Setting
Reconsidering The Situation Again
Introduction This is essentially kicked off by Mark Graham, a free Vocal Creator who said he is still getting paid for reads, when a part of the Vocal announcement was that free users would no longer get paid, which I think is wrong. Mark is very supportive, and because he is getting read is bringing in new readers to the Vocal platform.
By Mike Singleton đź’ś Mikeydred 3 months ago in Critique
My Self-Critique of My Writing Battle Entry (Part Deux)
This is a breakdown of my most recent entry into the Writing Battle that didn’t make it out of the peer judging round. I recommend reading it before you dive into my self-critique of why it doesn’t work because nothing says, “Hey go read this!” quite like leading off with, "Hey this didn’t actually place so it might not be very good!”
By Matthew J. Fromm4 months ago in Critique
Reflections on A Languishing Manuscript. Top Story - July 2026.
Years ago, I was president of a town’s writing group, but it disbanded. Ten years ago, a character appeared in my mind and poured onto the page, words frothing from my fingers like sudsy waves at the shore. My hip replacement cemented my decision to retire, and recovery meant long hours outdoors on sunny days with my aging dog. Her love and devotion grounded me. I finished the book that summer. Two years later, my faithful companion was gone, and the manuscript remained untouched, saved in a file that moved only when the computer did, still unseen.
By Andrea Corwin 4 months ago in Critique
The Birth, Dissection & Evolution of a Story Never Written
For as long as I’ve had the desire to entertain readers with creative fiction writing, I’ve had a mermaid tale in my mind, just dying to come to life. It started out as a simple story idea, but has gradually evolved into something much greater.
By Justiss Goode4 months ago in Critique
Imposter Syndrome. Runner-Up in Not Quite There Yet Challenge.
Indecisive. That’s what I am. What should we have for dinner? What film should we watch? Don’t ask me. It’s not that I don’t have an opinion, especially when it comes to writing a story – In fact, I have so many ideas it's the equivalent of spinning countless metaphorical plates. But choosing one? Well, I might as well be Greek.
By Sian N. Clutton4 months ago in Critique
The Novel That Bit Me. Honorable Mention in Not Quite There Yet Challenge.
Fir the Next Great (American) Novel challenge (which, despite the title, didnae actually huv tae be American), Ah hud two ideas an' two entries. Baith included Glasgow as almost a central character. One wis heavily inspired by Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh an' a real-life experience that happened many years afore Ah started writing.
By Paul Stewart4 months ago in Critique
Annie’s Annotations
It looks like it should be in Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade, but it’s nearly impossible to acquire premises in either; however, the stone facade and wooden door with a window that opens are just the beginning of the charm found in this cozy little oasis. Like Annie herself, it’s hard to categorize this shop. It’s a bookstore, but it’s also a pastry shop and a tea and coffee house, and that’s what it feels like with the different curated rooms. I especially like that low lintel that adults have to duck to gain access to the children’s room, which is a wonderland fit for Alice herself with storybook murals, beanbags, a bookcase that will spin you into the YA room, board games, and, of course Julie Newmar, a ginger tabby who sleeps in the windowsill.
By Harper Lewis 5 months ago in Critique
Sunday Dinner
There had been a christening at St. Mary’s that morning, and Susan and her cousin were going on and on about babies. Blair said she would name her daughters Ellen and Beverly, and her first son would carry his father’s name with a Roman numeral following.
By Harper Lewis 5 months ago in Critique
