TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
>I believe I can start now and learn as I go. However, most of the job
>adds, even those advertising "Junior Positions", seem to demand
>extensive experience and skills as hiring criteria.
My approach was to apply to any company that was hiring writers,
whether or not a basement position was specified. If they're hiring
writers at all, and unless they really have a very specific requirement
for a very good reason, they will consider an entry-level person with
good promise, which you appear to have.
Consider applying to companies, whether or not they are advertising,
that could specifically use your experience in physics. That's a start.
I imagine you have some programming experience, and *any* is more
than most writers in the software field have these days.
>happens to work in the SF Bay Area and can give me some pointers on how to
>break into this market.