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Can a writer easily transition from literary writing into technical writing? And how do they differ in terms of content?

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Question added by Samar Saleh , Community Manager , Bayt.com
Date Posted: 2016/01/19
Preeti Bajpai
by Preeti Bajpai , Manager , H & R Johnson Pvt Ltd

Yes he can, because literary writing includes the fundamental of writing. The theme  of writing does not matter.  It shows the thinking power of writer if he does well in literary writing he can also do the technical. Here, it comes on whether he is able to understand the technical topic or not.

In a nutshell we can say that technical can be written when the subject is well known in all prospects. 

I wouldn't agree to the above statement because the writer has to go through the natural curve process and this transition depends mostly on the hours and focused attention of practice to learn the technical terms.

Monsy Thomas
by Monsy Thomas , Document Controller , Voltas Ltd.

Literary writing is imagination-oriented writing, and technical writing is specification-oriented writing.

KALPNA TYAGI TYAGI
by KALPNA TYAGI TYAGI , Assistant Professor , Unique Institute of Management & Technology

Technical writing is a type of writing where the author is writing about a particular subject that requires direction, instruction, or explanation. This style of writing has a very different purpose and different characteristics than other writing styles such as creative writing, academic writing or business writing.

Saadia Mutakabbar
by Saadia Mutakabbar , Software Quality Assurance Manager , National Data Consultants

I think it's not easy, as literary writing can be fictional and include nuances and phrases. Whereas technical writing is free from linguistic complications, to the point and has to cover all the technical details.

Ismail Ishaq
by Ismail Ishaq , Freelance Intuitive Business Consultant , Self Employed

Actually technical writing is not difficult as one would imagine. Technical writing is about simplifying complicated topics and teaching the readers how to accomplish a particular task or goal.

By nature, technical writing usually breaks the topic into steps and present them using straightforward instructions. On the otherhand literary writing tends to be long-winded or verbose.

 

I am a short story writer and am also experienced with writing academic papers since I am a PhD student. Hence I am speaking from experience that both the kinds of writing are different. 

1- Writing stories is easy for those who do not want to be constrained by different rules (such as use of APA or MLA style of writing, using correct references and taking care of plagiarism) necessary to be taken into consideration with academic writing.

2- Research writing involves extensive research on the chosen topic. You cannot be creative with data. You need to report it as is.

3- There is no use of software in creative writing. Hence if you are trying to write an academic paper, you need to have a good know-how of the research tools. 

Haifaa Candra Benkhadra
by Haifaa Candra Benkhadra , english teacher , Cedar international school

In my experience, no. In literary writing one needs to infer the nuances, be able to decipher the allegories, metaphors, settings, mood, etc. On the other hand, technical writing should be to the point, direct, and easily to understand by the audience it is meant for. This type of writing can be difficult as some think they are very clear but they may lead to a reader to confusion if it is not well written.

Hi Samar

The ease of the transition will depend on the writer. In technical writing, creativity is essential in describing and presenting complex factual data to end users.

A few examples of technical writing include operation guides, training presentations, product user-manual, configuration manuals, test records and online help articles.

In a technical document accuracy of data is important. Complex information needs to be described using simple but clear terms, images, tables and figures. Also, arrangement and formatting of info will determine how user friendly the document is. 

Hope this helped.

Gracie-Ann Allijohn
by Gracie-Ann Allijohn , QC / QA Engineer , Tamali Limited

No - I think it's very difficult to transition between literary writing and technical writing. 

Technical writing usually involves explanation of complex processes along with instructions, data, recommendations, research results etc. 

Literary writing usually involves creating ideas, stories, poems etc. 

Technical example: The purpose of this report is to show the problems associated with using MEG over Methanol for hydrate inhibition in the offshore pipeline...

Literary example: Claire pointed her gun at the intruder, he cowered in the corner, hands held up in defeat...

Atique Ommer
by Atique Ommer , Sr. Technical Writer , Contiem India Pvt. Ltd.

Yes, He can. But it also depends on his/her technical skills. To convey the technical message, one should also be well versed with its technicality. I believe the important thing is to know about the product about which you are writing and about the end user for whom you are writing.

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