Process

Building Tension and Conflict
As authors, we are the puppet masters of emotions in our novels. It is our job to keep readers on the edge of their seats, turning pages, eager to uncover the next revelation. But how do we achieve this? What are the methods to weave a web of tension and conflict that enthralls our readers?
By Wendy Van Camp3 years ago in Writers
Week 4 of Write a Story Every Day in 2024
28 down. Quite a few more to go. Maths not really my strong point. My kids would say "Neither is writing" but hey, what do they know?
By Rachel Deeming3 years ago in Writers
The Power of Prompts
Introduction The blank page is a canvas of endless possibilities, waiting for a writer to paint a picture with words: a doodle, a masterpiece, or something in between. There are so many possibilities, that the most seasoned creative writer can be intimidated by the blank page.
By Randy Baker3 years ago in Writers
Out with the old
Last year, I decided to delete my old Vocal account. Deleting my account was like closing a chapter in my life. Grammar, spelling, proper punctuation, and writing flow are not my strong suit. (Go figure, the little dyslexic girl loves to write, right?) Sigh! It was a bold move, but one that I felt was necessary.
By Jordan Jones3 years ago in Writers
7 Tips and Games for Battling Writer's Block
OK, it's time to sit down at the computer or your pad of paper and create a masterpiece. Right? Not that easy! I used to get stuck on the idea of creating incredible artwork every single day. Then, a day would come when I painted awful. Frustration would tug at me, and I would think I had lost my creative talent.
By Daphsam3 years ago in Writers
A Squall
I’ve come to understand writer’s block as a spectrum of experience. I haven’t done much research on the matter unless you count gathering anecdotal evidence of what people experience when they experience “writer’s block” as sufficient research. Despite knowing plenty of literature on the subject exists, I’ve come to this conclusion of an existing spectrum through conversation. My previously developed thought seems reinforced by the fact that several writers on this platform have articulated their unique take on it for the #200 challenge; no two definitions I’ve seen are the same.
By kp3 years ago in Writers
Writers Need to Rethink the Reasons They Write Books
There is one question above all that writers will either love or hate to answer no matter how good or bad the intentions are of the asker.
By Elise L. Blake3 years ago in Writers
President of State
Introduction With the upcoming presidential election grabbing headlines, it's like the hottest show in town. Everyone's talking about it, and there's a lot of excitement in the air. They're encouraging us to go out and vote, which is pretty cool because it's our chance to have a say, right?
By Amira3 years ago in Writers
In My Mind ~ Surviving with ADHD
There are so many misconceptions of ADHD no one takes it seriously. It's so simpler to Autism it should be in the spectrum. I don't share this because I'm always afraid I'm won't be treated equally to my peers, or co-workers. On job applications I have checked off I don't wish to say when it comes to the disability part. I hate the word disability, so much so it's close to loath. It's like it's inviting me to be mistreated or bullied.
By Emily Curry (Rising Phoenix)3 years ago in Writers
A very fond farewell
Hi Vocal Friends, I wanted to say Thank You. Thank You for the powerful lessons you all have taught me over the past 11 months I have been on this platform.
By ARC3 years ago in Writers
vocal bliss
As the new year approaches, there is always a significant push to pick ourselves apart, see where we can make personal improvements, set goals, and decide how to completely change our lives to become even better versions of ourselves. Although I feel the excitement around the impulse of making changes, improving, and setting goals, I’m not one to set my lofty resolutions during the frigid winter months. I’m in hibernation mode, and if it doesn't include a sweater, slippers, and tea, I’m probably not going.
By Kristen Balyeat3 years ago in Writers
Growth
I am sitting at the bottom of it all. The acid from the belly of the beast is crashing over me. Flesh slipping off bones, like gushing water down a 20 ft slide. I hold on to my smile to show the world I am enjoying the suffering. This year on Vocal I don't want to gloss over the tough shit.
By Jada Ferguson3 years ago in Writers