Chapter 1: My Journey to Medium Success

I achieved it.

April turned out to be my most successful month as a writer on Medium. When I began my third stint on the platform in November 2023, I never envisioned making over $350 in a single month, let alone from just one article.

But here I am, ready to share what I’ve learned through this experience.

The Importance of Storytelling

By now, it should be clear: stories are the most effective way to convey information. Coming from a German background, I have a natural inclination towards numbers, rules, and processes. While this is advantageous for optimization, it often hinders my ability to present information in an engaging manner.

In the past, I prioritized delivering information in the most straightforward way possible. The downside? People weren't interested.

We’re not drawn to information by itself. What captivates us is information presented within a narrative. Apple excels at this; they don’t just market a MacBook with technical specifications, but rather as a device that allows you to craft bestselling novels on the go or produce award-winning music in your basement—regardless of your prior experience.

Stories are what make your information relatable and memorable.

The Need for Authenticity

People are not fond of those who portray an image of perfection. I learned this lesson the hard way. I recall a moment in a McDonald’s with a girl I liked, who firmly established the friend zone. Between bites of fries, she asked me, “Tim, why are you pretending to be better than everyone else?”

It took years and another failed relationship for me to grasp the weight of her words. Perfection is not only an illusion; it’s also unattractive.

Initially, we might be drawn to flawless things, but over time, they become tedious. I once thought I held a moral high ground by avoiding air travel and meat consumption, but in reality, I was just being stubborn and narrow-minded.

Authenticity is crucial. We resonate with genuine expressions that come with imperfections. After all, we’re all human. Embracing authenticity is not optional; it is essential for living a fulfilling life.

The Role of Vulnerability

While authenticity is vital, it has a crucial ally: vulnerability. My understanding of vulnerability shifted dramatically after reading Models: Attract Women Through Honesty by Mark Manson.

I’ve always been sensitive, as my elementary school teacher warned my parents, saying I might struggle in high school due to my sensitivity. However, I never realized that vulnerability is a fundamental human trait. We all harbor fears and moments of despair, regardless of our status or achievements.

When you express vulnerability in your writing, it fosters deep connections with your audience. Although uncomfortable, vulnerability serves as the foundation for compelling storytelling.

Emotions Tie It All Together

All these elements—stories, authenticity, and vulnerability—are meaningless without one crucial factor: emotions.

In my most successful story, I wove together these components by sharing my experience of escaping COVID in London and returning to my parents' home. On its own, this scenario might seem unfortunate, but my authenticity stemmed from acknowledging my mistakes, while my vulnerability emerged from fears of never finding a job again.

However, it was the intense emotions I experienced during that time that made the story resonate. I felt overwhelmed, crying amidst my packed suitcases yet relieved to finally sit down and reflect on my journey.

The combination of storytelling, authenticity, vulnerability, and emotions has allowed me to craft my best work yet. It can do the same for you.

As I move forward, I aspire to share more emotional stories, showcasing my authentic and vulnerable self as a passionate writer. Utilizing the S-A-V-E formula will enable you to create stories that readers will adore.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. What insights would you contribute? Feel free to share in the comments.