Life
Elf 256
Trying to be Santa for my kids sucked. I don’t mean the part about sneaking around at night or assembling toys quietly so the dog wouldn’t bark. I mean the comparison. The gifts from their grandparents were always bigger, louder, shinier — the sort of presents that practically glowed under the tree. Every Christmas morning I’d watch my kids tear into those boxes with eyes wide enough to swallow the whole world.
By Mark Stigers 2 months ago in Writers
Imran Khan: The Man Who Refused to Bow
The story opens with a 70-year-old man sitting behind the walls of a prison. His name is Imran Khan. His “crime,” in the eyes of his opponents, is that he gave the youth of Pakistan a voice and a sense of purpose. Many had already written his political obituary, but those who knew him understood he was not someone who gave up easily. He was offered two choices: apologise and walk free, or stay behind bars. He chose to stand firm against the people he believed had looted his country.
By Salman Writes2 months ago in Writers
Poetry: My Second Love
With as much poetry as I have published on Vocal lately, one might think that I am poet first and a fiction writer second. I have received many compliments on my poetry, even on some of my older poetry that I have posted to show how far I have come (for an example, see my poem “The Museum of Freedom”). Some people have even suggested that I publish a book of poetry (here’s looking at you, Paul and Donna), and I am seriously considering it.
By Stephanie Hoogstad2 months ago in Writers
Considering The Situation III
Introduction This is partially inspired by the first verse of "The Fat Lady Of Limbourg" from "Taking Tiger Mountain By Strategy" by Brian Eno. I think the album cover is a perfect image for the "Considering The Situation" concept.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred - EBA2 months ago in Writers
The Day I Stopped Resisting God
I didn’t realize how long I had been fighting. Not the world. Not people. But myself. For years, I carried dreams that looked shiny on the outside but were hollow inside. I carried expectations that didn’t belong to me. I carried plans that seemed perfect to me, but were never part of the plan God had written for my life.
By Salman Writes2 months ago in Writers
5 Small Habits That Improved My Creativity This Month
How do I even begin this… The key is to start from somewhere, right? I can say that I took a little, actually more than a little, break from this site. Contributing factors owed to how buzz-filled life became, and that's when I really had to pave more time for my writing. Slacking off isn't a wonderful experience, I tell you — and not only in writing, in literally all aspects of your life.
By Gift Abotsi 2 months ago in Writers
A World That Was Never Meant for Me
In a perfect world, my story would have never needed to exist. My mother would have grown up in a home where tenderness wasn’t rare. She wouldn’t have learned to turn herself invisible just to stay safe. She wouldn’t have confused silence with peace or obedience with love. She wouldn’t have fallen for the first man who made her feel noticed, even if the attention came wrapped in warning signs she had never been taught to read.
By Salman Writes2 months ago in Writers
Dropping Out Of College
Anne Bernays and Pamela Painter — What if? Writing Exercises for Fiction Writers prompts — The Exercise - You're a senior in college writing home to tell your parent(s) that you're dropping out of school for your last semester; you can't promise that you will ever go back. You want them to understand, if not exactly approve of, your reason(s) for leaving. Make these as specific as you can - and as persuasive. The second half of the exercise is to write the answer, either from one or both of the parents. Limit: 550 words The Objective - To get inside the head of another person, someone you have invented, and assume her voice to vary your narrative conveyance.
By Denise E Lindquist2 months ago in Writers
