Let's Vocalize a Bit

Listen, I know you have questions. I've seen some of your comments in Facebook groups. Noticed the tone is getting increasingly despondent. You are doubting yourself. Doubting your ability to write.

I've tried to help by commenting, answering where I can, and pointing you to resources. I let you know the things I see in your writing that makes it stand out to me. Try to encourage you.

It's not working though, is it?

I can see it's time for me to write this stuff down as we chat, so you'll have something to come back to when you start to feel helpless. Is that OK with you? Good!

Six Questions and Answers

Question 1: Why don't I get any/so few/ not as much as everyone else/reads on my posts?

Answer 1: It could be one of any number of things; see which of these sound true to you:

1. You hit 'Submit' and then wait for people to find your posts.
2. You don't share links to the post on any social media platform.
3. You don't interact with members of the Facebook groups to which you belong, other than posting a link there without any explanation except for 'no one reads what I write.'
4. You don't comment on the posts of other creators on their posts, or ask questions, or answer questions of others.

Do any of these things seem familiar? If so, check out this explanation of reciprocity. Shifting the focus a bit will help you in your interactions, and ultimately your post views.

Question 2: Can I make a living by writing on Vocal?

Answer 2: Maybe. (In my opinion, that depends on how long you are planning to live, and if you have any bills at all.) Although some people can and HAVE made over $1000 in a week, that is not something that happens to just everyone. In short: I would not quit your day job, and suggest you find another compelling reason to write for Vocal other than lots of money.

The article above can be found in the Vocal Resources tab, which is accessible at the top of the Vocal home page. There are other very good articles about increasing the visibility of your posts there, too.

Question 3: Why is it so hard to learn how to use Vocal? Why isn't it written down anywhere?

Answer 3: Please, re-read that last sentence of the previous answer: There are other very good articles about increasing the visibility of your posts there, too.

One of the sections on the Resources page is Creator 101, with 7 Steps to set up and begin writing on Vocal. The image below shows the Creator 101 page, and you can click on the hyperlink under the picture to go straight to it... but come back here when you do, OK? I'm not done yet.

Answer 3.5: While we're talking about the Resources page, Keep an eye on the Tips & Guides section, too. Currently 5 pages long it's like sitting down with an experienced Vocal guru and learning from their experience. So, my ultimate answer to Question 3 is: it is written down in quite a few places!

Question 4: I share my posts but the reads have gone down over the past few weeks. I thought I was talented; maybe I should just quit?

Answer 4: I have three layers to this answer:

• It's December. Many people have seasonal holidays this month and are preoccupied. There are some great online deals so your readers may be shopping during their 'work breaks' and not reading as much as they usually do. I've seen similar comments from many Vocal and Medium writers, and as an admin of a Facebook group for Vocal writers I can tell you the admins of many other groups have seen less interaction across the board. So: stick it out and wait for it to come around in January. Just make sure you are reading and interacting a lot yourself (See answer 1 above).
• Are you in a writing rut? If you have burned out of topics try writing and sharing poetry. When you share the link make sure you call out that it is a short poem and let the reader know feedback is welcome. People may not have the time for a 2,000 word article, but a poem they can handle.
• If this is not the first time you have publicly asked if you should quit Vocal, then maybe you should quit. If that seems abrupt, well, it is. You must have the internal fire to continue for your own reasons, and if you measure your talent and worth by reads then leaving makes sense. However- lack of talent is not likely to just occur; if you had reads before you will have them again. Just stay involved and continue to share your posts and read at least twice as many posts from other people than you share.

And, while not an answer to the question but a statement from me: Having someone sad-sack post 'poor me/maybe I should quit' on a regular basis is emotionally draining for those who interact with you on social media. It also scares off the newbies. If you need reassurances please identify and work with a mentor, call your mom, or get a dog. I love you, man, but reassuring you once or twice is my limit.

Question 5: I don't know what to write, how can I find inspiration?

Answer 5: I have found several sites online that provide writing prompts. This is a great non-Vocal article with links to 10 sites that give writing prompts. You can follow the prompt exactly or use it as a springboard and develop your own story. There won't be any tests, just ignite your creativity.

More inspiration can come from the Facebook groups dedicated to Vocal creators. Here are two that may be particularly helpful:

Vocal Writing Prompts: gives a different prompt several times a week..

Vocal Writers Sharing Community: one of the liveliest and most engaging groups, with themed posts, games, and interaction.

Also, check out the Facebook groups for Vocal writers. Many of the groups regularly run collaborative series for group members. Even if fiction isn't your thing, participating will stretch your creativity.

Question 6: Why do you write on both Vocal and Medium?

Answer 6: Both platforms provide a place for your writing, but they have quite different guidelines. I wrote this post about it. I am a BIG fan of Medium, and I am thrilled to have had a viral post last month that has made over $700 and is still earning. It may be a fluke, but I'll take it. More details are in the post below.

In Conclusion

Vocal is a good platform with semi-regular challenge prompts and tools for Vocal+ members.

Other than weekly emails and Vocal-run social media it is up to the writer-creator to promote the heck out of their work. If you don't enjoy using social media for self-promotion then you are not likely to make even the monthly cost of Vocal+ membership, so find another reason to create on the platform.

There is a rich and helpful community of Vocal creators on Facebook, Quora, Twitter, and Discord. For the most interaction I suggest the Facebook and Discord groups.

______________________

If this story spoke to you please click on the heart below so I know it clicked with you.

You can read more of my writing on Vocal here.

You can find me here on Medium.

You can join my Facebook group The Vocal Creators Support Group here.