How to be a Consistent Writer on Vocal.

It's not easy being consistent at anything in life, let alone when there's a global pandemic just outside the door. The days are long and finding the motivation to do simple tasks is fleeting. God knows, I've been in Christmas mode since November, getting up at one and going to bed at three.

So how does one find the motivation to write on Vocal consistently. To set aside time, not only to write, but to imagine, plan and then finally start writing?

Here's a few tips that have helped me;

1. When you're in the zone, keep going.

Life can very easily get in the way of this rule, since you do need your 8 hours of sleep, 3 meals a day, etc. but outside of the necessities in your life, once you've got your creative vibes flowing, keep going. Don't stop at one Vocal story or even two in one sitting if you've got the time and the ideas to keep you going. Grab a snack, a fresh cup of coffee and keep writing. For a while I got into the habit of only writing one Vocal story per sitting no matter how much free time I had, epecially over the weekends. And I'd wanted to write more! But unfortunately the habit had stuck and took me a while to get free.

(Don't let unfinished stories pile up either. They look like more work than they are and can result in making you feel bad for not finishing them and ultimately just scrapping the whole thing. If you can mange it, try and finish a story in one siting.)

It's hard to get into the mindset of productivity these days so produce, produce while you can.

2. Save your stories.

I'm especially guilty of this one and I have no doubt most of you are too. Oh, to finally finish a Vocal story and be able to press the submit button. It's such a great feeling that we can forget to take a second and ask ourselves: should I submit this?

On average Vocal stories take less than a day to be reviewed and sent out into the world so if you have a story already in review and you know you're gonna be busy next week, save your story. That way you space out your awesome work and dont have two stories out in one day and nothing for a whole week. It may be the same amount of stories in the time frame, but by spacing them out it not only benefits your readers but favours your chances of being a top story.

If you can write six stories a week, go ahead and pop em out as you please. But if you're on a tighter schedule or just find yourself having random bursts of motivation once a week, save your story in drafts as a back up.

3. Experiment

Never, ever, ever be afraid to write outside your comfort zone on Vocal. Being able to write whatever you want, whenever you want is the whole point of Vocal! If you put yourself in boxes of what you can/can't, should/shouldn't write you're only limiting yourself. Take comfort in the fact you are a good writer and, most importantly, you can write whatever you feel like.

Horror writers, go ahead and write a personal story about walking your dog. Poets, write a horror story. You don't have to forgot your passions to investigate others.

4. Connect with other Writers

It can be bit nerve-wracking to message someone but think about it this way. Wouldn't you appreciate an email/DM from someone who liked your latest story? It's as simple as saying a quick hello and an 'I loved your story!' for you to make a new friend. Interacting with other writers provides a lot of motivation and support, both of which will help keep your writing consistent.

Vocal is a community. Along with reaching out to others, whether it's for help, to send some love or anything else, try to like stories you enjoyed, tip creators who inspire you $1 (if you can spare it), share their work to your readers. It goes a long way.

5. Get Inspired (but never copy)

If you're ever unispired, lost on what to write, etc. take advantage of the thousands of amazing stories available for you to devour on the very site you're writing on (or trying to write on). There's communities filled with rich bodies of work that'll inspire you with their beautiful language, aesthetic settings, interesting facts and lists and thought-provoking imagery. I often forget this simple fact myself when I'm stumped on what to write. Sometimes you can even inspire yourself by checking through past stories. The possibilities really are endless.

Take the time to be inspired. You'll end up writing something far more important to yourself and notably to others, than phoning in something a fellow creator has made. Never copy/steal.

6. Take your breaks

It may seem a silly tip for a list on being consistent but you're far better off taking a break than ultimately burning out. Missing a few days is far better than starting to cultivate hatred for something you love. Writing should never be a chore so make sure you chill out every now and then and take time for yourself.

It may not help you consistently pump out material daily but in the long run you'll be doing yourslef a favour and Vocal isn't designed for making a quick buck. Be kind to your mind, soul and body and they'll be kind to you. Happy writing!

Thanks for reading! Hope this guide helped you be more consistent on Vocal. If so, leave a like. Tips are hugely appreciated. Click the little picture of me for tons more content just like this. See ya! - Ciaran.

Need a writer, help/support or just someone to chat to? Message me at [email protected].