Why Do You Write on Medium?
“Writing is the best way to talk without being interrupted.”
My writing career was born at the start of the pandemic. We were all stuck at home, some working from home and for many, we had more relationships with our phones and laptops. Truthfully, I had been in love with writing before then; I would write in my journals, on social media, and forums, but the pandemic was the game-changer.
My friend told me to try Medium as they had a better SEO advantage over vocal media. I have long since abandoned Vocal media. Outside their bonuses, the pay is ridiculous. Though peanuts, the Medium platform still pays better. I also find the workings of Medium’s platform more fluid.
What has the journey been like?
Well, for starters, I have a writing routine. I believe consistency has its benefits. I write at least weekly as long as I have a story idea. For me, writing on Medium is an essential escape. I enjoy it. Do I write for money? That would be an added incentive. I sure don’t make lots of it yet.
I read lots of articles from authors who encourage and teach how to repurpose your content to make more money. Others tell you what to write about to make more. Some give really good advice. I do not follow all. Some of the advice I can quickly adjust to but others need something radical. Besides, I like to stay true to my writing style. For now, my incentives are growth in followership.
Readership has definitely dropped, but I hear lots of Medium writers mentioning that too. The thing is, that can discourage writers but it hasn’t stopped me yet cos I still think I have an audience, however small. Besides, why would I want to destroy my escape hatch and stop something I really enjoy?
I have not done poetry in a long time but when I did, was from inspiration. Their read ratios were high. I don’t know if I’ll go back to them. Only time will tell. At a time, I also tried my hands at research topics. A lot of work goes into them but many times, the readership doesn’t reward all that effort. So, I don’t do many of them now unless I am very much vested in the topic enough to drive me through the hassle.
Other essentials
Writing a story effortlessly is just one side of the coin. The other bit is equally essential. I am talking about editing. It takes so much time to do this; checking grammar, flow, structure, adverbs, adjectives, and all whatnot. We do this cos we want our writers to read with ease. Again, we wish we earned more for all this trouble, but alas. Then there’s crafting a befitting title and picking a head photo. You can’t believe how much time goes into these.
What do I write about now?
Clearly, I don’t write about how to make money on Medium. I always pick life topics. I tell my stories, especially the ones I am inspired to share. There are stories I tell because there is actually a story to tell. Some like this and this have a vast audience and some do not as much. The thing is, as long as I enjoy writing the story, the words just keep flowing.
Final Thoughts
You might have stumbled on this platform or come here to make loads of money. But I think it’s important to enjoy yourself while at it. At least, I do. If you make shit loads of money, that’s a bonus.
“Writing is the best way to talk without being interrupted.”
– Jules Renard
