Chapter 1: The Nature of Jealousy in Writing

Let’s be honest—there’s an undeniable competitive edge in the writing community, particularly on Medium.

It's natural to feel envy towards successful writers like Tim Denning, Umair Haque, and Jessica Wildfire. They’re achieving what many of us aspire to—making a sustainable income from writing.

Admitting that you sometimes hope for their downfall isn’t a sign of malice; it’s a reflection of our own insecurities. Are we competing for a slice of a limited pie? While Medium is expanding and its new subscription revenue model appears to be working, the exact percentage shared with writers remains unclear. If we’re in a zero-sum game, it feels like a modern-day Hunger Games, where our success often comes at the expense of others.

Defining Quality in Writing

Writing stands apart from other forms of art as it’s created, refined, published, and consumed in isolation. Unlike visual arts or films, people don’t often share collective opinions on online articles.

When we read, we either become captivated or we don’t. The decision to continue reading hinges on whether we find the content engaging. If we read something from beginning to end, does that inherently mean it’s well-written? If your goal is popularity and income, then yes, it does. But if you’re focused on creating fulfilling and authentic work, then the concept of “good” writing becomes subjective.

Good writing is achieved when you publish content that aligns with your beliefs and values—when you feel those exhilarating “writing butterflies” and believe you’ve crafted something meaningful. Ultimately, how your work is perceived is beyond your control.

The Art of Crafting Engaging Content

Don’t we all sometimes ponder what would happen if we exclusively wrote articles titled, “I’m thriving as a writer, and you can too…”? Good writing can be likened to possessing a great personality; successful writers discover what resonates with their audience and build upon it.

Everyone has a story to share, and the challenge lies in presenting it in a distinctive and engaging manner. Clickbait headlines may draw readers in, but true engagement occurs when readers invest time in your work. For me, the thrill of high views or claps is overshadowed by the joy that comes from genuine appreciation of my writing.

Discovering Your Unique Voice and Topics

My journey began with personal experiences. In my early days on Medium, I wrote whatever inspired me—ranging from humorous anecdotes to deeper reflections on love and relationships. I soon realized there was a demand for thoughtful articles on love, heartache, and the complexities of relationships.

When addressing political or ethical issues, I also found increased engagement. Engaging in these conversations can be daunting, but the rewards are often worth the risk. The Medium community tends to be more civil compared to other platforms, although discussing contentious topics can still spark heated debates.

Staying Focused and Clear in Your Writing

As someone who can be a bit scatterbrained, I make it a point to outline my main ideas before diving into an article. This prevents me from veering off course. While there’s merit in exploring a stream of consciousness, it’s essential to have a clear purpose.

By summarizing your main points, you can maintain focus and ensure your writing remains impactful. Even if your piece is primarily opinion-based, a well-articulated stance can resonate with readers and prompt engagement.

Managing Jealousy in the Creative Process

What should we do with our feelings of envy? Rather than letting these feelings consume us, I acknowledge my jealousy and process it through personal affirmations. I remind myself that my worth isn’t determined by writing accolades or financial success. My family loves me for who I am, not for my writing metrics.

Conclusion: A Healthy Perspective on Competition

Is Medium a competition among writers? Yes, but it’s a constructive rivalry. Feeling jealous of others’ success is normal, but it shouldn’t undermine your self-worth.

In the grand scheme, most writers will fade from memory, which is why I choose to celebrate others’ achievements and lift each other up in this shared journey.

Chapter 2: Understanding Medium’s Dynamics

In the video "Writing on Medium - What's the Difference Between Publications and Curations?" we explore how various publication models influence writer visibility and success.

The second video, "Can You Be a Writer If You Don't Read?" delves into the essential relationship between reading and writing, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded literary foundation.

Navigating Medium’s algorithms and understanding the interplay of volume versus quality in writing can be perplexing. The reality is, success isn’t solely about writing talent; it’s also about finding your niche and connecting with your audience.

Ultimately, while I aspire to succeed in this creative contest, I remain a supporter of fellow writers. If you flourish, I celebrate your accomplishments, even if a small part of me wishes for a slice of that success.