A "Real" Writer

A "Real" Writer?

I’ve been writing on the Vocal platform for two years now and have published over 175 stories.

Here’s a link to my profile if you're interested in seeing who I am or what I have written:

What does that mean? Have I established myself as a “real writer?”

I don’t quite know what the term “real writer” is referring to, but I think the amount of time and consistency I have put toward publishing stories here qualifies me as someone to be considered a “serious” writer. Am I the best writer? Goodness, no. The Vocal platform has allowed me to build and grow, though. I will share with you some of the reasons I have found the Vocal writing platform to be beneficial toward acheiving my aspirations for success.

Profile

The profile page is an easy portfolio in which to keep, share and organize my work where I can point any potentially interested viewer to my work, or where readers and professionals can find me. The profile of my writing has helped me attract a publisher and readers. It’s a simple way to connect with my fanbase and any professional opportunities to expand my writing endeavors. This is a free option with membership, but seems invaluable to me.

Community

Writing is not a get-rich-quick opportunity. It likely takes years to build it into a sustainable career. I enjoy the opportunities Vocal has opened up for me to build a network, friendships with like-minded peers, and the chance to push myself, learn to improve my writing and gain confidence in my abilities as a writer. It does take commitment and effort to reach those goals, but small gains achieved and visualized through financial gains, likes and pleasant feedback, remains a driving force of motivation for those determined to be successful writers. This is where the Stats are my friend.

Subscriptions & Notifications

The subscription and notification features allow me to connect with, and grow, my audience. It allows me to see what of my writing is connecting with readers, and what is inspiring them to subscribe. The notifications feature allows me to look into the profiles of the people liking and subscribing to me. It offers me a way to find new authors and works I enjoy, which I most likely would never have come across without it. This allows me to maintain and grow an audience while keeping a personal touch.

Challenges & Prompts

Even though I have not placed in a challenge to date, I enjoy the opportunities provided to stretch and develop my creativity. The potential financial rewards are nice to imagine, but the competition is high. The likelihood of winning is limited, but the money and the chance to compete is strong motivation. Even when I don’t place, every time I write, I am improving my skill as a writer, therefore, it’s never a loss.

As stated by Nelson Mandela:

“I never lose, I either win or I learn.”

I have every intention of continuing my education as a creator, and will stick with Vocal as long as I feel the platform is contributing to that end.

Thank you for reading! What is your favorite way that Vocal has impacted your writing?

KJ Aartila grew up in a small, rural community surrounded by animals and family. She, along with her husband and daughter, horses and other pets, now live on 40 acres in Northern Wisconsin, surrounded by forest and wildlife. She has spent her life reading about, writing about and working with animals, her goal always to be as reliable, trustworthy and honest as a horse, but her innate humaness keeps getting in the way. She remains determined to keep trying, though.