Writing | Relationships | Conversation

Cross Pollination and Changing Your Featured Image

Join the Conversation

Nurturing growth and success is up to every one of us

I’m writing a series of feature articles to discuss and illustrate the innovative ways we are collaborating on Illumination.

To keep it interesting, I’ll shine a light on solutions to some of your difficulties and answer any questions that come to me each day.

I’ll also share one of the many ways I have discovered to connect with fellow writers and readers.

Well hello there.

In case we’ve never met, I’m Tree Langdon, an editor here at Illumination. I’m continuously inspired by the talented writers I’ve met here. I’d really like to get to know you too.

We Support Writers in Their Own Space

Recently we announced a new initiative inviting writers to introduce and promote their publications. Now, this might seem counterproductive.

It’s like CNN inviting Fox News to advertise in their airspace. It’s assumed this would never occur as they are direct competitors with each other. But that’s not necessarily the case.

“The whole point of collaboration is that you give and take from each other, and that’s how you create things that are totally new.” Virgil Abloh

Our diversity is enhanced by sharing information within our community and we will all benefit in the long run. I agree.

Most of our writers’ have small publications that will benefit from our encouragement. We are committed to supporting these little guys and asks that you support them as well by following them and participating

I encourage you to investigate. You’ll be surprised at how diverse this small group is!

I recently created a project called the Urban Food Project, which intends to shine a light on various creative ways to support food security in our communities.

I was inspired by an article written by our talented author Desiree Driesenaar.

She introduces the concept of regenerative farming and discusses the importance of food as a bridge between natural and human systems.

This informative article provides a step-by-step transition for farmers to shift to regenerative farming. Desiree’s writing style is clear and easy to read. I found her ideas could be useful for anyone thinking of smaller-scale food gardening.

Working on your soil is the first step.

How does Curation Work?

In a nutshell, write quality articles and pay attention to tags, kickers, format, and Medium curation rules.

These stories were successfully curated and distributed to topics in Medium. It’s an excellent resource to study if you are interested in being curated.

I recently wrote about focusing on an Irresistible Post.

Here’s my take on curation from when I was a new writer.

Our team of editors and writers is ready and willing to assist you with any questions or problems you may be experiencing.

The key to a meaningful conversation includes both speaking and listening.

A meaningful conversation between writers includes reading, responding, sharing and appreciation.

Keep on reading to see how you can have that conversation, but first, let’s explore your questions about writing.

Answers to your Burning Questions

Do you have a burning question?

Let’s learn from each other.

When I first started writing on Medium I struggled with the platform. It wasn’t as intuitive as a Word document. It took me a while to figure how to make it work for me and I’m still learning.

Here’s one thing I learned along the way.

How Do I Change My Feature Image?

If you have included several different images in your post, you can choose which one you want to be featured in the preview picture and the thumbnail for your story.

When you initially publish, you see this preview screen.

At this moment you can click on “Change preview image” and you will be given an opportunity to select from other images in the article.

Alternatively, you can use the edit story function to change the featured image. You can edit by choosing the three dots ellipsis to the right of the Publish button. On the drop-down menu, there is an option to change the featured image.

Voila! You’ve changed your featured image!

More solutions to make your images work for you:

Writers Connect to Build Engagement!

As a lifelong learner, I gather new ideas by observing how other writers engage with their readers. In this section of my bulletin, I will share what I have learned.

Here’s one thing that is sometimes overlooked.

Check your notifications and follow up on them.

It sounds simple, but following the breadcrumbs is a great way to discover new possibilities.

When you see someone’s name pop up in your notifications fairly often, take the time to connect with them through their writing. If they have responded to your story, whether it’s a highlight or applause, right-click to visit their profile page and have a look at their newest stories.

Reading and responding begins a conversation that may lead to a wonderful connection!

More on conversations here:

If you test this idea for yourself, tag me, Tree Langdon, ♾️ and let me know how it worked for you.

Let’s Talk About Slack

We collaborate with published authors, bloggers, and other service providers to extend our network. Join us on our Slack channel to participate.

Slack is our main communication tool. You can send a request via this link to join. Mention “slack request” in the message.

Here are some tips to get up and running with Slack.

We’re here to support you and want you to be successful.

All we ask in return, is that you do the same.

If you want to catch up on my previous bulletins, have a look here:

Greetings to a few of our newer writers and some who have been here for a bit longer. I hope you found something interesting in this article. Jump in and start a conversation.

It’s the best way to connect and the connection is how you increase engagement.

If you know someone who might want to join our growing, joyful, and supportive publication as a writer, please leave a message via this link.

Collaboration is a two way street. Join the conversation and be a part of this meaningful change.

I hope you found something useful in this article. If you’re not already a Medium member, Join us here.

If you are a member, please share this story so more people can benefit from these wise words.