Bridging the Gap: The Dual Mind of a Writer

When I was 10, I used to write a diary. I always thought my dream was to be something related to writing, like an author of a book or something more like a journalist. At that time, I never imagined that I would eventually become a writer, albeit a type of writer that had never crossed my mind. I delved into various forms of professional writing previously unknown to my juvenile self.

Therefore, I am here to share my experiences and journey as I entered several realms of professional writing, including News Writing, Content Writing, Copywriting, SEO Writing, Scriptwriting, and even Technical Writing, and how I managed to navigate them all.

A Brief Journey of Me Becoming a Professional Writer

Mia, Moa, Mala—these three diary names evoked laughter and tenderness as I read them. They chronicled the journey of my life, the evolution of my emotions, and the development of my writing. In brief, Mia represented my diary during middle school, Moa (inspired by Moana) was my high school diary, and Mala (given by my favorite person) became my diary during the early days of college.

Yes, I ceased writing in my diary during my first semester of college. During that time, I immersed myself in the more professional realms of writing, specifically News Writing and SEO Writing. Learning these two disciplines on my own was a challenging feat.

The journey into the world of professional writing continued. Oh, by the way, I majored in communication, and I am grateful for the knowledge I gained about writing and speaking skills. However, no specific courses covered all aspects of writing simultaneously, and I was aware of that. Hence, I decided to explore it on my own.

As time passed, I opted for an independent internship that started in my fourth semester. Thanks to unforeseen circumstances that everyone, including myself, detested—COVID-19—I found my first internship opportunity. I applied for an internship as a News Writer and Journalist at West Sumatra's Department of Communication and Informatics. After that, I delved into the intricacies of SEO Writing during a four-month internship at a mobile application and live-streaming service company. Here, I focused on working and deepening my understanding of technical aspects related to SEO and creative elements associated with content writing. 

After trying my hand at various writing fields. I began to feel inclined towards the SEO side. However, at one point, I suddenly realized that I had never attempted technical writing. 

And this is where, at iSeller, I seized the opportunity to work and delve deeper into technical writing. This adjustment marked a significant milestone for me, as I had never explored the technical aspect of writing before. Where it's the art of explaining how to use a technology to  non-expert users using easy-to-understand language. Such as, creating manuals and guides for installers or iSeller users to use when receiving their new product.

After more than a year as a Technical Writer, I had the chance to transition and take on a new position as a Creative Writer. As in this position, I bear the responsibility of crafting copy, scripts, and overseeing its SEO—harkening back to the skills I honed before joining iSeller.

Then, someone asked me, 'How did you navigate it all? How did you try various types of professional writing and successfully transition to technical and creative writing?

Okay, now I'll share with you how I managed it. 

Here's Why the Brain is Our Best Feature

The divide between creative and technical writing often seems insurmountable in the writing world. Imagine how a writer could successfully bridge this gap by dividing their brain, allowing them to navigate the realms of creativity and technicality seamlessly. This unique approach sheds light on the fascinating journey of a writer who has mastered the art of harmonizing two seemingly contradictory aspects of the writing process. 

The Key of Technical and Creative Writing

In the realm of technical writing, precision is paramount. The technical mind takes center stage as it meticulously organizes information, adheres to style guides, and ensures clarity and coherence. A writer employs logical thinking to break down complex concepts into digestible information, crafting manuals, reports, or guides that serve as beacons of clarity for readers. The technical mind's analytical prowess ensures that every detail is accurate and the information is presented in a structured, easily understandable manner.

Conversely, creative writing calls for an entirely different set of skills. Bring the creative mind of the seat of imagination to the forefront. In this realm, we delve into the uncharted territories of stories, slogans, taglines, or crafted informative content for blogs. Emotions, symbolism, and artistic expression take precedence as a writer, allowing our creativity to flow freely, unburdened by the constraints of technical precision.

Harmonizing Both Keys

Nevertheless, the realization of the dual approach emerged from the recognition that creativity and technicality require different cognitive processes. As a final measure, it is important for us to be able to harmonize the Dual Minds. Because the key to success in this dual-writing approach lies in the seamless transition between the two sides of the brain.  Interestingly, the interplay between the creative and technical minds can lead to unexpected synergies. Ideas born from the fertile grounds of creative writing can infuse specialized pieces with innovation and a fresh perspective. Conversely, the structured thinking developed in technical writing can bring clarity and precision to the creative process.

So, in the realm of writing, the conventional wisdom of choosing between creative and technical paths challenges a writer to divide our brain successfully. By harmonizing the logical precision of technical writing with the boundless creativity of the imaginative mind, we have discovered a unique balance that allows us to thrive in both worlds. I hope this journey will inspire writers seeking to break free from the constraints of traditional categorizations, demonstrating that a genuinely versatile writer can navigate the diverse landscapes of creativity and technicality.