I Show Up Daily for “Class” Here on Medium

Medium is like getting an education and being paid for it

I might be the opposite of many who write here on Medium.

For me, money is not a main motivation in my writing life.

It never has been.

I look at Medium more like school. My own private writing school.

I never went to college. I wasn’t a focused student in high school either. I was a C average student. I skated by with no real interest in most subjects except art and music. Yep I was a daydreaming artist and musician.

Now, at almost 58 I appreciate learning so much. I’m like a sponge. I just appreciate the whole process. I know that writing is a process. Coming up with ideas, constructing the story and even the editing is a process I enjoy.

I also know this process of writing takes discipline and commitment. I have both of these.

My writing discipline feels a bit like I’m in school again but it’s far more fun. Hey, maybe I’m a better student now because I’m older and I appreciate learning so much more than when I was young!

I made the decision to write daily on Medium a few years ago, for 6 months. Then I was going to re-evaluate things. This was my plan. I realized that many outcomes might occur:

1. I would realize I am ready to dedicate myself to my memoir and other book ideas.
2. I would continue ‘practicing’ and having fun on Medium — writing on various subjects and themes.
3. I would combine all of my creative writing loves together and somehow do them all (my musical, books and essays.)
4. Medium would go belly-up and I’d figure something else out. ha-ha

(I was OK with any of those options. You see, I don’t attach myself to results anymore. I just do the work and see what happens. I believe in Steven Pressfield’s motto, ‘Do the Work’, from his wonderful book by the same name.)

One thing I was sure of though was this:

Through the ‘process’ I would learn and grow as a writer and a human being.

Well, a bonus happened.

I met some great writers, who have since become my good friends. What a sweet side effect! Many of my new Medium writer buddies have kindly offered to help me edit my upcoming memoir.

That is invaluable.

Another bonus is that some who read my posts might be inspired or entertained. I always felt if just one person (besides myself) got something valuable from my writing that was enough for me.

So, even though Medium seems to morph often (no one knows exactly where its going or where it will end up), I still show up every morning at the page with my coffee in hand, in the same disciplined fashion. I sit my ass down and do my daily ‘writing assignment’.

I am honestly grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts and words, connect with some great like-minded people and become a better writer in the process.

And, for 5 bucks a month I can’t beat the tuition here.

THANKS FOR READING! contact: [email protected]

Michelle Monet has published 5 non-fiction books including 4 Poetic Memoirs. Her upcoming Memoir is about her life in show business. She is also writing a Musical based on her life.