One Paragraph Life and Writing Lessons From My Cast of Medium All-Stars

What you can learn from some of my favorite writers

I woke up one morning wondering what genre of articles usually make it to the Medium press as the year’s end nears. To scratch that itch, I reviewed my year in writing.

I didn’t have to dig deep to learn that lots of colleague writers have helped make my journey feel more like a trip in an air-conditioned SUV than a trek along a dark, deserted backroad.

I know an article isn’t long enough to mention all you wonderful writers who lent a helping hand and slung an encouraging arm around my shoulder.

Devoting a paragraph to a few writers whose names come to mind doesn’t serve justice to all the other resourceful writers whose masterpieces I have read and enjoyed. No. It doesn’t.

But I have to start somewhere, despite the imperfections. So in alphabetical order, let’s dive head in, shall we?

Ayodeji Awosika: I have only two words to describe what he’s taught me: Persuasive Writing. In his own words, he “states the problem, then twists the knife.” When he’s done twisting, he provides the salve to soothe the sore spots. And he does it with the skill of a surgeon.

Tip: Learn persuasive writing, or else someday, only your best friend and your cat will read your work.

Tim Denning: The lovely skinny superstar has a superhuman work ethic with which he churns out more content than a celebrity rumor mill, only his articles are better. I’m not surprised he said he wants to be the most-read writer. Think of an Aussie who wants his words to reverberate so far the polar bears at the Arctic would howl in response. He’s taught me the importance of a great work ethic and frankness.

Tip: You can also mass-produce great content by pouring lots of dedication into the pot of openness.

Sinem Günel: I wonder how she comes up with new points for everyday situations. Sometimes I’d tell myself, “Let’s see. I bet I can list three of the five things Sinem promises to talk about in this article,” only to miss the mark by six miles. But I guess it shouldn’t surprise me because that’s what she does best.

Tip: Find a different way to write about everyday scenarios.

Victoria Ichizli-Bartels, PhD: Finding a task too boring or overwhelming? According to Victoria, it’s time you gamified that task. Seriously. Turn your next writing task into a fun game. Set missions, pursue enemies, slay dragons, score points, earn medals, and update the performance leaderboard. I have started, and it’s so exciting.

Tip: Turn your tasks into a fun game. Break it down into missions, and start blasting through the stages like Super Mario.

Sean Kernan: Who would plug a toothpick in their mouth, stride their horse and head off to hunt for some of the weirdest items sold on Amazon? What about writing on lessons you can learn from an Octopus? Two words: Sean Kernan. And he does that with such humorous grace you’d be grateful you read every sentence.

Tip: Take the unconventional route to the Mount Rushmore of writing. “Tweak the perspective; get cynical, then get creative; build a theme around an out of place word,” he says.

Tom Kuegler: We may be about the same age, but he’s taught me a lot of things some venerable big brothers haven’t yet sniffed. Impressive stuff. He said most of his writing is the advice meant for his younger self, but I identify with some of those tips anyway. Oh, and he speaks his mind without restraint.

Tip: Don’t know what to write? Write as though it’s a letter to a 19-year-old you.

Lanu Pitan: She writes on fresh fruits, good food, topics most people would rather flip, and foolproof spiritual facts, despite her first calling being in the field of finance. The story behind pink table salt from the Himalayas, the benefits of pumpkins, and the history of Thanksgiving are just three examples that flash to mind.

Tip: Always endeavor to educate people on something new. They’ll send you roses and hearts of thanks.

Michael Thompson: Thinking of how to start your articles with fascinating stories? Check out how Michael tells his real-life stories. From scenes set in the cosy corner of his room where he picks oatmeal out of his hair to conference rooms filled with cigarette packs and coffee cups, good luck picking a favorite. The stories are magnetic, and before you know it, you’re doing 90 mph on his articles.

Tip: Stories, stories, stories. Life is full of stories. Writing is more fun when it’s full of stories. Writing is part storytelling and part showing how those stories apply to your main point.

Genius Turner: Reading Genius’ writing is the equivalent of cruising in a vehicle sporting a V8 engine under the hood. You know it assures you of a smooth ride, slick twists, and sharp brakes. Oh, and a crisp sound blaring from the speakers. What’s more, the words flow with the grace of a glistening waterfall pouring downstream, in slow-mo.

Tip: Learn to add some style to your writing. Style is the big sister of substance, so let style (big sister) chaperone substance (her younger sibling).

Dr Mehmet Yildiz: I can’t find enough big words to describe his monumental support. He’ll forgive you for thinking opening doors for writers to waltz through is his new hobby. Maybe someone would erect a golden monument someplace to remind the whole world of his heart of gold. The two words by which I’ll describe him? Tireless selflessness.

Tip: Serve your readers — and the world — with tireless selflessness.

Takeaway for writers

Readers may not remember you as much for the millions of words you’ve written as they would the one word by which they can describe you. Or a few words at a stretch.

So find something you want your readers to remember you for. It could be a unique viewpoint, a special style, or a wild work ethic.

Remember, not the millions of words, but one word. Or a few words.