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SAS Press» Authorline
Kirk Lafler's Interview with Authorline
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While Kirk Lafler awaits the arrival of his new book, PROC SQL: Beyond the Basics Using SAS, he reflects on the development process. Read what Kirk has to say in his interview with Authorline. |
- Authorline (AL): What was your motivation for writing your book?
- Kirk Lafler (KL): Most books on SQL and PROC SQL are written for users with little or no experience and are often syntax driven.
These books frequently address the basics quite well by presenting syntax and concepts but often fall short of topics that go beyond the
basics. I wrote PROC SQL: Beyond the Basics Using SAS to highlight intermediate and advanced topics while illustrating numerous coding
examples of this powerful relational database interface language.
I also wanted to address the needs of the broad range of SAS users, including existing SQL users, programmers, database designers and administrators, statisticians, and systems analysts. In taking this approach, I concentrated on the various ways PROC SQL is used to solve real-world problems. This book is intended as a resource for SAS users everywhere who want to understand how PROC SQL can be used to perform common, and not so common, tasks.
- AL: What audience are you targeting with your book?
- KL: The intended audience for my book includes SAS users, programmers, statisticians, database analysts, and
IT professionals who want or need application-oriented information to extend their knowledge of PROC SQL beyond the basics.
My book is designed for users who are already familiar with some or all of the basics of the PROC SQL language as found in
SAS Guide to the SQL Procedure, Usage and Reference, which is offered by SAS. My book can also be used as a text in academia
by students in undergraduate and graduate Information Science programs.
- AL: What features of the book are you especially pleased with?
- KL: I'm particularly pleased that the book's content is unique compared with other PROC SQL books that are
currently on the market. Because of the tutorial approach used throughout the book, readers will find effective explanations,
presentation of real-world concepts, and numerous code examples to help explore the capabilities of this powerful language.
- AL: How will your book benefit SAS users?
- KL: With the growing popularity of relational databases, PROC SQL is becoming the language of choice for SAS users
around the world. Many users have already been introduced to the basics of PROC SQL and are looking to master the more advanced
topics and features of the language. My book is designed to provide SAS users with information that goes beyond the basics and,
more importantly, to provide examples that teach real-world approaches and techniques. I feel this is the one resource that will
provide users with PROC SQL technical support 24/7--365 days a year.
- AL: What were some of the joys of writing this book?
- KL: I was able to work with a very dedicated and talented team of SAS Institute professionals throughout the development
of this book. I am also very excited about sharing my PROC SQL application experience and insights with SAS users.
- AL: What did you learn while writing this book that would be important for other authors to know?
- KL: I believe that taking the time to develop a well-defined plan and detailed outline early in the writing
process helped the overall structure and content of my book.
- AL: How did you decide to publish with SAS?
- KL: SAS Institute was the only choice as a publisher for my book. I wanted to publish with Books by Users Press because
of their ability to reach SAS users around the world.
- AL: Your book has already gone to the printer. How does it feel to be finished and waiting for the final product?
- KL: My book is now being printed, and I can honestly say that the entire experience has been an exciting one.
I can't wait to see the final product.
- AL: What advice would you give to potential authors?
- KL: If you have an idea for a potential SAS book, work with BBU to develop a plan. Also, realize that writing a book
takes a considerable amount of time.
- AL: How were you able to balance your time between your career and writing this book?
- KL: Because of business travel obligations, I found that balancing my time between family, career, and writing
this book was essential. I typically scheduled between 10 - 15 hours each week for researching and writing activities.
This block of time each week gave me the opportunity to maintain focus and see this project through to completion.
- AL: When you aren't writing or consulting, how do you like to spend your free time?
- KL: When I'm not writing or consulting, I love to spend free time traveling with my wife and son. I enjoy family gatherings, sporting events, boating, movies, and music.