Finding My Writing Zen: Time and Place

Behind the Scenes of Writing "Introduction to Problem-Solving with Python" — Chapter 1 of Mastering Python

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Hello everyone!

I'm delighted to give you an insider's look into making the first chapter of my book, "Mastering Python: A Problem Solving Approach." The chapter titled "Introduction to Problem-Solving with Python" is the cornerstone for the entire book. Let's dive into the details!

Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash

Best Times to Write

They say timing is everything, and it's no different for me. During weekdays, my creative juices flow best early in the morning, around 5 a.m. I also catch a second wind around 5 p.m., which makes for another productive writing session. Weekends have a different rhythm: after attending my son's basketball games and teaching Data Analytics, I usually write the rest of the afternoon. Sundays are particularly productive — I write almost all day, taking only short breaks to eat and spend time with my family.

My Ideal Writing Environment

When it comes to the perfect setting, sitting at my kitchen island on a straight-back stool creates a focused and studious atmosphere. My 16-inch Mac laptop, paired with a white Razer mini pro mouse and a portable 15" screen, makes multitasking a breeze.

Staying Focused: How I Avoid Distractions

I make it a point to enter a flow state to keep my mind from wandering, especially with my teaching job and other responsibilities. I maintain this focus by planning my tasks the night before and plugging them into my "Structure" app. This app syncs with my calendar events and helps me allocate time for writing between other appointments.

Organizing My Thoughts: Research and Outlining

Research

For this chapter, I relied heavily on Scite to ensure I got all the citations correct. Though I keep everything in my head, I occasionally jot down key points in Apple Notes for reference.

Outlining

The table of contents for my book proposal is my chapter outline, adapted from my Udemy course.

Overcoming Challenges

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The Biggest Hurdle

One of my most significant challenges is the nagging thought that I don't have enough to say. I strive to overcome this every time I sit down to write.

Tools for Perfection

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I often use Google to ensure my content is as beginner-friendly as possible. I also use Grammarly for writing assistance and Chegg to provide proper attribution of ideas.

My Writing Routine

My daily routine is a blend of writing for promotional purposes, soliciting reviews for my work, and writing the chapters themselves.

The Editing Process

Fortunately, I have a network of 25 colleagues, friends, and acquaintances who have committed to reviewing three chapters each over the next 12 months.

Special Guest Reviewers

I'm honored to have Travis Oliphant, Allen Downey, Matt Harrison, and Numa Dhamani as notable guest reviewers for my book.

Conclusion

Writing "Introduction to Problem-Solving with Python" has been an enriching experience. This behind-the-scenes look gives you some insight into the effort and planning of creating a book. Stay tuned for more updates and sneak peeks into the upcoming chapters!