Vocalizing

When I was browsing my work to create an anthology piece of my fictions, I noticed I actually tend to write more non-fiction here than I realized. So rather vainly I've gathered it up, just in case anyone might be interested in yet another piece on a writer's self-aggrandizing examination of themselves.

Maybe it'll just be my mom reading my work for the zillinth time, but

Here goes...

I came to Vocal like so many others: a bit lost in life, feeling like I wasn't living up to my creative potential and hungering to share my words with the world.

It hasn't always been an easy road, but as much as I sometimes struggle to continue, I'm not ready for the journey to be over. I don't quite know what Vocal-Famous means to me anymore, but I intend to rediscover it in 2025.

Of all the ups and downs this platform and its community has seen me through, and the ups and downs of being a part of it, I remain overall very pleased and grateful with the changes it's brought into my life and my writing.

I'm definitely no longer the writer I was when featured in my spotlight interview. Many projects have changed, or ended or changed hands. I'll always have fond memories of our first magazine issue and the many talented writers who made it possible both as creators and supporters.

For better or worse, however, I simply don't have the blind optimism I once did. But thinking back over the last few years and looking over my life and work in general a few things stand out to me.

Why Vocal Is Still the Right Fit For Me

Vocal still meets my audience's basic needs, which include a lack of paywall; and my needs, which is a tidy, easy to use interface on which to create. I do wish I could turn off pop-ups as they seem to aggravate the seniors who read me quite a bit. It causes confusion as to whether they need to open an account to read or tip me. Tipping in general I personally feel is an occasionally inappropriate prompt I wish I could toggle on and off per story same as I can comments.

Otherwise, I've been pleased with the features added over the years, including paid subscriptions and although I have yet to use it, the idea of being able to gatekeep at least a little of my work definitely solves my issue with trying to bridge over to Patreon.

I also still happen to rather dislike Medium as I feel it is too profit driven for my needs (no shade on anyone who loves it, just speaking for myself). So I'm looking forward to dabbling in some subscriber only work through my Vocal membership.

Although my original plan was to post book reviews, generate a following and expand my book network, I quickly fell in love with the challenges and they remain my favourite part of Vocal and why I pay for Vocal+ (besides quick-edit which we all know is the real reason we are so willing to pay ;P ).

I stand by my original musings on the challenges from my first few months.

Here I mention how embracing the joy of writing and free networking are some of the biggest assets I continue to enjoy. As explained, revenue comes in many forms.

"... the positive encouragement and flurry of creative inspiration that have been my greatest sources of revenue since becoming a Vocal member. Even if you don't win a challenge, you walk away with a unique piece of writing to add to your portfolio.

I'd like to take a moment to call once more for a cat based challenge as per Abigail Holmes' decree:

Like any love story however, sometimes you need a break! I often find myself in a cycle of writing and retreat.

Of the experience of participating in Vocal challenges, the peer feedback has proved most invaluable. I've fallen off my usage of the groups (two of which I co-created). But I'd like to get that honest dialogue and criticism flowing again.

It's the discussion of my work's flaws and weaknesses that has been the biggest blessing to my growth.

Example: I let myself be more open to criticism starting with ALESIA and ended up completely shredding large parts and redoing it. I may have lost the contest, but I think I have the start of a good book!

I sometimes find now that in the comment section everyone feels a bit timid to point out simple things like typos even when I ask for it. So maybe Great Incantations still has a purpose in being a space away from the public to hear and speak the harsh truths. Rejuvenating this group is a 2025 goal. Helpers welcome!

I do however feel a blocking button is a must at this point. Like any creator, I would like the autonomy to manage my interactions with the public, particularly trolls or disgruntled folks who seem to think it's OK to use your creation's moment in the sun to vent their frustrations or drop spammy links and comments.

I'm not alone in this wish, and I hope it makes the table for the new year. It feels a bit silly having to run to support over what could be as simple as a "delete" option. Not to mention kind of a waste of everyone's time?

But anyways, time to Keep on Keeping On...

Next Steps

There are several challenges left to write this year, most of which are non-fiction. I would love to see at least one more opening sentence fiction challenge before the new year, even in microfiction form, but we've had some excellent ones lately and it's been great to see that return.

The rise of creator led prompts has been astonishing to me and such a welcome turn of the tides for so many I'm sure. I hope the momentum continues. I'd love to see if we can coax Stephen Lance out of his Bracket Challenge retirement. Or Madoka Mori to render us once more in their Iron Maiden!

With time, I'm sure to "meet" more of you as I get back into my reading grove. I've always been a silver lining gal, and the silver lining in having to take time-off from work to adjust to a progressive loss of my vision is more time to spend on creating and engaging. Yes, I will follow that teaser up with a story and yes, I'm doing alright <3. Everything happens for a reason.

I'm hoping one day I will be able to publish an article where the journey ends in what I desire most, which is to somehow make my living doing what I love instead of what I need to do to survive. I'm sure that resonates with a lot of you and I hope you get there, too. Until then, or until AI takes over the universe, happy writing everyone.

Much love to friends new and old and those yet to be made,

~Les xx