I am a native of Dublin, Ireland, and a mixed bag of cultures and experiences. Today, I have settled in Stockholm, the culture and sense of integrity here make me feel at home. My journey has brought me through the US, France, and Germany. On the way, I have built a family, learned to speak French and Swedish, did some research into automated air-traffic control, earned a master’s in computer science, and written tons.
Technology and language are my yin and yang. My years as the editor for Ericsson Technology Review sharpened my ability to tell stories about technology — how to make it intelligible, simple, and hopefully fascinating to the reader. As lead writer for Snow Software, I got to write about the software features we developed in an attempt to simplify the complexity of software asset management. As senior copywriter for Tobii I got to interview loads of amazing people from all kinds of industries who have used eye tracking in their products. I think my favorite was the clinical advisor I spoke to who has dedicated his life to the study of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Today, I work in medtech, which has added yet another layer to my tech/writer mix.
I am at my best when writing about complex technologies, the more difficult the better. The demystification of technology into simple terms is my art form.
I once interviewed a guy about the promising results of some experiments he was carrying out. Like most engineers, his enthusiasm and knowledge of the subject matter were limitless — it’s a dream to work with people like that. Unfortunately, my knowledge of the subject matter was patchy at best. But even after the allotted time for our interview came and went, he continued to answer my questions. The subsequent article is one of my favorites. Not because it’s the best story or even a great read but because it’s proof that a complex subject can be broken down into digestible pieces.
As in life, a good holiday, the chance to breathe in some sea air, to be carefree, and wear your favorite rags is great for the soul. For me, the same is true of writing. Funnily enough, I find writing travel articles almost as beneficial as traveling.
I am a cynic by nature, and that’s probably why I love the investigative side of creating a good story. I never take things — or people — at face value. There is always something deeper and slightly more interesting than the facade. I find if you observe something or someone for long enough, a story will unfold. Sometimes the stories are sad or beautiful, and sometimes so obvious you wonder how you missed them.
Like many other kids who grew up in the 1970s, I was a fan of Jacques Cousteau. He was a fantastic storyteller, and his pioneering work in marine preservation left a deep impression on me. And while I once toyed with the idea of following in his footsteps, I think it was his enthusiasm and desire to constantly push the boundaries that I try to emulate.
My son is my finest work. At 16, he has begun to forge his own path and is a wonderful source of love and inspiration. The stories we make up together are the silliest, funniest, and most enjoyable. Thank you, Charlie.
dpdoyle 