An Open Letter to the Vocal Community
An apology and a love letter
Dear everyone who has taken the time to read the various pieces of my heart,
I feel like I owe an apology to you all. Life has been busy and hard; in some really great ways and some really challenging ways. As a result, I have been incredibly inactive on this platform.
I just want it on the record that, while I have not checked each notification that has collected on my feed, and I certainly haven’t responded to many comments recently, I see and am so grateful for everyone who has taken time to read, like, comment and subscribe. I value each and every person who reads my words and takes the time to engage so thoughtfully and kindly with me, even if I do not always respond directly.
There is something special about writing communities. There is something extra special about Vocal. I stumbled across a quote recently (and I cannot remember where, my apologies wherever they are due), but it was discussing how only other writers can understand what it feels like to put your words forth for others to hold and critique. Non-writers can sympathize, I am sure, but I doubt they can fully understand the sensation of stripping your soul bare via the written word, of scooping out portions of your heart and presenting them on a platter to others. Here I am; and here, I give to you the power to break the fragile heart I have set in your hands. That is what writing feels like to me. Or, more specifically, what it feels like to share my writing with others.
I know a thing or two about rejection, having become intimately acquainted with the query process over the last few months. Unsuccessfully, thus far. The first few form letters stung; more than that, really, they broke my heart a little bit. But I have since gotten used to the “business” side of trying to get published, and the rejections hurt far less now. I think part of that, however, is also what I am presenting for consideration. Longer form manuscripts which, while I have poured my heart and soul into them for over six months, aren’t pieces of my heart and soul; well, they are, and they aren’t, if that makes any sense.
What are undeniably pieces of my heart and soul are the pieces I publish here on Vocal. Sometimes edited, sometimes off-the-cuff, in-the-moment feelings, the stuff I submit on Vocal feels like a part of me. Not all of it is great; much of it isn’t even good. However, it is me, and it is much more terrifying to put forth for others to read than a query letter and sample pages. Or, it would be terrifying, if I was publishing somewhere other than Vocal.
Not once have I felt rejected, ridiculed, or judged for the pieces I have published throughout my years (!) on Vocal. Time and time again, I have put forth pieces of my heart for your consideration, time and time again I have given you all the power to rip me apart, and time and time again, not only have you not done so, you have been such huge encouragers, such valiant champions, such kind readers. Time and time again, you have done the opposite of break my heart; you have filled it.
The words “thank you” aren’t enough, but they will have to suffice. Thank you for your support and for being people who understand what it is to give your words to the world and not know what to expect. And thank you, for all of your words. All the ways you carve up your own hearts and share them on this platform. Your words are beautiful, they are inspiring, they are moving and witty and luminous. Thank you, yes for reading, but more importantly, for writing and for sharing your writing.
I am always grateful to be a part of this community, even if sometimes I am a quiet part. Thank you, all.
All my love,
Chloë J
About the Creator
Chloë J.
Probably not as funny as I think I am
Insta @chloe_j_writes
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Comments (41)
So very very relatable. As I say in my bio... never more naked than I am on a page 🙃
In 'An Open Letter to the Vocal Community,' the author's sincere words forge a deep bond among creators. The piece resonates with the unity and support that define this community, reminding us that our collective journey is one of inspiration, growth, and unwavering encouragement."
As someone who has just started nosing around in Vocal, and thinking about contributing. That's not really true, it is more than thinking about it. In my mind, I am committed to putting my writing out there. Reading this letter is very encouraging to me. Thank you
Nice
I agree. Vocal is a lovely place to write. With so many communities to be a part of, there is something for everyone and most of us appreciate that we are all on a similar journey. It is also a comfortable place to learn and hone our skills if we want to pursue something bigger, like you have. Good luck in your publishing endeavours, I hope I am in that position one day, though I know it might be difficult.
Yes, writing life is much different when you put yourself out there for peer-reviewed publications. But there is much comfort in writing communities like Vocal to raise our spirits again and again. Congratulations on Top Story!
sport my page
nice
This is really lovely. The very best of luck in getting your work published!
These thoughts I feel too! Thanks for being the one to share it! Read mine too? https://vocal.media/fiction/stella-was-the-thing-dreams-were-made-of
Thank you, Chloe, for expressing so eloquently what most of us here would wish to say to everyone else. Bless you, my friend.
Chloe J.loving your authentic and open letter. Your words express how we feel being on this platform. Sending hugs!!!❤️❤️💕
An eloquent testament to the power of writing communities and the vulnerability of sharing one's soul through words
So You're in the process of getting a book published by a publisher? Well, may You be successful in Your journey. Besides, don't worry about not always responding to people's comments and notifications. Baring Your soul in Your writing in one thing, but continuing to give of Yourself to a community is another. If You got a full plate, You got a full plate. Vocal, and the internet in it of itself, is a luxury. Most people here are of their own free will. Make sure You exercise Your own freely.
You described how I feel, how do you do that? Good luck on your submissions, and thank you for sharing this lovely letter. Congrats on your Top Story!
This was such a lovely letter! Thank you for sharing! And best of luck with the trad publishing process!
Thanks for this open letter, all the amazing pieces of writing, and your heart, given to us here. Congratulations on Top Story! I wish you victory in your endeavors!
New reader of your work here, but I think you don't owe us an apology at all. Life happens to all of us, and sometimes we don't get to connect to our communities as often as we would like. This was really well written, and a well-deserved TS!
A beautiful masterpiece.
I loved this. Beautifully written and thank you for sharing this with us all. I think that the sentiment you have shared here is how we all feel. I love my writing but it is also nice when other people like it too. Top Story worthy recipient.
It shows that you really do care about your readers. You don't owe an apology but appreciation from us. Thank you
Thank you for your letter. We are here to support each other, but sometimes life takes over. Excellent piece, and thank you once more
I felt this deeply and agree with about the people here on Vocal. Congrats on a well deserved Top Story.
Life happens to all of us. Thank you for sharing pieces of yourself with all of us. I totally agree about Vocal. I am far from prolific on here but I have never received anything but encouragement here. With all of the crazy things that happen online it is so special to have such a warm encouraging community here. Thank you for being a part of it.
Beautiful words, and clearly such a beautiful heart interwoven with them. I agree with all those commenting - you definitely don't owe any apology. I think we all are allowed to use this special platform in whatever way we can/however is best suited for us. There seems to be such an understanding and current of mutual appreciation flowing through Vocal, where I believe we know that we're all giving whatever we can in the moment - whether it's one piece (or twelve), feedback, engagement, or just a silent read. When creating and being vulnerable are at the center of something, I think we all just give thanks for the watering hole where we can commune :)