How new Medium writer Remi grew from 0 to 168k followers in 3 months
“Knowing that my words can make a difference in someone else’s life is truly amazing.”
When you publish a story on a platform like Medium, it’s typically because you want your words to find an audience. remi;༊ joined Medium at the start of May 2024 and quickly found that her words were reaching a much wider audience than she’d ever expected.
After seeing how quickly she grew (and in a way that’s not typical on Medium), I reached out to ask her to share a little bit more about her Medium journey, in the hopes that she could offer some tips and wisdom for other new writers on Medium, as well as what she loves about writing here.
TL;DR: Remi discovered Medium on TikTok, started writing stories about her feelings, thoughts and struggles, shared her stories with her followers on TikTok, and grew her audience through her authenticity and cross-platform posting.
Here’s a lightly-edited version of the conversation we had over email.
Hi Remi! Tell me a little about yourself.
I am Remylyn Tornilla, known as Remi. I am 18 years old and currently a first-year college student, getting my Bachelor of Secondary Education. I’m from the Philippines.
For fun, I love to read on Wattpad, mostly stories from Filipino authors like April Avery and Inksteady. Music, especially indie and alternative genres, lets me relax and often sparks some creative ideas for me. I listen to bands from the Philippines like Cup of Joe, The Ridleys, Ben&Ben, and Any Names Okay, as well as PPOP songs from SB19 and BINI, and KPOP songs from groups like ENHYPEN.
I also enjoy international artists like Taylor Swift, Chase Atlantic, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, The Weeknd, Wave to Earth, and many more. Movies, too, offer a visual and emotional journey that enriches my storytelling. My favorite movies are Midnight Sun and 5 Feet Apart. I also watch a lot of K-drama series.
How did you get into writing?
I used to read pocket books and e-books voraciously. From a young age, I dreamed of being a novelist. This dream grew more into reality when I got to take part in a special program in high school, majoring in creative writing. This program let me explore different writing styles and genres, honing my skills and deepening my love for the craft.
What I liked about the program is that it allowed me to be my true self. It gave me the freedom to express my feelings through writing, poetry, and even photography. The program helped me improve my poetry and narration skills. It was where I started writing poems and performing them. Through the program, I learned to write based on my experiences and got better at narrating stories.
It was during this program that I realized the power of my words to share emotions and connect with others. Writing became a way for me to express my thoughts and feelings, turning my imagination into pieces that resonate with readers.
What brought you to Medium, and how have you found the experience of writing here?
I first found Medium through a TikTok video. I got curious and decided to try it out. After downloading the app, I spent a few days reading other people’s articles before deciding to write about my feelings, inner thoughts, and struggles. I honestly didn’t expect so many people to relate to my writing. Writing on Medium has been my escape.
I like its features, design, and especially how it allows me to connect with others. I’ve found that Medium’s community is supportive, and there’s a real sense of belonging among the writers here. Medium’s intuitive interface and easy publishing process make it a joy for me to use. It has become a significant part of my life, providing a space where I can grow as a writer and connect with my readers.
During my vacation from May to July, I spent time writing on Medium at least twice a week. I don’t follow a specific writing routine. When something sparks in my mind, I write it down in my notes and complete it whenever I have time. I’ve observed that I write more when I’m either happy or feeling down. Medium has become like a diary for me, allowing me to publish what I usually leave in my notes app.
How did you build your online audience?
I started with a few readers, getting a hundred claps from 20 followers. Now, I receive hundreds of thousands of claps from 100k followers. It shocked me. How did I manage to get that number of readers? It feels surreal for someone who just wanted to express her feelings.
I think posting on another platform helped a lot. After I post an article on Medium, I also share it on TikTok, where many people recognize me and download the Medium app to read my other articles. I also like to respond to my audience’s comments and messages.
Who are some of your favorite writers on Medium and elsewhere?
My favorite writers on Medium include Harsh Patel, danah swai, nabil, pahal writes, and Riska Islamiyah. Each of these writers has a unique voice and perspective, offering insights and stories that inspire me.
I also admire Filipino writers on Medium like thekidultwriter, icedmatcha, keng, tel❞, fruitcrates, and shewritesforsvt. They inspire me to continue writing. Their work also gives me comfort.
My favorite story on Medium is “Someday It Will All Make Sense” by Harsh Patel. Reading that story gave me hope that better things will come and provided me with comfort.
Thank you so much for your time! Anything else you’d like to share?
I am beyond grateful for Medium, for giving me a platform where I can share my experiences. It’s incredible to have a space where my voice can be heard, and where I can read stories from people who come from all walks of life. Through my writing, I’ve been able to open up about my thoughts, feelings, and personal journey, and it’s been so rewarding for me. I really cherish knowing that my words can reach others and make an impact.
I am also thankful for my readers for always being there with me. My readers always tell me that they find comfort in my articles, that they feel seen and heard. And for me, that’s enough reason for me to continue writing, because I want to inspire others to keep going. I hope my readers know that they are part of this journey. Every comment, clap, and message means so much to me. Their support and kindness remind me why I started writing in the first place.
Writing has always been a way for me to express my thoughts and feelings, but knowing that my words can make a difference in someone else’s life is truly amazing. I want to keep creating content that resonates with everyone, and I hope to continue this journey with Medium for a long time.
