Grateful to have published 100 articles on Medium
As I write this article, No. 100, I would like to reflect on my time on Medium. I had created an account on this platform 11 months ago with zero expectations. After not writing professionally for 12 years, I simply wanted a place where I could restart my career…
…And my experience on Medium has been better than I could have expected. Sure, it has not been perfect nor has everything turned out as planned. Yet, every experience has taught me valuable lessons and I have zero regrets.
I started on Medium as strictly a sports writer and was quickly named top writer in sports. But, then I published a single humor piece last winter called “Today’s Rant,” which was an immediate hit. That piece has now become a humor series that is by far my most popular (with regard to read counts) and monetarily profitable work on this platform. The income I generate from one “Rant” equals the profit I earn from five sport articles. While my articles are split 60/40 (sports/non-sports) at the moment, I plan to incorporate two new topics to my repertoire during the next 100 articles:
- Parenting articles. As a soon-to-be first-time dad, I am obviously no parenting expert, but I hope to share my successes and challenges with you.
- I would also like to share insight into my experience as a professional writer. For example, I might talk about what motivates me to write or challenges I have faced as a writer. My goal for these pieces is not to brag or act as if I have all the answers. But, after publishing 100 articles on this platform, I feel like readers deserve to learn more about me, the person behind my work.
“What is your favorite Medium article you have written?” This is a question family, friends, and readers often ask me. My answer: the article I had published Feb. 9 about my experiences with working in retail, the sixth installment of my “Rant” series (link, below). I had worked in retail for a large part of my adult life. I know the industry well and understand its positive and negative aspects. Although I work in construction nowadays, I am grateful for the life lessons I had learned and experienced I had gained in retail.
I would like to thank my family and friends for continuously reading my articles and supporting my work. I appreciate every piece of feedback you have given me, whether positive or constructive. Please know I take your words seriously and keep them in mind as I write.
I have also enjoyed becoming part of the Medium community. Not only does this platform have talented writers, but also some cool folks. I never know how writers on this platform feel about being tagged, but there are about 25–30 who constantly read my articles regardless of topics. I always make it a point to personally respond when they comment on my work, so these writers know who they are. Thank you for always making me feel welcomed.
I would like to dedicate this article to my wife, Kay, who had encouraged me to create a Medium account from the start. She had seen glimpses of my writing talent and knew the passion to write still burned inside me. Thank you for being my better half, partner, and best friend. Thanks also for putting up with the countless hours I spend honing my craft. We writers can be a moody and self-centered bunch at times, so I appreciate your love and patience.
While I appreciate reaching article No. 100, I look forward even more to reaching No. 200 within the next year. I still have more great material in my pocket. In the meantime, thanks again for your support. Take care and be well.