Noticing Newbies: December 24, 2008 Issue [#2792]
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Noticing Newbies


 This week:
  Edited by: CHRISTMAS cub-BELLS R RINGING! 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

*Snow2* 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.

*Snow2* 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!
*Snow2*~~~*Snow2*~~~*Snow2*

Noticing Newbies Newsletter Editors

CHRISTMAS cub-BELLS R RINGING! Author IconMail Icon
laurencia
esprit Author IconMail Icon

*Snow2* Your host this week: CHRISTMAS cub-BELLS R RINGING! Author IconMail Icon


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

Quote
Every man usually has something he can do better
than anyone else. Usually it is
reading his own handwriting.
~ Unknown

There is then creative reading
as well as creative writing
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Omit needless words. Vigorous writing is concise.
A sentence should contain no unnecessary words,
a paragraph no unnecessary sentences,
for the same reason that a drawing should have
no unnecessary lines
and a machine no unnecessary parts.
~ William Strunk, Jr.

Asking a writer what he thinks about criticism
is like asking a lamppost what it feels about dogs.
~ John Osborne


*Snow2*~~~*Snow2*~~~*Snow2*


*Smile* Let's Talk! *Smile*

         I thought perhaps this week we could talk about the above quotes. Each one of them says something important about writing. Let's start with the first one:

Every man usually has something he can do better
than anyone else. Usually it is reading his own
handwriting.
~ Unknown


         LOL! *Laugh* That is SO true! And it not only goes for handwriting, but submitting an item here at the site for pleasure-reading and reviewing. Look over your piece as if you were someone else reading it for the first time. Does it make sense? Is it easy to read online? Spaces between paragraphs really help! *Wink* Check out your spelling and punctuation, your grammer and flow. It's easy for all of us to read our own writing because we know what we are saying without all corrections. Typos get in the way for readers. *Smile* At least consider it.

         Quote number two:

There is then creative reading as well as creative
writing
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson


         The book I recently finished isn't really my cup-of-tea, but I loved the descriptions and how the author used her words. I ended up learning more from her writing than getting into the short stories with quick endings. It was our 'Book Discussion' pick of the month, which each one of the members recommend a book when it is their turn, so... though I would not have read it on my own, I did get something out of it, and glad for it. *Smile* I used this opportunity to observe the author's writing, which was in fact, well done.

         Quote number three:

Omit needless words. Vigorous writing is concise.
A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a
paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same
reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary
lines and a machine no unnecessary parts.
~ William Strunk, Jr.


         Watch our for words such as that, even, just, to name a few, and also repetitious words too close together. Reread your piece to make sure your word/sentences aren't redundant. *Bigsmile* It's common, so don't feel too badly if you discover you have done this. That's why we proofread and edit!

          Quote number four:

Asking a writer what he thinks about criticism is
like asking a lamppost what it feels about dogs.
~ John Osborne


Oh, boy... it's really hard sometimes to get a review which pretty much details every single typo you have made. Be prepared for encouraging critiquing here at WDC, but also be on the lookout for a few reviews that may not be encouraging. It's happened to most of us, so don't feel alone. Most of the members here will be kind about their suggestions, and hopefully not make you feel like a lamppost. *Bigsmile* And please keep in mind how your own reviews will reflect upon the person you are critiquing. *Heart*

Now...

Have a wonderful holiday!!!

Keep on Writing!

Yours truly,
Cubby ")


Editor's Picks

*Snow2*~~~*Snow2*~~~*Snow2*

~ Got questions? Look for answers here... ~

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#976758 by Not Available.

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.


*Snow2*~~~*Snow2*~~~*Snow2*


And Now For Our Featured Newbies!


  Tuckaseegee Park Open in new Window. [ASR]
My experiences in a not so lovely neighborhood park.
by C.C. Young Author Icon

Excerpt:
Handsome, troubled, faces gazed back at me,
Yet all I have ever seen is trouble
We have accommodated each other in private hells...
A place we've known too well and dwell
Afternoon after afternoon.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

Excerpt:
Serenading my desires with your gracious fingers,
Reaching and stretching for each pulsing key


 Race to the Plate Open in new Window. []
A rookie plays in his debut game, but this game decides who wins the division.
by Schmitters Author Icon

Excerpt: The stadium was filled with people. The Braves were playing the Mets to decide who would dominate the National League East. In the clubhouse, the room was full of uncertainty.
“I’m so nervous!” exclaimed rookie Jeff Barber.
“Don’t worry,” the first baseman, Lawrence Slade said. “You’ll do fine.”


 The Light That Leads Us Through Open in new Window. [E]
a poem written to inspire
by Julie Natale Author Icon

Excerpt:
This is a poem for the lonely at heart.
Who all know the ending,
But forgot how to start.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

Excerpt:
His timing in calculated
His motives are justified
The life you live was his to give
It is most certainly his to take


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Excerpt:


*Snow2*~~~*Snow2*~~~*Snow2*


~ A Few More Places to Check Out... ~


 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

Rules To Live By Open in new Window. (E)
Entry for the Don't Newbie Contest
#1275125 by D.L. Robinson Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#794817 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1254286 by Not Available.

Weekly NEWBIE Challenge Open in new Window. (E)
LEARN - Bitem Format, Emoticons, etc., and receive Reviews
#989394 by ~*~Damiana Returned~*~ Author IconMail Icon

Tips for New Members Open in new Window. (ASR)
Tips for new members -- things to know to improve your Writing.com experience.
#1016867 by JACE Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#552576 by Not Available.


 
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!

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Ask & Answer

*Snow2*~~~*Snow2*~~~*Snow2*


FEEDBACK

bookworm243
Great Newsletter! Even though I am not a Newbie anymore, I still subscribe to the newsletter. I always end up learning something new! (And reading something new!*Bigsmile*)

Another Fabulous Newsletter!


~ Thank you! *Smile* I'm so glad you enjoy and learn from our editorials!

Crawling Dragon Author IconMail Icon
"fung shway"? Guess it's time to redecorate! Love the letter, love the advice. Thanks a million!

~ *Bigsmile* I'm never against redecorating! (If I only had more time, especially!) Thank you and you're welcome!

sleepy Author IconMail Icon
I can't tell you enough how right you are!!! I have friends that totally zapp my energy with anything from being negative to telling me endless drama that goes nowhere. I actually (while listening to them) try to get ideas from some of thier misery, but sometimes it's just way too boring for that even. Thanks for the letters and keep them coming, because I for one, take all of it in like a sponge. Maybe I'll write a story about recieving newsletters! Just kidding, but really thanks.

~ Yeah, I'm pretty zapped feeling right now, for sure. Lots of stuff going on in my life, but I do try to involve myself in more positive activites, such as writing, playing my fiddle, etc. *Smile* Hey, I like your idea about a story involving newsletters! Go for it! Thanks so much for your response, too.

Coolhand Author IconMail Icon
Feng Shi for Newbies was zen-delicious! Your newsletters always get me going. Great job. Thanks.

~ Now that makes me happy! *Bigsmile* Thank you, and you are welcome!

*Snow2*~~~*Snow2*~~~*Snow2*

Recommended Books
Please send me your favorites!
Fine Just the Way It Is by Annie Proulx
This isn't a book I would have picked, but there were certain stories in it I liked. This book contains short stories that all take place in Wyoming. Some of them are a bit off the wall for me, and the endings are too quick, but I think that's because I enjoy novels where I can get into my characters and their issues. We will be discussing this book at our Discussion Group meeting on Monday, so it will be interesting to hear what others have to say about it. Right now, it's about half and half of how the members like it. If anything, I've enjoyed her excellent descriptions and way with words. She's a very gifted writer. Perhaps I should read one of her novels. *Smile*


*Snow2*~~~*Snow2*~~~*Snow2*

*Note* Cubby's Writer's Block Challenge of the Month *Note*

Open a book, close your eyes and point somewhere on the page. Now open your eyes and copy down that sentence. Begin a story or poem that includes that line. *Smile*

*Snow2*~~~*Snow2*~~~*Snow2*

I'll see you again on January 21st, 2009!
Happy Holidays!


Cubby ")
*Snow2*~~~*Snow2*~~~*Snow2*

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