Metamorphosis – The (Vocal) Transformation of a Writer

The Background

At the start of last year, I made a strong commitment to writing. Off I went, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed!

How difficult could it be?

I was about to find out.

I (agonisingly!) set up a new website to complement my professional website that I had created a couple of years ago. I kick myself because I should have remembered how that exercise added about ten years to my life!

After much hair-pulling and sleepless nights, it was up and running!

I also joined Medium in late January; I have generated over 100 stories there. These have kept me busy and out of trouble (at least some of the time!). I have always enjoyed a challenge, setting a goal, and trying to meet it, if not excel at it. Writing is my new challenge as I transition from a busy working career.

In September of last year, I found Vocal.

It was like a gift from heaven!

What has been strange is my change since joining Vocal. It has transformed my thinking, my writing, and my life. Here are five things that I have gained from Vocal and its wonderful community of fellow writers.

My Transformation

#1 There is no quick solution.

In the early days, I read many articles for tips on becoming a successful writer. I wanted to know how to get more followers, make more money, and which sites to use or avoid.

I found that, contrary to some writers, there is no quick fix. You must go back and answer a key question: why did you start in the first place?

I wanted a way to express my creativity. If I could earn something, that would be a bonus.

Writing is very competitive. It requires good writing and a lot of self-promotion.

It is also a progression, and like any ‘job,’ you must gain the knowledge and experience to excel at it.

I was naïve to think that, in any way, it might not be a challenge.

This man spent 16 years at university to gain the right qualifications for a professional career. Years of writing technical papers and research summaries.

Emotive writing, fictional and non-fictional, is completely different but much better.

I have not forsaken my writing roots. Many of my articles are research-based. But I try to mix in a personal touch, a bit of humor, and my life experiences.

#2. When you write about things that interest you, writing ceases to be a job and becomes a pleasure.

When that happened, I found that writing became easier.

I never dreamed I'd write poetry about an artist in the sky, whether AI was cheating or drinking milk. But I have.

I did it because the subjects interested me. They let me express my creativity. I've always had it. But I've often shied away from it. I feared a note saying, "What on earth are you thinking writing that drivel?"

On Vocal, I have discovered that people are very supportive and happy to give you feedback. It is a real community of writers.

#3 Practice, practice, practice

Many authors have stressed the need to practice one’s craft consistently: write every day.

I discovered that doing this improves your writing (well, at least I hope it does).

It's quicker. It's poured from the heart, not constructed.

The exceptions are factual stories that need some research. But, they need less prep effort.

#4 I see a story in everything.

Well, OK, maybe not everything, but certainly more than I used to.

I watch the news, and stories pop into my head. I have a conversation with a friend and think to myself, I wonder if other people would be interested in that.

Most of all, though, I see the world in motion, and I want to translate it into how I see it.

It feels good and gives me renewed purpose and hope. Most of the time, the world is a beautiful place.

I now have a list of over a hundred potential stories just waiting to be explored. I urge anyone lacking ideas to open their eyes to the world.

It is a big, wide world out there, full of interesting things.

"Writers are like artists who use words instead of paint. Inspiration for the next story is everywhere."

#5 I have found friends.

The beauty of Vocal is the community spirit. You might only get 3 or 4 people reading your stories (which converts into less than $0.05), but that is not the point.

I have been lucky enough to have a couple of top stories in my short time on Vocal, which is another incentive. The most valuable aspect of Vocal for me is looking at the comments that people leave on my stories. These comments are what I believe will help make me a better writer.

To all those who have left a comment or comments—a big thank you!

Till next time,

Calvin