Writing for Medium is creative and a welcome education.
Writing, authoring, composing, inventing, crafting — all terms associated with the act of depositing words on paper.
I’ve always admired and secretly envied writers. I love to read — all types of novels, biographies, historical fiction — I love it all.
A day does not pass that I don’t pick up a book.
Never in this lifetime did I expect to find myself writing for others to read — like a bonafide author.
Dare I call myself an author? Yes, absolutely. If I publish an article and even one person reads it — I am an author. I’m proud to call myself this.
Two and a half years ago, I started a blog encouraged by friends who believed I had led an intriguing life that others might find interesting.
My friends do enjoy reading it — but my audience other than them — is meager. Still, I write.
"I write to discover what I know. "— Flannery O’Connor
My writing partner, Meg, suggested I submit a post to Medium. Ok, she practically dared me.
I knew I had to take on this challenge. One of my life mantras is never to stop learning. Once we quit learning and growing, we may as well say adios to life.
My first Medium article was published in January of this year — thrilling.
Big deal — you might think, and that’s ok. It was a big step for me and part of my ongoing education.
I’m learning all the nuances of Medium. The rules, tips, and advice the experienced Medium writers are willing to share are invaluable.
I thank you one and all for your generous revelations.
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I do feel like a fraud at times. After all, I don’t have an education in creative writing, nor was I ever an A student in that area of study (primarily due to “extracurricular activities.”)
I will not allow the lack of education to deter me. Plus, I have the author Elizabeth Gilbert as a cheerleader for the “uneducated” writers.
In her book Big Magic, Ms.Gilbert writes:
"If you are older, trust that the world has been educating you all along. You already know so much more than you think you know. You are not finished; you are merely ready. After a certain age, no matter how you’ve been spending your time, you have very likely earned a doctorate in living."
For sure, I fall into the older category, being in the glorious Third Third of my life.
I have always been an acute and keen observer of life. I’m a people watcher. There is never a shortage of material to write about if you keep your eyes open and become a spectator.
"We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect. "— Anais Nin
Since I’ve begun writing for Medium, I’ve become even more attentive. My eyes are always searching; ears are alert, awaiting a new idea or tidbit of commentary that could transform into a story.
My ideas are endless, though, at times, I question whether readers care about the subject I’ve chosen. I agree with the Medium seasoned authors — always write for your reader. I must have faith the articles I write will be of interest to them.
None of my posts have gone viral, and I don’t even have 100 followers, yet I persist and continue writing and publishing daily.
I’m also blessed to have a writing partner who is a former creative writing professor, and her suggestions are invaluable. She is teaching me through her gentle recommendations and her heartfelt compositions.
I will also continue to read the articles the experienced writers publish, always grateful for their advice.
If you’re a Medium reader and not a writer but have flirted with the idea — go for it. You have nothing to lose. Plus, learning a new skill, adventuring out to try a new undertaking keeps us curious, interested, and deeply invested in growth.
I’m optimistic my readership will grow. Whether it does or not, I enjoy writing and feel fortunate to have found this new creative outlet.
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