Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jul 1981

Technical and Creative Writing: Common Process, Common Goals

Steven Zachary Rothmel Iowa State University

Abstract

Creative and technical writing share definite, but seldom realized, affinities. Like the fiction writer, the engineer and the scientist must realize that writing is a creative process rather than a reflex action if they are to communicate successfully. Often, professional advancement depends on the ability to present and to interpret factual information coherently and effectively. Although technical writing presents factual information and creative writing fictional information, both crafts adhere to the same underlying rhetorical principles in order to create their desired effects. This article examines those shared principles that make technical writing more than a prosaic exercise and allow writers to express themselves meaningfully. The role of imagination in this craft is also explored.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1981-07-01
DOI
10.2190/1qhb-1vck-m6d7-jpne
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Open Access
Closed
Topics
rhetorical criticism creative writing technical communication
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References (7)

  1. Pearson K., The Grammar of Science, J. M. Dent & Sons Ltd., London, p. 31, 1937.
  2. Luedtke G., Why Should Master Plans Make Dull Reading? Planning, p. 17, March 1978.
  3. Holmes O. W. (1970)
    Modern Rhetoric
  4. Aristotle, On Prose Style, Cunningham J. V. (ed.), The Problem of Style, Fawcett Publications, New York, p. 7…
  5. Einstein A. and Infeld L., The Evolution of Physics, Simon and Schuster, New York, p. 5, 1942.
Show all 7 →
  1. The Student as Consultant (1979)
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. Opportunities for the Technical Writing Teacher (1979)
    The Technical Writing Teacher
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