Interview with Akshay Kapoor

Akshay Kapoor is the author of AWS DevOps Simplified, we got the chance to sit down with him and find out more about his experience of writing with Packt.

Q: How did you become an author for Packt? Tell us about your journey. What was your motivation for writing this book?

Akshay: Packt approached me with an opportunity to write a book on my AWS and DevOps experiences. My passion for simplifying complex ideas and sharing practical insights drove me to accept. With extensive experience in these fields, I recognized the need for a comprehensive guide for both beginners and professionals.

Q: What is the name of your book?

Akshay: AWS DevOps Simplified: Build a solid foundation in AWS to deliver enterprise-grade software solutions at scale.

Q: What kind of research did you do, and how long did you spend researching before beginning the book?

Akshay: I spent the first 1-2 weeks identifying the right topics for a balanced blend of strategic and tactical knowledge. This led to a detailed outline for the book’s sections and chapters. Next, I dedicated 2-3 weeks to researching recent AWS and DevOps service updates before beginning the first chapter. This ensured the book would reflect the most current and relevant information.

Q: Do you have a blog that readers can follow?

Akshay: Yes, I have a Medium blog at (https://medium.com/@akskap), but it hasn’t seen many updates in the past 1-2 years. I intend to resume contributions in Q1 2024.

Q: What key takeaways do you want readers to come away with from the book?

Akshay: My goal is for readers to develop a good grasp of AWS DevOps services, encompassing infrastructure as code, continuous integration and deployment, observability, and landing zones. Above all, I aim for them to gain the confidence to apply these skills in their own projects and harness the capabilities of AWS for enterprise use-cases.

Q: Can you share any blogs, websites and forums to help readers gain a holistic view of the tech they are learning?

Akshay: There are several reputable sources to expand your knowledge, including the AWS official blog, DevOps.com, ACM, and forums like Stack Overflow and AWS re:Post.

Q. Did you face any challenges during the writing process? How did you overcome them?

Akshay: Certainly, writing a technical book presents its challenges. Balancing depth and simplicity for a broad audience was a major hurdle. To address this, I gathered feedback from beta readers and continually refined the content. Managing a busy work schedule (including travel) and personal commitments while making steady progress was also challenging. Late nights and weekends were often devoted to the project, with crucial support and motivation from my wife.

Q. How would you describe your author journey with Packt? Would you recommend Packt to aspiring authors?

Akshay: I must say that the experience of collaborating with Packt has been nothing short of exceptional. Their support, expertise, and commitment have made this experience truly rewarding. I would highly recommend Packt to aspiring authors looking to publish in the tech space.

Q. Why should readers choose this book over others already on the market? How would you differentiate your book from its competition?

Akshay: This book stands out because of its hands-on approach. It provides real-world examples, practical solutions, and step-by-step guides that empower readers to apply their knowledge immediately. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, making it an invaluable resource for professionals and learners alike.

Q. What is/are your specialist tech area(s)?

Akshay: Software Engineering, DevOps, and Architecting Solutions on AWS.

Q. What advice would you give to readers jumping into this technology? Do you have any top tips?

Akshay: Embrace failure as a potent teacher. Stay connected with the AWS and DevOps communities, as they provide essential support and opportunities for knowledge exchange. Utilize the methods outlined in the book as a foundation and then experiment further to address your specific needs. Once you’ve developed a workable solution, share it with the community and gather feedback.

Q. What’s your take on the technologies discussed in the book? Where do you see these technologies heading in the future?

Akshay: The technologies discussed in the book represent the backbone of modern software development and operations. I believe they will continue to evolve rapidly, with increased automation, improved security, and greater integration. Embracing these technologies will be crucial for staying competitive in the tech industry, and providing differentiated value to the end customer.

Q. Do you belong to any tech community groups?

Akshay: Yes, I actively participate in various tech community groups, including AWS User Groups and DevOps Meetups.

Q. How did you organize, plan, and prioritize your work and write the book?

Akshay: Organization was crucial. I established a comprehensive outline, set weekly writing targets, and adhered to a schedule. Right from the start, I adopted the practice of generating skeletal templates for the upcoming 3-4 chapters I planned to tackle. This enabled me to capture any thoughts or ideas as they arose while working on related topics. Additionally, I allocated early morning slots to concentrate on writing without distractions.

Q. Would you like to share your social handles? If so, mention them below.

Akshay: Certainly, you can find me on Twitter [@akskap] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/akskap/]. Feel free to connect and stay updated on my latest work and insights.

Q: What is that one writing tip that you found most crucial and would like to share with aspiring authors?

Akshay: The most crucial tip is to write consistently. Even on days when inspiration seems distant, showing up to write is half the battle. Momentum builds with each word, and over time, you’ll see your work come to life.

You can find Akshay’s book on Amazon by following this link: Please click here