When my latest book, Mastodon For Dummies, was released, several people on social media commented that it was “probably written by AI.” These comments infuriated me much more than a bad review ever has. Bad reviews often contain information that can help me to do better next time, and I’ve been lucky (or good enough) …
Mastodon For Dummies: the most important book I’ve written.
From time to time, I get copied on mass emails from my agent looking for an author for a book on a specific topic. In early November 2022, I got such an email. Wiley was looking for someone to write Mastodon For Dummies. I wrote my proposal that night, in spite of being in the …
It Doesn’t Matter What JavaScript Framework You Use
Keeping up with JavaScript libraries is a full-time job. Even if you pick one to specialize in, the constant stream of changes made to it is going to make you feel like you’re always behind the times. On top of this, people who write about JavaScript and Web Development or make YouTube videos about it …
Okay, I’ll give you my thoughts on ChatGPT
It’s the topic du jour, and since I was the person who predicted the path we’re now on, I’ve been getting some requests for my thoughts about OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which is currently busy cranking out thousands of poorly-written articles about itself for publication by every news outlet in the world. I’ve ignored every request to …
My Latest Book: Coding All-in-One For Dummies, 2nd Edition
I’m excited to announce that the latest book I worked on, Coding All-in-One For Dummies (2nd edition), will be available in stores starting this week! When I was asked to be the lead author for the 2nd Edition of Coding All-in-One For Dummies, I immediately said “YES!” It was thrilling to work together with so many …
Backpack Living – Lessons Learned
Prior to the pandemic, I used to travel a lot, and I traveled with a lot of stuff. I’d bring a large suitcase (to check) and a laptop bag and sometimes also a backpack for even a 3-day trip. When I got tired of checking and hauling the suitcase, I switched to using Dufl.com, which …
Chris Answers Questions About Writing
People often ask writers about their daily schedules, hoping to get some nugget of advice that’s going to help them finally start or finish the novel they’ve been planning. I totally understand where this question is coming from, and I ask the same question of anyone who manages to exercise on a regular basis. Writing …
How I Plan to Sell One Book Per Week
I've decided to pull out all the stops and sell one copy of my novel per week. I realize that this may sound like a completely unrealistic and "pie in the sky" sort of a goal, but I've never been one to back away from the difficult things. It's like JFK said, "We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard."