Writers Appreciation: A Love Letter
A Shoutout to Some Creators on Vocal (May 2024)
Here are some amazing creators I have noticed on Vocal Media this past month, and wanted to quickly shout out! I think writers need some more appreciation, and I think this will be a fun way to do it! (Maybe it'll become a recurring thing, who can say!) But anyway, I wanted to write some little love letters to some amazing people, so here we go!
L.C. Schäfer
L.C. was the first creator I subscribed to with the intent to note and read any work she pumped out. L.C. honestly intimated me as a writer, and I thought of her as a "Vocal celebrity" rather than just an ordinary creator. She is very inspiring as an amazing, alluring writer with a great audience. I love how much community seems to come out of her writing, with so many creators and readers consistently following the work she posts.
L.C. is doing a daily microfiction challenge, in which she writes a story every day in 2024. 366 stories (since it's leap year), 366 words each. She is currently on story 131 of 366! She also writes prompts for those who are tagging along in the challenge with her! You can see the original post for the challenge here.
One of the first things that captured me from L.C. was her bio: "Never so naked as I am on a page. Subscribe for nudes." Instantly fell in love with this author and dove right in to her work, and she DOES NOT disappoint.
L.C. currently has many achievements on Vocal, including First Place in the 2023 Vocal Awards - Fantasy Fiction (UM HOLY CRAP), with her story "Meat, Walking"!
With 316 stories, L.C. pumps out work like magic, and is consistently on the Top Story board!
Another great thing about L.C.... she tries to reciprocate as many comments as possible, and I found that astounding. I read one of her works just earlier today, and smiled bright when I saw a comment from her in my notifications... "L.C. SCHÄFER READ MY WORK???"
Thank you, L.C., for being such a lovely writer and leaving such a positive and inspiring impact!
Paul Stewart
One of the first to really take note of my work, with consistent comments. Something I love is that Paul has been a very supportive commenter, and one of the first people to really notice me. Paul and L.C. seem to have a friendly ongoing creatorship too, and I love seeing that! One of the first representations I've seen of ongoing friendship on this platform!
Paul has 718 stories, which to me is absolutely amazing. I love seeing creators who can write like there is no tomorrow!
The first comment Paul left for me on Vocal included this little tidbit... "I kinda thought I was subscribed to you already. Fixed that now." And I haven't forgotten it since. Tiny little comments like these go a long way, especially for new or beginner writers, as I really didn't think I was anything to write home about, or subscribe to. So Paul, thank you!
Rachel Deeming
Rachel was the first to enter my first unofficial challenge, and she entered it the same day I published it (with a few entries, in fact)! She was very enthusiastic about the prompt, and it absolutely made my day!
Rachel is another consistent writer, with 375 stories, AND she is also participating in the daily microfiction challenge with L.C. Schäfer!
Thank you, Rachel, for being such a positive and kind presence on Vocal, and an amazing writer!
Dharrsheena Raja Segarran
A lovely writer with an AMAZING amount of top stories! Holy! I was appalled. Every story on the first page of her profile is a TOP STORY. Insane!
She is best known for her horror stories, as she's said in her bio that she has embraced her own darkness, and I absolutely love what she's done with it. Incredible!
She has interacted consistently with my stories and unofficial challenges, and I absolutely love it! Thank you, Dharrsheena, for being so openly, creatively, and brilliantly twisted!
Mark Gagnon
Mark Gagnon has actively liked and commented on my work and has shown interest in my unofficial challenges. I cannot stress how much I appreciate the consistent support, and how lovely creators/readers like Mark really are!
Mark is a consistent writer on Vocal, with 296 stories, posting every few days, and also has a couple of books on Amazon!
Thank you, Mark, for your kind comments and your entries!
ALSO, an FYI
Just because I gotta plug my own stuff... I currently have two ongoing unofficial challenges if you would like to check them out! You can find a list of all of my open challenges (as well as the closed ones - when they close) here!
That's really all I wanted to say! Y'all are just great and I wanna make sure you get the attention and praise you deserve! Thank you all!
ALSO (Update): I see all of these creators in each other's comment sections, and I absolutely adore that! The community here is so incredible, loving, welcoming, and passionate. Thank you all for not only interacting with my work, but actively interacting with each other's, too!
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
I Am Grateful For So Many Things
I am grateful that I had the opportunity to experience _________. Rupi Kaur's Gratitude Writing Prompts I am grateful that I had the opportunity to experience my children growing up to be kind and loving human beings, that are raising families and work in areas that are making a difference.
By Denise E Lindquist3 days ago in Writers
Survivor Recalls Consuming Human Remains After Plane Crash: A Harrowing Tale from 45 Years Ago
Forty-five years ago, a harrowing plane crash in the Andes forced survivors into a dire choice: eat the deceased or die. This chilling tale isn't just about survival against the odds; it's a testament to the human spirit's resilience when pushed to the limits. In this post, we'll explore the firsthand accounts of those who lived through the ordeal, uncovering not just the gruesome details of their survival, but also the psychological and ethical implications that echoed long after their rescue. What can their extraordinary experiences teach us about human nature and the will to survive? Let's dive into their stories and find out.
By hungmaidao6 days ago in Writers
Red Shelves
Death is a black hole. Think about it. A black hole is the corpse of a star, something once warm and bright, now come to the end of its life cycle. But some will argue that the cycle of life does not end with death. That death is merely another path we must walk once our bodies expire and our souls ascend. In that moment, when the fuel in the star’s chemical tank hits empty and the shiny matte coat explodes into supernova, the mass left behind – the corpse – becomes a black hole. We understand that, around such a vast cadaver, dimensions work a little differently in death to the way we’re used to in life. For example, light cannot escape the pull of a black hole when it hits the point of no return. That’s where it gets its colour. Space itself is contorted by a black hole. That’s where it gets its funny shape. Even time. Time slows right down the closer you get to it. The closer you get to a black hole. The closer you get to death.
By Matthew Curtis5 days ago in Humans
Comments (18)
Congrats on Top Story!
congrats on ts-Dhar is really good at supporting creators and yes great list
In an arm wrestle, two opponents face off, their muscles tense with anticipation. Gripping the table's edge, they lock hands, eyes fixed on each other with fierce determination. The room fills with tension as the battle commences, each participant unleashing their strength in a bid for supremacy. Veins bulge, and sweat glistens as the struggle intensifies, the table trembling beneath their exertions. It's a primal contest of power and will, each moment fraught with anticipation. Cheers and encouragement erupt from onlookers as the competitors push against each other, their arms locked in a test of raw strength and unwavering resolve. http://thearmwrestle.com
Your story just made my day. Not only do I read all the wonderful, prolific, inspiring writers you've mentioned, but I second the points you've made about them. I, too, truly appreciate how supportive the Vocal writer community. Good on you for putting into words how impactful it is to have your work read and supported by peers, and by writers we admire and aspire to be. Congratulations on Top Story! 🥳👏🏻👍🏼🤩🏅
Thank you for the shout out! I don't feel like a celebrity at all! Definitely not like Cathy or Dharrsheena. Writing is so personal to me, so this is my way of getting comfy with getting naked in front of people. I still don't share most of it with people who actually know me, though 😏
Well now...this got lost in the notifications mix and I saw your comment mentioning it. Sorry it took me so long to get to this. I am humbled. And I don't mean that in that throwaway go-to kinda way people do - you know the kinda people I mean...pricks. lol. I mean...many who know me, would say I'm a prick too. Anyway, I feel I'm getting off message here lol. Thank you Belle, I appreciae your comments and have enjoyed the piece I have read by you thus far, know I might be behind on some. I appreciate also that you've put me in a crowd of just great writers and supportive folk. So thank you again. And well done on all you've done recently with your writing and doing your own bit to encourage people to write and get creative - I am still planning on entering both challenges...because they are great ideas! Congrats on this getting Top Story and thank you again.
Brilliant choices Belle!
Thank you for sharing your favourites! And congrats on this being a top story - the love you shared definitely deserved a spotlight :)
Ah, Belle, thank you! I am in good company here. Love your stuff too!
You picked all my favourites! Great choice and loved your work too. Nice.
Yes!! Spread the love!! I know/am subscribed to all but one! Looks like I will have to update my roster! c:
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
I really enjoy when others point out a special author. I often find myself without enough time to read everyone, so if someone is "highlighted", it helps me find that special someone to read. Thank you.
Guys we made this a top story 🥺🥺🥺 Thank you all so much!
It makes my heart happy to see writers showing their gratitude. I highly appreciate this support and recognition of each other's skills. It is just awesome. I am glad that I am also a part of this community.
Stunned and honored to have made your list of very talented authors. It's always a great feeling to know my work is noticed and appreciated. A heart felt thank you!
Awww Belle, if honey is the sweetest thing, then you're billion times sweeter than that! 🥺❤️ Thank you so much for this shoutout! I appreciate it so much from the bottom of my heart! 🥰🥰🥰
This is great!!! I love reading stuff like this!!!