I read, I write, I make art.

screenshot of the weight loss table

Writer’s Guide to Weight Loss

The Technical Communications Bulletin
Vol. 1, No. 1, Spring 1988

Writing may seem like a sedentary profession, one which offers little chance to burn off calories. But smart writers long ago realized that even the most trivial writing chore can burn away fat, provided you have the right attitude toward Writing Exercises.

Activities Calories/Minute
Thinking
Writing
Editing
Updating DocumentsPreparing Outlines
Simplifying Instructions
Asking Questions
Changing Hats

Pointing out Technical Errors
Compacting Sentences
Slicing Prose
Simplifying Instructions

“De-jargonizing”
Transferring Responsibilities
Pursuing Facts
Pruning Sentences

Combining Chapters
Driving Your Editor Crazy
Arguing Your Case
Requisitioning Helpers

Dealing With Management
Knuckling Under
Stretching the Truth
Developing Confidence

Updating Resumes
Ignoring Deadlines
Discovering Deadlines
Cutting It Close

Making Deadlines

 1.5
2
3
12.3
4.5
2
5

5
4
4
4

5
3
5
4.2

5
25
10
10

9
7.3
13
12

25
4
10
15

50

 

About Me
Fiction writer, coffee addict, cat owner...doesn't every "about me" say that, usually with a cutesy photo? I don't do cutesy. So I'll add to the list: I'm short, stubborn, very unfashionable, clumsy (typing this with a wounded wrist, always have bruises), opinionated, and a humanist. BS degree in Journalism '83, certificate in technical writing, addicted to reading, can't boil water without setting off the smoke alarm, non-skinny, politically active (and annoyingly loud about it). Love comfort, hate camping, wouldn't want to live in a world where chocolate and caramel hadn't been invented.