Just Checkin' In

Hey, all you wonderful Vocal creators! I'm just stickin' my nose in here for a minute to say, “Wassup?” It's been 12 days since I published anything here and I need to remedy that. More importantly, there are a whole lot of comments I need to answer and there's a ton of new stuff from my friends to read. I'll be getting started on that today and I'm really looking forward to it.

In case you're one of the few people that might have actually wondered, I've been on a bit of a “Vocal Vacation” to work on my books and investigate a few things. One of those investigations turned up something rewarding in more ways than one.

Over the past several days, I've completed two of the most fun and challenging writing projects I've had in a while. One, writing about an element of poetry and the other, writing poetry. And I was paid well for both. I also received a 5 out of 5-star rating for both and outrageously positive feedback from the clients. Bonus: I've already received an invitation to bid on another project. Ratings and feedback on the platform have a lot to do with that.

So, work on the books was interrupted for a bit, but I get to pay some bills and keep the lights and heat on, which is always nice - at least the last part. Not only that, but there's something pretty cool about immediately landing jobs on the freelancing platforms after being idle for ages. And it was creative writing. At my proposed price. So, please, pardon me if I'm a little stoked.

One more fun fact: It was my Vocal publications that convinced the prospective clients I was the writer they wanted. It's nice to have a portfolio handy, no?

Now, there are a couple of caveats: The freelancing platform takes a little cut, and there's a 5-day waiting period while they verify the funds deposited by the client. On the other hand:

I pay Vocal a monthly fee, in exchange for a few perks, Stripe gets a cut, and:

I wait an unspecified number of days for Vocal to release a withdrawal (My last is currently at 10 and counting.) while they make sure I'm not gaming the system.

So it comes down to caveats all around. And in that way, this little hiatus has helped me come to terms with Vocal again. That last item on the list doesn't grate on me any less, but I'm making adjustments. My perspective is a little different today. We'll see if an old dog can be taught.

Mostly, I'm just nowhere near ready to leave this community. I may have mentioned that a time or two. I'll probably mention it again. Without any apologies.

So, you're stuck with me for now, peeps. I'll be here, but probably ranting less. I'm not likely to stop completely, because I'm a grumpy, opinionated old fart with some old-fashioned ideas about business and responsibility and other trivial things. And my joints hurt. And I don't get enough sleep. And...

There will be more gaps in my publishing while life and other projects get in the way, but I'm a die-hard Vocalite and that's a fact. I'm gonna' be reading your work and supporting you. Liking, commenting and all that. And hey, if you don't see me around, feel free to check on me. It's always nice to know someone noticed. I'll do the same.

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As always, thanks for taking time out of your day to read my ramblings. You are appreciated!