TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
As a newbie techie writer with a couple of years experience under her belt,
I was interested to hear that you were a history major. I also did a
history degree, but always had an inclination towards computers and writing.
I have spent the last two years as a computer trainer, but it is only
recently that my interest in computing and love of writing have finally
blended (after much thrashing around deciding what on earth I wanted to do
with my life).
I was also pleased and interested to see that you recommend taking a
computer programming course. I am teaching myself using SAMS Teach Yourself
Beginning Programming by Greg Perry, but ideally would like to take a class.
I am glad you think it is worthwhile - I started reading this book in an
effort to be able to understand how programmers program so I could see where
they were coming from as I want to continue writing software documentation.
I enjoy reading computer magazines and learning more and more - which I
think *is* important for technical writers who don't necessarily have a
technical background like me (i.e not a computer science graduate etc etc).