  Noticing Newbies
This week: Writing Groups Edited by: Stephanie Grace  
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| Noticing a "newbie" isn't so easy when what may be commonplace to one person is new to another. I think this newsletter should not only celebrate the notice the new members of this site, but also introduce those that have been here for years to something new to them. We are all newbies at something, in our own way --and, I hope, even some veterans of this site will find something that makes them feel fresh [and new] when they read my words... |
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Hello, my darlings! How are you all holding up? Don't worry... football starts soon and this nasty weather will go away before we know it (I hope!). 
All month, I have been trying to think of a topic for this newsletter and I just keep failing. My brain, for whatever reason, has been rejecting all inspiration and refusing to let me focus on very much. This makes me wonder what you all think. What would you like to see as a point of focus for this newsletter? Don't be shy! Leave a comment. Maybe you'll be able to get through whatever filter my brain has chosen to put in please [without even consulting me first! How can it do that to me?].
Of course, though, my rambling must go on. We can't just leave things at that, now can we? So... I'm deciding to steal inspiration (I'm openly admitting to it) from my friend, NaNoNette  . I found her writing group recently (link below) and thought I'd highlight some reasons to join such a group.
 Keep Yourself on Track.
By joining a group of writers, you will inevitably feel the need to write regularly so that you have something to share. Be it because of a set deadline or just the pressure to show others what you can do or how you improve from one work to the next, having a group of people to share with can really give you the focus to complete something.
Feedback
No matter what you do in life, without feedback from others, you are stunted by your own limitations. Feedback is crucial in so many aspects of life and writing is most certainly on that list -maybe even at the top of yours. To be able to grown, learn, and improve, you must be willing to share and allow others to point out areas where something could be better. The knowledge that one person can give to you might change your whole life. Of course, we share on WdC for feedback, but having a smaller group will increase your chances of getting that almighty feedback and discussing it more than usual. Also, with a smaller group, you might find yourself more comfortable sharing pieces that you know need a lot of work. You are sharing with friends when you are part of a group.
Friendship
Yes, yes, friendship is everywhere on WdC. Look in any corner, and a friendship is waiting to be formed, but in a smaller, more focused group, you might feel more comfortable with the others a lot faster... and then who knows where you'll end up as you branch out from there!
I know that I'm missing a million and one other reasons that such groups are great, but I seem to have run out of thoughts again.  (I've barely even rambled and I'm done already? I better make an appointment with the doctor...).
Love and Happy Writing to all!
 ,
Stephanie Grace
P.S. INSPIRATION! How did I overlook adding that to the list? |
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 This is the group from which I stole inspiration.
This group, which I adore, also has a buddy system for writing from which you might benefit.
And, now, for some new items from new writers. Show them some love!
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This item number is not valid.
#1882292 by Not Available. |
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#1882239 by Not Available. |
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From platinumbwords: Terrifically said. Sometimes, the meaning is more important than the structure, when your emotions are running high. Thank you for sharing the thought!
I think people forget that emotions needing to be released should come first, sometimes. Structure can be added later. Structure can be forced --real emotion can't.
From ~*Arpita*~ : You are quite right in saying so. If we constrict ourselves too much with form and meter, I guess we will actually forget how to write from heart. Yes, proper techniques are important, but only after I have something down on my paper and then modify it.
You have addressed a common problem here for any writer who is a poet. Thanks for that. Many of us who have been forced (in a way, by perfectionists who are always thinking of structure) to adopt the constricted style, can breathe a little easier now, and follow our own hearts.
 I'm so glad that you agree with me!  I think there's a balance to be found between heart and structure --and that free verse poets should never feel the need to apologize nor conform! Maybe 'Free Poets' have a thing or two (or five) to teach structured poets and should be more of a presence.
From blunderbuss: Thank you so much for this newsletter. I have had criticism for all the things mentioned above when I started entering contests on here with poetry. I was just experimenting anyway, because I hadn't written poems for many years.
At first, it was really off putting - especially when someone ruled out even one near rhyme', a device which I thought was perfectly acceptable if it was obvious that it fitted so much better and conveyed what I really wanted to say.
I'm really going for it now - I even put lines between verses which have internal rhyme in themselves and nothing to do with the rhyming pattern in the verses! Now someone is sure to come back and say, more or less, what on earth is this? But, I don't care!
We write what we write. No one should ever feel like how or what they right is wrong. I'm firmly against writing for an audience; always write for you. If not, what's the point? Besides, how else are new forms to be found?
From Steve adding writing to ntbk. and his item "Invalid Item" : Good newsletter Stephanie. Reviewed and let all know that they were featured here. I don't think I've ever simply written a list of words and tried to create a poem out of it. May well try it this time around. Keep up the good work and write on in the WdC!
Copenator out! BA, MDiv
The item I highlight here is special to me as it is a jingle I wrote for Juvenile Diabetes Research. Marks my first ever selling Charity Jingle and means the most to me as I give to them every pay check.
Thank you. I wish you much continued success!  
From brown eyed beauty : I completely agree with your point of view and many of us who studied Engish and grammer often get caught up in the rules but the best works are often free form contained in some manner. Also, In the ask and Answer section the font makes a w look likea v.
I think there's a delicate balance between the two, but if a writer states "free verse", it's kind of disrespectful to tell them, "This is good, but it'd be great if you used a set form or structure." Sometimes, things come out just as the writer feels or wants them. In such a situation, I think no rules should be applied. Courier/ Courier New is the only font that I like,  but I've seen plenty of complaints about my choice lately. Hope you like the change for this newsletter --it won't last. (I feel like I'm cheating on my love!)
From embe : In a moment of poetic independence
Stephanie Grace our teacher of note,
the newsletter freeing your mind
in a another world like embe.
Writing with inspiration
emotions you may copy
without the meter,
so many stars
for a porfolio.
A reality for you
thanking our dear Stephany,
if willing to free your mind.
Thank you so much, embe! Such a touching comment... Thank you!
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Noticing Newbies: August 01, 2012 Issue [#5189]
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