Vocal
Pinky Promise
I wasn’t supposed to be on that motorcycle, the one my brother died riding, yet there I was, driving down the California highway, not knowing when I’d stop. It’d been sitting in the driveway two months untouched when I turned the keys in its ignition and left. I just couldn’t stand the sight of mom drinking her tea that morning and maybe I thought I would finally cry if the wind hit my face fast enough but all I wanted to do as I started driving was scream into that salty summer sky.
How a Cup of Coffee Can Help the World
When I was little, I remember the first time I had seen someone buy someone else a cup of coffee. I was around ten years old or so, and I was sitting in the back seat with my brother as our mom was picking up some coffee before dropping us off at daycare. To her surprise, the attendant at the drive-through window informed her that her order was paid by the person in front of her in line. Surprised and pleased, my mom handed over her card and told the attendant to keep the ball rolling and to pay the bill for the person behind her.
Cathryn DennisonPublished about 2 hours ago in Motivation
A Platform’s Responsibility to Act With Purpose
It’s a conversation that my team and I find ourselves coming back to time and time again. When we talk about the future of Vocal, or conceptualize anything from new features to social media campaigns, it’s essential that we can identify exactly why we’re doing what we’re doing, and exactly who we’re doing it for. If we can’t identify the answers to those questions clearly and concisely, or we aren’t satisfied with those answers, then we know we have a lot more work to do. It’s part of how we make sure that we are always putting our creators first in each and every decision we find ourselves making.
Jessica WhartonPublished about 3 hours ago in VocalWhat I Wish I Knew About Writing When I Started
I’ve been writing a novel for over a year now. I know, I know. That’s way too slow. In my defense, it’s my first novel. I’ve made a lot of mistakes and learned a lot on the way. I went from floundering to having a clear path to the finish line in less than a month and I’m a week away from finishing my first draft. Here’s a few things I wish I’d known when I began writing.
Brandon TalbotPublished about 5 hours ago in Journal
My Strategic Flow of Reposting Content on 4 Different Levels
It's been 8 months since I have started writing. Till now, I have written over 150 unique articles on 7 different blogging platforms. And I didn't learn the power of reposting until one or two weeks ago.
Let's DiscussPublished about 7 hours ago in Journal
I Reached My SECOND $20 Vocal+ Payout!
Well folks, your girl did it again. On January 9th, I was able to reach my second Vocal+ payout of $20. ($21.13, to be exact.) Yes, I know some creators on this website have literally withdrawn hundreds of dollars from reads. But hey...baby steps. There was a time when I thought it impossible to withdraw the first $20. I had no idea I'd be doing it twice in my blogging career. I'M RICH!
Kathryn MilewskiPublished about 8 hours ago in Journal
Just A Man
He wasn’t the man she had created him to be in her mind over all of those years. It took time for her to unravel the theories she once smiled curiously, pondering while he would teach the class with his purely acquired life experience.
Jill AshlockPublished about 8 hours ago in FamiliesWe Tell No One
‘Richard?’ Malcolm’s voice broke through the static, forcing Richard to look up like a deer in the headlights. It was laughable, how much of the therapist stereotype Malcolm looked, dressed in his army-green cardigan, disheveled black curls peppered with grey, and slumped shoulders that carried the weight of everyone’s demons and denials.
Kat MorrisPublished about 8 hours ago in Criminal
How I Became a Top Writer Listening to Baby Shark
In the mid-1980s, a new wave of Punk Rock inspired a generation to give voice to thoughts. Now, I will explain how earworms inspired me to write viral readworms and gain thousands of followers on social media.
Rui CarneiroPublished about 9 hours ago in Journal
The Owl
New York City. A city fueled by a world of opportunities and the millions of dreamers, driven by ambition and passion, who dared to take a step into the competitive race, yearning for a chance to be a part of the reason for the city’s famous reputation.
Marian TibreyPublished about 10 hours ago in Horror
The Night Owl
Share a fictional story that includes a barn owl in your narrative.
$1,000 Grand Prize4 hours leftGoodbye Donald
Write an open letter to Donald Trump sharing your thoughts on the last four years.
$1,000 Grand Prize5 hours leftGood Deeds
Tell us about the small acts of selflessness or generosity you've experienced.
$2,500 Grand Prize9 days left
Creators We’re Loving
Meet the people in your communities creating extraordinary things.
A Platform’s Responsibility to Act With Purpose
It’s a conversation that my team and I find ourselves coming back to time and time again. When we talk about the future of Vocal, or conceptualize anything from new features to social media campaigns, it’s essential that we can identify exactly why we’re doing what we’re doing, and exactly who we’re doing it for. If we can’t identify the answers to those questions clearly and concisely, or we aren’t satisfied with those answers, then we know we have a lot more work to do. It’s part of how we make sure that we are always putting our creators first in each and every decision we find ourselves making.
Jessica WhartonPublished about 3 hours ago in Vocal
"We Tell Ourselves Stories In Order to Live"
As we waved goodbye to 2020, we will be very honest: We hoped there would be way more chill in 2021. With news of multiple COVID-19 vaccines being distributed worldwide, we certainly had reason to believe we were turning the page on dark days. And as we waltzed confidently into a new year, we were cruelly reminded that the stroke of midnight on January 1st was not the "magic wand" that a lot of us were hoping that it would be.
Vocal Curation TeamPublished 4 days ago in Vocal
Introducing a New Look for Vocal
You may have noticed that things look a bit different around here. Over the last few months, we have been working on a new version of Vocal that sets a strong foundation for the features and goals we want to accomplish in 2021.
Justin MauryPublished 5 days ago in Vocal
Conspiracy Theories and Misinformation: Where Does Vocal Draw the Line?
Section 10, Paragraph A of Vocal's internal Moderation Protocols begins with the following statement: Vocal takes a cautious approach to the moderation of stories related to conspiracy theories, especially those that contain subject matters linked to real-world violence.
Joshua JohnsonPublished 11 days ago in Vocal
Creator Spotlight: Andrew Sotomayor
Andrew Sotomayor is an Emmy winning makeup artist with over 17 years of experience in beauty editorial, red carpet, fashion, film, television, and brand development. Andrew won his first Emmy for Saturday Night Live in 2017, was nominated for an Emmy for Jesus Christ Superstar Live in 2018, and was nominated again for Ryan Murphy's Pose in 2019.
Vocal SpotlightPublished 12 days ago in Vocal
20 Things Our Creators Taught Us in 2020
A lot of things happened in 2020, most of which we couldn’t have predicted, but one thing is for sure: your stories got us through this heavy year. Our platform wouldn’t be the same if it weren’t for you, our creators. You’ve proven, once again, that creativity can move and inspire others and give us hope for a better future.
Vocal Curation TeamPublished 22 days ago in Vocal
