Category: writing

5 Lessons I Learned About Writing (The Hard Way)

When I started writing, I was like an overexcited kid given the keys to a candy store—brimming with enthusiasm but absolutely clueless about what I was doing. I devoured every piece of writing advice I could find, hoping to fast-track my journey to becoming a better writer.

Some tips helped, sure, but a lot of it? Pure noise.

Looking back, I realize I could’ve saved myself from much frustration if I had learned these lessons sooner. But that’s the beauty of growth—you stumble, fall, and eventually figure things out.

I discovered five hard-earned lessons through trial and error and a fair share of facepalms.

1. Write Often, But Fix Your Mistakes

When I first dipped my toes into the writing world, I kept hearing this mantra: “Just write as much as you can. Quantity over quality.” So, I did precisely that. I wrote. A lot. Blog posts, social media updates, random thoughts jotted in the middle of the night—you name it.

But here’s the catch: I wasn’t getting any better.

“Why isn’t this working? I’m writing so much, but nothing feels right.”

One day, curiosity (or maybe self-torture) made me reread my older pieces. I cringed. I mean, really cringed. My sentences felt awkward, and my ideas scattered like puzzle pieces from different boxes. That’s when the lightbulb flickered on. Writing isn’t just about pouring words onto a page; it’s about learning from those words.

Now, I treat writing like a conversation with my past self. I write, but I also pause, reread, and reflect. I ask, “What was I trying to say here? Could I say it better?” Mistakes? Oh, they’re inevitable. But fixing them? That’s where growth lives.

2. Read What Interests You, Not Just to Impress Others

There was a phase when I believed that I needed to read everything under the sun to be a great writer. Self-help books I didn’t care for? Check. Academic articles that felt like decoding alien scripts? Double-check.

But guess what? None of it stuck.

“Am I even absorbing any of this? Or just pretending to?”

I was reading to tick boxes, not to learn. I’d skim through articles, drop a “Great piece!” comment, and move on—thinking I was building connections. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t.

Eventually, I realized that meaningful reading comes from genuine curiosity. Now, I read what sparks my interest. Whether it’s a thought-provoking essay, an IoT case study, or even a quirky poem, I take my time. I underline sentences, jot down notes, and let the words marinate.

Reading this way doesn’t just fill my brain; it fuels my writing.

3. Comment Like You Mean It

Ah, the “comment-for-engagement” strategy. Been there, done that.

In the early days, I thought leaving many comments would make me visible. So, I plastered generic lines like, “Nice post!” or “Interesting thoughts!” across articles.

But here’s the thing—writers can smell insincerity from a mile away.

“Why isn’t anyone responding to my comments? Aren’t I engaging enough?”

One day, I received a heartfelt comment on one of my posts. It wasn’t long, but it was thoughtful. The reader shared how my words resonated with their experience. That comment? It stayed with me.

I realized genuine connections aren’t built on autopilot responses. Now, when I comment, I pause. “Did something in the article make me think differently? Did it remind me of a personal story?” I share that. Authenticity might not flood your notifications, but it builds lasting bridges.

4. Don’t Play the Follow-for-Follow Game

Ah, the seductive trap of the “follow-for-follow” game. In my eagerness to grow my audience, I followed anyone and everyone, thinking they’d return the favour. For a while, it worked. My follower count climbed, but my engagement? Crickets.

“Why do I have so many followers but no real interactions?”

I had an audience, but not a community.

One day, it hit me: “Why am I following people whose work doesn’t inspire me? Why am I chasing numbers instead of connections?”

So, I hit the reset button. I started following writers whose words I genuinely enjoyed and whose thoughts challenged me. The growth became slower, but it felt real. When someone follows me today, I know it’s because they value my voice, not because of an unspoken social contract.

5. Write When You Have Something to Say

“Write every day, no matter what.”

I took that advice to heart. Even on days when inspiration was as dry as the Sahara, I forced myself to write. The result? Words that felt forced, soulless, and frankly, forgettable.

“Why does my writing feel empty even though I’m consistent?”

Then I had an epiphany: Writing isn’t just about writing. It’s about sharing—sharing an idea, a lesson, or a story that matters—even if it’s just for you.

Now, I write when something stirs within me. It could be a fleeting thought, a conversation, or an article that sparked an idea. Writing from that place? It flows. It feels alive. And more often than not, it resonates with readers.

Final Thoughts

Writing isn’t a race. It’s a journey filled with detours, pit stops, and occasional breakdowns.

I’ve stumbled, cringed at my past mistakes, and learned lessons the hard way, but each misstep has shaped my growth.

If you’re starting your writing journey, here’s my two cents: Don’t chase perfection. “Chase authenticity.” Write, reflect, connect genuinely, and let your voice evolve.

After all, the most powerful stories aren’t the ones polished to perfection—they’re the ones that come from the heart.

Why Writing Feels Like Running a Marathon

It all started with a simple comment from a friend: “Writing on a Blog is a marathon, not a sprint.” That line stuck with me. It echoed in my mind like the rhythmic pounding of footsteps on the pavement. It made me pause and think—he’s right. Writing isn’t a quick dash to the finish line. It’s an endurance game. A long race.

I often compare life to the activities we do. Maybe it’s my way of making sense of things. And the more I thought about it, the more it made perfect sense: writing on this Blog feels like running a marathon.

The Starting Line: Hesitation and Excitement

I remember the day I decided to write for this blog. There was no grand announcement or dramatic decision. It was more like an itch—a slight, persistent urge to share my thoughts on IoT and smart cities, which have consumed my professional life.

“Will anyone even read this?” I wondered. The same nervous question runners ask themselves as they stand at the starting line, surrounded by experienced athletes with years of effort etched into their confident postures.

That feeling? Overwhelming. But I started anyway.

Finding Your Rhythm: The First Few Kilometers

In the running, the first few kilometres are deceptive. The excitement tricks you into thinking you can sprint the whole way. But reality sets in quickly. The excitement fades, and you’re left with nothing but your breathing, the sound of your footsteps, and the mental battle against self-doubt.

Writing is the same. My first few articles barely got any views. I’d refresh the stats page often, hoping for a miracle.

“Why aren’t they reading?” Frustration bubbled up. But then I remembered: the first kilometres aren’t about speed; they’re about finding your rhythm.

Each article became a step forward, a chance to refine my voice. It wasn’t about the views. It was about showing up, day after day, word after word.

Small Wins: The First Checkpoint

One day, I posted an article about IoT applications in agriculture. I wasn’t expecting much, but then a comment appeared.

“This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!”

That small comment felt like crossing my first marathon checkpoint. Someone was reading, and someone found value in my words.

“Keep going,” I told myself.

That simple acknowledgement shifted everything. I stopped focusing on metrics and started writing because I enjoyed it.

Preparation: The Invisible Work

No marathoner wakes up and decides to run 42 kilometres without training. They prepare, practice, and test their limits.

Writing is no different.

“Do I really have to do this every day?” I’d groan, staring at a blank screen, especially when ideas were hard to find.

But I knew the truth: consistency beats talent. Skipping one day makes it easier to skip the next. So, I wrote. Even when the words felt forced. Even when the drafts were not my best.

Those drafts? They were my practice runs. Not pretty, but necessary.

Pacing: The Art of Sustainability

In a marathon, going too fast too early guarantees burnout. Writing has its version of this, too. At one point, I tried writing articles daily, thinking more output would lead to success.

Spoiler alert: it didn’t.

I learned to slow down, revisit drafts, and refine my ideas. Quality mattered more than quantity. It was like perfecting my stride, finding that balance where effort meets ease.

The Crowd: Finding Support

No marathoner runs alone. There are fellow runners, spectators, and coaches cheering you on.

For me, that support came from the Blog community—fellow writers, readers, even the occasional critic.

I’ll never forget the day I received a message from another writer: “Your story inspired me to start my own business. Thank you for sharing.”

That message? It was my crowd, cheering me on when I needed it most.

Hitting the Wall: The Toughest Part

Every marathon has “the wall”—that dreaded moment when exhaustion hits, and quitting feels like the only option.

For me, that wall was writer’s block. Days when ideas refused to come. When motivation disappeared, leaving only a nagging sense of failure.

“Why am I even doing this?” I’d mutter.

But then I’d remember: you don’t stop because you’re tired. You stop when you’re done.

The Finish Line: A New Beginning

Looking back, I realise writing and running a marathon are deeply personal activities. They test your limits, reveal your strengths, and force you to confront your weaknesses.

But they also offer immense rewards.

Today, as I continue to write, each article feels like another kilometer in the marathon. Some are effortless. Others are tough uphill battles.

But with each word, I grow stronger.

Someone once asked me, “Would you do it all over again?”

Without hesitation, I said, “Absolutely.”

Writing has given me resilience, discipline, and the joy of connection. It has reminded me that success isn’t in the destination—it’s in the process.

So here I am, still running this marathon, one article at a time.

And just like every marathoner knows, the finish line isn’t the end. It’s just the start of another challenge.

How AI Sees My Writing Style – And What It Means for 2025

“Do I really have a writing style?”

That question kept bouncing in my head as I stared at the AI analysis of my articles. I’ve always written instinctively—pouring out thoughts, reflecting on experiences, and hoping they resonate with someone out there. But now, with a year’s worth of writing analyzed, I can’t help but smile.

The verdict?

I’m a storyteller at heart. I thrive on conversations. Most importantly, I write for impact.

So, let’s break it down. What makes my writing style uniquely mine?

1. Storytelling is My Foundation

“You should start with a story.”

I remember hearing that advice long ago. At first, it felt unnecessary—why not just get straight to the point? But over time, I realized that stories bridge the gap between knowledge and understanding.

When I write about IoT, I don’t just list facts. I take readers on a journey, whether they’re entrepreneurs struggling to deploy smart city solutions or university students trying to commercialize an IoT project.

Take “Why Writing Is Like Running a Marathon” or “The Silent Struggles of Researchers”—I don’t just talk about endurance and challenges. I live through them in my writing.

Why it matters: Stories stick. They make abstract ideas tangible and personal.

2. Conversational and Relatable Tone

“Write as if you’re talking to a friend over coffee.”

That’s how I approach my articles. No stiff, robotic sentences. No excessive jargon. Just me, having a conversation with you.

Whether I’m sharing “How Medium Shaped My Voice” or “Why You Should Write From the Heart,” my goal is simple: I want you to feel like we’re just sitting together, chatting about life and ideas.

Why it matters: Readers don’t want to be lectured. They want a dialogue.

3. First-Person Perspective Brings Depth

“Why do you always write in first person?”

Because it’s real. Because it’s personal. Because I believe the best way to inspire is by showing—not just telling.

If I write about IoT projects in universities or my journey in the corporate world, I’m not giving a third-person analysis. I’m sharing my experiences, lessons, and mistakes.

Why it matters: It builds trust. Readers connect with people, not abstract ideas.

4. Structure Matters – A Lot

“Make it easy to read.”

Long, unbroken paragraphs? No thanks. My articles are structured with clear sections, subheadings, and logical flow.

If I’m explaining “5 Lessons I Learned About Writing” or “How Favoriot Empowers IoT System Integrators”, I want you to get value fast.

Why it matters: Clarity keeps people reading. A good article doesn’t feel like work—it flows effortlessly.

5. Motivation and Inspiration Are My Hidden Ingredients

“People don’t just read for information. They read for inspiration.”

When I wrote “Why Persistence in Writing Matters” or “Every Failure Was a Step Toward Success”, I wasn’t just telling stories. I was giving hope.

I know what it’s like to feel stuck. To feel like no one is listening. To wonder if your efforts are even worth it. But every challenge I’ve faced has led me somewhere better. That’s the message I want to leave behind.

Why it matters: Inspiration fuels action.

6. Versatility Without Losing Identity

“Do you only write about IoT?”

No. And I never will.

My interests are broad—entrepreneurship, technology, personal growth, writing—but my voice remains the same. Whether discussing IoT’s future or writing a letter to my future self, it still feels like me.

Why it matters: A consistent voice makes a writer memorable.

7. Emotion and Logic Go Hand in Hand

“Facts alone don’t convince people. Emotions do.”

When I wrote “How Responding to Comments Boosted My Writing Output,” I didn’t just provide statistics. I also shared how engaging with readers felt —the excitement, the connections, the motivation.

Then, I supported my argument with logic—why engagement matters, how it impacts visibility, and what writers can do to grow.

Why it matters: The best articles engage both heart and mind.

8. Analogies and Metaphors Make Everything Click

“Explain it like they’re five.”

If I say, “Writing is like running a marathon,” you immediately understand endurance is key. If I say, “A Medium writer is like a badminton player,” you get that consistency and technique matter.

I use analogies because they simplify complexity. IoT, AI, writing—whatever the topic, if I can compare it to something familiar, it becomes easier to grasp.

Why it matters: Analogies make learning fun and effortless.

9. Audience-Centric Writing

“Who am I writing for?”

Every article I write answers a question or solves a problem.

Whether it’s “Why You Should Not Give Up Writing” or “How Favoriot Empowers IoT System Integrators”, my focus is always: How can this help the reader?

Why it matters: Readers stay loyal when they feel seen and understood.

10. Learning and Growing Through Writing

“Writing is my best teacher.”

I reflect a lot in my articles.

From “Lessons Learned in My 13-Year Telco Career” to “My Journey of Writing 550 Articles on Medium”, I use my past as a learning tool. I talk about mistakes, breakthroughs, and the evolution of my thoughts.

Why it matters: Growth is relatable. Readers appreciate honesty.

What This Means for 2025

Seeing this breakdown made me realize one thing—I love writing.

And in 2025, I’ll write even more.

✔ More stories that resonate.
✔ More conversations that connect.
✔ More insights that inspire.

If AI says my writing has an impact, I owe it to myself (and my readers) to keep going.

Because at the end of the day, writing isn’t just about putting words on a page.

It’s about sharing experiences, shaping perspectives, and leaving a legacy.

Here’s to another year of storytelling.

15+ Must-Have AI Tools for Master’s and PhD Students – From Research to Writing!

If you are a Master’s or PhD student, here is a list of useful AI tools for your study and research work.

How things have changed with AI. Studying and research are becoming much more effortless.

A) Search Engine for Researchers

  1. Consensus
    https://consensus.app/
  2. SciLynk
    https://www.scilynk.com
  3. Scinapse
    https://scinapse.io
    3.Perplexity
    https://www.perplexity.ai
  4. Semantic Scholar
    https://www.semanticscholar.org
  5. OpenAlex
    https://openalex.org

B) To Answer Research Questions

  1. Claude
    https://www.anthropic.com/claude
  2. ChatGPT
    https://chat.openai.com

C) For Literature Review

  1. Iris
    https://theiris.ai
  2. Elicit
    https://elicit.org
  3. Inciteful
    https://inciteful.xyz
  4. Research Rabbit
    https://www.researchrabbit.ai
  5. Connected Papers
    https://www.connectedpapers.com
  6. Keenious
    https://keenious.com/
  7. Google Scholar
    https://scholar.google.com/
  8. Litmaps
    https://app.litmaps.com/

D) For Reading Research Articles

  1. SciSpace
    https://typeset.io
  2. Scholarcy
    https://www.scholarcy.com

E) To Assist in Writing

  1. Paperpal
    https://paperpal.com/

The list Credit to Pendakwah Teknologi

Why I’m Leaving Medium: A Writer’s Journey to Rediscovering Joy

The Allure of Writing on Medium

I’ve always loved writing.

It’s been my escape, my way of sharing thoughts, ideas, and dreams with the world. And for a while, Medium was the perfect platform for that. It wasn’t just about the money – although, let’s be honest, the earnings did provide a nice boost of motivation.

But more than that, the sense of community drew me in.

The idea that my words could resonate with readers from all walks of life was exhilarating.

At its best, Medium felt like a writer’s haven, where effort and creativity were rewarded.

The Golden Days: When Writing Felt Rewarding

I was making a comfortable three-digit monthly income on Medium for a time. It wasn’t a fortune, but enough to validate the hours I spent crafting my pieces.

That three-digit figure felt like a pat from the universe, acknowledging that what I was doing mattered. I would eagerly check my earnings dashboard, and even when the numbers weren’t astronomical, they were steady.

They were enough to keep me going.

The Harsh Reality: Declining Earnings

But here we are in January 2025, and everything’s different now. My earnings have plummeted to a single digit. Yes, you read that correctly – single digit. I’ve earned just about a dollar with only five days left in the month.

A dollar! It feels almost laughable, doesn’t it?

I can’t buy a decent cup of coffee with my earnings any longer. And it’s not just me; this seems to be the collective frustration of countless writers on the platform.

Writers in Frustration: What Went Wrong?

Over the past year, conversations about declining earnings on Medium have surged across forums and social media.

Writers share their disappointment, confusion, and anger. Some blame the algorithm; others point fingers at changes in the Partner Program.

Whatever the root cause, one thing is certain: the joy of writing on Medium has been overshadowed by an air of disillusionment.

My Breaking Point: January 2025

For me, January 2025 has officially been the breaking point. It’s not just the earnings, though they have been a significant factor.

It’s the feeling of constantly being let down by a platform I once believed in.

Each time I check my dashboard this month, it reminds me how far things have fallen. And frankly, it’s exhausting.

The Decision to Move On

After much thought, I’ve decided that it’s time to move on.

I won’t be renewing my Medium subscription. Instead, I’ll be redirecting my custom domain to WordPress.

It feels like the right move for now – a fresh start on a platform where I can control my content completely.

On WordPress, I won’t have to worry about algorithms or earnings reports dictating my writing journey. I can write freely without the weight of disappointment looming over me.

A Bittersweet Goodbye to Medium

Saying goodbye to Medium isn’t easy.

There was a time when this platform felt like home, a space where my voice could thrive. But the frustration has peaked, and I refuse to let it drain my energy.

Life is too short to cling to something that no longer brings joy or fulfilment.

Rediscovering the Joy of Writing

As I enter this new chapter, I’m filled with sadness and hope.

I’m sad about what Medium once was and could have continued to be. I hope for what lies ahead, for the opportunities that come with a fresh start.

I’m ready to rediscover the joy of creating, to write without constraints, and to build something meaningful on my own terms.

A Message to Fellow Writers

If you’re reading this and feeling a similar frustration, know you’re not alone. Letting go isn’t easy, especially when something once meant so much.

But sometimes, a fresh start is precisely what we need to rediscover our passion.

Whether moving to a new platform, exploring a different medium, or simply taking a break, it’s okay to pivot. It’s okay to prioritize your happiness and your creative spirit.

Here’s to New Beginnings

So here’s to new beginnings—writing freely, passionately, and without the weight of algorithms or earnings reports—to rediscover the pure joy of storytelling, sharing ideas, and connecting with others.

Goodbye, Medium.

You’ll always be a part of my past, but you won’t define my future.