Sept 20, 2021
What is a side skill that has been useful in your life? Where did you learn it? Have you written it into any of your stories?
My career with computers started as a side skill. It began back in the dark ages, when personal computers were new to business and the bulky machines had less capacity that the smart phone you got rid of three years ago. Back when the only way to reach out to another computer was by dial-up. The company I worked for decided that I should have one of those bricks since I was stationed remotely. (Yes, even back then remote work was a thing.)
Unfortunately, the device they provided me was buggy from the get-go. Things didn’t always work the way they were supposed to. The organization was tired of me spending time on the phone with our supporting techs, so they sent me to classes so I understood more about the magic behind the system. That’s when I was introduced to the mystical and arcane language of DOS, and discovered I had an affinity for computers. I went on to take a variety of computer-related classes and eventually changed careers.
Does my career show up in my writing? Heck, yeah. I have no problem with casting my major characters as being in the computer industry; everything from your everyday techs to computer programmers to owners of software companies. Despite the prevailing stereotypes, there are plenty of folks in the field who are romantic hero or heroine quality.
Take Gavin, my hero from Wolves’ Pawn. I tried to figure out what how a wolf shifter pack could exist and survive in today’s world and stay hidden. Computer programming was the perfect fit. All the real work can be done in the background and only a few select people need to interact with the public. Although Gavin isn’t a programmer, he’s second-in-command of the company and helps keeps it running.
Then there’s Eli from The Harmony Duprie series. Not only does he own a computer software company, he’s the genius that writes the basic code for the company’s programs. And possibly hacks into other systems to help Harmony solve the mysteries she’s faced with. (Legally, of course. <cough>)
When I think about it, getting into the computer field may have influenced my desire to publish as an indie author. Since I understood, at a basic level, what goes into the process, I was comfortable with tackling it.
So, there you go, That’s how a side skill ended up changing my life. How about you?
Other authors are blogging on the same topic. You can find them by following the links below, And, until next time, please stay safe!
Sept 20, 2021
What is a side skill that has been useful in your life? Where did you learn it? Have you written it into any of your stories?
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Nice. I guess that my knowledge of ships translates really well to space. My Galactic trader is only doing what I did, in a different place (without the murder and mayhem, OBVS)
oh sure. No mayhem. I find that hard to believe.
Of course your characters would only legally hack another computer. 🙂
Tweeted.
What’s the use of building a backdoor to a system if you don’t use it when needed?
My career shows up in my writing, too. I somehow stumbled into a career in T.V. news, so naturally I ended up writing Sci-Fi stories about a journalist who travels through time. Write what you know is pretty good writing advice.