avatarShannon Piérre

Summary

A writer on Medium shares their success story of earning over $1,000 from a single personal narrative, emphasizing the value of unique individual experiences in storytelling.

Abstract

In an article detailing a remarkable personal achievement, the author describes how they earned $1,000 from a story written on Medium in their fourth month of using the platform. This success came from a story that was neither about writing nor earnings, marking a significant departure from the author's usual content. The piece, titled "My First Trip to Ireland Ended in an Unwanted Orgy," recounts a memorable personal experience, confirming the author's decision to delve into memoir and anecdote writing. The author expresses gratitude and humility, aiming to inspire others by demonstrating that such financial success from writing is attainable. They also challenge the notion that writing about oneself is egotistical, arguing that personal stories are inherently unique and valuable because no one else can tell them. The article concludes with the assertion that anyone can achieve similar success by leveraging their own experiences in their writing.

Opinions

  • The author believes in the power of personal storytelling, asserting that individual experiences are invaluable and cannot be replicated by others.
  • They suggest that writing about personal experiences is not egotistical but rather a way to share unique perspectives that no one else can offer.
  • The author implies that Medium's curation is not a definitive factor in a story's success, as their most successful piece was not curated or promoted by the platform.
  • There is a hint of irony in the author's tone when discussing the topic of their high-earning story, acknowledging the potential influence of a sensational title involving an "unwanted orgy."
  • The author is grateful for their success and is keen on motivating other writers, emphasizing that anyone can achieve similar results by writing authentically about their own life experiences.

Last Month a Miracle Happened: I Wrote a 1,000 Dollar Story on Medium

And here is how I did it

Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash

In my fourth complete month on Medium, I decided to write a story I had never told before. The result of the story was $1,000 in earnings. I also took a break shortly after — I will explain that another day.

Perhaps the greatest feat is that the story was neither about writing nor earnings. Yes, I understand the irony of the previous sentence.

The Purpose of this Article

The purpose of the article is not to flex. Okay, maybe a little. I am honestly so grateful. I can nearly pay for one month’s rent with my earnings from the story — very cool!

The real reason for writing this article is to galvanize and inspire others. If I can do it, you can too. Seriously.

My High Earning Story

Numerous people (including a psychic!) have told me that I should write a memoir and a book of anecdotes. This story was my first foray into that journey. For me, this was confirmation that I should write my books.

I might actually be a billionaire by the time I post this. Maybe the decimals are wrong?

Screenshot by author

My earnings so far.

My Writing Philosophy

Many people on Medium tell you to write for your reader. They will say that it is egotistical to write about yourself. I respectfully disagree.

Because no one can relay details about your experiences better than you. Not a soul has experienced your experiences through your perspective. That is what makes you and your stories unique.

Sex Sells?

Maybe it was the title. An unwanted orgy is not something you hear about every day.

Curation Doesn’t Matter

The story was not curated, which tends to work out in my favor. My most successful story (so far) on Medium was not curated or promoted by Medium in their e-Letters.

No-one Can Write Your Experiences Better Than You

Seriously.

TL;DR I wrote a story that made more than $1,000. I may never do it again, but I am sure that you can.

Writing
Life
Freelancing
Side Hustle
Philosophy
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