fabiochiu/medium-articles huggingface dataset:
Some Medium Formatting Hacks You Must Know
By: Nupoor Raj
Tags: Blogging, Blogging Tips, Writing Tips, Writing, Writers Life

1. Adding Emojis 😍

They definitely add life to an otherwise boring text. But, some writers feel it plays with the flow of the article.

Of course, they might not go with articles of all genre but I prefer adding some tidbits now and then if they make me feel happy!

→To get an emoji of your choice, press ‘:’ followed by emoji name.

Here’s the emoji cheat sheet in case you need a reference emoji name.

2. Using Drop Caps

Often we have seen in the novels, the starting word of a chapter written in Drop caps. It looks good, adding some seniority to your overall article.

Just select the first word and from the pop- up menu that shows up, select the second option from Right, that’s a ‘T’.

Also, did you know you can add a customized Drop cap to your text?

Just select the text and drag the custom image from your computer to the menu icon.

You are set!

3. Adding Notes

Most will be aware of this feature but I wonder if you are using it right. You can add notes privately on a writer’s article if you have a personal relatable query or want to make a private comment to the article.

Example- Use it to point out a mistake in the article. It makes your comment less offending.

4. Getting Bullets

Did you know you have options to include simple bulleted as well as a numbered list on Medium?

To get bullets, type an * (asterisk) in a new line and press space.

To get a numbered list, type 1 in a new line followed by a space.

Pressing Enter at the end of any of the above line will continue the list in the same bullet format.

Double pressing Enter will escape list formatting.
Two Cheers for Democracy
By: Cila Warncke
Tags: Literature, Politics, Em Forster, Justice, Writers Life

Two Cheers for Democracy is a collection of E.M. Forster’s non-fiction work, including essays, lectures, and broadcasts. First copyright in 1938, it is a humane response to the insanity of fascism and violence.

“The climate is political,” Forster writes in the Prefatory Note to the 1951 edition. “And the conclusion suggested is that, though we cannot expect to love one another, we must learn to put up with one another. Otherwise we shall all of us perish.”

I first discovered this marvelous volume a few years ago (bought a copy, lost it). Thanks to a second-hand bookshop in England, I can once again spend time with a luminous mind whose words might have been written yesterday.

“The menace to freedom is usually conceived in terms of political or social interference… a tyrant who has escaped from the bottomless put… But this is too lively a view of our present troubles, and too shallow a one. We must peer deeper if we want to understand them, deep into the abyss of our own characters.

“Man grew out of other forms of life; he evolved among taboos; he has been a coward for centuries, afraid of the universe outside him and the herd wherein he took refuge.

“The tyrant no longer appears as a freak from the pit, he is becoming the norm, country after country throws him up, he springs from any class in society with an ease that once seemed admirable; requiring only ruthlessness and opportunity, he supersedes parliaments and kings.” (pp 9–11)

And that’s just the beginning.
Quarantine Day 45
By: Natalie Andrews
Tags: Gratitude, Faith, Humanity, Writers Life, Quarentine

Day 45 of quarantine and we are told to continue to self-isolate. Not sure for how much longer. Today is May 1st 🗓️ and I am feeling sad and a little down. 45 days of no hugging my daughter and grandson. I am grateful I live with my mom and husband as at least I can hug them. My heart breaks for all those living alone, how much harder quarantine must be.



Self-care in moments of despair are so important for my mental health. Had a nice hot bath, 🛀 prayed and read my bible, put on a piece of jewelry made by a friend and a little perfume to help me feel good about day 45.



Sitting outside watching my husband building a cold frame. Its sunny now and I feel my spirits lifting. It’s amazing that clear blue skies and sunshine ☀️ instantly take away the blues. Again, I am grateful we have our backyard paradise to get us out of four walls closing in.



As hard as some days are for me as an adult, I cannot imagine how children struggle with our new normal. Not being able to see their extended family, their friends, teachers, not being able to play at playgrounds. Yesterday I participated in a birthday 🎈 parade for a friend’s son 11th birthday and it was such a joyous feeling. Especially seeing him with the biggest smile as many cars drove by his house honking horns, waving and cheering for his special day.



Quarantine has definitely brought out the best in humankind. How people have come together while staying apart to celebrate another, to show others they are not alone by singing, exercising, playing music 🎶 from their balconies and windows. Church online is amazing and reaching so many more people. Supporting local more than ever, online zooms for fitness, crafts and art 🎨 classes. Free virtual things we can experience. I know I have enjoyed a Safari, online concerts and some musicals virtually. The live animal cams are so fun to watch. The bald eagle and California condor nests and watching babies hatch and grow. Teachers being there for students online and we can’t forget all the appreciation shown for all our frontline essential workers.



Video 📲 chats are becoming the new norm and why just text someone when you can see their beautiful faces virtually and it feels so much more like sitting across the table with them having a coffee ☕ and conversation. This is a great way to check in with family and friends who might be struggling during this pandemic. Reaching out and helping each other is so essential to all our well-beings.



Today on day 45 of quarantine as I write ✍️ this, I am reminded again how much I have to be thankful for. Yes, some days are harder than others and that is ok. What isn’t ok is staying in the hard, feeling down moments for long periods.



We are all in this together and together we can and will get through the hard days and I am praying 🙌 we all come out of this with a new normal remembering kindness, grace, understanding, compassion and our love for each other.



Peace ✌️ and love ♥️



NA 05/01/20

You can find me here:👇

https://linktr.ee/natalie.andrews11
Zero to Dream Job in 90 Days!
By: Kathy Blackwell
Tags: Real Life Experiences, Dream Job, Writers Life, Traveling

Zero to Dream Job in 90 Days!

Day. #14. Finland

One of the more unique jobs I have held in my life was a Nanny in Finland. The job description was made up of taking care of two young children, helping with the household chores and being an integral part of the household. The family was in Boston while the parents had teaching fellowships and as their time ended, they were returning to teach at their University in Finland. They wanted someone local to Boston to carry on speaking English with the children and have early childhood knowledge. I fit their needs and they were my ticket to a fascinating adventure with my son. We would have free room and board and my salary would be $25 a week. We would leave two weeks before Christmas, on a cargo ship named the Finn Sailor.

Daily life on a cargo ship in the winter consisted of several activities, including; eating, going up to the deck to have a look at the steel grey sea and swimming in the small swimming pool. (Which had to be emptied if there was a storm of any size, as the water would roll out! ) Other than those activities, we were on our own to draw, play board games and talk about what we would do when we reached our little town called Kylmala. It was 10 days before we got off the ship in Rotterdam, Netherlands and although it took a while to feel normal walking again, it was such a joy to eat in a restaurant. They were our first steps in Europe and it was magical for my son and I. The ship’s containers were unloaded and then we were off again and two days later we were in Hamburg Germany where we again could get off the ship.

After we left Hamburg we were getting close to our final destination. The ship went up the Elbe River and somewhere along the way, a full band played as we sailed by, the national anthems of Germany and of Finland to honor each country. I remember feeling the deep significance of that as we listened and cheered from the deck.

Sailing up into the Baltic Sea, we were nearing Helsinki on Christmas night, our last on the ship. A dinner with the Captain and the crew was planned and we were getting ready for that when we heard loud banging and shouting and the Captain came to tell us to bring the children quickly to the lower deck. There was a great surprise when we got there — a submarine had been spotted and had come next to the ship, and Joulupukki (Santa Claus!) had come on board to give gifts to the children! There was great joy and we all watched as Santa got carefully back into the submarine and waved goodbye as the hatch closed and it disappeared under the waves down into the sea. I remember thinking that not many people will ever experience that!

Tomorrow I will write about the actual job and what life was like in a little town in southern Finland. Dream job? I will let you decide!

76 Days to go!
Day 5: Why Haven’t I Written A Novel Yet?
By: Kaily Garcia
Tags: Writers On Medium, Writing Every Day, Daily Blog, Writing, Writers Life

I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment, as most of us do from time to time (or all the time).

I am only 23 years old, but I still feel behind in accomplishing my goals, namely, in writing a book. I have achieved other things. I have a master’s degree, a full-time job, a fiance, real friendships. But I have not yet written a book. And it sort of makes me feel like a failure. I suppose I feel a bit like a fraud because I haven’t done what I’ve told everyone I want to do.

I did not quite realize how strongly I felt about this until writing the above paragraph. If writing a book was something I have wanted to do for years, why I have I not done it? Why am I not prioritizing it?

I do think a lack of time is a somewhat legitimate reason. Really, I guess it’s not so much a lack of time as it is feeling as though there are higher commitments to my time. Which there are, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there is no time for novel writing.

Another reason is likely fear, as I mentioned in my first post. At this point, I have a lot of mental resistance built up to the idea.

I think the key to getting over this will be in waking up early again, like really early. Like 5:00 to 6:00 early. I’m happiest in the 7:00 to 8:00 range, so that is really early to me.

I was listening to the Inforium podcast episode “How to Read More," and in it the one of the hosts states that he reads early in the morning because he feels as though there’s enough time left in his day to justify spending some of it reading. I feel like that is what I will have to do with my novel, at least for now. Someday I hope I’ll be able to just sit down and right, but at the moment that strategy isn’t working.

Now to convince my body to wake up at 5:00 AM.
Oracle for the Tassanara
By: Nicola Maccameron
Tags: Easter Egg, Fonts, Siretona Creative, Travis Williams, Writers Life

The Leoshine Series has been my magnum opus for more than 20 years. She began with a dream and a vision about Abigail and David.

Some people “plot”, and some are “pantsters.” The plotters have every scene or chapter of the story listed and ordered before they begin “fleshing out the bones.” The pantsters put their pens on the paper, or fingers on the keyboard with a vague sense of a character or event, and let it all spill out. Order comes later.

Leoshine occurred to me in scenes in no chronological order. Over the years, I “quilted” them together and wrote the stuff in between to connect one event to the next.

Recently, I sent Travis Williams a snippet of a scene that contained Aeolian writing. Travis created the amazing Aeolian Alphabet, available as the Tassanara Font, especially for the Leoshine series. He is interested in all mentions of writing in my manuscript.

“She dreamed of a world of greenery. Flowers of shapes and colors unknown garnished the bushes and tree trunks on every side. Flying creatures dressed for iridescent frivolity fluttered in the air as thick as swarms. When they brushed against her cheek, they left kisses and blessings.

A figure walked far ahead. She drew nearer. He, yes, it was a tall man. She could not see his face. He knew she followed and, without acknowledging her, he allowed her to come gradually closer.

A thick tapestry with swirls and curlicues lined up across his back. For a long while she delighted to gaze on the design and wonder where she had seen it before. Book. She sighed and looked up to see him turn toward her.

The freedom lasted briefly into her waking." From Leoshine, Princess Quarry, Book Two of the Leoshine Series by N. MacCameron

Travis asked: “Did you write that before we created Tassanara?”

An example of Tassanara Font. For the complete key, sign up @ https://leoshine.micandpen.com/members-only/

When I replied that I wrote that scene about fifteen years before he twirled his magical scrap of wire (interview here), he responded,

“T hat’s epic in the most fundamental meaning of the word. Makes you wonder what exactly it is that you were inspired to describe as text in a book in your writing or what exactly it is that I was inspired to draw as glyphs for letters to make those words in the book. It makes you wonder because there’s an inversion here. The effect precedes the cause.

A writer’s life is full of wonder. I am delighted and awestruck to see this connection and revelation in Leoshine. Thank you, Travis!
What to Write?
Tags: Passion, Joy Of Writing, Words, Power Of Words, Writers Life

So, where do I start? Shall I write about myself? Oh yeah, what about my family? Well, I should probably write about my studies and ambition! What if about trending topics?

Well, every blogger who decides to write for the first time on an open platform will have this question pondering in their heart. What to write? Some will get suggestions from others, and some go with their niche. But the fact is, writing is all about transforming your feelings, desire, joy, courage, anything and everything into the form of words. It is a way of expressing yourself to the world.

So here is my short writing journey. I started writing at an age when I didn’t know what writing is actually was. I didn’t know about SEO, I didn’t know about backlinking, I didn’t care about views count, I didn’t worry about gaining followers. It was a pure relationship between me and my diary.

It all started during my school days where I used to write all the happy, sad, annoying, joyful, and the most silliest memories with grammatical errors and especially with the most creepiest handwriting. I still remember those golden words, Dear Diary! The bond between me and my diary was irreplaceable. Being an introvert my diary was my only partner in crime, den, and of course, my emotional support. Writing down my feelings helped me to brain-dump my anxieties and encouraged me to improve in person.

I still remember how happy I was while writing about my first school excursion, first state-level award in Yogasana, and of course, all the cute and notty things of my pet, and moreover a family member who lived with us for around 19 years. From those days to till now, writing is something became an integral part of me. Being a person who loves to explore different realms, writing became another feather in my cap.

Today when I thought about writing my first blog, I too got the same question in my mind — what to write! Well, I realized that it is not necessary to squeeze our brain to choose a topic. It is all about just taking a moment to be present, listen to what is going on in our head, and put it down into words.

And also I am happy to say that now I found my long-last partner. So here I am resuming from where I left, Dear Diary!

I hope you enjoyed reading my words. If so, do follow and keep supporting!
What Writing Is To Me
By: Madelyn Champa
Tags: Writer, Author, Writing, Writing Life, Writers Life

Photo by Green Chameleon on Unsplash

Writing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From a young age, I’ve dreamed of getting a work published at some point in the future. There are a number of reasons I write, and there are a number of reasons why writing is important to me. It’s changed my life in more ways than one, as well as changed my perception of both myself and the world around me.

Writing is escapism. Writing allows me to briefly enter other worlds of my own creation and explore them in all their vastness and eccentricity. I can build whatever world I please and dwell in it even if only for a short while. Sometimes the real world can be overwhelming, so it’s nice to find an escape through the written word.

Writing is freedom. Writing gives me the freedom to bring to life any story or character I so please. In my world, anything is possible, and I can make it so via the art of writing. Unicorns? Yeah, sure, they can exist. Flight? Why not? People can fly now if they choose. The possibilities are endless once you put the pen to paper.

Writing is beauty. Writing gives me a newfound appreciation for the world around me. I look at a tree and think nothing of it, but through writing it I can build upon that sight and describe it in a manner that gives it newfound beauty. A mere tree becomes a towering oak with leaves glistening like emeralds beneath the setting sun. Words can change your worldview in a lovely way.

Writing is sharing. Writing is my way of sharing my perspective of the world with others through my words. Everyone sees things differently, be it physically or emotionally, and it’s always fascinating to share my views with readers in a meaningful way so that they can see the world through my eyes. It’s the same reason I in turn love to read the works of others. We all have a story to tell, and it’s important to listen to those stories.

Most importantly, writing is whatever you want it to be. Your words are no one’s but your own, so it’s vital that you use them however you please. Tell a story. Compose a sonnet. Write an article just like this one. Above all else, write from your heart. That’s what writing is, after all: an extension of your heart, translated into words.
I am a Writer
By: Diliny M. De Alwis
Tags: Writers On Medium, Writers On Writing, Beyourself, Writers Life, Lifestyle

Admitting my truth

Is this the real life?

Is this just fantasy?

Caught in a landslide

No escape from reality

Open your eyes

Look up to the skies and see

I’m just a poor boy, I need no sympathy

Because I’m easy come, easy go

A little high, little low

Anyway the wind blows, doesn’t really matter to me, to me - Freddy Mercury, Bohemian Rhapsody

How powerful a single song lyric that is forever stamped in our collective heads. Like Macbeth we are “any way the wind blows”.

Today, I finally changed my Linked In to reflect my reality. I am a writer on Medium. I had spent a lifetime with writing as a hobby while pursuing a career in engineering, then science, then software. It only took three months of stolen moments while my infant daughter was occupied to get the momentum going.

My family has witnessed a return of my drive and of a ‘working mother’ of sorts. I receive great joy when I feel a story is ready for publication. I push my husband or the occasional neighbor or friend to proof read and help me find typos or errors in logic.

I am driven. I am inspired.

A chance conversation with a friend sparked my three articles on motherhood. She commented on how I manage my brood and suggested I had a story to tell. Another friend suggested I put to pen a short story after hearing an experience I shared with my 4 year old. This story I submitted to two publishing houses. No response.

Inspiration is all around. Watching Sesame Street I was inspired to write a story on product management.

I enjoy writing. The act of writing gives me a sense of purpose in the moment.

So lets see which way the wind blows, admitting the truth is the first step.
The Narrative
By: Yinka Akran
Tags: Writers On Medium, Writing Tips, Writerslife, Writing, Authors

The Writer, a narrator

When we write we impose our thoughts on the readers, so, we have to make it worth their while, you know, in terms of the money spent to buy our books and the time to read it. So, first and foremost, what is the quality of the story? And secondly, does it communicate what we want conveyed?

All that is on my mind this morning.

The narrative of a book should be so good that a reader experiences a sense of ‘ah!’, and in so many ways too, because the story should impact, teach, assure and inspire…all the things that happen when readers are able to relate with the theme of the story and the characters? That is what every writer wants, but only achievable if the story is presented in a way that makes it easy to absorb, and I’m not talking about simplified grammar, that would be insulting. I’m talking about telling the story in an order of events that make sense.

For example, it would not make good reading if I wrote that “Seggy killed David, dined on Rice and pork chops, was picked up by him at 7pm, and the waiter dropped his tray on the occupant on the next table.” Those words would have expressed the events that happened, but in such a contest that is so haphazard that although the readers would know the facts, but without the satisfaction of the quality they should derive from a good read.

A good narrative must follow a form of chronological order that shows a sequence of event. As detailed above, Saggy could not have killed David before he picked her up at 7pm. Oh, and there’s more. Most importantly a good narrator would create additional details to the saggy and David saga, doing so with flair and style that provides entertain even as the reader is being informed. And that is only some of the qualities that makes a great book. That is what every writer owes his/her readers.

A great narrative starts with a captivating beginning, the start. I’m checking mine out now as I work on making the most of my first draft.

#thenarrative #narrative #thestoryteller #storytelling #agreatstory #thestory #thewriter #whatmakesagreatwriter #books #writing #theauthor #authors #bestsellers #seconddraft #seconddraftofastory
A counter intuitive method I’m trying out to beat procrastination
Tags: Motivation, Writing Tips, Writing, Procrastination, Writers Life

A counter intuitive method I’m trying out to beat procrastination Shahabuddinahmad Feb 9·3 min read

I’ve often been told the best way to avoid procrastination is to just get started on the thing you want to do. It all just sounded too self helpy for my liking. Take action! Just start! I thought that all sounds nice on the face of it but it’s not helpful it’s very hard to take action and it takes a naturally motivated person to live by that philosophy, to “just do it”. All these things are true, but for most people, including myself, it isn’t that simple. Except, it is. Well, it’s at least half true, you see with me when I procrastinate, (which is basically when I’m awake,) telling myself to just take action to just get started, to sit and start and to let the motivation ensue mid work instead of being motivated beforehand, all these things never worked for me. Until I realised something, when I do just get started it does partly work, but here is what I will do. I will say ok minimum 100 words today, small goal, right? Then as I’m writing I find myself doing more after 100 words. Either unconsciously, while in the flow state or consciously, because it was too easy, and I didn’t think I’d achieved enough. What I tend to do is set one big goal and break that down into some much smaller goals to make them seem doable and when I reach those smaller goals I just continue. The idea here is if you set a goal you reach it and you don’t feel like you’ve done enough so you do more, great. If you do just your small goal and not anymore then it’s not ideal but still, great! Because you did what you said you wanted to achieve. Overtime you will find you are being much more efficient with your goals and work then you would have done without this philosophy if you are a procrastinator. Let’s say you are writing a novel you can say to yourself one line every day, you are most likely if not straight away, eventually going to start writing more than just one line. Or if you want to exercise, you could say a single push up every day, once again the rule applies you will end up doing more than one.

Or if you want to be more social and optimistic, instead of focusing on lighting up a room just focused on at least greeting people every day, it’s still a small victory. If you want to read more say to yourself you will read at least a page a day.

Whether you stick to these minimums or go over them you will find overtime you’ve done more work than you expected of yourself.

So essentially set goals so small it’s pretty much impossible for you to not achieve until you find yourself some way or another going beyond that goal and achieving more than you set out to achieve.
Thinking like a reader
By: Ivan Bačić
Tags: Writing Prompts, Writing Tips, Writing, Writing Process, Writers Life

Sometimes, while writing we need to make a shift in our perspectives and instead of usual thinking, we need to think like a reader.

Try to imagine reading your book as somebody else's, and then question what you expect from any book which you happen to read.

What kind of language do you expect?

Are you in for the excitement?

Do you like being surprised?

What kind of character wakes empathy with you?

Do you prefer action or talking heads?

How would you like to discover the story?

What kind of pace do you prefer?

How many POVs do you expect from the book?

Now when you analyzed your book what do you think of it? Does your book fit your taste? Do you know anyone who would gladly read your book?

If your answer on both of these questions is — No, you need to change it. If you have at least one — Yes, move on.

Also, keep in mind that the reader will ask some questions, like:

Why is this chapter important?

Why are we here?

What impact does this character/event/place have on the story?

What does this have to do with anything?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions, your readers won’t know either.

Would you like to read a book with unanswered questions and unrelated events?

Of course, not.

The good thing is that you’re the first reader of your book and you can make it work.

Go, make it work!
I Am A Writer With A Mental Illness
By: Tawana Watson
Tags: Minority Mental Health, African American Woman, Ocd, Mental Illness, Writers Life

This might not be new to you because there are many people who have some type of mental issue going on. I am unique because of the color of my skin. See I am an African American woman and in my culture mental illness is not talked about in fact it is plain out ignored.

I felt different and I knew something was wrong but I suffered through it because talking about it only would of shamed me.

Presently I don’t care about the shame that comes from my culture when I talk about being mentally ill and African American. It took a nervous to bring me to this point, and now it is my hope that I will be able to help others speak their truth.

My mental disorder is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, PTSD, and Depression — fancy titles to say that I worry all the time and I get overwhelmed when things are not perfect.

I take Zoloft which is a God send for me; I take 200 mg per day and Atarax 25mg as as need when I start feeling overwhelmed.

I see my therapist every two weeks, I am lucky in that respect because a-lot of people that look like me can’t afford to see a therapist once, which is a problem that needs to be addressed.I am using my gift of writing to try to help solve this problem and my gift of talking as well. The stigma of mental needs to be changed and today is a good day to start.

tawana.blog.home
Poetry about Toxic Relationship.. You could’ve loved her, instead you…
By: Harman Kaur
Tags: Words Matter, Poet, Poetry On Medium, Toxic Relationships, Writers Life

You told her that you loved her,

but you left her stranded in the pain

when she needed you the most.

She begged you to stay,

but she was left shattered on the floor,

with tears streaming down her face;

suffocated by a crowd of people

that she’s always despised.

You told her to go,

aware of her ‘Never Give Up’ trait,

because you were less bothered

if she could ever consider the bait.

It might have satisfied your ego,

for she kept coming back for more.

Not because she lacked self-respect.

But because she’s a woman to believe

in the love she possesses

to calm the beast inside your bod.

You should have loved her

for everything she had to offer

instead, you turned her cold

just like your records.

Her heart filled with all the warmth,

millions would’ve died for,

that she was ready to give away

only for your sake,

just like that.

She was always there

when you needed comfort and care.

Not because she couldn’t find someone else

but because she believed in her power

to ignite the negligible amount of good in you.

You made her question her worth.

You made her panic and cry

when all she wanted was

to see you happy, and all in smiles.

You broke her down,

every now and then.

She was afraid of turning toxic

because of your poison,

which was good enough reason

for her to walk away.

And now,

As she strolls in the thoroughfare,

she thanks you for the love you never gave.

Because you couldn’t see her worth

but she believed in the love she deserved.

So, don’t call her up

with your shattered ego,

for your pleasure in the dark,

or the love you can’t reach without her.

Because she acknowledged the Queen within

who has fallen for her own soul

more than she ever did for your rotten corpse.
Starters Publication
By: Antoinetta D
Tags: Writers On Medium, Writers On Writing, Writers Life, Writer

Starters Publication

Photo by Jess Bailey on Unsplash

What we expect

what we are looking for is your best article you feel should be posted . Just try your best to follow every guideline on medium on how to write and then you can send your article.

General requirements

How to contribute and send your article: if you are interested in contributing to Starters Publication as a new writer you can send your Medium Username and a link to your old articles to “starterspublication@gmail.com” and indicate that you are interested in joining as a writer on starters publication. For those that are only interested in sending their articles and not interested on becoming a writer for starters publication can also indicate after following the instructions laid down.“starterspublication@gmail.com”

a. If you have been curated or published in medium pubs, please mention it in your email.

b. Writers are encouraged to submit Medium member-only (gated paywall) pieces. That ensures that you get paid for your writing and you meet more readers via Medium topics.

2. Articles should be on facts: Most of the articles written by writers are most likely read by readers who either want facts or personal stories.

3. Send an article that makes a point: As a writer you need to give in your best don’t forget to read on Starters Secret on How to Make Earnings On Medium.

4. Both published and unpublished drafts are accepted : Both published and unpublished drafts would be accepted on Starters publication.

5. Make good use of tags: the use of tags would designate the genre and content and help readers to find your story.

6. Colorful images both above or below your headline : images can be gotten for free on Unsplash, pixabay and other numerous sites. if its your own photo or graphic please indicate.
We lose people we want forever!
By: M Faizan Meer
Tags: Life Lessons, Writers On Writing, Separation, Writers Life, Emotional

We live in a world of unpredictability. We choose to love people; we admire them and think of them as an inspiration. We believe it remains forever. We never come across with a second thought, which is: What if we get separated?

I think we underestimate our lives by narrowing down our thoughts to a few things. People love others because they want to be loved as well. It has always been a 2-way road.

When we live our present, we are so much convinced that it will remain forever as it is now. Unfortunately, it does not happen that way. I mean we as a person, each of us want bad days to end and happy days to come. We like this sort of transition in our lives but why don’t we see if we are living happy days, there are very high chances that they will end someday and we will witness the dark days as well.

Life is like dice; you don’t get to see one side on every time you roll it.

The sun rises and sets in 24 hrs. On some nights, moon lights up the sky but some days it doesn’t. You can see the transitions in nature. We are also the product of this nature, and we will face everything it demands.

Everything changes my dear audience. I am not saying to keep in mind the bad days while enjoying the happy ones. I am trying to get you ready for those days. It would be best if you have this power of self-control.

Life is so cruel to emotional freaks.

You don’t need to cry every time you feel betrayed or clueless. Take time and think about what’s need to be done accordingly. Speak your heart out to the friend who’s ready to listen and take advice.

Be a better person, develop yourself as a warrior for the days to come.
Midnight Musings
By: Ash C
Tags: Short Read, Midnight Thoughts, Writers Life, Life, Musings

As the pace of life hushes into the silent hour, the world slowly unravels into vulnerability and inattentiveness, and finally slips into slumber. The wee small hours bring with it the tranquility to make you feel like the king of the world — for as the world sleeps, you plough on, with only the night lamps as company.

Photo by Zac Ong on Unsplash

You stand out in your verandah, with a coffee cup in hand, taking a break from deadlines, breathing in the fresh air, mixed with the aroma of coffee or lightly holding a cigarette, watching the wisps of smoke create transient patterns in the dark against the halogen street lights. The wee small hours behold certain magic; from young couples falling in love, to hostel affairs with Maggi.

Photo by Biel Morro on Unsplash

Alone with your thoughts, you contemplate life as it is — no longer distracted by the world around you when suddenly inspiration strikes, and you feel the thought has potential. with the glow of that one warm thought, you smile.

And as you down the last sips of coffee, the scattered stars slowly hide, with the promise to be back, leaving you invigorated and ready to face a new beginning once more.
The Global Lockdown Proving Out To Be A Writer’s Paradise
By: Anjali Prabhanjanan
Tags: Writers On Writing, Lockdown, Global Lockdown, Writers Paradise, Writers Life

From keeping my writing to myself and sharing with no one else during my school days to ending up being a writer, the journey of penning down my thoughts has been quite long. There is still part of me learning through the new things that I haven’t been acquainted with before, that’s why you’ll find me a bit hesitant when it comes to sharing my experience of this wonderful journey from scribbling nuances to storytelling through writing.

The best part of my writing journey is I am fortunate to begin my career with my passion for jotting down the words, weaving, and knitting to make this art consumable by digital readers. There are many forms of writing that I’m well-versed with. Recently, I met with some beautiful art creators aka writers who are talented in quote writing and coining new terms. I’m in awe of their skills and passion as well as humor and quirkiness in churning out their imagination in written form that stimulated the reader in me.

Fortunately, this global lockdown proved a paradise for me as I am trying my hand at creating the short form by writing on YourQuote. Here are a few of my collaborations done with some top-notch quote writers:

1. Quote Collab on Passing Time During Lockdown

2. Quote Written on Bollywood

3. Quote Collab on Feeling of Falling in Love

4. Quote Collab on Wishing Not to Miss You

5. Quote Collab on The Women in My Life

6. Quote Collab on Health

7. Quote Collab on Mountains

8. Quote Collab on the Battle

9. Quote Collab on Lose Interest

10. Quote Collab on Books

I’ve only put up a glimpse of how as a writer I’m still exploring the deep dive I have taken into my passion for writing. So, which one you liked or try writing with the above Quote Collab?

Lastly, this global lockdown has proven a writer’s paradise, so leaving you to enjoy my favorite song from the music band- Coldplay.

Paradise by Coldplay

If you are interested to read more, feel free to visit Anjali Prabhanjanan, a quote writer.

It will only take a minute to leave your comments that could imprint a great impact on me as a novice quote writer. Thank you all in advance.

Stay safe at home to win the war against COVID-19 and pray for the end of this lockdown period.
Mohammed Akel- Delivers Excellent Freelancing Services in Writing
By: Mohamed Akel
Tags: Excellent Freelancing, Freelancing, Mohammed Akel, Freelancing Service, Writers Life

Mohammed Akel is one of the outstanding writers, who have contributed a lot through their freelancing service. Main areas of his writing are digitalisation, growing technology and their impacts on businesses as well as economic condition of nation. He also used to write articles in magazines and newspapers. He is a genius writer who makes the best use of words and conveys the core idea to audience. He has written inspiring articles on political, social as well as economic issues of the country.

Digital marketing provides impactful space to promote the businesses and services it is the effective way to convey business idea to the target audience. Digitalisation has brought revolution in the business world. Through impactful content and influencing website designs you can halt visitors to your site.it leads promotion to your businesses. Mohammed Akel is highly experienced and versatile writer who is proficient to write any sort of article on different niches. His consultation is very precious for young upcoming writer who are pursuing their career in the field of writing. Freelancing career is very bright and sound, one can earn as much as work he does at the comfort of his home. There is full independence of time management and type of services. Money and time can be saved through freelancing services. In this service one can handle every aspect of its work efficiently.

Mohammed Akel has been delivering his freelancing services for decades to eminent business organisations. He has ignited the minds of people through his inspirational writings. Freelance writing potentially sketches a call to action by the users of your site. Influencing and flawless writing that delivers right and clear concept of your business is a string to attract the users and turns them to your permanent clients.
The Weekly Knob Announces a Period of Hibernation
By: Sandy Knight
Tags: Hibernation, Writing Prompts, The Weekly Knob, Hiatus, Writers Life

Photo by Hans-Jurgen Mager on Unsplash

The Weekly Knob Announces a Period of Hibernation

Your editors at The Weekly Knob have decided to put our publication into a short hiatus as we head into the depths of winter.

As life for us has become enmeshed with the challenges of living in a global pandemic, our personal lives have in turn set priorities for each of us that demand more of our attention than usual. More to the point, we are getting our butts kicked and our hats handed to us in short order and we need a minute to breathe.

Thus, we are taking a break and a step back to reassess our goals and the direction we’d like to see The Weekly Knob move toward upon our return.

When we come back we hope to continue our role as a publication that supports writers at every level of development. We invite any suggestions or constructive criticism you have to offer during this time. You can email us at theweeklyknob@gmail.com.

This is not ‘good-bye’ but only ‘so long’ — for a short time.

Aura and Geoff have generously invested their time and expertise by compiling and preparing for you a complimentary eBook titled, Of Dragons and Oxen. It is a collection of wonderful stories by TWK writers who wrote for the prompts: dragon and ox. Follow this link for your free download.

Please share this special edition eBook freely with anyone who enjoys a great short story as it is exceptional reading! Each author included in the book will also have links to their profiles, so this is a great time to promote and support one another!

Also, to our supporting patrons, we have paused Patreon for the month of March and will resume this function when we return.

We cannot express adequately how much we appreciate and value your time, creative pursuits and your support. It is in this spirit we feel we can best serve our writing community by taking care of ourselves during these extraordinary times as we hope you are doing the same.

Until we return, be safe, be kind to one another, and happy writing!

TWK Editing Team,

Sandy, Aura, Geoff
Paradox Café is Going to Change
By: Rowen Veratome
Tags: Poetry On Medium, Newsletter, Writers Life, Philosophy, Publication

Photo by Mario Mendez on Unsplash

Hi all,

After looking at the poetry publications that already exist on Medium, I’ve decided that from now on, Paradox Café will focus on philosophical poetry. In the next week, expect changes to the publication description, instructions for applying as a writer, and a discussion about what makes a poem philosophical (along with some examples).

Not everything I’ve posted so far would count as a philosophical poem. I’ve skipped posting a poem this week so that I can curate examples and get a better idea of what I’m looking for. A poem might be perfectly good, but not a good fit for this publication.

If you love both philosophy and poetry, I’d love to hear from you. If you know someone who loves both philosophy and poetry, I’d love to hear from them. You can email paradox.cafe.writers@gmail.com. You can also comment on this newsletter.

As new people start to write for the publication, these newsletters will also change. So far in the Weekly Poem, I’ve sent out the context for one poem each week. This model would make no sense with more contributors, and the design of each newsletter will change accordingly; perhaps this newsletter will become The Paradox Gazette. If you have an interest in Paradox Café and have preferences about what the newsletter consists of (and how often or when it is sent out), I’d love to hear from you.

Finally, I wanted to mention that I’m interested in making the group of people who write for Paradox Café a community. We could make a Slack group for the people who post here to schedule workshops and exchange revision feedback on poems. It would be really nice to connect as a small community of people who are dedicated to continued learning and improving their craft.

Thank you for reading. Take care of yourself and be well.

Best Wishes,

Rox A.
Write the Times
By: Author, Emily Barroso
Tags: Writer, Writers On Writing, Writing Tips, Writing, Writers Life

Write the Times

I’m told that more people are taking up writing than ever before. This is not surprising given we are living through #unprecedented times. I write to make sense of the world and my place in it; to aid my mental health and as a way to #focus and meditate; and to take myself away from what I am going through and to put myself somewhere else, somewhere ‘other.’ Writing, I am convinced, makes one more empathetic, it is a way of imagining oneself as other, whatever form that #otherness might take.

Writing steadies me and helps me keep charting my own course. Writing comes from the deep well of the imagination where our core selves reside, which is why it is sometimes hard to ‘go there’ but this is the place of authenticity and truth. Writing is a brave act, not a self-indulgent one, though I believe it leads to self-improvement.

As more of us take up writing, for reasons stemming from the personal to the professional, it can only have a positive effect and what is good for the individual, radiates good to the #community. Writing is also an act of gratitude. We write because we can because we are gloriously able to create. It’s a life-affirming act in and of itself. We record our trials and tribulations, our sorrows, but also our #joys and our #triumphs. It’s good to share.

Writing now will help you to take stock, manage your thoughts, and make sense of this strange world that we find ourselves inhabiting. You will also be keeping a record for the future: for the future you to look back on, and for your grandchildren or anyone else, who is going to be fortunate enough then, to look at the gems you scatter now.

Writing during these seasons of lockdown will help us feel less isolated, less alone, less of an enforced individual, and more of a group. Human beings are made for relationships. Writing gives us confidence and connection, and since we often write with an audience in mind, we will naturally seek one out. So seek out a reading, writing community to cheer you on.

Finally, writing is magical. You flick a switch and if you trust it, it’s like turning on a tap. There is no muse required, just a childlike desire to explore and to build from there if you wish to. Just step out and see the rainbow, I encourage you to write during this time, even if this takes the form of #scribbling in a journal. You’ll thank you for it. Now is the write time.

Emily Barroso is the award-winning author of After the Rains.

Starting to Write is a 4-week course for £37.50

14 November 2020 on Zoom at 11–12 pm

Subscription Courses www.emilybarroso.co.uk
A Take On Finding Yourself
By: Pujitha Vasanth
Tags: Life Lessons, Writing, Writing Life, Writers Life, Life

I’m pretty sure that almost all of you have been in a relationship at least once in your lifetime. Some of you are lucky enough to have found exactly what you are looking for; well, hats off to you guys, that’s commendable. Some of you are going to be looking for the ‘right’ one for the rest of your lives. Some of you don’t even know what you are looking for. And sometimes, just sometimes, ignorance can be bliss, because some of you think you know what you want, but you really don’t. I honestly wish I could help you out but alas, just like you, I am a victim of this lingering conundrum myself.

Most of us want to be with someone because we are afraid of solitude. We are so terrified to stand in front of the mirror and look beyond our orchestrated self into our soul and answer all the existential questions that we keep trying to sweep under the rug, the most frightening one being ‘Who am I?’. When we are not ready to bisect our own selves, how can we possibly face the rest of the world authentically? Food for thought.

If life had to teach me a lesson, it sure would be what I am about to say now. This is the first time that I have been single for a significant amount of time. And this has been the most important period in my life. Yes, I struggled to be independent. Yes, I was all over the place desperately trying to figure out what I am without another person constantly trying to blend into my world, and what I could be as one whole being.

Somebody once told me that in order to get what we need, we need to let go of what we want. It’s not easy at all, but it molds you into this beautifully carved individual, someone who can get up and fight for themselves and the things that they truly believe in. And for you to even understand why you believe in something that you do, you sometimes got to walk into the battlefield all by yourself. Just you and your armor. You are enough to conquer the whole world. Just you. Along the way, if you do find someone to pick you up and fight your battle with you, then that’s just an advantage. But don’t forget to do the same for them. That’s rule number one.