When trying to kick start a new reading habit, sometimes, it can be hard to know where to look for solid recommendations. But on the other hand, the internet is full to the brim of listicles telling you about all the books you should read. But it pays to remember these lists are usually written by one person and are that person’s opinion on what you should read.

Although starting a book's publication with the intent of writing about reading recommendations may seem counterintuitive, the reason I think it’s valid as a space to come to for recommendations is that…

Here at A Thousand Lives, we aim to get as many stories distributed as possible. If you don’t know, distribution is where Medium editor’s handpick stories to be shared amongst the appropriate topic pages. This was formally known as ‘curation.’ When this happens, you’ll likely experience an increase in views, readership, and ultimately, earnings.

Nobody knows all of the answers behind distribution. Still, we know that Medium editors are looking for a specific editorial standard that is reliant on appropriate formating, accurate spelling and grammar, and ultimately, having a good takeaway for the reader.

If we pick you up on…

Celeste Donovan is a top finance executive at her own company, based in New York City. She is a headstrong woman who doesn’t take nonsense from anybody, which has helped grant her the top position in her company. Celeste is also extremely wealthy and has her own chaperones take her around the city and even has her own personal chef.

However, as she becomes romantically involved with Omar, a fellow finance executive, her world takes a turn for the worst. …

Facing rejection is a huge part of being a writer. Whether that’s submitting an article proposal to a publication you are passionate about or sending your first book off to a literary agent. Writing a novel is no easy feat, but often, getting past that stage is the easiest.

This can be particularly hard if you’re a young, debut author, trying to convince experienced publishers why your book stands out and why they should publish it. …

Part of the beauty of this life is never knowing what’s around the corner. But this not knowing can also cause anxiety, fear and apprehension. The pandemic may have encouraged us to think along the lines of living every day as if it’s our last. When this mantra is followed to try and make the most of every moment, then, of course, it’s entirely valid.

However, often it’s confused with delving into the excess. We buy everything we think we want with immediacy, in case we don’t live tomorrow. …

For as long as I can remember, I’ve read with the possibility of wanting to write a book myself one day. It’s always been at the back of my mind. Even as a child, I loved the idea of being an author, and it’s never gone away.

As writers, we all know how important reading is to sparking creativity, ideas and inspiration. But for those who want to become authors themselves, it can feel even more important to be constantly inspired and even feel in awe of the books we read.

At least for me, when a book manages to…

I loved this!! I can only just about stomach going to London on day trips, and I think if I lived there full time I would go insane. I just don't understand the obsession of living in London at all - I'd rather be a short train ride away and enjoy it from a distance.

Ever since I had enough money to buy my own copies of The Guardian, I’ve always admired the physicality of news and what goes behind producing stories. I’m intrigued by people and the stories they tell. I like to read and learn about the world and the books that shape our societies and cultures.

When I was eighteen and at college, I started writing for the magazine. I was the only one there who wanted to write about politics and the news, and I stood out like a sore thumb.

But I remember feeling then that maybe I shouldn’t be…