Chapter 1: Welcome to Episode #114

Greetings to all passionate readers and talented writers! Happy Easter! In this episode, number 114, I’m excited to share my favorite narratives alongside those nominated by our editors and esteemed readers. Although today’s collection is a bit more concise due to my busy schedule, I've included a diverse array of stories to appeal to various tastes.

We have welcomed approximately 150 new writers today! You can find their profiles linked at the end of this collection, encouraging you to explore their work. It’s vital for seasoned writers and enthusiastic readers to support newcomers as they find their footing in our growing community.

In addition, I penned a thrilling short story about a man who, paralyzed from the neck down due to a swimming accident, now plays video games using just his mind. Yes, you read that correctly! This remarkable advancement comes from none other than Mr. Elon Musk.

Chapter 2: Celebrating New and Boosted Stories

I’ve compiled a selection of stories that have recently received a boost, featuring 20 new exceptional pieces I’m eager to share with our discerning readers. Tomorrow, I plan to create another collection, as we continue to gather remarkable stories.

For those curious about how to enhance your own stories, Dr. Yildiz's attached piece is a must-read, clearly addressing frequently asked questions with passion and insight.

Thank you for your feedback on previous collections! I am confident that you will discover some fresh and valuable contributions in this latest collection, as I strive to include a wide range of topics in my selections.

On a cautionary note, we recently discovered individuals selling claps and highlights on Fiverr. We issued a bulletin to warn our new writers against these scams, as Medium may suspend accounts linked to such illegal activities.

Chapter 3: Acknowledging Our Community

In our monthly update, Dr. Yildiz recently shared insights from his secondary account. It’s heartwarming to see our community grow with new writers. I’ve introduced them at the conclusion of this post.

As we celebrate ILLUMINATION’s 4th anniversary, I regret that my hectic schedule has prevented me from documenting this milestone or creating a celebratory video. However, our dedicated editor Mike Broadly, DHSc, has crafted a humorous piece in an Aussie accent that I’m sure you’ll enjoy.

Yesterday, we welcomed over 200 new writers into our community, and we also released a new onboarding pack for them.

Chapter 4: Updates on Restored Accounts

It’s uplifting to see Medium restore the account of Lanu Pitan. If you missed his remarkable story, I encourage you to read it, as it provides a beautiful background about our beloved ILLUMINATION. Our talented writer Ammara Hassan has also returned; please join me in welcoming her back!

Furthermore, Scarlet Ibis James informed us that Toni The Talker is also back. Both Scarlet and Toni are among my favorite writers and contribute meaningfully to our community. It’s exciting to see more authentic voices returning, and I hope Medium can eliminate the spam accounts that have been problematic.

Chapter 5: Engaging with the Community

Gamers have reached out to me on Discord and Slack with questions about how boosting works for ILLUMINATION-Gaming. To address these inquiries, I created a brief video and included transcripts for those unable to view it.

Recently, I shared my predictions for the 2024 Academy Awards, followed by a piece reflecting on the winners. I hope you enjoy it and look forward to your thoughts.

In light of the recent bulk account suspensions, Dr. Yildiz wrote a poignant article inviting empathy for those affected while also highlighting the challenges Medium faces.

Chapter 6: Interviews and Highlights

For new readers, you can explore interviews with various writers featured in our collection. Mike Broadly, DHSc, has also compiled a collection of his favorite stories, which you may find enjoyable.

I also continue to curate boosted stories and have produced multiple episodes focused on lessons learned from these pieces.

Lastly, Dr. Yildiz penned an open letter inviting non-members to consider joining our community. I encourage you to share it widely to help attract new readers, as we have seen a notable decline in views recently.

Thank you for delving into our curated collection of stories. You will likely find something that resonates with your reading interests.

Chapter 7: Featured Stories

Here are some fantastic and nominated stories from our writers today. I believe you will find these narratives to be engaging and thought-provoking.

From navigating personal growth to exploring societal themes, our contributors have shared their unique perspectives, enriching our collective experience.