📢 Raise Your Voice Thread: 07/31/2025
Champion your favorite creators
Our “Raise Your Voice Threads” are hosted most alternating Thursdays at 12PM ET to offer creators more avenues to uncover exceptional stories on Vocal. As we are continuously searching for fresh creators and inspiring stories, this thread provides an opportunity to exchange and discuss the stories that have moved and motivated us on Vocal.
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S.A. Crawford gives us a powerful glimpse into how harsh self-judgment often distorts reality in her poem Short Drop.
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Raise Your Voice by Vocal
Every other Thursday @ 12PM ET, we come together to champion inspiring stories and outstanding creators on Vocal. Subscribe now
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📢 Raise Your Voice Thread: 07/17/2025
Our “Raise Your Voice Threads” are hosted most alternating Thursdays at 12PM ET to offer creators more avenues to uncover exceptional stories on Vocal. As we are continuously searching for fresh creators and inspiring stories, this thread provides an opportunity to exchange and discuss the stories that have moved and motivated us on Vocal.
By Raise Your Voice by Vocal6 months ago in Resources
It's Winter
Anne Bernays and Pamela Painter — What If? Writing Exercise for Fiction Writers prompts The Exercise —Write a scene involving two characters. Have the point-of-view character presume something entirely different about the situation from what the other character's overt behavior seems to imply. For example, a landlord comes to visit, and the tenant suspects that it isn't a visit but an inspection. Make up several situations in which one character can fantasize or project or suspect or even fear what another character is thinking. The Objective - To show how your characters can use their imaginations to interpret the behavior and dialogue of other characters.
By Denise E Lindquist7 days ago in Writers
Comments (23)
I'm passionate about uncovering the hidden layers of history, consciousness, and the mysteries that shape our world. Together, we'll explore a wide range of topics, from ancient civilizations and extraterrestrial encounters to spiritual awakenings and cosmic cycles. Through my stories, we'll connect the past, present, and future, offering insights that challenge conventional thinking and invite deeper reflection. Whether you're here for truth-seeking, inspiration, or curiosity, I'm honored to have you along for the journey. I also encourage you to share your own experiences and thoughts on these topics, as diverse perspectives enrich our community. Expect thought-provoking narratives, cosmic perspectives, and a touch of the unknown. https://shopping-feedback.today/authors/the-secret-history-of-the-world%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cstyle data-emotion-css="w4qknv-Replies">.css-w4qknv-Replies{display:grid;gap:1.5rem;}
I will post this onto the next Raise Your Voice, too since I'm either always late or way too early...this was SO GOOD by Lizz Chambers: https://shopping-feedback.today/families/saints-sinners-and-sweet-tea%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">
Hello Vocal Team My brother’s account, “Everyday Light”, was suspended, and despite his repeated efforts — including multiple emails, a Help Center request, and messages on Facebook and X — he hasn’t received any reply. This account had earnings, and he worked with great dedication and passion on every story he wrote. It’s very discouraging for him as a student and writer to lose access without any update. We kindly request you to review this matter and update us at 📧 [email protected]. Thank you for your time and understanding. 🙏
A challenge by Aspen Marie...her first prompt https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/first-prompt%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">
https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/still-life-with-thornes%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E By Angel Aguilar My comment: The imagery you have presented here with the bruised rose was so well done. Especially when I had to read to the end to find out that the bruised rose, might be a certain someone. The rose wounding the window sill, makes me think of thorns. But yet the soft petals of the rose, was the dominant figure that took over my imagination. There's a certain magic here, it's like the meaning is hidden... Maybe the effect of the pain is no longer a mirror... This was like an intellectual dance, I really do like it a lot. Well done Angel ❤️🤗
I've recommended (recoverysolutionpro) on telegram to several friends affected by financial scams, and all of them have been impressed. The consistent positive results and peace of mind they've experienced only reaffirm my trust in this recovery service just incase you need help you can reach out to them on telegram.
Forgive the late post, but the podcast episode only dropped this morning, and how could I not highlight a first-of-its-kind collaboration between two long-time Vocal creators and one of the leading voices in independent narration to produce a sublime listening experience? https://shopping-feedback.today/beat/milestone-hunters-receives-full-audio-adaptation-treatment%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">
My name is Autumn, and I write to express the feelings that I coop up. Whether it's thoughts on the things I see my friends and family go through, societal representations, or general feelings and experiences that are all too common in the modern day. I want to recommend C.M. Dallas here: https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/d-i-s-o-w-n-e-d%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E I know too many who have lost connections to people who were supposed to love and support them unconditionally. C.M. Dallas captures this beautifully.
Not to self promote, I'm just here to share some of my feelings and thoughts recently and hope to find people who can relate or resonate a little bit... https://shopping-feedback.today/confessions/full-of-feelings-and-questions%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">
This is such a great initiative. Short Drop by S.A. Crawford truly hit me — raw, real, and beautifully expressed. Grateful for spaces like this to discover voices that stay with you.
A story about the iOS 18.6 update — if you use an iPhone, you might want to take a few minutes and read this. It’s detailed, helpful, and really worth your time. 📱✨ 👉 https://shopping-feedback.today/futurism/i-os-18-6-everything-you-need-to-do-after-the-update%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">
I just read this piece but wrecked me by Marianne Carroll https://shopping-feedback.today/fiction/hungry-river%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">
Hey everyone, I have just started writing with Vocal again. I used to do a lot of listicle style articles for TTRPGs as I was using Vocal primarily for side income. But I am now using it to do more fiction writing. I am working on a series right now called Dead Man's Playlist! You can check it out on my profile!
Hi, it's me, Annie. I'd like you to take the time to read this incredible poem by Tim Carmichael called "Instructions for Becoming a Ghost" - I am obsessed with it at the moment: https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/instructions-for-becoming-a-ghost%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">
Hi - sorry I keep missing this thread because of work. I’d like to highlight this poem I just read by RMS that I think is right on the money. https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/-3zta90yo9%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E And this one by Kendall Defoe because he gives us a link to hear him read his poetry. https://shopping-feedback.today/writers/sound-and-vision#comment-ff159085-7593-4cd5-ad25-fb870f8e8a90%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">
Sandor’s latest piece didn’t get enough love. Creepy and gothic: https://shopping-feedback.today/fiction/the-haint-of-blue-heron-creek%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">
I think 'Champion your favorite creators' should be changed to champion other creators, favorite or not...I kind of sounds like the same people will keep getting written in and recommended...unknown writers, though not excluded in the crunch, sort of seem left out. Just an observation...don't shoot the messenger.
Supporting Mary Haynes. https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/behind-dark-sunglasses%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">
Rare nomination from yours truly for Vocal big-leaguer Paul Stewart. Specifically, his most recent poem "Pack Your Shadow" that, as someone well versed in the musician who inspired it, I can tell you absolutely nails the promise and desolation inherent in Bruce's slide of Americana. And that's no easy thing to pull off, especially from a bloke who doesn't even *live* in America. Cannot applaud it enough for the ambition alone, not to mention the execution for pulling off such a tall order: https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/pack-your-shadow%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">
This one was particularly moving… thank you for be brave enough to share with us, Sid. https://shopping-feedback.today/fiction/summer-of-94%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">
A beautifully touching story by Julie Lacksonen https://shopping-feedback.today/fiction/life-after-summer%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Natasha Callazo tugged on every emotion with this moving yet uplifting story. https://shopping-feedback.today/fiction/the-glass-shark%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Ray Taylor’s “Oblivion 2” is an example of a very well written story. This is one I will be using as a reference point. https://shopping-feedback.today/fiction/the-glass-shark%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Marie Wilson did a spectacular job chronicling her recent visit to Paris, France. https://shopping-feedback.today/wander/paris-excerpts%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Rachel Robbins is one of the best movie critics/reviewers on Vocal. This time she gives us a brief backstory on one of the finest critics of 1940s era fi, Pauline Kael. https://shopping-feedback.today/geeks/pauline-kael%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">
Hello folkadokadiddliedoodas. Paul here. That Paul. The Paul. Anyway, hope everyone is good? If you aren't, I'm sad to hear that. If you are, we've covered that. I write stuff. Mostly poetry and fiction. But sometimes other stuff. I want to share some stuff that has caught my attention recently. First - No Eyes Needed by Ruth Stewart (yes, that Ruth and that Stewart) is a heartbreaking poem.- https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/no-eyes-needed%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Second - Smoke & Mirrors by the always great Jess Boyes - https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/smoke-and-mirrors-kbkps0we0%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Third - Snuffed by the incredible DK Shepard. https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/snuffed%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Fourth - Pitless by Ellie Hoovs has definitely been overlooked. It's all kinda of clever, sexy, tantalising, but never feels cheap or tacky, while stille being grown up. https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/pitless%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Fifth - Seven Minutes in Heaven by K.C. Wexlar is beautiful. It's haunting, full of lived-in regret, and believable flaws and decisions. It's also incredibly human and had me crying like a baby. https://shopping-feedback.today/fiction/seven-minutes-in-heaven-4355408iz%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Sixth - because I remember this should be included - God's Garden by A.J. Schoenfeld - this is just beautiful, timely, important and should be read by everyone. https://shopping-feedback.today/humans/god-s-garden%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">
Here are my five Top Story Nominations 1: A climate based story from Michelle Liew https://shopping-feedback.today/fiction/the-day-the-ocean-texted-back%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E 2: A great poem from Marie381Uk https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/the-servants-who-suffered-in-1854%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E 3: Some fun from Ross E Fortune Lombardi https://shopping-feedback.today/humor/how-to-single-handedly-take-out-10-ninjas%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E 4: Great to see Gillian Lesley Scott back with an wxcwllwnt film review https://shopping-feedback.today/critique/bring-her-back-5rn060sno%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E 5: Some Unspoken words from Andrea Corwin https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/data-4vrrw0izd%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">