đ˘ Raise Your Voice Thread: 10/17/2024
Champion your favorite creators.
Our âRaise Your Voice Threadsâ 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.
How to join the đ˘ Raise Your Voice Thread:
- Introduce yourself in the comment section of this story and tell us what you create on Vocal.
- Shoutout a Vocal creator you recommend reading. Include the URL of a writer or story that inspired you and why.
- If you like a story another person has recommended, send that story's creator a like, leave a comment, and/or subscribe to them.
Please follow Vocalâs Community Guidelines and donât spam your own profile or stories in the thread. We encourage the community to report users or comments that break these guidelines.
We'll start the thread:
Jada Ferguson's Her Baby Brother is a beautifully written exploration of guilt, estrangement, and the enduring power of familial love. Rich with human truth, it captures the raw complexities of relationships in a way that feels both intimate and universal.
Now it's your turn. Share your favorite stories in the comments below.
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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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đ˘ Raise Your Voice Thread: 10/03/2024
Our âRaise Your Voice Threadsâ 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 Vocalabout a year ago in Resources
If You Love Me, You'll Do It
I met Jason when I was five years old. I could say that I loved him from the moment I saw him. He was so handsome to me and I felt in awe by his presence. When they introduced him as the new kid in school, I wanted to be his friend right away. I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember his smile and how he didn't seem shy. He appeared confident and ready to learn. I waved at him and said "hello," before anyone else could even say a word. He sat next to me, and I asked him if he wanted to be friends. He looked so happy as he said, "Yes!"
By Sidney Smith (Sid Smith)5 days ago in Fiction
Comments (22)
So Fantastic Oh My Godâ¤ď¸Brilliant & Mind Blowing Your Story, Please Read My Stories and Subscribe Me
A well-written story.
I just read T. Licht's Beyond. How very profound it is. (Oh, I am a writer who will write any and everything). https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/beyond-se4zj0hq3%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 have been here earlier in this thread and Championed other authors. You can read from my Bio a little about me: My name is Pauline. âWriting and photography provide a creative outlet to reflect with meaning on my life. My mental health? Bipolar 1 (Rapid Cycling), Complex PTSD and Functional Neurological Disorder. My sonâs gentle wisdom furnishes me with the gift of hope.â * I feel compelled to Champion Caitlin Charlton - and not just because of her kind words below. I am truly humbled. * Caitlinâs profile: https://shopping-feedback.today/authors/caitlin-charlton-gv6f0u8f%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E * Caitlin in new to Vocsl (2024.) Dive into her profile and you will discover and exceptional writer! * I want to choose a particular piece because of itâs significance as the first Challenge she has entered. Prepare to be enchanted! âPink Aurora For the: Haiku/ Sky-ku challengeâ https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/pink-aurora%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E * My Comment: And to think you were nervous about entering a Challenge Caitlin!! So I am going to paste below your Sky-ku: âMy pink aurora Reflect in my eyes, soul deep Blush to revive meâ Read it from the point of view of another and appreciate how magnificent it is. A Sky-ku masterpiece. Now read the comments below again.And you will appreciate how you are admired by others. Absorb the comments. Feed off them to inspire. You are such a talented writer. And you give such insightful and detailed feedback - as I have been the recipient of. So by doing that as well you provide each author with their very oen Caitlin gift! You are a dedicated and much loved member of the Vocal community and I am so truely thankful to have connected with you! Pauline âĽď¸â
These are in no particular order About me: I write poems and short fiction about the complexities of us as humans, I use relatable scenarios and I usually go to dark corners. I take you with me on my travels, including videos and photos taken by me. Although a recent addition to what I do, I wish to do more for your enjoyment. I am also a very happy reader, I love to support you. Again âşď¸ in no particular order, I really enjoy all your writing. Pauline fountain- not only did she provide a picture and got me caught in its web, she also displayed great control in her creativity even though its content was dripping with genuine emotion. https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/to-speak-freely%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E ananda11 - her writing is a literal godsend, not only was it cleverly penned, it was also very encouraging a pick me up when I am down. I was down when I read this and I was okay when I got to the last line, or okay enough to type an enthusiastic comment of gratitude https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/the-lighthouse-blinds-me%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E SK parihar- the way Sk describes a lesson learnt from recalling a time in the past, pulls you all the way back through time. Sk is like a camera lens zooming into all the details you never thought to zoom into, but then you wish you did. Its just so unique and original https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/the-indomitable-spirit-6v8l0d4c%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Poetry influencer Marie - she has been writing poetry since the age of 14 and it shows beautifully, this poem gave me goosebumps, thereâs so much soul in it, it reads as if it was written with such tender care, as if she crawled from the deepest part of herself https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/the-rose-with-thorns%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E My gosh Zulfi is amazing with this piece - she writes as if she has become the mall, every detail of your shopping experience you can find here, written in such pretty words, woven with such precision, she definitely puts a lot of time and effort in all her stories but especially this one. Details about the mall that you wouldnât have noticed too, she brings them to life. It is also very thought provoking in some areas, its multi layered https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/the-rose-with-thorns%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Jamye another hard working writer - this story has so many elements to it that I absolutely love. The characters are very well developed, the surroundings was met with perfect detail and the plot is solid. The story is believable, the flow and the pace is outstanding, upon reading it you will notice that Jamye has great attention to detail. Oh itâs just too exciting, and also this is only the beginning because itâs part one https://shopping-feedback.today/fiction/the-cry-in-the-water-part-1%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Antoni - my initial choice was Pretty In Pink, but then she wrote Requiem to a dream, and it made things more difficult. This one though, is amazing, it has so much emotion, it also has a special ring to it. It was crafted with patience, fitting words together that takes you to exactly where her mind was. This poem moved from just words to becoming a soul gift wrapped. The pauses were placed beautifully and you can see that she pulls from a well of clear and still waters https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/requiem-to-a-dream%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, I am Andrea Polla, formerly known as ROCK. I wrote under a pseudonym for private reasons but now feel safer to share more of my writing and enjoy the community openly. I read a lot as well as write and am trying to find a reasonable balance. If I have not gotten to you drop a piece here or on one of the wonderful FB groups such as Vocal Social Society or in the Creator's lounge. My latest Sky-ku: https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/sunday-sky%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">
Sam, poet and trying my hand at writing stories lately... I have a lot of friends I could share stories from but this one story I really enjoyed was about a seldom mentioned place that I love: So if you've ever thought about visiting Istanbul read this: https://shopping-feedback.today/wander/city-escapes-istanbul-turkey%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 know I'm late to this party, but here we go. I mostly write fiction, and this year I'm writing a microfiction every day. 366 words, 366 days. Caroline is a terrific writer. Her stories are easy to read, beautifully crafted, with no trace of pretension. https://shopping-feedback.today/fiction/fly-bye%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 Pauline and from my Bio: âWriting and photography provide a creative outlet to reflect with meaning on my life. My mental health? Bipolar 1 (Rapid Cycling), Complex PTSD and Functional Neurological Disorder. My sonâs gentle wisdom furnishes me with the gift of hope.â * Thank you sincerely for introducing me toJada Ferguson. * My Comment: I have come to you via âRaise Your Voiceâ and I feel so very privileged to read your story: âHer Baby Brother: a love deeper than words.â I am profoundly moved by the emotion you have captured about this relationship. It is not easy to capture the essence of the human condition and this is exceptional. I think of my siblings, my son and I sit now crying. Congratulations on your TS! A most worthy recipient. And thank you to âRaise your Voiceâ - I have found a writer I feel sure I will âConnectâ with. Subscribed and hearted. With kindness and gratitude Pauline đ¸ * A writer I would like to Champion is Alexandria Stanwyck https://shopping-feedback.today/authors/alexandria-stanwyck%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Her entities into the Sensational II Challenge are enticing, emotive and compelling. I will only recommend one but I urge you to read and enjoy Alexandriaâs work. Her Top story âstopping to smell the roses a sad sensory poem| Submission for Sensational II Challengeâ https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/stopping-to-smell-the-roses%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E * My Comment Alexandria, congratulations on your Top Story! It is indeed a worthy winner. I havenât read an entry for this Challenge that encompasses heartbreak and profound sadness. Yet you have chosen a human condition that we will all experience with language heavily sensory in such a unique way. âperfume burnsâ âbitter blendâ âsoul more blackâ âthorns are sharpâ âthe choir of ringing bells, muffled sniffles, and "I'm sorry for your loss." ⌠And so this is highly relatable. For me I think of my Mum, my cousin that died at 22. I reflect on my age (59.) My Dad at 91. And how to make sure that those still with me know how much I love them and the importance of making the most of life, even though a struggle for me with my mental illnesses. With kindness and gratitude Pauline đ¸
My nom de plume is Lightning Bolt, but call me __Bolt, or Bill is great (my real name is Bill/William). I have seizures that ravage my focus/concentration/memory, and I haven't been very active for nearly a year as I've struggled to get a handle on my condition. But I've been writing a lot more lately, and engaging others. I write humor, horror stories, sci fi, a series of superhero stories, poetry, and pride. Other stuff too. I've got an FYI series about the greatest historical prophets/visionaries of all time-- everyone from the Oracle of Delphi to Edgar Cayce. These are some of the stories that I found most influential lately...âĄđđ I'm still exploring all the delicacies that Paul Stewart has to offer. https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/as-apollo-so-too-i%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E I LOVE this Sky-ku by The Invisible Writer. https://shopping-feedback.today/authors/paul-stewart-st7fb60zmp%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Kristen Balyeat's poetry is like artwork for the eyes. She inspired me to try my own stream of consciousness poem this week. This Top Story of hers was greatly deserved! https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/scar-tissue-0r2203zm%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Tiffany Gordon is one of my All-Time Favorite authors on Vocal! This poem of hers this week was inspired (and relatable!) https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/false-hope-eckhb0c3q?fbclid=IwY2xjawGAAi1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHawoG8S201r2sPYF8XY5nnwKeeXZMGkFyltfzmrSvpiLga1VeQShXq7rZA_aem_bKszOIl866Rtf_fwVdxKaw And this one by Sam Harty is soooo sensual!!! https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/whisper-iq8cx0uzc%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E I could go on.... but those are the ones that hit me like thunderclaps recently. âĄâĽď¸âĄ
I am really honored that my story was the start of the Raise Your Voice thread this week. It has been really uplifting for me for a personal piece from a year ago to be well received. I mostly write poems and opinion pieces, but sometimes I dabble in short stories. I just read Hebert Fidelle's poem "Embracing the Shadows" https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/embracing-the-shadows-2f3p803d4%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E It was so beautiful. The type of poem you need to revisit frequently to shift your perspective.
Ken Cruz , I write poetry and stories. Love the community and how positive you guys are sharing and building each other up! Keep up the great things. Thank you all!
Hello my writer name is Rowan Finley and I write a lot of poetry, some fiction for young adults, literature reviews, and some random pieces. I like this poem by Marvelous Michael https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/the-weight-1-carry%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">
Congratulations to this week's featured writer and story.
My name is Alyssa, and I mostly write fiction. Sometimes I'll branch out with some poetry and some shorter non-fiction pieces inspired by the challenge prompts. Here is Kenny Penn's beautiful fairy tale which was originally submitted for the NYC Midnight 500-Word Fiction Challenge: https://shopping-feedback.today/fiction/the-gold-finch%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 am one of the newer writers here at Vocal, have written a lot at Medium and Substack, but I seem to love new beginnings not forgetting the old ones. I write poetry and fiction and perhaps some memories. But Vocal is truely my home of poetry. I want to share with you a dear fellow creator Calvin London, who like me is a great dog friend, and here is his ode to his very sweet "Dumans": https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/love-and-live-for-my-little-dumans%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 am here learning...I am just an enigma hoping for enlightenment. I found this piece informative, Hope you do too. https://shopping-feedback.today/psyche/4-serious-reasons-why-you-should-sleep-on-your-left-side%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 am an admin helping out The Vocal Social Society on Facebook, com and join us and share your work there. I have also written one or two Vocal pieces. These are my five recommendations that deserve Top STories this week: 1: A Great Sky Ku from Moe Radosevich https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/sunlight-zh11qi0sxw%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E 2:A Great Interview by Heather Hubler https://shopping-feedback.today/interview/center-stage-with-silver-daux%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E 3: A sad take on the Sky Ku from Melissa Ingoldsby https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/polite-ghost%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E 4:A Great Challenge from Penny Fuller https://shopping-feedback.today/writers/part-d-the-a-z-of-unusual-words%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E 5: And a relevant piece by Antoni De'Leon https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/please-don-t-just-say-thank-you-for-reading-and-then-never-return-a-read%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'm Sarah Parker. I write fiction, poetry, some book reviews, and a bit of writing advice. I absolutely love Marie Sinadjan's book reviews. I recently posted an unofficial challenge for said reviews, and she was one of the winners. One of my favorites is the following: https://shopping-feedback.today/bookclub/book-review-how-to-hear-ghosts-by-david-griffiths%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">
Shaun, mostly fiction and poetry. One of the posts that recently struck me and stick with me was this one of Alexander McEvoyâs: https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/broken-toys-vmbx50lfe%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/horror/the-door-beyond-the-pearly-gates%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Hello everyone, my favorite story this week has been Kenneth Cruzâs story for the spooky micro challenge âBeyond the Pearly Gates.
Hello, Paul, the asshole, word abuser, English torturer. I write a mishmash of poetry, fiction, horror which is also fiction and well...that's it. Oh and some factual things. Here are some things I picked out: Heather Hubler's latest in a long-standing series of interviews is amazing - https://shopping-feedback.today/interview/center-stage-with-silver-daux%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E featuring the awesome Silver Daux. Inarticulate by Lightning Bolt is an awesome piece of poetry! - https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/inarticulate-h39wq0y6d%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E I Matter by Donna Fox is a strong and powerful piece of self-love-inspiring poetry - https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/i-matter-3bjv002te%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Hurt by The Invisible Writer is stunning in its brevity and powerful message - https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/hurt-uy1rlb0l9v%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Higher Than the Sky by Bugsy Watts is just beautiful - https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/higher-than-the-sky%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">