Writing

After an extensive career writing software and IT documentation, I decided to seek an audience who would actually read what I wrote. Who reads the instructions? As a car enthusiast, I spent several years as an automotive journalist for several websites, including The Drive, Autotrader, and Right Foot Down.

Later I spread into motorcycles as well, first as a daily news writer, then as the weekend editor at RideApart. Although I’ve switched my main focus to editing these days, I still write regularly for ADVRider.

My background in technical writing plus my car experience led to my work with FIXD, an onboard diagnostic scanner manufacturer. My specialty is in taking complex concepts and breaking them down into terms the average reader can understand. I put this to great use at FIXD, with the bulk of my work being documenting diagnostic trouble codes. I would take the “P0303” that the scanner gives you and explain that it is a misfire in cylinder three, the most likely causes, and how to troubleshoot and repair the problem. I also wrote articles about the cost and how to perform more general repairs, whether they were associated with a trouble code or not.

I take on freelance writing work as well. Though uncredited, most of the description of the Tick Performance Level 4 Magnum TR-6060 transmission for the 1998-2002 Camaro and Firebird is my work.

Although my primary focus these days is editing, I’ve always considered myself more of a writer. I am always open to additional writing opportunities, either on a regular basis or for one-off projects. Rates are negotiable, but I use the Editorial Freelancers Association rates as a guide.