Am I Not Miserable Enough?
Just Some Observations On My Writing

Introduction
I think I have touched this several times, and, as always I can take a sentence and turn it into a few hundred words of ideas to take people on a guided tour of what is going on inside my head (though some would say not very much).
Am I Too Positive?
In the past, I have complained about not being noticed, especially by Vocal judges and management, and then been berated for being attention seeking which is a fair enough criticism, and as a result when I do want to rail against something or say that things are bad for me I pull back.
While I do write criticisms of Vocal, and the odd dark fiction or poetry, these are not meant to upset or depress people. The fiction and poetry may worry them but not depress them, the Vocal criticisms are just my attempts to gee Vocal up and make them even better than they are.
The overall result of this is that most of my writing is extremely positive and hopefully uplifting and that is not normally the stuff that gets the traction. You see it on social media, tell a story about some homeless person who has found a job and accommodation and it is usually ignored, tell a story about a homeless person who threw a Molotov cocktail through a shop window and that will gain loads of traction.
Part of this is the world we live in, think if all the money we spent on fighting and wars, we spent on schools, roads, rail, social improvement, and health, think what a great world this could truly be, a veritable heaven on earth.
I certainly never let anyone know when I am down, and I know that is totally the wrong attitude I have, but I get rid of bad feelings by sharing positive stories and poetry. I am amazed and the compiiments and kudos that I get for my poetry from my friends and audience, but Vocal seldom see that, but my audience certainly does
I also feel that most people see me as someone who "does things" and can "fix things" but not as a real writer. Whenever I try to show people how to write or address technical issues, most people push me to one side, although the ones who don't, and there are a few, know who they are, and I am so thankful for them. Where would I be without my Vocal friends?
This si the start of 2024 and I am going to keep being positive, and doing the things that raise my spirits, like writing upbeat stories, and giving those that need a helping hand the help and encouragement that they need.
I am well past that stage now, but there are times when I doubt myself and feel like chucking it all in and leaving Vocal, but I know, that while Vocal would not miss me, my friends and audience certainly would.
I know that this is getting a bit "It's A Wonderful Life" but that film contains great lessons for all of us, especially if we are despondent or doubting ourselves. YOU have probably made so many people's lives better, just by being you, just by being there to give a hug or talk over some things.
Conclusion
I refuse to be miserable, I intend to be positive, I know I have a very good lot in life and it is only right to share the good stuff with the ones that think that they have no good stuff in their life.
If you have got this far, thank you for reading and spread a little happiness as you take your path through 2024.
"Spread A Little Happiness" that's what I intend to do
About the Creator
Mike Singleton π Mikeydred
A Weaver of Tales and Poetry
Join & Share In VSS
Creationati
Call Me Les β₯ Gina β₯ Heather β₯ Caroline β₯


Comments (9)
Vocal judges? Is this about a competition?
Being positive is always a plus (both as pun & quite seriously). And I can tell you why Smith is miserable. He's got a shrub growing out of his bum!
I read the title like Russell Crowe in Gladiator shouting, "ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!" I don't think you intended it that way, but it made me chuckle. You are bang on about the misery-mongering making more traction than positive stuff. It's a real thing, it has a name: negativity bias. People like Zuckerberg use it to keep you on the platform and engaged.
Oh no Mike, please don't ever leave Vocal. I will miss you π₯Ί
Well, Mike, you are writing exactly what a writer thinks and feels and shares. Damn the calvary that berates you and embrace the writers who understand, love what you are doing, and feel the same feelings. Writers are a special breed and those whose criticism is not constructive are not fellow writers, they are those who are too bitter to dream. Keep writing my friend.
Nah, you're not miserable. Nicely done.
I totally get where you are coming from Mike. I write dark stuff when I feel down, I prefer that than negative stuff. Dark and funny gets me through the haze.
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There's no rhyme or reason. It's a mystery to me. Loved your positive story, see!!!πβ€οΈβ€οΈ