Deep Dive Into Writing on Medium
What keeps me coming back to the platform
Thanks to Subhi Najar for the new prompt, even though I am a bit late to the party, having been wading through a couple of uni assessments for the last week or two!
1. How did you hear about Medium? If there is an interesting story behind it, please share it.
I can’t remember how I first heard about Medium, but have often been referred to professional articles on the platform through my university studies.
When I began writing myself, it was the first site I checkout out and so, here we are!
2. How long have you been writing on Medium?
Since the tail end of 2021. My first story was published on November 8:
3. If you have to choose one of the articles you wrote on Medium, which one will it be and why?
It is not the one with the most readers or claps, but the one that I personally liked best was written as a tribute to my Dad:
4. How do you measure success on Medium?
Well, certainly not by earnings! 🤣🤣🤣 But honestly, I feel successful when anyone takes the time to read — and maybe comment — on my work. One of my stories got 5000 views and nearly 3000 reads and — although it made only about $4 because they were mostly external, I felt like J.K. Rowling!
5. How do you choose your publisher(s)? Any secret recipes?
I am usually just grateful that they want to publish my work! I have usually tried to pick small publishers because I like what they are doing, but perhaps I need to challenge myself to submit to a bigger publication.
6. What is your strategy: a big publisher leads to more visibility, or a small publisher leads to more focus and real interaction?
Strategy? What strategy? As I said, I am over the moon when anyone wants to publish my work.
7. If you can give one single piece of advice to a newcomer to Medium, what will it be?
Do it for the love of writing. Write what makes you happy. If you can make money too, that’s a bonus! But if you are just churning to pay the bills, where is the magic?
8. What is the most pleasant experience you have had on Medium?
It has all been pleasant, connecting with others and their writing, but if one thing stood out, it was winning first prize in a personal essay competition in Inspired Writer with this piece:
9. What is the least pleasant experience you have had on Medium?
I can honestly say I have had no unpleasant experiences on Medium. I have had comments from people who disagreed with my point of view, but they have been respectful.
10. In one word, how do you describe the experience with Medium and why?
Inspiring. I am inspired by the ability to be able to publish here and by other writers who share their stories.
11. You write on Medium because writing provides you with something special. Could you share the fruits of your experience so far?
It provides encouragement for me to write. I never cease to be amazed that there are people who want to read what I write and I am grateful for all the positive comments I receive.
If you want to join in the challenge, you can find the original prompt below. Don’t forget to tag me in your answer!
