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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/4552
Contests & Activities: August 10, 2011 Issue [#4552]

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Contests & Activities


 This week: Train Well, Trust Yourself
  Edited by: spidey 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

Welcome to the Contests & Activities Newsletter. I'm spidey Author Icon, and I'm your Editor this week!


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

Train Well, Trust Yourself


I can be an emotional person. When I watch game-shows, I cry when someone wins a big prize. Those "make-over" shows get me every time, too.

I ran a 5k race this weekend, my first since April. I almost didn't run due to nerves and sudden hip flexor pain. It didn't hurt when I tried running, so I thought I should at least attempt the race. Boy, am I glad I did! I beat my own personal record by about one minute, and I felt amazing by the end of the race! I pushed myself pretty hard during the last mile, because I knew I had it in me. I trusted my training and my feelings, and it paid off. Winning (even just against yourself) can be an emotional experience!

Then, during the award ceremony, where the people who are usually much faster than me get their trophies and medals, I was shocked to hear my name called! I won third place in my age group! I was thrilled! A few minutes later, however, a bunch of us were called back up - it seems they had made a mistake. I was actually 4th place! *Shock* I took off my medal and started to give it back, but they refused to take it. They had extras, so there were enough for me to keep mine, but it no longer felt like mine.

I got a little emotional then, I'll admit. I felt like I didn't deserve the medal because I didn't earn it. I wasn't one of the top finishers. But they wouldn't take it back, so I didn't know what to do with it! After a while, though, I realized I worked very hard before and during this race. I trained and practiced and then trusted those experiences during the race. I pushed myself and felt like I'd won upon finishing. In a way, I did deserve a medal.

Of course, I can see a connection to writing here. We're often told we must write daily. I don't know if that's totally necessary, but we must write often and a lot if we wish to improve. Training and practice will only help you! You learn to trust yourself and to believe in your own ability. Take a look at your older works from time to time, and see how far you've come, how much you've grown as a writer!

Entering contests can help you in a way that writing on your own might not - it can push you outside of your comfort zone. It might be difficult, and you may doubt yourself, but push through the fear, and you just might find yourself a winner, regardless of whether you place.

If you enter a contest, and you don't find yourself with the top finishers, remember how you've succeeded because you've tried, because you weren't afraid to try, to train, to push yourself!

And a side note to contest hosts: Check your results before you make them public! No one likes being told they've won, only to be told there was a mistake! *Laugh*




Always keep on writing!



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Editor's Picks




Contests:

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Short Shots: Official WDC Contest Open in new Window. [ASR]
Use the photo to inspire your creativity. Write a short story and win big prizes!
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

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The Lighthouse Poetry Contest Open in new Window. [E]
Contests With A Christian Theme
by Legendary❤️Mask Author Icon

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The Dialogue 500 Open in new Window. [18+]
Dialogues of 500 words or less.
by W.D.Wilcox Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor



Activities:
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WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group Open in new Window. [E]
Join the fun! We inspire reviewers through kindness and learning! Winner of eight Quills!
by Maryann Author Icon

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Newbie Help And Support Review Central Open in new Window. [E]
Forum to post completed Newbie reviews
by Tiggy Author Icon

 The Island Open in new Window. [18+]
You wake up on a strange island.
by HardieHar Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 
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100 Days Of Rewrites... Open in new Window. [13+]
GOAL: Rewrite something every day.
by ruwth Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


Know of some gems that deserve exposure? Submit them in the feedback form or submission form at the end of this Newsletter, and I'll put them in my next one!


 
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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!

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Ask & Answer

My last newsletter, ("Contests & Activities Newsletter (July 13, 2011)Open in new Window.), discussed The Waiting Game.

Always fun. ~ BIG BAD WOLF is Howling Author Icon

Thanks! *Smile*


I am always checking the site to see if the results have been posted yet. I'm just like a little kid on Christmas morning -- I can't stand the suspense! ~ blainecindy

I know exactly how you feel! *Smile*


Hey thanks for plugging my contest and design shop! I really appreciate it! Great newsletter! I always get restless after a WdC contest! ~ saraiv

You're very welcome! *Smile*




Question(s) to think about:
How has your writing improved over time? Has Writing.Com helped? Has entering contests helped?


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