Just Being Vocal
Just Some Thoughts On Me Sailing The Seas Of Vocal
Introduction
Part of the reason for my writing this is the fact that this week I have written seven playlists over Wednesday and Thursday for the latest Vocal Challenge and while I thought it would be simple it did take a lot out of me resulting in over eight thousand words of text, and while I am proud of what have I have done I don't expect anyone to notice the latter pieces even though they are linked.
I have completed them, and if I am still here in eleven years (I mean on Vocal) there may be one more of them.
A lot of people have said this challenge was made for me, and that makes me feel appreciated and valued but I still feel that my name on a story bars it from being considered for any Vocal Challenge, and someone recently suggested that the reason I haven't placed and probably will never place in a Vocal challenge is because of my style of presentation. Really a lot of this is just my own paranoia and I know that one day it might happen.
This is where it starts:
Keeping Myself Sane
I don't like repeating myself and seven playlists plus my interview with Louise Distras was eight music-related pieces in two days. I am really pleased and the two interviews with Louise got a loud of reads when she shared them on her feeds. I am extremely grateful to her for that.
A few more friends were having issues so I had some supportive chats with them, and that resulted in my last poem about being there for those that could do with a little help and support.
This morning I woke and put on a Blue Öyster Cult album, "Imaginos" and the first song inspired me to a piece of micro-fiction. I had said that I would not do any more after my first entry but I thought, what the hell, others are doing a lot of entries, and if I do one more that should be OK although I do feel that this week I am a total link bombing spammer.
Be Reciprocal
I always try to comment on various creators' posts in the various Facebook Vocal Groups in the hope that they will reciprocate, but as often as not they will thank me but ignore my story adjacent to theirs. That actually may be a Facebook issue not showing my post to them for whatever reason. On the other hand, there are other Vocal members who have read and commented on my stories before even I know that they are published.
I still advise those that ask for advice on how to expand their audience to be reciprocal. Check out this excellent piece from Judey Kalchik,
I am closing on thirty thousand reads on Vocal and while a lot of that is due to the number of pieces I publish and external reads, I also know a lot of this does come from making Vocal friends and being truly reciprocal with them.
I look at my stories and am both impressed and proud of them. I often go back and think "Did I Write That?" because the particular story is excellent.
In Conclusion
I will keep writing pieces like this as I continue writing for Vocal, and I hope I can help others along the way whether they are just starting or need advice on something they are doing or just a shoulder to lean on.
In Vocal we all need to be there to support in each other and lift each other up, and I hope that I am just doing a my bit.
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More stories from Mike Singleton - Mikeydred and writers in Journal and other communities.
When the Robots Took My Job
This is for RM Stockton's Write Club prompt for the month of April: AI Please allow me to vent. For "college," I went to a scam school that is now closed. We were promised internships that were never spoken of again after admissions, and we were promised help finding jobs. The first time I went to the career counselor's office, she was completely frazzled. She had no idea what to do with us, the film majors. The second time I visited her office, I let her know that I'd found myself a job, and she was visibly relieved.
By Rebekah Conard5 days ago in Journal
Comments (35)
I am new so plan on interacting a lots with people on here. Some good tips in there, thanks.
The way you share your personal experiences and perspectives is relatable and engaging. It's evident that you write from the heart, and that sincerity shines through in every sentence. Your article reminded me of the power of self-expression and the importance of being vocal about our thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Wow the great and surprise
I am so hopeful we will get a blocking system on Vocal! I love your work and am so happy to see this as a top story.
Congratulations on top story. Well done Mike
Congratulations on Top Story!! I hope you place in this challenge. You make music so personal, and I enjoyed hearing what certain songs or albums mean to you. Love to see you succeeding :)
Well done sir, I agree with you on this issue.
Well done Mike! I agree with the need for genuine reciprocity. It's what helps us all grow. Unfortunately, there are those who think pushing read-for-read counts as reciprocity (especially when the comment is basically "nice article, here's a linkbomb to mine.) Then there are those who say that the writers who reciprocate are part of a clique and only read the works of their friends. To which I say, yes, because friends support friends and if they want to make a few of them, perhaps they should start reading and responding to other people's work. Right now, I am struggling to keep up with the work published by many of my friends. But that does not mean I don't remember them. I remember you Mike. I'm glad to see you writing strong. Congratulations on your Top Story.
30,000.00 read wow that's over $1000.00 , I love your style of writing cause when I read them, it's feels like you are personally chatting to one person in an intimate conversation. ❤️You are very authentic in telling your story, I hope you win this Challenge 🌹🎉The Top Stories you receive from playlist story should prove you are worthy of winning this Challenge. ❤️❤️❤️❤️🥇🏅🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
U tried alot
Wow wonderful
Congratulations
I don’t always comment, but I always check out your playlists. I think reciprocation is so important, online and offline. That’s why I make sure to only comment when I have something to say. I give the kind of comments I would like to receive. My writing isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. I receive some pretty amazing comments. Congrats on your Top Story, prolific writing, and closing in on 30,000 reads! 🥂
Congratulations
Yayyyyy, congratulations on your Top Story and almost hitting 30k reads! You're fantastic!
Well done...another winner!
Great installment here - the commitment to your style is admirable. Congratulations on all your milestones, and thank you for the continued playlists!
that nice
Congratulations on your top story and closing in on 30,000 reads- that is amazing! I enjoy reading your Playlists, poetry and fiction. Will definitely come back to the 7 for the challenge this week to view. Well done - 30, 000 reads- that is just awesome my friend ❤️
Congratulations
Congratulations on Top Story!
Congrats on Top Story, Mike!
Congratulations on the #TopStory! And thank you for suggesting that piece of mine as a reference!
Top Story, indeed... 👍🏽✌🏾
Congratulations Mike!