  Noticing Newbies
This week: Qualifying Entries: A Judge's Thoughts Edited by: JACE  
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Hi, I'm JACE .
Welcome to this issue of the Noticing Newbies newsletter. I hope to take you into some nooks and crannies of Writing.Com that you may not have found time to check out yet.
Don't forget to toss me a note about what you liked or didn't like in my column, or about a topic you'd like to see discussed. This newsletter is about and for you. And for you seasoned members, I hope you'll find something you can take from my ramblings.  |
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Qualifying Entries: A Judge's Thoughts
Judging a contest, as with anything creative, rests on the personal views of the person doing the judging.
Many folks reading these words may never experience the opportuntity to judge a contest, though I suspect most will enter one. At any particular moment, there are probably fewer than 300 contests of various sorts active on WDC. Even allowing for multiple judges in some contests and those who have judged in the past, the number of folks on the judging end of the creative world is very small given the active WDC membership. In my time here, I've had the pleasure of judging several contests.
But most folks, myself included, choose to submit our works of excellence to the judgment of those few individuals. In some cases, the promise of tangible rewards (gift points, merit badges and awardicons) lure us like Sirens. That we may feel good from our creative efforts is a given--no one believes he or she would submit a sub-standard offering. That we may receive wild acclaim is our fervent hope; that we may even be published is a cherished dream.
The bottom line is someone must judge our work worthy of such acclaim and rewards. What can we do to help improve our chances of success?
In short, be sure you qualify for the contest, AND improve the quality of your writing. This time I'll talk about the qualifying aspects that judges look for.
As a judge the first thing I check is that all posted rules are followed. You can have the best story in the world, but it isn't worth the pixels on the screen if the judge won't read it. I know from experience what it's like to have a story disqualified. It's ususally for something trivial like failing to add a word count. Some years back I took the H&R Block tax course and their favorite saying was "Read the form." Wise words for contests, too.
Read each rule, and don't be afraid to ask for clarification. Every judge I know would rather answer a question to assure a potential entry rather than disqualify someone.
Next, make sure the posted prompt is followed. Some contests require the prompt be used or highlighted, or both, in your story; others just post it as inspiration. Whatever the case, be sure you use the prompt appropriately.
Finally, meet the deadline. Most contests use official WDC time, which is set to Eastern Standard Time (that's the eastern United States coast). You can find the time in several places on the WDC page--at the bottom of the left column; at the top of the Favorites in the upper right column; and at the top of the Instant Message Console. Remember these times are not active clocks; you must refresh your page to get a current time.
Next time, I'll talk about the quality of your entry and what a judge may look for in your story or poem.
Now, some old business. Two issues ago I posted a call for folks to write and post a Testimonial. I took all the testimonials posted between 27 July and 23 August, the period between my last two newsletters, and threw them into a virtual pot. The winner as chosen by the Virtual Dice roll is Clark Wilson  . Thank you to the 17 members who took time to add their testimonial.
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| |  | Buster (E)
If you read this, and know someone who struggles with depression, try to help them.
#1804538 by Clark Wilson |
| | | Shots (E)
Your final thoughts as the nurse give you a nasty injection.
#1801525 by Jemeema |
| | | WORDS (GC)
Tragic incidents can happen suddenly for little cause...
#1779309 by GWFrog |
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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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What do you think judges look for in your entries to their contests?
And from the mailbox about my last Noticing Newbies newsletter, "Noticing Newbies Newsletter (August 24, 2011)"
From Jay's debut novel is out now!  : What a great newsletter, Jace. It is always important to branch out and try new things-- not only does it influence the things we already know how to do, it also helps us figure out what we're good at, writing or otherwise. I love to experiment--I guess that's the mad scientist in me talking, but I never understand it when people don't even want to try something new. I think your newsletter gives some great comments on why it's so important. Nice work!
Thanks for the comment, my friend. I've noticed I'm willing to try new things more since I joined WDC. I hope others find this site as stimulating as I.
From gaelikaa: It takes time to get used to a new site but I enjoyed your newsletter. Thank you.
Indeed it does. I still remember my first six months, wondering what I'd gotten myself into. Stick with it; you'll be surprised how fast you'll learn.
From sarahreed: Trying new forms of writing is a very scary prospect. I've tried new genres of writing and was scared enough by that. But I must admit, when I have challenged myself to something new, I've really enjoyed it. Sure, what I wrote may not have been anything stellar, but I enjoyed the process of doing something new. But alas, I too have procrastination tendencies, which are a very big road block in my writing journey. Maybe we need to form a support group...whenever we get around to it! 
I'm there, Sarah. But make it next week. 
From Matt Bird MSci (Hons) AMRSC : Great NL! I don't write much poetry, but I do review it a lot at WDC. You don't have to be write it to enjoy and comment on it. The poem linked was one I wrote in about 20 minutes as something to vary my novella writing. It was great fun!
"Invalid Item"
I believe in taking time to do something else to refresh one's creative functions. Poetry's a definite break from novel writing. 
From Jeff  : Great NL this week, Jace. It's always refreshing to try something new, whether it's a completely different form of writing, or something as simple as a different genre or perspective. Writing requires countless hours spent alone with the blank page, and every once in a while, we could all use a little spark to get us reinvigorated again. Great job!
Coming from a writer as versatile as you, I feel bolstered in my views above. Thanks, my friend.
From storyteller1: Hi fellow writers,
I am a newbie and am looking forward to learning a lot from Writers.Com and my fellow writers. Am just so overwhelmed right now at all there is to see and read. In time I hope to be able to navigate like a pro. Happy writing.
Trust me--jump in and you'll soon be swimming with the rest of us. Remember, don't hesitate to ask for help when needed. We've all been where you are now, and we love to help.
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Noticing Newbies: September 21, 2011 Issue [#4621]
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