Shoutout
I have an idea....
I do not know if I mentioned this to anyone here on Vocal or not. I have an idea of taking one my series on this site and turning it into a book. The one I am planning well actually started is the one I titled 'The Mission'. There were 13 installments for Vocal, so I am going to make this a book of 13 chapters with an introduction that this was collection of drabbles with a definition of what a drabble is just for information's sake. Do you think this is a good idea and please share your thoughts.
By Mark Graham28 days ago in Writers
Inkheart
'Inkheart' is the beginning of a series by Cornelia Funke that could be construed as a book for middle schoolers to give them a lesson on the importance of the written word and of reading in itself. It's part one of a three-part series. In the first part the main character of Meggie and her father have to figure a way to save the book 'Inkheart' and deal with four characters that Meggie's father 'read' out of the book and now they want to go back into their story and now Meggie and her father are looking to do that,
By Mark Graham28 days ago in Writers
Steinbeck
I have read a compilation of some of John Steinbeck's collection of his short novels. There were six of them in this book from Tortilla Flats, Of Mice and Men, The Red Pony, The Moon is Down, Cannery Row, and The Pearl. I really enjoyed these classics especially 'Of Mice and Men' and 'Cannery Row' I suppose could be two of my favorites. All of these short novels there are lessons to learn all about society and how one sees the myriad collections of individuals and groups like in 'Of Mice and Men' and even 'The Moon is Down'. Read,
By Mark Graham28 days ago in Writers
Reader's Digest
I found out I really like reading these 'condensed books'. In reading 'PLAIN SPEAKING' An Oral Biography of Harry S. Truman by Merle Miller as written in an interview format. Merle covers Harry's life from childhood throughout his early political life and presidency till his death. This is a biography but to me read as novel of this man in between two other presidents. To be honest the only thing I remember of this man was his funeral for it was televised and remember that he was a man who had a difficult job for four years for us all.
By Mark Graham29 days ago in Writers
Learning and teaching
Just finished reading two related textbooks that I had in grad school. 'The first is 'McKeachie's Teaching Tips'. This is really a great reference book for all teacher's whatever level they teach including Kindergarten. It covers how to teach in all kinds of formats from lectures to discussions to simulations to group work. Throughout the book he offers in gray shaded areas to me are quick summaries of what the chapters are teaching. To me the most important aspect a teacher should do is listen and respect the student and the student should listen and learn from you in class.
By Mark Graham29 days ago in Writers
The Paper Bag Chronicles: How My Driveway Became a Museum Exhibit for Britain's Declining Competence. Top Story - September 2026.
Take a moment to gaze at my chosen image from 'Unsplash,' and what does it tell you? No, it isn't that the toilet rolls are a grim portent of another incoming COVID outbreak, and it's not that he's about to break out into an enthusiastic attempt at juggling either; that carton of eggs at the very top wouldn't stand a chance of making it home. No.
By Jonathan Townendabout a month ago in Writers
Getting ready to....
This will be a boring type note to share, but here goes. I did not get the chance to complete Spring cleaning for when I usually do that the weather did not cooperate for; I like sunny days to do this kind of deep cleaning and the days just got to hot and very humid way too soon. Now the weather is very slowly starting to cool off, and I hope to start 'Fall cleaning' from pulling everything out, dusting and vacuuming everything and mopping floors along with windows and washing curtains, which is the chore that starts me off.
By Mark Grahamabout a month ago in Writers
The Worry.. Content Warning.
I didn’t mean to write thirty‑seven stories. It just… happened. One minute I was sitting there on September eighth thinking, “Hey, I’ll enter this challenge,” and the next thing I knew, I was knee‑deep in plot ideas, caffeine, and whatever leftover brain cells my kids hadn’t stolen from me. I blinked, and suddenly I had a whole damn library of stories published.
By Syl De'Vilabout a month ago in Writers
Why Your Paralysis Is Lying to You
Let me paint you a picture. You're standing at the edge of something - a new career, a difficult conversation, a gym membership you've had since January that's been collecting more dust than results. And instead of moving, you freeze. You overthink. You scroll. You convince yourself that the "right moment" is just around the corner.
By Narghiza Ergashovaabout a month ago in Writers
Silence Is Not An Acceptable Response
Introduction The most important part of this is to list Creators who cannot get get onto the system or are facing major issues. If you know of Vocal Creators in this situation, let me know via a comment or a message on facebook.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred about a month ago in Writers
