The Spotlight is on Sandra Eddy One of our HTML authors.

RN: Please tell us a little about yourself.

EDDY: I am a rarity-a full time computer and Internet book writer. (Most writers these days work a 40+-hour job and write part time.) My first book, The First Book of Q&A (Sams), appeared in 1991 while I was a documentation manager and technical writer for a major software publisher. By 1993, I had written four more books-by myself or with co-authors-and decided to leave the security of my job for the insecurity of writing books.

Now, 19 books and revisions later, I'm still a freelancer. I have written about the Internet, Windows applications, and Windows itself. Some of my recent titles include XML In Plain English, XHTML In Plain English, Teach Yourself Active Server Pages, Teach Yourself XML (all for Hungry Minds, formerly IDG Books Worldwide), and several versions of Mastering Lotus SmartSuite (for Sybex).

RN: What did you enjoy most about writing your HTML 4.0 test?

EDDY: After writing two versions of HTML In Plain English (IDG Books Worldwide), which is primarily a reference to the language, I thought that I knew a lot about HTML. Researching and writing all the questions and answers for the HTML 4.0 test verified that fact. Whether I produce a book or a test, I'm always happy to pass on my knowledge to others.

RN:How did you first get involved in writing technical books?

EDDY: My brother, Andy Eddy, who was writing a computer gaming book for Sams in 1991, had lunch with the associate publisher. She told him that Sams needed an author for a Q&A book. One thing led to another and I ended up writing the book, The First Book of Q&A.

RN: What advice would you give to someone learning your discipline? Are there significant barriers to learning about this subject?

EDDY: My advice on learning HTML is that you spend some time finding out how to read the language's recommendation (http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/). HTML is actually quite easy to learn. At first, it might be somewhat confusing, mainly because of the structure of start tags and end tags. As you learn the language and its rules, it all falls into place.

RN: Please share your thoughts with us on the role that ReviewNet evaluations play in hiring IT professionals.

EDDY: Interviewers don't always have comprehensive knowledge of a specific technology. Because writers of books about that technology or experts in the field write ReviewNet tests, companies can be sure that candidates are evaluated thoroughly.

RN: How did you design your ReviewNet test to help eliminate IT hiring mistakes?

EDDY: I included a wide range of questions about HTML itself as well as how to use HTML in various real life situations.