# Identifying Your Stage in the Writer's Journey on Medium
Written on
Chapter 1: Understanding Your Journey
Reflecting on the title of this article brings back memories of my high school experiences. We were often immersed in subjects that required us to learn about different cycles and growth stages in living organisms, such as the life cycle of a mosquito or the development of a seed. Just like these biological phenomena, writers also undergo stages, especially those who publish on Medium.
But why does it matter to know these stages? Understanding your current position can be incredibly beneficial. It’s about making the right moves at the right time by identifying the stage you're in. For example, consider the ripening process of an orange. If someone is unaware of the stages of ripening, they might consume the fruit while it’s still unripe, resulting in a sour experience. Conversely, a knowledgeable person would wait for the orange to reach its vibrant color before tasting it.
This principle applies to writing as well. When a writer recognizes their current stage and understands what has transpired and what lies ahead, they are less likely to give up. This doesn’t completely erase the temptation to quit when things aren’t going well, nor does it mean this applies to every writer. There will always be exceptions, but most writers experience these stages. Thus, if you find this information valuable for your growth, it certainly is.
To provide a clearer picture, I created a flowchart illustrating these stages based on my experience. Here it is:
Let’s dive into the ten stages of writing on Medium.
Section 1.1: The Ten Stages of Writing on Medium
Initiate Writing:
The initial stage for a Medium writer is simply to start writing. This fundamental step allows you to explore the platform and familiarize yourself with its tools.
Motivated Publishing:
At this stage, writers often feel motivated to publish, either before joining the platform or after gaining some experience. Many find inspiration from the potential monetary rewards of the Medium Partner Program; that first cent can be quite a motivator.
Monitoring Statistics:
After publishing several articles, writers begin to track their performance through the stats page. Understanding these metrics helps identify what works and what needs adjustment.
Evaluating Outcomes:
Writers reach a crucial point where they recognize the general outcomes of their efforts. They may notice their stats either rising rapidly or stagnating.
Deciding on Outcomes:
This stage involves making a decision based on observed outcomes. If stats are improving, writers feel encouraged to continue. Conversely, slow growth might lead some to quit, while others choose to persevere.
Making Further Decisions:
Writers may face a downturn in stats, prompting yet another critical choice: to either stop writing due to perceived failure or to keep creating content despite challenges.
Consistency Despite Setbacks:
Those who opt to continue writing, even during low points, do so because their commitment to producing quality content extends beyond mere financial gain.
Building an Audience and Community:
Writers who endure begin to appreciate Medium for what it truly offers. They cultivate a genuine audience and engage with a vibrant community of skilled writers.
Gradual Improvement in Stats:
As writers interact and share authentic stories, they often see a slow but steady improvement in their statistics, leading to growth that exceeds initial expectations.
Establishing a Loyal Readership:
The final stage reflects a writer’s achievement in building a solid reader base that values their work. This opens doors for opportunities like courses and mentorships.
These stages are not always rapidly traversed; it may take weeks or even months to move through them. Ultimately, your persistence and resolve are what will elevate you from a novice to an accomplished writer.
Can you identify your current stage? If so, how will you leverage this understanding to progress? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Thank you for reading!
Access and download my FREE, detailed list of experiences and insights designed to help you grow as a writer on Medium.
Are you dedicated to your growth and self-improvement? Follow me via this link. Subscribe here to receive notifications whenever I publish a new story.
Chapter 2: Insights from Experts
In this chapter, we will explore valuable insights from industry experts that can guide your writing journey.
The first video, "How to become a Medium Top Writer in 3 Steps," offers practical advice on elevating your writing to new heights.
The second video, "What are the 4 Growth Stages of Authors?" provides an in-depth look at the various stages authors experience, enhancing your understanding of your own journey.