ILLUMINATION Writers

Interview with Agnes Louis

Featuring creative writers of ILLUMINATION

In this story, I share an interview that I conducted with Agnes Louis. I have been following insightful stories of Agnes before she joined ILLUMINATION.

I am grateful to Agnes as she provided home to my short stories in “a Few Words”, which is an excellent publication where she is a reputable editor.

When Agnes, as an editor, published my first short story in this great publication, I was so grateful. I met several great writers from that publication.

It was a privilege and special honor for me to have Agnes as a writer for our publication. I found her stories authentic, touching our hearts, mind, and soul. Stories written by Agnes are informative, thought-provoking, inspiring, motivating, and uplifting for her readers. Agnes is a top writer in #poetry. I enjoyed her inspiring poems too.

Agnes is a reputable writer and poet on ILLUMINATION, other publications, and platforms, engaging meaningfully with writers and readers supporting their content. We can learn a lot from Agnes both from her writing and editing capabilities.

Let’s explore the background of this accomplished writer, poet, editor, and avid reader.

Tell us a bit about your background, Agnes.

Okay… What should I tell you about myself?

Well… I am… me.

If you’ve been following me and reading my stuff here on Medium for a while, you probably understand what I mean.

I’m a writer, an English teacher, a Yoga/Pilates teacher, an occasional model and recently, a wife. But none of that really define who I am.

I am… me, trying to be the best version of myself, put a smile or two on others’ faces as I go about my merry way, and touch a heart or two before I pass on to the next life/realm.

I’ve lived in a few different countries, experienced cultures different from my own and have lived quite an exciting life, if I may say so myself. Currently residing in Singapore, my husband (still adjusting to this new title) and I haven’t decided on which country to settle in.

The ball is still rolling.

(Which country would you say the best to settle in? Maybe we’ve missed a few nice places…)

I’ve also gone through a body/health transformation, and went through a series of unhealthy diets and unhealthy body image before finally succeeding in changing my lifestyle and habits. I shed 20 kgs and developed a healthy sustainable lifestyle in the process. I am now happy, healthy and toned!

I might have a thing or two that might be of interest to you and I would love to connect and share what I have learned from life so far and also learn from you at the same time!

So, I’m Aggy. A pleasure to make your acquaintances (curtsey).

Why do you write on Medium?

I have stumbled upon Medium on a hot Qatari summer day.

I’ve been told my whole life that writing is not a job and that it’s foolish trying to chase the rainbow to find a unicorn. (I’m Agnes! I believe unicorn exists! (You need to watch the latest Despicable Me movie to understand this)).

For most of my life, I believed it. I believed that writing can only be a hobby, not a real job.

I started writing on Medium just for fun, at first. It kind of spiraled into something else. I suddenly realized that being a writer is not a pipe dream. It’s possible! Hurrah!

Writing has helped me go through a lot these past few years. I would have probably ended up in a mental institution if it wasn’t for writing, so thank you all for keeping me sane throughout the hardest days and for being with me on my better days. I appreciate all of you awesome people. Group hug!

The community has been the #1 reason why I write here.

I had started with a career in mind and ended up being enfolded and embraced into a big warm family here in Medium.

Writing in Medium has humbled me in so many ways. Every single day, I learned how much I actually don’t know and how generous people are with their knowledge and wisdom. I’ve learned a lot from others and I try to give back as much as I can by sharing my own stories.

Why do I keep showing up here every day with my words?

Well, why do we crave for ice cream on a hot summer day?

What are your values as a writer?

I value kindness and honesty — in that order, above everything else. I have seen how kindness can affect others and their lives and I have seen how honesty can transform relationships and lives.

And I’ve witnessed how unkindness and lies can hurt and ruin others.

Some things in life, once you’ve seen it, there’s just no turning back.

You can only go one way or the other. And I’ve chosen my way.

Also, with everything broadcasted in the news these days, the world needs kindness and honesty more than ever.

We can do better. I BELIEVE we can do better.

Kindness and honesty. That’s what we need to fix this broken world.

They’re what I value the most not only as a writer, but also as a person.

• What are the top 3 books that affect your life?

I’ve read so many books in my life I don’t even know where to begin!

The first one would be The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the book that has taught me humanity, love, and life. One of my all-time favorites, one I will read to my children in the future.

The second one would be Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. Again, a book that teaches me valuable lessons about life and love, and what truly matters. I had recommended this book to a few friends who were not readers. I’m happy to report that they are all now converted into readers, including my own brother, who ended up buying his own copy of the book.

Last but not least, On Writing by Stephen King, a must-read for those of you who want to make it as a writer. This book has cleared up a lot of confusion I had about writing and has been recommended by a lot of other writers. I can understand why it’s being praised and recommended a lot, it’s simply a must-read.

What are your hobbies?

Reading! I would DIE without my books.

I have the Kindle app on my phone and iPad, Books (Apple) app on my phone, and of course, physical books in my house.

The fear of having nothing to read is real.

Having read a lot, it’s only natural that I love writing (duh, I’m here).

Other than my reading and writing obsession, I also love exercising (I’m a fitness teacher, it comes with the territory) and singing.

How do you connect with your readers?

A huge bellow of hello paired with a massive smile!

And replying to all the comments in my Medium notifications. The only reason I don’t get to your message is the notification in Medium sucks big time (I accidentally refresh and there goes your message) at times or I just haven’t gotten around to your message yet.

And reading my readers’ stories and poems — to get to know them better, to learn from their experiences and to just simply be delighted!

I’m also connected to many of my readers through my Facebook, Instagram and e-mail.

Why did you join ILLUMINATION and how do you find it so far?

The kindhearted Dr Mehmet Yildiz had so graciously invited me to be one of the contributors here. I took one look and immediately knew I wanted to be a part of this knowledgeable community.

I was salivating over the amount of knowledge made available by a lot of experts in this publication. Everyone is just so helpful and generous with their accumulated experiences and knowledge!

I’m happy being a part of this community and so far, it truly has been — illuminating.

Who are the top ten writers you follow on ILLUMINATION?

Ten?? Only ten?? Why?? How??

Okay, drama queen subdued.

This is by no mean a comprehensive list. I haven’t a clue how to choose only 10 but I’ll try. Here goes (gulp).

P.G. Barnett — Erika Burkhalter — Bebe Nicholson — Nicole Akers — Lynne Nardizzi — John Ross — Terry Mansfield — Chris Hedges — Jordan Mendiola — Lanu Pitan —

and many more other writers. (Fiuh *wiping my brows*)

Yes I know I’m being cheeky, but I LOVE YOU ALL!

What are your top five stories that you want to share with your audience and why?

#1 would definitely be:

Because we all watch the news, and we need to be reminded of this every now and then.

Because I wanna share my joy with you!

Because I don’t want you to miss out on the goodies I send out every week.

Because this lady’s story is inspiring and worth sharing.

(And because I wanna be like her when I’m her age.)

I’m on a journey. Maybe sharing this will help you with yours.

What are the success factors for you as a writer on Medium?

It depends on what is your definition of success I suppose.

I started with a goal of earning solely from Medium enough to support myself. That had been my end-game.

I’ve been here almost 2 years now and I realize my definition of success as a Medium writer has changed.

I now have a family here in Medium. I have people who I have yet to meet but treat me like their own sister/niece/daughter/granddaughter/best friend. And that, for me, has been my biggest success here.

I’ve proved to myself that Internet is not as bad as everyone says it is and that love transcends physical and geographical boundaries. Humans are supposed to connect and love and I have somehow managed to do just that to a degree of success here.

The factors to the success I’m proudest of here? I’ll put it this way:

Be smart and cautious, but always approach with open heart, open mind and open arms.

What do you recommend to the new writers on ILLUMINATION?

Ask questions and find yourself a mentor.

It doesn’t have to be someone you know or talk to. It can be someone who has already made it big here. Read their articles. They are so generous with their expertise and knowledge.

Read, learn, implement.

Never hesitate to ask. Don’t be shy. Reach out. What’s the worst that can happen? They don’t reply to you. That’s it! That’s the worst! No one ever replied my message with “Sorry, but I just don’t have time to entertain you” and even if that happens, so what? Move on. You’ll be surprised how many people are willing to help you here.

Reach out.

I just started a newsletter recently. I’ve been thinking about how to give back for a while and this is one way I can think of. This newsletter is my way of saying thank you.

Every week, I’ll be sending out a newsletter filled with inspiration, heartwarming stories, beautiful poems and artworks as well as useful tips for writers (including links to websites where you can find jobs as writers and such) from the Internet and from all over Medium. Yes, it might even be your piece.

You can sign up here to receive my weekly newsletter goodies.

What are your future plans as a writer?

I am currently in the middle of writing a book and like many other writers, my dream is one day to see my book in a bookshop, helping my readers navigate their lives or just providing them a short respite, a sweet escape from the crazy world.

And someday in the future, maybe near, maybe far, I want to teach.

I want to share what I have learned, and leave something good behind.

Thank you for your valuable time Agnes Louis. I enjoy reading your remarkable stories on ILLUMINATION and several other publications. Your writing style, your meaningful messages for society, and your choice of content are appealing, uplifting, and inspirational to me. I appreciate your wonderful support to our publication, writers, and readers. Our readers will discover your insightful stories and poems. You are an inspirational gem on Medium.

If you are a writer on ILLUMINATION and would like to be interviewed, please send a request via this link with title of “Interview Request”.

Other Interviews

You may also check other interviews I conducted with inspiring writers of ILLUMINATION recently. These stories can provide a great opportunity to know more about our creative writers and connect with them.

They are gems of Medium!

Timothy Key

Desiree Driesenaar

Holly Jahangiri

Dr John Rose

Ming Qian

P.G. Barnett

Jill Ebstein

Bill Abbate

Terry Mansfield

Ann K Frailey

Woei T

Charles Roast

Julia E Hubbel

Aric D Mayer

Chris Hedges

Paroma Sen

Jeff Hanlon

Besom & Bletherskite

Sherry McGuinn

Sylvia Love Johnson

Maïa Belart

Henery X (long)

Chowa Sekai

conny manero

Sumera Rizwan

Karen Madej 💛

Anita Lesko

Marianna Saver

Suntonu Bhadra

John Cousins

Annelise Lords

Tree Langdon ♾️

Aisha

Aurora Eliam, CMP

Martine Weber

Sharon Hurley Hall

MaryJo Wagner, PhD

Phil Truman

Christopher D. Connors

Tim Maudlin

Mallika Vasak

Amy Sarah

Kevin Buddaeus

You can find inspiring profiles of ILLUMINATION writers from this story.

You can find inspiring interviews with ILLUMINATION writers from this story.

Invitation to writers who may be interested in ILLUMINATION

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

Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.

About the Author

Thank you for subscribing to my content. I share my health and well-being stories in my publication, Euphoria. If you are new to Medium, you may join by following this link. You can join my publications as a writer requesting access via this weblink.

Here are sample health improvement articles for new readers:

Metabolic Syndrome, Type II Diabetes, Fatty Liver Disease, Heart Disease and Strokes, Liver Cancer, Lungs Health, Pancreas Health, Kidneys Health, Brain Health, Brain Atrophy, Dementia, Depression, NCDs, Infectious Diseases, Cardiovascular Health, Neonatal Disorders, Skin Health, Dental Health, Bone Health, Leaky Gut, Leaky Brain, Brain Fog, Autoimmune Conditions, Chronic Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, Elevated Cortisol, Leptin Resistance, Anabolic Resistance, Cholestrol, High Triglycerides, Metabolic Disorders, and other Major Diseases.

Besides self-improvement, leadership, technology, and health, I also enjoy writing about essential molecules such as:

Boron, Urolithin, taurine, citrulline malate, biotin, lithium orotate, alpha-lipoic acid, n-acetyl-cysteine, acetyl-l-carnitine, CoQ10, PQQ, NADH, TMG, creatine, choline, digestive enzymes, magnesium, hydrolyzed collagen, nootropics, pure nicotine, activated charcoal, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B1, Vitamin D, Vitamin K2, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and other nutrients that might help to improve metabolism and mental health.