Writing is Like Putting Different Ingredients in a Blender and Seeing What Comes Out, says Carlo

So let’s start! Tell us a bit about yourself. For example, name, profession, and personal interests.

Hello HN folks! I am Carlo Occhiena, a long-time Hackernoon writer. After 10+ years in enertech, I am now building up Aziona, my own company.

Interesting! What was your latest Hackernoon Top story about?

I just wrote about the Metaverse and its connection to tech and blockchain.

Do you usually write on similar topics? If not, what do you usually write about?

I really like writing for Hackernoon because it allows me to write on many different topics - as long as they’re tech-related! I am enjoying this freedom at the moment. I wrote about programming, Agile methodologies, blockchain, Python, and more!

I feel like the main advantage of Hackernoon over its competitors it’s the fact you may find a lot of very good and also very different stories here!

Great! What is your usual writing routine like (if you have one?)

I have a notepad where I track all the inspo and sources I stumble upon. And then, connecting the dot, I try to craft a story out of them.

It’s like putting a lot of different ingredients in a blender and then, once in a while, let them mix up and see what is coming out. I like this approach cause it allows you to have a lot of ideas and inspiration and in the meantime to write something interesting and quite fresh.

The risk otherwise is to write and same old and trite story over again.

Being a writer in tech can be a challenge. It’s not often our main role, but an addition to another one. What is the biggest challenge you have when it comes to writing?

I feel like the main issue is being consistent. Trying to be focused enough to develop an expertise, but at the same time have a decent variety of topics - otherwise, you’ll be just writing over yourself.

But in the end, I don’t want to overcomplicate the task. It’s basically a matter of practice and exercise. Doing it over and over again until it starts happening - if not easy, then natural, at least to you.

As you said, also time is quite a challenge. A lot of us Hackernoon writers have to deal with stressful tech jobs in big companies or startups. Writing then is on top of it all and it’s not too easy to always be able to carve out some time to do it decently.

Keep also in mind that for non-native English writers such me (and many other Hackolytes), the task of writing is even harder, you have to double-check grammar and verbs.

It’s not an easy task, definitely :)

What is the next thing you hope to achieve in your career?

Since I just founded my startup, Aziona, I am very focused on making it grow and prosper.

But other than that, my last ten years of work have been incredible and I never thought I would be able to achieve all these milestones. So now running my own company is "just" yet another challenge.

Wow, that’s admirable. Now, something more casual: What is your guilty pleasure of choice?

I am quite basic. Sitting in front of my computer is my day-to-day job but also my pleasure. I am really enjoying what I am doing.

To unwind a little I usually watch some The Big Bang Theory or some videogame stream on Twitch.

But, really, if there’s something you like doing, you should never feel “guilty” about doing it.

Isn’t it? :)

Do you have a non-tech-related hobby? If yes, what is it?

Not really. I am addicted to sports (running, crossfit) but those are not really hobby to me. I am not the kind of guy that says, “hey, I really need to stop sitting in front of the computer”. It’s something I like a lot.

I also love to study and learn new things, but this is not a hobby either and it’s again tech-related, so, I am sorry: not the right question for me :D

What can the Hackernoon community expect to read from you next?

I don’ really know (my last article has been published just yesterday!). I’ll see where the inspiration will lead me!

I also like a lot to interact in the HN community, read other stories and such, so, I’ll just be enjoying the moment.

Thanks for taking time to join our “Meet the writer” series. It was a pleasure. Do you have any closing words?

Work hard, but have fun along the way!

Cheers.