The work of writing: Lessons from literary engineers

As engineers and former engineers, eight creative writers - novelists, poets, and short story writers - were asked what they would tell young engineering students about the importance of writing to their futures in engineering. Also, as successful literary writers, the eight were asked what they would tell those same students to help them improve their writing. The results provide writing and engineering educators with several suggestions as to how they might help students see the importance of learning solid writing skills. The responses also offer several approaches that can be used in technical writing and engineering classes to help develop and hone students' writing prowess.