Noticing Newbies: July 16, 2008 Issue [#2498]
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Noticing Newbies


 This week: Finding the Perfect Match
  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

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The mechanics of writing (grammar, punctuation, and such) are tools of the trade. "But they hinder my creativity!" I hear you cry. Maybe you can substitute a butter knife for a screwdriver, but to do it effectively you have to understand how a screwdriver works.
Holly Jahangiri Author Icon



Finding the Perfect Match


Finding the writing help you want is as simple as typing a key word into the search box.
Every writer has questions and every writer has answers, the topic of this newsletter is helping them find each other. If you have a question, enter a keyword into the search box and see if someone has the answer. You'll probably find more than several. Here are a few examples taken from Jessie's forum, linked below.

*Bullet* Subject: Adverbs

I was recently gently counselled to avoid the use of adverbs in my writing. Now I like using adverbs and do not agree that their usage becomes "telling" not "showing". Anyway persistent "showing" can be a bit intrusive or pushy! A little gentle "telling" interspersed with judicious glimpses via "showing" is effective too! I have also been cautioned not to use first person present tense for stories. I don't see why not?


Subject: Re: Adverbs

Because most writers do both badly.

Use ALL the tools at your disposal. Just know when they can be used effectively, and when they are like...too much salt in the soup. Overuse of adverbs can be annoying. First person present tense is very hard to pull off, but it can be done. It's very limiting for you, as the author, and it is so rare that it calls attention to itself and can seem gimmicky. But if you think that's the best way to tell the story, and if you can do it with some skill and grace, you may have a bestseller on your hands.

A caution from other writers is just that - a caution. Not a prohibition. Similarly (since I know it will come up, over and over and over ad nauseum), passive voice is not evil. It is not a tool of the Devil, himself. Sometimes, it's the best choice. But when used to shirk responsibility - or to cover for the writer's lack of specific knowledge of essential facts - it can be a clear sign of amateurism, shoddy journalism, or careless story crafting.
by: Holly Jahangiri Author Icon

*Bullet*Subject: Beginning

Can anybody tell me just a good place to start with grammar. The mechanics of punctuation has always discouraged me from writing. I am ready to tackle this challenge, can anybody give me some advice as where to start. I want to write, but I know that I am not going to learn the mechanics of puncuation over night, but I do just want to use what I do know if this makes sense. Thank-you for your help

*Bullet* Subject: Ellipses

There is a great piece I remember reading on ellipses, but I can't find it. Does anyone have any links?

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by A Guest Visitor


Hyphens and dashes: "Invalid EntryOpen in new Window.

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by A Guest Visitor


Grammarama Open in new Window. [13+]
A library featuring commonly committed errors of the English language.
by Davy Kraken Author Icon


"Lay vs. LieOpen in new Window.

"Invalid EntryOpen in new Window.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


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by A Guest Visitor


If you would like to begin or join in a discussion you're always welcome here.

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by A Guest Visitor



There are some fine articles found on-site. Why not try here first?
Thanks for reading,

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Editor's Picks

 Random Thoughts Open in new Window. [E]
Just that. Random thoughts
by Resasi Author Icon


 Why We Hurt Open in new Window. [E]
Talks about why we hurt each other and what we can do about it
by SnugglyKitten Author Icon


 An Author's Bloodletting Open in new Window. [E]
Writing tips for aspiring authors.
by Rob Sunder Author Icon


 Christmas Valley Drive Open in new Window. [E]
This is about my childhood experiences at my grandparents' house in St. Louis, Missouri.
by T.M. Hughes Author Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


Remember to read your neighbor's work too!

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{b|Helpful Links

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 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


Image Protector
Site News & Announcements Open in new Window. [ASR]
Announcements pertaining to Writing.Com!
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon

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

Re: "Invalid EntryOpen in new Window.

I found an excellent entry in Acme Author Icon Blog that I wish I'd had in the last edition. Anyone interested in going the POD route might want to read the links included inside. Thanks for posting, Acme.

"Invalid EntryOpen in new Window.
"Make mine an Espresso..." There is no doubt about it, there is a real buzz rippling through literature circles which has nothing to do with caffeine. With the promise of a book printed, bound, and in your hands, on demand within three minutes, it will be interesting to see how the Espresso Book Machine changes the lives of writers, especially self published ones.



We always appreciate feedback, thanks!

Editors:

Cubby Author Icon
laurencia

Your host this week is esprit Author Icon

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

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