Here's the cool part. When people disagree, I want to hear it. Because I can learn, too. And truth is nailing jello to a tree. I never want to be that "my way or the highway" person. And thank you, too. :)
What the hell is wrong with the Like button! I get one punch - then next punch deletes it! I like what you write, Linda. No BS from you! I have no idea how to get headlines “right” or punchy or irresistible. But it doesn’t matter because I’ve sort of mostly closed up shop. I have plenty to say, just too lazy anymore to care enough to write it. I’m old, worn the fuck out, lost EVERYTHING to paying medical bills over a decade-plus. I’m not blaming anyone. Medical bankruptcy is now the most common form of bankruptcy. Sure, if your last name is Kennedy you can go wherever you want. Ordinary Americans - you take what you can get as and fork over everything and anything of value to survive. AND some die - and families have to pick up the tab. Is this RIGHT for the richest country on the planet? Fuck no. But who’s gonna change it? No one - THATS WHO. BORN IN THE USA.
lol, hadf to laugh on the like button. Yup, Medium gives 50 claps. Here, one heart. That's it. Funny you should talk about going broke on medical bills. I have that in the opening of a piece I'm writing about watching the neighbors. Me in Canada, watching my American friends.
If you want extra info, I’m your gal. I had GREAT care. No problem with that. But geez, then to lose home, neighborhood ( best in Denver), 2 pension funds & in the end my ticket to freedom, my car. What is THAT? I earned a masters degree (all As), wrote 3 novels & 2 memoirs (one for my cat), and read my ass off while I was sick those 12 long years. And now, I just don’t give a damn anymore. Got details if you want. Ended up at the #1 hospital in the country - hence world. For what?Enjoy my life? Wow
Also followed a guy in Canada sick with same liver disease I had - govt cut him off from transplant at a certain govt-decided age. Yeah, so he just effing DIED.
Yup, that's the rough part of our system. Health care is free, but they decide when you're too old for which procedures. Only option after that is to act like it's America. Go to a private clinic and pay for it yourself. Some cross the border, go to America. If they can afford it. If not. Well, then you just need to pay the death tax
I have always loved your writing Linda, and have. been loath to get started on Substack simply because my learning curve has flatlined and I'm lazy. Took me long enough to get used to Medium, and it changes so frequently I never have time to get "used" to it even! The value of Medium for me has been the wonderful writers I've encountered (like you), and others who have become friends (some even in person!). I had hoped to be able to supplement my Social Security with remuneration from Medium, and also like you, have been fortunate enough to have had a few stories bring in the three figures. I've even been boosted a handful of times. But three figures will not supplement enough to make a huge difference to someone who lives in probably the most expensive part of the country (San Francisco Bay Area), so I'll continue to write as long as 1) I have something to say, 2) enjoy writing (I do, I do! Best when I get out of my own way.). Doing a story about aspects of myself using the first letter of the alphabet has brought me to "V" recently, which leaves W, X, Y and Z. Who knows. I may be done after that. Thanks for being here (and there). p
Thank you Patricia. And I highly recommend that when you hit Z, pick a new topic and start over. Thoughts on life. One for each letter of the alphabet. Or one for each year of life, or day of the year.
But you're not that "my way or highway" person. I think it was more that I was sensitive over two things: first you wrote about post about an essay on Medium, and critiqued it - no, it wasn't mine - and it reminded me of one someone did on a story I wrote. I felt like they tore me a new one. If I recall, yours wasn't mean, it was the fact the writer didn't ask for the help, yet I learned so much. Second was that title about Boomers. Once I read the post, I understood the reason behind it. Like I said, sensitive, but I love your writing. I read your posts and wish I could emulate you with my writing. I write slow as well. I hedge over pressing publish or submitting to publications. It may just be the thought of submitting that dissuades me from posting or how I edit everything until I turn my writing insipid. Don't change, Linda!
Gah, I'm sorry you've had that experience of being torn a new one. Me, too. I try to be gentle with edits in my publications because I remember how it feels when an editor isn't. Thank you for the kind comments on my writing. And if you're game to share a link to your profile on Medium, maybe I can help suggest publications that fit and have kind editors on board. :)
I think a lot of people want instant results. It took me about a year to learn Medium. Then I found those lessons didn't work on Substack so I had to invest another year. On top of that, both Medium and Substack are evolving and you have to adapt every month. Listcicles on Medium? Maybe in 2019... but not today.
On the listicles -- you made me laugh. Right? Today those get no traction. Unless they're about making money. Then they still do, but don't get boosted.
Bingo! There's an expectation that people will just bang something out, hit "publish," and watch the dollars roll in. The nonstop "how to make money" posts only fed that fire.
Love your no BS way of putting things. Some real wisdom in there too... and I, as well, was awake all night with the storms. A boom so big upon awakening at dawn that I truly thought we were being bombed. Yikes.
I appreciate the offer, Linda. I've yet to find my stride and know a lot of success on Medium has to do with the number of consistent and legible posts published. I've published such a small amount (less than 20) and am still working my way through the maze. Maybe later, once I've written more, I'll take you up on the offer, but for now, I'll glean those gems you share with everyone. Thank you!
Wow, thanks Linda. There's so much here to love and agree with. 💜 Hard to pick a favourite part, but this really spoke to me: "it’s more likely to happen if our questions stand taller than our opinions and our curiosity stands taller than our ego." YES!! 😊
To echo David P, yes, the best thing about being on Medium is reading writers like you. You always make me think and teach me SO much! For instance, as a poet who can favor short titles, I really need the reminder below:
"And if you happen to like short titles, for heaven’s sakes please make your subtitle work a bit harder."
Love the no nonsense advice. Titles really are important. I'm still not quite there with getting them right. It seems to be different for substack as well as far as I can tell. But hey, trial and error and I like what you say about how something may work for one person but not for another.
The best thing on any platform is to write like yourself. If people like you, they will follow you wherever you go.
I think I'm following you around too much, but sincerely, I happened to see your handle and want to say: it's a deep, honest admiration for you.
Sometimes I disagree with you, but more often than that, I agree. If anything, you make me feel - I listen, I laugh, I learn. Thank you!
Here's the cool part. When people disagree, I want to hear it. Because I can learn, too. And truth is nailing jello to a tree. I never want to be that "my way or the highway" person. And thank you, too. :)
What the hell is wrong with the Like button! I get one punch - then next punch deletes it! I like what you write, Linda. No BS from you! I have no idea how to get headlines “right” or punchy or irresistible. But it doesn’t matter because I’ve sort of mostly closed up shop. I have plenty to say, just too lazy anymore to care enough to write it. I’m old, worn the fuck out, lost EVERYTHING to paying medical bills over a decade-plus. I’m not blaming anyone. Medical bankruptcy is now the most common form of bankruptcy. Sure, if your last name is Kennedy you can go wherever you want. Ordinary Americans - you take what you can get as and fork over everything and anything of value to survive. AND some die - and families have to pick up the tab. Is this RIGHT for the richest country on the planet? Fuck no. But who’s gonna change it? No one - THATS WHO. BORN IN THE USA.
lol, hadf to laugh on the like button. Yup, Medium gives 50 claps. Here, one heart. That's it. Funny you should talk about going broke on medical bills. I have that in the opening of a piece I'm writing about watching the neighbors. Me in Canada, watching my American friends.
If you want extra info, I’m your gal. I had GREAT care. No problem with that. But geez, then to lose home, neighborhood ( best in Denver), 2 pension funds & in the end my ticket to freedom, my car. What is THAT? I earned a masters degree (all As), wrote 3 novels & 2 memoirs (one for my cat), and read my ass off while I was sick those 12 long years. And now, I just don’t give a damn anymore. Got details if you want. Ended up at the #1 hospital in the country - hence world. For what?Enjoy my life? Wow
Also followed a guy in Canada sick with same liver disease I had - govt cut him off from transplant at a certain govt-decided age. Yeah, so he just effing DIED.
Yup, that's the rough part of our system. Health care is free, but they decide when you're too old for which procedures. Only option after that is to act like it's America. Go to a private clinic and pay for it yourself. Some cross the border, go to America. If they can afford it. If not. Well, then you just need to pay the death tax
I have always loved your writing Linda, and have. been loath to get started on Substack simply because my learning curve has flatlined and I'm lazy. Took me long enough to get used to Medium, and it changes so frequently I never have time to get "used" to it even! The value of Medium for me has been the wonderful writers I've encountered (like you), and others who have become friends (some even in person!). I had hoped to be able to supplement my Social Security with remuneration from Medium, and also like you, have been fortunate enough to have had a few stories bring in the three figures. I've even been boosted a handful of times. But three figures will not supplement enough to make a huge difference to someone who lives in probably the most expensive part of the country (San Francisco Bay Area), so I'll continue to write as long as 1) I have something to say, 2) enjoy writing (I do, I do! Best when I get out of my own way.). Doing a story about aspects of myself using the first letter of the alphabet has brought me to "V" recently, which leaves W, X, Y and Z. Who knows. I may be done after that. Thanks for being here (and there). p
Thank you Patricia. And I highly recommend that when you hit Z, pick a new topic and start over. Thoughts on life. One for each letter of the alphabet. Or one for each year of life, or day of the year.
But you're not that "my way or highway" person. I think it was more that I was sensitive over two things: first you wrote about post about an essay on Medium, and critiqued it - no, it wasn't mine - and it reminded me of one someone did on a story I wrote. I felt like they tore me a new one. If I recall, yours wasn't mean, it was the fact the writer didn't ask for the help, yet I learned so much. Second was that title about Boomers. Once I read the post, I understood the reason behind it. Like I said, sensitive, but I love your writing. I read your posts and wish I could emulate you with my writing. I write slow as well. I hedge over pressing publish or submitting to publications. It may just be the thought of submitting that dissuades me from posting or how I edit everything until I turn my writing insipid. Don't change, Linda!
Gah, I'm sorry you've had that experience of being torn a new one. Me, too. I try to be gentle with edits in my publications because I remember how it feels when an editor isn't. Thank you for the kind comments on my writing. And if you're game to share a link to your profile on Medium, maybe I can help suggest publications that fit and have kind editors on board. :)
I think a lot of people want instant results. It took me about a year to learn Medium. Then I found those lessons didn't work on Substack so I had to invest another year. On top of that, both Medium and Substack are evolving and you have to adapt every month. Listcicles on Medium? Maybe in 2019... but not today.
On the listicles -- you made me laugh. Right? Today those get no traction. Unless they're about making money. Then they still do, but don't get boosted.
Bingo! There's an expectation that people will just bang something out, hit "publish," and watch the dollars roll in. The nonstop "how to make money" posts only fed that fire.
Can't disagree with a single word in this piece. And I always enjoy your writing.
Thanks Jan. I could have kept going, figured I'd save some for another day lol
Love your no BS way of putting things. Some real wisdom in there too... and I, as well, was awake all night with the storms. A boom so big upon awakening at dawn that I truly thought we were being bombed. Yikes.
Those loud booms are something else to wake up to. They started around 2 am here. Ran until sunrise. And thank you for the first sentence. :)
Wow, the Neil Gaiman article shocked me. It also sounds complicated & messy. And there's an age gap & power gap.
Fridays are good days here, Linda. Always look forward to reading what you have to talk about. Thanks!
I appreciate the offer, Linda. I've yet to find my stride and know a lot of success on Medium has to do with the number of consistent and legible posts published. I've published such a small amount (less than 20) and am still working my way through the maze. Maybe later, once I've written more, I'll take you up on the offer, but for now, I'll glean those gems you share with everyone. Thank you!
I just love caveats! Thanks for an honest essay! Refreshingly helpful
I didn't skip over one bit and normally I do!
I think this is the highest compliment I've paid to another writer...and, I this line is very true for me too:
FFS, "And if you happen to like short titles, for heaven’s sakes please make your subtitle work a bit harder."
Wow, thanks Linda. There's so much here to love and agree with. 💜 Hard to pick a favourite part, but this really spoke to me: "it’s more likely to happen if our questions stand taller than our opinions and our curiosity stands taller than our ego." YES!! 😊
To echo David P, yes, the best thing about being on Medium is reading writers like you. You always make me think and teach me SO much! For instance, as a poet who can favor short titles, I really need the reminder below:
"And if you happen to like short titles, for heaven’s sakes please make your subtitle work a bit harder."
Thanks, Linda
Love the no nonsense advice. Titles really are important. I'm still not quite there with getting them right. It seems to be different for substack as well as far as I can tell. But hey, trial and error and I like what you say about how something may work for one person but not for another.