As many of you know, I’ve been writing on Medium. It’s an interesting experience given that I actually earn some dinero from my efforts. Un poco dinero. Muy poco dinero. Not to discourage anyone from trying, but given the work I put into my writing, the payout is disappointing. But such is life, right? Writers are flocking to Medium now because everyone wants that chance to make thousands of dollars a month. I’d be happy with tens of dollars a month.

Still, I keep writing because I’ve become addicted to “publishing.” There’s a number of publications on Medium, some developed by Medium editors, some by individuals carving out a niche. I’ve found that my odds of gaining new readers increase if my story is published by one of these publications, rather than if I self-publish. Interesting. Who knew that would make a difference?

Medium recently changed their earnings algorithm, weighing read time more heavily than other forms of engagement like clapping (which is akin to WordPress’s Like button). So now I have to worry about whether anyone is actually reading my stories … lol.

Medium also wants to gain more readers. To that end, we writers are being encouraged to share our stories using the “Friend Link” so that non-Medium readers can read our stories without it counting against their limited access. Medium is hoping these non-members will become so enthralled with the great writing on Medium, that they’ll pony up the $5 per month to read more and more.

In other words, we Medium writers are becoming marketers, which is totally in keeping with my personality. Not.

But to show what a good sport I am, I will share two of my Medium stories, using the Friend Link so any of you non-members can enjoy my stellar prose for free. But, seriously, I feel honored whenever anyone reads my work right down to the last word.

First up, a story about my hair: https://medium.com/crows-feet/hair-to-dye-for-48e032b44dda?source=friends_link&sk=409f00c768008a2ee54943785f45bc39

Anyone who has been following me for any length of time knows that I have an unnatural obsession about my hair.

Next, a story inspired by my 96-year-old mother: https://medium.com/@marieannbailey/everyone-is-falling-apart-508c98a37cc0?source=friends_link&sk=9db3fe974a39ebbf3b0885ceadc37a0f

My mom turned 96 in October and, while she still sounds healthy and even vigorous, I worry. Some in my family are joking that she’s likely to see 100. She might, but she might not, and I’m realizing that I won’t be ready … ever.

But, wait! Let’s not end this post on a sad note. Here … let Wendy put a smile on your face.

Thanks for reading … here or on Medium or both!