Advice

Master List of Publications. Top Story - August 2023.
I’ve been submitting fiction to publications for about two years now and it has been a process that just keeps developing. In the beginning, I wasn’t sure where to start. I found a small list of 10 or so publications online and started with those. Over time I have found more lists in various places that people have compiled. Usually lists of 10-20 publications. I’ll find an odd one here or there… I’ve gotten recommendations from other writers on Vocal… on Medium… and I have now compiled my own list of 85 publications that I have submitted to or plan to submit to. (Thank you to ALL who have provided me with places!)
By Stephen Kramer Avitabile2 years ago in Writers
Title: The Guiding Light
Part 1: Struggles in the Shadows In a small town nestled between rolling hills and lush meadows, lived a young man named Benjamin. He was an ordinary person with an extraordinary faith in Jesus Christ. His heart was filled with compassion, kindness, and an unshakable belief that no matter how difficult life seemed, there was a guiding light that would lead him towards happiness and love.
By David Ebi2 years ago in Writers
Healing Journey
Once upon a time, in a bustling city, there lived a man named Jack. He was an avid smoker, indulging in the habit of lighting up a cigarette every chance he got. Unaware of the harmful effects of smoking, he thought it was just a way to unwind and cope with stress. He was part of the 1.3 billion people worldwide who actively smoked, not realizing that each puff released over 7,000 chemicals into his body.
By Akanni Adedamola 2 years ago in Writers
Author Talk: The Great Content Recycling Ecosystem
To misquote the band Sublime: It’s so nice, I wanna publish the same story twice Sidebar 1: Did you know their greatest success came after the lead singer Bradley Nowell was already dead? What could have been...
By Stephen A. Roddewig2 years ago in Writers
The Acceptance, the Rejection, and the “F You”: I Go Back and Catalog Years of Short Story Submission Responses
For reasons unknown, I’ve decided to continue alienating my readers by delivering something that is neither fiction nor poetry but, at the end of the day, is me riling myself up.
By Stephen A. Roddewig2 years ago in Writers
Why I Write for Vocal Media. Runner-Up in Writers Challenge. Top Story - March 2023.
Today I thought I'd write something different and get a little personal with you all. So far on Vocal, I have posted a selection of poems, a few short stories and most recently I've even thrown an article in there, but I have yet to write anything that gives you a little background on me, Amber Annabelle.
By Amber Bristow3 years ago in Writers
How to write a story in 100 words (or less). Top Story - May 2023.
Urban myth has it that Ernest Hemmingway wrote a complete story in six words for a bet: For sale, baby shoes, never worn.
By Raymond G. Taylor3 years ago in Writers
7 Reasons to Get Involved in the Writing Community
“I’m not good in person. Perhaps this is why I am a writer. Perhaps this is why I don’t have many friends.” ― Rachel Zucker, SoundMachine
By Leigh Victoria Phan, MS, MFA4 years ago in Writers
For the Love of God, Take the First Step.
“There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” Hemingway said this, and he wasn’t wrong, the hard part is choosing which vein to bleed from...
By S.5 years ago in Writers
How to Use Meditation to Improve Your Writing
Writing and meditating are very different activities, but how can one help the other? If you’re having trouble meditating, here are a few ideas on how you can use that time to fuel your craft. I think we should all be pushing to start doing true meditation, but if you’re having trouble fully emptying your mind, relaxing and thinking about your creative projects spurs some fantastic ideas.
By Leigh Victoria Phan, MS, MFA5 years ago in Writers
7 Reasons Why Creative Writers Should Keep a Dream Journal
As writers, we’re constantly prodding at our subconscious minds, digging for new ideas, and for creative ways to share our thoughts.
By Leigh Victoria Phan, MS, MFA5 years ago in Writers