The Write Stuff

Vocal is many things to its many people: a meeting ground for those who love to write, particularly those who MUST write; a place to hone one's writing skills, be they narrative, lyrical, fiction or non- ; a rich source of material to while away many an hour in reading sessions that could continue, I'm sure, for months; and the gift of a platform where those of us who may have long toiled in obscurity find an outlet for what we feel compelled to share, where there is feedback and just the welcome opportunity to publish.

It's certainly all those things to me. Seeing my bits and bobs posted for (at least some of) the world to read, if desired, affords me not only a bit of pride, but a lot of motivation to try, try again.

And the motivation finds its form in many ways. It’s a chance to commune, albeit virtually, with fellow diehards for whom the written word speaks volumes and often seems to demand sharing. Vocal is an ever-encouraging impetus for those of us, whose muse rarely sleeps, to tap into a world of likeminded aspiring wordsmiths. And the rewards of such commune are bountiful.

I like words. I like writing them, anyway. Speaking not so much. As a painfully shy child and someone yet averse to the verbal form of narrative, my writing has long spoken for me. It enables me to realize expression of those thoughts and emotions, insights and opinions that I would otherwise have kept locked inside..

It began in second grade and has lasted well into my second childhood. Wherever she is, that teacher who encouraged me to submit my first poem to the local newspaper school writing competition, I am deeply indebted to her. And to the Guidance counselor in ninth grade, who kept encouraging me to write, about anything and everything that took my fancy, I must thank her too. I don't know if either of them is still alive, and rather doubt they are, but I am forever in their debt. Thanks to them I was given a voice that may otherwise have been suffocated. Thanks to them, I just kept writing. All these years on, it still gives me a pleasure I wouldn't have found without their constant support. Whether I believe my output is inspired or a mere dud, I can't deny my satisfaction at its completion.

Thank you, Miss Sulyma and Sister Mary Isobel. Wherever you are.

So many reasons to appreciate the opportunities Vocal affords. I think, however, what I find particularly compelling is the generosity of every other writer who has provided 'likes' or insights or comments on my work. No matter how much I convince myself this or that piece isn't particularly good, definitely not up to literary snuff, there always seems to be at least one giving fellow contributor who provides me with the incentive to write the next one. Total strangers whose work I truly respect give me the push I often need.

In my cynical mind, I can't help but wonder if it appears I'm trying to curry favor in writing about my appreciation. While I realize this might be 'a cunning plan' (See the old British TV gem, 'Blackadder' for reference), I swear such has not been my intent.

As they say, sometimes, if it looks like gratitude and sounds like gratitude, it actually is bona fide gratitude. That’s not quite what they say, but the gist is there. We, the thousands of us who call the Vocal platform home, seem to be an appreciative bunch.

So, to you all, thank you and, as always, please keep keeping up the good work.