Summary

Miguel Benitez outlines three types of writers on Medium, encouraging writers to explore their personal experiences, dedication, and overcoming fear to find their voice in the writing world.

Abstract

In his article, Miguel Benitez, a novice writer on Medium, reflects on the diverse spectrum of writers, categorizing them into three types based on their writing journey. He emphasizes the importance of writing from personal knowledge and experiences as a starting point, acknowledging that even seasoned writers once shared the same hopes and dreams. Benitez suggests that aspiring writers should not be discouraged by the pressure to produce large quantities of work, but rather focus on the quality and enjoyment of their craft. He introduces the concept of finding a personal writing groove and the potential benefits of tools like Binaural Beats to achieve a flow state. Lastly, Benitez addresses the common fear of writing, urging writers to overcome imposter syndrome and embrace their unique stories and life lessons.

Opinions

Benitez believes that all writers, regardless of experience, have a place at the "big boy table" and should support each other.
He posits that writing advice is abundant, but life advice can be equally valuable for writers to consider.
Benitez is critical of the push for quantity over quality in writing, suggesting that quality work is more important than the volume of output.
He encourages writers to identify their strengths and weaknesses and to write authentically about what they know.
Benitez recommends that writers experiment with different techniques, such as Binaural Beats, to enhance their writing process.
He acknowledges the struggle with imposter syndrome and encourages writers to persevere despite their fears, drawing inspiration from established writers like Tim Denning and Todd Brison.
Benitez concludes with a call to action for writers to recognize which type of writer they are and to embrace their individual writing journey with courage and determination.

There Are 3 Types of Writers

Let’s find out which one you are

I just started writing on medium not too long ago. (This is my 8th article, don’t tell anyone!) So what gives me the right to even write something like this. How dare I! — A writer with no experience telling other writers where they fall on the food chain of writing. Your right… I don’t have a right to give any advice on writing but I will. Do you know why? Because all of this is new to me.

I’m like a child taking their first steps in a world where anything is possible. My eyes are literally just opening up to this and it’s beautiful. No experience. No clients. No nothing. Just me, myself, and I writing words on the screen. I have no bias, no jadedness just pure fun and excitement of this new world that I just embarked on. Sucks for me right? — But does it…

Sorry experienced and seasoned writers all I have for you is this… Remember what it was like being in my shoes with hopes and dreams of being a writer of anything. Ya, that person’s always there they just get lost from time to time. Takes someone like me to come along and talk directly to them again.

Everyone has writing advice — I just happen to have life advice that translates into writing.

So let's do this writing world. Eyes and ears wide open ready to take it all in. If all writing solves a problem, entertains, or teaches. Who are any of us to ever say we all can’t get a seat at the big boy table together. Experienced, inexperienced, seats and places for everyone. Now, I’m not new to this world. So I get it's probably never gonna be like this — But one can dream.

Let's find out which type of writer you feel you are so far in your writing career and journey.

Write what you know FIRST.

Everything comes after this. I have no experience writing at all. Last time I wrote anything I was in middle school. I raised two children into adulthood. I’m a husband. I'm a father. I’m a 3d artist. I battled addictions for many years. Life is my teacher — This is where I start…

Find out what your strengths, desires, and weaknesses are in your life, and start there. You also get to find out things you didn’t know about yourself when you write. This I am slowly learning and you will too. Write what you know first — The rest will follow.

Writers who should write.

Wait you just said we all get a seat with your hopes and dreams BS. I did. But it’s not reality. I might write 100 articles and figure out this isn’t for me. Will I give up? NOPE. Better to actually try and fail so you can look back and say you gave it your best shot.

BUT — if you actually do make something in the writing world then wasn't it all worth it? All I see on Medium is push quantity. Quantity beats Quality. I get all of that gotta find your voice get after that. At the same time, a basketball player shoots 1000 shots a day. Do you really think all those 1000 shots were perfect basketball form-type shots? Or better to shoot 100 amazingly perfect form-type shots?

Pick your battles here on your writing journey. All this comes slow and it comes fast — Be ready for it!

What’s always required isn’t always necessary.

Find the groove that suits you best when writing — But don’t overdo it just because you read another article about more is always better. Sometimes slow and steady does win the race and sometimes it doesn’t. Writing is a gamble. Life is a gamble. Always play to your strengths first.

Writers who can write.

Are you a wordsmith? I know I’m not. I truly want to get there and I’m assuming you want to get there as well. It took me 2 years to write anything but I’m finally here making it happen. Is it good hell I don’t know? Give yourself the best chance you can to actually sit down and write words that make you truly feel something.

You first need to turn the ON switch in your head — Try this when you are having trouble writing. Get into a Flow State before writing. Find music called Binaural Beats on youtube. Find the one that best suits you. Plug some headphones in for 5–10 minutes and do nothing but listen to this music. It will feel like someone turned the ON switch in your creative brain.

The ideas of everything you always wanted to write about will start to appear. Make that person write — And you will join the writers that can write.

Writers who are afraid to write.

Imposter syndrome anyone? Will the real writers please stand up… Anyone? You want to stand up but are too afraid. You and me both. I read all these great writers here on medium and get jealous at times. Just human nature.

Tim Denning and Todd Brison are my new writing heroes — And I’m older than they are, go figure.

They make it seem so easy as if they never struggled. Ask anyone of them and I’m safe to assume they feel the same way you and I did at one time on their brand new writing journeys. They have the experience and found their voice a long time ago though. You haven’t. I haven’t. Just make a promise to yourself right now. I’m tired of being afraid to write.

It’s my time — And if writing is my calling then it's time to let it all out with no regrets.

“You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page” — Jodi Picoult

So there it is… To all the new writers like myself on this crazy writing journey together. The thing is we'll never know if we're ever really good enough. All you know is that you have stories and life lessons to tell that only relate to you. So get them out and tell the world everything that needs to come out.

Now ask yourself. Which writer are you?

We all have to be somewhere. And as always… I’m just happy to be here.

Written by Miguel Benitez