I so hear you, Nolcha. When the partner program started my first payment was $4.16 and I was over the moon. I was doing copywriting at the time and it was amazing to get paid for my personal thoughts. Your poetry is beautiful and evocative and that you're doing what you love matters. Bruised Oranges was absolutely beautiful.
I think it will be an unpopular opinion with people who don't agree and popular with those who do. That's how opinions work, right? I am a writer and if I had to go get a day job outside my home I'd be as miserable as Bukowski was at the post office. I think the trick is figuring out what works for us and then pursuing that with all our might.
See, this is why I love seeing your name in my comments. I just never know what to expect and it's always a delight. Glad you enjoyed once the title did it's job. lol
Thank you for highlighting the fact that writing is seriously competitive - tbh I am surprised people read advice from writers who came on like 2 days ago who promise doing this and that will make you a writing superstar or something - I am now in my third year and have seen some serious highs and lows - what keeps me chugging is I love to write on the topics that I do and I'm not selling anything - pipe dreams or otherwise - and I know the reality - it is serious and I mean serious hard work along with a bit of talent, willingness to learn from writers who know their stuff and I must admit, luck
You're so right, Yana. It's is serious hard work along with skill and a little bit of luck. I think when people don't tell new writers how competitive it is, they're not doing them any favors. It's good to encourage, yes for sure. But honesty really helps. So we know what we're dealing with. :)
Disclaimer: this is for that small population who have to write and claim to want to be better.
Refreshing to read. Cognitively dissonant to suggest that you want to become better without being pushed. I think we need more of a football or soccer or athletic mindset in writing. We need to cultivate an atmosphere that demands growth and effort and study. Becoming better at anything requires intentionality. It requires consistency, study, and discipline. It also requires a degree of self-awareness. I have been in a lot of competitive environments. In the army, sport, business. I am continually awed (and this will hurt feelings) by how soft the writing community is. If you want to be better at your craft you remove feelings from the equation. You get laser focused on the feedback, the message, the craft. You accept criticism and swallow pride because that’s a necessary part of growth. In all things.
Thanks! It's so true with writing. We don't do that anywhere else. We know we can train our bodies to run faster, be stronger. We know we can learn technique that improves art. But when it comes to writing, we get all up in our feelings. But we shouldn't, because if we learn to improve the craft, those same stories that come out of us become stronger for it. lol your disclaimer.
I think a lot of writers forget they can write the same story over and over. Every time you take a new approach, it becomes a different story. If something doesn't work, write it again. That goes double for stuff that does work. I'm so behind on things I intend to write that I don't think I'll ever catch up :) Excellent post!
Right? A lot of people think there's only one story. But in every story, there are multitudes. It's the seeing them. Once we can do that, it's a whole new perspective. I bet your drafts are as insane as mine. lol
Beautiful words, Linda. I think it is also important to remember that you might be in the wrong competition. All writing has the potential to find a home. If Medium or Substack isn't working, find another avenue. Competitive writers don't get stuck in rejection.
Ha! I don’t write because I have to, I write because I want to. If you don’t want it bad enough, you can’t write thousands of words a week on things you care about. And if you write about things you don’t care about and you’re not a journalist (as pros they often have to write about stuff they could care less about), you are emptying your soul for the wrong reasons. I hope those empty souls trying to build a list get your message!
Martin, your last sentence made me fall over laughing. I mean, I don't care if they do that. But it's not writing in the same way. It's selling in print. Which I also do in my day job, but I don't mistake it for writing. lol
This is encouraging, Linda. I’ve had a rough two days in which I struggled with an article and finally gave up on it because it was just not any good. It was bouncing this way and that like a football instead of flowing across the grass like a golf ball and plopping into the hole. There were too many quotes because I was trying to write about a topic in a way that I was not equipped to do. Today, I will go back and write that article again with my unique voice from a personal point of view. I have learned that when I do that, with a large dollop of vulnerability added, I get boosted. Also, I get boosted when my article has one main idea that runs through it like a golden thread from beginning to end. It promises, informs, entertains, and delivers all the way to the end. One main idea.
I love the boost. I have been boosted two times this month and three times last month. I’m surprised to know I am one of the 2.6 percent. Amazed, in fact. I feel better. I know I can do this thing. I am 79 years old and am writing for two reasons: to supplement my social security check and because I love to write about aging and ageism. I know I can do this until I quit writing through natural causes. Your posts are valuable to me. I’m already a fan—today, I’ll become a subscriber. Thanks, Linda.
You nailed that exactly Gary. When it's bouncing around like that, we've lost our way. And the way is exactly as you say - from your point of view with a good dose of vulnerability and humanity sprinkled in. And congrats on making it into that 2.6%. It's a real feat and you should be proud. If you can do that, you can do anything you set your mind to. :)
I’ll be looking for you Gary. Started writing on Medium two years ago, and at 85 got boosted twice this month. Writing because I love to write, never a competitor I like to think of myself as a collaborator. If I earn a little money writing , fine. Keeping my day job, (and I still work), allows me the luxury of writing.
It’s a bit like watching customers at Starbucks get their coffee orders when my daughter was a barista. Everyone thinks their coffee order is the only one - the penultimate. And it is, to them.
I write because I sift and sort what life asks me to streeetch to take on the day. This past year I challenged myself to share some of what I write because I found myself sitting on an ostrich egg of unexplored talent. I got close to death with pneumonia in July of 2022. I wrote a promise on a back of a hospital menu to publish some of my stories on Medium. I didn’t want to die before I tried.
I joined Medium in December of 2022, and just read for six months. I gave a lot of one clap applause before I read some people felt insulted. My one clap meant I love you and your story, because I didn’t know a thing about the pay program and fifty claps. I just loved reading.
April 2023 I published my first story on Medium called “Why Write?” It did exactly that, told people who found it on my little digital bookshelf why I was going to publish more and fill it.
I haven’t said a word about money because I wasn’t thinking about it that way. It wasn’t until December of 2023 I decided to challenge myself more and join the Medium Partner program. I also became a Friend of Medium to give authors a Christmas gift.
I earned $20 tax free in December, but I learned so much more that is invaluable.
Every story I share different people read it and share their perspectives with me, just like I’m doing here.
People read or don’t read for their own reasons. When they do read and write back to me it’s something I could never experience unless I develop the talent and share with others. My power is choosing to do it. Their power is to read or not read.
Medium allows me to be remunerated by choosing to write. It’s the one thing that no one else can do for me.
I just need to be willing to grow and stay true to my own judgment that I am passionate about life, and loving- being loved and Beloved at the same time.
What a beautiful story about the note on the back of the hospital menu and I am so delighted that you got better and kept that promise to yourself, Jocelyn. And I already know that you will keep on learning and keep on growing, just like with the one clap. We all start in the same place, at the beginning!
Linda, this is what I love about your writing: you always put reality on the table, give us a chance to look, maybe taste, then we have a choice to accept the reality or get up from the table. As for me, I stayed and enjoyed the reality. I go forward reminded to set the bar and work toward it by reading great writing, learning craft, and accepting feedback. Thanks, again.
I love the way you phrased that, Kathryn. That's how I used to give my kid new foods. Put it on the table. Here you go, have a little taste. If you don't like it, that's okay. Writers sometimes talk like their writing is a static thing. ie; this is how I write. But the truth is, we are all a work in progress. Today I shake my head and laugh at the writing I did 3 years ago. And because of that, I can't be overly attached to how I write today, either. It will change. Once we see that, it all becomes less personal. :)
Ha. I still think writers make better collaborators than we do competitors. It's true there's fierce competition in writing, but personally I think we'd all be better off cooperating. You do your part in cooperating by sharing your secrets here- but there are plenty out there that think if they reveal to the world how they write, they'll get toppled. And I disagree. No one can copy your unique voice in the ways you will take it. That's what we own beneath it all. And you're right that it has so much to do with attitude. But that doesn't mean everyone successful has a chipper disposition. Plenty of creators out there have crappy in-person attitudes.
Perhaps the real issue is that most people don't want to read about self-pity. It's just not compelling content. Or maybe it's writing about one's self in general- without a link to bring others along for the ride, the only people that will care are those that you already know.
Finding where the writing urge meets reader interest and usefulness is an underrated skill!
I so hear you, Nolcha. When the partner program started my first payment was $4.16 and I was over the moon. I was doing copywriting at the time and it was amazing to get paid for my personal thoughts. Your poetry is beautiful and evocative and that you're doing what you love matters. Bruised Oranges was absolutely beautiful.
I think it will be an unpopular opinion with people who don't agree and popular with those who do. That's how opinions work, right? I am a writer and if I had to go get a day job outside my home I'd be as miserable as Bukowski was at the post office. I think the trick is figuring out what works for us and then pursuing that with all our might.
It’s popular with me, B2!
See, this is why I love seeing your name in my comments. I just never know what to expect and it's always a delight. Glad you enjoyed once the title did it's job. lol
Thank you for highlighting the fact that writing is seriously competitive - tbh I am surprised people read advice from writers who came on like 2 days ago who promise doing this and that will make you a writing superstar or something - I am now in my third year and have seen some serious highs and lows - what keeps me chugging is I love to write on the topics that I do and I'm not selling anything - pipe dreams or otherwise - and I know the reality - it is serious and I mean serious hard work along with a bit of talent, willingness to learn from writers who know their stuff and I must admit, luck
You're so right, Yana. It's is serious hard work along with skill and a little bit of luck. I think when people don't tell new writers how competitive it is, they're not doing them any favors. It's good to encourage, yes for sure. But honesty really helps. So we know what we're dealing with. :)
Disclaimer: this is for that small population who have to write and claim to want to be better.
Refreshing to read. Cognitively dissonant to suggest that you want to become better without being pushed. I think we need more of a football or soccer or athletic mindset in writing. We need to cultivate an atmosphere that demands growth and effort and study. Becoming better at anything requires intentionality. It requires consistency, study, and discipline. It also requires a degree of self-awareness. I have been in a lot of competitive environments. In the army, sport, business. I am continually awed (and this will hurt feelings) by how soft the writing community is. If you want to be better at your craft you remove feelings from the equation. You get laser focused on the feedback, the message, the craft. You accept criticism and swallow pride because that’s a necessary part of growth. In all things.
Excellent write. Hard truth. Props.
Thanks! It's so true with writing. We don't do that anywhere else. We know we can train our bodies to run faster, be stronger. We know we can learn technique that improves art. But when it comes to writing, we get all up in our feelings. But we shouldn't, because if we learn to improve the craft, those same stories that come out of us become stronger for it. lol your disclaimer.
I think a lot of writers forget they can write the same story over and over. Every time you take a new approach, it becomes a different story. If something doesn't work, write it again. That goes double for stuff that does work. I'm so behind on things I intend to write that I don't think I'll ever catch up :) Excellent post!
Right? A lot of people think there's only one story. But in every story, there are multitudes. It's the seeing them. Once we can do that, it's a whole new perspective. I bet your drafts are as insane as mine. lol
Beautiful words, Linda. I think it is also important to remember that you might be in the wrong competition. All writing has the potential to find a home. If Medium or Substack isn't working, find another avenue. Competitive writers don't get stuck in rejection.
Such a good point, Carlyn. Such a good point! Thank you for adding that.
Ha! I don’t write because I have to, I write because I want to. If you don’t want it bad enough, you can’t write thousands of words a week on things you care about. And if you write about things you don’t care about and you’re not a journalist (as pros they often have to write about stuff they could care less about), you are emptying your soul for the wrong reasons. I hope those empty souls trying to build a list get your message!
Martin, your last sentence made me fall over laughing. I mean, I don't care if they do that. But it's not writing in the same way. It's selling in print. Which I also do in my day job, but I don't mistake it for writing. lol
Oh, I spent years in marketing. I can sell with words. But these days I try to sell the story, not some other thing!
One day, Martin. One day I will be saying that in the past tense, too.
This is encouraging, Linda. I’ve had a rough two days in which I struggled with an article and finally gave up on it because it was just not any good. It was bouncing this way and that like a football instead of flowing across the grass like a golf ball and plopping into the hole. There were too many quotes because I was trying to write about a topic in a way that I was not equipped to do. Today, I will go back and write that article again with my unique voice from a personal point of view. I have learned that when I do that, with a large dollop of vulnerability added, I get boosted. Also, I get boosted when my article has one main idea that runs through it like a golden thread from beginning to end. It promises, informs, entertains, and delivers all the way to the end. One main idea.
I love the boost. I have been boosted two times this month and three times last month. I’m surprised to know I am one of the 2.6 percent. Amazed, in fact. I feel better. I know I can do this thing. I am 79 years old and am writing for two reasons: to supplement my social security check and because I love to write about aging and ageism. I know I can do this until I quit writing through natural causes. Your posts are valuable to me. I’m already a fan—today, I’ll become a subscriber. Thanks, Linda.
You nailed that exactly Gary. When it's bouncing around like that, we've lost our way. And the way is exactly as you say - from your point of view with a good dose of vulnerability and humanity sprinkled in. And congrats on making it into that 2.6%. It's a real feat and you should be proud. If you can do that, you can do anything you set your mind to. :)
I’ll be looking for you Gary. Started writing on Medium two years ago, and at 85 got boosted twice this month. Writing because I love to write, never a competitor I like to think of myself as a collaborator. If I earn a little money writing , fine. Keeping my day job, (and I still work), allows me the luxury of writing.
Hi, Patricia, nice to know you. Please send me your Medium name so I can follow you.
My Medium name is @patriciaross_63026. Would love to chat.
It’s a bit like watching customers at Starbucks get their coffee orders when my daughter was a barista. Everyone thinks their coffee order is the only one - the penultimate. And it is, to them.
I write because I sift and sort what life asks me to streeetch to take on the day. This past year I challenged myself to share some of what I write because I found myself sitting on an ostrich egg of unexplored talent. I got close to death with pneumonia in July of 2022. I wrote a promise on a back of a hospital menu to publish some of my stories on Medium. I didn’t want to die before I tried.
I joined Medium in December of 2022, and just read for six months. I gave a lot of one clap applause before I read some people felt insulted. My one clap meant I love you and your story, because I didn’t know a thing about the pay program and fifty claps. I just loved reading.
April 2023 I published my first story on Medium called “Why Write?” It did exactly that, told people who found it on my little digital bookshelf why I was going to publish more and fill it.
I haven’t said a word about money because I wasn’t thinking about it that way. It wasn’t until December of 2023 I decided to challenge myself more and join the Medium Partner program. I also became a Friend of Medium to give authors a Christmas gift.
I earned $20 tax free in December, but I learned so much more that is invaluable.
Every story I share different people read it and share their perspectives with me, just like I’m doing here.
People read or don’t read for their own reasons. When they do read and write back to me it’s something I could never experience unless I develop the talent and share with others. My power is choosing to do it. Their power is to read or not read.
Medium allows me to be remunerated by choosing to write. It’s the one thing that no one else can do for me.
I just need to be willing to grow and stay true to my own judgment that I am passionate about life, and loving- being loved and Beloved at the same time.
What a beautiful story about the note on the back of the hospital menu and I am so delighted that you got better and kept that promise to yourself, Jocelyn. And I already know that you will keep on learning and keep on growing, just like with the one clap. We all start in the same place, at the beginning!
Linda, this is what I love about your writing: you always put reality on the table, give us a chance to look, maybe taste, then we have a choice to accept the reality or get up from the table. As for me, I stayed and enjoyed the reality. I go forward reminded to set the bar and work toward it by reading great writing, learning craft, and accepting feedback. Thanks, again.
I love the way you phrased that, Kathryn. That's how I used to give my kid new foods. Put it on the table. Here you go, have a little taste. If you don't like it, that's okay. Writers sometimes talk like their writing is a static thing. ie; this is how I write. But the truth is, we are all a work in progress. Today I shake my head and laugh at the writing I did 3 years ago. And because of that, I can't be overly attached to how I write today, either. It will change. Once we see that, it all becomes less personal. :)
In writing as in life, I'm with Frankl: attitude is the one thing we can control.
Just a quick addendum. I have that Kafka saying plastered on a board in my writing room.
I love that, Benjamin. I should, too. Might just do that.
The ones who enjoy doing it keep doing it. The ones who don't just stop when it becomes difficult or tiresome for them.
Ha. I still think writers make better collaborators than we do competitors. It's true there's fierce competition in writing, but personally I think we'd all be better off cooperating. You do your part in cooperating by sharing your secrets here- but there are plenty out there that think if they reveal to the world how they write, they'll get toppled. And I disagree. No one can copy your unique voice in the ways you will take it. That's what we own beneath it all. And you're right that it has so much to do with attitude. But that doesn't mean everyone successful has a chipper disposition. Plenty of creators out there have crappy in-person attitudes.
Perhaps the real issue is that most people don't want to read about self-pity. It's just not compelling content. Or maybe it's writing about one's self in general- without a link to bring others along for the ride, the only people that will care are those that you already know.
Finding where the writing urge meets reader interest and usefulness is an underrated skill!
Your last sentence is absolute gold.
I love it. Collaboration rather than competition. My motto for most of my life.
I wrote because my life was writing. For 20 years. After that, I wrote when caretaking allowed. Another 20 years.
75 published books.
For the last 5, I've written one more novel. I'm not desperate to sell it, though.
I guess I've come full circle. But that's okay. I wrote for 40 years. Proud of what I accomplished.
Wonderful article, Linda.
Hugs
Linda