My First Month Writing on Medium

Summary

Linda Kowalchek reflects on her first month writing on Medium, sharing her progress, personal writing journey, and the satisfaction derived from authenticity and community engagement.

Abstract

In her first month on Medium, Linda Kowalchek published 11 stories without a set quota or writing schedule, eventually developing a natural daily writing habit. Her primary goal was to overcome her nerves and maintain authenticity in her writing, which she achieved by focusing on topics she is passionate about, particularly writing about writing. Linda appreciates the support and philosophy of the ILLUMINATION publication and its founder, Dr. Mehmet Yildiz. Despite the modest earnings from the Partner Program, she values the non-monetary benefits of Medium, such as skill improvement, community connection, and the growth of her email list. She remains grateful for the opportunity to write and is motivated to continue her writing journey.

Opinions

Linda values authenticity and prefers writing about topics that resonate with her, particularly the craft of writing.
She naturally developed a writing habit without adhering to a strict schedule, suggesting a personal evolution towards discipline.
Linda is appreciative of the ILLUMINATION publication and its founder, Dr. Mehmet Yildiz, for providing a platform for writers.
She emphasizes

I give it two thumbs up.

January was my first month writing on Medium.

During that time, I published 11 stories. I consider that decent progress, mostly since I hadn’t set a “quota” regarding how many stories I should write each month. It was a “write as much as I can while being a nervous newbie” plan that I had in place for my first month.

I also didn’t have a writing schedule. I know, I know, everyone is supposed to have a writing schedule. Screw it. I wrote when I felt like it. Some would say that shows a lack of discipline; I like to think it means I’m a free spirit.

Oddly enough, I ended up naturally developing a schedule, and I now write every day at roughly the same time. It started to happen all on its own during the last week of January. I think that’s what disciplined people call a “habit.

My only goal for my first month on Medium was to conquer my nerves and sound like myself when I write. Authenticity is very important to me.

I love writing about writing on Medium and about the writing journey in general. Other topics don’t seem to do it for me. I’m not a good faker, and I think readers can tell when I’m writing about something that doesn’t quite fit me.

It’s like wearing shoes that are a little too big. You have to curl your toes and walk weird to keep them on your feet. You hope no one notices, but they do.

I think I sound like myself writing about writing because I like it so much, and it comes very naturally to me. It’s fun. And because I’m having a good time, I don’t feel nervous. So, I have met my goal of settling my nerves and writing as I talk. I’m happy about that.

I published all of my stories in the same publication, ILLUMINATION. I try to support people I believe in, and I like the philosophy behind ILLUMINATION.

I am blown away by the effort that Dr. Mehmet Yildiz, the creator of ILLUMINATION, puts forth to give Medium writers a place to publish. I don’t know where all of his energy comes from; he does so much. Kudos and thank you to him.

I try to practice what I preach, so I’m keeping my eye on the bigger picture and looking at all the benefits of Medium outside of the Partner Program. It allows me to do something I love and further hone my skills, all while connecting with other writers and readers. That is priceless.

So many readers have clapped, and highlighted, and commented about my posts. I love that. It lets me know that there are real people out there in the world reading what I wrote. That feels great.

Medium is also helping me to build my email list. At the time of writing this, I have three email subscribers. They clicked out of the kindness of their hearts even though I wasn’t offering them anything free; I’m still working on the freebie. Their “click” means the world to me. Little things like that make a huge difference.

As far as the algorithm and the Partner Program go, it is what it is. Medium isn’t my platform; I don’t make the rules. I have the opportunity to use this platform, and for that, I am grateful.

For January, I earned $9.54. More than some writers, and less than others. But it is money honestly earned, and it’s the beginning of a future doing something I love.

Would I like to make big money? Of course, I would, but for now, I’m just going to keep my nose in my outdated MacBook Air and write because that is what I’m here to do. Onward and upward!

Linda Kowalchek is a work in progress and a member of the typewriter generation. She spends her time with her husband and her rescue cats waiting for golf balls to crash through their windows. PSA: Don’t live next to a golf course.