What to do When a Vocal Challenge Doesn't Speak to You

There's no rule that says you have to enter every Vocal challenge just because you paid for Vocal+. Then again, why wouldn't you?

Generally, I enjoy the challenges. Prompts give writers some direction and a deadline. They give entrants the hope of monetary gain and some potential bragging rights.

Keeping in mind that I have yet to get a full win, many of the challenges that I placed on were for pieces that I didn't think had a snowball's chance in Hades. Some of the ones that I thought were good contenders came to naught. I've had some pieces that I was REALLY proud of that didn't get a top story, didn't place, and barely got any reads.

Yes, it's frustrating, but there are plenty of examples of people who have had lots of doors slammed in their faces before making it big, whether in writing, music, show business, or any number of other fields.

Again, I'm no expert here, but I've been reading ALL of the pieces that have placed this year. It seems to me that the judges favor pieces that have some emotional impact. They like stories and poems that stand out. Maybe the author wrote it in an unusual style. Maybe he or she chose an unusual setting. Maybe she or he wrote it from an unusual perspective.

Try writing in a way that you wouldn't normally consider. Find a way to give your story or poem some heart and some staying power. Write something they will remember long after reading it. I know, I'm probably "preaching to the choir." Many of you who are reading this could have written on this topic with your own perspective.

Until the judging is complete, no one knows what will catch the judge's attention. You may, at times, wonder, "What were they thinking?" Most of the time, they do a great job. I don't envy them. There are usually lots of quality entries. We're assured that they read every one of them. They have to sift through hundreds, sometimes thousands of stories or poems.

What I'm saying is, don't give up. If you feel drawn to writing, then for all that's holy, WRITE!! Enter every challenge, even if it trips you up, even if you think, "This is Stupid." Sometimes stupid works!

I've been working on my third entry for Not Quite There for about a week now. The first two fell into place rather easily. This one is fighting, and I'm losing. Even if I ultimately rewrite it, I'm still planning to finish and submit it. Win or lose, I figure I've gained some experience even trying.

What gets me, is when someone doesn't follow the prompt rules. Perhaps he or she ignored the actual prompt, leaving out a critical element. It could be an issue with word count - too many or too few. Maybe she or he entered their piece in the wrong community. These are easy fixes, folks! Check the rules and follow them, or you'll be counted out before you're tapped in.

So, while I'm a Vocal+ member, I'm going to keep writing and entering most challenges multiple times. What's the worst that could happen? I don't win? If I don't try, that's a given. Sure, it's disappointing - really disappointing when you try and try and you don't win. It's tough when you're lucky if you can manage an honorable mention, or "happy day," a runner-up title.

When I win my first challenge, I will literally dance around my house, perhaps naked!

Keep writing, and maybe you'll be dancing soon. Good luck on the challenges!