After stepping away from blogging to focus on work and completing my degree, I’m returning with renewed clarity and purpose. This space will explore my writing journey as an aspiring novelist, my work with APIs and integrations, my growing interest in AI, and the hobbies that keep my creativity alive.
There’s something both humbling and energizing about starting again.
Not from scratch—because experience never disappears—but from a place of growth. After stepping away from blogging to focus on work and earning my degree, I’ve decided to return with clearer priorities, stronger skills, and a deeper sense of direction.
My name is Jared Harbour, and this blog marks a renewed commitment to sharing what I’m building, learning, and creating. Whether you’re here for insights on APIs and integrations, reflections on the writing journey, explorations into AI, or simply because you enjoy connecting with fellow nerds who juggle code and creativity—you’re in the right place.
Let’s talk about why I’m back, what I plan to write about, and where this blog is headed.
Why I Stepped Away — and Why I’m Returning
Life has seasons. For me, the last few years were defined by responsibility and focus.
Balancing work while completing my degree required more discipline than I expected. Something had to give, and blogging—unfortunately—became the thing I put on pause. It wasn’t a lack of ideas or interest. If anything, it was the opposite. I had too many ideas and not enough margin to explore them publicly.
But here’s the thing about creative work: it waits for you.
Now that I’ve completed my degree and gained valuable experience in the process, I’m returning to blogging not out of obligation—but intention. I want a space where I can:
- Document what I’m learning
- Clarify my thinking
- Share what works (and what doesn’t)
- Connect with others who share similar interests
This isn’t just a reboot. It’s a continuation—with more depth and purpose.
My Writing Journey: From Aspiring to Author
At the heart of all this is something deeply personal: I’m an aspiring novelist currently working on my first book.
Writing fiction is a different kind of challenge. Unlike programming, where logic guides every step, fiction demands emotional precision. Characters have to breathe. Worlds have to feel lived in. Conflict has to matter.
My writing journey has taught me a few important lessons:
- Consistency beats inspiration.
- Revision is where real writing happens.
- Creativity thrives on structure, not chaos.
I’ve spent countless hours drafting scenes, reworking chapters, and asking hard questions about theme and character arcs. It’s slow work. Sometimes frustrating. Often exhilarating.
On this blog, I plan to share:
- Insights from drafting my first novel
- Lessons learned about storytelling and structure
- Productivity strategies that help me balance coding and writing
- Reflections on the emotional side of creative work
If you’re also navigating the writing journey—whether blogging, journaling, or crafting a novel—I hope this space feels like a shared workshop rather than a lecture hall.
For those interested in craft, I’ve found many resources that helped me. If you are wondering where to start head to YouTube or your favorite podcast app and check out the 2025 lecture series called “On Writing with Brandon Sanderson”. Along with that check out TikTok and search out fellow writers, for we are legion. I’ll be discussing tools and frameworks that actually move the needle, not just sound good in theory.
Programming: APIs, Integrations, and Building Bridges
Professionally, my focus has centered on APIs and integrations between projects.
There’s something satisfying about making systems talk to each other. When two platforms exchange data seamlessly—when an integration works without friction—it feels almost invisible. And that’s the point.
Good integrations disappear.
Working with APIs and integrations requires:
- Clear documentation reading (and many time deciphering)
- Careful handling of authentication and security
- Structured testing and error handling
- Thinking in systems, not just features
APIs are the connective tissue of modern software. Whether it’s RESTful services, webhook-driven automation, or third-party platform integrations, the ability to design and maintain these connections is foundational.
In future posts, I’ll explore topics like:
- Best practices for building scalable API integrations
- Common pitfalls when connecting third-party services
- Strategies for debugging integration failures
- Thoughts on API design principles
My goal isn’t just to share technical steps—but to discuss the mindset behind building reliable systems.
Entering the World of AI
Lately, I’ve also begun exploring AI more seriously.
Artificial Intelligence is no longer some distant concept reserved for research labs. It’s becoming embedded in tools, workflows, and everyday software development. As someone already working with APIs and integrations, the intersection between AI services and real-world applications is incredibly compelling.
From leveraging AI in projects to understanding how machine learning models integrate into existing systems, this field is both exciting and rapidly evolving.
I’m particularly interested in:
- Practical AI integrations into real-world software
- Ethical considerations around AI use
- How AI tools can enhance—not replace—creative work
- The relationship between AI and storytelling
As I dive deeper, I’ll share not just technical experiments, but reflections—what excites me, what concerns me, and where I think the industry is heading.
The Intersection of Code and Creativity
At first glance, programming and writing might seem like opposites. One demands rigid logic; the other embraces imagination.
But the more I work in both, the more I see overlap.
- Both require structure.
- Both demand revision.
- Both reward patience.
- Both fail without clarity.
When writing code, you architect systems. When writing fiction, you architect narrative arcs. In both cases, you’re building something that must function coherently.
And then there’s AI—a bridge between structured logic and creative output. It sits right at the intersection of engineering and storytelling.
This blog will live in that intersection.
Being a Nerd (And Why That Matters)
Let’s be honest—I’m a huge nerd.
I enjoy the occasional video game session. I binge TV shows and movies. I analyze plot structures and world-building details probably more than I should. I get excited about system design discussions.
And I don’t think that’s something to downplay.
Those hobbies aren’t distractions—they’re fuel.
Video games demonstrate interactive storytelling and system mechanics. Movies showcase pacing and character development. Even casual entertainment often inspires creative solutions in unexpected ways.
Expect posts that occasionally connect:
- Game design principles to software architecture
- Film storytelling techniques to novel writing
- Narrative pacing to user experience design
- Sometimes just a post where I “nerd out” about something I love
Who This Blog Is For
This blog is for anyone who shares varied interests.
Maybe you’re:
- A developer who secretly wants to write a novel.
- A writer trying to understand technology better.
- Someone curious about AI but unsure where to start.
- A fellow nerd juggling hobbies and ambitions.
You don’t have to fit neatly into one category. I certainly don’t.
This space is about embracing breadth while pursuing depth.
What You Can Expect Going Forward
To keep things focused and consistent, here’s what you’ll likely see:
1. Technical Deep Dives
Practical posts about APIs and integrations, system architecture insights, and lessons learned from real-world development.
2. Writing Reflections
Updates on my writing journey, lessons from drafting my first book, and discussions about craft and discipline, or my lack thereof.
3. AI Explorations
Thoughtful breakdowns of tools, experiments, and how AI fits into development and creativity.
4. Cross-Disciplinary Insights
Where programming meets storytelling, where gaming informs design, and where curiosity drives innovation.
My goal is simple: create valuable content that helps you think more clearly, build more effectively, and create more confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why start blogging again now?
Because I’m in a different season of life. With my degree completed and professional experience expanding, I have both clarity and perspective I didn’t have before.
Will this blog focus more on programming or writing?
Both. My writing journey and my work with APIs and integrations are equally important parts of who I am. The balance may shift over time, but neither will disappear.
Are you going to document your first book?
Yes—within reason. I won’t spoil the story, but I’ll share insights about the process, challenges, and lessons learned along the way.
How does AI fit into your work?
AI increasingly intersects with APIs and integrations. I’m exploring how intelligent systems can enhance applications—and how they influence creativity.
Who should follow this blog?
Anyone curious about technology, storytelling, AI, and the overlap between structured logic and imagination.
Final Thoughts: Building in Public, Thinking in Depth
Starting again isn’t about erasing the past. It’s about building on it.
This blog represents a commitment to thoughtful creation—to documenting my writing journey, refining my understanding of APIs and integrations, exploring AI responsibly, and sharing the hobbies that shape how I think.
If you’ve ever felt pulled in multiple directions—technical and creative, analytical and imaginative—I hope you find resonance here.
This time, I’m not blogging because I feel like I should. I’m blogging because I’m ready.
If you’re walking a similar path—balancing code, creativity, curiosity, and a bit of nerdy enthusiasm—I’m glad you’re here. Let’s build, write, and explore what’s next.
