These are featured stories by our avid readers. If you want to feature your favourite stories from other writers please use this portal which has a form to fill in the details. These are our featured stories — hand-picked or self-nominated highlights from our writing community. They represent stories our writers are especially proud of for their meaning, message, or originality.
To submit your own story, use this form. So, this portal is only for your favourite authors to show them your appreciation as a reader.
Welcome to Our Creator Directory
Choose a path to grow your audience, connect with others, or explore our platform benefits.
These are our featured stories — hand-picked or self-nominated highlights from our writing community. They represent stories our writers are especially proud of for their meaning, message, or originality.
To submit your own featured story, use this form.
All stories are visible instantly. Be respectful, authentic, and proud of what you share here.
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Author of the story: KfnqDuxw
Featured by: KfnqDuxw
Reason to Feature: 555
Summary of story: 555
Why You Should Join Illumination on Medium: This publication values diversity, inclusion, synergy, and fusion.
Author of the story: Grant Lawson
Featured by: Dr Mike Broadly
Reason to Feature: Grant Lawson has been using Illumination publication for over 1.5 years as a prolific writer and he summarized key benefits clearly and accurately inspiring new writers and guiding them.
Summary of story: If you’ve ever dreamed of sharing your voice with a massive audience on Medium, Illumination is the perfect place to start. With over 255,000 followers and a dedicated team of 30 editors with a roaster among 186 volunteers, Illumination is one of the largest and most active publications on the platform. Writers from around the world contribute here daily, making it a vibrant hub for ideas, stories, and perspectives. Although the publication was founded in March 2020, I’ve been writing for Illumination for over 1.5 years, and it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my creative journey. Beyond the visibility and growth opportunities, what stands out is the supportive culture the publication fosters for over 38,000 contributors. The founder, Dr Mehmet Yildiz, , has personally mentored and supported me throughout my time here, offering encouragement, guidance, and feedback that have helped me improve not only as a writer but also as a storyteller. This level of care and mentorship is rare on Medium, and it’s one of the biggest reasons I’ve stayed committed to the publication.
Section 23: Establishing Your Author Platform for Lasting Success Summary of my Udemy Course “From Zero to Substack Hero.”
Author of the story: Aiden MC (Owner of Illumination Gaming) and Bestselling Substack Author
Featured by: Dr Mehmet Yildiz
Reason to Feature: Aiden, a bestselling Substack author, continues to lead by example. This featured story reflects one of the most impactful chapters from Advanced Substack Mastery, a book that empowered thousands of writers to discover and strengthen their voices on Substack throughout 2024. Aiden did not stop at writing—he distilled the core insights, created a compelling video, and made it accessible through both Substack and Udemy, extending the reach and value of his message. I felt it was important to feature this story, especially because Medium's algorithm has, unfortunately, limited the visibility of Aiden’s helpful and thoughtful posts. While I do not wish to speculate unfairly, it appears that Substack's rise may be perceived as a competitive challenge to Medium. This perception may explain why some writers feel sidelined on that platform. In contrast, Substack has been growing steadily, offering both writers and readers an environment where content is neither suppressed nor distorted by opaque distribution mechanisms. However, this story is not a comparison between platforms—it is a timely reminder of a larger truth Aiden emphasizes: every serious author needs a platform they can control to ensure stability, continuity, and growth in uncertain times. Depending too heavily on third-party platforms can be risky. For example, many writers recently lost access to years of work when NewsBreak deleted their accounts without warning—leaving five years of published links broken and unrecoverable. This story is powerful, honest, and timely. It offers not just a strategy, but a call to awareness: writers need to think long-term, protect their work, and invest in building something they truly own. Reading or listening to this chapter of Substack mastery or watching the Udemy course version of it can empower you if you are writer, blogger, book author.
Summary of story: Why Do You Need an Author Platform? Now, you might be asking, “Aiden, do I really need one? Can’t I just stick with Substack?” Sure, you could, but here’s the thing: platforms like Substack are amazing for connecting with readers, but they’re rented land. Your author platform? That’s home ownership. It’s your dependable corner of the internet where readers can always find you — no matter what’s trending, what algorithm changes hit, or what new shiny platform comes along.
3 Steps to Regulate the HPA Axis and Defeat Chronic Stress
Author of the story: Dr Mehmet Yildiz
Featured by: Aiden MC
Reason to Feature: Accumulated stress, cognitive distortions, and unpleasant emotions can dysregulate the HPA axis and hormones, but we can manage them.
Summary of story: When we experience a stressor, whether a physical threat or emotional reaction, the HPA axis is instantly activated. The HPA axis comprises complex interactions between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. The hypothalamus is a critical brain region that controls the stress response. It also has many functions, like regulating the autonomic nervous and endocrine systems, body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep, and emotional responses. Related to the HPA axis, the hypothalamus produces CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone). CRH stimulates the pituitary gland to release ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). Then, ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol (a stress hormone).
Look What Aiden Found Today: Episode #300 🎉: Favorite stories I read, plus community-nominated pieces tailored for avid readers of ILLUMINATION Publications on Medium
Author of the story: Aiden MC
Featured by: Dr Mike Broadly
Reason to Feature: It is fantastic to see Aiden featured 3000+ stories in 300 curated collections. As a content curator I know how challenging to build these collections. He creates great vibrancy on our community.
Summary of story: I like the way Aiden brings vitality to Illumination community as a writer, readers, and editor.
Five New Giveback Solutions I Built to Make Marketing Easier for Writers and Reading Rewarding for All
Author of the story: Dr Mehmet Yildiz
Featured by: Aiden MC
Reason to Feature: I read this story by Dr Yildiz today and it inspired me to test this portal which is his brainchild and thought this story is worth featuring and being boosted by his content system.
Summary of story: Dr Yildiz created 5 compelling offers for creators, freelancers, and startups. This story is inspiring and education as I commented on it.
We Are Building a Creative Support Path for Freelance Writers in 2025
Author of the story: Dr Michael Broadly
Featured by: Dr Albert Jones
Reason to Feature: Dr Broadly introduces the integration of Substack Mastery boost pilot program clearly.
Summary of story: We will offer customized services based on the needs of creators, freelancers, and content entrepreneurs with innovative solutions for their sustainable growth on multiple integrated platforms.
Apparently, I’m a Spammer Who Joined the $0.02 Club Like 1000s of Others
Author of the story: Dr Michael Broadly
Featured by: Friends of Illumination Editor
Reason to Feature: This story reflects the strugles of authentic writers on Medium as a case study.
Summary of story:
Review of Cortisol Clarity Book by Dr Mehmet Yildiz
Author of the story: Dr. Gabriella Korosi
Featured by: Dr Mike Broadly
Reason to Feature: As a healthcare professional Dr Korosi highlights the critical points in the exceptional book by Dr Mehmet Yildiz.
Summary of story: As a person with focus on public health, this new book inspired me and I want to introduce it by sharing a few key points. Cortisol plays a crucial role in our health and well being. I was very excited to see this wonderful book coming out by a well known and respected author Dr Mehmet Yildiz . I believe this book needs to be on the bookshelves of every health care professional and anyone who is interested in supporting their own health and well being. A personal transformation for Dr Mehmet Yildiz inspired him to share his knowledge, experience and wisdom with others in his book Cortisol Clarity.
Celebrating My First 50 Students on Udemy and First 500 Subscribers on Substack
Author of the story: Aiden MC
Featured by: Dr Mike Broadly
Reason to Feature: This is for congratulating Aiden for his new Udemy course success.
Summary of story: I failed Vocal Media in 2023 and the Medium boost program in 2024 but now, in 2025, I am winning on Substack and Udemy and determined to succeed thanks to the support Dr Yildiz, his team, and his community. 18 December was one of the happiest days for me as I had The Joy of Having My First 10 Students on Udemy. It was unforgettable when my students started asking me questions offline, and I answered them by studying the masterpieces of Dr Yildiz, which reinforced my knowledge. Yesterday I had my 50th student on Udemy and they are all happy giving my service 4.6 stars. And I gained my first 500 subscribers on Substack. Inspired by this progress I decided to give maximum discount to my friends on Medium and Substack. I checked the system, and the maximum I can do is 33%. So, if you and your friends are interested, you can use these special coupons to enroll.
If You Are a YouTuber, TikToker, or Podcaster, You Might Do Well on Substack A TikToker recently joined Substack gained thousands of paid subscribers
Author of the story: Aiden MC
Featured by: Dr Mike Broadly
Reason to Feature: This story inspired YouTubers and Tiktokers to use Substack as a great platform.
Summary of story:
If You Are a YouTuber, TikToker, or Podcaster, You Might Do Well on Substack A TikToker recently joined Substack gained thousands of paid subscribers
Author of the story: Aiden MC
Featured by: Dr Mike Broadly
Reason to Feature: This story inspired YouTubers and Tiktokers to use Substack as a great platform.
Summary of story:
If You Are a YouTuber, TikToker, or Podcaster, You Might Do Well on Substack A TikToker recently joined Substack gained thousands of paid subscribers
Author of the story: Aiden MC
Featured by: Dr Mike Broadly
Reason to Feature: This story inspired YouTubers and Tiktokers to use Substack as a great platform.
Summary of story:
If You Are a YouTuber, TikToker, or Podcaster, You Might Do Well on Substack A TikToker recently joined Substack gained thousands of paid subscribers
Author of the story: Aiden MC
Featured by: Dr Mike Broadly
Reason to Feature: This story inspired YouTubers and Tiktokers to use Substack as a great platform.
Summary of story:
If You Are a YouTuber, TikToker, or Podcaster, You Might Do Well on Substack A TikToker recently joined Substack gained thousands of paid subscribers
Author of the story: Aiden MC
Featured by: Dr Mike Broadly
Reason to Feature: This story inspired YouTubers and Tiktokers to use Substack as a great platform.
Summary of story:
If You Are a YouTuber, TikToker, or Podcaster, You Might Do Well on Substack A TikToker recently joined Substack gained thousands of paid subscribers
Author of the story: Aiden MC
Featured by: Dr Mike Broadly
Reason to Feature: This story inspired YouTubers and Tiktokers to use Substack as a great platform.
Summary of story:
ILLUMINATION Writing Academy — Video Introduction on YouTube I created a short video to introduce our first public publication on Substack
Author of the story: Aiden MC
Featured by: Dr Mike Broadly
Reason to Feature: IT is a great introduction to Illumination Writing Academy.
Summary of story:
Remarkable Health Benefits of Long-Term Fasting from Personal Experience
Author of the story: Dr Mehmet Yildiz
Featured by: Dr Mike Broadly
Reason to Feature: This story shows us the benefits of periodic fasting with practical tips.
Summary of story: As the year draws to a close, I share this story while in a fasted state: my body is rich in β-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) with ideal glucose levels. This condition gives me a serene and contented feeling, mental sharpness, and a beautiful lightness of being. As my family joyfully celebrates the New Year amidst bustling streets, vibrant fireworks, and cheerful chaos, I opt for a more serene celebration. I embrace the peace of a quieter space, away from the clamor of the city’s festivities, where my heart feels more content and fulfilled than in the hollow jubilance of the New Year celebrations. Ten days ago, I purposefully embarked on a fasting journey with five meditation sessions, an annual ritual to clean my body and mind. This intentional practice, regular intermittent fasting, and light workouts like Yoga and Pilates form a strategic intervention designed to enhance my overall health and well-being.
Why Is Mental Health Still a Taboo in India and How Can We Change That?
Author of the story: DR NINA APRA
Featured by: Dr Mike Broadly
Reason to Feature: This is an eye-opening story about the cultural effects on mental health.
Summary of story:
How I, & Most of the Medical Establishment, Got Fooled & Scammed By the Diet Theory of Cholesterol
Author of the story: Dr David Mokotoff MD
Featured by: Dr Mike Broadly
Reason to Feature: This story is very good to show us the faulty cholesterol hypothesis and its impact in our lives.
Summary of story: What if everything they ever taught you was a lie? This happened to me. I recall sitting in a doctor’s lounge in the 1980s. It was during my cardiology fellowship training in Houston, Texas. One doctor was shoveling a cream-filled pastry into his mouth during a break. Another doctor looked at him aghast and said, “You know that thing is a homing device for your LAD.”
