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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/3524-.html
Noticing Newbies: January 27, 2010 Issue [#3524]

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Noticing Newbies


 This week:
  Edited by: Diane 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!


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Letter from the editor

I Want to Write!


Committing a story to paper (or pixel in this case!) takes courage. I love reading the introductions from new members in "Noticing NewbiesOpen in new Window.. It reminds me of my first time logging onto the site. I joined with a sense of trepidation, not quite knowing what to expect and worried about how I would be received. I was welcomed with open arms and given a lot of encouragement, which helped me to gain the courage needed to post something in my portfolio. It was a terrible poem, but the readers gave constructive feedback on how it could be improved and guided me to forums that might help a struggling writer.

As a longtime member of the site, I feel it is my duty to welcome and help others when they join. To do this, I follow in the footsteps of those who welcomed me. First I recommend that new members add something to their portfolio, then go out and review others. Reviewing not only helps tune your writing skills, but also encourages others to review you in kind. Plus, you can form a support network and make friends that will help you reach your writing goals, whatever they may be.

Next, I suggest members enter "The Writer's CrampOpen in new Window.. It's a contest that posts a new prompt every twenty four hours so inspiration is always fresh. I entered this contest quite often and occasionally won, which is always nice. The reviews from the judges gave me the confidence to branch out and try other contests on the site. I've since joined the panel of judges and hope to encourage others with my feedback on their entries.

There is so much to do on Writing.Com that it can at times seem overwhelming and often members wonder how anyone will ever find their items to review. In fact, the number one question posed from new members is, "How can I get others to review what I've written?" My suggestion is to review others and make your reviews public. That links your portfolio in one more area on the site and the more visible you are, the more reviews you are likely to receive. Also, I suggest posting in "Please ReviewOpen in new Window.. Be specific about what feedback you are seeking. Do you need help with the plot, characters, point of view? Spell it out for the reviewers and you are sure to get a response. In addition, you can post links to your items in review forums around the site. A list of review forums can be found by clicking on Things to Do & Read on the top left side of your screen under Site Navigation.

Getting involved on the site makes for a richer experience, but I'd caution you to focus this involvement on your writing. It is easy to get distracted from your reason for joining. To keep your eye on the goal follow these simple guidelines:

*Check* Add something to your portfolio.
*Check* Enter contests for inspiration and feedback.
*Check* Review others to hone your writing skills and form support groups.
*Check* Join existing groups to help you focus on your area of interest, whether it be poetry, short stories, or novel writing.

When you have a general writing question or need some guidance, post a message in "Writing.Com General DiscussionOpen in new Window.. Chances are that others have had the same question or will be able to assist you.

Welcome to Writing.Com! I hope you enjoy the site as much as I do.

Diane Author Icon




Editor's Picks

I selected a nice mix of items written by newer members to Writing.Com. Enjoy, and remember to send a review to the author.



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This item number is not valid.
#1639391 by Not Available.


Excerpt: I walked towards the back of my house when I heard a noise that made me drop to the floor. It was louder than a gunshot, and certainly more so than a car back firing, but I wasn’t about to get up yet to determine the cause. As I clung to the dusty floor of the cabin, I turned my head and lifted it just enough to see flames coming from a home down the road.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1639306 by Not Available.


Excerpt: Right now I'm sitting on this park bench. Believe me, it's not comfortable. The green paint is peeling and the planks of wood are splintering. I wouldn't be sitting here if I had somewhere else to be.

 Guide to Strong Writing--Make Me CARE Open in new Window. (E)
The most important aspect of storytelling, any storytelling, is engaging the reader.
#1638476 by Boni Author IconMail Icon


Excerpt: Having waded through countless blogs, articles, stories, essays, screenplays, poems and practically every other literary form for many years, I've come to a simple conclusion about what is readable and what is not.

 Cradled by Fate Open in new Window. ()
Writing from the soul. Three Vignettes.
#1638256 by Moirai Author IconMail Icon


Excerpt:
For the time being
I have lifted the blanket of watchful eyes,


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1634469 by Not Available.


This interactive has just begun, but the storyline has potential and I thought it deserved some additional entries.

 Elegy for Lost Dignity - A Sonnet Open in new Window. (13+)
A piece that mourns how rash mistakes can throw away well-earned respect.
#1632622 by The Lizard King Author IconMail Icon


Excerpt:
There was a time not long ago from now
when self-respecting nature was my pride,
and all who knew me surely could avow -
perspective, peace and poise did I provide.



Below are some items that you might find helpful:

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This item number is not valid.
#552576 by Not Available.


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This item number is not valid.
#1566217 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#909687 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#819970 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

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Ask & Answer

As a guest editor, I have no feedback for the newsletter to share with you, but the editors work hard to make sure the newsletters are informative and enjoyable, and they appreciate your responses.


Writing.Com Tip:

Use the Random Read tool to find something to read instead of searching the site, which takes precious time away from the actual writing and reviewing you can do while online. The random read is linked in two places in the Site Navigation area on the top, left side of the screen. You can reach it by selecting Things to Do & Read *Right* Random Read or by clicking on the image that looks like:

Random Read Image


For your convenience, I am linking it here as well. I encourage you to use the random read tool to Find Something to Read!  Open in new Window..


[Linked Poll's access is restricted.]

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

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
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