Finding Your Voice on Medium: Engaging with Readers and Writers
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Chapter 1: The Importance of Engagement
Recently, I had an enlightening conversation with my fellow writer, Rebecca Frost, who expressed her feelings of frustration by saying, “Sometimes I feel like I’m just shouting into the void.” I can relate, Rebecca; the truth is, you’re not unheard—there are indeed listeners out there.
The anticipation of someone reading my work can feel like watching a sink slowly fill with water—each drop a moment of hope. I invest considerable effort into my writing, yearning for my voice to resonate amidst the multitude of other opinions. Medium serves as a vibrant platform where I appreciate the feedback from readers. While it’s not merely about ego, the acknowledgment in the form of claps provides a fulfilling sense of validation.
To me, each clap signifies that my words may actually impact someone’s life. Although my articles may not attract a vast audience, the feedback I do receive motivates me to keep writing. This platform fosters a reciprocal relationship; when others engage with my content, I’m inspired to do the same for them.
As a character in my favorite series aptly puts it, “The sharing of stories is kind of transactional. When someone gives you a story, you owe them one of equal or greater value in return.” — Jan, Only Murders in the Building. This encapsulates my approach to reading articles; I make it a point to express what I enjoyed about their writing, and I often receive thoughtful responses in return.
In today's digital age, face-to-face interactions have largely been substituted by our screens. I communicate through texts, tweets, and visual storytelling. Recently, I’ve focused on reading a multitude of articles, prompting the question: how can one engage effectively as an active reader?
Section 1.1: Strategies for Active Reading
Be Present
To foster better engagement, it’s essential to cultivate mindfulness while reading. Often, our minds wander to mundane tasks like grocery lists or other errands. It’s crucial to pause those thoughts and concentrate on the current moment. A helpful mantra to remember is, “Be. Here. Now.” This can be particularly useful for those of us who find it challenging to focus at times. When I notice my attention drifting, it’s a signal for me to realign my focus.
Highlight Key Points
For Apple users, tools like LINER are available for desktop highlighting. If you enjoy reading on a Kindle, it offers features for highlighting and note-taking. Similarly, YouVersion provides helpful resources for Bible study, complete with various translations and note-taking options. Such tools are invaluable when writing instruments are not readily available.
Read Aloud
I have recently taken to reading poems aloud and converting my blog posts into audio formats. This practice ensures that I remain fully engaged, as reading aloud captivates my attention and prevents drowsiness.
Pose Questions
Asking questions is a powerful tool for deeper understanding. When I encounter something unclear, I make it a point to look up further explanations or consult additional articles. This often leads me on unexpected journeys of discovery, which is an added benefit.
Share Insights
Sharing what you’ve learned enhances comprehension and helps solidify the information. As Albert Einstein famously said, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” Integrating useful insights into your daily life can be transformative.
Conclusion
Much of this advice may seem obvious, but it serves as a valuable reminder. Continuous learning is essential. If you have other suggestions to enhance active reading skills, I would love to hear from you in the comments.
Chapter 2: Getting Started on Medium
To kick off your blogging journey on Medium, check out this video that provides a comprehensive overview tailored for beginners.
Chapter 3: Monetizing Your Medium Experience
Curious about which topics yield the highest earnings on Medium? This insightful video explores the most profitable niches and strategies for maximizing your writing income.