Summary

Chelsea Mandler recounts her journey from the challenges of the pre-digital publishing era to finding a supportive community and role as an editor with Illumination Curated, which has significantly impacted her writing career and sense of belonging.

Abstract

Chelsea Mandler's narrative begins with her early attempts to break into the publishing industry during a time when opportunities for new writers were scarce and the process was less digitized. She describes the traditional hurdles faced by writers, such as the reliance on phone calls and the rapid pace at which trends and opportunities could be missed. Mandler's persistence led to a pivotal lunch with Angie Jabine, a Senior Editor at NW Palate, which initially ended in disappointment. However, her fortunes changed when she was invited to write for Illumination Curated by Dr. Yildiz. This opportunity not only revitalized her passion for writing but also provided her with a sense of community and support, which she now pays forward as an editor for the publication. Mandler emphasizes the nurturing environment of Illumination Curated, which values and respects the contributions of its writers, fostering a space where creativity and collaboration thrive.

Opinions

Mandler reflects on the stark contrast between the olden days of publishing, where success was elusive, and the present, where platforms like Illumination Curated offer a more welcoming space for writers.
She expresses the frustration of the past publishing industry, where talent could be overshadowed by the need to remain trendy and the speed at which editors moved on to the next potential writer.
The author conveys a sense of disillusionment with her initial encounter with Angie Jabine, whose laughter and empty promises underscored the harsh realities of the industry.
Mandler's experience with Illumination Curated is portrayed as transformative, providing her with validation, respect, and a platform to both contribute and elevate other writers.
The supportive nature of the Illumination community, as described by Mandler, is a testament to the publication's ethos of collaboration, kindness, and mutual growth.
She acknowledges the positive influence of fellow writers like Alison Tennent and Gurpreet Dhariwal, highlighting the importance of networking and mutual support within the writing community.
Mandler's gratitude towards Illumination Curated is evident, as it has not only bolstered her confidence but also given her a sense of home and security in her writing career.

Chelsea Mandler Seizes the Opportunity to Write for Illumination Curated.

IC packed my bags and offered me a place to sleep as long as I wanted.

The Olden Days of Publishing

Angie Jabine, the Senior Editor of NW Palate in the late 1990s, answered the phone that day, and I made my move. Before the advent of email, the World Wide Web, and networking, a writer’s chances to be published remained far-fetched for a newbie. Success rewarded writers that parodied the life of a person who actually found a needle in the haystack.

This predates a time period in which we marvel today. A time that cast aside little known concepts such as going “viral.” Viral what?

Innovation became a method for writers teetering between the importance of remaining relevant over a writer’s talent. Talent merely increased exposure to the appealing attributes that a young writer must possess to be given a small chance to be heard and even smaller chances to be remembered.

Stats Show Keep On Writing Always

I am feeling illuminated at Illumination

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I had tried pitches and plugging novelty items into subject line topics such as “curling irons” or “pickle juice” to gain attention. My journalism teacher and my other professional writing classes relentlessly explained that the publishing world’s fast pace treated the latest trends as table scraps at the editorial table by noon.

To fall behind would deaden any possibility of me “making it,” as a famous writer. Therefore, the publishers waited for a written response from a writer for 2 to 4 hours and then moved on to the next writer if you missed your chance to reply.

“YES,” Jumped out of Angie Jabine’s mouth before I explained the reason behind my invitation for lunch.

And for a moment, I recognized the potential to pursue my dreams now equaled opportunity.

For God’s sake, this was my money shot!

Before our lunch date, I sent Angie Jabine my finest work.

My attempt to alleviate any existential dread I role-played in about living in a utopian future. In my mind, I could hear the clinking of glasses reverberating played like background music for the unrehearsed flicker of congratulatory toasts that poured from Angie Jabone’s mouth in the succession of finalizing the paperwork needed me to begin writing for her magazine.

Normal to Me

The idiotic nature of replicating each other

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But, Angie Jabine did not stop to breathe as she laughed at my meager attempts to demonstrate my writing abilities. She could only utter flimsy promises to send me feedback through the mail in the near future.

Lifeless chit chat broke up the long periods of awkward silence throughout our lunch. A lunch eventually named the worst date of my life to this day.

Home

However, being invited to write for Illumination Curated by Dr. Yildiz in the early days of his new publication replaced the horrid cackle of Angie Jabine’s rejection with the joyful satisfaction one feels when requested to write for Illumination Curated.

I awakened that day with a new hop in my step, a splash of pink in my hair, and a sense of contentment of which I relentlessly yearned. I credit Illumination for immediately elevated me by acknowledging my work, respecting my choices, and supporting my submissions: a formula for repeated success.

In honor of “Paying it Forward,” I agreed to work as an Illumination editor with the intention to lift upcoming writers to the forefront of this serendipitous and appreciative publication that remains in a constant state of renewal while seeking out beautiful writing, day after day.

The writers of Illumination and Illumination Curated do intermingle. We share our stories; we support each other. In the Slack channel, candor, kindness, diligence, and a restorative purpose packs the queues. We do not have to be there; we want to be. Where we spend our time is what we favor.

Writers such as Alison Tennent influenced my Twitter account by retweeting many of my articles without ever knowing my name. And my new friend, Gurpreet Dhariwal, a writer with endless talent that equals her loving heart.

The Wallpaper With The Balloons

Oceans and lifetimes

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Thank you, Illumination Curated. You lifted my spirits with no obligations, and you filled me with confidence that I mirror for other writers while promoting their work. I offer my heart and soul to the Illumination community with a feeling of security that no one can ever take away.

Thank you, IC. I am home.