Hi there. My name is Scott Duffy, and welcome to my book writing log. I have documented the process of writing my last two books on this site, and have started my third. This book will be called Visual Studio Team System In Action, and should be available in 2005.

In my entire life, I had never been unemployed. I have had a job pretty much every day since I was 16 years old. That all changed in September 2001. I was working for a mutual fund company (on contract), and my contract was set to expire September 15. I (and the rest of the world) watched in horror as the events in New York unfolded, but in the back of my mind I knew that what my contract renewal was in doubt. I was not surprised on the morning of the 15th when I found out my contract would not be renewed.

I have had some contacts in the book publishing industry for a couple of years, and shortly after my contract ended (and I wasn't able to find a new one), I contacted them about writing my first book. The deal was struck, and between October and February I wrote my first masterpiece. Unfortunately, my first publisher went out of business. My next publisher has decided to publish the book early next year, 2003.

Out of that fiasco, I landed myself an agent. And quickly landed my second book deal. I just signed it on Friday (July 12, 2002). This log will follow my progress. For those who are aspiring to become published writers, I hope this helps. For those who have no intention of becoming writers, but are curious how difficult it is to push out a big, thick computer book, I also hope you get something out of it. And finally, this log is also for me - I hope it turns into a diary of sorts, that I can look back on.

Best wishes,
Scott