$1.18 in 5 months on Medium, a story of failures
My writing improved thanks to these 3 lessons
Every time, I write I get psyched up, this might be the one. This might be the one thousands will read. Yet repeatedly article after article the view struggles to reach double digits.
This is not a beat me up story. Although, I might not be finding success — writing on Medium has made my life brighter. I always thought I did not have a creative fiber in my body — that no one reading me would be the worst outcome.
But whilst my world — well the world — was falling apart around me, no job for 6 months, locked indoors, rent I could scarcely afford; writing came as a light. It’s an outlet and gives direction to my days. As crazy as it sounds reaching just one person feels rewarding enough. Now I’m not going to lie I still hope I will strike gold. That writing can become more than a passion. But I guess I’ll just have to be patient.
Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm. — Winston Churchill
So what could I have possibly learned from this whole ordeal?
Killer Headlines are tough to find
This one is a staple of any proper advice article. My gosh is it true? My most successful failures are built on the back of ok headlines. It is within arms reach.
Although, it’s constantly repeated a good headline can truly make or break a story. I realized that although I put a lot of thought into my headlines, I always wrote them before the article. Instead of drafting a headline, and reviewing at the end of the editing process — I would leave it as it is. This is why I started writing only 3 “Themes” as a guiding line and title. I then come back and finish the article by choosing a fitting, witty, and most importantly catchy title. Or at least I will someday.
Obviously it’s easier said than done. But I believe if I try hard enough and don’t let my shortcomings put me down — I’m bound to figure the out.
So many distractions…
You probably expect me to talk about procrastination here. Well, I won’t at least not entirely. When I’m writing ideas flow from every direction.
This headline could work
Can’t forget to add this in
I need to find an image of XYZ
I get completely absorbed in the holistic idea of my article. I procrastinate productively. I want to do everything at the same time. I’ve convinced myself multitasking is the solution to a great story. Well if my results could speak they would probably tell me to stop. “Do 1 thing at a time you are in no rush” I hear my $1.18 saying.
I decided to give a new formula a try.
- Write down the idea in 1 sentence
- Research the subject
- Choose a personal anecdote to flesh it out
- Type out the article without going back or editing
- Proofread the article (It probably makes no sense at this point)
- Go through the edit
- Submit the article to a publication
In an ideal world, this is what I would do. I’m getting there, article after article, I’m finding my flow. I found a good instrumental soundtrack. It never fails at locking me in. Hopefully, a few more articles will do the trick.
The computer brings out the uptight perfectionist in us- we start editing ideas before we have them. — Austin Kleon
Too many excuses, not enough writing
I involuntarily took a hiatus. I stopped writing for some time. “Why?” you might ask. Had my inspiration dried up? Had I lost my love for writing?
None of the above, the growing amount of stories in my drafts speaks for itself. Yet I never seemed to be able to sit down and write. It started with “important” things. I need to find a new flat, I need to work out more, my friend needs my help, etc. It devolved into mundane things, I need to deep clean the kitchen for the 4th time, I need to binge-watch this new show. It goes on and on. The one thing all the excuses had in common? They never took my whole day. I always had plenty of time to write.
I wondered “Why am I not putting pen to paper anymore?” The answer was like a slap. It was cowardice. My next article couldn’t fail if I didn’t write it. As long as the idea is in my mind it’s great. No judgement had been passed. The “what-if” was always nicer than reality. I’ve found giving myself a target and being truly honest with my expectations helped.
If you are doubting yourself and feel embarrassed by the lack of reads. Don’t worry about it, we can’t all start making 50'000$ a month writing straight away. Follow your passion it will lead you to success. Maybe we should just hold off quitting our jobs just yet.
My writing is not perfect, so what?
I’ve accepted it. I’ll most likely never be a successful writer. It won’t stop me from writing and publishing. It is liberating to write and express my thoughts. The best thing that could happen to me is to realize that I don’t write to “make it” — I write because I love it.
Writing has given me something I had been longing for… a creative outlet. It taught me resilience. Every flop is a blow to my ego but it puts everything in perspective. I enjoy each read, clap, and response so much more. While I might not influence the lives of thousands with my articles, having a small impact is enough.
My articles will never be perfect and I don’t want them to be. Perfection is fake — it’s soulless. I would much rather be flawed than lose myself. For anyone facing the same problems: stay true to yourself, keep writing and click on “Publish”.
Have no fear of perfection — you’ll never reach it. — Salvador Dali
