Writing

5 Things I Have Learnt From the Top Writers on Medium (With Examples)

Insights that go beyond generic advice.

I was in front of my computer not long ago, browsing on Medium mindlessly.

I want to read some more articles as a way of reaching out to more writers out there.

After reading about a range of topics, only one word came through and stayed in my mind.

Hard-working.

I vaguely remember it’s an article about the importance of hard work and how it acts as the base of our success. I realized —

A successful writer passes on messages that leave a trace on your mind silently.

The top writers usually have the ability to penetrate your mind and make a lasting impression on you.

And this is only the foundation of being a good writer.

See what I did just now?

1. Use a (personal) story as a hook

What I did is exactly the first thing I have learnt from the top writer — Nicolas Cole. Do you know? The average reader has an attention span of only 8 seconds. To retain readers’ attention, you need to set the scene and establish the mood.

In his article ‘12 Little Things That Show People You’re Intelligent – Without You Having To Say It’, he first shared a personal story about an encounter with a woman in a breakfast meeting. Nicolas was amazed by how the woman smartly tore off the lids and sides of the box to share the avocado toast with colleagues. The writer pointed out that intelligence is shown in our actions, not in the way we say how we act. Echoing the title, he then went into the content itself.

Note: It doesn’t always have to be a personal story, it can be a story that you have heard of or imagined.

2. Be highly specific (also with pictures)

Once the readers settle in, it’s time to get into the meat of the matter. Storytelling allows your readers to visualise and absorb what you are trying to express easily. The more specific your stories are, the more readers can recall your content.

In Nicklas Göke’s ‘You’re Not Lazy, Bored, or Unmotivated’, he demonstrates how our instinct can lead to a surge of energy. In a life-or-death moment, a man pulled out the automatic gearbox with just one hand. The writer also provided an example picture of the automatic gearbox. This enables readers to form a concrete and vivid impression of how powerful our fears can be.

3. Use metaphors (combined with storytelling)

Following the above example in the life or death situation, Nicklas Göke asked us to imagine what would happen if the same force goes against our minds. When confronted with a challenge, we turn to laziness and boredom to medicate that fear automatically.

You’re afraid to write the first chapter of your book, because who thinks that will work out?

You’re afraid to reach out to your friends, because who will even care?

You’re afraid talking to your partner, because what if this means losing someone?

There are endless possibilities to our fears. The writer then sums up that fear is like the dog that keeps on chasing you on your life track. Although it will get to you on some days, you just have to keep moving on.

Sometimes, it is hard to explain complex ideas well. To turn abstract ideas into something comprehensible, using metaphors can help readers to grasp certain concepts or feelings. What is even better is to combine storytelling and metaphors.

4. Hold an unpopular opinion

Of course I am not talking about harmful opinions like everyone should be narcissists.

In Darius Foroux’s article named ‘The Purpose Of Life Is Not Happiness: It’s Usefulness’, he explained why doing useful things for ourselves and others is more important than chasing happiness. For example, Casey Neistat made himself useful by always doing something — he posted new videos about his work and life for three years straight on YouTube.

Holding an unpopular not only grasps people’s attention, but also shows your critical thinking skills. It indicates that you are willing to question prevailing beliefs and think independently in different contexts, which can lead to personal growth and intellectual exploration.

5. Write, write, write……

This is as straightforward as ABC. All of my favourite writers have been writing for over 10 years. Take Alex Mathers as an example, he wrote 400 articles before anyone cared. As Robert Collier said,

‘Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.’

Remember, hard work is fundamental to our success. While practice doesn’t make 100% perfect; practice makes almost perfect.

So, write, write, and write ON. Let the fun begin!

Lukthru writes about her personal experiences in an attempt to understand the world bit by bit. Her genuine confessions will empower you to find your way to be the best version of yourself. Find out how to live your life to the fullest by subscribing to her free newsletter.