This series highlights some of the finest content from Medium and beyond, celebrating the richness of the platform. Please be reminded that Eco upholds a strict “No AI-content” policy, actively avoiding articles believed to be generated by AI in any capacity.

Highlight of Medium — A best-selling author, adventures from Huck Finn’s childhood, fitness journeys, and notable Medium articles.

David McIlroy explores the success story of a self-published writer who sold over ten million books in a decade:

This Self-Published Writer Sold 10 Million Books in the Last 10 Years Let’s take a look at how she did it. medium.com

R C Hammond reminisces about a childhood in the backwoods, offering a stark contrast to modern upbringing:

My Huck Finn Youth in the Backwoods of Florida And the backwaters, too medium.com

Get ready for an emoji-filled discussion as Jan Sebastian encourages everyone to pursue fitness at any age!

Is it ever too late to focus on fitness? Heck no! Let’s get it! Fitness in your 60s, 70s, 80s? Absolutely! jmacgallery.medium.com

Derek Hughes shares insights on how he built a thriving writing business:

How I’ve Used Medium To Start A Profitable Part-Time Writing Business Making money while pursuing your writing passion without the sales hassle medium.com

Bette A. Ludwig, PhD, continues her series of intriguing thoughts from fellow writers:

Interesting Thoughts from Other Writers with a ? or ? My Weekly WTA: What The Ah-ha Moments — Issue 25 medium.com

Medium tip of the day — A serious approach to writing business

Susie Winfield discusses the essentials for building a successful writing-based business:

How to Build a Business Around What You Love Leveraging writing skills for a sustainable income medium.com

Trending Topics: The following searches are gaining traction in the UK: Romesh Ranganathan, Glastonbury, Canary Islands

Google Trends trends.google.co.uk

Beyond Medium: Marth Lane Fox, a revolution in Portugal, climate issues, cancel culture, mental health, and zero-based budgeting.

Twenty years back, Martha Lane Fox, founder of LastMinute.com, faced a life-altering car crash. Now, she inspires many:

'I was very nearly dead': High achiever Martha Lane Fox is now on a mission to conquer mountains Climbing three peaks to raise £300,000 for… www.theguardian.com

This piece recounts how a Eurovision song played a pivotal role in ending Portugal’s dictatorship 50 years ago:

How Portugal's 1974 Eurovision entry toppled the country's fascist regime A series of songs sparked a remarkable chain of events leading to change. www.theguardian.com

While the UK has seen setbacks in climate initiatives, the closure of the last coal-fired power station marks a significant achievement:

End times for the UK's final coal-fired power station Ratcliffe-on-Soar's turbines will cease operations this year as the UK fulfills its pledge. www.theguardian.com

Censorship remains a hot topic, as both sides of the political spectrum face scrutiny:

Left silences right, right silences left. But censorship stops us pushing for change | Kenan Malik Weak justifications were presented in Brussels and Berlin to hinder political discourse. www.theguardian.com

Despite advances in mental health understanding, the topic has become embroiled in the UK’s culture wars:

Mental health is a measure of success, not a reason for politicians to sneer | Martha Gill Rishi Sunak's critique of 'overmedicalisation' overlooks the importance of well-being. www.theguardian.com

The cost of living crisis has sparked interest in “zero-based budgeting” as people seek to manage their finances better:

'Every penny has a purpose': the rise of zero-based budgeting The growing interest on social media in budgeting is prompting banks to respond. www.theguardian.com

Life Hack of the Day – Get ahead Simple strategies to distinguish yourself from the crowd:

3 Overlooked Ways To Get Ahead of 95% of People (a Simple System) Ideas to gain an advantage medium.com

Quote of the Day: “Writing stems from personal experience. The essence lies in extracting every possible lesson from it, sweet or bitter, for that is the true concern of the artist, to transform life's chaos into art.” — James Baldwin, Notes of a Native Son

Joke of the Day: (Health warning: Drink coffee before reading) I’d share my Belgian shaggy dog story, but it’s just a lot of waffle.

National Days: In God We Trust Day, Earth Day, Stephen Lawrence Day, National Baseball Day, National Girl Scout Leader’s Day, National Jelly Bean Day, National Beagle Day. (All genuine; refer to the link below for obscure ones.)

What’s coming up this week? Explore worldwide events, festivals, and whimsical holidays happening soon. www.daysoftheyear.com

Did you know? Octopuses and squids have three hearts.

Word of the Day: mouth breather “mouth breather” — a derogatory term for someone perceived as unintelligent.

Clip of the Day: “Smile” — Lily Allen

As always, thank you for reading, and enjoy your day.

Join the new Facebook group “Medium Matters” for writers to support and share their work. (Note: this is not a reciprocal reading group.)

Mastodon — Substack — Minds For a search engine that plants trees: https://www.ecosia.org/

Discord — link to an unofficial chat group for Medium members —

Join the Medium community for Medium Members on Discord — connect with 423 others! discord.gg

Editor’s comment: It’s noted that the authors mentioned above have not pre-approved their inclusion. However, it’s assumed that Medium authors appreciate recognition and sharing of their work. If you prefer not to be featured, please inform me. Apologies if this is the case.