Writing Journey Reflections

"Embrace your authentic voice." - Tony Stublebine, CEO of Medium

These words from Medium's CEO during the Pub Crawl's opening resonated deeply with me, prompting reflection on my most successful stories and my ongoing journey on this platform. I joined Medium over five years ago, attracted by the potential audience for just a $60 annual fee. However, it took quite some time to recoup that investment. The Boost Program has been a game changer, and I’ll share some insights on that shortly.

First, let’s delve into the Pub Crawl. When I first encountered the concept, I envisioned a lively gathering filled with laughter and spirited discussions—perhaps with a drink in hand. At 51, my drinking days are mostly behind me, but the echoes of my college years linger. The "Pub" in Pub Crawl refers to publications, and the event aimed to celebrate the editors and their work.

The event included a warm Welcome Message from Tony Stublebine, followed by a panel discussion featuring publication editors and a Speed Networking Session. I found Tony's talk inspiring, and it was refreshing to hear the editors share their experiences in managing publications. It felt rewarding to see the people who curate my work. A heartfelt thanks to all the editors for their tremendous effort!

As expected, a large virtual gathering came with its technical hurdles, necessitating a restart for the Speed Networking Session. The plan was to create smaller breakout rooms for intimate discussions between writers and publishers. Unfortunately, the first session ran longer than anticipated, leading to a premature end to the Pub Crawl.

While the concept was promising, the execution felt overly ambitious. Attendees weren't looking for romantic connections like at a speed dating event; we wanted to share our writing journeys, exchange insights, and foster connections.

Despite the challenges, I found value in the experience and believe a regular virtual meetup would enhance our time on Medium. It could also be an opportunity to meet fellow writers in my hometown of Portland, Oregon—perhaps at a local library or even a pub with some tequila!

Finding ways to connect with other Medium writers is crucial. Throughout the event, the chat box was flooded with questions, answers, and helpful links, racing by at lightning speed—making it impossible to absorb everything. This made me think a dedicated forum could foster meaningful interactions among Medium writers, allowing us to ask questions and engage in ongoing discussions.

I searched Facebook but found nothing. Reddit has some threads, but it lacks a comprehensive Q&A format. Is anyone interested in organizing a forum?

I’m grateful for my time on Medium and plan to continue my journey here. While some may voice frustrations about the platform, I see immense value. For just $5 a month (less with an annual subscription), where else can we explore diverse topics, share our thoughts, and even earn some money? I recognize that $60 a year can be challenging for many, and I'd gladly support a scholarship fund if Medium were to create one.

I used to feel disheartened by my modest earnings and questioned if my stories were resonating. However, I've come to terms with my writing pace—slow and meticulous. As a divorced father, my time is stretched thin, and I’m content with publishing a few times a month. After all, there are only 24 hours in a day!

For me, Medium serves as a continuous writing prompt, inspiring stories I might never have penned otherwise. The Boost Program has significantly impacted my success; since July 2023, six of my stories have been boosted. I’ve explored themes like parenting, health, writing, divorce, dating, and personal growth, with most pieces earning only modest amounts until the program launched.

Many have expressed dissatisfaction with the Boost Program, feeling it disrupted previous algorithms. While I understand their concerns, for someone like me with only a few hundred followers, it has been a blessing!

My first boosted piece focused on an outing with my father, who has Parkinson's, to the Deschutes River. Another popular story captured a family trip to Hawaii, highlighting how water enhances our well-being. All my boosted pieces are heartfelt and true to my passions.

This aligns perfectly with Tony's sentiment: write what resonates with you! To wrap up, here are some key lessons I've learned during my time on Medium:

1. Titles Matter: Joann Ryan, Editor of In Living Color and Globetrotters, helped me refine a story title, leading to its boost and recognition as a staff pick. The original title, "Eye Level," was decent but lacked impact for standalone appeal. We crafted "Looking at Familiar Places from a New Angle" instead, which was far more engaging. There are countless resources available for title selection, and I'm still refining this skill.
2. Kickers: That little line above our titles can add significant context and intrigue for readers. It's worth incorporating.
3. Photos: I strive to use my own images whenever possible, adding authenticity to my work. It frustrates me to see the same Unsplash photo reused in multiple stories.
4. Diverse Submissions: I've submitted to various publications covering topics like humor, self-improvement, and travel. Some pieces, despite extensive research, earn little, while others—like a humorous date story—can yield significant returns. Just because a publication has a large following doesn’t guarantee readership, so it’s wise to diversify.
5. Consistency is Key: I've seen success with several pieces published in In Living Color, and I may even earn enough this year to cover my mortgage for a month, which excites me! While I should explore other publications, it's essential to keep writing content that resonates and submit it where it connects with my audience.
6. Perseverance: Life is unpredictable—kids get sick, floods happen, and responsibilities arise. Sometimes, it feels like there's no time to write. Yet, I continue to write whenever possible and remain committed to my journey.