Noticing Newbies Newsletter is geared to help new members get acquainted with Writing.com -- there is so much do and all the features can be overwhelming! Our goal is to help new members make their time here more fun and manageable. Each week we will showcase new authors items (poetry, short story, polls, etc.). Exposure for each member's writing will help bring more rates and reviews for their work, and by bringing more member interaction to the member, that will give them the opportunity to build friendships with other members, as long as they reciprocate reviews and conversation -- remember, it is a two way street.


"There's someone that you haven't already met, go introduce yourself to him or her. Walls and labels can't keep you from the people who are so similar to you in spirit. There's a friendly face behind every door if you pick the right moment to knock. Once you start your wave of creative outreach, it turns into a contagious force. People are waking up and smiling at each other, sharing their dreams without hesitation. This community is worth something."

-- Author Unknown




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Hello!

Welcome to a new year on Writing.com!

I hope you all have a fulfilled year and achieve what your heart desires.

I love the holidays, but always look forward to the new year even more. It is a chance to start fresh, make a resolution or achieve some goals. I have learned to try and achieve small things that eventually turn into bigger things. I know for me, if I think to big at first, sometimes I never get started. So, with that being said, I have an idea that works for me and would help you too. I know one of the most important habits a writer can do, is to "Keep a Writer's Notebook". It can be something simple like a basic white lined notebook or a nice journal. The following are a few things to keep organized in your notebook:

  Writing your passions
  Free-writing your thoughts and observations, feelings, and reflections on your
     experiences
  Make a list of story ideas
  Write down parts of stories
  Research
  Commentaries for stories
  Develop an idea from reading something and write it down
  Write down publishers or agents
  Keep track of contests
  List magazines that you would like to submit a story to
  Books you want to read
  Websites you like
  Information on writer's groups
  Ideas you scribbled in the car or eating at a restaurants, and transfer
     your ideas to the notebook.

I feel is it important to have a hard-copy of all your writing information. And if you want, transfer some or all of the information to the computer, but still have your notebook.

I actually think better when I write my first draft of a story or poem on paper, and I transfer to the computer to edit. We all have different habits that work for each of us; the point is to discover what habit works for you and stick to it.

So, the number one goal to work on this year...get organized! You will be happy with the results, and more productive.

Until next time...
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Monthly featured newbies I have personally chosen for your enjoyment:

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teenage years  (E) its a fun poetry about the feelings and events associated with the teenage years. #922853 by sunshinegal

American Idle  (E) I'll bet you have a "Simon" in you too! #926061 by Mr. K

Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. #924834 by Not Available.

Gates of Sunrise  (E) I actually wrote this in a dream. It's about pushing back the sunrise. #921677 by Hawkchick

Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. #925938 by Not Available.

Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. #926416 by Not Available.

Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. #923312 by Not Available.

Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. #926443 by Not Available.

 



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robmartin
Hi Laurencia,

Thanks for plugging the NL. I wanted to add that that is a wonderful quote you used in your editorial.


Leah Arlene
Laurencia, thank you for the warm, friendly and charming Holiday greetings. Thank you also for including the Anoymous quote which sums up my feelings for WDC better than I can say. And the Robert McKee quote let me know I'm not alone in my feelings about some current movies and books that others are raving about.


Big Mike 2humble2bragbut...
good newsletter. I didn't used to read the newbie nl, but since I've started doing a lot more reviewing, I'm really enjoying doing more reading. It helps me to give constructive reviews. I can look at my own writing much more objectively. Some good writers and potentially great writers are newbies.


Thank you to the wonderful people who took the time to respond to my newsletter and their feedback...I appreciate it.

Please e-mail any questions or comments directly to the newsletter, attention to myself or any of the editors:

Puditat
Cubby
esprit
laurencia

Next week's editor is: Puditat

I'll see you on February 9th!

Happy New Year!

Laurencia 



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