UAB Digital Commons (Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham)

Moore, Lauren

4
MEMORANDUM
Creative and 
Professional Writing: 
What to Do if You’re 
Interested in Both
Lauren Moore
As new students come pouring into UAB 
every fall, some know exactly what to study. 
However, the majority of the lower classmen 
are going to explore their options, possibly 
making changes to their career paths along 
the way through some process of trial and 
error.  
 For some, this process goes a step further-a 
student may find the right subject matter to 
study, but what about the concentration? I 
struggled with this decision myself. After 
changing my major a few different times and 
feeling unsatisfied, I realized what I felt I 
should really be studying was English. 
However, I found my insecurities with my 
major surfacing once again when I was faced 
with finding a concentration. There were 
many stigma that clouded my judgement 
when I looked to pick a concentration. I have 
always loved constructing fiction and other 
forms of creative writing, but was it practical 
enough?
 I enjoyed being on the newspaper staff in 
high school, and writing in a professional 
sense. Would it in fact be more beneficial to 
my career to be a professional writer despite 
my passion for crafting stories? I had to find 
out. 
Through this article, I hope to not only 
break some of the stigmas surrounding both 
concentrations, but to also give insight to 
careers that allow individuals who might be 
interested in both concentrations, a way to 
exercise both.
Oftentimes when people ask me what I’m 
studying, I don’t specify creative writing. 
I’ve grown tired of the judgemental 
comments and looks that some offer to me 
in response. Many stigmatize that studying 
creative writing can only result in a teaching 
job. However, this idea could not be further 
from the truth. In fact, the creative writing 
concentration opens you up to a wide range 
of possibilities. 
The creative writing concentration teaches 
you how to be a skillful, observant writer. 
Creative writers are taught to take words 
and pair them in ways that are visually and 
audibly pleasing to the reader. While a short 
story and a term paper are very different in 
content, they both require skillful writing. 
This concentration will provide you with 
these skills.
There are many careers that can come from 
this concentration, including publishing, 
marketing, and journalism, proving that 
creative writing can be a very practical 
concentration.
The idea that first struck me when 
I considered a professional writing 
concentration was that it was boring. I 
immediately feared that there was no 
way I could be creative in my carrer, like I 
wanted to be, with a professional writing 
concentration. Again, this idea is a stigma 
associated with the concentration that is 
far from the truth. There are many ways 
to be creative with a professional writing 
concentration.
Professional writing is an interesting 
concentration because it is essentially 
applicable everywhere. Students in this 
concentration will learn to develop skills in 
technical writing, editing, and publishing. 
These skills are useful both in the print 
and digital media worlds. Not only can 
professional writers find work as editors and 
publishers, but they can find work with any 
company that requires a skilled writer.
The thing to keep in mind with both of these 
concentrations is that they teach you how to 
write, and how to write well. It often comes 
down to how you advertise yourself when 
you interview for a job. If you are able to 
assure your employer that you have the 
necessary skills to get the job done, that’s 
often all that matters.
There are some opportunities that allow 
you to use both of these concentrations at 
once. For instance, some literary magazine 
publishers and editors get to enjoy both 
piecing together the magazine and 
submitting their own creative work as well. 
At the end of the day, these concentrations 
are what you allow them to be; if you really 
look deep and explore all of your options, 
there will be something there for you.
Creative Writing Offers 
More Than You Think
The Two Concentrations 
Can Collaborate
Professional Writing is Not 
as Rigid as it Seems


English

Creative and Professional Writing: What to Do if You\u27re Interested in Both

Robbins, Jessica

9
V4I2
Rhetoric and Discourse in 
Professional Writing
Jessica Robbins
When it comes to discussing hotly debated 
issues, it is never easy to talk to someone 
with whom we disagree. It is even harder to 
write about these issues since it is difficult 
to know exactly how our words will be 
perceived by those who disagree with us. If 
the language is hostile and unsympathetic 
to those who find themselves on the “other 
side” of the argument, it is very likely that 
these individuals will become frustrated and 
simply stop reading. This becomes a huge 
problem for the writer because the ones who 
disagree with us are often the very people 
whom we want to receive our message. 
The professional writer has a unique 
disadvantage when it comes to writing 
about sensitive topics, because a professional 
writer writes strictly non-fiction. While a 
creative writer has the luxury of hiding their 
ideas behind fictional characters and literary 
critics conveniently mask their opinions 
by critiquing literature and not necessarily 
actual situations, professional writers have 
to discuss controversial ideas candidly and 
openly. It brings the author to an important 
question: How do writers stand firm in their 
own opinions while being considerate of 
those who share a staunchly different view? 
There may not be an easy answer to this 
question, but there are certainly steps we 
can take as professional writers to ensure 
that our ideas are at least heard. According 
to the director of the professional writing 
program at UAB, Dr. Bruce McComiskey, 
finding common ground is, without a doubt, 
the most important step when engaging in 
any type of discourse. Expressing interest 
in a shared concern is always the best place 
to start because it lets the other party know 
that you understand why they would be 
upset about a particular issue. McComiskey 
continues by saying that it is never a good 
idea to start with your own personal view if 
it directly opposes someone else’s. Finding 
an element of connection is important in 
making sure that no one is immediately 
shut out. We must communicate that we 
know and understand the other side’s 
argument before we move forward with the 
conversation. 
The next step in this process is, of course, 
engaging in the conversation. This can 
be incredibly difficult to accomplish as a 
writer considering the other party is often 
not present at the time that the arguments 
are being made. It is hard to understand 
exactly when and where a particular idea, 
phrase, sentence, or choice of wording is 
going to discourage a reader. Therefore,we 
must vigilantly ensure that we are never 
condescending toward a specific belief or 
ideology in our writing. 
Making sure that condescension stays out 
of our work is often equally as difficult a 
challenge, though. There is no way to predict 
exactly the way in which every word will 
be perceived, but there are precautions 
that writers can take to reach the largest 
number of people possible. According to 
McComiskey, one of the rhetorical devices 
that individuals use all too frequently is the 
passive voice. It removes the controversy in 
a lot of ways, he says, but it does not move 
the conversation forward in any way, which 
defeats the purpose of writing about these 
subjects in the first place. McComiskey 
states: “If the goal is to offend, then offend.” 
It is important to say what you want to say 
instead of tip-toeing around it in an effort not 
to hurt someone’s feelings. The reality of the 
situation remains that a conversation is not 
going to take place if we do not talk about 
the issues that hurt people’s feelings. 
Arguably the most important element of 
writing about heavily debated subjects in a 
respectful and civil manner is not to inject 
opinions into places that they do not belong. 
It is important to listen more than we speak. 
For writers, this means reading heavily and 
frequently as it relates to the topics about 
which we write. We need to understand 
where the conversation stands at the present 
moment before we offer an opinion. In 
dealing with written discourse, reading other 
people’s work also gives writers clues as to 
what works and what does not work when 
approaching sensitive topics. 
Writing about problems that evoke strong 
feelings and emotions is no easy task 
regardless of the chosen method. It requires 
transparency, vulnerability, a willingness 
to understand the other point of view, and 
usually, a consent to have your own beliefs 
criticized. Identifying with and establishing 
an area of common interest is the most 
important step we can take in these written 
conversations to be sure that everyone 
knows they are respected and heard, 
regardless of their beliefs on the matter. 
Writers should always keep the opposing 
party in mind in order to reach the largest 
audience possible and communicate that 
we are listening as much or more than 
we are talking. Keeping the conversation 
open ensures that we are actively seeking 
a solution to these issues and not simply 
fighting with each other to get our own way.


Rhetoric and Discourse in Professional Writing

Turner, Mallorie A

Memorandum 
Volume 7 Issue 1 Article 6 
2019 
Freelancing Tips for Professional Writers 
Mallorie A. Turner 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/memorandum 
 Part of the Technical and Professional Writing Commons 
Recommended Citation 
Turner, Mallorie A. (2019) "Freelancing Tips for Professional Writers," Memorandum: Vol. 7: Iss. 1, Article 
6. 
Available at: https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/memorandum/vol7/iss1/6 
This content has been accepted for inclusion by an authorized administrator of the UAB Digital Commons, and is 
provided as a free open access item. All inquiries regarding this item or the UAB Digital Commons should be 
directed to the UAB Libraries Office of Scholarly Communication. 
Volume 7 Edition 1 2019
9
Freelancing Tips for Professional Writers
Turner, Mallorie A
 The option of being a freelancer has gained more appeal over the past few years. As 
the freelance economy increases, the options for professional writers to enter the 
independent workforce appear more prevalent. The allure of freelancing stems from 
the desire to be your own boss, make your own rules, and never having to risk being 
laid off with no financial compensation. I am a professional writer who sees freelanc-
ing as nirvana in amidst the apocalyptic job market that currently wages in America. 
I was recently contracted to write articles for a local newspaper, marking the first 
time I have ever done this type of work.  Having steady opportunities to he contract-
ed by larger entities is not as common as one would think in the freelancing market. 
I have composed a I was unsure of what went into beginning a freelance writing 
business of my own, so I compiled a list of the most important aspects that went 
into creating a stable one. Sharing this list will hopefully influence those profession-
al writers or any genre of writer to transform their freelancing dreams into reality. 
The Cons of Freelancing 
It goes without saying that you will have to work long hours as a freelance writer. 
40+ hour work weeks with the possibility of your check from a previous job not 
coming through on time. These obstacles can be said of most any job. The issue to 
be most considered by potential freelance writers boils down to clientele and how 
difficult exchanges can happen. Freelancers from every profession have reported 
working with clients who have forwent paying them, insulted them, or change 
the perspective of a project so much that most of the completed work had to be 
scrapped. Be discerning when choosing clients to work for. Having discernment 
does not equate to being discriminatory, you are merely evaluating who will better 
respect you as a worker. Imagine being contracted to produce a technical document 
for a small business. You complete the assignment in full even with the contractor’s 
overzealous content changes and odd business practices. Now you come to find that 
the contractor will not surrender your paycheck for reasons undisclosed. Remember 
to be polite in these situations and send out invoices as soon as possible to prioritize 
your getting paid. Politeness always goes a long way and you will retain profession-
alism if you take the high road.  
MEMORANDUM  
10
Use Your Resources to Network 
The great thing about living in the cyber-age is how a massive amount of employ-
ment website resources are available at your fingertips. These websites are many, 
but the best ones are hard to pin down. Good websites for writing professionals 
looking for freelancing work are Freelancer.com, Upwork.com, and LinkedIn Jobs 
among others. Networking can be done through these websites which can be good 
for future business ventures. Websites like these also have the options to condense 
search results for users to choose to apply for remote job opportunities. Remote 
jobs are another cool part of being a freelance writer given that you are not easily 
distracted by your surroundings. Most remote work is done at home, a place where 
your attention can be taken away by a number of things. Social media has the power 
to open unimaginable opportunities, so do not be afraid to reach out to other free-
lance writers are probe them for insight.
Never Stop Learning Your Craft
Whether you are a graduate with a professional concentration or are still working 
towards your degree, never stop learning how to write. Honing your talents as a 
professional writer does not end once you earn your degree. Consider giving your-
self projects of your own to complete. This will give you opportunities to master 
skills like document designing, proofreading and editing, and writing for popular 
periodicals. The added benefit is these projects can be put into a portfolio and used 
to advertise your skill sets to potential employers. Freelance writing portfolios are 
great for stepping into a full-time business!
Do Not Let Failures Define Your Freelancing Experience
As with any endeavor, encountering failures as a freelance writer are inevitable. 
There will be rejection when pitching concepts to potential employers. Some op-
portunities may not pay enough for the amount work needed to finish the project. 
Do not lose faith in yourself as a professional. Remember that you freelance as a 
legitimate occupation. You would not give up when issues arise on a full-time job, so 
know how to brave through them on your own time. Your failures only make for a 
stronger business in the end. 


Freelancing Tips for Professional Writers

Staff, Memorandum

 MEMORANDUM
P W
R C
Professional
R
he
to
ric
Composition
W
riting
The Professional Writing Club at UAB
A group of Professional Writing (PW) majors have come 
together to form a club, which will be designed to provide 
extracurricular experience related to the subject. The club 
will be open to anyone who wishes to join. Faculty advisor 
Dr. Jeffrey Bacha will be available to assist the students, but 
this will be a student-run club, driven by student interest. 
PW is a concentration within the English department that is 
focused less on writing about literature and art and more on 
writing for the general business world. All industries need 
skilled writers to create internal documents as well as ma-
terial to be released to the public. This is when professional 
writers are brought in.
The club’s first order of business will be to get official 
recognition from the university, joining the list of over 150 
different student organizations with a wide range of focuses. 
Official status boosts an organization’s credibility, which is 
essential for booking guest speakers, hold functions using 
UAB facilities, and so on. Steps in this process include elect-
ing officers, forming committees, and drafting a constitu-
tion, just to name a few.
The club will aim to serve its members in a number of 
important areas related to life after graduation. Students 
will learn about writing good résumés, which is an im-
portant skill for absolutely anyone. Students will also gain 
experience with industry standard software, such as Photo-
shop and InDesign. Being able to present documents attrac-
tively can be as important as writing the articles themselves. 
Standing out from the crowd is important when trying to 
get a good job, and helping students stand out as much as 
possible will be one the club’s primary goals.
Another way the club will benefit its members will be 
inviting guest speakers and industry experts to come and 
address the club. Learning from a current member of the 
professional workforce provides invaluable insight into the 
professional world after graduation. This is yet another way 
that the club will be of use to its members: providing experi-
ence that goes beyond what can be learned from classroom 
instruction alone.
The members of the PW Club hope the organization will 
not only help people enhance their résumés and improve 
their prospects, but that it will also provide them with a 
more precise understanding of what professional writing 
is. And, perhaps more importantly, students will see why 
effective communication can be such a valuable tool to any 
aspiring professional. So please, try to come and see what 
the club may have to offer you. No matter how qualified 
you are, it can only be to your benefit to increase your desir-
ability as a potential employee by learning effective com-
munication skills. To get involved, or find out more about 
the club, contact Dr. Bacha at jbacha@uab.edu.


Professional Writing Club at UAB

Gissendaner, Ethan

Memorandum (student 
professional writing magazine) 
Volume 1 Number 2 Article 13 
2013 
Discover the Magic at TEDx 
Ethan Gissendaner 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/memorandum 
 Part of the Technical and Professional Writing Commons 
Recommended Citation 
Gissendaner, Ethan (2013) "Discover the Magic at TEDx," Memorandum (student professional writing 
magazine): Vol. 1: No. 2, Article 13. 
Available at: https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/memorandum/vol1/iss2/13 
This content has been accepted for inclusion by an authorized administrator of the UAB Digital Commons, and is 
provided as a free open access item. All inquiries regarding this item or the UAB Digital Commons should be 
directed to the UAB Libraries Office of Scholarly Communication. 
13
MEMORANDUM
Discover the Magic at TEDx
By Ethan Gissendaner
TEDx (x meaning independently organized) is coming 
to Birmingham with many ideas worth spreading and the 
message that this city is still a place worthy of its magical 
moniker. TEDx is similar to the original TED conference, 
though there are differences (learn more about the 
distinctions here ). It is a day-long seminar 
featuring numerous local speakers who are 
pioneering the renaissance of Birmingham 
and have unique stories and inspiration 
to share with Birmingham residents.
For a young professional seeking 
experience and career opportunities, 
TEDx is a great platform for 
exposure and inspiration. It is 
beneficial to anyone considering 
the job market in Birmingham 
(or just seeking a reason to 
love the city). Co-organizer 
Matthew Hamilton feels 
that the conference is all 
about the city’s future and 
reminds residents of all ages 
that they can be a part of the 
cityís ongoing revitalization. 
Numerous speakers with a 
spectrum of titles such as 
star chef, professor, nonprofit 
director, prodigy cellist, etc. will 
be sharing how they have made 
the most of the opportunities 
available in Birmingham. They 
will also be pointing out that 
there are plenty more opportunities 
awaiting to be seized. These scheduled 
speakers have found rewarding careers 
by investing in their city. They have 
discovered the magic of Birmingham 
and intend to inspire all who attend to 
discover, or rediscover, it for themselves. 
For students, especially those aware of the blemishes in 
Birmingham’s past and present, recognizing opportunity 
or value in the city may be difficult. Organizers are hoping 
the conference will offer appealing local perspectives 
for college aged students who might intend to leave the 
city after graduation. TEDx intends to spur attendees to 
action, whether in career decisions or by joining the local 
revitalization movement by presenting avenues in which 
students can connect their passions to Birmingham. The 
hope is that ideas do not stop flowing when the conference 
ends. TEDx seeks to be a catalyst of sorts to combine 
student’s ideas with experienced community 
leaders in order to impact the community. This 
is the main goal of TEDxBirmingham and 
one that could greatly benefit any student 
willing to engage. These speakers and 
the audience will additionally provide 
incredible networking opportunities 
that could be valuable immediately 
or in future dealings. Having 
sponsors like Regions Bank, 
Birmingham Business Journal, 
Weld, Baker Donnelson Law 
Firm, and Innovation Depot 
makes TEDxBirmingham a 
formidable event and shows 
that major employers have 
a vested interest in the 
future of this city as well. 
The event will be held at the 
Alabama Theatre and will 
feature food tasting from award 
winning chef Chris Hastings 
and local entertainment in 
addition to their speakers. 
In order to attend this even 
an application is required in 
order to ensure the audience is 
diverse and relevant. Although the 
deadline to apply has passed, anyone 
can attend virtually via the official 
livestream on Saturday March 1. 
TEDxBirmingham is for anyone who 
calls Birmingham home whether by simple 
location or emotional connection. It is for 
professors and stay-at-home moms, for twentysomethings 
and the retired, for professional writing, undergrads 
and rhetoric and composition graduate students. 
TEDxBirmingham has ideas to share and a future 
to inspire. And whether attending live or online, for 
Birmingham residents, there is magic to be found. 


Discover the Magic at TEDx

Sanders, Sullivan

Memorandum (student 
professional writing magazine) 
Volume 1 Number 2 Article 15 
2013 
Write Your Way In: How Lit Clasess Can Benefit PW Students 
Sullivan Sanders 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/memorandum 
 Part of the Technical and Professional Writing Commons 
Recommended Citation 
Sanders, Sullivan (2013) "Write Your Way In: How Lit Clasess Can Benefit PW Students," Memorandum 
(student professional writing magazine): Vol. 1: No. 2, Article 15. 
Available at: https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/memorandum/vol1/iss2/15 
This content has been accepted for inclusion by an authorized administrator of the UAB Digital Commons, and is 
provided as a free open access item. All inquiries regarding this item or the UAB Digital Commons should be 
directed to the UAB Libraries Office of Scholarly Communication. 
1 5
MEMORANDUM
Write Your Way In: How Lit Clasess 
Can Benefit PW Students
By Sullivan Sanders
The responsibilities and expectations of a professional 
writer are always directly proportionate to and dependent 
on the desires of the writer’s employer, usually an editor 
of the publication. The relationship with this employer 
is the only aspect ensuring the continuation of a writer’s 
employment assuming that his or her initial hiring was 
based on the writer’s ability to write. As a student, your 
continued employment comes in the form of satisfactory 
grades and eventually sources for positive references. 
In my time as a student majoring in English and 
concentrating in professional writing and public discourse 
the relationships I have had with my professors have 
similarly affected my grades as in the professional world 
that relationship would affect the writer’s employment. 
In the professional world there are deadlines, length 
specifications, desired voices for particular audiences,etc.. 
These expectations are just the same for a student.
COURSES
Currently, there is a course offered here at the University 
of Alabama at Birmingham listed as EH488/588 British 
Novel: The Modern Age. Bear in mind this course 
requires a substantial amount of reading – a novel per 
week to be specific – though it is the lessons learned as a 
writer that someone in the PW concentration can really 
benefit. In the course there is, as stated, a novel to be 
read each week and along with that a minimum of three 
pages to be written on the style, form, and voice of the 
novel. Each  week you turn in a paper and receive your 
paper from the week prior, which is sometimes heavy 
with red ink – but that’s the point. 
As in the professional world, your performance is under 
close watch and is constantly being critiqued – but 
it doesn’t end there. The point is to respond to those 
critiques by utilizing them as a way to evaluate and 
improve your own work. Additionally, as there is an 
assignment due each week, the concept and importance 
of deadlines is inherently instilled in each student. 
EH488/588 is not unlike other literature courses aside 
from the mere rapidity and repetition that it offers. 
Here’s a list of available English courses with their 
respective descriptions. With each graded and critiqued 
paper that is returned to the student should come at 
least one particular aspect of the student’s work that 
he or she will now know they need to improve on. 
The course allows visible advancements in a writer’s 
ability to be made from week to week and at the 
same time ensures improvement in a writer’s own 
voice by requiring such a heavy load of reading.
GROWTH MENTALITY
The idea is this: all English and literature courses should 
be viewed as training and exercise for the real world 
of professional writing. If a student can constructively 
evaluate his or her work based on a professor’s critiques 
and make the necessary adjustments to improve all 
while, at the same time, keep up with due dates and 
assignment specifications, then the training and 
exercise found in literature courses is truly invaluable 
to the ability of a professional writing student. 


Write Your Way In: How Lit Clasess Can Benefit PW Students

Patrick, Stephanie

Vol. 2 Iss. 1, Fall 2014
7
Blogging itself isn’t all that new of a 
medium. That is, it didn’t just burst 
from the ground one day after a major 
Pintrest trend hit Facebook. The concept 
of blogging, “web-logging” for those who 
dislike truncations, has floated around 
the Internet for as long as people could 
code HTML into forums. Its popularity 
has skyrocketed in the last decade, as 
the story-sharing platforms available 
to us have evolved more user-friendly 
tools and as companies, both small and 
large, are taking advantage of blogging’s 
marketing capabilities. In this age of the 
web, literally anyone can start a blog, 
and use it however they please—wheth-
er it’s to share personal diary entries, 
recipes, or to educate the public about a 
cause. 
It can be argued that blogging is one 
of the most powerful journalistic writing 
tools on the Internet. For example, Tum-
blr, one of the most expansive blogging 
platforms on the Internet, can circulate 
original and reposted information before 
major news networks can even draft cue 
cards for the evening segments. News 
and media, from photography to audio to 
video, can travel in the blink of an eye to 
millions of users at once through simple 
publication tools. That’s why companies 
and organizations—such as, Modcloth 
(an increasingly popular vintage-style 
clothing site) and Den of Geek (a news 
source for all things nerdy)—take advan-
tage of professional writing skills to craft 
expertly written articles for their multi-
tude of site visitors and readers.
“It’s becoming more of an 
imperative in the professional 
writing industry to understand 
blogs than a side hobby.”
Perhaps the most essential compo-
nent of blogs that professional writers 
should seek to maximize is interaction 
potential. More often than ever, blogs 
are being designed like websites, with 
media packets, commentability, and 
links to outside sources. With these 
potential interactions, writers who 
freelance or even score employment gigs 
with major blogs can broaden their expe-
rience and further delve into the digital 
age. Eventually, the professional writer 
who hopes to accept a position with ma-
jorly popular magazines like Bon Appetit 
or Glamour is going to be evaluated on 
their ability to analyze crowd patterns 
and take their writing to the web, where 
more and more publications are spread-
ing their branches.
only alumni and current students on the 
university’s circulation, but to the gen-
eral public as well. With these blogs, you 
can keep up with the latest on a range of 
subjects, including Alys Stevenson Cen-
ter information, The Sterne Library, and 
even the happenings of Study Abroad 
students. 
On the other hand, blogging might be 
one of the most difficult media platforms 
to utilize for the budding professional 
writer. The success of blogs depends on 
visitor counts, commentary, and pop-
ularity measured in views, all of which 
require Search Engine Optimization (a 
specialty that can be difficult to mas-
ter) and social media usage in order to 
spread the word about a blog or set of 
blogs. Blogs represent a third dimension 
of writing that includes interactive code, 
and more employers are looking for 
professional writers that aren’t afraid to 
dirty their pen-happy fingers with digital 
diligence. 
It’s becoming more of an imperative 
in the professional writing industry to 
understand blogs than a side hobby; 
blogs have limitless potential, and some 
personal blogs can even house smart, 
interactive resumes and portfolios to 
showcase to employers. Many profes-
sional writers can use blogs to hone their 
writing skills and develop networking 
and connectivity that will boost their 
chances of becoming recognized in the 
vast blogging community. Developing 
those previously mentioned Search En-
gine Optimization techniques can boost 
your popularity as well, and as those of 
us who frequent our favorite blogs know, 
popularity, content, and interactabili-
ty can mean the difference between a 
passive hobby and a settled job for the 
professional writer.
Sites such as Wordpress and Blogspot help 
writers build professional blogs with custom-
izable layouts.
Limitless Potential
Not every blog for which professional 
writers are hired to write is a fashion, 
baking, or art blog, popular as they 
might seem. The University of Alabama 
at Birmingham has a blog archive that 
uses, for example, technical writers to 
assist the blogs in purveying school, 
research, and medical information to not 
by Stephanie Patrick
Blogging and the World of Professional Writing


Blogging and the World of Professional Writing

Williams, Devin G

T e c h n o l o g y
14
Many of  today’s most impressive tools are not physical, but digital. Discov-ering the availability and abundance 
of  current software that makes dozens 
of  otherwise dreadful tasks ‘behave’ has 
been one of  my favorite parts of  com-
pleting my writing minor at UAB. And I 
know you wouldn’t disagree that today’s 
professional writers require nothing 
short of  such technological resources on 
a regular basis. By now you’ve certainly 
learned that there is more to being a pro-
fessional writer than merely the writing 
process! There are programs I’ve learned 
about over the past few semesters that 
I wish I had known about sooner, for 
greater ease of  organizing, constructing, 
and editing my projects. I will share a 
few of  those programs with you now.
Scribus
This desktop publishing software will 
make your efforts look just as profes-
sional as mainstream media. That goes 
for brochures, reports, magazines, mem-
os and more. Once you get the hang 
of  using it, tasks such as creating and 
applying master pages, arranging pages 
and inserting page numbers will be a 
breeze. You’ll also find that working 
with text is far more manageable than it 
is in the word processing program you 
use to actually produce your text. If  you 
want to drastically simplify the publish-
ing process and produce strikingly clean-
cut large-scale printed and/or digital 
works, you can’t go wrong with Scribus.
Inkscape
A favorite among hobbyists, artists and 
graphic designers, this vector graphics 
editing program is very useful for edit-
ing, cropping and resizing images. What 
“vector” means is that Inkscape operates 
with lines rather than pixels in display-
ing content onscreen – resulting in a 
pure, clear picture regardless of  zoom-
ing or magnification.  Identifiable by its 
inkblot mountain logo, this software will 
help you make text-based graphics full 
of  color, texture and depth as well as 
apply neat visual effects that are easier 
to achieve than you realize. Stop using 
Microsoft Word’s “Word-Art” feature 
and that archaic Paint program to do 
the job, and jump on into the world of  
Inkscape.
GIMP
Don’t let that unfamiliar little dog 
(that’s Wilbur, official GIMP mas-
cot) discourage you from integrating 
GIMP, or “GNU Image Manipulation 
Program” into your toolkit. While this 
incredibly versatile software would 
take some time to fully master, you can 
immediately benefit from learning the 
photo editing and retouching functions 
you will wield. And GIMP is certainly 
well-equipped for any text-related work 
you have in mind. On the more extreme 
end, you can pull some visual stunts 
with layer masks and image/photo com-
binations in GIMP.
For most people, using Microsoft Word 
and PowerPoint will suffice – but for 
those creating digital documents of  a 
higher caliber, superior software is a 
must. Each of  these three programs 
may seem intimidating at first, but with 
practice you’ll find it was well worth 
exploring each one (you may begin by 
viewing the short, student-made tutorial 
videos on the PWC website*). I cringe 
at the thought of  your potential being 
stifled by the limitations of  yesterday’s 
methods. You won’t miss them once you 
muster up the courage or incentive (or 
simply give into the curiosity) to down-
load and give these tools a try!
So how much will it cost you to adopt 
this software? Not a nickel. Waiting 
right now on portableapps.com are these 
programs I have just introduced, along 
with many more various apps - for free. 
You may be thinking, “I’ve been tricked 
before with the whole “free” scheme,” 
but this is no rip-off  and that is a prom-
ise. The only expense you’ll have to 
cover is the dispensable five dollars or so 
that a flash drive will cost, that is, if  you 
don’t already have one. But if  that’s still 
somehow asking too much or you’re just 
not very keen on the idea of  carrying 
your portable apps around on a flash 
drive with personal data, you can simply 
save the programs onto your desktop or 
access them through a Cloud Drive. As 
long as you have a computer with an 
internet connection, you can download 
and use these convenient – and free – 
portable apps anywhere you please.
When it comes time to download from 
portableapps.com, it may be helpful to 
know in advance that among all those 
hundreds of  categorized apps, you will 
find GIMP and Inkscape under “Graph-
ics and Pictures” and Scribus under 
“Office.” Also, downloading will take 
some time. In terms of  speed, it will be 
sort of  like going back to dial-up inter-
net all over again. But don’t worry, this 
is virtually the only necessary hassle in-
volved, which only the utmost impatient 
individuals may find somewhat tedious. 
And I am confident you have developed 
all kinds of  patience, as a diligent pro-
fessional writer with so much to offer a 
community and world needing you.
Go get those Portable Apps! M
*The address for the tutorial videos on the PWC 
website is: http://uab.orgsync.com/org/profession-
alwritingclubatuab82852/Tutorials
Portable Apps for Professional Writers 
Devin G. Williams
The Portable Apps logo.


Portable Apps for Professional Writers

Richey, Luke

Memorandum 
Volume 3 Issue 2 Article 14 
2015 
Why Do We Give a CRAP? 
Luke Richey 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/memorandum 
 Part of the Technical and Professional Writing Commons 
Recommended Citation 
Richey, Luke (2015) "Why Do We Give a CRAP?," Memorandum: Vol. 3: Iss. 2, Article 14. 
Available at: https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/memorandum/vol3/iss2/14 
This content has been accepted for inclusion by an authorized administrator of the UAB Digital Commons, and is 
provided as a free open access item. All inquiries regarding this item or the UAB Digital Commons should be 
directed to the UAB Libraries Office of Scholarly Communication. 
1 4
MEMORANDUM
Why Do We Give a CRAP?
By Luke Richey
Design permeates virtually all aspects of professional 
communication—from writing resumés, memos 
and cover letters to pitching a new product line 
or advertising an upcoming event. How that 
information looks matters and can be the difference 
between it being picked up or thrown away.
Backtrack to Fall 2014, when I had just entered my first 
professional writing course at UAB and was asked to 
design the cover for that issue of MEMORANDUM 
with absolutely no idea what or how to design.
Being a complete novice at the medium, I searched for 
help anywhere I could find it. Between Robin Williams’ 
(not the comedian) book, The Non-Designer’s Design 
Book, and a fellow UAB student and graphic design 
major, I learned a few tips that could help any professional 
writing student who wants to start dabbling in design.
Williams stresses the need, when designing, to make 
CRAP—but the good kind of CRAP. Williams’ 
CRAP stands for Contrast, repetition, Alignment 
and Proximity. Which, in a nutshell, means:
• make the design stand out and create 
an impression on the viewer
• introduce and repeat common 
themes throughout the work
• do not throw space on the page haphazardly
• organize elements in a way that 
makes the design “flow” well
When designing, a balance between consistency and 
contrast creates an effective and appealing design that 
grabs the viewer’s attention and keeps them interested. 
When designing, nothing should be arbitrary. Words, 
images, figures, etc. should work well together to 
enhance the composition rather than of weaken it.
IDENTIFY, INSPECT, INNOVATE
From the graphic design student, whose name 
unfortunately eludes me, I learned to play with colors 
and fonts, get inspiration from other sources, and make 
the design unique—tailoring it to my own preferences.
Design can be fun; don’t be afraid to play around and look 
for things that appeal to you. And yes, it’s alright to look at 
other designs and other people’s work. This inspiration can 
spark a concept—an image—that takes from that design 
and works well with what’s already visualized in your head.
Finally, remember to create your own brand, a design 
that is unique to you and your personality. Just like 
writing, creating a design that does not fit you can 
come off as stale and uninteresting. Trial and error 
is always a part of the process and will make your 
designs that much better.  


Why Do We Give a CRAP?

Faustmann, Andrew

Memorandum 
Volume 3 Issue 2 Article 17 
2015 
A Pro Writer’s Path to Grad School 
Andrew Faustmann 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/memorandum 
 Part of the Technical and Professional Writing Commons 
Recommended Citation 
Faustmann, Andrew (2015) "A Pro Writer’s Path to Grad School," Memorandum: Vol. 3: Iss. 2, Article 17. 
Available at: https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/memorandum/vol3/iss2/17 
This content has been accepted for inclusion by an authorized administrator of the UAB Digital Commons, and is 
provided as a free open access item. All inquiries regarding this item or the UAB Digital Commons should be 
directed to the UAB Libraries Office of Scholarly Communication. 
1 7
MEMORANDUM
A Pro Writer’s Path to Grad School
By Andrew Faustmann
Many students attend grad school to concentrate their 
skills and knowledge for their future career; however, 
not every school is going to have the curriculum that 
supports your personal goals. Instead of wasting two 
years of school and several thousand dollars, make sure 
to research each school carefully before applying. 
WHERE SHOULD YOU ATTEND?
When searching programs that will further your 
professional writing skills, be aware of the various 
names for each program. Many will be called “Rhetoric 
and Composition” or “Technical and Professional 
Writing.” However, you will sometimes find the 
term “Communication” instead of “Writing.”
This process is similar to a job search, so persistence is 
key. Depending on your proximity of school searches, 
Gradschools.com may help for a national search. If 
you are restricted to only a handful of local schools, 
you can jump straight to each school’s website.
You may want to look for a school that employs professors 
who share a similar background to your own. Many 
professors typically had or still have jobs as a professional 
writer with a corporation. This will open up networking 
opportunities and knowledge from first-hand experience.
Go to the faculty page on the English department’s 
website and look at the professors’ profiles Most professors 
will provide a short bio, recent courses, 
relevant publications and even their website, 
but you may even have to dig a little deeper. 
You can either email those professors 
directly or research their names in scholarly 
databases, such as JSTOR or Proquest.
While specific areas of study may 
not be 100% relevant to your career 
pursuits, their individual research will inform you more 
of their academic and professional interests, which 
will help you decide on the most suitable courses.
WHAT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE DO 
GRADUATE SCHOOLS OFFER?
Many schools offer financial support in the form of 
assistantships, scholarships and conference funding.
The assistantship typically includes full tuition remission 
and a stipend to survive on while you complete your degree 
in two years. Each school has different programs set up—
you could be working for the school as a tutor, research 
assistant and/or teaching assistant. This opportunity 
not only allows you to receive a fully-funded education 
but also to gain experience working at the university.
The assistantship is not for everyone, as a great full-
time job is not to be given up lightly. In this case, 
many English departments and graduate schools 
offer scholarships to assist with the cost of tuition.
It is also encouraged that you present at conferences 
related to your field of study. Even though conferences 
are directed towards those who wish to publish academic 
research, the experience gained from presenting is 
transferable to any workplace. When contemplating this, 
see if the schools offer conference funding for travel costs.
GO START APPLYING
Pursuing a graduate degree to advance your success 
as a professional writer is a great decision, yet you 
must ensure that the school you attend has a program 
that’ll help you build the skills to achieve your goals.
Search for programs, professors and courses 
that’ll help advance your skills and knowledge 
while also noting the multiple options regarding 
how you are going to pay for that education.


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