UnTechnical Writing

With my latest job title being "technical writer," I went looking on Amazon.com for some reference books on technical writing. The most intriguing one I found was UnTechnical Writing, by Michael Bremer. Subtitled "How to Write About Technical Subjects and Products So Anyone Can Understand," it not only covers the basics, such as knowing your audience, being consistent, not making assumptions, editing, and so on, but also goes into the author's philosophy of writing, working with graphic artists on layout, a basic explanation of interface design, and even dealing with people and politics in the workplace. An enjoyable and informative read, even if your writing focus is not on computer game software user manuals (Bremer's specialty). In fact, I've found that writing rulebooks and "how to play" articles for TCGs -- and even writing game text for the cards -- is at heart an exercise in technical writing.

But I think the best parts of the book were those that weren't specifically about writing, technical or otherwise, but instead were more concerned with people and the workplace. I particularly enjoyed this observation:

The ability to handle rush jobs and finish on schedule without panicking is the measure of the writer, editor and graphic artist. The ability to avoid rush jobs is the measure of the producer, project manager and the company atmosphere.

IMO, that should be "and especially the company atmosphere." The best project manager in the world doesn't stand a chance of avoiding those rush jobs if the company culture doesn't support (or for that matter, understand) the concept of finishing on schedule.