Writing | Relationships | Conversation

Frugal Fridays and Tips Bulletin

Join the Conversation

Paying it forward

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.

Writers Can Make Meaningful Change!

One of them is the counter-intuitive concept of cross-pollination between publications.

We Support the Publications of our writers.

Dr. Mehmet Yildiz has invited our writers to introduce their publications. Now, this might seem counterproductive.

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

“Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved” Mattie Stepanek

Introducing Frugal Friday

Say hello to Frugal Friday, a publication dedicated to saving time and saving money. Karen Madej is the editor and she’s looking for contributions that focus on being frugal.

“I’m also keen on saving the planet from plastic and hetero-patriarchs who are destroying ecosystems with their greed. If you feel the same way please submit anything frugal we can do to join you in your quest.” Karen Madej

*As an added bonus, Karen accepted an article I submitted to Frugal Fridays and it was CURATED to #FOOD the same day. Fantastic synchronicity.

It’s not what you do, it’s how you do it.

Our writers are talented and diverse, as witnessed by the variety of Publications they’ve created. From #TransHumanism to #Earth, #Writing and #Dreaming, there’s something for every reader.

If this interests you, I invite you to participate. Join the conversation by following one of these small publications.

Be a part of this by sharing your ideas in a new publication.

“I’ve always loved brainstorming with other writers, and I consider having my work critiqued a part of that brainstorming.” Jay Asher

How does Curation Work?

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

I recently wrote about focusing on an Irresistible Post instead.

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

Our team of editors and writers are 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 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?

This is your opportunity. Add your question as a comment here and I’ll be happy to answer it.

Do you have a terrific tip for our writers? Add it in the comments!

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.

Let’s share our experiences and learn from each other.

Here’s one thing I learned along the way.

A Question from a Reader

I have a question. Why is it that some subtitles on stories show up on your profile page and some don’t?

Hey, thanks for the question.

The way your subtitles are displayed can be affected by a few things. 1. The story itself — if there is no subtitle on your story (formatted as a subtitle)then it should show up. 2. Click the edit button (three dots) and change title/subtitle. That’s usually the culprit. Let me know if that helps.

The Daily distribution list

Another way to engage with writers at ILLUMINATION is by checking out the daily distribution list. It includes the stories in the last 24 hours. When you write something and publish on ILLUMINATION your article will appear there too! Here’s the archive that includes all of the posts.

Writers Connect to Build Engagement

As a lifelong learner, I gather new ideas by observing how other writers engage with their readers.

Today’s Challenge- Join the Conversation:

Create a Project by writing about your passion!

Your article should have the kicker “ILLUMINATION SPECIAL PROJECTS” and mention Your Project as part of the title.

It’s a win win — you support the project, and we support you.

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.

Meet the Editors

Here is our complete list of Editor bios! Discover who they are and what makes them tick.

Catch up on previous bulletins.

Discover The First Solution Publication and some helpful tips.

Introducing the counter-intuitive concept of cross-pollination between publications.

From the basics to the complicated, here is a summary of tips I’ve discovered to improve your images and use them to connect with a wider audience of readers.

An insider’s view as we create the Urban Food Project and how to increase profile views.

We create an Illumination Project together, and ask — is curation the holy grail of Medium?

The steps to create your own Project to make a meaningful difference.

Oracle cards can provide guidance to the mysteries of life and can strengthen your spiritual connections.

Introducing the Gaia Project, also creating real conversations with writers.

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.

Dr. John Rose, Alison Tennent, Earnest Painter, B. A. Cumberlidge., Timothy Key, Desiree Driesenaar, Claire Michaeljohn, QuadConjures, Infiniti, Eli Snow, Daniel G. Clark, Eashan Reddy Kotha, Paroma Sen, Keno Ogbo, James G Brennan Uchechi Obasi, Timothy Key, Holly Jahangiri, Joe Luca, Charlotte Zobeir Ali, Kathryn A. LeRoy, Ph.D. Earnest Painter, Eeva Metssalu,

Eric Dickey, Glennis Lofland, Kapilgoel, Halimah Kasim, Manmeet Singh, Manvendra Singh, Nehal Khan, Raqeebah Buhari, Thor Blomfield, Muniza Master, Ja’Juan Burrell, Wie Kiang H., Russell Rowe, Liza Blue, 𝙳𝚊𝚗𝚒 𝙶𝚒𝚋𝚋𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙼𝚌𝙶𝚊𝚠, Franco Amati, Amy Skeel, Michelle Tjin, Deborah Oyegue, Irish Toffee, JustAnnet 👑, Ishan Kukrety, Michael Thorn, Ryan Porter, Caden O’Rourke, Nehal Khan, Liane Carmi, Michael Seppanen, Bhathiya Wendakoon, MD, BSc, Antonio Lupo, Md. Shourov Talukder, Dale Biron, B, gaurav gupta, Morgan Schultz, Umar Usman, Roxana Anton, Nihan Küçükural, May Chen, K.C. Knouse, Mercy Mirembe, Pierre Subeh, Joseph W, Katrina Wolf, Sarah Thomas, Joan Evans, Tiffany N., Rafay Zeeshan, J. Angelo Racoma, Suman Jana, Igor Chykalov, Patrick Paul Garlinger, Sarah Myers, Skywalker, Ed Newman, Kunal Verma, Bethany Reul, Steve Peters, Carlos Jeronimo, Camille

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.

Illumination is all about being engaged in a positive and supportive way. We can’t wait to hear what you have to say!

Tag me @treelangdon or add a message to this post if you’d like to connect. I’m a‘Top Writer’ in Poetry on Medium. Find me on Twitter and Facebook.*