My Three Years’ Medium Journey

It has been fulfilling even without money

Writing is its own reward. (Henry Miller)

I am a retired banking professional. I live in the southern Indian state of Kerala.

I joined Medium in April 2017. I wanted a platform to write, and Medium suited my goal.

Medium is an amazing platform. It is democratic and inclusive. Amateur writers can rub shoulders with professional writers on Medium.

I used Medium as a creative outlet. I never intended to use it as a source of income.

I make art for art’s own sake. I write for the pleasure it affords me. Writing is a cathartic experience for me.

I wrote whatever I wanted to write.

I have written over two thousand posts on Medium. This includes articles and comments on other writers’ stories.

Till six weeks back when I joined ILLUMINATION, I used to self-publish my stories. Few people read my stories. My audience grew when I started writing for publications.

I have 1800 followers on Medium. It’s not a five-digit score, but a decent one for me. I am happy that these people liked what I wrote. Building a base of followers takes time and consistent writing.

Till recently I wrote freely, without caring for Medium’s guidelines.

I joined the Medium Partnership Programme in July 2020. I have made about $18 so far.

I have been trying to follow Medium guidelines after I joined the MPP.

Two stories published on ILLUMINATION went viral but didn’t earn much for me.

Medium did not curate any of my stories. But that’s okay.

Non-curation is not a commentary on my writing abilities. It only means I did not care enough to follow the Medium guidelines and write what readers wanted to read. I was like a seller who didn’t know what sold in the market.

My greatest weakness as a writer on Medium has been my inability to tell personal stories. Fear of vulnerability is a writer’s greatest enemy. Readers expect writers to bleed their hearts out, and they don’t like impersonal stories written in the “I know more than you” mode.

But I consider myself as authentic. I write only about what feels right for my conscience, even if the market rejects it.

Inspiration doesn’t strike me every day. I am honest about it. The Muse shows up unexpectedly when an idea strikes me as article-worthy.

I read as many Medium articles as possible daily. I leave thoughtful comments wherever possible.

I consider civility as a great virtue. I never comment disparagingly or insensitively about other writers’ stories. I know writing is a difficult art to master. I know what a writer undergoes when they translate their mental creations into printed words.

A comment should add value to what the writer has written.

I read a lot whether it is books, newspapers, or articles. I have an excellent collection of non-fiction.

Each writer has a unique profile. I never compare myself with the top writers having over fifty thousand followers and earning thousands of dollars every month.

The top writers have mastered the art of attracting readers to read their stories. That’s what matters on Medium.

Writers create their own destinies, even if luck plays some part.

Why writers write, what they write, and how they write are unique propositions. Comparisons are odious as they say.

I am a serious person, although I can appreciate humour and fun. I know light-hearted writing doesn't suit me.

In my estimate, I have had a fair amount of success on Medium. I have a long way to go. I need to experiment with different formats and different themes to reach more readers.

I learned English as a second language. In India, we don’t speak English in our daily lives except in official settings. Each Indian state has its own language. For example, people in Kerala where I live, speak Malayalam while people in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu speak Tamil. English, however, serves as a link language between educated people living in different states.

I have a fascination for using flowery and pompous language. However, I have reined in this habit while writing on Medium because readers will consider me as a snob if used bombastic language.

I thank my readers, fellow-writers, followers, and editors of publications who offered their platforms to publish my stories.

I thank Medium and its administrators for providing me with an opportunity to reach out to people across the world through my writing.

My three-year journey on Medium has been eventful and fulfilling even without earning money.

I may not be a successful writer if you look at the dollars earned by me. I may earn more, but that’s not my aim.

I write for the pleasure of writing. I write for the joy of connecting with readers. I write for the contentment of sharing whatever knowledge I have gained.

I look forward to continuing the exciting journey on Medium in the company of its writing and reading communities.

Thanks for reading this story!