Bio and Background
Professional History: I've worked in the information development business for nearly 25 years. After earning a BA in writing, I got a job composing books on a computerized system in a publishing house. I earned an MA in visual design during my two years there. Eventually, reps from the manufacturer of my employer's computers saw the customized manual I'd written to help myself learn the system. Soon afterward, I was offered my first technical writing job by their company.
I started freelancing in the mid-1980s, and my work has grown in some interesting directions. I became deeply involved in the new technology of desktop publishing at its inception, and went on to tackle SGML, then the Web, and more recently XML. I'm experienced in many subject matter areas, including the aforementioned technologies as well as hardware and software, programming languages, databases, GUI design, education, finance and investing, real estate, genealogy, office ergonomics, structural engineering, building trades and construction management, and even more.
As one of the earliest people to work with new technologies such as desktop publishing, SGML, HTML, and XML, I've had the opportunity to do quite a bit of consulting in addition to content development. In short, I'm a problem solver. I close information gaps of all kinds, whether they're caused by scarcity of resources, low productivity, puzzlement with software, or confusion about the right tools and processes to get the job done. My skills in writing, editing, indexing, consulting, and training help me to create solutions for my clients that run the gamut from content development to single source publishing systems and beyond.
Competencies: I'm familiar with a dizzying array of information development tools, including FrameMaker, PageMaker, QuarkXPress, InDesign, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Office, Illustrator, Photoshop, PaintShop Pro, Visio, RoboHELP (Office/FrameMaker), WebWorks Publisher, Dreamweaver, FrontPage, GoLive, NetObjects Fusion, XMetal Pro, XML Spy, and Microsoft Project.
Skills: My main specialties are writing, editing, indexing, training and consulting. I also do technical illustration, desktop publishing, Web development, and project management. These supplementary services are just part of my information delivery "toolbox", and are available only in conjunction with my main specialties rather than on a "standalone" basis.
Questions? Please contact me.