Meet the Writer: Hacker Noon's Contributor Rick Blyth, Micro SaaS Founder

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

My name is Rick Blyth, and I'm a software developer and Micro SaaS Founder at heart 💟

I work for myself now since I built some profitable chrome extensions that allowed me to quit my unfulfilling corporate job and work on them full time 🙌

Interesting! What was your latest Hackernoon Top story about?

It was about 7 Micro SaaS Ideas that I have but don't have time to build. I wanted to share the ideas with other software developers in case it inspired them to build one of them or something similar.

The article was fortunate enough to make it into the top 20 trending articles on HackerNoon's TechBeat section 🚀

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

My main topics are Micro SaaS and developing Chrome Extensions as that's what I'm passionate about. However, I also write articles on how to quit your programming job, side hustles, and productivity 📈

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

I find I write my best articles in the morning, so I often get up before the kids, make myself a brew, and sit down to write for a couple of hours. I usually set myself realistic but challenging goals and try to hit those goals each day.

Once I'm done with my writing session, I go for a walk or read something interesting before diving back into work. This helps me clear my head and come back with fresh ideas 🤔

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 biggest challenge I face is finding the time to write with all the projects I'm working on. As I mentioned before, I'm a Micro SaaS Founder and also have to manage my Chrome Extensions.

That said, I've found that if I set myself deadlines and make writing part of my routine, then it gets done! ✅

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

My next goal is to launch an all-encompassing course for software developers looking to make money by building profitable Chrome Extensions. I also want to put everything I've learned into practicing and building a bigger Micro SaaS with a bigger exit in mind from day one.

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

Mmm, I'd definitely have to say it's playing VR video games! 🎮

As a kid, I loved video games, and now as an adult, I still love to get lost in virtual worlds. It's my favorite way to switch off from work and just relax.

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

Yes, I like to stay active, so I go mountain biking when I can, and I also love to play 5-a-side football (soccer ⚽) with my friends too.

What can the Hacker Noon community expect to read from you next?

I'm currently working on an article about the multiple ways to make money through Chrome Extensions. It'll include everything from subscription income to donations, affiliate links, building to sell, and more!

Hopefully, it should be ready for me to submit to Hackernoon in the next few weeks 🤞

What’s your opinion on HackerNoon as a platform for writers?

I love HackerNoon as a platform! There's no doubt in my mind that it has helped me reach a whole new audience of software developers, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts. It's great to be able to share my knowledge and experiences with the community.

The fact that every article is reviewed for quality also means that readers trust what they're reading and have a consistently great experience on the platform. I'm looking forward to seeing what other amazing articles are released in the future 🤩.

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

I'd just like to thank the HackerNoon team for giving me this opportunity to share my writing with the world. I hope that readers have found it useful, or at least enjoyed reading it!

Also, to any budding writers out there, don't forget that you're capable of amazing things, and don't be afraid to try something new. You never know what might happen!

Thanks again, and I look forward to seeing more great articles on HackerNoon in the future 🚀