On the Write Road is both a personal blog and a topic blog for creative or technical writers who are interested in starting a freelance writing business. Here you will find a repository of articles for starting, managing and growing a freelance writing business. If you are a lone freelancer and want to find out how to grow your business and take it to the next level, such as having multiple clients, hiring employees or subcontractors, or partnering with other professionals, then this is the place to get the information and support you need.
Who We Are
We are Adrienne Tange and Melody Brumis and we host On the Write Road. In 2006, we were two independent technical writers who decided to join forces to form a writing company called Write on Time Solutions. Though we are experienced writers, we are newbies at building a company that sells services. We want to share what we have learned with you (tips about marketing, advertising, selling or managing) in our own style, which is helpful information sprinkled with a bit of humor.
Who is Adrienne?
My writing career has come full circle. I graduated with a degree in journalism but ended up becoming a technical editor and writer. While working at companies, such as Lockheed, Applied Material, Novellus, and SBC, I created user guides, tutorials, online help and web content. Later, my creative side yearned for release so I started writing articles, blogs, and columns. I even became a ghost writer when a horse trainer asked that I write his second training book which was published in 2004. Now I do both types of writing as much as possible.
When I am not writing or working on business-related stuff, I spend time with my family and my pets (an English Mastiff, a Labrador Retrievor, and a cat). Animals make great companions.
I do have several addictions–riding my horse and knitting. I have always loved horses and now feel privileged to own one. As for knitting, I taught myself three years ago and now love it. Every time I sit down I pick up my needles and start knitting. My current project is making teddy bears for children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS in emerging nations. To contact me, email me at atange@onthewriteroad.com.
Who is Melody?
I am a writer. I was born with a golden pen in hand (now one would say PC). My first poem was published at the age of 8 in our local newspaper:
Father and Son
Dick Henry Hook
Father was a crook
Dick played hooky
While dad played crooky
I graduated from the University of Illinois with a self-made major in Creative Arts and Expressions. When interviewed by the Daily Illini, I said that I would, “Go to San Francisco, be a waitress, and write poems.” I came to San Francisco, waited tables one night (not my forte), and continued to write. I write both creative and technical works.
Adrienne and I met while working on a fast-paced contract at Pacific Bell (morphing into SBC, now AT&T). My technical writing led me into the corporate giants, including Bechtel, Bank of America, Lucky Stores, Safeway, Kaiser Pemanente and Chevron. My specialty is in writing highly technical material in a clear, concise, understandable style.
When not writing, I enjoy walking, talking, and playing games with my five children. Of late, I’ve volunteered at Pennycook Elementary listening to third graders read dragon stories. I enjoy reading books and promise to add fun book reviews to On the Write Road. You can recommend a good walk or book to me by e-mailing me at mbrumis@onthewriteroad.com.
