Chapter 1: The Beginning of My Writing Adventure

Writing for Medium has been an enlightening and creative experience for me.

For as long as I can remember, I have admired writers. My passion for reading spans various genres, from novels to biographies and historical fiction. The act of writing—whether it's composing, crafting, or inventing—has always fascinated me. I can’t go a single day without picking up a book.

Never did I imagine I would find myself in the role of a writer, sharing my words for others to enjoy—like a genuine author. Do I dare to call myself an author? Absolutely! If my words resonate with just one reader, I proudly embrace that title.

Almost three years ago, I started a blog, inspired by friends who believed my life experiences could interest others. While my friends enjoy my posts, my audience beyond them has been modest. Nonetheless, I persist in writing.

"I write to understand what I know." — Flannery O’Connor

Encouraged by my writing partner, Meg, I took a leap of faith and submitted a piece to Medium. It was a challenge I felt compelled to accept, as one of my life principles is to never cease learning. The moment we stop growing is the moment we should say goodbye to life.

I published my first Medium article in January of last year, and it was exhilarating. You might think it’s no big deal, but for me, it represented a significant milestone in my educational journey.

Over the past year, I’ve gained insight into the intricacies of Medium. The guidance from seasoned writers has been incredibly valuable, and I am grateful for their willingness to share their knowledge.

At times, I grapple with feelings of inadequacy. I lack formal training in creative writing and never excelled academically in that field—largely due to "extracurricular activities." Yet, I refuse to let my educational background hold me back. Elizabeth Gilbert’s support for "uneducated" writers fuels my motivation.

In her book, Big Magic, Gilbert states:

"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."

Indeed, I find myself in the latter stage of life, embracing the joys of my Third Third.

Being an astute observer of life has always been my forte. I enjoy people-watching, and there’s no shortage of inspiration if you stay alert and attentive.

"We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect." — Anais Nin

Since joining Medium, I have sharpened my observational skills even further. I continuously seek out new ideas and snippets of conversation that might evolve into compelling stories.

While I have countless ideas, I occasionally wonder whether my topics resonate with readers. I echo the sentiments of experienced Medium authors: always write for your audience. I must trust that my work will engage them.

Some of my pieces have been selected for broader distribution, which is incredibly rewarding. My follower count is increasing gradually, yet I remain committed to writing and publishing every day.

I am fortunate to have Meg, a former creative writing professor, as my partner. Her insightful feedback is invaluable, and she teaches me through her gentle guidance and heartfelt writing.

I also strive to absorb wisdom from established authors, always thankful for their insights.

If you’re a Medium reader contemplating writing, I urge you to take the plunge. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose. The thrill of hitting "publish" is unmatched.

Learning a new skill and stepping outside your comfort zone keeps us curious, engaged, and committed to personal growth.

I remain hopeful that my readership will expand. Regardless of the outcome, I cherish the act of writing and feel lucky to have discovered this new avenue for creative expression.

Chapter 2: Growing My Medium Presence

As I continue this journey, I've learned that building an audience takes time and effort.

In the video From 0 to 180,000 Followers: How This Writer Grew Her Medium Audience, you’ll see inspiring strategies and insights from a fellow Medium writer who successfully expanded her audience.

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Additionally, the video How I Made $30K Writing on Medium offers an intriguing perspective on monetizing your writing on the platform, showcasing practical tips and real experiences.