Chapter 1: A New Beginning

After saying goodbye to Medium in the Fall of 2023, I promised to return once my manuscript was completed and submitted to agents. Now, having rejoined less than a month ago, I find myself starting anew: I have no followers, and my previous articles have vanished.

Initially, I considered writing under a pseudonym to attract a different audience, but I quickly abandoned that notion. I realized that the writers I admired, who had previously followed me, wouldn’t recognize me. Unlike my first experience, I’m not seeking universal approval this time.

Previously, I followed everyone whose work I enjoyed, which led me into genres I wasn’t passionate about or even believed in. I even supported some writers out of sympathy, perhaps expecting the same in return, though I’m not seeking that anymore.

This time, I won’t be treating anyone to coffee. If you’re looking to earn extra cash, consider driving for Uber or finding another side job. Medium isn’t a charity platform.

I also won’t be asking anyone to tag me at the end of their stories, which seems reminiscent of high school cliques—a group I never quite belonged to. I’m not into lists, but I do believe in giving credit where it’s deserved.

I’m excited about discovering new publications to contribute to, and I’m still on the lookout for opportunities that resonate with me. With my background in addiction, I’ve been writing for Black Bear, hoping to offer support to anyone facing similar challenges.

Just the right words can make a difference; they did for me. Listening to others in recovery played a crucial role in my sobriety. I particularly enjoy Nancy Oglesby’s publication, Fiction Shorts. Most mornings, I engage with her random word of the day, transforming it into a 100-word Drabble that I submit. It’s a delightful process!

Financially, my writing holds less importance than it did during my first stint on Medium. I initially wrote to earn money, but it often resulted in frustration due to the lack of steady income. With the introduction of Boost, it’s even less likely I’ll earn as I did before.

Now, I recognize that my motivation for writing is rooted in joy. With far fewer followers than I had previously, my articles barely generate a few cents per hour, but removing financial concerns makes the experience far more enjoyable.

I write for the love of it, just as an artist paints or an actor performs. Very few achieve substantial success in this field; a lot hinges on luck and connections. I don’t consider myself particularly fortunate, and I lack contacts who could assist in publishing my book or promoting my stories.

Having reconnected with fellow writers, I feel a sense of kinship that I missed before. Coming back to Medium, I contributed an article to Crow's Feet, my primary publication from my first time on the platform, eager to reconnect with those writers.

I was fortunate to maintain connections with some Medium friends through Facebook and email while I was away. Upon my return, I have questions. I’ve noticed that David Perlmutter no longer highlights writers’ stories. Can anyone shed light on what happened to him?

I used to rely on seeing his underlined stories. I’ve searched for some writers but couldn’t find their profiles. I’ve heard that some have left the platform—who are they?

Section 1.1: Embracing Learning and Growth

I’m enjoying reading a wider array of articles than I did previously. I take the time to fully absorb the stories instead of skimming through them to chase earnings, which many writers seem to do.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Value of Medium

Chapter 2: Seeking Connection and Knowledge

In the video "Dealing with Grief w/ Psychic Medium John Edward," the discussion focuses on navigating the complexities of grief and the insights a psychic medium can offer. This can be particularly relevant for those dealing with loss, providing comfort and understanding.

The second video, "How to Use Your Psychic Powers," explores the various ways individuals can tap into their intuitive abilities. It offers practical advice for anyone interested in developing their psychic skills, further enhancing the connection to oneself and the world around them.