Celebrating 100 Stories: Insights and Lessons Learned on Medium
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Chapter 1: A Milestone Achieved
It's time to celebrate! I’ve reached a significant milestone by publishing over 100 stories on Medium. My journey began in April 2022, and while my posting frequency has varied, I've consistently produced a good number of articles.
On average, I've released two stories each week, though I did have a two-month hiatus last year where I posted nothing. Throughout this experience, I've gleaned several important lessons.
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Section 1.1: The Power of Consistency
To thrive on Medium, regular story submissions are essential. Initially, I was astonished to see some writers aiming to post three stories daily throughout the year. While that’s an ambitious goal, it’s likely that many who attempt this soon find themselves burnt out.
I decided to aim for three posts weekly, a strategy recommended by Ayodeji Awosika. However, I didn’t quite reach that target, leading to the realization that persistence is crucial in this writing journey.
A helpful technique I've adopted is brainstorming ten headlines daily and storing the best ones in a headline bank, which keeps the ideas flowing. Once I have a solid concept, I can think it through during a walk and then write an 800-word post in about an hour. Currently, I’m averaging four posts each week, which has positively impacted my follower count. My goal is to surpass 1,000 followers soon, as I’ve yet to experience a viral moment.
Section 1.2: Enhancing Writing Skills
Creating 100 posts has significantly refined my blogging style and voice. There's a rewarding feeling that comes when you realize your writing flows effortlessly from your fingertips to the page.
Although I haven't done this as frequently this year, I typically enjoy weekly cinema visits where I write film reviews for ILLUMINATION. This practice has helped me earn recognition as a Top Writer in Movies, though I notice my style shifts when I write reviews compared to other articles.
Experimenting with diverse styles and topics is beneficial, as it allows you to identify what resonates most with your audience. However, it’s wise to choose a niche that is not too restrictive, enabling exploration of various subjects.
Chapter 2: Audience Engagement and Interaction
Engaging with your audience is crucial on Medium. To gain traction, it's important to interact with others by clapping and leaving comments on their stories. The algorithm seems to favor those who actively participate.
I aim to dedicate at least twenty minutes daily to reading, clapping, and commenting on others' works. Admittedly, I haven’t been consistent in this effort, so I plan to make it a priority moving forward.
Section 2.1: The Reality of AI in Content Creation
When AI tools like Chat GPT emerged, I eagerly experimented with them, producing about six AI-generated stories. Initially, I thought this would streamline my writing process, but soon I noticed the limitations and repetitive patterns inherent in AI-generated content.
Many publications have become savvy to AI content and often utilize AI detection tools. Despite this, I recognize that AI is here to stay, and finding a balance will be necessary. At present, I’m not relying on AI but remain observant of its evolution in writing.
Section 2.2: The Joy of Writing and Financial Considerations
I genuinely enjoy blogging on Medium. The satisfaction derived from crafting an 800-word article is immense. Typically, these articles take about an hour to write, excluding brainstorming time.
While some dream of earning significant income on the platform, I’m content if my earnings can cover a beer each month. That said, I wouldn’t turn down financial success if it came my way. Ultimately, if writing doesn’t bring you joy, it may be time to explore other avenues for your creative expression.
Chapter 3: Looking Ahead to the Next 100
In summary, these are the insights I’ve gained from publishing 100 articles. I’d love to hear from others who are on a similar journey about any lessons they've learned.
I plan to revisit this topic after reaching 150 articles and share any new insights. Thank you for reading! For more stories, you can find me on Medium at robert porter or subscribe to my Newsletter at robertfporter.substack.com.
The first video titled "100 and Counting" provides an overview of my writing journey and the significance of reaching this milestone.
The second video, "Counting to 100 using your imagination," is a read-aloud story that emphasizes the value of creativity in storytelling.