OK so it's not War & Peace but take it from me, writing an really clear, easy to follow instructional how-to book is really, REALLY challenging.
For instance, I know exactly how to make a micro-miniature silk ribbon rose just the right size for a tiny 1 1/2" toy bride's bouquet. I've been making them for years and could probably just about do it in the dark with one hand tied behind my back. However writing the step-by-step instructions to enable a complete novice to do it is a whole other kettle of mackerel.
Is it best to refer to loops or folds? How do I describe the little quarter turn? Not to mention making and attaching the tiny calyx. (Yes it does get that detailed!)
It's a minefield, even allowing for the fact that there will be step-by-step photographs to accompany the step-by-step instructions.
No matter. I'm getting it all down and it's going really rather quite well. I'm not going to hit my deadline, which is next Thursday, but I won't be far adrift.
*fingers crossed*
In other news, PP is giving Small Dog a bath and trim. They're upstairs in the shower room right now and it's gone ominously quiet.
I await developments with interest............
Edit - Small Dog has been released and is racing through the whole house like the cartoon Tasmanian Devil. Chaos reigns.......
3 comments:
Pictures say 1000 words. We read Japanese step by step books with hardly any written instructions , just pictures. But I do love explanation and I have 0 doubt that you will be able to do a great job.
One of the best instruction manual I have ever read is on the Mackie amp. Because it was so funny :) .With your humour, your book will be a classic.
Thanks Sans...
I must find a copy of the Mackie amp manual. Is it unintentionally funny?
Sandra, it's intentionally funny. I read it a long long time ago and I don't usually read manuals, like most people :). If I can find it, I will send it to you/ scan it for you.
Post a Comment