GIVING THANKS
Medium Is a Remarkable Neighborhood To Live In
I’ve made my share of bad decisions; Medium isn’t one of them
My daily routine revolves to a degree around Medium. I found it’s best to develop a process to read other authors, respond and clap. Not only does it keep me in stride, but it allows me to support writers on this platform.
Then I begin to write — or not.
I have days when my creative mind doesn’t care to create. Bastard.
So I come back to Medium and read. And read some more. I’m not stealing ideas. Rather, I read stories that amuse, amaze, and even mortify me.
I’ve managed to follow what I think of as Medium’s cream of the crop — writers like Nevena Pascaleva, who can paint with words with as much aplomb as any seasoned artist. Debra Groves Harman, MEd, who has taught me more than she realizes, is an exceptional writer, and I’m fortunate to have found her. She lowered her standards to allow me to publish in the Narrative Arc and In For a Penny.
But don’t insult Deb for being a boomer. Yikes.
Jason Provencio was my first — publisher. He allowed me to run my mouth on his publication, Bouncin’ and Behavin’ Blogs. If you know JP, you’re probably already a fan of his work. He will speak his mind like no other. He’s a liberal living in the potato-growing state of Idaho. I don’t know how he lives there.
Then there are the fine folks at Full Frame. Duvy McGirr, Rodrigo S-C, Gareth Willey (who publishes all over the damn place on this platform), GE McKerrihan, Chuck Haacker, Darren Weir, and so many others are photographers and writers whose talents are beyond my comprehension.
When I want funny and irreverent, I look for Brett Jenae Tomlin, who runs the show at BJ’s This or That — The Gathering Table. She’s brilliant, crazy, and a fantastic writer who doesn’t take herself too seriously. Her stable of writers includes Brandon Ellrich, the mother and daughter team of Adrienne Beaumont and Keeley Schroder, NancyO, Natalie, Paula Shablo, and Julia A. Keirns. They’re all terrific writers with a sense of adventure and humor. I’m lucky to be mobbed up with them.
I will not forget Toni the Talker, who writes with humor and extensively researches her subjects and topics. Reading Toni’s work is like going to school and having fun while you learn. And she’s not afraid of any issue.
Marta Henriques, who operates The Stardust Club pub, is a creative person of words and objects, working hard to create her brand and open an online store to sell her wares. She’s a comer who wants to succeed in life. Don’t sell her short.
Another publication that let me sneak inside is Weeds and Wildflowers. I came across a challenge to put a smile on a member’s face and asked Louise Peacock if I could participate. So I slipped in and found yet another community and neighbor, Dennett. All of the members can turn a tale with their words and images.
Before I forget, a tip of my chapeau to Terrance Mac Earlyn O'Domhnaill, Harold De Gauche, and Randy Pulley, who assures me he can make a fine fried green tomato. They know why. Let’s not forget the people who always tickle my funny bone, Michael Burg, MD (Satire Sommelier), and Shirley Laffa. Cheers to you folks.
To those whose names I haven’t mentioned, my thanks to you, too. The list of people I admire here is too damn long.
Now that my creative juices are flowing, it’s time to get at it.
If you’ve read this far, thank you for stopping by.
If you enjoyed this story, please consider buying me a slice of pizza at https://ko-fi.com/bruce35046
More stories from Bruce Coulter.