Best of Medium, Volume 1
I used to collect stellar essays to share with my students as examples of How Writing Works. We’d dissect the meaning but also the way in which the author drew in their readers and gave power to their message. We’d look at the writing as writing, not simply as something to read and discuss.
Old habits die hard, as the infamous they have been known to say. I’m still collecting the best writing I find — so I can study it and learn from it. We learn to write by writing, of course — but we also learn to write by reading, especially when we read texts that are carefully crafted by writers who understand — and have a talent for — the art of writing.
As I’ve been reading on Medium, I’ve been adding stories to a list I’ve called “Best Stuff I’ve Found.” Here are some of those stories.
I love this story by Orrin Onken more than I can possibly say. It’s clever and funny and begs to be read more than once.
This one, by PegMeg Cypher also made me laugh. I love the way she uses dialogue to tell the story — without the need for a lot of description. She lets the characters speak for themselves.
This poem by Chloe Paulina Hawes, Esq., J.D. has such striking imagery — both visual and auditory. It, too, deserves to be read and reread.
Here’s one by Katharine Valentino. It’s well-written and beautiful, but be careful — it may break your heart.
And, finally, Daniel Williams never ceases to entertain. He is an absolute master at storytelling.
This is not an exhaustive list, and if you absolutely can’t wait for Volume 2, go ahead and check out the rest of the list here.
There is some wonderful writing floating around Medium. When you find it, save it. Make your own list — and share your list with others. Let’s all learn from these expert writers, these artists who know how to craft with words.
