Have you seen enough articles on Medium about “how to increase your productivity in under ten seconds and never procrastinate again for the rest of your life?” Looking for some original, creative shorts or daily life stories that are as honest as they are entertaining? If so, you’ve come to the right place!
The following are the most thought-provoking pieces I’ve had the pleasure of tearing through in the past month or so. For each, I’ve included a summary of what I loved, but feel free to follow the links and see for yourself how they can challenge a reader in different ways.
1. Testimony Case #1102138–13 by Alanah Andrews
This one wins it for originality and is something I haven’t seem much of at all: a reader-interactive short. Not only does Alanah world-build effectively in the span of a short-story, she inserts you into her new world by putting the life of the main character in your hands.
For more on the concept, here’s the opening excerpt:
Charge: Murder in the first degree
Juror Instructions:
1) Download the free Universal Juror app or sign in on the website.
2) Consider the following testimony carefully before making your decision.
3) Upon conclusion of reading this statement you must vote Guilty, Not Guilty, or Abstain by selecting the appropriate option.
Although the most common parallel people will make here is probably 1985, the thing that kept popping up into my head for some reason was Shutter Island. In watching Shutter Island you’re left to wonder about (cast judgement on) both the characters and the institution in question.
A similar dilemma is presented here in masterful fashion. Like the movie, it makes you question what you’ve seen and know, rather than spoon-feeding you an answer. This provides greater mystery and tension, making your decision as a juror even more difficult and important.
It could be in the form of an extended story, or distinct new cases, but I want more from this world. Whether my wish comes true or not though, do yourself (and possibly the defendant) a favor and check it out!
2. The Sacred Ordinary Things of a Day by Brian McFadden
This is a short one that packs a big punch, which it seems like is a style of Brian’s from what I’ve seen so far. If quick, poetic reads are up your alley, follow the link.
This one in particular though is what I’d refer to as, “so Medium,” which I mean in the best way. Like most articles on Medium, it address the distractions/trivialities of the world which hold us back (and also keep us centered). However, the delivery of its message is well-crafted and will make you re-read.
“Everything will interrupt you soon enough.”
Lines like the above resonate most with me. There are so many distractions in our world today, making the kind of focus necessary to reach “awareness” and/or “enlightenment” all the more difficult to maintain. It’s an interesting take he goes on to offer too, about how our daily rituals hold us together despite those distractions!
3. Thoughts on… Dating Another Artist by Gustavo Mendez
There is a trend with Medium which seems to be most lifestyle articles converging into a focus on general productivity or something along those lines. It seems what can get lost in the fold at times is the writer’s personal experience, which should be what gives them the authority to discuss in the first place. In the case of “Thoughts on…” Gustavo keeps it real. REAL real.
“Seeing someone be happy makes them attractive. Seeing them create makes them that much more attractive. Being with that person? You’re gonna need an extra pair of dry boxers (or panties).”
In all seriousness though, this had been a lifestyle topic I personally was wondering about. As a single creative, you start to wonder if a non-self professed creative would be able to appreciate your passion with the same depth you do. Would they give you the time you need to satisfy your itch when it comes demanding you scratch it?
What Mendez does a great job here is showing both the pros and cons. The majority of things in life are not black and white — nothing is 100% better than another, especially in art and lifestyle. It is nice though, to see what it’s like to both have and be a muse.
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QOTD: after checking out each piece, which resonated with you most and why?
Thank you for reading and for everyone’s continued support for the Civilands series. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, feel free to subscribe for more blog updates, and click here for free book giveaways, including best-sellers!
