J. R. Lowe
Bio
By day, I'm a PhD student, by night.... I'm still a PhD student, but sometimes I procrastinate by writing on Vocal. Based in Australia.
Stories (109/0)
Belong
It didn’t belong here, that much was certain, but then again, neither did I. Not that it wasn’t welcome aboard the boat, everyone seemed to enjoy its presence despite the grim situation, but it was unusual to see a barn owl this far out at sea. It was perched at the edge of the half-rusted standing shelter, just a few feet ahead of me, watching over the crowd of swaying heads and the weary expressions of all ninety-nine refugees.
By J. R. Lowe2 years ago in Fiction
This Year I'm Fixing My Circadian Rhythm
It's that time of year again when we all start writing lists of things we need to change about ourselves while lounging around on the sofa regretting those extra three serves of Christmas lunch we spontaneously consumed days before. That's right, I'm talking about New Year's Resolutions *shudder*. Last year I wrote down a few resolutions for myself on Vocal. Did I achieve them? Yes, well, kind of...
By J. R. Lowe2 years ago in Motivation
A Disgruntled Salad Stick
Monday. It's not a bad view from the sea floor, I must admit. Mountains of coral form underwater forests in the sand that sway with the currents of warm tropical waters. Light shimmers in from the surface, illuminating the schools of fish which reflect every colour under the sun. Of course, I only know this from word of mouth because I unfortunately don't have any eyes. It could be an absolute s#%&*@!e for all I know.
By J. R. Lowe2 years ago in Fiction
5 Unexpected Advantages of Same Sex Relationships
It's easy to focus on the negatives when it comes to same-sex relationships. Whether it's the discrimination, lack of equality or the fact that you can be straight up executed in certain countries, the list of cons always seems to be greater than the pros. In fact, some may struggle to find any pros at all. But alas, no more! For below you'll find five unexpected advantages of same-sex relationships to help get your mind off the fact that homophobia sucks.
By J. R. Lowe2 years ago in Pride
The Karen, the Mitch and the Bathrobe
It was essentially an immediate warzone when I arrived for my shift shortly after eight in the morning. Not in a literal sense, but the sharp noises and snappy remarks which emanated from the customer at the service desk were hostile to say the least. She was a Karen for sure. An above-the-shoulders platinum blonde bob cut was draped over her head, and she wore a hideously bright green pantsuit that screamed 'I'm middle-aged but in denial about it'.
By J. R. Lowe2 years ago in Fiction
- Top Story - November 2021
Stop Calling Your Children 'Josh'Top Story - November 2021
Dear expectant mothers, fathers, or people otherwise considering changing their names, I am writing to you regarding the present name crisis stemming from the overuse of the name 'Josh'. Do NOT, under any circumstances, contribute any further to this crisis by creating yet another birth certificate with the name 'Josh' on it. It's not trendy, or cute, or anything in-between the two. It's downright inconsiderate of you. Why? Well, where do I begin?
By J. R. Lowe2 years ago in Humor
- Runner-Up in We Have a Dream Challenge
How Generosity Made Me RicherRunner-Up in We Have a Dream Challenge
I've always had a strange relationship with money. I'm not bad with it, but I've never been someone to spend hours looking for the perfect deal to save a few dollars, or that person who gets defensive over their belongings when someone asks to borrow something. Of course, when I get hit with multiple bills, or the weekly grocery shop costs a bit more than usual, I do worry a little bit. But I find comfort knowing that things always have their way of working out. I often find that as long as you keep giving when the opportunities arise, then you'll always receive what you need when the tables turn.
By J. R. Lowe2 years ago in Journal
How to Write a Top Story for Vocal
Even if you're brand new to Vocal, chances are, one of the first things you saw when you popped onto the site was a list of Top Stories that had been published within the last few days. Generally speaking, these stories are selected because they're the most likely to attract reads and appeal to a broader audience.
By J. R. Lowe2 years ago in Journal
- Top Story - November 2021
5 Celebrities Who Would Survive the Apocalypse Top Story - November 2021
Have you ever wondered what would happen to celebrities in an apocalypse? No? Well now you have. Welcome to my obscure train of thought. But seriously, when you really think about it, would celebrities be more or less likely to survive than the general population?
By J. R. Lowe2 years ago in Futurism
- Top Story - October 2021
Vocal Memes for Established Creators Top Story - October 2021
Life can be tough sometimes. No, scratch that, life can be drop-dead awful sometimes. But when times get tough, I find that humour and seeing the lighter side to things always paves the way to a more positive outlook. I think Maurice Chevalier summed it up quite nicely when he said:
By J. R. Lowe2 years ago in Humor
An Absence of Colour
Jayden moved his pencil back and forth across the face of his colouring book as he lay belly-down on the living room floor. His face was a depiction of pure concentration. Not even the loud car horns which emanated from the busy traffic on the streets below the apartment could stir him from his trance. Laya watched curiously from her position on the old vintage couch, her laptop had sent itself to sleep due to lack of use, and the barely started essay for her psychology course had been long-since forgotten.
By J. R. Lowe3 years ago in Fiction