May More Mentions #1

Where Were You When the Last Whale Sang?

Three writers, two stories and a publication for you to explore before the last whale sings…

I started writing in 2017 when I began a WordPress blog. The writing circle I eventually became involved in — mostly through submitting stories to memes — were a bit of a clique and not always friendly. The good thing was I met the lovely (and friendly) ladies who would go on to become the Tantalizing Tales team.

When I moved to writing on Medium, it felt as if I was being nurtured within secure platform walls. Blogging in your own area on the World Wide Web can feel a little lonely and isolated. Medium came with its own community — this time I didn’t have to search for one.

Medium is like the real world in many ways. All the varied writers and readers make for an interesting ride.

In these posts, which I hope to do at least every month, I will highlight a few of the writers I have come across who make my time on Medium extra special. I often promote the writers I work with, so am looking forward to sharing others who are also rather remarkable.

Three, Two, One… Let’s go!

Three of my favourite writers on Medium

These gals are all super brilliant, entertaining writers. I have been subscribing to each of them for some time and I make an effort to read every piece they publish as I get so much from their work. I wholeheartedly recommend them to you. Satisfaction guaranteed.

Let’s have a look.

1) Rebecca

Rebecca Romanelli wows me with her skill of retelling her life events. Often when I read one of her memoirs, I find something else we have in common. Be it the love of nature or the ability to remember events which happened many years ago in vivid detail. If this lady wrote a biography, I would be at the front of the queue to buy it.

Rebbecca is an extremely brave woman who I admire greatly. I learn so much about human behaviour from her stories, it almost feels as if I am looking through her eyes.

2) Queen Raine

To many of us on Medium, Raine Lore is like royalty, her nickname is Queen Raine. In my opinion, she is super worthy of the title.

I will never forget the first story I read from Raine. It was about how she locked a kindergarten friend in the coat locker. I was in stitches, subscribed to get her stories by email and immediately retold the tale to my partner.

Raine is a very versatile writer from fiction, to humour to memoir. Everything she pens is a treat to read.

3) Miss Catherine

I actually came across Miss Catherine via one of her hilarious dog stories, which to be honest was enough to make me want to subscribe but then when I read a piece of her political satire I was open-mouthed. Many people think they are writing satirically, when really they are just giving it a go. Which is fine, however, Catherine really knows how to craft intelligent humorous articles with just the right amount of irony and sarcasm. I do not know much about politics in any American state, but for the last six months or so I have learned lots from this spinster, Catherine 😜.

I adore word play and taking my time over reading quick-witted, sharp posts like hers. I’m very much in awe of her expertise.

I would follow, subscribe and read Rebecca, Raine and Catherine’s stories even if they didn’t know I existed. But they do, and am so happy they read my work.

Two must-read stories

Both of these have an ocean theme. One is older and the other new, and I am a huge fan of both of the writers…

1) Ginger Bangs

Although known for some very steamy stories, if you think Ginger Bangs only writes erotic fiction, you’d be mistaken.

Right from my first dealings with Ginger, it was obvious to me that they’re a naturally gifted storyteller in any genre. I know if you read the story below, you will agree. It covers many themes and is a very powerful tale.

2) David Rudder

I like poetry although I am far more a fiction story fan, so I only subscribe to a couple of poets, David Rudder being one of them. And his poems are crazy good. He tells the reader so much about life. But today I want to share something he posted from his great, great, Grandfather’s original diary telling of his and his sons’ voyage to California for the gold rushes.

It is an amazing read and I hope it is receiving the attention it deserves.

One publication

I love so many publications, and will be writing another post to promote a more controversial choice than the one I am choosing to highlight today.

Serial Stories

Many publications will host serials, but the episodes generally get lost amongst everything else that is going out.

Marie A. Rebelle’s publication — Serial Stories — does just that, deals only with serials. Each writer is given a weekly slot for their episodes. This keeps things neat and tidy. Marie also has an archive for older work and an area on the desktop version where all current serials can be browsed and accessed easily.

Here are the guidelines.

And just before you go, check out Marie’s own fiction serial. It focuses on death by examining peoples lives. It has kept me on the edge of my seat every Sunday for a while now.

I will be back soon with another May More Mentions post. If you like to find out about amazing writers, then why not subscribe?