Summary

Sherry McGuinn expresses her appreciation for Medium as a writing platform, despite the challenges faced during the pandemic and personal career setbacks.

Abstract

In a candid and humorous reflection, Sherry McGuinn shares her journey on Medium, transitioning from initial skepticism to a profound sense of gratitude for the platform. Amidst a global pandemic and personal career hurdles, such as her screenwriting prospects being put on hold and her personal blog's impending decline, McGuinn finds solace and a sense of accomplishment in writing on Medium. She highlights the freedom and self-respect she has gained from writing what she loves, even if it means earning less than she might elsewhere. McGuinn acknowledges her previous criticisms of other writers but stands by her opinions, emphasizing her appreciation for the community and friendships she has formed on Medium. She concludes with a lighthearted note, revealing the article as an April Fool's joke, and invites readers to explore her other works and subscribe to her newsletter.

Opinions

McGuinn initially had reservations about Medium but has come to view it as the greatest writing platform.
She values the autonomy and creative freedom Medium provides, allowing her to write without the constraints of traditional employment or content marketing.
The author appreciates the ability to work from home, especially during the pandemic, and prefers it over potentially riskier employment options.
McGuinn admits to past criticisms of other writers on the platform but maintains her stance on what she considers quality writing.
Despite modest earnings, she finds intrinsic value in her work on Medium and considers the non-monetary benefits, such as new friendships, to be of significant worth.
She playfully acknowledges the financial limitations of her current situation but emphasizes the importance of self-respect and personal satisfaction in her writing career.
McGuinn uses humor to address her past workplace grievances, such

Medium is the Greatest Writing Platform on Earth

So, if you’re here, count your lucky stars.

I realize that some of you may be doing a “double-take” right now, but, it’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind, right?

We all have our “a-ha!” moments.

For days, I’ve pondered what I’m doing and why I’m doing it. What am I accomplishing? Where is my focus? Why do I feel so “untethered?” Where is the joy, people?

The pandemic, certainly, has something to do with this but I realize that my overall lack of enthusiasm has been hobbling me. Too, I’ve gobbled up a mouthful of sour grapes and now I’m choking on them. That’s no Gouda.

I made $47 and change last month and am thrilled beyond reason. Hell, I could be working in a grocery store that’s teeming with germs and people who won’t keep their distance. Or trying to stifle my laughter at the sight of shoppers using sweat socks as face masks. (Hand to God, here. My sister told me this one.)

A few months ago, I earned nearly $100! I’m not sure if this means I’m currently going downhill or not, but hell, I’ll take it! What else have I got going on? NADA.

I can’t pitch my scripts as Hollywood has virtually shut down and my manager has been MIA. My personal blog will soon tank, no surprise there since Amazon will be dropping me as an “Associate” soon enough.

Amazon is a tough taskmaster. Trust me on this, bloggers. At least we don’t have to link to products here on Medium, to make some cash.

What a blessing it is to be able to hunker down in my basement, with my aesthetic lighting and our cats milling around and “write my stories.” And I have Medium to thank for this.

I don’t have a troll of a boss that I must report to like I did when I was actually employed (“By the way, Suzy, you suck!”). I don’t have to work overtime unless I want to, and I don’t have to park in the “Expectant Mothers” spot in the dead of winter because all the other damned spaces are taken!

I got called on the carpet for that one, by the way. The assholes actually took a picture of my Fiat and email blasted it. And all along, I thought exercise was good for pregnant women.

In the past, I know that I’ve written some stories that might be considered “unflattering” about this platform, but every day, people turn over a new leaf. Why should I be any different? I turned over mine and found a box of chocolates!

Another positive: I write what I want to write. (Even if cuss words are involved.) I don’t have to churn out crappy junk mail or junk emails shilling for pest control companies and HVAC services.

I don’t have to sit in a room with an account staff that balks when a writer uses words consisting of more than two syllables. (“Yeah, guys. You suck, too!”) Or, that work from home four days a week because their kids are “sick.”

(Note to you dolts: Think of a new excuse.)

No. Now I’m my own boss and even though I’m not contributing to my 40lk, or my stock options or anything else for that matter, I have my self-respect back. Plus, I’ve met some wonderful people and made what I hope will be longtime friends.

Is that worth $47? I’d say so. Plus, you’d be amazed at how much cheap wine you can buy with that. I’ve done the leg work. I know.

Admittedly, I could probably earn more in the MPP if I tried harder, but, I’m working pretty hard as it is. Maybe I should rethink what I’m putting out in the world…? You tell me.

Do you like me? You can be honest.

Too, I know I’ve been somewhat derisive of writers who I deem unworthy of publishing. And I wish I could say that I’ve done a 360 on that, but I can’t lie to you: That hasn’t changed. I am, after all, me.

So that’s really all I wanted to convey. My gratitude at being here on Medium, and at being alive, in general.

It’s a beautiful thing.

Stay well, everyone. And thanks for reading.

BY THE WAY: APRIL FOOLS!

Sherry McGuinn is a slightly-twisted, longtime Chicago-area writer and award-winning screenwriter. Her work has appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and numerous other publications. Sherry’s manager is currently pitching her newest screenplay, a drama with dark, comedic overtones and inspired by a true story.

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