Process

Trusting Your Gut in Writing Competitions
When entering writing competitions, your gut often knows the story better than you do. That's been my experience taking part in a few competitions outside of Vocal - and it's a lesson worth sharing.
By Paul Stewart8 months ago in Writers
Getting Back Into Gear
Introduction I normally publish two or three Vocal stories a day, but over the last week, I have struggled to even publish one. There are reasons for this, which I shall elucidate here, but this is my second piece today no I am getting back into gear. I also hope this is helpful for other creators who hit similar situations.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 8 months ago in Writers
What Are the Best Writing Tools?
Looking to write smarter, faster, and better? Whether you are a student, professional writer, content creator, or blogger, the right writing tools can make all the difference.
By Saif8 months ago in Writers
The Loneliness of Writing
“Writing is a solitary act, but storytelling is never done alone.” Let’s be real: writing can be lonely. There’s something beautiful about sitting with your characters, your worlds, and your words… but it’s also you, a blinking cursor, and the nagging suspicion that maybe no one will ever read what you’re pouring your heart into.
By Georgia8 months ago in Writers
Crafting Fantasy Maps:
“Maps don’t just show us where we’re going — they tell us who we are.” If you write fantasy, sooner or later, you’re going to face The Map Question: do you make one? And if you do, how detailed should it be? Do you go full Tolkien with mountain ranges, rivers, and ancient trade routes, or do you sketch out a vague coastline and hope nobody asks how long it takes your characters to cross the continent?
By Georgia8 months ago in Writers
Dialogue Tags: Said Is Not Dead
“Good dialogue is invisible; bad dialogue waves its arms and screams.” Let’s talk about one of the most hotly debated topics in writing communities, especially if you hang around TikTok or writers’ forums: dialogue tags. You’ve seen it, right? The endless discourse about whether we’re allowed to use anything other than said. Spoiler: you are. But also… you don’t have to.
By Georgia8 months ago in Writers
The Pathway to Surrender
where does this love go? where do i send it? this love i made for you. where does this love go? how do i spend it? this love i saved for you.
By Amanda L Mikhail8 months ago in Writers
I am Quitting Vocal Media Challenges
Vocal Media is a great platform for both content writing and YouTube video distribution, and it's a good blogging company. I think it's working well for a media company. Since becoming a Vocal+ member, I've occasionally participated in contests, but it looks like I won't be participating in them anymore.
By TheNaeth8 months ago in Writers
Writing as Escapism:
“We read to know we’re not alone. We write to create places where we never have to be.” Let’s be honest: most of us didn’t start writing because we thought we’d get rich or famous (though hey, I’m not saying no to a Netflix deal). We started because the real world was too much — or too little — and we needed somewhere else to go. Somewhere better. Somewhere we could control.
By Georgia8 months ago in Writers
How to Write Believable Villains in Fantasy
“Villains are just heroes of another story — with sharper knives and messier coping mechanisms.” Let’s face it: a boring villain is a fast track to a forgettable fantasy. You can have lush worldbuilding, lyrical prose, and swoony romantic tension — but if your villain is nothing more than a cardboard cutout cackling in a dark tower, your story loses its punch.
By Georgia8 months ago in Writers
Show vs. Tell: What It Really Means
“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” — Anton Chekhov We’ve all heard it: Show, don’t tell. Writers are bombarded with this advice so often that it starts to sound like gospel. But let’s be honest — sometimes it feels vague, overly prescriptive, and downright confusing. What does it actually mean? Are you telling when you write, “She was sad”? Should you never tell anything, ever?
By Georgia8 months ago in Writers
Barefoot and Unbothered: A School Day’s End
The other day, the moment I heard the closing bell ring, I practically bolted. The school day was finally over, and I was ready to head home — my mind already shifting away from lesson plans and school duties. Thank God I wasn’t the teacher on duty that day. Sharp-sharp, I was halfway out the school gate when a small voice called from behind me.
By Israr khan8 months ago in Writers