ILLUMINATION is on the level

An online writers’ convention — for free!

I have been browsing through back issues of The Writer, because recently I have become enthused about writing, and I’m at the stage where I want to read as much as possible with fresh new eyes.

Last night, I read some articles about writers’ conferences.

These are events for writers, where writers write, writers listen to presentations, writers present, writers participate in panel discussions, writers learn about the nuts and bolts of the craft and the profession.

Contacts are made, friendships formed, partnerships entered into. Many a writing career has been sparked through attending a writers’ workshop.

An evening, a weekend, a week. Some intensive retreats go for longer. The common thread is that writers get to live their writing, critique that of others, participate at a higher level than friends and family, who might make nice supportive noises, but realistically have little to give beyond that.

These events can be expensive, but for those wanting to push themselves past dabbling, it’s worth it. What price a dream?

ILLUMINATION is like that

Here we have our own writing event. For free. Running 24/7 and full of writers sharing their best.

At any time I can browse through thousands of stories, I can give and receive criticism. I can learn the best use of the Medium platform. I can get writing prompts. I can see how others have managed the same topic.

I can join in the discussion on the Slack channel. I can read the many compendium articles. I can subscribe to Flipboard, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram social channels.

It is a non-stop writer’s dream.

And it doesn’t cost a cent.

Why is ILLUMINATION different?

Medium has a great many publications, and they differ widely in their niches, their size, their procedures, their online personalities.

I’m a writer for several publications. I’m even a primary editor for one that isn’t my own. I write on very nearly a daily basis for two publications, but I push specialist articles to others.

ILLUMINATION is better organised. That’s the difference. It’s not a one-man show that goes dark for half the day. It has a team of editors who cover the clock around, and that’s important to me as an Australian, active when other nations are asleep.

It has a powerhouse in Dr. Mehmet Yildiz, but he has a team of equally energetic editors. If I have a problem, or I need advice, I can go to the dedicated Slack channel and join in the discussion there. It is busy, not an echoing wasteland. It is useful and fun.

I can be assured of promotion. Dr. Mehmet is generous with mentions and retweets and posting on Flipboard. He promotes ILLUMINATION’s writers. Quite often more than I do myself. It is extraordinary the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes.

And the rewards are tangible

I get more eyes on my stories than ever before. Last month I earnt just shy of $500, the giant’s share of that from ILLUMINATION.

Better than that, the online discussions and relationships sponsored by ILLUMINATION have given me a new enthusiasm for writing and improving my skills. I’m starting to put more thought into my pieces, to think about the reader on the other end of my virtual pen, to have the same thoughts, the same dreams, the same images running through many minds at once.

No, it’s not a scam or a pyramid scheme

What nonsense! I’ve been reading some ill-informed criticism from editors of other publications, wondering why ILLUMINATION is so successful, so rewarding, so much fun.

It’s because it is organised, it is growing, it is dynamic. Writers flock to ILLUMINATION because they want to.

I write for other publications as well. There is absolutely nothing stopping me from submitting to others, and I do so on a daily basis. I choose the best readership for my work.

There is nothing untoward about ILLUMINATION. No secret cabals, no shady deals, no insider groups. What you see is what you get, and everything is discussed and published and transparent.

It’s not a black hole for your stories to vanish unread

On the contrary, Dr. Mehmet Yildiz and his team go out of their way to welcome new writers, encourage them to introduce and promote themselves, become part of the team.

Writers are interviewed and their interviews published. Niches are promoted, prompts are exchanged, advice given.

Like a writer’s conference, there’s a lot going on, and there’s a lot of interaction. Honestly, I could spend all day every day just doing everything about writing except writing, and never leave the publication’s resources.

The sheer number of writers and readers guarantees that your stories will get more attention than other places. It’s a great place to build up a following and to discover other great writers to follow. It is synthesis and synergy and serendipity.

Come on, get happy!

Writing for ILLUMINATION is a journey in joy.

Writers make their own heaven or hell, and it can be a lonely occupation. But it doesn’t have to be solitary.

It’s more fun to walk in company. Good company. Like-minded company.

Writing isn’t a vacuum. If nobody reads your stuff, what’s the point? Writing and reading are two sides of the same coin.

Clap for others and they will clap for you. Read and comment for others, and they will do the same in return. That’s how friendship works.

Jump into a writing prompt, see what others do, throw in your own efforts, get feedback, improve your skills. Have fun.

Nobody’s paying me to write this

This is me, being honest for free. I’m enjoying the ride, and I want to share my happiness with others.

Being positive, enjoying life, having a smile on my face instead of a frown. That powers my life.

That lights up my writing.

Come on, get ILLUMINATED!

Britni

My introduction here: