importantly, through this process I have learned so much about myself as a writer. As you will see by the variety of pieces I have included in this portfolio, I am capable of modern information design but I am also strongly suited to historical issues and women's issues feature writing. Even the design of this portfolio juxtaposes my interest in modern design along with vintage and historic pieces. As the photos on the home page indicate, I have a general process I follow for my writing. I start with an idea, I work through the idea, taking notes and formulating an argument. Finally, I generate those ideas into a piece of writing.
My work here also gives an indication of my respect and understanding for theory. Upon entering the program my opinion of rhetoric was that it was a slang term referring to the jargon we hear in our everyday lives. By studying and researching rhetorical theory I have come to the understanding that rhetoric is in all our communication, verbal, non-verbal, it is all around. Rhetoric is many things, the sponsor of literacy in those around you. Rhetoric is in the power of a persuasive argument. Rhetoric is in the constant narrative which is the foundation of our lives. In the end, I have learned that rhetoric defines who we are.
Most importantly, through this process I have learned so much about myself as a writer. As you will see by the variety of pieces I have included in this portfolio, I am capable of modern information design but I am also strongly suited to historical issues and women's issues feature writing. Even the design of this portfolio juxtaposes my interest in modern design along with vintage and historic pieces. As the photos on the home page indicate, I have a general process I follow for my writing. I start with an idea, I work through the idea, taking notes and formulating an argument. Finally, I generate those ideas into a piece of writing.
My work here also gives an indication of my respect and understanding for theory. Upon entering the program my opinion of rhetoric was that it was a slang term referring to the jargon we hear in our everyday lives. By studying and researching rhetorical theory I have come to the understanding that rhetoric is in all our communication, verbal, non-verbal, it is all around. Rhetoric is many things, the sponsor of literacy in those around you. Rhetoric is in the power of a persuasive argument. Rhetoric is in the constant narrative which is the foundation of our lives. In the end, I have learned that rhetoric defines who we are.