Started in tech but ended up writing. Here's my story

I never planned to be a writer. Tech had always fascinated me, and I loved getting computers to do things.

Writing was never in the plan.

A lifelong exploration of bits

As a youth, I had a blast learning to code and writing apps. When others went partying, I pored over IT magazines and compared the specifications of enterprise systems.

Technology works through rigid interfaces and often immutable rules. I enjoyed breaking preconceptions of what's possible and stitching new capabilities together in unanticipated ways.

I began my career as an IT professional:

• Wrote some code.
• Set up server rooms.
• Dabbled in networking.

The only writing I've done at this point is emails. And some code.

From code to prose

I collected my last monthly pay cheque in 2009, joining the gig economy before the term was coined.

It started with an attempt to earn some extra income writing some blogs. Then it became a full-time job.

Through fortuitous timing, I had the privilege of being paid to hone my craft writing for top global IT publications.

• PC World.
• TechRepublic.
• Computerworld.
  ... and many others.

Over 15 years, I've also written for local and regional broadsheets, trade media outlets, and consumer tech publications.

I continue writing editorially to this day.

How do you earn a living?

Glad you asked. Besides my editorial work - Muck Rack shows over 2,000 bylines, I work with corporate clients on their content.

Here's what I've done:

• Write: Content for top brands in the enterprise IT, cybersecurity, cloud, data centre, DBMS, and data science space.
• Craft: CIO statements for annual reports, research reports of over 80 pages, and custom ABM briefs.
• Edit: Edit or rewrite content for government agencies, banks, and enterprise tech firms.
• Strategy: Produce strategic content and put together content strategies for niche industries.
• Discuss: Plan, record podcasts, host private roundtables discussions, and moderate panels.

Everyday Tech Stories

The world is changing quicker than ever, and it's crucial to understand the implications of these advancements.

As part of my own exploration, I seek to write about new tech developments to:

• Add context and depth to bland reports.
• Concisely flesh out pertinent details.
• Highlight what is not being said.
• Explain what it means to you.

I get to the tech that matters and make complex concepts accessible.