I Have Written Over 250 Articles for Medium.com, Here’s Some Of What I Learned From It
Hi again, my friends, family, foes, fiends and all you funky folks!
“If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be sitting here, having written over 250 articles on Medium.com, I would’ve laughed in your face. Me? A writer? Yeah, right, I am more of a voice person.”
But here we are. Over 250 articles later, and I’ve learned a thing or two—about writing, about myself, and about the wild, weird, wonderful, and sometimes frustrating world of online content creation. If you’re thinking about starting your own writing journey or just curious about what it’s like to churn out that much content, hang on. I’m about to spill the entire bean sack.
1. Consistency Beats Perfection Every Time
Let me get this out of the way first: perfection is overrated, and impossible. When I started writing on Medium, I was obsessed with making every sentence sound like it belonged in a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Spoiler: that’s exhausting. And unnecessary.
What I’ve learned is that consistency is far more important than perfection. Showing up regularly, even when you don’t feel like it, is what builds an audience and hones your craft. Some of my most popular articles were ones I wrote in under an hour, while others I labored over for days barely got any traction. So, there’s that, go figure.
The key is to keep writing, even when it’s not right, screwy, and messy. You can always edit later, but you can’t edit what’s not there on a blank page.
2. Your Voice Matters More Than You Can Ever Think
When I first started, I tried to sound like all the other writers I admired. Big, hairy mistake. It turns out, people don’t want a carbon copy of someone else—they want you. Your perspective, your quirks, your weird sense of humor (yes, even the Dean-isms).
Over time, I stopped trying to sound “professional” and started writing like I was talking to a friend. And boom, there it was. People responded to that. They commented, shared, and subscribed because they felt like they were connecting with a real person, not a robot cranking out SEO-optimized content. Being genuine was the deal!
So, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Your voice is your superpower—use it.
3. Not Every Article Will Be a Hit (And That’s Okay)
Here’s the hard truth, warts and all: not everything you write will resonate with your audience. I’ve published articles I thought were absolutely stellar, ready for the big time, only to watch them flop harder than an angelfish out of water. On the flip side, some pieces I thought were just “meh” ended up going viral.
It’s impossible to predict what will take off and what won’t, so don’t take it personally, EVER. Writing is part art, part science, and part luck. The important thing is to keep creating. Every article is a learning experience, even the ones that don’t perform well.
4. The Medium Algorithm Is a Bit Fickle (being nice, see?)
Ah, the Medium algorithm. It giveth, and it taketh away. One day, your article is being pushed to thousands of readers, and the next, it feels like you’re shouting into the abyss.
I’ve learned not to get too caught up in the numbers game. Yes, it’s important to understand how the platform works (titles, tags, and timing all matter), but obsessing over stats will drive you crazy. Focus on creating value for your readers, and the rest will follow.
And hey, if the algorithm isn’t on your side today, there’s always tomorrow.
5. Writing Is a Muscle—You Have to Exercise It
When I first started, writing felt like pulling teeth. I’d stare at a blank screen for hours, struggling to string together a coherent sentence. But the more I wrote, the easier it became. Writing is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger you gets.
Now, I can whip up an article in a fraction of the time it used to take me. It’s not because I’m some kind of writing prodigy; it’s because I’ve put in the reps. If you’re just starting out, don’t get discouraged if it feels hard at first. Keep at it, and it will get easier.
6. The Community Is Everything
One of the best things about Medium is the huge community. I’ve connected with so many amazing writers, readers, and thinkers through this platform. Engaging with others—whether it’s through comments, claps, or collaborations—has been one of the most rewarding parts of my writing journey.
Don’t be a lone wolf. Share your work, support other writers, and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. Writing can be a solitary endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be lonely.
7. You’ll Learn More About Yourself Than You Expect
Writing regularly has forced me to confront my own thoughts, beliefs, and biases. It’s like holding up a mirror to your brain and saying, “Okay, what’s really going on in there?”
I’ve discovered strengths I didn’t know I had and weaknesses I’m still working on. I’ve also learned to be more vulnerable and authentic, both on and off the page. Writing has a way of stripping away the BS and getting to the heart of who you are.
8. It’s Okay to Take Breaks
Burnout is real, folks. There have been times when I’ve felt completely drained, like I had nothing left to say. And you know what? That’s okay.
Taking breaks is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of self-awareness. Sometimes, stepping away from the keyboard is the best thing you can do for your creativity. Go for a walk, read a book, or just binge-watch your favorite show. Your brain will thank you.
9. Writing Is a Journey, Not a Destination
When I hit 100 articles, I thought, “Wow, I’ve really made it.” Then I hit 200, and I realized I was just getting started. Writing is a never-ending journey. There’s always more to learn, more to explore, and more to say.
And that’s the beauty of it. Writing isn’t about reaching some arbitrary finish line; it’s about the process. It’s about growing, evolving, and discovering new things along the way.
10. Just Start
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this, it’s this: just start. Don’t wait for the perfect idea, the perfect time, or the perfect platform. Start where you are, with what you have.
You don’t need to be an expert or have all the answers. You just need to show up and put words on the page. The rest will come with time.
Final Thought
Writing over 250 articles has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. It’s taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of staying true to myself.
If you’re thinking about starting your own writing journey, I say go for it. You never know where it might take you. And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll be sitting here, reflecting on your own 250 articles, and wondering how the heck you got there.
Until then, keep writing, keep learning, and most importantly, keep being you.
Dean Benson, "The Dean of Rock & Roll", Sky7music.com middays everyday!
Also see me on medium.com, https://medium.com/@deanbenson
And my other "Stuff" at: www.deanbensonrocks.io ,
P.S. If you’re on Medium, drop your profile in the comments. I’d love to check out your work!