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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/1851-.html
Noticing Newbies: July 25, 2007 Issue [#1851]

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Noticing Newbies


 This week:
  Edited by: Cubby Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

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

*Flower4* 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.

*Flower4* 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!
*Check5* Your host this week: Cubby Author IconMail Icon


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

*Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4**Flower4*


** Image ID #1219544 Unavailable ** ~ Tick Tock ~ ** Image ID #1219544 Unavailable **


Work, sleep, and eating all take up time... necessary time, but still the clock ticks away. And what happens in between those necessary things, are even more ways to use up your time... tick tock. Family, bills, maintence on our homes and ourselves. Exercise. Doctor appointments. Dentist appointments. Groceries. Holidays. Birthdays. Am I stressing you out? *Laugh* The list goes on and on and on. Tick tock. So when do we find time to write? I often think of published authors and wonder how they found the time to write their books. It seems simple enough to think of J.K. Rowling, for example, sitting in a cafe` writing chapter after chapter about Harry Potter while sipping on tea or coffee. But in actuality, I doubt it was that simple . Like anyone, she most likely had other things going on in her life besides sitting in a cafe` writing seven books. Everyone has a life, and with life comes issues and interruptions. So how do authors do it? Right now at work, I'm in the middle of our yearly audit, learning new software, working on an employee manual, writing up policies, and a ton of everyday stuff. And I'm interrupted constantly by sales people, staff, patrons, and phone calls. Many nights I lay away and cannot sleep. Sometimes I feel like quitting because I feel so overwhelmed. But Hubby always comes to the rescue with his pep talk about how everything has a way of working out. And it seems to. I wonder how many times J.K. Rowling felt like giving up. Or any other well known author, for that matter. Am I just a 'giver-upper'? I guess that is something we all struggle with. It's so much easier to turn away from something and make excuses why we should quit, than it is to keep going. And I believe that's one big reason this writing community is so awesome, because anyone can find inspiration here. The love and support and friendships are here whether we ask for them or not! *Bigsmile* Tick tock. Don't give up.

          Have fun...

and

*Flower4* Happy Writing! *Flower4*

Love, Cubby ")


Editor's Picks

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** Image ID #1219544 Unavailable ** ~ Got questions? Look for answers here... ~ ** Image ID #1219544 Unavailable **

Getting Started: Table of Contents Open in new Window. (E)
Visit here for a tour of Writing.Com and learn about this vast, exciting site!
#168945 by The StoryMistress Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#794007 by Not Available.


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** Image ID #1219544 Unavailable ** ~~~And Now... For Our Featured Newbie Presentation!~~~ ** Image ID #1219544 Unavailable **
** Image ID #1219590 Unavailable **

*Flower4*
 Friends Like Us Open in new Window. [13+]
Two students befriend eachother, but some/thing is harboring ill-intent.
by Sebastian Author Icon

Excerpt: I met Robert two weeks into the school year. My English teacher ran out of seats in the front of the class (my preferred position in the room) and I had to sit at the back. Not the "socialite" type, I didn't know many people other then my friends. I did know that he was new, and very, very different. His outfit comprised of a faded t-shirt and khaki knee-length shorts, with flip-flops to top it off. In combination with his tanned skin and golden blond hair it was the perfect surfer look...except...

*Flower4*
 Dr. Jane, I presume Open in new Window. [E]
Jane, a physics graduate student, wanders in the wilderness of theoretical physics.
by MrWiggly Author Icon

Excerpt: Jane had been at her desk in the basement of Rolling Hall for about three hours. For the first two hours, she made good progress on her calculation. The problem was to calculate the predicted mass of the Higgs particle in a particular version of string theory that Professor Hawley had invented. He called it the "whole ball of string" theory because of his belief that it was, finally, the one string theory that explained the entire physics of our universe. It had become known popularly as the "whole nine yards" theory, playing on the rather derogatory notion that it would amount to nine yards of string rather than an explanation of the entire universe. Nevertheless, several already-established predictions of the theory had been very accurate, so worldwide interest in the theory was growing, and her result would be of interest to the entire string theory community. The last hour had been spent mostly staring out the window at students walking by, at a delivery truck coming and going, and at the duck in the Faculty Club pond.


*Flower4*
 Friends are those who look like me Open in new Window. [E]
Children's Story wityh animals looking for friendship
by TK Author Icon

Excerpt: She wondered why… why she had to look like she did. No one else she knew looked like her. The color it was all wrong. Her skin so rough and hairy. That…that thing she could see when she saw her reflection in the small pond near her home. What was it? It looked like a little coiled spring somehow attached to her. What an ugly tail. Tears fell as she knew that no one she knew looked like her. She was different and she would always be different. Sure others had told her that she was really special…then she would hear them laughing when they thought she wasn’t listening. Why…why…why…did she have to look this way?

*Flower4*
 Nightmare Before Halloween Open in new Window. [13+]
A story on about what happened on Halloween night, the sequel.
by zephyr Author Icon

Excerpt: "Ow!" I snapped, my ears ringing. Ben took no notice and left quickly when he saw Sam at the top of the stairs. I looked up and saw his bright face, but when he saw mine he flinched almost. He looked away and walked into the game room. "What?" I questioned Brittany. She shrugged and walked into the house; I followed. We jumped up the stairs and saw Sam sitting on the couch watching TV. Brittany first walked over to him. She sat next to him and shook his shoulder.

*Flower4* ~ *Note6* ~ *Flower4* ~ *Note6* ~ *Flower4* ~ *Note6* ~ *Flower4* ~ *Note6* ~ *Flower4* ~ *Note6*

** Image ID #1219544 Unavailable ** ~ Great Places for Newbies to Check Out! ~ ** Image ID #1219544 Unavailable **

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1209435 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#844409 by Not Available.

Image Protector
FORUM
Noticing Newbies Open in new Window. (13+)
A warm welcome to our newbies; come meet new and not-so-new members of Writing.Com!
#126963 by The StoryMistress Author IconMail Icon

THE DROP-OFF BOX  Open in new Window. (13+)
Monthly newbie contest.
#530577 by Tammy~Catchin Up~ Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1198248 by Not Available.

 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
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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!
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Ask & Answer

*Flower4* ~ *Note6* ~ *Flower4* ~ *Note6* ~ *Flower4* ~ *Note6* ~ *Flower4* ~ *Note6* ~ *Flower4* ~ *Note6*



*Note6* ~ *Flower4* ~ *Note6* ** Image ID #1205694 Unavailable ** *Note6* ~ *Flower4* ~ *Note6*


*Note* Last month's question:

Have you ever been in a Writing Group? Did you feel it was helpful?

*Check1* SHEA Author IconMail Icon
GREAT JOB! THANK YOU!

You are very welcome. *Smile*

*Check1* ~*sHaYnE*~ Author IconMail Icon
Hello Cubby Author IconMail Icon,
First of all, great newsletter! To answer your question about writing groups; I have been a participant of two different writing groups. Each had good qualitites, but neither wanted to "suggest" improvements. All I heard were compliments. Don't get me wrong, this girl loves compliments, but when you're honestly looking for a critique, they both fell short. While I did meet some wonderful people with good intentions, I prefer WDC for its honesty and helpfulness.

Keep up the good work! Thanks!
~*Shyane*~


You will definitely find honest critiquing here at WDC! And good for you for appreciating! Some people really do just want compliments. And like you, most of us love hearing them. But honest suggestions are so helpful for those of us who yearn to improve out writing. Something I have learned these past five years at WDC, is not every member is here to become a published author. *Shock* Thanks for sharing your experience with the writing groups.

*Check1* stomper
What I like most about this issue is the fact that it has newbies items in it. It seems the last few issues hadn't featured any newbies. I really appreciate this issue.

Thank you very much. *Smile* Normally, all the issues in the Noticing Newbies Newsletters feature newbies. *Confused* Perhaps you were browsing through one of the other newsletters? *Bigsmile* Either way, I'm so glad you enjoyed the issue. Thanks for your feedback!

*Check1* pooja_sr
Thanks for sharing your wonderful newsletter! Before I write something, I occasionally have a feeling that what I'm gonna write will not be good enough but it turns out to be fine in the end. What do I do about it? Thanks!
:)Pooja.


Probably nothing! *Bigsmile* That's just the way you are for the time being. Once you gain more confidence, I'm sure a lot of your insecurities will downsize. *Wink* Thanks for your feedback!

*Check1* Big Mike 2humble2bragbut... Author IconMail Icon
Cubby,
Thanks for featuring "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window.. I believe that involvement in groups on WDC is one of the most beneficial activities newbies (or any of us who want to be better writers) can do. This is my first experience moderating a group and it's just starting to get off the ground. Your support is greatly appreciated! Keep up the good work!


You are very welcome! I'll do my best. *Wink* Good luck!

*Check1* Cat Author IconMail Icon
But how do you know how to put what your gut is telling it into words. There are some things that are indescribable.

My best suggestion would be... just write. Write, write, write. If you don't like it, scribble it out and start over. Sounds like you're a perfectionist, like many good writers, I'm sure! If you don't already have a thesaurus, get one. Or use one online: www.thesaurus.com *Smile* Pick up a book at your local library on description. Play around with words. Over-do it and then edit. Description is not always an easy thing. Myself, I can write a good conversation, but I, too, struggle with describing things. *Pthb*

*Check1* kuchanna Author IconMail Icon
If you were writing for the mass media, a group could be of great help. I have benefited a lot by the small group of writers collaborating on a film project. Otherwise, a group doesn't offer much. I feel, solitude is more critical. -Kuchanna

You mean something like brainstorming? Yes, that would certainly be beneficial for something like that. *Smile* You are the second person so far that doesn't feel a writing group has much to offer. Interesting! Thanks so much for your honest input. *Smile*

*Check1* exasperanza
I have an idea on how to write good paragraphs. For each paragraph, I write my topic in the center of the page and circle it. Then I draw lines coming out of it, with one sentence idea on each "spoke." After that, I can number each sentence and begin writing my paragraph. This works best for writing reports and articles.

Excellent, excellent suggestion! This would be a great exercise for writer's block, too. Great feedback!

*Check1* essence of thought Author IconMail Icon
Hello Cubby,
A writing group as you've said is a very good idea. Although I've never been in such a group but I think it's a great motivator for one's writing creativity. Thanks for as always enoyable newsletter.


You are welcome. *Smile* And thank you for the feedback!

*Check1* hiroshi
I've been writing a few months and received no reviews. I need help! I do I get reviewed help?
hiroshi


Yes!!! There are several places to post your items you want reviewed. *Smile* A great place to look is to the left of your screen under Site Navigation. Click on Item Jumps. There will be a list to choose from, such as The Plug Page, Request Reviews, and Review Forums. I'm certain you will receive many reviews if you post there. *Bigsmile*

Items Submitted

Submitted by arwyn_ali
Hey Cubby!
After reading all of the answers to 'What is your favorite book you have read this year?' I thought I would mention that I recently put together, with the help of some supportive friends, a book club for the discussion and enjoyment of YA and fantasy novels. I thought that since there are so many book lovers here, some of the readers of this newsletter might be interested.
Anyway, thanks for another great issue! *Smile*
Ali
 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1252524 by Not Available.


Submitted by Savannah Lynn<3 Author IconMail Icon
To answer your question of the month, my favorite book I have read this month is The Barcode Tattoo and The Barcode Rebellion by Suzanne Weyn. It is a good teen novel and takes place in the year 2025. At the age of 17, teens are supposed to get barcoded, just as at 16, you get your drivers license. When this law went into effect, all adults had to get one too. When Kayla's father commits suicide because of the barcode, Kayla soon finds out all the dangers of Global-1, the company that introduced the barcodes, and what her and her friends should in rebellion. The first book is Barcode Tattoo, and the sequel is Barcode Rebellion.

Savannah
 I Need You Here Open in new Window. (13+)
When I lost my Grandmother less than a month ago. I wrote a poem about her last months.
#1216259 by Savannah Lynn<3 Author IconMail Icon


Recommended Books

Please send me your favorites!
I recently finished What the Dead Know by Laura Lippman,
which is pretty good. My hubby and I are also listening to a book on CD called The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom by Slavormir Rawicz, which was highly recommended to me.


*Flower4* ~ *Note6* ~ *Flower4* ~ *Note6* ~ *Flower4* ~ *Note6* ~ *Flower4* ~ *Note6* ~ *Flower4* ~ *Note6*

Quote
You write to communicate to the hearts and minds of others what's burning inside you.
And we edit to let the fire show through the smoke.
~Arthur Polotnik


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*Note* Cubby's Question(s) of the Month *Note*

How descriptive are you in your writing? Do you enjoy reading lots of description, or do you get bored with it?


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If you are interested in book discussions and/or recommendations, please join me at these brand new forums:




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See you again on August 22nd!

Love, Cubby ")


*Flower4* ~ *Note6* ~ *Flower4* ~ *Note6* ~ *Flower4* ~ *Note6* ~ *Flower4* ~ *Note6* ~ *Flower4* ~ *Note6*

*Note* Next week's editor will be... Puditat Author Icon

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