Putting the Boosted Stories in Perspective

Below are all eleven of my boosted stories, categorized by theme. This should provide insight into what kinds of pieces are favored for boosting. Notably, nine out of eleven were crafted for publications. This significantly enhances the likelihood of receiving a boost; however, publication editors also look beyond their immediate submissions. Choosing the right topics is crucial before publishing. Research the popularity of your chosen themes and consider related terms. For instance, “LGBTQ” has a broader reach than “LGBTQIA,” which can help attract a larger audience.

Personal Connections in My Writing

Every story I wrote holds a personal connection, drawing from my own life experiences. Medium places a high value on personal narratives, whether from professional expertise or lived experiences.

My journeys range from humorous anecdotes about losing my father to grappling with online harassment and street catcalling. One piece was a cathartic response to the inadequate state of NHS ADHD services, compounded by medication shortages that left me struggling to manage. Another was a rant about costly health tests that only served to highlight my age.

Keeping It Simple and Relatable

I've noticed that many successful boosted stories, including my own, often feature first-person language in their titles. Titles like “I did” or “I’m tired of” are straightforward and instantly communicate the essence of the narrative. A potential winner could be something like, “I accidentally ate dog food during a blackout.” It clearly conveys what transpired without any ambiguity. Conversely, my least successful boosted story had a title that was far less transparent.

The Impact of My Writing

My three top-performing stories evoked different reactions—some resonated due to their relatability, others were humorous, and some sparked debate. Each carried a meaningful takeaway.

One of my narratives focused on my experiences with catcalling and sexual harassment, unexpectedly becoming my highest-earning piece on Medium. I was surprised by the controversy it generated, with some men perceiving catcalling as complimentary, reacting angrily to my stance against it. Their responses spoke volumes about their perspectives.

Another story emerged from an incident where I was asked to complete a consent form with irrelevant options before a CT scan. This prompted me to address heteronormativity in healthcare, as many readers found this experience all too familiar.

As a healthcare professional, I harbor disdain for companies that exploit health-related anxieties. After being confronted with a new gym machine that aged me ten years and fat-shamed me, I channeled my frustration into a humorous piece about age-defying tests.

Turning Anger into Action

Taking a cue from Beyoncé, I believe in transforming negativity into something productive. I often find myself embroiled in debates on X (formerly Twitter), which sometimes necessitates a mental health break. Recently, I was falsely outed as a trans woman, prompting a wave of online hostility. This incident ignited my anger, leading me to scrutinize the problematic rhetoric used by those opposing gender identity discussions.

Recently, discussions surrounding rainbow lanyards on X led to my latest boosted story, where abusive comments erupted due to my refusal to conform to others’ definitions of my gender and sexuality.

Reflections on Death

While I’d prefer not to conclude with a focus on death, it’s an inevitable topic. My father passed away a few years ago, and although it was a painful time, I recall many humorous moments from his final days, illustrating that even in darkness, joy can be found.

Channeling Injustice into Writing

Many autistic individuals, myself included, hold a strong sense of justice. I often write about injustices from a personal viewpoint, using my anger as fuel for my words. The UK’s ADHD services are overwhelmed and underfunded, and medication shortages only exacerbate the situation. I had to ration my medication, which severely impacted my daily life. While some blame manufacturing issues, I attribute much of this chaos to government mismanagement, particularly post-Brexit.

As a long-time trans ally, I’ve recently begun to identify as non-binary. I am frustrated with the UK government's treatment of trans individuals, which has incited significant backlash in the queer community. The Cass Review has sparked considerable anger, particularly among autistic individuals, with transphobic rhetoric suggesting that many children identify as trans solely due to autism, rather than viewing it as a multifaceted experience.

Kemi Badenoch, the Minister for Women and Equalities, epitomizes the troubling attitudes toward trans rights. Her attempts to undermine the Equality Act and incite division only fuel my desire to write about these issues.

Instead of simply directing my anger into writing, I’ve engaged in some playful mischief, and then I wrote about it.

My Journey with Non-Binary Identity

Exploring my non-binary identity amid perimenopause has been challenging. I sought support but faced transphobic comments in online groups. However, this process ultimately led me to connect with others who share similar experiences, forming a small community of queer, trans, and non-binary individuals navigating similar life stages.

And that sums up all eleven of my boosted stories. I hope this insight proves useful for new Medium writers. I'll conclude with a note on grammar.

A Tribute to the Em Dash

My grasp of grammar isn’t perfect. I was fortunate to have strict English teachers who instilled strong fundamentals. My GCSE English instructor would correct grammatical errors on shop signs, leaving shopkeepers perplexed.

Due to my ADHD, I often write in a stream-of-consciousness style. While this can yield great results, it also leads to numerous grammatical blunders. I find semicolons particularly off-putting; they remind me of a bug infestation on the page.

In British English, we typically use a single dash like a hyphen. However, I had never encountered the em dash until I began writing for publications. An editor suggested I incorporate it, and although I hesitated at first, I eventually embraced it.

Using the em dash transformed my writing; it added a pleasing aesthetic and improved the flow of my stories. I felt like I had uncovered a hidden gem, and I owe my gratitude to that editor.

Thank you for reading my reflections. I contribute to various publications and also share my writing independently. If you enjoyed this piece, please consider subscribing to my profile for updates on my latest stories, or buy me a coffee to support my work.