Can Positive Feedback and Engagement From Loved Ones Lead to Success as a Writer?
The answer to this question may not be what aspiring writers would like to think
I regularly come across writer bios on Medium (my primary platform) where people talk about how they were badass writers back in school and how their blogs received a lot of engagement from family, friends and teachers alike.
All great reasons to start writing on Medium or Substack for that matter.
The downside is many think they can replicate their aforementioned successes on these platforms which is not often the case.
I would know. I have a presence on 3 different platforms, writing in 3 completely different niches and yet managing to achieve a modicum of success on all three.
For instance, friends and family members who read my post — Clairvoyant Friendship ( the only one I’ve shared) loved it. But they’ve hardly read anything since probably because:
They’re not Medium members.
They prefer reading something in their realm of interest and expertise or watching TikTok.
It’s obligatory on their part — I shared my article and they responded with something nice.
While it is quite natural to want to share your articles with family and friends (and hopefully have them spread the word), you cannot expect them to be objective. Or completely honest unless you specifically ask them to let it rip. The reason for this may range from not wanting to hurt your feelings or because they want to believe in you.
A better idea would be to ask a mentor or others with experience in the industry for feedback.
And be prepared to receive constructive criticism with the right mindset as it is meant to help you improve not bring you down.
How do I know?
My first submission to an online faith magazine as a new writer last year was rejected along with a letter informing me about what they were looking for. I found the advice very helpful so I went back and rewrote the entire article and resubmitted it.
This time around they were impressed but still, my article was far from ready to be published.
It took multiple edits over several months until it was deemed ready and scheduled for publishing.
I still consider Overcoming Insecurities as a Single Woman my best work to date because I not only gave it my all but also learned so much about writing.
Even on Medium, some of my best work has been the result of great advice from experienced editors. This story of mine on Medium is the perfect example because everything from the intro to the body and conclusion has been reworked - my willingness to be open to constructive criticism and suggested edits majorly paid off.
Perhaps it could be the fact that I have a zero writing background, I came in with no preconceived notions about how well or not I write. In a way that helps maintain perspective - I am neither bitter or disappointed when the going is slow and neither do I sit on past glory, fuming and gnashing my teeth as to why the algorithm passed me by.
🎈If you enjoyed this post, come say hi on Medium where I write love and relationship-based stories.
It is always beneficial to receive support, encouragement, and even constructive criticism from others when you are a writer.
Dear Yana
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