Top Stories
Stories in Journal that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.
Vocal Deep Cuts 4
So, it's the start of another week, which means it's time for another edition of Vocal Deep Cuts. You know the drill by now, though if you need a refresher or are new to the series, let me explain.
Paul StewartPublished 9 months ago in JournalOn the Edge of a 1800s Hong Kong Graveyard
I look out the window of my apartment. It's a graveyard out there. Not good vibes, or favorable Feng shui, as they say here. The tombstones line up in rows beneath my bedroom window. I check to make sure my bed isn’t facing the same direction. The atmosphere grows heavy.
Scott ChristensonPublished 9 months ago in JournalWhy I Use Vocal
I joined Vocal in May of 2021. I found it when I was looking for writing contests to enter, something I've always enjoyed doing in my spare time. I began to use the platform periodically when a challenge held my interest, but I was never super active on the website until May of this year.
Ashley LimaPublished 9 months ago in JournalA Plea to Spammers
New (and older) Vocal users - let me appeal to your business sense and desire to make money. Spamming people’s stories with your links is not the way to go about it, nor is posting AI only created content. I can only imagine any gain in results, if there are any, are quickly lost. You are only hurting your attempts to create viable business by creating a disrespected reputation instead! If you want to be successful as a creator, it’s a long-term investment of your time and money.
KJ AartilaPublished 9 months ago in JournalTerrible Mistakes New Writers Need To Avoid
All writers make mistakes whether it is their first time writing a novel or their dozenth time writing a novel, mistakes are bound to happen, but if you're aware of the more common ones, then they'll be easier to avoid.
Barbara KingPublished 9 months ago in JournalUgh! Customer Service
I’ve had it up to my freakin’ eyeballs with Customer Service! Or Customer Support, or Customer Care or whatever ridiculous moniker it’s given. It’s all the same, and means little. No matter what it’s called, I don’t feel like any more of a concern to the powers-that-be than I would feel talking to a rock. Actually, I would probably feel better talking to a rock, as my expectations would then be met.
KJ AartilaPublished 9 months ago in JournalWhat will you be?
There was a book I read as a kid. I don't remember the title and Google seems to only want to pull up one written in 2021. That is most defintiely not it. It was my favorite book though and I feel as if I almost imagined it at this point.
Sara WilsonPublished 9 months ago in JournalA Zen Moment 🏞️
This morning I walked alone down the river, while a gentle pitter-patter of rain tickled at the edges of my skin and formed small reflective beads at the tip of each follicle. I shaved my hair recently, a full buzz cut — some impulse to do with the need for a fresh start.
Gary RagnarssonPublished 9 months ago in JournalVocal Is On Trend
If you are serious about becoming a better writer, follow Vocal’s lead. Better yet, if you hope to win challenges outside of Vocal or have your work accepted in a peer-reviewed publication, follow Vocal’s lead. Read the introductions to what led Vocal to choose the winners for past challenges. Delve into how winners worked within the prompt in expected or unexpected ways. But the most important part is looking at the trend of what Vocal chooses for challenges.
Stephanie J. BradberryPublished 9 months ago in JournalVocal Deep Cuts 2
Following the success of my first edition of Vocal Deep Cuts, published last week, I wanted to make good on my promise and bring a fresh batch of curated work from another selection of Vocal creators.
Paul StewartPublished 9 months ago in JournalMy Career in Question
Just bear with me here, this is something I've been meaning to get off my chest for a while now. But the whole ordeal was jumpstarted again with a conversation I had just the day prior to me writing this.
Nicole FennPublished 9 months ago in JournalMy Asian wife’s pride in being Canadian was scarred during the Pandemic
I’m a white man that was lucky enough to be born Canadian. I do not use the word “lucky” lightly as being born into a country that is known throughout the world as a place of freedom and refuge is truly like winning the lottery.
Gerald HolmesPublished 9 months ago in Journal