It's a fact nominations

Please take a look at the following wonderful examples of non-fiction writing. All have been individually nominated by selfless Vocal creators, as demonstrating some of the best factual writing on the Vocal platform. If you have not yet come across the announcement of the awards, please take a look at the following and think about who you would like to nominate.

Now, without further ado, I would like, and am delighted, to announce the list of nominees to the It's a fact awards 2026. Each and every one is a deserving candidate. Please read and appreciate their works of non-fiction. The candidates are listed in chronological order of nomination. Others will be added until the (as yet) unnanounced deadline for entries. If you would like to nominate a deserving non-fiction writer, please add them in comments to the article linked above. Drumroll....

Please show your appreciation for the candidates:

Tim Carmichael

Nominated by Sam Spinelli for:

Aunt Sophie Campbell: a Smokey Mountain legend in Appalachia

Sam's citation: I’m nominating this story because it’s well written, heartfelt, and a fascinating glimpse into a person from history who I hadn’t previously heard of and who lived a life style that is entirely different from my experience but not without a wistful sort of appeal. Also, this piece seemed to me to be very well researched and sincere.

Cody Dakota Wooten

Nominated by Lana V Lynx for:

Microsoft's purposeful marketing deception about AI... and diagnosis

Lana's citation: This article on marketing of AI use in medical diagnoses dissects a lot of reasons why such marketing is misleading and manipulative.

Calvin London

Nominated by Sara Wilson for:

Communication was changed forever

Sara's citation: He has written several things that have taught me (Sara) things but this was the most recent and I enjoyed it.

Lana V Lynx

Nominated by Dr. Cody Dakota Wooten, DFM, DHM, DAS (hc) for:

Twinkle, Babyheart, & Lubasa

Cody's citation: I am thrilled to be able to nominate Lana V Lynx - she is honestly one of my favorite people on the platform, and so this is a no-brainer for me.

Specifically, I'd love to nominate this piece, which is part 2 of a series about the Dark Web. Both of these pieces are bringing important information to a really horrible problem in the world, and the brave heroes who are going into the darkest parts of the human psyche to try to save the lives of abused children.

Ashley Orellana

Nominated by A. J. Schoenfeld for

I Still Love Horror. It Just Makes Me Cry Now

A.J.'s citation: For such a unique challenge idea I want to nominate a creator who has just barely dipped her toes into Vocal. She is a very talented writer with pieces that really resonate with me so I'd love to bring her work more attention and help her find the same support in Vocal I've enjoyed.

In her newest piece, Ashley cl, early demonstrates how much can change after one becomes a parent. Even when we don't abandon things we used to love, parents have to figure out how they still fit in their lives after having a child changes the way they make us feel. Ashley's clever use of metaphors and personal experience delivers a message every parent can understand.

Editor's note: Thank you for nominating a creator whose work may be judged by its quality rather than quantity. I hope we may see more of Ashley's work. Reading it was truly life-affirming.

Stephen A. Roddewig

Nominated by Matthew J. Fromm for:

A Book Launch and a Community of Authors

Matthew's citation: Nominating Stephen because I don't think there is anyone on here who does as good of a job detailing the realities of independent authorship. Not only that, he does an excellent job of elevating other independent artists as well; not just writers but voice actors, editors, cover artists, publications. I love his behind the scenes looks

Lizz Chambers

Nominated by Shirley Belk for:

The last soldier standing

Shirley's citation: I nominate Lizz Chamber for outstanding work in Families section. Lizz is our quiet sister who has LOUD talent that few know about. I became obsessed with her CHAPTERS series entitled, Hunny, too.

Special mentions

Nominators are limited to one nomination only. You can, however, cite any other Vocal creators for an individual, and honorable, menion:

honorable mention

Lana Lynx: I nominate Susan Fourtané recent piece on hemp:

Hemp as a sustainable material

If I have missed anything, anyone, or made some really embarrasing typographical errors in this piece, please do let me know. I don't bite ya know (except when the moon is full).