How I Earned Top Writer Status in Two Months

No, seriously, how?

Photo by Miguel Bruna on Unsplash

I was browsing through my email before bed when I saw one that said “congratulations” from Medium. I opened it and learned I had been named a top writer in Parenting.

As a writer, I appreciate any affirmation at all. The complexity of Medium’s algorithms to determine these things is beyond the scope of this article, and the scope of my comprehension.

I have written 3 relatively well-received pieces that are related to parenting. Medium was kind enough to tell me what they were in the email.

I am proud of these pieces, but they are by no means my most well-received work. My articles about chronic illness, relationships, and marriage have received more views, reads, and claps.

I am flattered to have the badge on my profile page, but does “top writer” mean any more than that? Somehow it just seems like a nod to a writers’ vanity with no real benefit or significance.

I am not complaining. I am honored that any of my work is considered “top” anything. I write because I have to. It is my outlet, my calling, and where I find my peace. Any rewards, whether monetary or status, are just icing on the cake.

I don’t mean to trivialize how hard we work to put our great content. I think people write on Medium for a variety of reasons.

Some do it hoping to make money, others because they have something valuable to say to the world. For me, and I suspect others, we do it for the sense of satisfaction of turning our thoughts into words that others might care to read.

If no one would ever read my writing, I would still write. (I have bookshelves full of journals to support that claim). It is simply a part of who I am. I think many creatives feel this way about their art.

That is something I can truly thank Medium for. It wasn’t until I landed here that I saw my writing as art. I didn’t say good art, but art nonetheless.

Sometimes my art is raw and visceral. Sometimes it is soft and meandering. Other times, it is a piece that genuinely expresses some part of me I can express no other way.

So, thank you Medium algorithm that added a title to my profile. More importantly, thank you to those on this journey who have inspired me. Even more than I write, I read. I read your ideas, tips, tricks, and how-to articles. I read your pain and self-exploration. I read your joy, pride and what you share of your journey to self-awareness.

I truly think that every writer on Medium is brave. It takes bravery to harness what goes on inside our heads and wrestle it into words. It takes even more courage to put those words out into the public eye.

I don’t like everything I read on here. Some of it is boring because it is not a topic I care about. Some things are offensive to me. Other things just don’t appeal to me at the place I am in my life. Yet, I am thankful all of it is here. It says, unapologetically, that we are not the same.

In the days before platforms like this, our submersion into the words of others was limited to books we bought or magazines we subscribed to. That meant only a tiny percentage of all the voices out there could ever be heard.

Now, anyone with a phone or laptop can share their knowledge, ideas, and creativity. Can we even comprehend the world that has opened up? I have been on Medium for less than two months and I have learned, been challenged, and certainly grown as a writer.

For those who made it this far looking for the answer to “how I gained top writer status in two months,” the answer is “I have no idea.” I think it has to do with working hard at honing my craft, striving to be authentic and writing my version of truth.

I know we are supposed to write for our audience and I want to. I genuinely do. My articles like “Why I am Thankful I did Most of My Writing Before Social Media” called out the practice of parent shaming. “Conversations with My Dad,” is meant to preserve something for the next generation.

In the end, though, most of my writing is selfish. It is about how I see the world. I am deeply honored that people take the time to read those pieces. For everything of mine you read, I can promise you know me a little better.

I wonder if that is true for most writers here? Are you sharing your truth? If so, then I applaud you. I think if I started to write (pander?) to my audience then I would be a little less of a writer.

I don’t have the mechanics of writing down to a formula. I certainly don’t have a ‘voice’ that would make someone want to read my grocery list. That’s a personal joke about my favorite writers, that I am so loyal I would pay to read their grocery list.

What I have is my authenticity. I can offer you real in every piece I write. Maybe when I am a better writer, I can write for you. For now, I can only write for myself and invite you along on the journey.