 Noticing Newbies: August 25, 2010 Issue [#3933] |
  Noticing Newbies
This week: C'mon in! The Water is Fine. Edited by: Fyn  
More Newsletters By This Editor 
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
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
|
| ASIN: B07YXBT9JT |
Product Type: Kindle Store
|
Amazon's Price: $ 4.99
|
|
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! |
| |  | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#1697545 by Not Available. |
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#1701455 by Not Available. |
|
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!
| ASIN: B07P4NVL51 |
Product Type: Toys & Games
|
Amazon's Price: Price N/A
|
|
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 (ASR)
All invited, Speak your mind, got a New Story?, Opinion?, Need help?, Like a story?.
#101179 by The Milkman  |
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#615558 by Not Available. |
Enjoy, learn, explore, grow, write, review and find new friends. |
| ASIN: B000FC0SIM |
Product Type: Kindle Store
|
Amazon's Price: $ 12.99
|
|
To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.
|
This printed copy is for your personal use only. Reproduction
of this work in any other form is not allowed and does violate its copyright. |
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
