avatarAldric Chen

Summary

The article discusses the feasibility and challenges of writing for monetary gain, particularly on Medium, emphasizing the need for dedication, learning, and patience.

Abstract

The author asserts that it is indeed possible to earn money through writing, drawing from personal experience on Medium. The journey to financial success in writing is portrayed as a demanding process that requires one to write consistently, embrace humility, and continuously improve one's craft. Despite initial low earnings and the absence of curation, the author highlights the potential for stories to generate income over time, advocating for perseverance and the accumulation of writing assets through quality content. The article underscores the importance of perspective, ideation, and the ability to listen to experienced writers, while also acknowledging the personal fulfillment that comes from sharing thoughts and experiences through writing.

Opinions

  • Writing for money is possible but should not overshadow the primary focus of writing itself.
  • Success in writing for financial gain requires a significant commitment and the willingness to start with modest compensation.
  • The path to earning through writing involves a learning curve, where unlearning and relearning are part of the process.
  • The author emphasizes the importance of patience and self-doubt management, suggesting that financial success in writing is a gradual achievement.
  • Writing quality and the ability to communicate effectively are crucial for building a portfolio of digital assets that can yield income over an extended period.
  • The author values the mentorship and insights from other writers, such as Liam Ireland, and encourages a community approach to growth and learning in the writing profession.
  • Personal satisfaction from writing is also a significant motivator, alongside the aspiration to earn money from it.

Is It Possible To Write For The Big Money?

Why not? With caveats

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

Yes, it is possible to write for the money. I have no doubts about it because I managed to squeeze some dollars and dimes into my pocket as a novice writer. That said, money is a result of my work and not the creative process itself. What I mean is, we have to write first.

We have to write a lot.

I know of many who believe that once they set their minds to writing, they will start earning enough buy a yacht and travel around the world. I salute their ambitions. There is only one problem. They have not produced one letter.

Writing for a living is no different from pursuing other routes in terms of profession. It doesn’t matter whether you are a graduate, a Ph.D., a dropout — the rules are the same when we first start out.

We have to eat many slices of humble pie. It could just be the crumbs. We are paid peanuts. Writing for BIG MONEY required HUGE COMMITMENT.

This is my experience here. Notwithstanding other copywriting projects and blogging assignments that I have, writing on Medium presents a whole new dimension to me.

Sprinkles of eye-catching one-liners would be spanked by publication editors and call-to-actions has to be discreet. This is a writing platform meant for writing.

That means learning through unlearning and then relearning. As again, I am now a student of the sport starting at the lowest rung of the stairway to Nirvana.

Why am I saying all this? That is because this is tough work. It is possible to write for the money (here), and that will take time. My very first story did not make any money after I shelled out $50 for the paid membership. My first month of writing? I think I made $0.02.

I know some of the writers/readers will thumb their noses at me. That is fine too. I don’t take offense. I know I need the time to commit and write better.

4 months in and I can see some trends. Some of my earlier stories are still metered for readership and circulated. Mind you, this isn’t the result of curation. Unfortunately, I have not been patronized by the Curation-Gods yet but I am willing to wait and savor the moment when it happens.

These are the stories that have been read for months. I am proud of them and with that said, I believe I need to strive for better writing.

So yes — In a nutshell, it is possible to write for a living here. And that is an oversimplification of reality because like all things, this is a journey. It is a function of perspective development, ideation, non-stop improvement, and the ability to listen to those who have walked that path we desire. In particular, I would like to thank Liam Ireland for his indirect mentorship.

My point is rather simple, and please do not read it in a boastful manner of sorts. I am not and I cannot because I am not there yet. The mechanism to write for money here (referring to Medium) has been put in place and good stories can be metered for months, allowing us to build digital assets through good/great/quality writing.

We have to bite our teeth, persevere, grind, sweat, bleed enough to get there.

If we are able to do that daily, I think we have a shot. Truthfully, I do not know when I will get there. There are many days in which I have serious doubts in myself, wondering what the f*** am I doing with my time here.

And when I calm down, I realized the following.

I write because I want to share my thoughts and experiences.

While I do want to write for the money, that day has not arrived. It will come. I will have to patient. I have to keep sharpening my writing skills and my ability to communicate.

Till then?

It’s a daily grind.

Write Because We Want To,

Aldric

Related Stories from the Author.

About the Author:

As a content contributor, I write my observations from daily life and my business exposure.

Because our life experience is the bedrock of our unique perspectives.

As a Consultant by training, I believe in making the complex simple.

Because simplicity adds value.

And with clarity — We grow.

Follow me for my stories on Medium!

This is more “About Me”.

Do reach out and say hi on Linkedin!

Writing
Money
Self Improvement
Self-awareness
Life Lessons
Recommended from ReadMedium