Shoutout
Observations On My State Of Play With Vocal
Introduction This is about the things I see when I am going through my old Vocal publications, looking for pieces to recycle. I still cannot comment using my backup account, but I received an email and replied to it:
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 24 days ago in Writers
Happiness and Light Unofficial Challenge - The Results!
What’s a judge to do? We had so many happy, bouncy, flouncy, bibbidy boppy (Shout out to Cristal for that phrase that has remained in our grumpy brains since we read her original entry. Alas, we went with an older, more sincere one, but you should still check it out - Paul) entries that this pair of surly curmudgeons were flummoxed by Schmaltz, zest for life and woo woo so deep we had to don waders to work our way through it. And we are both stoked that 4 of you earned Top Stories (20% of entrants)! We received eighteen entries for the Optimistic phase of the challenge that were chock-a-block with rainbows, fluffy critters, and sprites. For the Sarcastic phase of the challenge, we had two entrants who gleefully brought cold hard reality down on the optimistic entries like a couple of kids playing two-fisted Wack-a-Mole.
By Paul Stewart24 days ago in Writers
Eastern Society Facing Social Change
Article: Eastern Society Facing Social Change By: Tahany Azzab Eastern society is experiencing major turmoil on the social level. This crisis first emerged within the Eastern family itself, then its effects spread to Eastern communities in the diaspora.
By Tahany Azzab24 days ago in Writers
What Happened To My Reads?
Introduction I have had issues publishing on Vocal recently, but we now have an excellent resolution. I was quite surprised to see a huge rise in my reads from what they had been with my first repurposed "new" stories. I really have no explanation for this.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 27 days ago in Writers
A New Approach To My Vocal Problem
Introduction I have just cancelled my V+ subscription, and am not impressed with Vocal at the moment, whether it is ignorance, incompetence or spitefulness on their part, I don't know. I still cannot post new stories on this account.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 29 days ago in Writers
Bloody Mary for Your Soul (with the possibility of a prize if you play along). Content Warning.
We're all trying to rise up out of the mire of those old, stagnant regretful feelings that are so universal that it's hard to find precise words that feel fresh and forcing them into that insanely tight structure (I bend rules as much as I can and adhered to the rhyme scheme but threw caution to the wind and indulged in some free metre, iambs and trochees dancing into their new freedom). It's no wonder that so many literally do not survive the winter holidays.
By Harper Lewisabout a month ago in Writers
Considering The Situation IV
Introduction It has been twenty days since I could use my main account to publish on Vocal. I finally got an email admitting it was the same problem as six months ago, on December 5th, but I have heard nothing since.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred - EBAabout a month ago in Writers
Reframing English Words. Top Story - December 2025.
Reframing is a popular psychological tool. It helps people see a situation, thought, or problem in a new way. The goal is to shift your thinking. Instead of focusing on the negative, try to see it in a more positive or realistic way.
By Calvin Londonabout a month ago in Writers
Writing About Writing: Collaboration. Top Story - December 2025.
Collaboration sounds like a great idea, until you actually do it. Most writers have friends or social groups that they bounce ideas and feedback off, or alpha readers for feedback, or something similar, but that's different from collaborating.
By Natasja Roseabout a month ago in Writers
Crushing
I was just a kid when I developed my first crush, but developed is totally the wrong word—crushes don’t develop, they appear, fully-formed and incomprehensible. I still get them, crushes, and I’ve found that I absolutely adore being in crush with someone. My last one hit me a few years ago and hasn’t subsided just yet.
By Harper Lewisabout a month ago in Writers
