Thank You Collection

Celebrating the Big 5–0

Thankful for the Medium writing community

I’m celebrating 50! Okay, not my birthday (I have two more years before that celebration), but 50 articles here on Medium. Woohoo!

Preparing to Jump

I joined Medium in May 2020, mainly to read the articles. As many people were reevaluating their lives last year, I too took the plunge and wrote my first piece in June. I knew nothing about the platform, in terms of writing and publications. I simply wrote a story and pushed submit.

Over the last few months of 2020, I wrote a few more articles. Not much happened with them and figured this was not the place for me to write, but continued to read the articles.

In 2021, I started seeing advice articles about writing here on Medium and stumbled upon David Majister’s challenge post. I love a writing challenge. Yes, sign me up!

But I was hesitant to jump in the pool with so many awesome writers. What if no one responds to my words? What if I hit my head on the bottom of the pool? What if I drown? You know, the “What If” chant that plays on an endless loop. Or is that just me?

Jumping

After a few weeks of “research” (AKA procrastination), I submitted my first post to a publication, my 30-day challenge article. I was surprised by the support shown right away by other 30-day challenge writers and readers.

I figured I would write my “About Me” post next. Again I was blown away by the support and interaction with fellow writers.

It’s been nearly two months since that original 30-day challenge. I’m so thankful for the writing community here on Medium. I wasn’t expecting to find that kind of support in this sea of creators.

If you’re new to writing on Medium, I highly recommend trying out the 30-day challenge but remember you can change it up to whatever works best for you. You can read my challenge results post and see what I recommend.

If the challenge is intimidating, I recommend checking out these supportive publications. Submitting to publications is the way to find your writing tribe.

Thank You Notes

Trista Signe Ainsworth knows how to create a wonderfully supportive group with her publication, Thank You Notes. The first personal story I submitted to a publication was Thank You, Mom. The encouragement from Trista is what pushed me through the hesitation of wanting to share what is the hardest to write.

The Daily Cuppa

Katie Michaelson has created the coziest and homiest spot on Medium at The Daily Cuppa. I wasn’t sure about writing short form but it’s actually quite fun. My first post was a silly one I thought of one evening during a squabble over who was right about some distorted memory. Thank goodness for Google!

Meld of Minds

Rambling Rose has been an inspiration since I started writing consistently on Medium. It took me far too long to push “submit” on this piece about hesitation and procrastination. (ironic, eh?!). I have a notebook filled with ideas, so when I read her August newsletter, I knew I had to stop hesitating.

Saying Thanks

Writing is an isolating activity, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Don’t be afraid to explore publications and find your supportive tribe.

“Though the act of writing itself is solitary, being a writer requires community.” — J.A. Hennrikus