Chapter 1: The Journey Begins

Until January of this year, I had not been consistently writing on Medium. Within a few months, I received some exhilarating news: one of my articles had been chosen for a boost. This recognition indicated that my writing was deemed high-quality, allowing it to reach a broader audience. Naturally, the more visibility it gained, the greater the potential for earning from it.

I was over the moon. It was exhilarating to see so many readers resonate with my shared experience—a chaotic morning where everything that could go wrong did. The universe seemed to conspire against me, and the hilarity of it all compelled me to write about it. Little did I know, it would become a sensation.

Since that initial boost, I have not experienced another one, but I continue to write as frequently as possible.

The Mistake I Made

The thrill of that boost left me wanting more. I craved that exhilarating feeling again. Even though I have a good sense of humor, I usually don’t write solely in that vein. While I sprinkle some humor into my pieces, much of my writing delves into deeper topics like grief, addiction, and mental health.

At that time, I was shifting my focus to health and wellness, yet my boosted article was outside my typical style. I mistakenly believed I needed to maintain that humorous tone, thinking it would attract readers. A week after the boost, I penned an article about healthy eating for teachers, trying hard to replicate that same witty style. Upon reviewing it before submission, I thought, "This is it; my next boost is coming."

However, my expectations fell flat. The piece barely garnered any reads, claps, or comments. I aimed for the stars but ended up in a much less glamorous place.

The Lesson Learned

The key takeaway: be true to yourself. Always remember your original motivation for writing, even before you had an audience. Authenticity is essential; love the craft of writing for its own sake, without expecting anything in return. This is where the real magic happens.

While many of us aspire for success, we must not compromise our true selves. Genuine writing attracts the right audience, and the rest will follow.

Confidence as a writer stems from embracing who you are and sharing your feelings without apology. It’s completely normal to want to connect with others through your writing, but remember, you also write for yourself.

Reflective Questions

1. Why did I start writing?
2. What fulfillment does writing bring to my soul?
3. Am I being true to myself in my writing?
4. If something I write resonates deeply with me but not my audience, does it lose its significance, or is there a deeper strength in it?

The last question resonates with me profoundly. Some of my most heartfelt pieces never gained traction, yet I still find solace in rereading them. Their essence sustains my passion for writing.

Even if someone offered me a lucrative deal to write a technology article, I would decline. That’s simply not who I am.

My earlier mistake was getting caught up in the excitement of an unexpected boost from an atypical experience. I tried to replicate that success instead of remaining true to my authentic voice.

Staying True to Yourself

You can't force creativity. I’m sure more compelling stories will come my way, but they must arise organically. My father’s advice to remain true to myself and my goals resonates with all writers.

I learned this lesson the hard way.

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thank you for reading. If you're interested, you can check out my account of that chaotic morning. I’d love to hear about the valuable lessons you've learned as a new writer!

Chapter 2: Seeking Knowledge and Insight

This first video discusses how to achieve millions of views on Medium, even without prior writing experience, providing valuable insights for aspiring writers.

The second video explores the relevance of Medium in 2024, featuring insights from a top writer and boost nominator, offering guidance for those navigating the platform.