avatarGaurav Jain

Summary

The author discusses their struggle with decision-making, particularly in choosing a favorite writer on Medium, and highlights several writers who have made an impact on them for their authenticity, humor, and versatility.

Abstract

The article titled "I Can’t Select My Favorite Writer" delves into the author's difficulty with making choices, especially when it comes to selecting a favorite writer on the Medium platform. The author admires writers who exhibit authenticity, such as Yana Bostongirl, whose raw and relatable writing garners significant reader engagement. In the realm of humor, Christine Stevens stands out with her satirical and often naughty writing style, challenging readers to distinguish between fiction and reality. The author also appreciates the versatility of Sharing Randomly, whose diverse range of topics and genres showcases her creativity and positivity. Despite the common advice to find a niche, these writers inspire the author with their ability to connect with readers across various subjects. The article concludes with a humorous note on gender differences in writing and a nod to the power of female writers on Medium.

Opinions

  • The author values authenticity in writing, as exemplified by Yana Bostongirl's relatable stories and consistent engagement with her audience.
  • Humor is recognized as a challenging skill, with Christine Stevens being highlighted for her exceptional ability to make readers laugh and her interactive approach with her followers.
  • Versatility in writing is praised, with the author pointing out Sharing Randomly's ability to excel in multiple genres, including poetry, humor, travel, and mental health.
  • The author playfully criticizes the notion of sticking to a niche, suggesting that it can stifle creativity and limit the scope of a writer's expression.
  • There is a tongue-in-cheek observation that women may be more suited to the Medium platform due to their perceived ability to juggle multiple ideas simultaneously, as opposed to men who are humorously depicted as having a more compartmentalized approach to thinking.
  • The author reveals a personal anecdote about how a humorous piece by Sianna Lani led to an unexpected trip to the emergency room due to uncontrollable laughter, showcasing the profound impact that writing can have on readers.

TO CHOOSE OR NOT TO CHOOSE

I Can’t Select My Favorite Writer

Decision making is not my cup of pina colada

Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

I don’t do well with choices — never have. Besides, having only one option is not an option. So, I will let the algorithm and my home page speak of my favorite writers on this platform. In no particular order —

Medium’s Most Wanted — Mugshots and picture of two leaves by Author

Authenticity

Online writing is all about authenticity. None of us are Shakespeare or Hemingway. The audience here is looking for stories and experiences they can relate to themselves. But, to be genuine requires courage to reveal your vulnerable self in your writing.

It is where Yana Bostongirl tops the charts for me. She doesn’t need any certification from me in that regard. Just pick up any of her pieces and scroll through the comments. The folks here love and support her as if she is one of their own — they relate to her.

Here is one of Yana’s stories — a testament to the rawness in her writing. And do look out for the level of engagement she has with her readers. I am yet to see her miss acknowledging any of her readers. She always does — either through claps or comments or both.

Humor

It’s no hidden secret that to make someone laugh is a difficult skill. That is why you can count the number of famous comics on your fingertips. Now, how many of these are women? Struggling, huh? I believe that was the reason Marvelous Mrs. Maisel took the world by storm.

With more than ten thousand followers, Christine Stevens is the torchbearer here, as far as I am concerned. Incidentally, she was the first author I came across on Medium and, she featured in my first Medium submission (and she responded). She has also helped me improve my work on a few occasions at my request.

Christine is a satire writer who can get naughty at times. Whether it was her first story I read or the last one, I still struggle to get my head around how much is fiction v. reality especially when she puts herself at the center of the story. But, that’s the beauty about her writing that she keeps her readers hooked and guessing.

Case in point, this was her first story I read on Medium. Call me biased, but I believe it is one of the best pieces on this platform.

Versatility

There is so much talk about finding your niche on Medium. I am inclined towards humor and, Christine added fuel to the fire. I wanted to write like her — I still do. But, then the amateur writer in me almost succumbed to the ideology of having a niche.

Then, I made acquaintance with Sharing Randomly. Even her medium handle speaks volume of versatility — the best thing any creative person can ask for in their craft. I have seen her write poems, humor, travel, mental health, and so forth.

Regardless of the genre, every piece of hers radiates positivity. But, the best part I like is interacting with her. I have so many favorite pieces of her that I couldn’t select one. So, I will let Lorena speak for herself.

Special Mention

I know. I know. I was supposed to pick one and have already picked three. But I guess I am already disqualified from the competition if you made it this far. So, what the heck?

Couple of weeks back, I stumbled upon a story that put me on a gurney. I was already struggling with stomach pain due to a bug and was avoiding to go to ER due to COVID and all. But, after reading this story, I laughed so hard that my pain just skyrocketed. I had to go to ER. How about that? But I have no regrets.

Sianna Lani might have only three stories on Medium so far but she is definitely not new to writing. And she is such a humble soul and fun to interact with. Here is the aforementioned story.

Closing Comments

Men have a brain divided into slots and, we can live and breathe in only one at a time. Among these slots, there is one empty slot with nothing in it — and that seems to be our favorite. If allowed, we can spend our entire lives being in that empty slot. That’s why we either struggle to either write or hide behind the excuse of niches.

Women’s brain, on the other hand, is buzzing mesh of cross-wiring. They will never be short of ideas. So, I think Medium is more tailor-made for our partners from Venus. Amen to girl power!

Note to self: I hear Robert Ralph has made Sally Prag judge of this competition. I will either get disqualified or win this thing. Hush hush!

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