Reflections on My January Writing Journey: Lessons Learned
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Chapter 1: Embracing the Writing Journey
As January concludes, I find myself at the beginning of my adventure on Medium. This month-long commitment to writing has been transformative, prompting me to share my thoughts and the vital lessons I’ve gleaned from writing 31 articles.
When I embarked on this journey, I focused on three main subjects: autism, personal finance, and solopreneurship. These areas not only pique my interest but also allow me to express my unique perspectives and experiences. My goal was to experiment with these themes and discover what resonates with my audience.
However, thirty days in, I realized I had approached this all wrong. As Derek Hughes wisely points out:
Never start writing until you have a pain point.
You aren’t just discussing topic X; you are addressing problem Y. It’s crucial to have a clear angle—a reason for readers to engage.
This insight left me pondering how to identify an unaddressed issue and how to assist others without a defined niche or a mailing list. It’s a challenge that many seasoned writers keep close to their chest, which can be quite frustrating.
Am I overlooking something crucial?
It’s well established among experienced writers that success on Medium hinges on crafting compelling headlines, delivering value, and positioning the reader as the hero of the story. Admittedly, my headlines are currently lacking, and I haven't consistently highlighted the benefits for my readers. This is an area I must improve upon as I move forward.
I’ve also discovered that presentation is just as vital as the written content itself. Steven Barlett, an author and podcaster, emphasizes the significance of framing high-value art; the right frame can make a world of difference. Over the past month, I've focused on enhancing the layout of my articles and poems to make them visually appealing and keep readers engaged until the very end. However, I know that good formatting alone won't guarantee sustained interest.
My Progress
Every journey begins at square one. With a renewed mindset, I approached this month with patience, eager for my statistics to reflect my efforts. I’m pleased to report a steady increase in followers, which is certainly something to celebrate.
Despite this, my story statistics have been quite variable. Only one article—a recent piece on copywriting—has achieved a 100% read rate. Typically, my read rates hover around 30-33%.
Interestingly, articles published in established publications tend to perform better. This is a strategy I adopted early on, and it has yielded positive engagement, whether through claps, comments, or both.
Lessons Learned
Lesson 1: There’s no magic formula for capturing your reader's attention.
Maintaining a reader's focus for longer than thirty seconds is more challenging than it appears. If you can provide value through a well-structured article and remain consistent, you lay a solid foundation for growth and success on Medium.
Lesson 2: Engagement is crucial.
While views and read rates can improve, they often require a supportive community. Genuine followers are cultivated through engaging with their content and offering meaningful feedback. Since I began writing, I have appreciated the valuable comments I’ve received, and I’ve made it a point to reciprocate.
I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has interacted with or followed me. Your support means a lot.
Lesson 3: Not monetizing on Medium at the start of January was a missed opportunity.
I had vowed to hold off on considering monetization until the month ended, allowing for reflection on my progress. Now, I regret that decision, as I’ll never know the potential earnings I could have had.
Lesson 4: The reality of failure is constant.
There will be articles that receive little to no engagement, and many more are on the horizon. It’s easy to see why failure is an ever-present reality. We all desire our work to be read for more than thirty seconds at least once, but that’s beyond my control. Nevertheless, I will strive to keep the fear of failure in check.
If you haven’t checked out my previous articles, here are a few you might find interesting:
- How Do You Judge a Book? By the Cover, the Blurb, or the Opening Line?
- A Small Act of Kindness: The Importance of a Letter and an Honest Conversation
- You Can’t Possibly Eat That! Why Autistic People Are Creatures of Habit and Routine
- Imagine That! How Babysitting a Pet Helps Me Manage My Sensory Overload
- Making it on Medium: Is There a Secret Recipe for Growth & Success?
Let me know about your Medium journey in 2024. What are your aspirations moving forward?
Chapter 2: Essential Skills for Writing Success
How to read and write the date, and how NOT to! - YouTube
In this video, you will learn the correct format for writing dates, avoiding common pitfalls that can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.
I wrote HOW MANY words this year?? (Writing Wrap-Up + Sharing My 2024 Goals)
Join me as I reflect on my writing accomplishments this year and share my goals for the future. Discover how many words I’ve written and what I plan to achieve next!