Editor’s Choice
10 Works by ILLUMINATION Writers That Deserve Your Reads
Presented with a scavenger hunt theme because — well, actually, who needs a reason for a scavenger hunt?
Hi! I’m Regi, Editor at ILLUMINATION. If you haven’t seen my name associated with the publication previously, it’s because I’m new to the crew.
In the couple of weeks that I’ve been on the team, I’ve felt my life on this platform transform. Everyone at the publication has welcomed me, and I am immensely grateful, so I decided to show my appreciation via this Editor’s Choice article.
ILLUMINATION is an inclusive publication, so we see plenty of submissions. We accept works from new writers and dedicated veterans.
Every time you click on an article in our publication or one of its sister titles, you give yourself the chance to connect viscerally with the writer and exclaim, “Wow!”
I was the publishing editor for some of these articles. Other selections made my list because I enjoyed reading them as an avid consumer of our publication.
For a range of reasons, when I read every piece I share below, I knew I was a different person at the bottom of the page than I was at the top.
You will have your own perspective. That is how the world works, after all.
I am certain, at the least, some of these selections will hit you hard, too.
Also, I hope you like fun. Honestly, I fixate on fun, so I decided to offer scavenger hunt-style tidbits when I introduce each of my Editor’s Choice selections below.
Is that a fun idea? There’s only one way to know! 😉
(Whoa! Did an editor just use an emoji? They did, and we’ll all be okay.)
Please drop your impressions about these excellent articles and the fun we’re about to have together in Responses. Thank you!
I present this Editor’s Choice list unranked, which will surprise the Dickens out of people who know me in real life.
Why Entering The Medium Writers Challenge Felt Scary
Each of us who submitted an MWC entry likely relates to Kristina God’s perspective here. We’re all pulling out our hair and wondering which of the many thousands of entries will tickle the judges’ perspectives.
If you’re unfamiliar with Kristina’s writing and you want to amp up your views and reads, I suggest perusing her body of work extensively. In mere months, she has established her ability to write, inform, and earn on this platform.
Kristina wins with me because she appreciates the importance of empty space and formatting. She also uses emojis in her piece, which inspired me to use one above.
Scavenger Hunt: Read Kristina God’s brief, yet personal, piece until you see the emojis. Also, notice her formatting, style, and word economy.
Grammarly is Ruining My Passion.
Chris Freyler is evolving, and his writing is wonderfully raw. He’s challenged by Grammarly, and he’s not afraid to tell us.
I relate to this piece on multiple levels because Chris actually reveals more than his internal clashes with the world’s top grammar software.
Scavenger Hunt: Open this vulnerable article to learn Chris’s important motivation for writing. Don’t be surprised if you relate.
How Being a Choir Nerd in High School Helps Me Now
While we’re relating to people, I was also a choir nerd, so Samantha Gassman had me from the moment I read her title.
Gassman expertly aimed her piece at people working in the corporate world. I submit that entrepreneurs will also find it worthwhile.
Scavenger Hunt: Discover the section headed Auditioning, and think about how it might also connect to submitting to publications.
Local Mom Shot Out of a Cannon
Somehow, Amy Sea’s existence had escaped me until I joined the ILLUMINATION team. Thankfully, I get to read her writing for work and pleasure now.
Local Mom Shot Out of a Canon is 14 paragraphs of real talk about beauty expectations at school drop-off in this COVID era.
Scavenger Hunt: Count how many times the piece mentions clean underwear, which we all agree is crucial.
Wabi-Sabi
I freely admit that I initially thought K.Kumar’s poem was about wasabi. After rereading the title, I got serious, slowly enhaled the poem and thoroughly appreciated its message.
Kumar is a dedicated artist who has made other editors’ lists. Keep an eye on Kumar’s work. I know I certainly will.
Scavenger Hunt: After you read this thought-provoking poem, look who supplied the accompanying image. You might be surprised.
The One Thing No One Wants to Admit About Side Hustles
If you are considering a side hustle, you seriously ought to read Chris Wojcik’s piece. You just might rethink your current plan.
I’m keeping this one brief because I really don’t want to give away the story.
Scavenger Hunt: Read the whole piece until you fully appreciate the one thing Chris says no one wants to admit.
Stories On NewsBreak Began To Earn A Few Dollars
This selection actually comes from ILLUMINATION’S MIRROR, and it’s penned by Floyd Mori. Prolificness and helpfulness are Mori’s hallmarks.
This piece deserves your attention because it shows us that the grass at NewsBreak is not nearly as green as it seemed last December.
Scavenger Hunt: Find the surprisingly low figure Mori’s NewsBreak articles made in the first third of September.
Commenting on the more Colorful Comments on Medium Posts
This is simply a good read from Markus Scorelius. Anyone who has spent any time reading responses to articles can appreciate it.
Additionally, this piece holds surprises that I just can’t bring myself to spoil for you.
Scavenger Hunt: Find the author’s LSAT score!
20 Things Women Should Stop Wearing After 30
Rejoice Denhere is a skilled writer and an engaged member of this platform. This work’s title challenges us. It forces us to engage.
You will be glad you read this piece.
Tea For The Restless
I opened this piece and said, “Oh! A recipe.” Then Haji took my breath away.
Immediately, I read it to my spouse. (We say “spouse” in my house, and not just for the rhyme.) She was equally impressed.
Scavenger Hunt: Find someone you love, and read them Haji’s wonderful piece.
If you’ve enjoyed these important works, I encourage you to spread the love. Share them with your friends and family.
Hopefully, this experience has left you inspired. Perhaps, you will write your own story now. I invite you to submit it to ILLUMINATION.
We’re all on unique journeys, so you may capture an editor’s attention on your first try, or you may need to persist for a bit before something connects. Still, if you do, in fact, persist, there’s surely an Editor’s Choice selection in your future.
You might even get chosen by an editor who doesn’t spackle a strange scavenger hunt atop the whole experience.
Thank you to Dr Mehmet Yildiz, Carol Price, Tree Langdon, and Dew Langrial.
If you enjoyed this read or if you love to write, why not JOIN THE MEDIUM HORDES!