Special edition of Editor’s Picks — week 2/22/21
Editors Pick of Readers Choice — Top 7 Most-Loved Stories: The Matter of Style
The 7 stories you loved most
We all have ideas, regardless of who we are or how we express them.
The purpose of writing is simply to package our ideas, via these black symbols on white space, in a way that you — the reader — can easily read, connect with and understand.
That explains why one of the things writers talk about the most is readers.
I have written it many times and in various ways.
In all things, think of the reader.
Because the purpose of published writing is for our ideas to be read and understood, it makes perfect sense to focus on our vantage point.
We usually do not craft our best performing work to win a Pulitzer Prize for journalism nor a Nobel Prize for literature, but to share an idea in a manner that will prove both meaningful to and enjoyable for our audience of readers.
Meaningful ideas become masterpieces when written in a way that connects with those who read them.
It is an old observation that the best writers sometimes disregard the rules of rhetoric. When they do so, however, the reader will usually find in the sentence some compensating merit, attained at the cost of the violation. ― William Strunk Jr., The Elements Of Style
Editorial standards are infinitely valuable tools for writers who want to hone their craft. But even the highest editorial standards do not, of themselves, lead to meaningful connections between writers and readers.
Some of the most polished pieces fail miserably while some of the most colorful works of written art reach the hearts of the masses.
Since all things in life are about balance, it makes sense that writing is too. All coins have two sides.
Life itself is a great paradox and so is the world of grammar and style.
Writing is not, nor will it ever be, black and white.
The purpose of all grammar and syntax is effective communication, therefore, placing editorial standards above all is counterintuitive.
Each week I will showcase 7 stories that reached their readers in a meaningful way because their authors have tapped into a delicate balance of style and grammar to achieve rhetorical excellence.
These stories are selected from this publication based upon their impact on readers, as expressed through readers’ meaningful engagement — the stories that the most of you loved the most. I present the 7 stories that facilitated the most meaningful community engagement — for your enjoyment and to illuminate the valuable insights of our writers and readers.
1. 80% of Cardiovascular Diseases are Preventable, So WhyAre We Still Not Taking The Necessary Precaution? by Lanu Pitan
As promised, you chose these stories, not me. Since this edition is based on what stories readers loved the most, we will see some authors regularly.
I introduced Lanu last week — in the first edition of this reader’s choice.
Lanu is a beloved writer and editor of many pubs, including ILLUMINATION. She writes on a variety of topics that can be found everywhere from the highest of heavens to where our feet touch the ground.
Lanu was your number 2 last week, but this week slides in at number 1. Again, by no surprise. She is a pro when it comes to balancing form and style.
She has done it again here, as she brings light to the topic of cardiovascular disease and asks why we don’t do what is necessary to stop it.
2. You Need a Plan, Not an Endless Quest for Motivation by Krishna V Chaudhary
Writing on the topic of self is not easy. Considering everything aforementioned, it is easy to see why.
Writers who dare to publish articles on self-improvement have a lot of competition. Not only that, but it requires writing about self for someone else.
And since we are inundated with content about self-development, we get tired of hearing the same old perspectives and headline platitudes, over and over.
Krishna has connected with his readers by offering a fresh perspective on the often raised topic of motivation and he does so with style.
3. Humankind’s Destiny? by Terry Mansfield
Here, we find another second feature. Terry Mansfield also appeared in the first edition of the stories you loved the most.
It was an honor to introduce him with high regard.
Terry is one of our most popular and beloved writers — writing about an unprecedentedly diverse number of topics. He is loved by many and often takes us to the lighter side of life and reminds us to laugh and appreciate the small things, but also helps us to climb the highest of mountains.
In this story, Terry shares a poem about the demise of the earth and the possible extinction of the human species. He seems to have the magic touch when it comes to reaching the hearts of his readers and, by reading this touching poem, you can easily see why.
4. A Successful Writer’s 25 Tips for Writing Online by Dew Langrial
Dew Langrial is well-known for stories about writing, reading and editing — especially her famous Editors Choice — Top Ten.
Writers read too and Dew’s writing on how to write well is well-loved by many.
Dew is a queen of brevity and ensures that every word she writes is worth your time. She has fully demonstrated this quality here, sharing 25 tips for writing online.
5. Number of Curated Stories Dramatically Increased by Dr Mehmet Yildiz
Dr. Mehmet Yildiz happens to be the founder and chief editor of ILLUMINATION and all related publications.
Needless to say, he is loved dearly by a vast majority of our writers and readers.
In this story of gratitude, he celebrates the success of his writers.
As an owner and editor of my five major publications, ILLUMINATION, ILLUMINATION-Curated, ILLUMINATION’S MIRROR, Technology Hits, and SYNERGY, I noticed a massive increase in the number of …
As the owner of a massive publication family, Dr. Yildiz demonstrates patience, understanding and humility. If his leadership spoke only one word, it would be humility.
Readers are people and people love to see other people celebrating the success of others, so it is no wonder why this story of celebration was so loved.
The Significance Of Flowers In Our Lives by Dr. Preeti Singh
I will do my best to keep this as brief as possible, but I must share with you how excited I was to see this story make it to the top 7.
Here is an excerpt from a thank-you note, that I wrote for Preeti, in one of my writing stories.
Your steady nature makes you a great writer and editor as you are ever-present. Wherever you are, you are there — completely. Your careful and steady attention amazes me because you are not only present with my words. You support countless other writers in the same way — connecting with their words, finding meaning in what they say and then sharing that meaning with them.
You are like a ninja of intent awareness and you inspire me to be more aware, to listen more and to be more present.
My heartfelt words are also a statement as to why readers loved this story. Preeti writes about a unique and thoughtful topic — the significance of flowers in our lives.
She is ever-present and every word she writes comes from the heart. People love that.
7. Let The Storks Carry by Neha Sandhir S
In this popular poem, Neha shares her thoughts about her thoughts — in a clever and lighthearted way.
Readers have thoughts too and apparently, many of you share Neha’s thoughts because you connected with this short poem right away.
Many people share the author’s sentiment and she packaged it in a way that people could identify with. So this story was well-loved by many.
Bravo, to all featured writers!
Your work has been chosen for this line-up, not by me. It has been chosen by the people who matter most — your readers.
May this list of loved reads enlighten our readers and humble our writers, by focusing on our primary aim — reaching people in a meaningful way.
Written by Holly Kellums
Chosen feature by author
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