Noticing Newbies: May 12, 2010 Issue [#3732]
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Noticing Newbies


 This week: Tidbits for Newbies
  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

*FlowerR* 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.

*FlowerY* 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!
~~~*FlowerY*~~~*FlowerR*~~~*FlowerY*~~~

Noticing Newbies Newsletter Editors

Cubby Author IconMail Icon
esprit Author IconMail Icon

Your host this week: Cubby Author IconMail Icon


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

~~~*LeafG*~~~*FlowerB*~~~*LeafG*~~~


Quotes

To write something, you have to risk making a fool of yourself.
~ Ann Rice

Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.
~ Ben Franklin

All words are pegs to hang ideas on.
~ Henry Ward Beecher


~~~*LeafG*~~~*FlowerB*~~~*LeafG*~~~


~~~*LeafG*~~~*FlowerY*~~~*LeafG*~~~


Tidbits for Newbies!


         Whether you are a Newbie to writing or a Newbie to Writing.com or both, you may or may not be interested in being published. This community does not require either. It's a wonderful place to meet those who share in your intents, your interests, and your frustrations. You do not need to be a published author or one who seeks to be a published author. Perhaps you enjoy writing as a hobby. Whatever the reason(s) you are here, we welcome you with open arms! *Smile*

         This community is a learning hub, a comfort zone, a safe haven for all who become members. What you seek, is up to you! For a nice, warm welcome, check out "Noticing NewbiesOpen in new Window. where you will meet other Newbies and of course, not-so-new Newbies *Bigsmile*. To get familiar with the site, "Getting Started: Table of ContentsOpen in new Window. is a great place to begin.

         Have you filled out your BioBlock yet? Be sure to do so if you have not. You don't need to write your life history, but a few things about yourself would be great! You can always change it, too, if you are not satisfied with it. Go to My Portfolio and click on Edit This Area. Follow the instructions and then hit Submit Changes.

         Be sure to sign up for more newsletters! For one thing, they're free. For another, they offer wonderful insights and information useful in several genres, such as Mystery, Poetry, Contests, to name a few. All you have to do is find "Newsletters" from the Site Tools navigation menu on the left side of your window. Now click Manage Newsletter Subscriptions. Hit Submit Changes and you are done!


         Reviewing is a big part of Writing.com. Many writers are here to improve on their skills and seek critiquing. A few quick rules to be sure to follow, if you happen to offer a review to another member: 1) Be honest but also encouraging. 2) Make sure you understand the rating system before you hand out stars. 3) If someone gives one of your items a review, be sure to thank that member with either a return review or a few gift points (GPs). ( If you'd like more information on gift points, go to "Gift Points InfoOpen in new Window.. ) For more indepth guidelines to reviewing, go to "Guidelines To Great ReviewingOpen in new Window..

         Are you looking for a place to post a particular item for review? Try "Please ReviewOpen in new Window. and/or "The Shameless "Plug" PageOpen in new Window. for starters. *Thumbsup*

         When you post an item in your portfolio (port), you open it up for viewing. No community is without hecklers, so beware; we've all met up with at least one or two during our stay here! You may want to read through "How To Deal With Negative CommentsOpen in new Window. for more information on this.

         You probably have lots of questions, feel a bit overwhelmed, and/or don't know where to begin. Please don't be shy! Moderators (blue cases), Senior Moderators (purple cases), and Staff (red cases) are here to help answer your questions. Preferred Authors (yellow cases) are a friendly bunch, too, and would be happy to help. Many of the black cases are Newbies, but not all! Please, if you have any questions, concerns, or confusion, let one of us know so we can help!

         You don't have to learn everything in 30 days or less! Take your time. Feel around. You'll find your way. *Smile*

         May this spring be filled with much inspiration...

Have a wonderful week!!!

Keep on Writing!

Yours truly,
Cubby ")


Editor's Picks

~~~*LeafG*~~~*FlowerV*~~~*LeafG*~~~

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

~~~*LeafG*~~~*FlowerV*~~~*LeafG*~~~


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


~~~*LeafG*~~~*FlowerY*~~~*LeafG*~~~

And Now For Our Featured Newbies!

~~~*LeafG*~~~*FlowerY*~~~*LeafG*~~~


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

Excerpt: “Bonnie, there ain’t never been a girl could find things like you!” she said. The left side of her Mama’s face was melted into a slump from the stroke she had had a year before, when Bonnie was four, and the best her mouth could manage was a twisted half-smile, like something plastic pulled from the ruins of a bonfire.

 The Jack O' Lanterns Story Open in new Window. [E]
A children's version of the story of a jack o' lantern.
by Darlin ~ Writer Author Icon

Excerpt: We all grew up in the same small patch, and spent many a day out on the vine. We would talk of where we would like to go when we were older and watch the clouds roll by. They were the good sort of pumpkin, friendly and easygoing.

 Eyes of the Earth Open in new Window. [13+]
The story of an Inuit family as they go through hardships that we all must face.
by Blake Author Icon

Excerpt: Aukaneck is special, but maybe not in a good way. He is different. He can hardly talk and his face is distorted. He has no friends to play with unless Iqniq is feeling nice enough to let him. Mostly he is just ignored. He is my brother.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

Excerpt: “She was a wonderful woman.” Agnes Tuttle shook her head at her best friend’s casket for a moment before completely breaking down into the arms of Chester Warren. He allowed Agnes to wet his best black shirt as much as she liked – he didn’t want to interrupt her mourning. She regained her composure and sighed shakily. “I’m so glad you could come.”

 Sisters Open in new Window. [E]
Dedicated to my 5 beautiful sisters!! I love you all 2 bitz!! <3
by inkheart Author Icon

Excerpt:
Sisters are.....
.....In all your childhood memories, good AND bad.
Sisters are.....
.....The smile that you soooo need when you feel sad.

 From a daddy's heart Open in new Window. [E]
These are the thoughts of a father expressed to his children.
by Bonmizik* Author Icon

Excerpt:
You're my sunshine,
when my days are turning into darkness.
You're my life line,
when i'm submerging in a sea of hopelessness.

~~~*Snow2*~~~*Snow3*~~~*Snow2*~~~

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

~~~*Snow2*~~~*Snow3*~~~*Snow2*~~~


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

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

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Ask & Answer

~~~*LeafG*~~~*FlowerV*~~~*LeafG*~~~

FEEDBACK

~~~*LeafG*~~~*FlowerV*~~~*LeafG*~~~


*Note1* Adriana Noir Author IconMail Icon
I'm so sorry about the loss of your father, Cubby. That said, it did inspire a beautiful newsletter with some fantastic advice. Everyone reacts differently in times of stress and sometimes, if we don't laugh, we will cry.

~ Thank you so much! Life's a roller coaster ride, that's for sure! *Smile*

*Note1* Coolhand Author IconMail Icon
Very insightful newsletter on embracing life, Cubby. Sounds so simple, yet we must be reminded so often. Thanks.

~ Yes, it's amazing how often we need to be reminded, isn't it? Thank you so much! *Smile*

*Note1* twon721
Loved the five quotes, they were great fun . . .

~ I love quotes! Glad you enjoyed them. *Bigsmile*

*Note1* atwhatcost
My mother was sick for months, before she died. She had cancer, but swore she would beat it, even if doctors disagreed. With that, I spent those months both knowing she would live and knowing she would die. When I was told she had died during the night, it was as if I never knew she would die.

That night, my family gathered, and my uncle (her "little brother") told stories that had us cracking up so much tears soaked our cheeks and chins. At that moment, a friend called. He was away on a retreat (one I couldn't go on, in case Mom died,) so couldn't come. I was still laughing at the stories.

I know he thought I had flipped out. On the other hand, I also understand what brought you laughter when your father passed. Condolenses. I know, for now, there will be more tears than laughter. Later, there will be more laughter than tears. Thank you for reminding us to embrace both - in life and for our characters.


~ Aw, thanks so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience! I've learned so much about life through death. I've risen above the depths of grief with open arms, and I surround myself (or at least try!) with comfort, knowing he will not suffer any longer and is in a place, with my mother, at last. Though loss is painful, I thinks it the unknowing before it happens that is the hardest. Like you said, "knowing she would live and knowing she would die" is how it is. I found great comfort reading Mitch Albom's book Tuesdays with Morrie. I listened to it (only 4 cds) and cannot say enough good things about it. *Smile*

*Note1* Christine Cassello Author IconMail Icon
This is something I need to do more of, I tend to take life too seriously. I am getting better at finding humor, however, and your article will remind me to look for it even more.

~ Thanks for sharing! I just watched a movie that really made me laugh: Old Dogs. If you need a little humor, that movie will do it for ya! *Laugh*

*Note1* Angelica Weatherby- Bday mom15 Author IconMail Icon
Dragonheart- it's a movie. :-d

~ Yes! I have seen it! Thank you for sharing! *Smile*

*Note1* Cassie Kat Author IconMail Icon
Sorry to hear about your dad; losing someone dear to you is tough. What I have found is that laughter during a time of grief can be good; it enables you to keep that person alive in your memories, focusing on all the good times you've had together. Not to mention it just feels good to laugh every now and again! *Bigsmile*

~ Thank you. You are SO right! *dellight*

*Note1* Shard Author IconMail Icon
I actually have cracked my knuckles in a funeral *Laugh* I'm sure it might have made a few people laugh but for one they hurt and it gets rid of the pain and it's just something I do out of habit and stress *Laugh*

~ Now that would make an excellent character trait, don't you think? Thanks for sharing! *Bigsmile*

*Note1* katherinerose
So sorry Cubby for your recent loss. Today marks the 4th anniversary of my mother's death. Hope that when I think of my mother, I will also think of you and your loss too. Sorry to post here, but had to say it. Katherine

~ I'm sorry for your loss, too. Time heals, but the wound never completely goes away. Take care. (((HUGS)))!!!


~~~*LeafG*~~~*FlowerP*~~~*LeafG*~~~

Recommended Books
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Recommended by Cubby Author Icon: If you have not read this book, I highly recommend it! I listened to it on CD (only four disks!) and I cannot tell you how uplifting it was. It's not at all preachy or depressing. It's about an older man who is dying, a younger man who used to be the man's student, and their last journey together, spent on Tuesdays. You might shed a few tears, but mostly you will feel look at life and death differently... more positive. And become a better person because of it. *Smile*
Please send me your favorite titles!
*Thumbsup*

~~~*LeafG*~~~*FlowerY*~~~*LeafG*~~~

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

Think of one thing you would like to learn to do. Now create a character who has the same yearning.

~~~*LeafG*~~~*FlowerY*~~~*LeafG*~~~


I'll see you again in June!
Have a great week!

Happy Writing!

*RainbowL*Be safe*RainbowR*

Cubby ")
~~~*LeafG*~~~*FlowerV*~~~*LeafG*~~~

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