New to Medium? Get Ready for a Roller Coaster Ride

5 Things that Revolutionized my Writing Output

I always knew that I wanted to be a writer. I also knew that it would be a tough gig to get noticed at.

I have been a member of Medium for two months and it has revolutionized my writing.

Here’s how.

I Wrote On the Move

Writing is something you can do pretty much anywhere, from firing up your laptop on a train to tapping out a novel on your desktop at home.

I wrote on the move with my laptop on my knees. Sometimes I did it in the lounge other times on the bed, but mostly, at a table in the conservatory, which was problematic — especially in the winter.

Then I joined Medium and my whole perspective on writing changed. All of a sudden, I was taking it more seriously.

A Space to Call My Own

Cue the spare bedroom which was kept for guests who, (pre-lockdown), probably visited three maybe four times a year. I sold the two single beds and put the money towards a new desk and swivel chair.

A stylish new sofa-bed was added and suddenly the unused, unloved spare room was transformed. Plants, my favourite pictures on the walls and family photos dotted around give it a personal touch and now, it’s a grown-up writing den/workspace. I use it every day and as a consequence, my output has increased exponentially.

Learn from the Masters of the Craft

Read their work, look at how the story is crafted and formatted. Take notes. Save the story to reference later. There are so many great writers on this platform. Learn from them.

If you have a favourite author, dissect the way they write. Analyse how they craft their stories, how they portray their characters and the imagery. Read like a writer.

Discipline and Perseverance are Key

Exercise and toning go hand-in-hand. If you want to tone up your writing muscle, you must use it often and flex it as much as you can. I do this by writing stories and poetry every day. After a while, it becomes a habit. Research, edits, and admin tasks take time but are essential for getting your work out there. But keep going and keep writing. Along the way, you will connect with some great people and learn so much. A whole community of fellow writers from all over the world, all gathered together in one place — how amazing is that?!

Think Like a Writer

Even though I work from home as a legal transcriptionist, (which I used to do in the conservatory), I get up early to put in an hour or two of writing before I start my day job. Again, when I finish later in the day, I stay at my desk and carry on writing. It has to be done. The stories won’t write themselves. But if you have a passion for writing, it’s not a chore. It’s a pleasure.

Tools are Every Workman’s Friend, including the Writer

Apart from the main tool that you work with — a laptop, mobile or desktop computer, there are so many other tools available to help you along the way. Just as any workman has a toolbox, the writer’s toolbox could overflow with aids, whether you pay an editor to help with your writing technique or use a mass marketing e-mail tool to help disseminate your work, there is so much help available, and as with any purchase, you must weigh up the outlay against the gain. I intend to expand my toolbox as I gain momentum as a writer. I want to be the best that I can and maximize my earning potential.

Self-Doubt — Don’t Let it Creep In

Every day is a roller coaster ride. Sometimes, I reach the dizzy heights of ecstasy when I check my stats and get some great comments, and other days I reach the depths of despair because I have received a rejection. That’s when the self-doubt creeps in and I wonder why I am putting myself through this gut-wrenching, soul-searching toil.

Will I ever write a ‘viral’ story or earn $11,000 a month? That much in a year would be incredible! But here’s the thing. On Medium you can be anyone you want to be and you can find your own level. Like water. You will settle where it is natural for you to be but you have the potential to reach the pinnacle of your dreams. That is why I keep writing, every day.

We are all unique and finding your voice or niche on the platform is the key. Once you have decided where you want to be, aim for that place, then jump aboard the roller coaster. Sign up for the membership — I did that on day one. Get your Stripe account and tax form sorted because once your journey begins, you can settle down, buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Just like a roller coaster ride, it has its up and downs, but it’s absolutely exhilarating!

I hope you enjoyed reading this. Here’s more of my work. If you want to connect, ping me an e-mail: [email protected]