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Gatekeeping in Writing Communities. Top Story - June 2026.
Not every harsh opinion is valuable, just as not every valuable opinion has to be harsh. -Annam M. Gordon Writing communities can be strange places sometimes where gatekeeping is alive and well in many of them. Most writing forums seem to have its share of drama, cliques, and people who appoint themselves the authority on what counts as “real” writing. Reviews and comments can quickly turn into status signaling, where “real writers do it this way.”
By Annam M Gordon4 months ago in Writers
Three Coins in the Fountain
You’ve made up your mind. You are going for it! You want to become a writer. Now, where do you go from there? There is the old-school way: libraries, reference books, or published how-to books. I have tried that. It’s butt-numbing, like doing research for a term paper. Now, lucky us, we have the internet and devices that ensure you do not have to break a sweat finding a place for your writing. This is where I come in today.
By Alexandra Grant4 months ago in Writers
The Hollow Profile
Kera Hollow, known best for her amateur poetry that circulated amongst indie feminist literary circles, has departed somewhere greener. Where that place is, we'd best not speculate too loudly, as the embittered atheist would sour in her grave if she heard our prayers.
By Kera Hollow4 months ago in Writers
How to live a happy life
- On gratitude: "Don't be like a sieve, trapping impurities and letting go of flour; rather, be like a bee, landing only on what is pure and leaving behind only sweet traces. He who forgets the kindness of others when he becomes wealthy will find himself alone when he becomes poor." - On dealing with hardship: "If you find yourself in dire straits, do not complain to others and demean yourself. Instead, be like the sea; its depths seething with the roar of waves, while its surface remains calm and dignified. Remember that light only enters a room through a crack in the wall; perhaps your pain is the gateway to relief." - On the reality of sustenance: "Do not exhaust yourself chasing after worldly possessions like a beast; what is meant for you will come to you despite your weakness, and what is not meant for you, you will not attain despite your strength. The lesson is not in accumulating wealth, but in the blessing bestowed upon it. How many a man of a palace sleeps restlessly, while how many a man of a humble hut sleeps soundly." - On the value of silence and words: "Before you utter a word, let it pass through three doors: Is it truthful? Is it necessary? And is it kind? For a word is like a bullet; once it is released, it cannot be taken back, and it may kill a heart that its owner built over years." - On patience with fate: "Do not grieve if a door you desperately wanted closes in your face; perhaps behind that door lies a fire that will consume your dreams. God does not withhold good from you except to give you something more lasting and beneficial, so surrender to His plan and you will find happiness." - A lesson in self-development: "Do not compare your beginnings to the successes of others; for every flower blooms in its own time. Work on yourself in silence, and let the noise of your success speak for itself. Humility at the top is more difficult than patience at the bottom, so be like the ears of wheat; the full ones bow down, while the empty ones remain proudly upright in vain."
By Shoaib4 months ago in Writers
From Page to Podcast . Top Story - June 2026.
Ever since I joined Vocal I have enjoyed a variety of great experiences. What started as an attempt to hone my fiction writing became a hugely successful hobby. I'm also now a poet. So there's that. And an award winner too. With nine Vocal first-place wins, numerous runner-up finishes and honourable mentions, plus several placements in unofficial challenges.
By Paul Stewart4 months ago in Writers
Calling For Your Underappreciated Stories. Top Story - June 2026.
For those of you who are kind enough to care: I am finally back from my Italian vacation! It was wild, chaotic, nurturing, and... exhausting.
By Sasha Desideri4 months ago in Writers
Inside Luxury Estates Designed to Showcase World-Class Art Collections
Luxury real estate has evolved far beyond grand architecture and premium amenities. Today, some of the world's most extraordinary estates are designed around a different form of wealth: world-class art collections. These remarkable properties combine residential comfort with museum-quality presentation, creating environments where art becomes an essential part of everyday life. Rather than treating artwork as decoration, homeowners place creativity at the center of the architectural experience.
By Scalaa Architects4 months ago in Writers
How to Build an Online Community That People Actually Want to Join
Creating an online community is more than just opening a Facebook group or launching a Discord server. A successful community is built around meaningful connections, shared interests, and consistent value. Whether you're growing a brand, launching a startup, or bringing together people with a common passion, a strong online community can become one of your most valuable assets.
By Jhones Benn4 months ago in Writers
Built for Tomorrow: How Ultra-Rich Estates Preserve Power Across Generations
The ultra-rich rarely view a home as only a place to live. Instead, they often treat architecture as a long-term expression of identity, achievement, and family ambition. These homes become physical statements that communicate success while preserving values for future generations. As a result, every design decision can carry meaning far beyond comfort or style.
By Inspirata Group4 months ago in Writers
More Thoughts On Vocal Commenting
Introduction While I don't get many comments, sometimes I will wake up and find maybe eight to ten comments on one of my stories.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 4 months ago in Writers
The Getting to Know Each Other Game Edition #4
It has now been nearly three and a half weeks since the last Getting to Know Each Other game, and during that time life has been moving in several unexpected directions. A lot has unfolded over these past few weeks—some of it heavy, some of it exhausting, and some of it surprisingly inspiring. It has been a season filled with emotion, reflection, and a renewed sense of how quickly life can shift beneath your feet.
By Rick Henry Christopher 4 months ago in Writers
Spinning Wheels
So you say you’re a new writer. How’s that going? Daunting, isn’t it? I hear you. I’m about a year and one month into my writing journey. The amount of information out there is mind-boggling. The quality of the information and advice is mixed, but more than that, the people writing it forget who they’re writing for. That is extremely frustrating. I’m going to give you some valuable information that won’t cost you anything. It’s coming from a very new writer who would like to see some improvements in the field. I promise to be honest and straightforward with you, so you can make informed decisions.
By Alexandra Grant4 months ago in Writers