 Noticing Newbies: November 03, 2010 Issue [#4053] |
  Noticing Newbies
This week: Words have power. What do yours say? Edited by: Tornado Dodger  
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Words have power. What do yours say about you?
As authors, you and I have the power to write and speak on many different subjects. As members of Writing.com, we have the ability to work with a community of over 800,000 members. In addition to that, your posted work can be read publicly (if you choose), which means your voice can literally reach an endless number of people on the open web.
Think about what that means. Your words have the power to touch millions of people, of all ages, all demographics, all over the world. So what are you saying to them?
No, this isn't a lecture on what you should write. We all write for many different reasons and sometimes it's simply for enjoyment. My point is to make sure every single person realizes the power of their voice. You may feel insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Perhaps you feel like your opinion doesn't really matter. Everyone matters and every opinion has value. Think of how many speeches or actions in history have changed the world. From Civil Rights activists to Presidential candidates, voices are heard every single day and sometimes, their words, their singular voice changes the course of history. Could your voice be next?
With that in mind, it's easy on the internet to say whatever is on your mind, without regard or thought to who is listening. After all, it's just words on a screen, right? Well, unfortunately that's not true. There are real people on the other end of that screen reading your stories, articles, blog posts, forum posts, along with your comments in chat and scroll and even on others sites like Facebook and Myspace.
Many of you may be experienced, internet-savvy adults, who are quite aware of the responsibilities and consequences of your words in person and in online conversations. But what about those that don't know? What about someone who may be angry or upset and decide to take it out on someone online? One of the things I love about Writing.com is our community. Being a member here makes you part of my online family and I respect and value your opinion and feelings. Not everyone feels that way though. As we all know, there are bullies in the world that don't consider other's feelings. What they may not realize is how they treat others can have lasting effects.
Many cyber bullies think that bullying others online is funny. Cyber bullies often don't realize the consequences of their actions. If they're teenagers, the things they post online now may reflect badly on them later when they apply for college or a job. Did you know that it's possible to lose cell phone or online accounts for cyber bullying also? Even more severe cases have resulted in cyber bullies (and their parents if they're minors) facing legal charges for their words and actions. Some may think that if they use a fake name or anonymous email account they won't get caught, but there are many ways to track some one who is cyber bullying. Also, once things are circulated on the Internet, they may never disappear, resurfacing at later times to renew the pain in the victim and even cause problems for the bully themselves. Despite the potential damage of cyber bullying, it is alarmingly common among adolescents and teens.
According to statistics from the i-SAFE foundation:
 Over half of adolescents and teens have been bullied online, and about the same number have engaged in cyber bullying themselves.
More than 1 in 3 young people have been threatened online.
Over 25 percent of adolescents and teens have been bullied repeatedly through their cell phones or the Internet.
Well over half of young people do not tell their parents when cyber bullying occurs.
Some issues that lead to taunting and bullying include: racial differences, perceived sexual orientation, learning disabilities, and religious differences, but there are many others as well. Some children get bullied simply because of how they dress, look or talk. Many of these online taunts and threats come from people the child knows in their real life. These real-life playground school bullying statistics may surprise you.
 Every 7 minutes a child is bullied.
Adult intervention = 4%. Peer intervention = 11%. No intervention = 85%.
Bullying is an important issue and something that many people have encountered in one form or another during their lifetime. In the recent years though, it's grown in epic proportion. Children struggle with being called names, being picked upon, being excluded, not knowing how to make friends, or they may even be the ones acting unkindly or aggressively toward others. What's important to know is all forms of bullying are abusive in nature and all are opportunities for us to teach children and peers how to get along, how to be considerate people, how to be part of a community or group. Did you experience bullying as a child or are you experiencing it now? Writing is a release and could help you deal with or express your feelings as you work through them.
We all know bullies can have wide-ranging impact on adolescents and teens. After all, nearly one in five students in an average classroom is experiencing bullying in some way. However, what you may not know is the rest of the students, called bystanders, are also affected by the bullying. The guilt that occurs when a child doesn't step forward or is too scared to step forward can have lasting effects as well.
 Fearful
Powerless to act
Guilt for not acting
Temptation to participate
All these can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, poor grades and even suicidal thoughts and actions. My point of this article is to bring light to the simple idea - think before you speak. Think before you write. Think about who your words affect and what they say about you as a person.
You have a voice. Your words have power.
Voice your opinion, but make sure your words are respectful. Be an inspiration for change. I encourage you to be part of the solution to a problem that affects not only your future, but all our futures - not to mention, it could just save a child's life.
 Visit the Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative.
Join me in saving lives.
Until next time, keep writing and reviewing. 
Tornado Dodger
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I've chosen newbie items this month that highlight struggles of some kind and also some inspirational pieces. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. 
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Excerpt:
But Billy didn't move on. For some reason, this prolonged incident created a sea change in Billy's demeanor. He grew silent; his sense of humor disappeared; he became sullen and contrary. I didn't know it until several weeks later, but Billy's parents had split, and their divorce had rapidly become very ugly.
~ ~
Excerpt:
What more do you want? The answer is to be myself. I just want to be, well I want to be me. However I just know something is wrong here. I'm tired of pretending to be someone I'm not.
~ ~
Excerpt:
I know that hurt
It hurt me too
Letting people down
Not following through
~ ~
Excerpt:
Will you miss me, will you care?
Or will you just look on and stare?
My life is of no value to you
So just go away, yeah you
~ ~
Excerpt:
Is it possible?
Possible to affect lives?
Use what you have,
Your words,
Your deeds,
Your coin,
~ ~
Description:
Explaining my inner thoughts and feelings.
~ ~
Excerpt:
Why is it so hard to be happy? You try and try again, yet it never works. You see others smile and laugh with an ease you want to posses. You smile and laugh, but it feels fake; only half there.
~ ~
Excerpt:
With every breath, you are alive
With every breath, you're proven here
So take your blood and tears and smile
And paint upon your shaded fear
~ ~
Excerpt:
Can a human being be physically fit and mentally numbed? Is it a form of a depression? All these questions and more arise in our minds when we try to comprehend this word numb.
~ ~
Excerpt:
This is me, so should I apologize for being me?, or should I find me a new identity, an identity that you pick for me, or maybe he does, an identity that you may like for me better than mine,
~ ~
Excerpt:
Some people go too far
And that is what they will call you
Even though that's not what you are
~ ~
[Submitted Items]
"Invalid Item" by A Guest Visitor
Submitted with his comment below. Thank you Drew!
"Invalid Item" by A Guest Visitor
Submitted with this comment: "This is my first piece of work and it would be greatly appreciated if it showed up in the newsletter."
"Cracking the Characterization Code" by Voxxylady 
Submitted with her comment below. Thank you Voxxy!
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I received a lot of wonderful feedback to my last newsletter [#4005] "Is Writer's Block a Myth?" and I'm proud to share it with you.
From Free_Rip 
Brilliant newsletter. The questions were particularly useful. I had a think about where I came up with ideas for my favorite pieces, and how easily they flowed and there were distinct differences between them and most of the rest of my work. I'm gonna have to experiment with this... thanks!
Wonderful! I'm so glad it was helpful and got you thinking.
From A.T.B: It'sWhatWeDo
I was lucky enough once to have an editor with Workman read my "first 50" in order to gauge all the usual cogs and wheels of a much larger undertaking. That was in 2008; I was honored - but I'd been blocked for almost 2 years, and she could tell...too many questions, too many characters, too many breaks in the timeline. Since then, I've been calling that book the Epic Mess.
I have a handful of those 400+pages in my port as "feedback bait." The monologue included today has gotten the most drastic split between praise and hate mail of anything I have...so I know it's one from the heart. Stay true to what you fell in love with, yearn for it, but as I learned: never force it. Take pride in writing something with its own boundaries. Even staring at a blank page you're saying more than most authors could dream of putting into words. Stay confident; it'll come...just be ready when it does. ~Drew
Thank you Drew for your inspirational message and for submitting the item above.
From tiffanylynn111
This was a great topic. Your suggestions on how to get past writer's block were very interesting, I will try them the next time I can't think of the words myself. Great job! : )
Thank you! I appreciate your feedback and that you took the time to write in.
From mandyb
This is a real coincidence, I was just blogging about my own writers block. Once was mid NaNo 2009 and a walk in the freezing cold (I live in Alberta!) helped clear the fog and just a few weeks ago - another block. This was because I am writing in a very different style and it is makes me stumble. I find that leaving the writing for a day or so usually helps with the unblock. Thank you for the very interesting article - I will keep it as reference.
It's a common problem and I'm so glad you found worth in my words.
From RedButterfly
Thank you for this article. I had not thought about the relationship between inspiration and voice. Just thinking about this connection is inspirational. I notice that most of the information on this site is about either fiction writing or poetry. I'm interested in writing essays and either I'm missing something or there is not much information and support for simple essay writing. If there are things that I'm missing I would appreciate some directions.
whitebutterfly
Inspiration is one of the strongest tools for success - Write on!
From j.s.wayne
I've always believed that writers' block is a myth. Mercedes Lackey said (paraphrased) that it's nothing more than a reluctance to sit down and do the damn work. I think if you really want to write, and you really have "it" (that story, poem, or book that demands to be written, and the hell with everything else) then the means and opportunity will either present themselves, or you'll make them. Sometimes, breaking away from it is useful to shake things loose. I like listening to music, going for a drive, or going to the local game room and putting $20 in the one-armed bandit and letting my mind roam where it will. Sometimes, I even take a night off and watch a movie or TV. But when you freeze up and can't get started again, it's time to start assessing what the problem is.
Just my own personal; take it for what that's worth. (Current market rate: this plus $4.50 will buy you a grande caramel frappacino at Starbucks. Source: Forbes Fact and Comment)*
*(joke)
J.S. Wayne
 Good one.  I agree with you though, you have to sit down and work, writing takes diligence. Thanks for writing in.
From shadowedheart
Writers block is nothing, in my opinion, but a state of mind in which we have blocked our creativity. Most times, we do not realize that we have done this to ourselves, but we have. Best way to beat it? WRITE! Whatever may be on your mind - it doesn't matter - just WRITE!
Great advice! I agree with you! Write on!
From metonymy
In avoidance of Writers' Block: finding voice; finding your own personal commitment to the subject matter your writing about assures that more words will follow the first. That is so true; voice is so significant to writing well.
Couldn't have said it better myself. Thank you for sharing your voice.
From Starr* Rathburn
An excellent newsletter! I enjoyed reading it. When I have writer's block (which I prefer to call Writer's blahs), I go to The Writer's Cramp. It can be a great jump-start. Of course, I also like "Invalid Item" !
I love "The Writer's Cramp" too! It's an awesome activity and a great source of inspiration. Thank you for the compliment and for writing in.
From creatress
Thank you for this article. Gotta have that character sketch. It was a handy reminder of something that I have neglected to do, recently because I figured it would take more time to finish my story. But I've found that I actually wasted more time. I'll put this to use right away. Thanx again.
I am so glad what I shared was helpful. I couldn't ask for more than that.
From JacDesign
Thanks for this great topic. The dreaded "writer's block" for me is when I come to a new development in my story. It's not really a block but more a time out where I must (or my character dictates) the next move. It is a period of discovery, of choices and surprises. It's not overcome in a few hours, or days or sometimes even weeks. However, the breakthrough does come and for me it is the most exciting part about writing.
I agree, that is the most exciting part. I'm so glad you enjoyed the newsletter. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.
From Joyous
I have been sort of a come-and-go person her for about three months, and I've learned so much even with the little contact I've had. This issue on writer's block helped me a lot in my book, so I give you much thanks, Brooke
I can't tell you how thrilled I am that the newsletter topic helped. That's a wonderful compliment and I appreciate you taking the time to write in! 
From Maria Mize 
Brooke, inspiring newsletter... just what I need to get back on track. =)
Glad to hear it! Write on!
From jo-annerussell
I found this newsletter very helpful. The advice was practical and creative. I will be sure to use the exercises when I get stuck the next time. Thank you, and as always - great job.
Thank you for writing in! That's exactly what I was hoping to achieve.
From Angelica Weatherby- NaNo 23000 
I have Writer's Block especially when on Facebook or playing a favorite computer game while trying to write... :-d Great newsletter!
Those Facebook games can be addictive and really zap your writing time. Thanks for the compliment!
From The Huntress ~ Finding Love
I have found that, despite all precautions and all intimate familiarity with my writing style and approach, writer's block is a reality. There are times when I just am not in the proper mindset, cannot find my focus, cannot break through into the next line. When this occurs, I usually put down the pen and do something else. Sometimes walking away and coming back gives you exactly the fresh perspective you need ^_^ Great newsletter! Always so helpful, and such relevant topics for burgeoning writers!
Great advice. Sometimes a walk and some fresh air is exactly what your muse wants. Thanks for writing in!
From runningwolf04
Excellent newsletter! I loved the writing exercises and just thinking about how I write has inspired me to get back to pen and paper to write something. Very inspiring newsletter and I can't wait for the next one!
Thanks Krys! I'm glad it helped inspire you. I appreciate your support.
From Voxxylady
Hi Brooke, great exercises for forming your characters! I always suggest that writers have their characters with them during daily activities. For instance, when you get stuck washing dishes or the car or running an errand you don't want to do, or even if you're out gardening, put your character in the same shoes and figure out how s/he would react. I often character form while doing mundane tasks. It helps with my writing and to keep me from being bored.
That's great advice. I'll have to try that. Thank you for submitting an item for us to read also!
From hbar
I think when I have writer's block it means I am supposed to be writing that other story in my head that wants out.
You have a lot of voices in your head John, not all of them should come out.  You could be on to something though! Thank you for writing in. Your note made me smile.
From gokuman
nice
A reader of few words but still very important feedback ... thank you.
A belated comment from the wonderful GRAMPA ED regarding [#3953] "Learning Linking"
Cubby and Brooke,
Thanks for the article. I know it will take me a few times of re-reading to understand all this but I will get there. Old age slows me down and sometimes puts the gears in reverse. Just keep it simple, for guys like me, and the gals also.
Thanks for your thoughts and keep writing!
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