Advice
Writing for the attention span
I've just started to write a story. Not this one. A fiction. I am often contemplating now why I write on Vocal: do I have a message? Sometimes. Is it for the joy? Always. Is it for engagement? Maybe, depending on what form that engagement takes.
By Rachel Deeming10 days ago in Writers
Turning the Ephemeral into the Concrete
Some experiences feel real while they are happening and unreal almost immediately afterward. A conversation that sparks clarity, a realization that reframes a problem, a moment where scattered thoughts suddenly align. In the moment, there is a sense that something solid has been grasped. But without capture, that solidity dissolves. What remains is a faint impression, detached from the reasoning that made it meaningful. The experience was real, but it left no durable trace.
By Peter Thwing - Host of the FST Podcast10 days ago in Writers
Is Self‑Publishing on Amazon KDP Worth It? . AI-Generated.
Self‑publishing has transformed the publishing landscape, and Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) remains the most powerful platform for authors who want creative control, global reach, and the ability to publish on their own terms. Whether you’re releasing your first book or expanding an existing catalog, KDP offers a streamlined path from manuscript to marketplace.
By Kristen Barenthaler10 days ago in Writers
A New Song
A New Song I woke up the other day and heard this new song. It seemed a bit familiar, but I could not place it. I don’t know where it was coming from either. So I smiled and listened to it. It was one of the most beautiful songs, I have heard in a long time.
By Alexandra Grant10 days ago in Writers
You're Doing Five Things To Market Your Self-Published Book. None Of Them Work. Here's Why.
After publishing 1 Lovelock Drive, I did everything I thought I was supposed to do. I posted about it on social media. I told everyone I knew. I shared the Amazon link in my bio, stories, and group chats. I waited for readers to discover it; I refreshed my sales dashboard daily, then hourly, then compulsively.
By Ellen Frances12 days ago in Writers
This Is How To Build An Audience For Your Book While You're Writing And Editing It
When I published my first book on Amazon, I made one fatal mistake. Ok, sure, there were a couple of big mistakes, a dozen small ones, but there was one that was my kryptonite. And I know I'm not the only one who has done this.
By Ellen Frances13 days ago in Writers
What I Wish I'd Known About Book Categories Before I Published
I picked my Amazon categories for my self-published book in about three minutes. "Literature & Fiction > Women's Fiction" seemed like the obvious choice. My book focused on relationships, personal growth, and the emotional journey of its main character, so placing it under "Literature & Fiction > Contemporary Women" felt like a natural fit as well.
By Ellen Frances13 days ago in Writers
On blood moons, fantasy novels and the overwhelming feeling of what's the fucken point
Honestly, what's the fucken point? From the opposite side of the world, I recently tried to convince my sister that creative, artistic endeavours were still a worthwhile use of her time.
By Roderick Makim13 days ago in Writers
Writing About Writing: The End
A lot of people say that the hardest thing about writing a book (or script, or comic) is starting it. Choosing where to begin, not to mention how the story should start, picking a good opening line to hook the readers, and of course the process of writing an entire story from start to finish. It's a daunting challenge. However, in my opinion there is something even more important: How to end it.
By Natasja Rose14 days ago in Writers
Different Types of Thobes and How to Wear Them
I’ve always loved simple clothes that tell a story, and the thobe is one of them. There’s something about slipping into one that feels calm, grounded, and oddly stylish at the same time. Over the past few years, I’ve noticed how different thobes suit different moods, places, and occasions.
By Shahnaz Khan14 days ago in Writers
Don't Just Publish - Keep Your Writing Safe on Vocal
Sharing what you write on Vocal is an easy and fun way to express your creativity. If you paid for a Vocal+ membership, you can enter their contests, known as “challenges.” Anyone can use the prompts in the challenges to work on their writing muscles, even if they're not entering. A supportive writing community exists on Vocal, and many Creators run their own unofficial challenges, adding to the camaraderie.
By Andrea Corwin 14 days ago in Writers
