Top Stories

Stories in Journal that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.

Screw Vocal Etiquette
I recently read a top vocal story by an author I love. This author puts work that tops itself every time and has at least two top stories a month; I love her voice and her writing. However, I have some thoughts on one of her articles, and that's how you know it's excellent writing; it inspired me to write something myself. So if she happens to read this, I want her to know that I admire her almost religiously.
By Jazzy 3 years ago in Journal
I Have a Serious Question for You: How the F*ck Have You Been Doing This For so Long?
I'm three and a half weeks into my first ever 9 to 6, Monday to Friday job. And I am exhausted. The job is great! The people, greater! And the lifestyle: everything that I'm not used to.
By em3 years ago in Journal
Marooned
The digital sign read, ACCIDENT AHEAD. ROAD CLOSED. FOLLOW DETOUR, and that’s what I did, or thought I was doing. I-25 between Las Cruces and Albuquerque is the personification of desolate nothingness. Becoming lost should have been impossible. The word impossible only applies to a task until someone accomplishes that task and, unfortunately, that someone was me. There were sparsely placed detour signs right up to where the road forked. Then it was driver’s choice. Waze was useless because there was no cell service. I chose the right fork, which was definitely wrong.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Journal
This one is controversial
Ok, I guess I have to go there. In my scrupulous attempt to acquire top story, I have seemed to come up short. Scratching my head for another potential eye-catching idea I peered over the line drawn in the sand. Who knew it'd come to the point where I had to cross it?
By James U. Rizzi3 years ago in Journal
3 Simple Strategies to Try Before You Quit Writing for Good
Writing is not always an easy journey, and there may be moments when you feel like giving up. You're not alone and I'm sad to say that almost all of us have felt like that at one point or another.
By Elise L. Blake3 years ago in Journal
A Time for Reflection
This story has been edited recently. Edits are indicated by strikethroughs; I didn't want anyone to miss out on the original article.
By Alexandria Stanwyck3 years ago in Journal
Coffee? Tea? Who- ME?
I was ‘counseled’ after a regional meeting because I offered to get others coffee when I was going for some myself.
By Judey Kalchik 3 years ago in Journal
The New "Latest Stories" Feature
The New “Latest Stories” Feature I think I’m in love with the new “Latest Stories” feature on Vocal! Already, I can see myself getting lost down that rabbit hole, as I watch the new stories being published every few minutes. It’s a little bit shocking, really - the multitude of new stories piling in.
By KJ Aartila3 years ago in Journal
Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Content Warning Tags Are Here (ye)! . Content Warning.
Vocal has heard and listened to our requests and ideas (and pleas and cries and foot stomping) for some official and consistent content warning options. We now have a content warning tag available in all communities. Yay!!! I can’t wait to test it out with this article.
By Donna Renee3 years ago in Journal
On Venn diagrams, moles, contronyms, and James Joyce
I’m not going to talk about Venn diagrams. For those interested, take a look elsewhere. Or another elsewhere (the latter is not very informative, and it rather serves the purpose of convincingly showing that science is a form of art; I also drop a screenshot below for those who are lazy to open unknown hyperlinks).
By Andrei Z.3 years ago in Journal
From the Aquarian Journal - A Whiney-ass Expose'
From the Aquarian Journal - A Whiney-ass Expose *** Content Warning: Contains Whining, Self-pity and Explicit Language*** There are moments, as part of the human condition, when I just want to give it all up - throw in the towel - bury my head in the sand - blame everything or everyone else. Well, I guess it’s just one of those days (don’t listen to this song, which contains very vulgar language and references, if you are offended by such things). But, in the end, I just can’t, or won’t. Guess I’m stubborn like that. What I have learned over decades is that, once I spend a short time whining and berating myself, I like to take a deep-dive into my own reality, burst the delusions, and improve where I need to improve. The “fault” is rarely external. It’s not - Poor me - nobody likes me or my writing - they just don’t understand.
By KJ Aartila3 years ago in Journal
I’m Calling Corporate Bullshit: Why You Should Never Bring Your Authentic Self to Work
In a world where the office is increasingly turning into a new altar of worship, and work is the religion, the concept of ‘bringing your whole authentic self to work’ is a siren song. This song promises a sense of belonging, purpose, and even transcendence. But as we look closer, a cunning corporate ploy emerges from the depths: the commodification of your identity. The implications of this ploy go beyond the workplace, permeating the very fabric of our society and personal lives.
By Paige Holloway3 years ago in Journal