Ciao, amici! It’s been a long while since I had something to share on Vocal. Today, that changes.
Vocal is running a contest for the best first chapter of a potential fantasy story. Their only requirements are length (between 600 and 5,000 words) and that it starts with the sentence: There weren’t always dragons in the Valley.
I’ve submitted my take, called Drakkarra Awakened. While you can’t “vote” for a winner, in the case of a tie, likes are used as the determining factor. I’d love it if you could take a few minutes to check it out, and if you enjoy it, click the “heart” at the bottom. Maybe you’ll like it enough to share it on social media and subscribe to my channel. (There’s plenty of content there, including a new entry for a Mother’s Day challenge.) Any and all support is greatly appreciated.
You can find my entry by clicking the dragon image, the link in the previous paragraph, or right here.
That’s it from me today. I hope I see you on Vocal. Grazie!
Hi Staci, I thought I had left a comment about this story which I thought was very good. The twist was excellent and I think it is a fantastic entry.
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I think you should continue. Dragons and humans co-existing make for a great read.
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Great story, I couldn’t stop reading. What an imagination you have! I’d love to have you as one of our Story Chat authors next year. I hope your story wins the contest.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed my submission, Marsha. And I’d be honored to be part of Story Chat. Is there a deadline for next year’s participants?
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No deadline, Staci. It’s not a contest. Each month I publish an unpublished story, and readers comment and chat with each other and the author about the story. Here’s a link to my page that explains how it works. It’s been well received and is a lot of fun. https://alwayswrite.blog/story-chat-year-two/ The new year starts in October, and several months are spoken for. So just let me know which months might work for you.
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I’m in the middle of trying to move closer to my kids (1,000 miles from here). When life settles, I’ll be in touch. Thanks!
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Sounds like a plan. Good luck with your move. 🙂
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Thank you!
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What a great beginning, Staci. I love anything dragon related and love she is part dragon. Look forward to more!
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Thanks, Denise. I’m glad it caught your interest!
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I love this story, Staci! But the ending really grabbed me. As others have said, I want to know what happens next!
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I’m thrilled the ending grabbed you. Thanks, Jan.
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What a great beginning to a story, Staci. I want to know what is next.
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I really appreciate your interest. Thanks, Carla.
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Oooo…dragons! Very cool, Staci ❤️❤️❤️
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Thanks, Tessa!
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First I have to say dragons – woohoo! I’m already intrigued by this world, and I love the idea of a human champion for the dragons. Please say you’re continuing the story.
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It kind of depends on the level of interest I sense in the people who comment. That’s a lot of words for a small audience. (And you know my first love is suspense.) But I do have three books in mind if I decide to give it a go. Thanks for your enthusiasm, Teri.
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Super story, Staci. Good luck in the contest.
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Much appreciated, John. I hope you begin posting in Vocal again. I look forward to returning the support.
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Thanks. Staci. It is a matter of available time.
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I know that constraint well.
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Yes you do. 😁
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Thrilling start, Staci! I was speed-scrolling by the end, lol
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Well, if a romance reader liked it, I guess I’ve done my job in capturing my audience. Thanks, Jacquie.
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Wonderful story! I can’t wait to see what comes next.
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Thank you, Wendy!
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That was great, Staci. I enjoyed the world-building and the hook at the end. A human champion for the dragons. Very cool. I think I figured out how to “love” it. Good luck with your entry.
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I really appreciate that, especially coming from such a talented fantasy writer. Many thanks, Diana.
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😀
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Great opening line. Can’t wait to see what you do with it.
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Thanks, Jacqui.
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This opening is outstanding! I “liked” it, and good luck!
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Many thanks, Judi!
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As someone who has long loved fantasy, I so enjoyed your opening chapter—especially that powerful ending hook. Excellent job.
I also took a look at the Mother’s Day entry. WOW!!! Just outstanding!
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Thanks, Mae. On both counts! Much appreciated.
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It’s a wonderful first chapter! I was totally enthralled. Apparently, Celeste has quite the adventure ahead of her!
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Thanks so much, Priscilla! She does, indeed.
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Great story, Staci! You had me to the very end. Bravo! 😊
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I’m delighted to hear that. Thank you, Gwen.
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I enjoyed it and shared it around.
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Much appreciated, Craig!
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Loved your story, Staci! Wishing you luck!
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Many thanks, Joan.
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A gripping and fun read. Loved the ending! Good luck with this, Staci! Hearted and shared! 💕🙂
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Thanks, Harmony. I enjoyed your story very much, too. There have been SO MANY entries, so I know my chances are slim, but I haven’t written any fantasy in a few years and wanted to stretch that muscle again.
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