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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/3461-.html
Contests & Activities: December 30, 2009 Issue [#3461]

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Contests & Activities


 This week:
  Edited by: spidey 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

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Welcome to the Contests & Activities Newsletter. I'm spidey Author Icon, and I'm your Editor this week. I'd like to discuss Resolutions.



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Letter from the editor


Happy New Year!!


It's that time of year once again - time to make resolutions! The trick, of course, is seeing them through. It's easy to say, "I'm going to lose weight," or "I'm going to write more," or even "I'm going to be more active in the WDC community," but it's more difficult to actually follow through. Why is it so difficult? I believe it's a matter of detail.

When you set a vague resolution, it can be difficult to determine how to follow it. By setting more specific, detailed goals, it automatically makes completing those goals easier!

For example, compare these two resolutions:

1. I'm going to enter more writing contests.

2. I will enter two contests per month.

Which will be easier to follow through with? To me, the second would be much easier! It's also easier to keep track this way. Otherwise, it can be difficult to identify whether you're following your goals or not.


More tips for following through on your resolutions:

*Bullet* Don't get discouraged! Let's say you get really busy one month, and you don't get to enter those contests you promised yourself you would enter. That's okay! Try again next month. There's no harm in trying again!

*Bullet* Set realistic goals! Only you know what's realistic for you. Choose goals that are realistic, yet challenging. It's also a good idea to set realistic deadlines. The point of resolutions, I think, is to challenge yourself so that you can accomplish a new task or grow as a person.

*Bullet* Allow for interruptions and distractions. Life is chaotic and impossible to plan each step. Sometimes you'll get unforeseen events that could interfere with your resolutions. Again, don't get discouraged!

*Bullet* Hold yourself accountable! Give yourself rewards (or perhaps withhold them) for completing or not completing your goals. Find a group or a partner and share your progress!



Some ideas for writing & WDC resolutions:

*Bullet* Edit your novel! For me, writing the first draft is the easy part. Editing, on the other hand, is a huge task. Give yourself plenty of time, but a deadline is a good idea to keep you motivated.

*Bullet* Reviewing! Reviewing is a great tool to strengthen writing. By examining others, we find that it becomes easier to look critically at our own writing. Set a daily, weekly or monthly goal for reviewing! (It's also a great way to connect with other members and to welcome newbies to our community!)

*Bullet* Try a new activity! Creating items and activities are great ways to flex our writing muscles. Try your hand at the many activities the site offers, like quizzes, crossword puzzles, interactives, product reviews, and more!

*Bullet* Try a new style! Experiment with different styles of writing. Try non-fiction or poetry or perhaps a genre outside of your comfort zone. Chances are, you'll enjoy the challenge and learn something new!



Always keep on writing!



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Editor's Picks


Contests:


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by A Guest Visitor

What if...? (Closed) Open in new Window. [13+]
The contest that asks the big question - what if...? September Round - Judging
by Dawn Embers Author Icon

14 Days, 7 Prompts, 1 Story Contest Open in new Window. [E]
Can you turn 7 prompts, given every 48 hours, into one story?
by NaNoNette Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


Activities:
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by A Guest Visitor

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by A Guest Visitor

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by A Guest Visitor

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by A Guest Visitor

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by A Guest Visitor


Know of some gems that deserve exposure? Submit them in the feedback form or submission form at the end of this Newsletter, and I'll put them in my next one!

 
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Ask & Answer


hi, spidey--
my post-nano plans are to nano again in january with a writer friend. i only got halfway through this november! *Frown* but we're gonna rip it up in january, and make lemonade outta lemons. *Bigsmile* that's the plan!
thanks for an uplifting newsletter--enjoyed it!
~ Lauriemariepea Author IconMail Icon

Great post-NaNo plans! Good luck and thanks for the comment! *Bigsmile*



Question to think about:
What are your 2010 resolutions? How will you stay motivated to stick to them?

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