7 Lessons Every New Medium Writer Should Know
Overcoming the major obstacles that make new writers quit.
Nothing is as humiliating as writing a story of 4 to 5 minutes read and getting feedback of less than 5%.
It breaks the heart of every writer, especially the new writers.
Worse even is when you come across this kind of post
“How I earn 1k dollars in 30 days”
Mr “I earned 1k dollars”, we new writers don’t give a f*ck about it if you can’t help us be like you.
We search for articles that help us become better writers.
Dear superstar writers, you should first care to know what our fears are and show empathy.
People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care, Theodore Roosevelt,
New Writers Nightmares:
1. No one reads my story:
Not just with writing, every producer worries at the instant when there is no sale. But that’s not enough reason to worry because it will take time. They will sell all the goods, eventually.
2. I fear criticism in the comment section:
Constructive criticism is good feedback that tells you how well you are doing. So welcome it.
3. Who knows if I’m just fooling around:
It’s not for you to judge. Publish your story and it will surprise you how readers respond.
4. Who cares about my ideas:
Your idea may be what inspires another idea in a reader. Don’t limit yourself to your feelings and fears.
Here are the 7 things to do as a new writer on medium
1. Be confident in yourself
No one big writer became big overnight. It took the process of consistent writing and improvement. They were once intimidated as you are now. Be optimistic about your articles and don’t be afraid to write them. Worry a little, so long you are doing what’s right.
With simple terms, drive your ideas down to your conclusion. So get your pen busy on those pages.
2. Be quick to know what your audience wants to read about
It took me about 30 days to figure out what my audience wants to read. Any other subject I write about outside this focus only gets little engagements.
My first month was experimental, I wrote on several topics that include many reader’s interests. I noted the topics that were more engaging. Today I have published a few. Also, I have a few drafts on those topics I am yet to publish.
3. Set a target
After my first month of serious struggle on medium, I registered as a member for $5. Afterward; I vow to get $10 dollars in return.
The moment I made that commitment, every nerve in me got fired up to help me achieve my target.
Already I know my writing niche ( what my audience wants to read about). Every day and night I brainstorm so I can better present myself.
You may not reach your target, but setting targets gives you a sense of commitment.
A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at. — Bruce Lee
The more you earn, you become confident and motivated.
4. Your writing can’t please everyone so don’t be afraid to write what you want
You can’t convince everyone, you can’t affect everyone but I’m sure you can change someone’s life (who knows maybe people’s life.)
There is a bestselling author that my friend doesn’t like. Irrespective of how much you recommend his books, my friend may not read more than a chapter. Not because the author isn’t good enough, but his writing doesn’t please him much.
Regardless of what you write, you don’t get applauded by everyone. Therefore, no need for worries.
5. Read more articles that will help you improve your writing skills
Just like everyone else, I have read countless articles on ‘writing’ and I’m glad I did. Be focused on your personal improvement rather than the fears of what you see or hear.
Writing is a skill, the more you write the better you become.
If you’re actually learning, every new article gets better than the previous ones.
6. Write for publications
I write for some publications. I am getting to understand the audience of those several publications. A story may do well in some publications why another story does well in another publication.
Apply for publications and understand how they work.
7. medium is not met for only professionals
In fact, a large proportion of people on medium have never written for a publication until they became members of this platform. Everyone has something to say, but how you say it is what matters. Likewise, everyone has something to learn, even professional writers on this platform have enough room to become exceptionally unique.
As long as you write on medium, you are assuming a writer (better still an author). Therefore, think as authors do. Do away with incompetence mentality.
“We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master” Ernest Hemingway
Final words
- Personally, the compensation for writing on Medium is to encourage me to get a reward from my hobby.
- What happens to your writing ability, if Medium becomes a nonprofit professional organization?.
- Do all you have to improve your writing skill. But in all that you do, get a reward from it.
- Follow up your mentors and use their articles as a template. Discover what works for you.
Thanks, fans.
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