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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 Gordon3 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 Grant3 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 Shoaib3 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 Stewart3 months ago in Writers
Aerospace Wire Harness Manufacturing: Building the Electrical Backbone of Aviation. AI-Generated.
Every aircraft relies on an intricate network of electrical systems. Navigation equipment, flight controls, communication systems, engine sensors, and cabin electronics all require reliable electrical connections.
By Beckett Dowhan3 months ago in Writers
Aircraft Power Distribution Systems: Managing Energy Across Modern Aviation Platforms. AI-Generated.
Modern aircraft depend on a vast network of electrical systems to operate safely and efficiently. From avionics and flight controls to cabin lighting and engine monitoring systems, nearly every critical function requires a stable and reliable power supply.
By Beckett Dowhan3 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 3 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 3 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 Grant3 months ago in Writers
Why We Feel Undervalued On Vocal
Introduction This happens to me a lot and while we value feedback from our peers (and every read and comment they make on our stories rewards us with half a cent, we still appreciate a Top Story or even a Challenge win, placement or mention. I have written about this many times before:
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 3 months ago in Writers
Come On, Vocal Creators, Let's Support Each Other
Introduction Every week in The Vocal Social Society, we feature (usually Top) stories from four Vocal Communities for people to read and therefore support the creators a little further.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 3 months ago in Writers
My Ever Evolving Vocal Audience
Introduction I recently lost a reader which sort of upset me, because although I supported that person, they just stopped reading and commenting on my work, though they still are actively commenting on others work, so I must have offended them, though I and my friends probably know the real reason.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 3 months ago in Writers