From Beginner to Pro Writer: My Writing Adventure

I'm a Software Information Developer and a Technical Writer. My daily work involves a ton of writing, especially on complex technical topics. But here's the twist: I make sure it's easy to understand, just like a high school student could grasp it effortlessly. I churn out thousands of words each month, and the best part is, I never seem to run out of ideas.

To take my passion for writing even further, I decided to start a personal blog. Now, you might think I was born with a natural talent for writing, but that's far from the truth. In this article, I'll take you on a journey through my writing adventure, explaining how I evolved from a beginner into a pro writer over the last 15 years.

My Journey from Struggling Student to Professional Writer

Back in high school, my writing skills were far from impressive. I always found myself struggling with my English grades. You see, I came from a Hindi medium school, and English was my Achilles' heel. Exam after exam, my scores were disappointing, and nothing seemed to change. When I ventured into college to pursue my Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, the challenge grew exponentially.

All the course materials were in English, and for an entire year, I couldn't make heads or tails of them like my classmates did. It was a difficult time, and even writing seemed like a daunting task. My essays were far from stellar, but here's the silver lining: our exams consisted of multiple-choice questions, not essays. This allowed me to scrape through the first and second semesters, even if my marks weren't something to brag about.

It was during my time in the college hostel that I met a friend who would become one of my closest pals. We had to write applications for various purposes, whether it was to address issues with the hostel's food quality or to request a week off. My friend was adept at writing compelling application letters, and he generously shared his skills with me. That was the starting point of my writing adventure.

I realized that the only way to enhance my writing was to practice, so I began writing more and more. I started crafting well-composed application letters for my fellow classmates. As I made my way through my Diploma, I packed my bags and headed to Mumbai for my apprenticeship, which marked a significant turning point in my life.

During this time, I dedicated myself to learning and improving every day. Additionally, I had the opportunity to work as an assistant instructor at an engineering college. My duties included creating question papers for exams, which helped me assist professors and earn a modest income. I maintained this side gig even after completing my apprenticeship, as the extra income was a welcome addition to my finances, though not sufficient to cover my monthly expenses entirely.

Determined to build a career in writing after the Jet Engine incident, which you can read about in my previous article, I decided to focus on technical publications. A friend suggested, "Why not apply for technical publication jobs where companies create aircraft manuals?" Following this advice, I set my sights on Bangalore, a city known for its plethora of such companies.

My experience in preparing question papers and aiding professors proved invaluable during job interviews, leading to offer letters from two companies. I accepted an offer from a company that offered better compensation. It was at this point that I delved into the world of Aircraft Maintenance Manuals, emphasizing the importance of understanding the audience before commencing the writing process. This was the turning point in my journey from a struggling student to a professional writer.

A Shift in My Writing Journey

Around three years into my career, I found myself in a repetitive cycle of writing aircraft manuals. The monotony was getting to me, and I was yearning for more than just a change of scenery. Let's be honest; a better paycheck was also a motivating factor. It was then that I took inspiration from fellow writers and decided to pivot my career towards the IT industry.

I took the plunge, got certified as a Technical Writer, and learned the art of writing more effectively and concisely. After completing my certification, I landed a role as a technical writer at Oracle Financial Software Services, which was a far cry from what I had envisioned during my high school days. The sense of fulfillment I experienced on my first day at Oracle's office is a memory I'll always cherish.

At Oracle, I found myself collaborating with individuals from vastly different educational backgrounds. My expertise was in aircraft designs and maintenance manuals, but now I was diving headfirst into software documentation. Live projects inundated me with a wealth of new information, and since this was a whole new industry for me, I had to learn not only about writing but also about the product I was assigned to.

It's a simple but crucial principle: the more you read and observe, the better your writing becomes over time.

With this principle in mind, I started devouring literature on technology, software development processes, and even old product documentation to grasp different writing styles. It was during this time that I delved into the intricacies of Microsoft Style of Technical Publishing (MSTP). While I was well-versed in using Simplified Technical English (STE) for crafting aircraft manuals, I discovered that software documentation demanded a more extensive grasp of conceptual information. So, the criteria for writing and explaining effectively expanded.

After dedicating nearly four years to Oracle, I was presented with a new opportunity that took me into uncharted territory. I joined a cybersecurity startup where I had the chance to create product documentation from the ground up. It was a far more challenging task than I had ever imagined. It was during this phase that I met my mentor. Working in a startup filled with dynamic individuals striving to build something entirely new exposes you to invaluable learning experiences. It was here that I truly understood the endless nature of growth, the need to adapt to evolving styles, and the opportunities presented by the market.

Through all these transitions in my writing adventure, I've learned one fundamental lesson: "Always seek knowledge and structure your thoughts, and you'll become a great writer." This motto has been my guiding light on this fascinating journey.

My Writing Journey: Techniques I Follow

From my early days of struggling with writing to making it my profession, I've evolved over the years. It may seem like an easy task for some, but for me, it's been quite a challenge. Here are the strategies I rely on when I start writing about a new software feature or enhancement:

1. Talk to Understand the Requirements

This is my very first step. Imagine you have to explain something you've never known before. If you don't understand it, you can't define it. So, I start by talking to the people who have the right information. In my case, it's usually Software Engineers, Quality Managers, and Product Managers. What's important is that I've also honed my communication skills over time. You can learn more about effective communication in my previous article.

2. Going Back in Time with Pointers

My second step is to create some high-level bullet points while I'm in conversation with subject matter experts or stakeholders defining a feature or product. These pointers help me recall the details of our discussions.

3. Structure a Narrative for the Audience

Once I grasp the requirements, I begin to think about how I can structure the entire story based on my experience using a feature or enhancement. I ensure several aspects are in place, such as the target audience and the level of detail needed. Based on these factors, I create a list of topics that need to be explained.

4. Write the First Draft

With the structure in place, I start writing the first draft. It doesn't need to be perfect, but it should be readable and include all the essential conceptual details. The goal is to visualize the content as a whole. Even if the first draft contains some extra details, that's fine. My focus is on ensuring nothing important is left out.

5. Re-write and Compose Well

Once the first draft is ready, I go through the entire text. I re-write it, check for grammatical errors, and improve the composition to make it more engaging.

6. Seek Feedback

Seeking feedback is critical for any technical writer. I reach out to fellow writers and subject matter experts for their input. This provides valuable opportunities for improvement and enhances my learning curve.

7. Publish the Final Copy

Once the feedback stage is completed, I review the entire content again. I ensure that I've incorporated the comments and suggestions. Only then do I publish the content as and when it's required.

These seven steps are my process for creating technical content. However, you can apply these techniques to writing non-fiction or even fiction. Writing is a journey, and these steps have been instrumental in my growth as a writer.

Advice for Aspiring Writers

Here are some fundamental rules to help you enhance your writing skills or take steps towards becoming a professional writer:

Write Every Day:
To get started, make writing a daily habit. Consider it as a form of journaling. Reflect on an incident from your day and jot it down. The key here is to be detailed and elaborate in your descriptions. This exercise not only kickstarts your writing journey but also helps you clarify your thoughts. It's a simple yet effective way to begin.

Study High School Grammar:
Don't underestimate the importance of understanding grammar. The classic high school grammar book, like the one by Wren & Martin, can be an invaluable guide. Take some time to delve into the principles of grammar and apply them to your daily journaling routine. A solid grasp of grammar forms the foundation of effective writing.

Explore Non-Fiction:
Non-fiction works are great resources to enrich your vocabulary with practical, day-to-day language. These texts offer insights into real-life situations and experiences, making them particularly useful for improving your writing skills. Non-fiction reading grounds you in the reality of our world, which is essential for most writers looking to enhance their essay writing or professional communication.

Dabble in Fiction:
While non-fiction provides a strong foundation, don't rule out the world of fiction entirely. If your aspiration is to become a fiction writer, you need to immerse yourself in the realm of storytelling. Read a variety of fiction books to explore different narrative styles, character development, and plot construction. Fiction reading fosters creativity and imagination.

Expand Your Vocabulary:
The more words you know, the more tools you have at your disposal as a writer. Make it a habit to learn new words regularly. Challenge yourself to use these words in your writing to improve your expressive capabilities.

Proofread and Edit:
Writing is only part of the process. Editing and proofreading are equally crucial. After you've written a piece, take the time to review and refine it. Correct any grammatical errors, improve sentence structure, and ensure your writing is clear and concise.

Seek Feedback:
Don't be afraid to share your work with others and seek their feedback. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement. Join writing groups or forums where you can exchange ideas and critiques with fellow writers.

Set Writing Goals:
Define clear objectives for your writing. Whether it's finishing a novel, publishing regular blog posts, or submitting articles to magazines, having goals keeps you motivated and focused.

Read Widely:
Don't limit your reading to a single genre or topic. Diversify your reading materials, from literature to science, history to technology. This broad exposure can provide fresh perspectives and ideas for your writing.

Persevere:
Writing is a journey that requires persistence. Even on days when inspiration seems elusive, keep writing. Consistency and dedication are key to progress.

Remember, becoming a skilled writer is a process that takes time and practice. By following these guidelines and remaining committed to your craft, you can make significant strides in your writing journey.

In Conclusion: The Journey Continues

My career in the world of writing has been an ongoing lesson, a daily journey that teaches me something new with each passing day. I established this blog site not only as a platform to share my thoughts but also as a means to become a better writer. In today's world, we have an abundance of tools that can help us check our grammar and improve our writing, and I'm truly grateful for these resources. They save us an incredible amount of time and effort.

However, it's important to reflect on where it all began. I started my journey by crafting question papers for college students, a task that demanded clarity, precision, and an understanding of the subject matter. Little did I know that this seemingly straightforward role would lead me down a completely different path, one I had never envisioned for myself.

And so, my writing adventure continues, a continuous exploration of new horizons, new knowledge, and new ways to communicate. I've discovered that the path of a writer is not linear but rather a winding road, filled with surprises, challenges, and growth. Each day, I learn, I adapt, and I strive to become a better writer than I was yesterday.

In this ever-evolving journey, I've come to understand that the process of writing is not just about words on a page; it's about self-discovery, personal growth, and the endless pursuit of excellence. It's a journey I'm grateful to be on and one that I eagerly anticipate continuing as I explore the boundless realms of the written word. Thank you for joining me on this adventure, and here's to the next chapter in the world of writing.