Top Stories
New stories you’ll love, handpicked for you by our team and updated daily.
FPS: Roots and Branches Challenge Winners
Welcome to the final Challenge Winners Announcement of the year and thank you for being part of Vocal in 2025. Before we begin, a quick note: the first set of challenges for next year are now live. We hope you’ll take a look, and stay tuned, there’s more ahead, including some major announcements coming to Vocal in 2026.
By Vocal Curation Teamabout a month ago in Resources
Cricket powder cinnamon banana bread
I lived in Mexico for some years, many Moons ago, twice. It was there when I saw for the first time fried crispy crickets (known as chapulines in Mexico) tacos seasoned with lime, garlic, salt, and chile. Cricket tacos are a traditional delicacy which is especially popular in the Oaxaca region of Mexico. You can find them as a street food optionat outdoor markets in Mexico (look for chapulines) or at speciality restauants in the U.S. (just make sure the crickets are for human consumption).
By Susan Fourtané about a month ago in Feast
I light a candle to St. Lucia (or Lucy), the Christian martyr from Syracuse, Sicily.
St. Lucia (or Lucy) was a Christian martyr from Syracuse, Sicily, who died in 304 CE during the Diocletian persecution. Her name means “light”, and she became associated with vision, clarity, and illumination.
By Novel Allenabout a month ago in Writers
📢 Raise Your Voice Thread: 12/18/2025
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 Vocalabout a month ago in Resources
Island Girl Coping Mechanism For When It’s Too Damn Winter. Runner-Up in The Ritual of Winter Challenge.
Growing up without Icelandic temperatures shapes you into a different being. And this particular being put on a valiant front until climate change upped the ante in my current location with a well-timed sucker punch some years back that became standard.
By The Dani Writerabout a month ago in Humans
I’ll Sing to That
“Days of Wine and Roses” is a song that was written by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. It received the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the 1964 Grammy for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. It was recorded by the American singer Andy Williams, and his version charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts. My favorite version has always been the one recorded by the Bee Gees member Robin Gibb.
By Rasma Raistersabout a month ago in Beat
