An Open Letter to the Vocal Community

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