A Singular World of Writers

In a world where it is believed that all authors are rich and famous, the world of Vocal, and similar sites are astonishing to me. Having stumbled upon Vocal a full year ago, six months into my serious writing journey, I couldn't believe a place like this existed. A venue where my paltry attempts at writing garnered kind words of encouragement from others, who were in love with the pen and paper, just as I was. It was as if I'd landed upon a soft, warm cloud of words, that carried me from one challenge to another, beckoning the unplumbed depths of my ability.

When arriving at Vocal, I didn't know I could write poetry. Certainly, nothing as complicated as a Haiku. I wasn't even sure what that was, to be honest with you. I found a passion for free verse and slam poetry, which worked out every fiber of anger and angst within me. I also became fond of limericks and twisted fairy tales within the contest boundaries. The tighter the boundaries, the more I had to work to make the thoughts and words fit together. I thought it would be tedious_ but it was quite the opposite. It excited me and forced me to grow my vocabulary, as I struggled to fit just the right words into their perfect slots. For a writer, that is our lifeblood: words and more words, with a better understanding of their use.

The prompts made me stretch my writing wings wider than I believed possible. They forced me to live with a Thesaurus under my pillow at night and review grammar rules I hadn't seen since eighth grade. Each prompt taught me something new about the art of writing. Dragging me awkwardly through unfamiliar territory at first, until words began pouring out faster than I could put them on paper. You all know what I'm talking about.

Although I've never won money in these challenges, I've always walked away a winner, having learned more about my craft. That is always our greatest reward.

To have a ready crew of talented writers offering me encouragement and suggestions on my works in progress has been nothing less than a miracle. My own band of beta readers here on Vocal has helped me iron out wrinkles in three of my works in progress, as I submitted chapter after chapter to Vocal for their appraisal. G-Is for String, Save One Bullet, and G-Is for String: Oh, Canada! are all currently published or on their way to publication. Without my friends and colleagues on Vocal, whom I rely on for their honest opinions and reactions to my work, I wouldn't have had the courage to go forward with those books. Thank you for your kindness.

In 2024, two new stories from Vocal Challenges will become full-length novels: Carve Your Name into My Heart, and TEASE. One of the narrators for the audiobook versions of my books will be collaborating with me on a novella series. I, who am clueless about technical things, will have stories featured on a podcast. This seventy-year-old granny is getting around!

I honestly doubt if all these accomplishments would have been possible, had it not been for the supportive community I found on Vocal. When I began writing my memoir, I thought that would be it. Fun reminiscing, then I would go back to my cake baking and quilt sewing. I had no idea how hard I would fall for the lure of the pen. She is a demanding lover who takes over every waking hour and, many times, our dreaming slumber.

Let's all take our pens into 2024 together and I will see you all at the next challenge.