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thenotboringtechwriter.com
The Not-Boring Tech Writer
@thenotboringtechwriter.com
710 followers 71 following 170 posts
A podcast in which documentarians talk about all things tech writing, aiming to show the world that we are all not-boring tech writers!
https://thenotboringtechwriter.com/
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thenotboringtechwriter.com
In S3:E22, Dennis Dawson shares a clever video scripting method to avoid blank-page paralysis:

1. Record your demo
2. Upload it to Slack for auto-transcription
3. Clean it up
4. Re-record the polished version

#TechnicalWriting #VideoScripting #SlackTips
November 28, 2025 at 5:21 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
2025 has been an incredible year for The Not-Boring Tech Writer!

We're so grateful to the 13 amazing guests who joined us on the podcast this year. ❤️

Here's to more not-boring conversations in 2026! 🎙️
A collage of 13 headshot photos arranged in rows: Lorna Mitchell, Janine Chan, Kenzie Woodbridge, Marcia Riefer Johnston, Sue Brandt, Nick Graziade, Liz Argall, Manny Silva, Ryan Macklin, Sarah Walker, Fabrizio Ferri-Benedetti, Dennis Dawson, and Kate Pond. Center text reads "Thank you, 2025 guests!" with The Not-Boring Tech Writer podcast logo below.
November 26, 2025 at 4:04 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
Docs maintenance might not feel glamorous, but it's one of the most powerful ways we show care for our readers.

In S3:E23, Kate (@knowledgewithsass.bsky.social) talks about the impact of small actions and how picking up roadside trash connects to docs work.

#TechnicalWriting #Documentation
Quote image featuring Kate Mueller with a background pattern of checkboxes (mostly checked off). Text reads: “Give your docs some care this month and recognize that care might not be a big something, but a hundred small things.” Attribution shows Kate Mueller, S3:E23, with The Not-Boring Tech Writer logo.
November 22, 2025 at 2:57 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
Ever wonder why adding graphics to your docs can help readers understand and retain information better?

Dennis Dawson (@dennisdawson.bsky.social) explains the science behind focused vs. diffuse modes of thinking and why a brief visual break helps ideas percolate and form new connections.
November 18, 2025 at 8:35 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
⚡️ ✏️ To see Dennis Dawson's (@dennisdawson.bsky.social) visual approach to documentation, check out his lightning talk on why sketchnoting engages both sides of your brain, as well as his sketchnotes from past Write the Docs conferences.

Links in the comments!
A collage featuring Dennis Dawson's sketchnotes from Write the Docs conferences (2023-2025) in the background, with a circular photo of Dennis in the center giving his Lightning Talk “Sketchnoting: Engaging both brains” at Write the Docs Portland 2023. Text overlay reads “Dennis Dawson's Sketchnotes.” The sketchnotes show colorful hand-drawn illustrations, diagrams, and text capturing various conference talks.
November 11, 2025 at 9:54 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
In S3:E22, Dennis Dawson (@dennisdawson.bsky.social) recommends 4 books that validated his approach to using visuals and humor in technical writing:

📚 Multimedia Learning
📚 Learning How to Learn
📚 A Mind for Numbers
📚 Uncommon Sense Teaching
Front covers of four books recommended by Dennis Dawson in S3:E22 of The Not-Boring Tech Writer podcast: Multimedia Learning by Richard E. Mayer Learning How to Learn by Barbara Oakley, Terrence Sejnowski, Alistair McConville A Mind for Numbers by Barbara Oakley Uncommon Sense Teaching by Barbara Oakley, Beth Rogowsky, Terrence J. Sejnowski
November 10, 2025 at 9:23 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
Great documentation makes readers feel smart.

In S3:E22, Dennis Dawson (@dennisdawson.bsky.social) talks about scaffolding concepts, using Hemingway-style clarity, and writing documentation that flows easily into readers' brains so they feel smart instead of lost.
Hand-drawn sketch of Dennis Dawson (by Dennis Dawson) wearing glasses and a hat. Dennis is sitting next to a microphone and speaking into it. This text is to the left of the sketch of Dennis Dawson: ON SCAFFOLDING: "You build the concepts gradually and give people the space to understand it. It's the same thing with writing in the Hemingway style, where you use shorter sentences that complete a thought, and then people have this breath of air at the period where they can let the information soak in before they move on to the next one… If you write in short, concise chunks, people read it. It flows easily into their brain. And what they're thinking is, ‘Wow, I'm really smart, I understand this.’ That's what I want people to experience." – Dennis Dawson, S3:E22. The Not-Boring Tech Writer’s logo appears at the bottom left of the image.
November 7, 2025 at 4:18 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
Think you need to be an artist to add visuals to your docs? Think again!

In our latest episode, Dennis Dawson—the tech writer behind the Write the Docs sketchnotes—shares why visuals and humor make docs more effective, plus practical tools and techniques you can explore right away.
Hand-drawn sketch of Dennis Dawson (by Dennis Dawson) wearing glasses and a hat. Dennis is sitting next to a microphone and speaking into it. This text is to the right of the sketch of Dennis Dawson: ON BEING AN ARTIST: “Get over yourself. Get over your reticence. Realize that if you draw a picture, you're doing better than 7 billion people who did not sit down and draw a picture today. So that makes you an artist. And I believe everyone is an artist. It's not a question of talent, it's just a question of time." – Dennis Dawson, S3:E22. The Not-Boring Tech Writer’s logo appears at the bottom of the image.
November 4, 2025 at 10:42 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
“I don't try to be funny. I'm just funny. And if you ever try to be funny, then you're not funny.”
– Dennis Dawson (@dennisdawson.bsky.social), the artist behind the Write the Docs sketchnotes

In our latest episode, Dennis shares why plain language + visual humor leads to better docs and much more!
Hand-drawn sketch of Dennis Dawson (by Dennis Dawson) wearing glasses and a hat. Dennis is sitting next to a microphone and speaking into it. The Not-Boring Tech Writer’s logo appears at the top of the image with this text underneath it: "featuring Dennis Dawson."
October 31, 2025 at 4:42 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
In her latest solo episode, Kate reflects on how models like Diátaxis and the Seven-Action Documentation model help us surface our own beliefs about docs.

She also muses on the restorative potential of maintenance work.

🎧 Listen to S3:E21 in your favorite podcast app!
Quote image from The Not-Boring Tech Writer podcast, Season 3, Episode 21. Heading reads "ON DOCUMENTATION FRAMEWORKS" in light blue. Kate Mueller's quote in white text on dark navy background: “The true value of [documentation] frameworks or models … isn't that they tell us what to do, but that they help us interrogate ourselves to uncover, to refine, maybe even to better express the internal model we're already using." Photo of Kate Mueller smiling in bottom right corner. Podcast logo in bottom left.
October 23, 2025 at 1:42 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
Fabrizio Ferri-Benedetti's (@theletterf.bsky.social) "dynamic seniority" concept:

Growth isn't continuous—it's a ladder. It's natural to alternate between stable periods (maintaining skills and recharging) and sudden climbs (capabilities leap forward).

Listen to S3:E20 to hear more from Fabri!
Quote image with beige diagonal striped background. Text reads: "Professional growth isn't a steady climb—it's a ladder. You need periods of stability to recharge, then sudden leaps where your skills jump to the next level." Attribution shows Fabrizio Ferri-Benedetti's concept of "dynamic seniority" with "Read more at passo.uno." A blue and navy ladder graphic on the right shows alternating "Stability" (blue horizontal platforms) and "Growth" (brown dashed vertical lines) sections, extending beyond the frame. Bottom shows "From S3:E20 of The Not-Boring Tech Writer.”
October 14, 2025 at 5:08 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
Technical writers are shapeshifters—we adapt to whatever the situation demands.

Listen to our latest episode with Fabrizio Ferri-Benedetti (@theletterf.bsky.social) on strategic thinking, his Seven-Action Documentation model, and growing as a tech writer in the AI era.
Quote image with beige diagonal striped background. Text reads: "There's always a bit of shape-shifting when it comes to technical writing... We have to take on the shape that best suits the situation at any given moment." Attribution: Fabrizio Ferri-Benedetti, passo.uno. Bottom shows "From S3:E20 of The Not-Boring Tech Writer" and a circular headshot photo of Fabrizio.
October 9, 2025 at 5:57 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
Creating great documentation is an act of giving great service.

We love Zingerman's (@zingermans.bsky.social) 3-step recipe for giving great service:

1️⃣ Find out what your customer wants;
2️⃣ Get it for them accurately, politely, and enthusiastically;
3️⃣ Go above and beyond, or go the extra mile.
Quote image designed as a folded document icon with blue accents. Text in the middle of the doc icon reads: “Creating great docs is an act of giving great service.” The words “great docs” and “great service” are highlighted in blue. The Not-Boring Tech Writer’s logo appears in a blue banner near the top left of the doc icon.
September 26, 2025 at 4:39 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
This quote from Kate’s latest solo episode (S3:E19) captures why she’s so passionate about documentation work. It's about creating a more thoughtful world, one helpful doc at a time. 🌍

🎧 Kate sounds off on docs as an act of service: thenotboringtechwriter.com/episodes/kat...
Quote image with hand-drawn Earth illustration on left, showing Kate Mueller on right. Quote reads: “I want to live in a world where humans thoughtfully do things for other humans, and one of the ways that I can create and participate in that world is through documentation.” Attribution: Kate Mueller, S3:19. The Not-Boring Tech Writer logo below the quote.
September 25, 2025 at 1:43 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
“Serve the reader” is a solid guiding principle for technical writers.

Listen to Sarah Walker’s (@quesarahsera.bsky.social) wisdom for technical writers in S3:E18!
Quote from Sarah Walker on a dark blue background: “One of my mentors would say, ’Remember, it's a practice, not a perfect’ … You don't strive for perfection because perfection is pointless ... Just aim for clear, concise, [and] actionable in your writing of documentation. Serve the reader. That's your practice.” Attribution shows “Sarah Walker, S3:E18,” with her photo and The Not-Boring Tech Writer podcast’s logo.
September 17, 2025 at 2:26 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
We invite all listeners to reach out with any questions or feedback! Kate may respond in a future episode. 😊

In addition to Bluesky, you can reach us via:
📧 Email: [email protected]
💼 LinkedIn: /the-not-boring-tech-writer
Blue social media graphic for The Not-Boring Tech Writer podcast inviting listeners to reach out with questions or feedback. Text reads: “We invite all listeners to reach out with any questions or feedback! Kate may respond in a future episode.” Contact information includes email (tnbtw@knowledgeowl.com), LinkedIn (/the-not-boring-tech-writer), and Bluesky (@thenotboringtechwriter.com). The podcast logo appears at the bottom.
September 16, 2025 at 5:37 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
Check out the three stellar resources Sarah Walker (@quesarahsera.bsky.social) recommended in S3:E18!

🌎 Garbl’s Writing Center
✍️ "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" by Stephen King
🦝 Sarah’s "Elect a Raccoon Overlord" article

🔗 Links in the comments!
The image shows the homepage of "Garbl's Writing Center," a website offering free writing resources. The layout features a green sidebar on the left with an Earth photo, contact information for Gary B. Larson (garbltoo@gmail.com), and the main content area displaying the site's navigation menu and welcome message. The site offers writing tools including a style manual, plain-language guide, concise writing guide, and a bookshelf of writing references. At the bottom is a (partially cut-off) quote about politics and the English language. The image shows the cover of Stephen King's book "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" with white text on a black background. The author's name "Stephen King" appears at the top in large text, followed by a horizontal line, then the subtitle "A Memoir of the Craft" in smaller text, another horizontal line, and finally the main title "On Writing" in large text at the bottom. A humorous image showing a raccoon at a podium with its arms raised in victory, appearing to give a political speech. The raccoon is surrounded by other raccoons in what looks like a campaign rally setting with blue banners in the background. At the bottom of the podium is a circular logo featuring a raccoon design. This accompanies an article titled "Elect a Raccoon Overlord" dated 08/26/2025, with text explaining that the 2022 Global Constitution requires the election of a Raccoon Overlord every four years, starting in 2022. There is also an alert box at the top (under the article title) that says "This content has been very graciously shared by Sarah Walker, who will forevermore be known as The Raccoon Overlord Lady."
September 15, 2025 at 10:01 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
Listen to S3:E18 to learn why we affectionately refer to Sarah Walker (@quesarahsera.bsky.social) as the “Raccoon Overlord Lady” and to hear how Sarah has incorporated wisdom from her yoga practice into her technical writing practice! 🦝🧘‍♀️✍️

thenotboringtechwriter.com/episodes/yog...
Quote image with a light blue background and dark blue text. The main quote reads: "I hope [my] docs help the readers learn what they need to learn, do what they need to do, and get on with their day with less stress, tension, and frustration... It's a small thing, but maybe I'm making someone else's life a little bit better." Attribution shows "– Sarah Walker, a.k.a. the Raccoon Overlord Lady". Bottom section displays The Not-Boring Tech Writer podcast’s logo in blue lettering; “Season 3, Episode 18" text; and a photo of a raccoon overlord with raised arms standing at a podium.
September 11, 2025 at 8:12 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
5 ways to make docs easier to digest from S3:E17! 🍽️ 📚
Light gray background with blue heading "5 ways to make docs easier to digest:" followed by a numbered list in dark blue text: "1. Provide a summary, synopsis, TL;DR, or 1-2 context-setting sentences at the start of a doc or each section. 2. Use strong page titles and headings, avoiding general catch-alls like 'Frequently Asked Questions.' 3. Format your content consistently using semantic elements like sequential headings. 4. Use callouts, warnings, or admonitions sparingly but in consistent ways. 5. Practice screenshot restraint." Bottom attribution reads "From Season 3, Episode 17 of The Not-Boring Tech Writer.”
August 28, 2025 at 3:13 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
Permission from Kate to prioritize your continual learning and professional development! 📚
Light blue/green and purple spot gradient background with lightbulb emoji at top. Main heading reads "Advice from Kate:" followed by a quote: "Give yourself some explicit time to learn about one area you've been meaning to learn more about and haven't been able to prioritize. And if anyone gives you crap about prioritizing that over other tasks, just blame it on me. It's what I'm here for." Attribution reads "– Kate Mueller, S3:17". Bottom left shows "The Not-Boring Tech Writer" logo. Bottom right shows photo of Kate Mueller, the host of The Not-Boring Tech Writer podcast.
August 27, 2025 at 9:34 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
We’re excited about the upcoming Information Architecture Master Class that will be led by our host, Kate Mueller. 🎓😊

TNBTW listeners can use coupon code "NOTBORING" to save $600 USD (40% off the full price)!

🔗 Sign up here before September 16: thenotboringtechwriter.com/learning
Information Architecture Master Class Taught by Kate Mueller of knowledge with sass and The Not-Boring Tech Writer Sign up at thenotboringtechwriter.com/learning
August 21, 2025 at 3:01 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
🖼️ We’ve added 2 wall art products to our merch store!

www.teepublic.com/poster-and-a...

www.teepublic.com/poster-and-a...
Wall art related to The Not-Boring Tech Writer podcast that says: 4 web accessibility best practices* 1. Use semantic headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.) Screen readers rely on proper heading structure to navigate content and create an outline for users with visual impairments. 2. Maintain heading hierarchy (don't skip levels) For example, jumping from H1 to H3 confuses assistive technologies and makes content harder to understand. 3. Write descriptive link text For example, "Learn about accessibility standards" is more helpful than "click here" for people using screen readers who may navigate by scanning links. 4. Provide meaningful alt text for images Alt text ensures people who can't see images can still understand their content and purpose. *These accessibility suggestions were shared by Kenzie Woodbridge in Season 3, Episode 6 of The Not-Boring Tech Writer podcast and mentioned again by Kate Mueller in Season 3, Episode 7. Wall art related to The Not-Boring Tech Writer podcast that says: "Tech writers are a bit like gardeners. We gather the seeds of knowledge and we try to plant, nourish, and water them so they can grow into full, useful knowledge. And when they're not useful anymore, we rip them out and begin that process again." – Kate Mueller, Season 3, Episode 9
August 18, 2025 at 9:42 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
In our latest episode (S3:E16), Ryan Macklin (@ryanmacklin.bsky.social) talks about being a “Docs Nursemaid” and designing docs for all emotional states (not just for happy users!).

🎧 thenotboringtechwriter.com/episodes/emp...
Social media graphic with blue gradient background featuring a document icon with a heart inside it. Text reads: “Ever feel like you're a “Docs Nursemaid”? Ryan Macklin gets it! Listen to S3:E16 to learn about designing docs for all emotional states.” Includes a circular photo of Ryan Macklin and four emoji (😬😖🥱🧐) representing different emotional states. The Not-Boring Tech Writer logo appears at bottom.
August 14, 2025 at 2:26 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
KnowledgeOwl’s 4-week Information Architecture Master Class (taught by Kate Mueller) starts on September 16!

TNBTW listeners can use coupon code "NOTBORING" during checkout to save $600!

Register: thenotboringtechwriter.com/learning
Linus (KnowledgeOwl’s owl mascot) standing in front of a chalkboard while holding a teacher’s pointing stick.
August 6, 2025 at 4:28 PM
thenotboringtechwriter.com
We just added a “Podcast Linus” design to our merch store! 🦉

Feel free to let us know if you have any merch ideas. 🙂

www.teepublic.com/user/the-not...
A white t-shirt with Linus (KnowledgeOwl’s owl mascot) in the center next to a podcast studio microphone. The link to The Not-Boring Tech Writer’s merch store is at the bottom of the image: teepublic.com/user/the-not-boring-tech-writer
August 5, 2025 at 9:39 PM