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What I Learned Profiling 30 Different Writers in 30 Days
I learned an amazing amount, including the fact it would take me 35 days
Is it worth taking time away from writing to look closely at and highlight the work of other writers? Yes, absolutely yes, is my answer after taking a month to do so.
What the heck did you hope to accomplish and did you achieve any of it?
In my pledge post, I listed five goals for my project. I wanted to be entertained, learn more about how the Medium ecosystem functioned, improve as a writer, encourage other writers, and be more productive myself.
Entertaining?
Oh my yes! I read so many interesting stories on a wide variety of topics. I laughed, cried, thought deeply, and despaired of ever equalling the level of some of the fantastic writing hosted here. It was the good kind of despair though. You know the kind that makes you say, I’ll never equal this brilliance but I can use this energy to be my own kind of brilliant.
Decode the Medium Ecosystem?
Hoo baby, yup. I certainly came away with more than one or two insights. When you really try to explore the site and read deeply that will happen. I certainly don’t have all the answers especially since this is a place of constant change but I did learn some interesting lessons which I’ll come back to later in this story.
Become a better writer?
I’ll have to let y’all be the judge here, but I know I picked up a fair number of tips here and there. I tried to put those insights into the profiles I wrote so check them all out here. One characteristic I think every writer I profiled shared was clear, crisp writing that came from the heart. If there isn’t some emotion and passion underlying your words why should anyone bother to read? I’m trying to remember these lessons in everything I write going forward.
Encouraging other writers?
One thousand times this! Everyone seemed so surprised and appreciative. Some of the writers I profiled are trying very hard to make money or a name for themselves while others are…
