Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

I must apologize for the late response. In truth I am still in shock.

The day was like any other, Wake up go for a walk, grab a coffee then plan to write throughout the morning.

On this particular day, August 16th, 2025. I was trying to complete a story for a Vocal Challenge. Having had a rather disturbing night of crazy dreams my mind was all over the place and concentration was at a minimum.

Yet write I tried.

A pop up appeared across my screen letting me know I had a message about a reader insight. I clicked them minimized almost immediately. I did not wish to be distracted. YET then another for receiving a comment on your story 'After the rain' and then another and yet another. I finally clicked on my notifications and saw one from Vocal 'You received $ ... bonus.'

My heart paused if it had stopped I would not be writing this. My mouth went dry. I refused to read further in fear the surreal situation would become a fantasy. Why? Because disappointment has been a constant companion when it came to winning a first place.

There were many pieces I felt had a real chance (As we all hope).

Silence of time

Down the rabbit hole

Hey Buddy

Two of a kind equal a pear.

Fast like the wind.

The legend of Foggy Waters.

I'm Broken.

Although I am grateful for being chosen as runner up three times and one honorable mention.

Achievements:

Runner-up in Poemosaurus Rex Challenge

Runner-Up in History Would’ve Burned This Page Challenge

Runner-Up in Future Fragments Challenge

Honorable Mention in Love in 50 Words Challenge

Pushing myself away from the computer I grabbed my iPad and went to find my wife. If anyone knows me, Linda is the one and only person I let read my works before publishing. Therefore, I wanted her to be present just in case the news was what I hoped it may be.

Together we signed in to Vocal, scrolled to the winners announcement of 'Winner in The Summer That Wasn’t Challenge.'

There it was my name in the winners circle....'After the rains' by Jbaz.

HOLY...S…

To see your name on that list with so many talented creators, is truly a dream, especially after having read many of the entries and realizing the amazing talent pool Vocal has accumulated.

I started back in February 2021, like many of us, trying to win that twenty thousand grand prize for the 'Black book' Challenge.' The story I released was my very first Publicly published piece anywhere. I some-how managed to receive a Top Story award for 'Cost of Freedom'.

Then no top story for almost two years....I learned that this business is tough and rough and oh boy does a writer need to learn patience, humility, and perseverance.

In truth, I wasn't close to becoming a proper published author. It is due to Vocal that I am given that chance, to create, share and discuss with other creators. If it wasn't for the continuous support of fellow writers I may have quit a while ago. For that alone I am grateful.

I still have a long way to go before I will ever be pleased with my works. There are pieces of mine I enjoy re-reading while others leave me shaking my head, thinking ...' You could have done better.'

Regardless, I will keep trying. However, I need to focus on the novels I am trying to complete. That is why I am writing and submiting less. However, I still read stories on Vocal as often as I can.

Yet, Vocal has a way of grabbing our attention with challenges.

In case you don’t know. What I am trying to express is a true heartfelt thank you to Vocal and every creator on this site. Thank you to Vocal judges for picking my story. I can imagine this is not an easy task. A special thank you to everyone who has ever read and supported me and my works. It truly is an honour to be part of this fantastic writing platform. This is why I am signed up for a five year commitment/subscription.

I started listing people to thank, then realized it would be a Novella if I did that. I hope you know who you are, and I hope I have expressed my thanks properly to you in the comments of my stories.

I seriously could not have won, without reading your works, which inspires and forces me to become a better writer. I fully understand that winning and being recognized is never a given, it is a privilege.

Thank you,

Jason Basaraba