Noticing Newbies: March 14, 2007 Issue [#1593]
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Noticing Newbies


 This week: Weather Reporters
  Edited by: esprit Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

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

About This Newsletter

Welcome to the Noticing Newbies Newsletter! Our goal is to showcase some of our newest Writing.Com Authors and their items. From poetry and stories to creative polls and interactives, we'll bring you a wide variety of items to enjoy. We will also feature "how to" advice and items that will help to jump start the creation process on Writing.com

We hope all members of the site will take the time to read, rate, review and welcome our new authors. By introducing ourselves, reviewing items and reaching out, we will not only make them feel at home within our community, we just might make new friends!


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

noticing newbies - newsletter header


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Here's a quick easy tip for those of you who can't use images in a signature and would like to brighten up your posts. Use WritingML If you use the random tag, the colors will change with each refresh. Here's what I did with my handle. Note the commas for randomness.

*Check2**Heart*esprit*Leaf1**Leaf5*

{size:5}{e:check2}{c:red,blue,green}{font:comic}esprit{/font}{/c}{/size}{e:leaf1,leaf2,leaf3}{e:leaf4,leaf5}

Find WritingML in Site Tools on the upper left of your screen and play with them a while. There are examples and instructions, it won't take long before you're an expert. Make notes. Practice in your My Note Pad so you can preview as you go. When they're perfect, save them in your Note Pad. You can create and save several variations on one page. Highlight the sig, copy and take it to your My Account page and open the Edit Signature(s) Manage your Signature Blocks link. Paste the signature into the text box Default Signature (Email / Forums / Books) --Update to Save it. That signature should then automatically present itself in forums.

I know you have more of an artistic imagination than I have, so you'll come up with some great sigs. Just remember if you try to use too many, your signature may break.


Weather Reporters



Have you ever heard the words 'weather report' and wondered what it meant in relation to writing?

Novice writers often make the mistake of becoming a Meteorologist. Or they take on the job of the narrator at a Fashion Show, or Travel Guide - even Real Estate Agent. In other words, all these things are done to fill up that most important area - the opening of your story. By the time the weather is established and the characters are fully dressed, the reader may be gone. Too much description is boring, and many readers will skip over it. Be sure to open your story with the story. Hook the readers and hold them with the continuing story. They can view the countryside or the room, or whatever setting you've chosen, from the eyes of a character as they experience the story. A character can simply choose a blue tee shirt because it matches their eyes. You've established their clothing and their eye color with few words. Make sure descriptions fit in naturally and unobtrusively, like a movie image, not as a narrator. It's not easy, but with practice, each attempt will be better. Even experienced writers get caught up with too much description sometimes, and have to cut during revisions. The old saying; Less is More - is true.

Avoid writing 'weather reports' and just get on with the story. It's the important thing.




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Logo for Writing.Com Moderators - small.
noticing newbies committee sig


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Editor's Picks

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SUBMITTED ITEMS

 The Roles We Play Open in new Window. [13+]
Who made up these rules Pink for girls And blue for boys
by Taarash Author Icon


 Satan's Welcome Open in new Window. [13+]
Choose your path wisely you may not know where you will end up.
by John J. Hunter Author Icon


 Not decided Open in new Window. [13+]
Magic meets man
by kuarawuara Author Icon


Pain Open in new Window. [E]
"Rising Stars" - Award of Excellence - Your power is you.
by SHEA Author Icon


 Judgement Day Open in new Window. [E]
Man meets God
by kuarawuara Author Icon


 A cold, rainy August Open in new Window. [13+]
Dwelling in the depths of his soul, a boy brings his depression to light.
by Bren Rowe Author Icon



Remember to read your neighbor's work too!


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helpful links

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


Writing Contests @ Writing.Com Open in new Window. [E]
Writing Contests on Writing.Com are posted here.
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


THE DROP-OFF BOX  Open in new Window. [13+]
Monthly newbie contest.
by Tammy~Catchin Up~ Author Icon


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Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

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!

ASIN: B07NPKP5BF
Product Type: Toys & Games
Amazon's Price: Price N/A


Ask & Answer

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Comments on "Invalid Entry" Open in new Window.

Submitted By: ehrydberg

Submitted Comment: It's hard to understate the importance of this topic to a stay-at-home writer. My own recent experience of RSI was three weeks into the last NaNoWriMO when I developed a RSI in my left shoulder such that any motion of it resulted in incredible pain. Like all RSIs the signs were likely there and the pain in the shoulder was undoubtedly noticeable for a week or so before, but it seemed to me to come on very suddenly. The reason was the type of chair I was using and the position of my mouse. They resulted in a constant 'forward slump' of my shoulder. The situation slowly resolved itself with the replacement of the chair and my shoulder has largely healed back to normal after three months.

I'd also like to add that there is software out there ( http://www.workpace.com/ ) designed to help prevent RSIs (recommended on the NaNoWriMo site). It is set to interupt your work at regular intervals for five minute breaks where certain exercises are suggested. There is a 30 day free trial.

Yes. I've seen many posts around the site remarking on pain and eventual wrist surgery. We don't pay attention to the causes of pain until it's too late. Listening to what our body is saying sounds cliche, but who else can hear but us? Aches and pains are warnings.

Thanks for sending the link! I didn't compare the two programs, but this site has a download timer program. It's free! This cheapskate likes free, as long as it's not cheap. *Smile*

http://ergocise.com/stretch.html


Submitted By: laurie_o
Submitted Comment: Thank you for the info on the RSI's. I do need to know when to get up and away from this computer at times. A good swift kick in the behind actually.... Well I can't help it, WDC is so darn addicting. But for the good of my hips and lower back, I'm up and moving about now with your information in mind. Thank you!

Always
Passionate Lady

I'm so glad you paid attention! *Smile* You might want to check out the two links above. If you do, let us know if they work for you.

Submitted By: Tigger thinks of Prancer Author Icon
Submitted Comment: Interesting topic! Thanks for sharing. And, eeek -- you're teasing me by posting a NL about the Dear Me -- can't wait to see the results hehe

Thanks! *Delight*

Submitted By: charlesthec
Submitted Comment: Hi Esprit... enjoyed this month's newsletter. You had some great links. Happy Valentine's Day. :)

Charles

Thank you. St Patrick's is almost here - think green!


We always appreciate the feedback, thanks!

Editors:

Cubby Author Icon
Puditat Author Icon
laurencia

Your host this week is esprit Author Icon


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