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Writers Block? You too can Write Technical Books.

By Destiny Shen posted 08-02-2019 08:58

  

We’ve all had a moment of staring at a blank Word doc feeling overwhelmed and quite honestly, hopeless. It’s writers’ block stealing your confidence.

 

Pete_S.pngPeter A. Snyder, National Accounts Manager at HarperLove and contributing author to numerous Corrugated publications advises us to simply “get started”.

Peter is a well-established writer and professional in the Corrugated industry. He has been with HarperLove for 39 years and a member of TAPPI for more than 30 years and recipient of 2016 Corrugated Lifetime Achievement Award. Pete has submitted work in HarperLove Quarterly Bulletin, “Corrugated Adhesives Preparation” (TAPPI Press), Board Converting News, and Corrugated Today.


The TAPPI team spoke to Peter to understand why writing in the Corrugated industry is his passion.

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? In college I earned extra money as a tutor for Calculus and Organic Chemistry. This gave me a forum for technical expression. Teaching came naturally to me. As I started my career with National Starch in 1980 there were opportunities to participate in writing technical documents for adhesives which helped develop my writing skills.

2. What is your work schedule like when you’re writing for a TAPPI publication?  The work schedule does not seem to change. There is a large base of customers with changing needs that need attention, which leads to abundant travel. I use travel time as an opportunity to catch up on my writing assignments.

 3. What advice do you have for anyone considering writing for a TAPPI publication? The best advice I can provide is to get started. Writing is a skill that can be developed especially when there is a personal passion for the topic. As a few years pass and your subject knowledge grows, the ability to articulate on the written page will gain momentum and provide professional satisfaction.

There you have it. Spoken from a true writing professional. Start writing and don’t knock yourself for not being great. It takes experience and you’ll get better.

If you have any questions about TAPPI Press or TAPPI book you can reach out to JJensen@tappi.org.


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