Stream of Consciousness
Writer vs. Storyteller
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the terms “writer” and “storyteller”. There are many authors out there who identify as “storytellers” rather than “writers”, and when discussing the often-debated Stephenie Meyer, people will strongly argue that she is a “storyteller” rather than a “writer”. That had me wondering, what exactly is the difference between a “writer” and “storyteller”, and which one am I—or can I be both?
By Stephanie Hoogstad3 months ago in Writers
Once Upon a Time Again
Anne Bernays and Pamela Painter — What if? Writing Exercises for Fiction Writers prompts — The Exercise - Write a linear story, in which a strong main character is on a quest for something important and specific (e.g., a shelter for the baby, medicine for a sick mother, or the key to the storehouse where a tyrant has locked away all the grain from a starving populace). The object is given - don't explain its importance. The main character starts acting immediately. She then meets a (specific) obstacle; finally, she triumphs over the obstacle by means of a magic or supernatural element that comes from the outside (like Dorothy's red shoes in The Wizard of Oz). You may introduce minor characters, but the narrative should never abandon your main character. This story should be told through action and dialogue. Limit: 550 words. The Objective - Like a medical student who must learn the names and location of human bones before going on to more complex systems, a beginning writer must be able to handle and control basic plot before moving on to more subtle elements like motivation, subtext, and ambiguity. Many of the greatest novels incorporate a quest (Moby Dick), a journey (David Copperfield), and triumph over an obstacle (The Old Man and the Sea). These works also concentrate on one protagonist and end, if not happily, at least on an emotionally satisfying note of resolution.
By Denise E Lindquist3 months ago in Writers
Uncertainty
The crack of dawn arrives; the sun beams through the curtain gap, with the wish that the light brings unceasing hope so my heart sees pass the shadow that clouds it. Yet time moves softly, swiftly, silently slipping through my grasp...seeking to find:
By Pau in Motion3 months ago in Writers
The Last Walk
I stand in a room unfamiliar to me, it is very cloudy I feel. I can not make sense of the shapes. My grandfather stands before me, Baxter. I remember he has recently passed, and this is still true to me. I convince myself that his soul has somehow re-entered his body with new vigor, a straight back and wearing his grey suit. This confuses me though; I swear we buried his ashes.
By Brett Gill3 months ago in Writers
Eulogy of a Dream
I was standing in my Grandmother's kitchen, my Father’s Mother. It was as it normally is; bright and welcoming. A glossy white oven ebbed with warmth. Natural daylight seeped in through the windows that were thoughtfully placed on either side. The house itself was built by my grandfather; his hands rough, built a place so soft; a home. I hadn’t thought much of my sudden presence there. I had no notion that this was merely a dream... yet.
By Brett Gill3 months ago in Writers
Am I Anyone's Favorite Writer?. Top Story - October 2025.
Someday, you’re going to be someone’s favorite author. --Lucia Franco With the posting of my drabble “The Invasion” (link below), I hit 250 stories published on Vocal. I know that it should be a time of celebration for me. After all, that’s a lot of stories! Surely, I should be proud of myself. However, I find myself reflecting on my past three years on Vocal and wondering how I could have done better and, more importantly, if I have made an impact with any of my stories.
By Stephanie Hoogstad3 months ago in Writers
