I never thought I’d see a day where my blog would take a backseat and be my secondary writing platform. But after discovering Vocal – a site that pays per views and even easily allows tips – I have been more focused on that. It’s not like I’m abandoning my blog, but I found a way to make actual money from my writing! Okay, it isn’t much, but it’s SOMETHING – which is better than NOTHING!

I found Vocal from an Instagram ad that popped up. I figured it would be too good to be true, but I really had nothing to lose by giving it a chance. I came to my blog and started browsing through some of the things I’ve written.

I figured I’d have the best chance to get published if I submitted something that I really loved. My first submission to Vocal was my blog post Here I Am. It’s one of my favorite things I’ve ever written. It’s went through so many drafts, so many different versions, before it’s gotten to where it is now. I’ve asked several people for feedback on it and there’s even a draft where it was a poem.

I was so excited when it got accepted to be published – I think I actually screamed in excitement. Check out the final version of it: Here I Am.

Since getting that first post accepted and published, I haven’t really been able to stay off their website. I’ve been reading other creators’ stories and feeling inspired to write more!

Up until yesterday, I had only submitted things I had already published on my blog. Play it safe, right? But I recognized that the audiences were going to be a little different. Besides, as an English major, I have tons of content floating around on my computer, so I revisited some old stuff I had written. I found a story about my face being mutilated (sort of) three different times in my favorite place. It’s a story about dog bites, broken teeth, and a black eye. It’s also got a lot of scenery details about this said place, as well as characterization of some family members. Here’s the link if you’re interested: Marlow’s Lotta Fun

I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy and continuing to practice self-care while staying true to their authentic selves. Onward.