Writing, Inspiration, Creativity
The Truth Behind the Bonus
A love letter to myself and fellow writers
Dear Self and (some) of My Fellow Writers:
I know you were disappointed that you didn’t receive the June bonus or any of the other bonuses rewarded this year. You told yourself not to set that cash bonus as a goal or expectation because, at heart — you’re not writing for the money.
At the same time, you secretly held onto a wish for that “fantasy bonus” because you created a list of self-challenges, pushed yourself harder, and wrote more articles last month than any other month since you started writing on the platform.
You wanted to be recognized and validated by the invisible Medium-employed “judges” by receiving the bonus — but you weren’t. Now, you’re reading this odd love letter, feeling rejected, sensitive, and maybe teary-eyed. And you’re still asking yourself why you didn’t get the bonus.
I can’t answer that question — but I can tell you what you need to hear.
You are a good writer.
Read the above sentence three times, and don’t forget it.
Sometimes you’re a f*cking great writer, and sometimes you f*cking rock at writing. Sometimes you have a horrible writing day, want to give up, and cry. But occasionally, when you experience those confident, full-of-thrive “flow” moments — you are a self-empowered keyboard superstar — on fire!
But not everybody sees that.
But those who do see it — hold your stories close to their heart because your words make them laugh until they pee their pants, cry until their cheeks are wet, or nod because you nailed it.
Sometimes your personal stories thunderstorm their emotions because they’ve experienced similar injustices, or your words trigger memories from their past that force them to reflect or urge them to take notice or consider a change.
Sometimes your gutsy stories inspire them to try harder or better their lives. You share intimate true-life experiences — even though you’re scared, vulnerable, and don’t always believe in yourself.
You are a real person who tells stories with emotion, personality, and authenticity. The stories you tell resonate with readers because they experience those same feelings that they’re too afraid to talk about.
Your readers learn from you. Your readers hear you. Your readers need you.
You encourage your fellow writers by reading their stories, clapping, and making thoughtful comments. Some writers reciprocate and brighten your smile, especially those days you doubt your self-worth and capability — their words both fuel and calm your spirit and give you a sense of purpose.
You finally belong in a community of like-minded writers who support each other and value your stories. Some of those fellow writers and readers — get you — and that alone pushes you to keep writing.
You believe in writers and encourage them to shine because it fosters growth, trust, and community. You appreciate writers no matter what level of experience they’re at — because although writers are fragile — they keep trying to better their writing.
Remember this, my writer friend. You are on your own writing journey that nobody else can duplicate. You do this because it’s a creative expression outlet that makes you driven, purposeful, and amazing.
You do this because when your fingertips dance on the keyboard and flow into wondrous choreographed stories — nothing else matters.
You do this — for you. You’ve held your writing self back for months, years, maybe decades, but now it’s your time to embrace writing and unleash your creative spirit. The real writing bonus is YOU— because you’re putting yourself out there to the world through your beautiful stories and being — the real you.
Nobody can take that away — and you’re the only person that can reward yourself with that self-driven, innate, priceless bonus — that makes you feel vibrant, brave, and f*cking alive.
Thank you, writer, for putting yourself out there. I need your stories — please keep writing, keep inspiring, and keep shining. The world needs your individuality, your perspective, and your light.
Nobody else can write the way you do.
I do a cartwheel every time I finish reading one of your stories. Thank you, writers — for keeping me fit.
With love, gratitude, and cartwheels, Mary Chang Story Writer.
About the Author
Mary Chang is an award-winning short story fiction writer, memoir writer, and blogger. She’s also a parent, fitness enthusiast and loves making people laugh.
Fueled by cartwheels, laughter, the F-word, and encouraging others to shine. Read her blog at www.marychangstorywriter.com.