This week: Out With the Old, In With the New Edited by: JACE  
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1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions
Hi, I'm JACE .
Welcome to this issue of the Noticing Newbies newsletter. Join me as I take you into some nooks and crannies of Writing.Com that you may not have found time to check out yet. This newsletter is about and for you. And for you seasoned members, I hope you'll find something you can take from my ramblings. 
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For most folks, the year 2020 was a tough one. As the year draws to a close, many would say good riddance. There's no doubt that 2020 was a hard year for millions. But for writers--pandemic, economic hardship, widespread unemployment, election turmoil--there's enough writing fodder for a years to come.
I was reminded during a Christmas Day service that Joseph, legal father of Jesus, was really a small part of the story of Jesus. Indeed, Joseph was a just and righteous man. But he wasn't central to that story. Are you central to your writing? Do you let the day to day trials and tribulations get in the way of your writing? Most importantly, what do you want from your writing in the coming year?
Every year in January, WDC holds an official writing contest called "Dear Me: Official WDC Contest" , in which paid members write a letter to themselves detailing what he or she would like to do in the coming year with their writing.
Yes, I said paid members. This contest IS one of the official monthly contests sponsored by the site. Members can receive $25.00, $50.00 or even $100.00 worth of WDC Gift Points by placing in the contest.
BUT ... you don't have to be a paid member to write down your writing goals and aspirations for 2021. The key is to write down those goals. Print them out and post them where you can read them every day. Seeing them daily will help you stay focused on your writing.
"Dear Me: Official WDC Contest" will be available to view on January 1st when the contest opens. I have included the past three years' winners of the contest in the "Editor's Pick" below for you to check out what past judges were seeking. Obviously this year's judges may look for something else.
Perhaps you want to seek out more Dear Me submissions. You can find contest winners by looking in "Site News & Announcements" and typing dear me in the Search box. Check out the winners back to 2007. Or, you could open Static Items under Browse By Type in the Navigation Menu and type dear me in Search box. Scroll down and read a few. Hopefully one of these will inspire you.
Whatever you decide to do about your writing in 2021, please remember this--Newbies are important to Writing.Com. The influx of fresh ideas and experiences are critical to enhancing the creativity of both established and newer members.
And establishing writing goals is important to all writers. Best of luck with all your writing endeavors!
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Need ideas? Here are the winners for the last three years of "Dear Me: Official WDC Contest" .
2020:
2019:
2018:
Check out these Newbies. Take a moment to review this offering ... or something else in their Port. Welcome them to WDC though a scribble in their Notebook.
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
Don't forget to support our sponsor!
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Thanks for spending time with me today. At the bottom of every newsletter is a section entitled
followed by a text box. If you liked what you read (or if you didn't), please take time and drop me a line. I'd love to hear your ideas.
From the mailbag:
From tj-Merry Mischief Maker  : You give some terrific tips on presentation and formatting; if it's difficult to read, we tend to not read or give up before we're through. I just skipped a lot of reading in some newsletters because of this very thing, I've also noticed a lot around the site and in the Newsfeed.
I'm talking about colored print, small print, and italics. Each is difficult, but often they are even combined. I tend to bypass anything like this, especially entire paragraphs written in italicized font. I get a headache from trying to read, even though I'm interested; after a few lines, I end up just skipping it.
I hope everyone reads your article and stops to consider, "Can my audience read this?"
Thank you for those kind words of encouragement. I've long felt as you do when reading some items.
From hbk16: Some things seem trivial but in fact they are important indeed. It is like these topics shown in this issue. Great job!
Thanks so much.
From QueenOwl ~ A New Day Dawns  : I echo the message of this newsletter totally. Such an invaluable guide for newbies and a reminder for everyone else on their writing journey.
I certainly hope it helps.
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Noticing Newbies: December 30, 2020 Issue [#10536]
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