Like most people who visited medium for the first, I came here to read articles or follow someone's writing who I already followed on other platforms.

I toyed with the idea of writing my own articles, not for money or to create a following but just for my own enjoyment. The articles I read were always extemely well written, almost professional sounding, this occassionally crept into my mind and put me off the idea writing. I am in no way an experienced or professional writer. I haven't taken any courses or even practiced writing unless you take into account tweets and WhatsApp messages.

I eventually got to the point of reading publications on medium that were centred on "improving your writing" and the benefits of using medium. Yes the partner program can have financial benefits, although the percentage of people making over $250 a month is very low despite the fact it feels every other story you read is from someone who is hugely successful and makes thousands in "easy" income per month. For me however the biggest benefit was the chance to refine and practice my writing. I knew nothing was going to go viral, and that wasn't the aim. Instead my aim was to create content and just enjoy writing. In addition there is a chance readers will see my pieces and leave feedback, clap for it, hell they might even enjoy it and follow me for anything else I write.

So for anyone who is looking for an online platform to just try writing for the first time, this is it. Medium is perfect. It is easy to use, simple to understand and now you can edit and write on the go through the mobile app ( which hasn't always been available) as well as at a desktop.

It can be daunting pressing that publish button for the first time. I must have spell checked and read through my first piece a dozen times before having the courage to do so. But once you do, it will encourage you to want to write another one . Just remember the people on medium are here because they enjoy reading and writing. The vast majority including myself pay to use this platform, so there are no trolls to leave berating comments like so often is the case on Twitter. I have very rarely come across negative comments on people's stories. Someone may disagree with your opinion, but they do so in a constructive way.

Finish reading this and start a draft. It doesn't have to be complete, it doesn't have to make sense. You can edit everything later, just draft an idea right now and come back to it tomorrow.

The first step will always be the most nerve racking but once you take it you won't look back.

Best of luck, feel free to leave a comment or clap if this piece has at all helped you and I can hopefully be the first to read your article

If you decide to join medium and start your writing journey, join via my link below. You can get a full medium membership and I will get an affiliate fee at ZERO cost to you.