From Manuals to Memoirs: Navigating Life’s Unwritten Instructions

From Manuals to Memoirs: Navigating Life’s Unwritten Instructions

I found my niche in technical writing when I took on the challenge of simplifying complex information. The 1990s were a time of technological change, creating a noticeable gap in user manuals that couldn’t keep pace with developments. This shift grounded me in the skill of writing clearly and concisely, helping me overcome the challenge of putting words on the page.

Later, I rose through the ranks as a business writer, which, at the time, seemed like a natural progression. It was an opportunity to expand my focus and engage with a broader audience. My time at Griffith University proved invaluable during these years. The flexibility of the course helped me balance both my career and studies while improving my research and analytical skills, ultimately preparing me for the next chapter in my career.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Communications, I began experimenting with creative writing, focusing on personal essays. This genre helped bridge the gap between my internal thoughts and the world around me. It provided a space to experiment with narrative, explore my own voice, and inspired me to reflect on my experiences while connecting with my audience in new ways.

Midlife marked a significant shift in my narrative exploration. I wanted to write about people, not just business. I felt a need to break free from the constraints of business jargon and rigid structures. Taking a leap into the unknown, I left a steady job to freelance as a memoir writer. When someone had a story to tell, I joined them on their journey, helping bring their stories to life.

This genre helped me explore the human condition, making sense of our existence and the complexities of life. By asking the right questions, listening attentively, and developing my own self-awareness—an ongoing challenge in itself—I discovered how emotional intelligence can add depth to critical thinking, allowing me to tell stories that go beyond mere facts. Memoir writing became not just a craft, but a way to understand the human experience on a deeper level.

In recent years, I’ve shifted my focus to corporate storytelling. I’ve learned that the most memorable stories resonate on a human level—stories that are authentic and relatable, rather than transactional or corporate. The principles of storytelling, whether about people or corporations, remain the same: overcoming challenges and finding deeper meaning. These timeless lessons continue to guide my writing today.

Do I have any regrets? None whatsoever. In the end, life doesn’t come with a user manual. It’s shaped by the paths we choose, the challenges we face, and the growth that comes from a deeper understanding of ourselves. Through my work, I’ve learned that life’s true lessons are revealed when we take the time to pause and reflect—nothing more, nothing less.