Tell us a bit about yourself. For example, name, profession, and personal interests.
My name is Verlaine J. Muhungu and I am an avid reader who loves to devour books daily! I am also a tech autodidact who began my tech journey at home, learning with an old Compaq computer running Windows XP. Those were the days I still miss!
Currently, I work as a technical writer and explore the world of software development with more challenges. I have spent the last 10 years between IT and entrepreneurship with the startup weekend community as a staff member, and the experience has given me a new perspective on my tech journey.
My areas of interest in tech are Network automation, pen testing, and secure coding practices.
Interesting! What was your latest Hackernoon Top story about?
I just wanted to share that my latest article, which is my third one for Hackernoon, is a review of the mobile app. It took me three hours to write as a contributor, but now it has been translated into eight different languages. I am excited to see how this will inspire people from all over the world to learn and gain knowledge from the brilliant contributors on the platform.
Do you usually write on similar topics? If not, what do you usually write about”
Yes, my articles are oriented toward network engineering and software development, I am interested now in writing on AI ethics and cloud computing, I have a lot of experience my goal is not to write on everything.
My readers want me to write on some topics every time I receive some feedback, I will see later if it’s possible.
Great! What is your usual writing routine like (if you have one?)
Sometimes I am stuck to writing, the inspiration does not come all the time!
once I am inspired to write I take a pen and paper to organize my ideas, the reason is I feel connected to my brain when I write with my right hand!
I do not have a calendar to plan my articles.
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?
The world of technology is constantly evolving and new trends emerge frequently. While disruption can shake up the industry, it's essential to learn every day to keep up with these changes. Writing requires immense concentration to produce high-quality articles. In today's world, which is filled with distractions, focusing on your writing is crucial. If you neglect this aspect, your writing journey will not yield great results. With the emergence of generative AI tools, it's imperative to be highly creative as anyone can now leverage these tools to cheat. Reading and learning from industry leaders can change your perspective and help you to stay ahead of the curve. Ultimately, creativity is the key ingredient for great writing.
What is the next thing you hope to achieve in your career?
I am currently working on two technology books that are expected to be released later this year or at the beginning of 2025. It takes days of hard work to write these books. Additionally, I am also working on an automation map platform that will allow people to explore automation companies in the industry, I don’t want to spill the beans now!
Once these projects are released, it will be a great achievement for me as a contributor to the tech industry. I hope they will have a lasting impact on the globe.
Wow, that’s admirable. Now, something more casual: What is your guilty pleasure of choice?
I love solitude,40 % of my time is dedicated to spending my time alone reading books later in the night, sometimes during the day, and listening to my favorite podcasts and Lofi music.
My inspiration to write comes from my solitude, it helps me to listen to myself and more ideas come quickly to deliver top-notch content.
Solitude is a privilege for me!
Do you have a non-tech-related hobby? If yes, what is it?
I love reading books. It's my addiction, and I read around 30 to 52 books every year on various topics such as business, philosophy, languages, and health. Reading has been an essential part of my journey in the tech industry. Sometimes, I find it easier to understand technologies by linking them with the things I learn outside of tech.
For instance, to understand Python virtual environments quickly, I visualized a scenario. I imagined a zookeeper working at a zoo who takes care of animals. Lions live in different cages because if they go out, they can harm visitors and kill themselves if they have a rage. Similarly, a Python virtual environment is like a cage. If you install all the dependencies in one place, it can cause trouble with your coding experience.
In my opinion, reading is a great investment for the mind.
What can the Hacker Noon community expect to read from you next?
This month I am going to share some articles on Linux, AI Ethics, Networking technologies, and more surprises to come.
What’s your opinion on HackerNoon as a platform for writers?
Hackernoon is an amazing online sanctuary for people who love to read exclusive and fascinating stories about technology. The platform is known for its rigorous writing process, which sets it apart from other websites. This unique writing experience allows writers to maintain their incomparable status in the industry, thanks to a plethora of guidelines.
Thanks for taking the time to join our “Meet the Writer” series. It was a pleasure. Do you have any closing words?
Thank you for having me! I would like to recommend all the talented individuals to join us as contributors for an incredible writing experience and opportunities in the tech industry.