Character Development
You Turned the Page, Didn’t You?
Introduction In the novel I’m writing, boundaries are porous. The Reader is not a passive observer, but a participant. The story doesn’t merely unfold; it listens, responds, and questions its own existence. At key moments, I employ what I call Meetings of the Minds—conversations between characters, but also with the Reader, whose voice becomes entangled in the exchange.
By Stéphane Lalléeabout a year ago in Critique
Raw to Remix- 53 & Me. Runner-Up in Self-Editing Epiphany Challenge.
The crows have landed, I see imperfection. Fifty times around the sun plus three more to rub my nose in it. Love yourself, they say, age with grace. But celebrities don't, so why should I? Botox and fillers- a facelift will do. Don't take age lying down, invoke skin resurrection. "You look good for your age." What the hell does that mean? Under eye bags, a deep forehead wrinkle leaves no secrets on my face. Social media spites me and forwardly invites me: To challenge Father Time with "Yeah, I'm about to get mine." Creams, potions, and diet, already tried it. So, I'm about to go in for hand assisted fixes and take a page from the famous. If you ask me later, know I denied it. This is all natural, don't you see; me at 53!
By Marilyn Gloverabout a year ago in Critique
The Cost of Character
For the sake of all those involved, either personal or extra personal, names of this tale must remain masked in anonymity. At the tender age of ten, I was swept up in the desire to become a writer. I have always loved the study of english as a language. I feel a true rush of pleasure when I can hear words practially sing off a page. I can see life form from blankness. The only limit a writer has on what they can bring to life on a page, is their own imagination.
By Noelle Spaulding about a year ago in Critique
My own worst Art Critique
I have to be honest—- Critique is one of the most challenges that I have to try to keep tackle it. For years, I have always been my own worst credit or worst critique- no matter what creativity I was doing especially during my school life and even after graduation. I also couldn’t go to the art school or art college at all— it was quite expensive and other reasons (its very complicated to share). I thought I wasn’t going to be succeed anything due from my mental health, my conditions—my learning issues, mixed language disorder, and mixed development delayed since childhood. I always like making stories like imagination and be creative as an illustrator(my dream career), same thing when I want to be an artist. I have also been struggled if I am talented enough or not even quite at all…
By Meghan LeVaughn about a year ago in Critique
Are Ukrainians prepared for concessions and a ceasefire? What the polls say is as follows:
The idea of a negotiated end to the three-year war has been put on the agenda and in the hands of Russian President Vladimir Putin thanks to an agreement between the United States and Ukraine on a ceasefire proposal. However, the parties' positions are pretty clear even before Moscow responds.
By Md Mirajul Islamabout a year ago in Critique
Trump’s Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Go Into Effect
President Trump’s sweeping tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum went into effect on Wednesday, escalating America’s trade spats with global competitors, including close allies already reeling from his on-and-off approach to trade penalties.
By Md Mirajul Islamabout a year ago in Critique
The Flower and the Flame
Chapter 1: The Encounter In the idyllic town of Verenthia, where blooming flowers kissed the gentle breeze and sunlight draped every street corner, lived Lila, a florist whose delicate creations captured the hearts of the townsfolk. She was known as the *Flower*, radiating warmth and kindness, tending to her shop, "Whispers of Petals." Each bouquet she crafted was renowned for its beauty and enchanting scent, a testament to her extraordinary talent.
By MOHAMMED NAZIM HOSSAINabout a year ago in Critique
Canada’s most consequential election is on the horizon
The contest that resulted in Mark Carney becoming the leader of the Liberal Party and the next prime minister of Canada has turned out to be a dull fait accompli. Chrystia Freeland, the once-reliable confidante and trusted deputy prime minister of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, played the role of Judas in the drama that appeared to inevitably result in Carney's persuasive coronation on Sunday evening.
By Md Mirajul Islamabout a year ago in Critique
How Did These Words Come Together?. Runner-Up in Self-Editing Epiphany Challenge.
The challenge Vocal sponsored a few months ago was to write a microfiction piece of 300 words that started with “There was only one rule: don’t open the door.” This seemed like something right up my alley because I love writing all things spooky and scary. I also couldn’t pass up this opportunity for an exact word count. I had to chop out some phrases and replace them with single words and carefully consider how I structured each sentence in each paragraph. However, I decided to include a real person, my son, and aged him. I had to imagine his life in the future as a blind man navigating the world. Here’s the first part of the story:
By Barb Dukemanabout a year ago in Critique








