This is just a note to acknowledge that 2021 has also gone by, and it really was the sequel to 2020. I don’t have much to say here, because while the year has been relatively quiet and nice for me, it feels weird for me to reflect and list my Ws at a time where we’re all worried about the next wave. Not that others shouldn’t do it, it’s great to see how people have grown! That being said, here’s hoping everyone stays safe and the pandemic finally subsides with Omicron. We’ve all seen enough death and depression, and more than enough state inefficiency.
Bhai bohot bakchodi ho gayi hai.
Anyway, as for this note: I started writing for myself in September 2020 on Medium, and it wasn’t meant to be much beyond a repository of my often-useless thoughts. But in August 2021, I thought, “I could really turn this into something cool!”
So far, I’ve been managing writing regularly and also enjoying that process for myself! It may be so because I don’t have a set process of ideation. I have a bad habit of making whatever obsession I have at any moment my personality. I’m glad my writing is not a victim of the same (otherwise you’d see a lot more self-indulgence than there already is). However, for me, ideation just has to come about naturally, I’ve never exactly been good at “hunting ideas”. And I’m hoping I never have to be.
Do I have any personal resolutions for 2022? Exactly one, and it’s that I want to read more books and comics. I’ve been in the worst reading slump for the past 3 years, and I really want to change that this time. I picked up The Dark Knight Returns in November and I stopped midway for no reason. I want to read some marquee comic-books, like Daredevil: Born Again. I want to read a little more about Indian politics, science-fiction, and maybe the occasional non-fiction book. Will I get there? I have my doubts, but it’s good to know where I stand. And it’s also useful from a writing perspective, although that’s the last reason why I want to read books. I desperately need an education and an attention span.
As for Hot Chips? I am in the process of writing something that I found really interesting, and actually came up in conversation with a friend. It’s a little new for me, because while I usually write deep-dives or personal essays, this one is a lot more storytelling than anything. At least, that’s how I have envisioned it. I want to try and make it feel less factual, too. It’s tough, and I’m obviously running ideas by a few people, but it’s been super, super fun. I have already spent hours on this, and I have hours more to go. I’m sticking to the standard “7th of every month” deadline for this as well, so ideally somewhere around January 7, keep an eye out :)
I have little idea about the vision of the newsletter, but I’m taking it as it comes. Currently, I’m focusing on the writing part of it, honing it, structuring my thoughts better. With every post, it seems to be representing more of my messy brain. And with every post, I seem to get a little more organized with my thoughts. Which I’ve always wanted.
And of course, thank you if you’re reading this! I do love getting validation for my writing (who doesn’t), and it also helps me meet more awesome people, some of who offer their thoughts and help in interesting ways! Like the time a friend of mine called my logo “infinite, just like my newsletter” (I didn’t think about it at all, it’s just a chip for me). Or the friend who offered to make a website for me (I do have to get back to him on this). I do want that the newsletter reaches out to as many people as possible, but I have faith that it will happen in its own sweet time. I just have to keep writing about the things I like :)
Until next time, and Happy New Year!