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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/3933-Cmon-in-The-Water-is-Fine.html
Noticing Newbies: August 25, 2010 Issue [#3933]

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Noticing Newbies


 This week: C'mon in! The Water is Fine.
  Edited by: Fyn 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

A man ceases to be a beginner in any given science and becomes a master in that science when he has learned that he is going to be a beginner all his life.~~Robin G. Collingwood

You can learn new things at any time in your life if you're willing to be a beginner. If you actually learn to like being a beginner, the whole world opens up to you.~~Barbara Sher

In literature the ambition of the novice is to acquire the literary language: the struggle of the adept is to get rid of it.~~George Bernard Shaw




Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

So you are a writer of some level level of writing. You might love to write, like to write or want to learn. You might be good at, terrible (or think you are), a neophyte or published just enough to still seek out and/or need the input/revision/camaraderie of other writers. You might like to write for yourself or intend it for the masses. You might enjoy the plethora of stuff to read and review offered here at writing.com (WDC for short.) It is all good.

BUT! Don't stand at the edge of the water and stick in your big toe. Just as the best way to get into chilly water is to run splashing in and get all wet at once, (then you always think it is just fine!) so too, is the way here. One of the biggest 'newbie' fears is the 'I don't know if it is 'good enough to post' ' worry. Forget it. Splash it! If is in need of work, folks will suggest ideas to 'make it better.' If it is good, folks will tell you that too.

I remember all too well that feeling of trepidation. The only way to get past that point is to go for it, to just 'do it!' I remember the worries--will I get feedback? Will anyone like it? Will they think it is crap? But the only way to find out is to take that first step! You most probably are better than you think you are! But even if you aren't, WDC is a fine place to hone those skills, to learn new ones, to experiment and to try new styles or forms. It is a learning place, a friendly place, a revisionary place, a sharpening place, a writing place, a reading place, a reviewing place. Over all it is a place that shortly will bring new insights, new friends, encouragement and an understanding why many of us call WDC 'home.'

Don't be intimidated. I received an email the other day that started, " I know you are very busy, and I hate to bother you, but I need help with" such 'n such. So, I have a blue case and yours is black. You are a newbie, I've been here a while. I remember being a black case. Just because someone's case is yellow or blue or purple doesn't mean we breathe rarefied air or anything! ASK! We are here to help, if we don't know an answer (and trust me everyone gets flummoxed now and again) we'll find someone who does. Remember that old saying--there is no such thing as a dumb question. (well, actually there is, but that is another newsletter and doesn't pertain to today.)

The same general rules apply here that apply everywhere else. Be kind, thoughtful and honest. Show tact. Do unto others as you want done to you. If you read the work of others, be mindful of what you want to read in a review you get. If you think a piece needs work, explain why you think so and offer suggestions as to how it can be approved. If you don't agree with the premise behind someone's work, it is fine to disagree, but don't vilify. Or confine your remarks to the level and quality of writing. Or, simply exercise your thumb and go on to something else. You can do that!

There's a cool little button on the upper left of your screen. It is called 'Things to Do and Read. Check it out! Enter a contest. Join a group! Go read!
Jump on it.Read another newbie's work. Remember, chances are they are feeling the same things you are!

So welcome to the amazing pool of writers that is WDC. C'mon in, the water is just fine! And so are you!


Editor's Picks

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1697545 by Not Available.


A Zephyr's Kiss Open in new Window. (E)
When we respect nature and nurture it, the gift is ours.
#1700285 by Calli Seren Author IconMail Icon


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Bronze Plates & Almonds (first pages) Open in new Window. (13+)
My first writing. It starts out dark, gets lighter for a while, and then... Where next?
#1698223 by Malister Author IconMail Icon


 Autumn And Earth - Chapter 1 -  Open in new Window. (18+)
This is the first chapter of a future novel: Xavier meets the mage.
#1701613 by Honeythief Author IconMail Icon


 Empowered Open in new Window. (E)
A country imagined, but not reality.
#1700457 by LaniG Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1701455 by Not Available.


 My best friend disability Open in new Window. (E)
Living with a disability
#1701295 by The Sky's the limit Author IconMail Icon

 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
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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!
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Don't forget to support our sponsor!



Ask & Answer

I'm guest editing this week, so i don't have feedback to offer, but instead, here are some helpful links you might not have discovered yet. *smiles*

Story Cafe Open in new Window. (ASR)
All invited, Speak your mind, got a New Story?, Opinion?, Need help?, Like a story?.
#101179 by The Milkman Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#615558 by Not Available.


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The Angel Army Open in new Window. (ASR)
Our mission? To welcome and promote a positive community within WDC. Join us today!
#1188342 by iKïyå§ama Author IconMail Icon


User Resources Open in new Window. (E)
A brief listing of review forums, how-to articles, writing workshops for newbies :)
#614859 by Writing.Com Support Author IconMail Icon


Enjoy, learn, explore, grow, write, review and find new friends.

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Word from our sponsor
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