It might mean looking elsewhere, too.
I’m cheating on Medium.
Okay, not quite. It’s not like I’m in a relationship with Medium. But for a long time Medium has been my go to place for my writing. Like 2 years.
For one year it was over 100 pieces on Medium. Then the next year, maybe on or two a month. But when I came back roaring to go, Medium wasn’t the same. Alas, maybe I wasn’t the same. A pandemic can do that to you.
Let me back up, when I started writing for Medium, it was simply to have a place to jot down some…
And it’s #MeToo’s fault.
The Woody Allen abuse allegations by Dylan Farrow are disturbing. This is made clear in the recent HBO docu-series Allen vs. Farrow. But, it also personally affects my memory of what I originally felt was a special moment: a selfie with Woody Allen.
This is a complicated subject. It also elicits a strong response no matter who you “side” with. But, the controversy affects an experience I had always thought fondly about and it’s all the #MeToo’s movement’s fault.
Recently, there’s been a re-litigation of the abuse accusations against Allen in the media because of this…
It’s actually improved my mental health in some ways.
I’ve “seen” my doctor three times since March 2020 when the pandemic began. Each time was for a check-up and to get medication refills. Each time I was asked what my moods have been like during this global crisis. And during every appointment over Zoom, I have honestly answered, “fine.” In fact, better than fine. I’m stable.
Being bipolar, stability is the goal.
Being extremely happy is actually a bad sign, a possibility of tipping over into mania. So, saying I’m fine is actually a good sign; it’s a key to my mental health.
In a way, it’s ironic that I’m doing well during what has…
Who am I and what do I write about?
I am at heart a mommy who writes on the side.
But it took a long time to earn that title.
From the loss of my daughter to SIDS, the ups and downs of step-parenting my now 20 year old, to a long journey of infertility that culminated in my now 5 year old daughter arriving by way of IVF. These experiences are what drives my passion for writing about family.
Another passion of mine is writing about mental health.
As someone who lives with bipolar disorder, I have written about the various challenges that come from living with a mental health challenges. …
A nuts and bolts guide from a former writing professor
In freshman writing courses, I would address how to begin a writing project. It was one of the hardest parts of the whole process. So, I started to talk about concrete steps students could take to jumpstart their writing. However, they are also applicable to writing outside of the classroom.
One of the first steps in any writing project takes place when you are generating ideas. It often occurs in the prewriting stage. Another term for this process is called “invention.”
Invention is the process by which writers and speakers come up with content material — what they will write…
I miss the element of surprise on Medium.
Yes, I like that the people I follow are who I see on my Medium app. It’s showing me a few I really like. I like reading every word of theirs when their new work comes out.
But, I’m not getting anything else. Just the same ten people over and over again. I love y’all but I need more!
There’s no new writers. The way I found the writers I follow was by being randomly introduced to them by Medium. …
When I read about the impending toilet paper crisis…
I wonder if my daughter is going to grow up with a strange affinity for toilet paper.
Like children of the…
How to find the perfect picture you legally can use for free in your writing.
Recently, I was asked about how to use images legally in your writing without having to pay for them.
The question was in reference to articles submitted to the publication I edit, Pop Off.
Pop Off is a publication focused on everything pop culture. It is also on the Medium platform. Medium has specific guidelines regarding using images that you must follow in order to be curated (and thus potentially distributed throughout the website).
Specifically, images have to be used by permission with proper attributions. Many other platforms or publications require the same. …
Tips and tricks from a former English Professor
Hi,
My name is Melissa Miles McCarter. I’m a former English professor and I’ve taught many students about how to improve their writing.
What makes me qualified?
I have years of experience teaching writing classes. I also have a PhD in English with a focus on Rhetoric and Composition. My dissertation was on specific methods to teach writing.
I’ve also written many popular articles about writing for different publications, including The Writing Cooperative.
I’ve created this publication for a one-stop shop for my various articles about improving your writing.
I focus on nuts and bolts: direct and concrete advice that’s straightforward and easy to…
I’m starting to think about what life post-pandemic is going to look like.
When I wrote about doing self-care while we were social distancing, I assumed after the pandemic that…
