I’d Rather Be Writing – Tom Johnson

Tom Johnson

In this blog, I write about the latest trends in technical communication. Technical communication (or, more commonly, technical writing) refers to any kind of user guides, design documentation, audiovisual tutorials, diagrams, quick reference guides, illustrations, on-screen help, or other explanatory content that is of a technical nature. For example, technical writers often write software help files that explain how to use an application.

Although some people mistakenly think technical writing involves only boring help material, really technical communication touches many areas, such as usability, information architecture, content management, XML, Web 2.0., DITA, management, graphic design, web design, learning theory, social media, e-learning, wikis, and of course just plain writing. Technical writers are often learning and working with the latest technologies, trying to find ways to make it easier for people to learn complicated software or hardware.

Where I Live and Work

I live in Utah and work as a senior technical writer for a nonprofit organization in Salt Lake City. I’m a versatile writer and like most tech writers, I stumbled into technical writing after working in other fields. I previously taught composition at the university level, and then worked as a copywriter. Whatever job I worked at, I always pursued some technical accompaniment to make it interesting. I’ve found that technical writing combines my love for writing, my drive to create, and my fascination with technology.

I’m Also a Podcaster

I also publish podcasts on this site. In the podcasts, I usually interview tech writing luminaries. If you’re a tech writer of any sort, be sure to subscribe to the podcast. I usually listen to podcasts while I’m riding to work or working out. You can fit several hours of enjoyable podcast audio into your week, without making any extra time for it.

My Personal Life

I’ve been married almost ten years to a brilliant and engaging woman named Jane, who blogs at Seagull Fountain. We met at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Utah 11 years ago. We have three girls—ages 8, 4, and 2. Both my wife and I have degrees in English. We later moved to New York, where I earned an MFA in literary nonfiction at Columbia University’s School of the Arts.

Contact Me

If you have a question for me, or just want to drop me a line, send your feedback to the e-mail address below.

Tom Johnson
tomjohnson1492@gmail.com
801-822-2241
Utah, USA