Challenge
"The Evil Hairnet"
It all started with “The Evil Hairnet.” I have no idea where this story ended up, or if it even exists anymore, but I will always credit “The Evil Hairnet” as being my first piece of fiction and the beginning of my complicated relationship with the craft of writing.
By Kurt Mason2 years ago in Writers
The Dead Planet
I was at school and only seven years old when I wrote this story, my first ‘essay’ at school, after having just learned the alphabet and how to read and write. I even did my own artwork cover. It was a red planet in a starry night sky. At that age, I don’t even know how I was aware of space and other planets. Perhaps a teacher spoke of our constellation, I know we had lessons in later classes, but I don’t remember lessons on space at or before seven years of age. Perhaps I’d seen comic books, maybe I heard other people speak of the planets. The teacher was impressed and put my book on show in the main foyer. It went missing while on display, and I don’t remember every word that I wrote at the time, but I remember the story, so I am now attempting to write about The Dead Planet once more…
By TANIKA SMITH WHEATLEY2 years ago in Writers
Word’s poorest country
Burundi, a small nation in the heart of Africa, is tragically known for its status as one of the world's poorest countries. With a population of approximately 12.5 million, its citizens grapple with a harsh reality of extreme poverty and widespread unhappiness. The depth of these challenges is starkly evident in the country's average annual income of a mere $180, coupled with a persistent issue of high unemployment rates. In a relentless struggle for survival, families of eight are forced to make do with meager monthly earnings of just $15.
By Samuel Kamano2 years ago in Writers
Small Stories
Introduction A while back Vocal dropped its limits on certain communities for certain challenges. While part of me was against this being permanent, I have come around to the thought that this could be beneficial at times for creators, including myself.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 2 years ago in Writers
A Humble Champion
In the rolling hills of Norway, where fjords meet the sea, Victor Hovland's story unfolded like a tale of humility and perseverance. From the very beginning, he displayed an unwavering dedication to his craft, his humble demeanor matched only by his boundless passion for golf.
By Mentor okafor2 years ago in Writers
The 700 Word Riddle
In a world where time's mysteries intertwine, a narrative unfolds across 700 words. Picture a realm where the past, present, and future converge, shrouded in a puzzle that demands to be unraveled. At the heart of this temporal enigma lies a key, guarded by the ancient Chrono Keeper, a sage wise beyond measure.
By Misal Sahoo2 years ago in Writers
Still-Gate: How a Five Letter Error Made Me Question Everything
Last Friday, August 11, I logged into my email to make sure I wasn't missing anything glaring at work while enjoying a Florida beach vacation with my family. I was surprised to find two comments of congratulations from my fellow writers on a poem I had submitted to the Short and Sweet Challenge. It was a surprise because the challenge winners were supposed to be announced on Thursday, August 10. Even though I never expected my poem, "On Marriage and Summer Squash," to place, I had scanned the winner announcements on Vocal dutifully that Thursday and experienced a brief second of disappointment that I wasn't listed there before reminding myself I have yet to crack poetry and that I could try again another time. Then it was back to the beach with my family for some much-needed sun, salt, and sand.
By L.A. Hancock2 years ago in Writers
Legacy and generational impact
In the heart of Canada, where the fields echoed with the shouts of soccer enthusiasts, lived a legend named Sarah Mitchell. For over a decade, she had graced the pitch as the stalwart of the Canadian women's soccer team. Her dedication, resilience, and unyielding spirit had carried her team through victories and defeats alike. But as the Women's World Cup approached, Sarah knew that this tournament would be her swan song.
By Mentor okafor2 years ago in Writers
Two Year Review
Two years ago, was my first story posted on Vocal. The writer's challenge has asked the authors to review the first thing we wrote. As I scrolled back through many pages of stories, I smiled at the first writing I made. Two years ago, my first writing was about my daughter.
By Sheila L. Chingwa2 years ago in Writers





