What's New On Medium, My Summer Reading List, and How to Save More Money
We finally made it to June, and we need to enjoy the weather
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Hello Friends!
I’ve already got four books lined up to read this summer. They are:
Blue Hours by
Finding My Own Gold Star by
In Other Lifetimes All I’ve Lost Comes Back to Me by
My Curious Life by
Isn’t it cool that all these writers are on Substack? I’ve always said that supporting other writers is one of the best growth tools that nobody talks about. I’ve already had conversations with everybody on my reading list except Suzanne (and I’ll do that soon).
It’s just so awesome that we have a platform that allows us to reach out to other writers and chat with them. The sense of community that’s building here on Substack is turning into something special. Both Medium and Substack are platforms that help put you in touch with thoughtful and caring individuals. The option to go live on Substack has made it possible to collaborate in a way that’s really exciting.
Writers are always happy to be interviewed about their work, so reach out and talk to people about scheduling lives. At worst, they’ll probably feel flattered and politely decline, and even that is a win.
Speaking of that, I have to give a shout out to
who did a really lovely “appreciation” talk about me a few days ago:
That was a really special thing to watch! I’ve known Karen for a while both as an editor on Medium and because she joined the class I taught with
. It was really illuminating to have Karen mention the things I’ve said over the years that have stuck with her.As a writer, you can often feel like you’re shouting at the void. So, to have your words come echoing back can be a bit sobering. Fortunately the things that Karen said were things I still agreed with! But it’s good to have a reminder that you are being heard even in those moments when maybe you don’t think you are.
A similar thing happens with your kids. They might be sitting there playing or drawing when you speak to them. You think they’re not paying attention, but then they go on to repeat everything you just said. They’re miraculous, and their hearts are pure, so we must always be respectful when we’re in the presence of children (I wish more adults understood that).
Medium
Here’s what my month on Medium looked like. I’m still getting quite a few of my nominations through for a Boost, but it has slowed down lately. I’ve experimented with a lot of stories to see what’s working. The good news is that I’ve had good earnings even on stories that weren’t Boosted. It seems like the stories that get a read ratio above 80% start to generate significant traffic over a few days.
That graph is for this story which has also performed well on Substack.
Basic tutorials about other platforms like this one do not do well on Medium (which I anticipated).
I still think it’s good to occasionally write something with the hope of getting a Boost. Medium is looking for thoughtful, nearly academic style pieces with a narrative flare and a strong takeaway. That’s the easiest way to describe it. The story should be a combination of personal experience that is supported by strong research.
Even when I write something that’s not taken for a Boost, it tends to do well on Substack. I know there’s been a lot of frustration about Medium lately, but the platform is still doing a lot to keep me afloat as a writer. I keep saying that 2025 will feature a lot of headwinds for creatives. Authoritarian governments like to shut down anyone with a conflicting or even an educated opinion. That’s the way it has always been and that’s the way it will continue to be. I deeply appreciate all of my supporters, because you allow me to keep going, and I think it’s really important that we have voices shouting about the possibility of a compassionate and prosperous world (that’s another message that is pleasing to hear when it comes echoing back from the void).
How to save money
Last week, I mentioned how you can save $1,000 by purchasing a refurbished phone. That leads me to my next savings tip for this week. Here it is:
You’re probably paying too much for your cell phone carrier
The thing is, all these offers you see about “free” phones are really just excuses to get you locked into a 3 year contract that overcharges you for your monthly service. Once you get it out of your head that you don’t need a brand new phone, you enter a world of all sorts of freedom.
Actually, this mentality is the key to survival in these modern, toxic times.
commented on my other article that his family never buys a new car. He’s absolutely right! You can get a really good used car for $10,000 or less. Yup, it takes a bit more legwork to find the deals, but you end up saving yourself a lot in the long run.Once you manage to get your hands on a good used phone (or when you finish paying for the one you have), you can select a less expensive carrier. Tello.com has an unlimited talk and text plan (no internet) for $8 a month (that’s not an affiliate link, it’s just a good product).
I didn’t want to get phones for my kids. But lately they’re involved in so many things that I like being able to get in contact with them. With a talk and text plan you can’t track them, but I have mixed feelings on apps like that anyway.
I got my kids some industrial flip phones that are made by Caterpillar of all companies. They’re made to be dropped and submerged in water, which is perfect for kids. They cost around $80 when I got them. Also, they don’t have the internet, so these phones are just so we can find them after they’re done with practices, work, or other activities.
In the modern world, you need a phone. It’s a way for your employer to get in touch with you and how your bank sends you verification codes. But if you have a family of 4 and each person is spending $60 to maintain a line with a major carrier, you’re out $240 a month (and that prices is on the low end).
I feel that $16 a month is a pretty reasonable price for the peace of mind of being able to get in touch with my kids. Plus, the fact that these are not smart phones means that they don’t walk around with their nose in the internet all day.
Yeah, I realize that this is a losing battle and they’ll upgrade to smartphones soon. But even then, you shouldn’t really be paying for a data plan. Wi-fi is everywhere. Save yourself the $20 a month, and use those funds to support writers like me who are trying to heal the heart of our society :). Thank you in advance.
One last thing,
and are doing a live today at 9:45 AM ET. I’m going to try and stop by and pester them in the comments (in a good way). Maybe I can get them to add me to the live stream.That’s it for today, remember to enjoy your day no matter what!
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Thanks for the punt. Going live in an hour. Kind of afternoon here.
I like this style update, Walter. Got any 'buy it for life' recs? I tried to start up a thread on that... but I've got no reach. I need potholders... that will stand the test of time. I want the next set I buy to literally be inherited by my children. (All products... ideally, lol.)