A Review of My 2024 Goals, Aspirations, and Strategy

As the calendar flips to a new year, it's natural for Vocal creators to reflect on the past and turn their attention toward new and exciting horizons. The past year on Vocal has been a journey for me of creative discovery, growth, and topped by a small accolade. As in life, my experiences with Vocal over the past year will significantly shape my goals for the coming year!

A Moment of Deep Reflection

Reflecting on the past year provides invaluable insights into one's strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. I was honored with Top Story, a short 3-line poem I wrote in October 2023, which stands at the intersection of a small achievement and my potential. This recognition meant the world to me and will undoubtedly fuel my desire to delve deeper into the world of poetry, testing the waters to see if lightning can strike twice.

Exploring Diverse Genres

I intend to grow and explore various genres in 2024, a strategic move on my part to identify the most resonant forms of expression that will gain traction with readers. While I genuinely appreciated the success of my poem that summarized the life of Bryon Wien, a top Wall Street strategist who passed away in October 2023. My intense desire is to explore other genres and express my openness to creative evolution. Hopefully, anyone who reads one of my stories will appreciate my willingness to adapt and experiment as I seek to become a more creative and dynamic writer.

Honing the Craft of Character Development

Recognizing the importance of character development in fiction, I aim to enhance this skill by working harder and learning from other writers. Creating characters that resonate with readers is indeed a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. I am committing to improving my skill set on this front after seeing how successful other creators have become by developing their character depth. This has become crystal clear to me after reading the submissions of many Challenge contest winners!

Commitment to Consistent Publishing

Consistency is the cornerstone of success on platforms like Vocal. The commitment to publishing at least twice a month, whether for challenges or standalone stories, demonstrates a dedication to maintaining a regular presence. This consistency will keep me engaged and establish a solid connection with my Vocal audience.

Embracing Community and Collaboration

I recognize the importance of community and collaboration, so I am pledging to review the work of writers and provide constructive feedback to fellow creators. This interconnected approach will enrich my skills as a writer and contribute to the Vocal community's collective growth.

Supporting Fellow Creators

By acknowledging the value of constructive feedback as a means of support, I will fully appreciate the importance of ensuring that all creators work towards a common goal of uplifting one another. This commitment to fostering a positive and supportive environment reflects an understanding that a rising tide always lifts all boats.

Harnessing the Power of Vocal Challenges

Vocal challenges are excellent catalysts for creative exploration. In the past year, I have participated in nearly all the Vocal Challenges offered to keep my creative juices flowing by exploring various genres. I expect to continue this tradition!

A Disciplined Approach to Writing

I have always been disciplined, as evidenced by my commitment to finish each story I have started writing. This strategy should serve me well in 2024 by preventing me from carrying a portfolio of unfinished work, ensuring each story garners its well-deserved attention and closure.

Defining Vocal’s Impact

A hunger for continuous improvement epitomizes my creative efforts on the Vocal platform. At the start of each year, I set the bar higher to ensure incremental success in the new year. That means replicating past successes while striving to exceed them! This commitment to incremental progress aligns with the platform's ethos of fostering growth and excellence.

Over the past year, Vocal has been a journey for me, full of highs, lows, and achievements that have laid the foundation for a promising creative future. My goals for 2024 reflect a nuanced understanding of this creative process, a commitment to the Vocal community, and a hunger for perpetual improvement. As Vocal continues to be a medium for creative expression, I plan to embark on a new chapter, poised to make waves and someday aim to leave an indelible mark on the platform.