Why I Write And Who I Write For

I received some negative feedback on one of my articles somewhat recently.

I’ll tell you this — negative feedback hurts.

The reader even posted a separate article that directly pointed towards mine and ripped it, and me, to shreds. That hurt even more.

It honestly hit me really hard and my writing self-confidence took a big blow.

The words “I don’t really want to do this [writing on Medium] anymore” crossed my mind.

I’ll be the first to admit, I’m very sensitive! This is one of my flaws. I know it. And now you know it too because I’m writing this.

It took me a long time to respond.

And to be honest, the words still hurt a little.

Remember the article I wrote about “The One Thing I Wish I Had Done When I First Started Working” about how you should have a list of all the positive feedback you’ve ever received so that you can look at it when you’re feeling down? Time to get that list out now.

This is Why I Write

One of the reasons I write on Medium is for practice. I have some freelancing writing clients and Medium is a fantastic way to get feedback on my writing, to learn about other writing styles and to get into a habit of writing so that I might improve.

The other reason is enjoyment. I enjoy writing, I really do. I enjoy sharing what my experiences in the hope that someone else might learn something from it. And I enjoy reading about others too — there’s a lot we can learn from the diverse array of people on here.

But this enjoyment aspect takes a different turn when comments turn negative.

Writing on Medium is not my bread-and-butter, financially speaking.

I am trying hard to create a life for myself, after leaving the corporate office world and figuring out a different path. It’s hard. Fun, but emotionally hard.

This is why I pursue other hobbies, to lighten the load: golf, nature photography, dancing classes with friends, writing on Medium.

These are some of the creative pursuits that allow me to explore who I am, as I discover it myself — to enjoy myself and reflect on life’s musings.

Naturally, I write about some of my thoughts and opinions too.

You don’t have to agree, but you don’t have to follow me, either.

This is Who I Write For

I love my audience. I am humbled that I hit over three thousand followers recently. Truly, truly. I’m sure you’ll feel the same— every single follow, comment and like means a huge amount. I read every single comment and try to respond to everyone, too.

Your love keeps me going and encourages me to write more. It really does. Without it, I would stop.

Of course, the opposite is true, too — the negativity makes me want to quit.

I shouldn’t get so hung up about it. The reader made some very valid points they led me to make some edits. I just thought that they came across a bit hurtful, that’s all. Criticism is one thing. Being mean is another.

If I make an error in my writing, please forgive me. Point it out and I will do my best to fix it. If I offend you, I can only apologize. I don’t mean to. Let me know so that I might change. If you don’t agree with me, that’s OK. In fact, that’s what makes us different. Teach me the other side, and I’ll do my best to understand.

Just please, be nice about it.

I am a human and I have feelings.

Here I sit, in my spare bedroom/office. An apple core and some tangled headphones by my side. The laundry machine tumbles and whines in the background. Some emails sit in the other tab on my browser, unanswered.

I am not that special or unique, to be honest.

In that regard, we’re not all that different, you and I. Wouldyou be this mean to yourself?

This is Me

I hope I don’t come across boastful, braggy, or ‘expert’ in my writing.

I’m just a pretty normal 31-year-old girl, who has done some great things and seen some terrible things. I have loved, lost and learned, just like you.

I hope to share what I discover so that you might be able to learn these things too on a pursuit to create a life that means something to you.

And if I get something slightly wrong, please, do tell me. I love learning, above anything else, and that includes learning about my shortcomings.

But just remember, please, that there is a human being on the other side.

And that person is me.