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Reflections on My 2021 Writing Journey and Future Aspirations

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From a literary standpoint, the years 2020 and 2021 have marked significant milestones for me. Completing my novel in 2020 was a monumental achievement that felt both fulfilling and therapeutic. The final quarter of 2021 saw my blog reach new heights, largely due to the dedication I've put into my craft. Writing over 400 pages for my novel and around 50 articles this past year has been an unprecedented endeavor for me. It turns out that hard work truly pays off!

Admittedly, I still feel somewhat uneasy claiming the title of "writer," but as I mention on my website:

If you write, you’re a writer. It doesn’t matter if your work is excellent, average, or terrible—what counts is the act of writing itself.

Thus, I find myself juggling two professions: software developer and writer. Whether I'm good at either role is debatable, but I sense I’m making progress. In just a month, I earned two Top Writer titles, my readership and engagement have surged, over 95% of my articles have been curated, and even my more contentious pieces are generating thoughtful discussions. Now, let’s delve into some of those writings…

The Controversial Pieces

Contrary to what many believe, I don't aim to create controversy with my writing. I have provocative ideas that I feel compelled to express. Sometimes I’m mistaken, and other times I’m spot on, but that’s not the focus. Writing serves as an outlet for my thoughts, allowing me to share and make room for new ideas. Some reflections inevitably touch on contentious subjects, and I’m fully aware of that. Occasionally, I even play the devil's advocate—not just for entertainment, but because it can lead to compelling writing, and I enjoy reading my own work.

Highlights of Controversial Articles

  1. Intel’s Alderlake CPU Is An Environmental Disaster

    And nobody seems to be discussing it much...

  2. Twelve Months Into Using Apple’s M1 Chip, and My Opinions Have Changed

    Or, perhaps more accurately, evolved in ways I anticipated...

  3. A Pragmatic Idealist’s Grumblings About JavaScript Testing

    I’ve never felt so torn about something; it’s more conflicting than salted caramel.

  4. The Apple M1 SSD SwapGate is a Massive Overreaction

    I’m not here to defend Apple; they’ve never given me anything I didn’t pay for.

  5. The Unavoidable Future Of Computers

    The debate between replace and repair will inevitably favor the former.

The Humble Reflections

During high school, I wasn’t one of the popular kids, despite dating someone who was. The attention it garnered was often perplexing to others. In writing, I embrace authenticity, which is why I want to highlight some lesser-known stories from this year that I believe hold greater value than their more popular counterparts.

Highlights of Humble Articles

  1. Facebook Going Meta Is Nothing New, Google Did It Too

    It’s a familiar tactic, but with a more unsettling twist.

  2. 5 Reasons I Avoid Dating Programmers

    Not a hard rule, but as a programmer, dating another seems unwise.

  3. Writing Is Not The Magic Wand You Think It Is

    Just because you write doesn’t guarantee someone will read it.

  4. I Spent Ten Years In Apple’s Walled Garden

    It’s time to share my experiences.

Shifting Focus

After reflecting on my own work, I find myself eager to explore the writings of others. Despite dedicating more time to my own writing, I’ve encountered several new authors whose insights are worth following, if not subscribing to: Daniel Berryhill, Robin Nemesszeghy, Grace Bianco, and Sorin Dolha.

Recommendations for New Writers

  • Daniel Berryhill

    A web developer and quality assurance tester sharing valuable insights.

  • Robin Nemesszeghy

    A creative voice bringing words to life.

  • Grace Bianco

    Author of "Party Pooper: Growing up with anxiety."

  • Sorin Dolha

    A software developer and Mac enthusiast.

Looking Ahead to 2022

I have ambitious plans for the upcoming year. I intend to maintain my blogging pace at about 12 stories monthly, which strikes a balance between creativity and workload. Additionally, I'm excited to join a notable company as a staff software engineer, facing new challenges along the way.

I’ll also be launching a charity focused on accessibility, alongside my friend Andrew Gribben—stay tuned for updates! Lastly, my novel will debut on Substack, serving as a testing ground for my episodic release strategy. This project is deeply personal, so whether you’re religious or not, send positive vibes my way or subscribe to my blog to stay informed about the launch!

Aside from that, my schedule might be tight, but I feel incredibly productive, building on the momentum I’ve gained over the past two years.

In closing, I wish you a joyful and safe New Year. Continue reading, writing, and pursuing the activities that ignite your passion—after all, life is too fleeting!

Thank you for reading and to all my supporters in 2021!

Did you know that when you subscribe to become a Medium Member, writers receive a share? You get access to fantastic articles, and we get a little something in return. Seems like a win-win!

Attila Vago — Software engineer, editor, writer, and occasional music critic. Pragmatic doer, Lego fan, Mac user, cool nerd. JS and Flutter enthusiast. Accessibility advocate.