Sparks Prompt #25: Tips for New Medium Writers

Connect, Connect, Connect

Building a community

I’ve been on Medium since 2016. No, I am not one of the mega-earners on this platform. Would I like to be? Sure, if I could reach that goal while writing what I write. But that won’t happen.

Seems like the most financially-successful Medium writers write about writing and writing on Medium or about politics and tech. I’ve written only a handful of articles about writing and about Medium, fewer about politics, and none about tech.

I create poetry and photo journals with a splash of memoir and cooking pieces.

I languish in the group that makes enough moolah to keep going but not enough to label writing as “my career” — more like a pleasant hobby. And how many hobbies actually produce income? Almost none. Most cost money.

And that’s okay. I didn’t join Medium to get rich or even to earn a respectable living. When I joined in 2016, making money here wasn’t even a possibility.

I came here to write what I want to write and to connect with others. The fact that I earn enough to buy groceries for a week is a plus.

I have over 7,000 followers. And, really, that doesn’t mean as much as you would think. Very few followers actually follow. I have a core of about 30 who consistently read, clap, and comment. They are my Medium Tribe and I appreciate every single one of them.

Still, that 7,000+ number is impressive to some. How did I manage to connect with that many Mediumites? Because I truly connect. I read, highlight, comment, and clap. Not only for the posts of other writers but also for the comments others leave on my posts.

I read every comment. I clap and/or respond to every comment.

I want readers to know I appreciate them. I want to initiate conversations.

I want to connect.

I subscribe to my favorite writers and to the newsletters for my favorite publications. I can’t read everyone and everything, but I try to read at least 10 pieces a day.

I don’t just read — I read, highlight, clap, and comment.

And, my comments are often stories by themselves. I want writers to know that I truly read their piece and that it triggered a memory or a feeling.

I also started three publications and am an editor for others. Having a publication is a good way to be seen. Inviting others to write for your publication is an excellent way to gain true followers who will interact with you.

My publications are:

Weeds & Wildflowers — This was my first publication and it’s my favorite. It has 1,712 followers and over 500 writers.

R.E.A.D.I.N.G. WAR — I created this publication to review books and to highlight other Medium writers. Unfortunately, I’ve neglected it terribly and it only has 93 followers and a handful of writers. I hope to become more active there in 2022.

In My Life — Alan Asnen created this publication and decided to inactivate it until I asked him to transfer ownership to me. I use this publication for stories that fall under the heading of memoir and for my cooking escapades. It’s more of a personal blog, but I decided to invite others to be writers. Since last summer, the publication has gained 16 writers and 74 followers.

I’ve also been an editor for Snapshots since its inception, and it’s one of my favorite publications.

I was an editor for House of Haiku but recently resigned, as I wanted to have more time for my other publications.

Many of my Medium friends have become email friends. Hopefully, one day, after this pandemic ends (or if), I might have the opportunity to meet some of them.

When I was ill last year and hospitalized, my Medium community was more caring than many IRL people that I’ve known for decades. They reached out to me in comments and by email. That’s when I knew that the most important aspect of Medium for me is the community I’ve created. I never thought virtual friends could be real friends. I was wrong.

If you came here to make big bucks, this article won’t help you much. But, if you came here to connect with other writers and to learn and grow as a writer and as a caring human being, this piece might provide some insight on how to make that happen.

There are many reasons to write. There are many reasons to write here on Medium.

I am here to connect.

© Dennett 2022