BE YOURSELF
Write the Way You Feel and Be Fucking Real
Medium has offered me a wild ride, and I’m lovin’ it
When I joined Medium, I planned to stay in my lane, writing personal memoirs or stories that featured my photographs. I still do that, but I quickly expanded beyond my expected niche. Why limit myself?
Besides, there are way too many experts and pros that entertain readers with their knowledge on a particular topic. I prefer to dabble around the edges.
Think about it. I have no doubt there are religious writers who discuss their faith, whether they’re Protestants, Catholic or Jewish. Hell, some writers are probably well-versed in any number of religions.
But when was the last time someone wrote about breaking bread with Jesus and carrying on a discussion with God — at the same time? I did that.
Was it a best seller on Medium? Nope. It hasn’t even passed the $1 mark. But I had fun writing it. That’s what really matters to me. I followed that up with lunch dates with Barack Obama (78 cents), Donald Trump (44 cents), and George “Walter Mitty” Santos (46 cents).
I believe these would be called “stinkers.” That’s OK. My sense of humor isn’t for everyone.
The biggest disappointment has been “Homeless People Are Not Here For Our Entertainment.” It has 974 views — 956 of which are external. I’m not sure how that happens, but I’ve heard other writers with the same complaints.
The fact is I dip my toes in a lot of different ponds. I love skewering Republicans. Granted, it’s like shooting fish in a barrel, but they do that to themselves. Kevin McCarthy took 15 rounds to get the votes needed to become Speaker of the House. He then had the balls to prance around the House floor in victory while holding a gavel that looked like a phallic symbol with a huge fucking knob on the end. Get the picture?
See how easy it is to pick on dirtbags? But I digress.
I’m rather serious about topics such as mental health, family, police brutality, loneliness, and photography.
Mental health is personal. I’ve dealt with it for over two decades, much of that time surviving on my own. And just as you can’t spot someone with mental health issues, you would not be able to look at me and suggest I have physical injuries.
I’m not sure if it’s a military mindset, but I learned to deal with my aches and pains. On a pain scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the worst), I’m usually at 8, with spikes that exceed 10. Of course, I’m also 64, so shit starts to break down at some point. Still, I wouldn’t change my life for anything. And I’ve written about my life.
You should be prepared to write about yourself if you consider yourself a writer. Many readers want to know what makes you tick. That’s just my opinion, of course. I follow a number of writers, and they all put their shit out in the street. Perhaps not all of it, but they’ll open the door and let you get a foot inside. But don’t pry or be an ass. They’ll slam that door shut and break your fucking ankle — all without shedding a tear.
Some readers get upset over politics and age groups. I understand the political aspect of that anger, but not over age. You’re a millennial or a Gen Xer. You have bragging rights on being younger. Congrats.
Some people of younger generations like to pick on boomers like we’re easy targets. One writer suggested Boomers be put out to pasture (nursing home) because having an ill family member was inconvenient for them. That writer got his ass reamed pretty well. Unfortunately, he made money being an asshole. To those readers/writers, I offer a heartfelt fuck you. I would also say that you should keep being you. Eventually, you’ll end up blocked by some readers. Losing readers isn’t ideal.
Of course, I might be blocked by some readers. But I’ve no intention of figuring out who might have blocked me. I don’t care. That’s the beauty of being old. We’re on our way out, so we don’t care. Not that we’re in a hurry.
This is who I am and why I write what I write. I’ve probably had many of the same experiences other writers and readers on Medium have. We’re not that different.
P.S. I’m really a pretty nice guy.
If you’ve read this far, thank you for stopping by.
I accept tips, which go directly to Dining for Hunger, a recognized 501(c)(3) organization that looks to end food insecurity. If you can spare a dollar or two, I’d be grateful.
More stories from Bruce Coulter.
