Summary

The article discusses the journey of finding one's unique voice as a writer on Medium amidst a plethora of other writers, drawing parallels to navigating a dark path without light.

Abstract

The author of the article draws a metaphorical comparison between finding one's unique writing voice on Medium and navigating a dark path without light. They describe the serenity of night walks and the challenge of staying on course in darkness, likening it to the overwhelming experience of being a writer among many on the platform. The author emphasizes that it's a process to discover and refine one's unique message and that it's okay not to have all the answers immediately. They suggest that writers should document their evolving journey and personal experiences, as these are the elements that will resonate with an audience. The article encourages writers to reflect on what sets them apart from their peers and to recount significant life events, assuring them that they don't need to have everything figured out to start building their audience.

Opinions

The author believes that the journey to finding one's unique voice is akin to navigating the dark; it's challenging but ultimately rewarding.
They suggest that the pressure to quickly build a following on Medium can be overwhelming due to the abundance of talented writers.
The article posits that self-discovery is a key component in developing a unique writing style and that this process should not be rushed.
It is the author's opinion that writers should share their personal stories and experiences, as these are intrinsically unique and will attract a readership.
The author implies that the struggle to find one's voice is a common experience among Medium writers, indicating a sense of community in the challenge.
They encourage writers to look back at their life's journey, including early experiences of feeling different and major life events, to help shape their narrative.
The author acknowledges that they do not have all the answers but emphasizes the importance of starting the journey of self-discovery to build an authentic audience.

Finding Your Unique Voice in a Forest of Voices on Medium — Part 1

Every once in a while I like to take a walk in the late hours of the night, long after dark.

One of the things that I enjoy the most is how quiet and beautiful the night is. All the sights and sounds of the day with all the disturbances and distractions removed. It’s incredibly peaceful.

And it was on one of these walks a few years ago that it hit me.

Have you ever taken a walk in the dark? If you have, you probably noticed it to.

If you’re walking on a really dark night without the aid of a strong moon and a lot of stars in the sky, it’s really really dark. So dark that you may not even be able to see 2 feet in front of your face.

I’ve experienced it a few times now.

The first time I experienced it I was caught off guard by how hard it is to stay on course without strong moonlight.

I was used to taking walks after dark in cityscapes but I was not at all prepared for a similar walk in a rural countryside. I know it sounds silly but it never occurred to me to bring a flashlight or a headlamp. And the others in our group hadn’t brought anything for light either.

While we had brought water, it hadn’t crossed our minds that there may not be enough natural light to help us navigate through the darkness.

Without the aid of a flashlight, we had no way of easily exploring the twists and turns of our journey.

I think that’s how it feels sometimes on Medium. It’s great that there is so much talent out there; people of all backgrounds and skill levels. But at the same time it can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of writers trying to build their audiences.

Have you felt lost in the dark? I have.

And I’ve read a lot of stories that talk about finding your own unique voice so you can quickly and easily build your following… blah blah blah. All the articles mention promoting your own personality, but no one talks about how to actually find your message… and how to fine tune it once you do.

Who has it all figured after reading a story or two that tells them to be unique?

Maybe it works that way for some people but that’s not how it worked for me. And I bet I’m not alone. From what I’m reading on Medium there are plenty of writers struggling to find their footing.

Do you know what makes you unique?

First things first, if you don’t it’s ok. You don’t have to have it all figured out today.

And guess what, it’s ok if you don’t have it figured out tomorrow either. One of the strongest tools you can use is to write about where you are right now. As your story unfolds, that’s what people want to read about.

Let us walk your journey with you.

How 3 Years of Chronic Pain Has Made Me a Better Person

My journey helped me overcome fear, anger, loneliness, and a deep depression… and how it can help you.

medium.com

Your voice is evolving, just like you. And that is your one-of-a-kind message that you can use to build your audience. Whatever your path looks like that lead you to this moment, there’s an audience out there hungry to read about it.

(Checkout my story above if you want to see an example of my unique journey)

If you don’t have your audience yet — or if you’re focused on building a stronger one — go back to the beginning.

Think back to what made you feel different from your peers even at a young age. Good or bad, it’s good. Then think back through all the major events in your life and write them down.

I wrote a little more about your next steps. You can read it here: Finding Your Unique Voice in a Forest of Voices on Medium — Part 2.

I’ll show you what to do once you’ve defined the key stops along the path that made you… you. I don’t have it all figured out but that’s the great part! You don’t have to have all the answers either.