THE CG ROUNDUP OF STANDOUT WRITTEN WORK — Volume 13
February 16/2016
Better late than never. Apologies for the tardy arrival of this piece, I am now thankfully almost over a bout of shingles that I would not wish on my worst enemy (maybe Donald Trump). Having had it once before at fifteen, I always knew I had a statistically higher chance of acquiring it a second time. This time, at 48, I can say hands down, it is the worst pain I have ever felt. More than kidney stones, more than a fractured leg. Not fun.
There was a point to the above paragraph, really. It was to segue into the following wonderfully written piece by Kate Mooney on her experience with the ailment …
And then there’s this disturbing investigative piece by Matter, as if shingles wasn’t bad enough …
CG UPDATES
As a side note to an unfortunate incident that occurred last week when my co-editor came under fire for her comments in reaction to a Medium post, I want to clarify a few things. First, when is the voice of a CG editor speaking for the publication? Simple. When they are writing a piece that is published in the publication, or when they are responding to work while identifying themselves under the CG editor banner. Any other comments made when not representing the publication are those of the author alone. While comments made in both capacities are the responsibility of the author, as owner and editorial director of this publication, the ultimate responsibility lies with me for all editorial comments. To be clear, the comments made by Heather were her own opinion and it was clear she was not making them on behalf of her role as co-editor of CG.
I have received several emails and notes asking my reaction to the situation, and if I was in agreement with Heather’s opinions and statements. While I will not link to the piece in question, as my intention is to not cause further unpleasantness to all involved, I will say that although I shared some of Heather’s concerns about the piece, I generally disagreed with her overall conclusions, and especially with the manner in which she expressed them. Heather and I have talked extensively about this matter and in doing so she was both gracious and open to my criticism. I mention it here to clearly delineate when opinions are solely the authors, or fall under the CG banner.
Lastly, I would just like to add that we have all made comments we perhaps were regretful of later. Either what we said or the way we said it. In spite of our own strongly held opinions, the above is a point for all of us to consider when critiquing the words of another.
CG READER ENGAGEMENT
Inspired by this great idea from Editor@Coffeelicious …
Your editors at CG are asking you, the readers, that when you leave a comment on this roundup post, please include one author that you have truly enjoyed or have a writer crush on, and then share a link to your favorite piece they have written. The author can be one from CG, another publication, or an independent writer on Medium, it doesn’t matter. This way we can maximize the power of the roundup recommends, offering as many diverse Medium works as possible from the largest number of writers. We all like when our work has been complimented or recommended, so here’s a chance to spread the love while giving the author you enjoy the gift of maximum exposure.
RECOMMENDED WORK FROM CG
New CG writer Oliver Shiny offered up this fantastic first piece for the publication …
We’d also like to congratulate Oliver on his recent appointment as co-editor of Sobremesa, where you can find his work in this great conversation …
Co editor Heather Nann writes a hauntingly beautiful poem with …
New CG writer sena brings us an interesting take on open relationships.
Ernio Hernandez brings us an innovative and out of the box work with …
Inspiring words from Mirah Curzer …
She also pens another amazing work, discussing where white people should aspire to be in the struggle against racism at The Lighthouse, where I commented …
As someone who very rarely has nothing himself to add, I will simply say… what she said. Because you have not only articulated my exact feelings, you’ve also beautifully demonstrated the conscience and perspective required of an effective ally. Thank you for writing this excellent piece.
Words many readers can no doubt relate to, by Daniel …
I bring you my rant on insensitive dating profiles in …
Maya Nandhini writes a poem that stayed with me for days …
And finally, in what I think is my favorite piece CG author Tim Barrus has ever written, he expresses some deep admiration for fellow CG writer Colette Clarke Torres.
FROM ELSEWHERE ON MEDIUM
A trio today from Made Up Words. First, MUW editor Lisa Renee brings us back to sixteen, with this so-insightful-it’s-weird piece …
Another MUW entry is this great fictional piece by Jamey Baumgardt …
Finally, another MUW editor, Tom Farr brings us this perfect story in …
THOSE PEOPLE
Over at Those People, andré carlisle, a writer I am really enjoying, offers some astute insight in …
The Synapse
The Editors @ The Synapse run a great publication specializing in education and learning. It was also the first publication on Medium to feature my work. In this piece, writer Mike Crowley brings us some thoughts on how we assess progress and success …
In the Black Lives Matter publication, Brandon D. Anderson explains why Hilary Clinton will not be getting his vote …
Over at the photojournalism publication Vantage, this article by Jeffrey Roberts on photos from Black History Month is a great read.
And Blink offers empowering ideas on how photographers can feature their subjects in …
This simple but eloquent poem by Societies lil Misfit is an important reminder to everyone …
And finally, Scott Sumpter writes an inspiring piece on youth engagement and defying stereotype, in …
RESPONSE OF THE WEEK
Why don’t you tell me, in the comments?
That’s all for this week. Make sure to leave your author recommendation in the response section.
