What is it like for an academic to write a practical technical book for a broader audience? And how do you teach Python when students can use AI to build things that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago?
In this episode of the Tech Pubcast, Jess Haberman talks with Blake Rayfield, assistant professor of finance and fintech at the University of North Florida and author of Applied Math with Python: Solving Real-World Problems with Python.
They discuss:
Plus, Blake shares what he learned from publishing his first book with Wiley and why he may already be ready to write another one.
Get Applied Math with Python: https://a.co/d/03vkokBX
Learn more about Blake: blakerayfield.com
Work with Jess: jesslhaberman.com/contact
Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jhaberman
Thinking about writing your own technical book? This episode is your starting point. Subscribe for more conversations with authors, editors, and industry insiders on how great technical books get made.
CHAPTERS:
00:34 Introduction to Blake Rayfield and his background
01:32 Transition from academic publishing to writing a technical book
02:30 Differences in writing process and audience expectations
03:28 Formatting and presentation considerations in technical publishing
05:12 Technical review process and code connection challenges
07:12 Using Jupyter Notebooks and code snippets effectively
08:32 Misconceptions about working with publishers
10:04 The value of long-term technical review and feedback
10:31 Challenges faced during the writing process
11:27 The role of outlines and planning in book writing
13:04 Crafting proposals and understanding publisher lists
14:20 Working with publishers like Wiley and finding the right niche
16:32 Reflections on the publishing experience
17:24 Impact of LLMs and AI on education and teaching
19:42 Using AI tools ethically and effectively in education
22:00 Adapting teaching strategies for AI and LLMs
25:13 Teaching Python in the age of AI and LLMs
26:03 The influence of LLMs on teaching math and statistics
28:20 Future projects and next steps for Blake Rayfield
28:54 Where to find Blake Rayfield and his work
29:57 What's Next for the Authors?
30:39 Closing Remarks and Thanks
