Summary

The author prefers a slow, steady, and meaningful approach to writing on Medium, akin to a tortoise, focusing on authentic growth and genuine connections over rapid, quantitative success.

Abstract

The author, a recent entrant to Medium, has embraced the mindset of a tortoise in their writing journey, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the process and cultivating meaningful experiences over chasing viral fame or a large but disengaged following. They advocate for organic growth, prioritizing quality and authenticity in both their writing and the audience they attract. The author's goal is to establish a heartfelt connection with readers, aiming to be a loved writer rather than merely the most followed or admired. They find inspiration in the words of Wally Lamb and the joy of writing itself, celebrating small victories and the intrinsic rewards of their craft.

Opinions

The author values genuine followers who resonate with their story over a large, unengaged audience.
They believe in the importance of authenticity and felt that the 'Follow to Follow' strategy compromised their integrity.
The author equates their writing journey to nurturing a plant, requiring patience, care, and dedication to bear fruits in the form of love and connection with readers.
They are motivated by the love they receive from their current readers, which inspires them to continue writing, regardless of future recognition.
The author does not measure success by the number of followers or stats but by the quality of their work and its impact on readers.
They find beauty in the slow and steady approach, enjoying every moment of their writing journey without rushing to achieve milestones.
The author's intention is to create a lasting home in the hearts of their readers through pure thoughts and soulful writing.

Why Do I Prefer To Be Tortoise Than Rabbit in My Journey of Medium?

Yes, I have decided to be a Tortoise, and here is why. Sharing my thoughts may help you to slow down a bit and explore its beauty. Welcome to the story of my writing journey.

I have started writing here on Medium for less than two months, and within this short span, I realize writing is my lifelong journey. Every day I am crafting my words, discovering myself a little bit through writing, and growing whatever small that may be.

I am not in the race rather enjoying the life-long journey of writing where enjoying each moment.

I don’t chase for any target to celebrate rather try to make each moment of my writing meaningful; that’s the mantra of my happy writer life.

We are writing on online platforms, and here going viral is like a dream come true. Who does not want to be surprised with XYZ notifications showing a hike in the number of followers and readership? That’s exciting. Right?

Still, I prefer to be a Tortoise in my writing journey.

Why do I prefer to be a Tortoise, and how do I perceive it?

I was following a ‘Follow to Follow’ game for initial 3 to 4 days in writing journey at Medium platform, and in haste to build followership, but that did not bring any inner peace.

It gave me the feeling of being fake, losing my authenticity. I was even following the content to which I could not resonate. Moreover, I don’t want any followers who cannot connect with my story. That will not bring any good, therefore without further delay, I choose the authentic path, and I decide to go for organic growth.

“If the book is true, it will find an audience that is meant to read it.”

— Wally Lamb

For example, if I have genuine 500 followers, that make sense to me rather than having 5K followers who truly cannot connect with my story. Similarly, I will only follow whom I want to. I want to make a garden with the writers I follow, where every writer gives fragrance of different flavors in the essence of their writing.

So I prefer to be Tortoise, Go Slow and steady, enjoying every moment of this journey.

I am concentrating on my writing than the number of followers and stats. Of course, the number is vital, but the quality is the heart. Otherwise, how can any story or content reach hearts? I have just sowed the seed and now taking care of my baby plant of writing. I need to give it sunshine, rain, water to grow like a healthy plant that will bear fruits in the coming days.

The fruit of my writing is the love and genuine connection with my readers. I don’t want to be the most followed or admired writer; I want to be one of the most loved writers. Admiration is momentary, but being a loved writer means creating home in my readers’ hearts.

I realize years of practice are needed to make my writing eloquent to reach hearts as I am not a great writer. But, I have pure intentions, thoughts, and soul. Based on these, I take the courage to write on this platform where so many talented writers publish every day. I got hooked with their writing hours after hours.

After years of dedication, I may or may not be one of the most loved writers. Fortunately, if I can be one of the loved- writers, that will be like fulfilling my dream. But, if I cannot be, I will not lose anything either. I am already gaining love from a handful of my readers, which gives me inspirations to write.

As I am already enjoying the process, I am not waiting for something to celebrate. Usually, I celebrate every little success, little happiness. For example, when I reach 100 followers, my husband treats me to a Candlelight dinner.

I will conclude with a few lines of the poem ‘Life in a moment’ by Neera Handa Dr

If life is a moment,

I will live it.

Doing what I love doing,

With those, I love being with.

Yes, you are right,

I will read, and I will write.

Enjoy the entire poem at the below link

Life in a moment

In response to Sahil’s prompt about life

medium.com