Chapter 1: The Shift in Motivation

For many writers, the thrill of putting pen to paper can diminish when financial concerns take center stage. I used to check my earnings from the Partner Program nightly, often feeling disheartened if my income fell below $5, despite dedicating substantial time to my writing. Initially, this didn't bother me.

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My passion for writing stemmed from a desire to share insights about autism and my personal experiences. However, I've recently found myself overly fixated on monetizing my content on Medium, leading me to lose sight of the joy in writing.

This struggle is not unique; many others have contemplated moving to platforms like Substack for similar reasons. On Medium, I've encountered a scarcity of genuine readers who appreciate my work, while many seem solely interested in my engagement for their own financial gain. This reality left me questioning the purpose of my writing.

In an effort to boost my earnings, I resorted to writing primarily about Medium tutorials. Yet, I rediscovered my passion when I returned to topics related to autism, realizing that I not only enjoyed writing about it, but I also attracted a more engaged audience. While I find satisfaction in crafting tutorials, it’s not the only avenue I want to pursue. It was uplifting to see my readers return for my stories about autism.

From now on, I plan to stop obsessively checking my earnings. There was a time when I wrote on Medium without any financial incentives, simply for the love of it. Writing should be a fulfilling endeavor, with any monetary gain being a pleasant surprise rather than the main focus.

I hope others can glean wisdom from my experience: write because it brings you joy. Create for your audience rather than chasing trends on Medium. Don’t shift your topics based solely on what appears profitable. Instead, find fulfillment in the appreciation from your readers, rather than chasing a few dollars daily. I never anticipated the success of my news story last month; I wrote it out of passion, not for its earning potential. Focus on what you love, and let the financial rewards come naturally.

Section 1.1: The Dangers of Chasing Money

The pursuit of profit can often overshadow the original passion for writing.

Chapter 2: Insights from Fellow Writers

In the video "Just Write | A Budget Friendly Writing Curriculum," the speaker discusses accessible writing strategies that prioritize creativity over financial concerns.

The second video, "How to 'Just Write' & Does it Work? | Literature In The Dark," explores the effectiveness of focusing on genuine writing over monetary gain and shares personal stories from writers who have embraced this mindset.