Top Stories
Stories in Journal that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.
On the Edge of a 1800s Hong Kong Graveyard
I look out the window of my apartment. It's a graveyard out there. Not good vibes, or favorable Feng shui, as they say here. The tombstones line up in rows beneath my bedroom window. I check to make sure my bed isn’t facing the same direction. The atmosphere grows heavy.
By Scott Christenson🌴3 years ago in Journal
Why I Use Vocal
I joined Vocal in May of 2021. I found it when I was looking for writing contests to enter, something I've always enjoyed doing in my spare time. I began to use the platform periodically when a challenge held my interest, but I was never super active on the website until May of this year.
By Ashley Lima3 years ago in Journal
A Plea to Spammers
New (and older) Vocal users - let me appeal to your business sense and desire to make money. Spamming people’s stories with your links is not the way to go about it, nor is posting AI only created content. I can only imagine any gain in results, if there are any, are quickly lost. You are only hurting your attempts to create viable business by creating a disrespected reputation instead! If you want to be successful as a creator, it’s a long-term investment of your time and money.
By KJ Aartila3 years ago in Journal
Terrible Mistakes New Writers Need To Avoid
All writers make mistakes whether it is their first time writing a novel or their dozenth time writing a novel, mistakes are bound to happen, but if you're aware of the more common ones, then they'll be easier to avoid.
By Elise L. Blake3 years ago in Journal
Ugh! Customer Service
I’ve had it up to my freakin’ eyeballs with Customer Service! Or Customer Support, or Customer Care or whatever ridiculous moniker it’s given. It’s all the same, and means little. No matter what it’s called, I don’t feel like any more of a concern to the powers-that-be than I would feel talking to a rock. Actually, I would probably feel better talking to a rock, as my expectations would then be met.
By KJ Aartila3 years ago in Journal
Vocal Is On Trend
If you are serious about becoming a better writer, follow Vocal’s lead. Better yet, if you hope to win challenges outside of Vocal or have your work accepted in a peer-reviewed publication, follow Vocal’s lead. Read the introductions to what led Vocal to choose the winners for past challenges. Delve into how winners worked within the prompt in expected or unexpected ways. But the most important part is looking at the trend of what Vocal chooses for challenges.
By Stephanie J. Bradberry3 years ago in Journal
My Asian wife’s pride in being Canadian was scarred during the Pandemic
I’m a white man that was lucky enough to be born Canadian. I do not use the word “lucky” lightly as being born into a country that is known throughout the world as a place of freedom and refuge is truly like winning the lottery.
By Gerald Holmes3 years ago in Journal
Vocal Deep Cuts
There are a lot of great things happening on Vocal right now. The Vocal Creator Chat and Raise Your Voice Thread have both been making the community feel closer. Mariann Carroll and Heather Hubler both have great interview series that help us get to know our fellow creators better. Then there are individuals like Real Poetic, who has started running her own challenges. The latest one you can check out here:
By Paul Stewart3 years ago in Journal
