Q: What is/are your specialist tech area(s)?
Somanath: AWS, Python, Java, Scala, Machine Learning, Big Data.
Q: How did you become an author for Packt? Tell us about your journey. What was your motivation for writing this book?
Somanath: I had reviewed two different AWS related books earlier. Three of my friends, DD, Jobin and Vineet advised me to write a book on ‘Machine Learning on AWS’ in July 2020. That motivated me and I started looking for opportunities. Few days later, my friend, Weslley suggested the same and came to me with an offer from Aditi Gour. I was happy to contribute and became an author.
Q: What kind of research did you do, and how long did you spend researching before beginning the book?
Somanath: I researched on developing code, creating relatable programs to the readers and making it simple and easy. I spent around 45 days in outlining things and developing the code.
Q: Did you face any challenges during the writing process? How did you overcome them?
Somanath: The challenge was adding signposts to every section and ending the chapters. David Sugarman is the key, he helped resolve those. He is a great Editor. Once, he did all of them over a phone call and the rest was cakewalk. Now, I think I can write books faster with Packt. I know their formats and strategies.
Q: What’s your take on the technologies discussed in the book? Where do you see these technologies heading in the future?
Somanath: These technologies are future. AWS and Machine Learning on AWS are the best things to learn these days. For the next decade, they are the ruler.
Q: Why should readers choose this book over others already on the market? How would you differentiate your book from its competition?
Somanath: Most important feature: Relating theory with the use cases and examples. Next deciding factor is the ‘question set at the end of the chapter’. They push you to think in the direction of certification and it will also help you solve real-time solution architecture problems.
Q: What are the key takeaways you want readers to come away from the book with?
Somanath: AWS Sagemaker, Machine Learning, Python Programming.
Q. Can you share any blogs, websites and forums to help readers gain a holistic view of the tech they are learning?
Somanath: https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/machine-learning/
Q. How would you describe you author journey with Packt? Would you recommend Packt to aspiring authors?
Somanath: Yes, 100%! I would like to sign up for another book on Image data processing.
Q. What are your favorite tech journals? How do you keep yourself up to date on tech?
Somanath: AWS Blog, Azure Blog, GCP Blog, Coursera
Q. How did you organize, plan, and prioritize your work and write the book?
Somanath: Everyday 2 hours for the book for 5 days a week.
Q. What is that one writing tip that you found most crucial and would like to share with aspiring authors?
Somanath: Organize the outlines, target the readers and make it relatable.
You can find Somanath’s books on Amazon by clicking on the cover image:
