Top Stories

Stories in Journal that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.

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
All The Books I Read in June 2023
Reading has been a chore for me last month, but I did end up buying some awesome books after getting some lovely recommendation. I also acquired some vouchers which I used to redeem books I had on my wishlist for ages.
By Chloe Gilholy3 years ago in Journal
Stream of Consciousness
"You’ll never be content" taunts one of the unwanted voices echoing in my head. What does that even mean? My brow wrinkles in contemplation and remembrance.
By KJ Aartila3 years ago in Journal
The Numbers Don't Lie
I wanted to post something a bit different. Anyone that knows me knows I am not a numbers guy. I do not really gel well with numbers. Words are my ammunition and love. Numbers I appreciate are necessary, and maths is needed, but I have trouble with it.
By Paul Stewart3 years ago in Journal
Screw Vocal Etiquette
I recently read a top vocal story by an author I love. This author puts work that tops itself every time and has at least two top stories a month; I love her voice and her writing. However, I have some thoughts on one of her articles, and that's how you know it's excellent writing; it inspired me to write something myself. So if she happens to read this, I want her to know that I admire her almost religiously.
By Jazzy 3 years ago in Journal
I Have a Serious Question for You: How the F*ck Have You Been Doing This For so Long?
I'm three and a half weeks into my first ever 9 to 6, Monday to Friday job. And I am exhausted. The job is great! The people, greater! And the lifestyle: everything that I'm not used to.
By em3 years ago in Journal
Marooned
The digital sign read, ACCIDENT AHEAD. ROAD CLOSED. FOLLOW DETOUR, and that’s what I did, or thought I was doing. I-25 between Las Cruces and Albuquerque is the personification of desolate nothingness. Becoming lost should have been impossible. The word impossible only applies to a task until someone accomplishes that task and, unfortunately, that someone was me. There were sparsely placed detour signs right up to where the road forked. Then it was driver’s choice. Waze was useless because there was no cell service. I chose the right fork, which was definitely wrong.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Journal
This one is controversial
Ok, I guess I have to go there. In my scrupulous attempt to acquire top story, I have seemed to come up short. Scratching my head for another potential eye-catching idea I peered over the line drawn in the sand. Who knew it'd come to the point where I had to cross it?
By James U. Rizzi3 years ago in Journal
3 Simple Strategies to Try Before You Quit Writing for Good
Writing is not always an easy journey, and there may be moments when you feel like giving up. You're not alone and I'm sad to say that almost all of us have felt like that at one point or another.
By Elise L. Blake3 years ago in Journal
A Time for Reflection
This story has been edited recently. Edits are indicated by strikethroughs; I didn't want anyone to miss out on the original article.
By Alexandria Stanwyck3 years ago in Journal
Coffee? Tea? Who- ME?
I was ‘counseled’ after a regional meeting because I offered to get others coffee when I was going for some myself.
By Judey Kalchik 3 years ago in Journal
The New "Latest Stories" Feature
The New “Latest Stories” Feature I think I’m in love with the new “Latest Stories” feature on Vocal! Already, I can see myself getting lost down that rabbit hole, as I watch the new stories being published every few minutes. It’s a little bit shocking, really - the multitude of new stories piling in.
By KJ Aartila3 years ago in Journal