I was tempted to publish daily–there's a mob exhorting us to be like them and by the way take my course–but I filled a folder with drafts and none of it is worthy.
Make epic shit is the way to go, no matter how long it takes.
This is an excellent column, and I appreciate the links to the stories that received a boost. I like the admission that you sometimes post things that you don't necessarily agree with. I wish we could get more discussions started... but too often on the internet the phrase "I disagree" is perceived as "I'm attacking you." Sometimes it's just a matter of stating the idea with better clarity. Sometimes ideas are complex enough that you have to repeat them a couple dozen times before you can even begin to have an honest conversation. I like the turn Medium is taking lately to more personalized stories. Thanks for the useful column!
I totally agree! As a "boosted" writer, I think it's important to have a POV, well-expressed, and in way the reader can easily relate to. Not an easy thing to do. But, like you, I am noticing really mundane writing these last few months from authors who, I think, are chasing the "claps" and that, to me, is just sad. I want writing that makes me feel something, inspires me, or makes me think!
Thanks, Justin. Agree. I definitely don’t write every day - would feel like sacrilege to the necessary pauses / recalibrations. Hate the idea of feeding a publishing algorithm. That would spell the end of the magic for me. Not everything I write will be brilliant but it can still do my best to give each story a little brilliance, if I stay true to the cadences.
Bravo, Justin, on your progress with WeekInWriting.com. This Stop Chasing article is refreshing and I appreciate the clarity around consistent, quality and officially letting go of some kind of daily death march writing notion. Third benefit of this article is your insight into what people are submitting and what would be worthy of your time and readers' attention.
I think there are two ways to approach content creation in general. EIther go full out, keep posting content or publish once in a while which will be banger.
I think for starters, Quantity game is the best to figure out their niche.
Overall I agree wth Quality over quantity is key when it comes to writing. Publishing daily may seem like a good idea, but it puts the emphasis on output rather than honing your craft. It's important to take the time to produce well-written pieces that showcase your unique voice.
Along with all of the valuable ideas and thoughts with which I completely agree, the Random Links section is also delightful. It would be beneficial to both your readers and me. I've started reading "How Do Authors Come Up With Character Names?" and it's interesting and necessary for me; thank you!
I try to have it both ways. I write and post when I have something to say, and I work to write the best story I can. As I have gone along, my submissions have increased, and the quality of my work has improved. That's what's working for me.
I was tempted to publish daily–there's a mob exhorting us to be like them and by the way take my course–but I filled a folder with drafts and none of it is worthy.
Make epic shit is the way to go, no matter how long it takes.
This is an excellent column, and I appreciate the links to the stories that received a boost. I like the admission that you sometimes post things that you don't necessarily agree with. I wish we could get more discussions started... but too often on the internet the phrase "I disagree" is perceived as "I'm attacking you." Sometimes it's just a matter of stating the idea with better clarity. Sometimes ideas are complex enough that you have to repeat them a couple dozen times before you can even begin to have an honest conversation. I like the turn Medium is taking lately to more personalized stories. Thanks for the useful column!
I totally agree! As a "boosted" writer, I think it's important to have a POV, well-expressed, and in way the reader can easily relate to. Not an easy thing to do. But, like you, I am noticing really mundane writing these last few months from authors who, I think, are chasing the "claps" and that, to me, is just sad. I want writing that makes me feel something, inspires me, or makes me think!
Thanks, Justin. Agree. I definitely don’t write every day - would feel like sacrilege to the necessary pauses / recalibrations. Hate the idea of feeding a publishing algorithm. That would spell the end of the magic for me. Not everything I write will be brilliant but it can still do my best to give each story a little brilliance, if I stay true to the cadences.
Re naming: here’s one way. https://adrianconway.substack.com/p/repurposings, and another: https://adrianconway.substack.com/p/liberty-caps
Bravo, Justin, on your progress with WeekInWriting.com. This Stop Chasing article is refreshing and I appreciate the clarity around consistent, quality and officially letting go of some kind of daily death march writing notion. Third benefit of this article is your insight into what people are submitting and what would be worthy of your time and readers' attention.
💯. If anything, I'm leaning even more into quality right now. It's the best way to survive in this era of AI content.
Congrats on moving to your own domain!
Thanks for the mention Justin!
I think there are two ways to approach content creation in general. EIther go full out, keep posting content or publish once in a while which will be banger.
I think for starters, Quantity game is the best to figure out their niche.
Overall I agree wth Quality over quantity is key when it comes to writing. Publishing daily may seem like a good idea, but it puts the emphasis on output rather than honing your craft. It's important to take the time to produce well-written pieces that showcase your unique voice.
Along with all of the valuable ideas and thoughts with which I completely agree, the Random Links section is also delightful. It would be beneficial to both your readers and me. I've started reading "How Do Authors Come Up With Character Names?" and it's interesting and necessary for me; thank you!
I try to have it both ways. I write and post when I have something to say, and I work to write the best story I can. As I have gone along, my submissions have increased, and the quality of my work has improved. That's what's working for me.