Hello, new members of Writing.com!

Before I dive fully into this particular newsletter, I'd like to make you aware of "Horror/Scary Newsletter (May 31, 2023)"  because it barely has anything to do with horror but a lot to do with your writing and expectations.

If you have joined the site within the past six months, even a year, most of us will consider you a new member because Writing.com is unlike anything you've ever seen! It isn't just a simple site for writers to share their writing, it's a web of its own where - trust me on this because I've done it many times over the years! - you can get lost and forget what you were doing in the first place. There is no other site like this. For many of us, this is our home away from home. And for a good reason.

One thing we all have in common is the love for writing. We are writers, poets, artists, creators, full of imagination, and we need an outlet, a place to let our muses roam free. To explore, to learn, to find inspiration. If that is what you're looking for then you've found your second home. And it's big! It might sounds a bit scary and intimidating but it shouldn't. Because, well, home.

It can feel a bit overwhelming when joining the site, and we all get it. You might get bombarded with links - other than the ones your page is already surrounded with - but you can do this at your pace. Your first step is introduction, just to dip your toe in the water, which can be done over at "Noticing Newbies" , then share your writing. Now that might be scary.

You know you have a story to tell, a poem to write, something to say to the world. Do it! You'll get reviews on your written pieces and that will open your eyes to what this place really is. Helpful at every corner. You can also request a review from someone if you click on the following link: https://www.writing.com/main/authors/action/reviewers. You can also find it under the Community tab on the left hand side. Click on that, which will open up a pop up window. Find the Request a Review tab and it will take you to the same page. Granted, these require an incentive in order to do a review. If you do not wish to take that route, feel free to post your written item in "The Shameless "Plug" Page" . Mind your item rating. Anything over 18+ should be posted here: "The GC+ Shameless "Plug" Page" .

You can also go the simpler route and simply post it on the Newsfeed. Left side, forth tab. Click on it and it will take you there. Every item created on the site - writing items are considered Static Items - gets its own number. Once your written piece is saved, the page displayed will show the title of your item, below that will say By followed by your name, and underneath that, you'll see the rating and selected genres, with a # and number right next to it. That is your items number. To post that, you'll simply type {bitem:XXXXXX}, replace the X's with that particular number, and then share it. Most times, the site will automatically show the number for your most recent creation. You can click on that and it will do the same thing. Yes, a bit overwhelming, but once learned, it's like riding a bike.

If your curiosity got the better of you and you're wondering about the different color cases accompanied by different names, those are all members of the site. The following will give you further explanation: "Noticing Newbies Newsletter (May 10, 2023)" 

You might have seen links for contests and activities around the site. Those are all created by the people who, just like you, joined the site and like to give back to the community, to create inspiration, a challenge. Our muses can never get enough of that.

There are many links surrounding your current screen, I'm sure. You can't break anything by clicking on them. Do it. I'm also positive that you've got emails about how to navigate the site, but if you ever feel stuck, don't hesitate to ask any one of us. If we don't ask, we may never know the answer to our question, simple as they may be.

Here are a few new members I've gotten to know in the past few months and I hope you enjoy seeing their progress on the site as much as I do.

Dave Ryan
cenvil
227mastodons
Natalie Rushman
kriselda
Penelope Moonbeam

Just click on their case and it will take you straight to their portfolio! They started out just like me and you. Check out their writing and see how far they've come.


'til next time!
~ Gaby