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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/5342
Contests & Activities: October 31, 2012 Issue [#5342]

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Contests & Activities


 This week: The Competitive Edge
  Edited by: spidey Author IconMail Icon
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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

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



Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

Bring out your competitive side!


My last few newsletters have been about losing, how rejection is a reality for most writers. We can't all win, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try! And why not enjoy a little bit of competition while we're at it?

For anyone who may not know, my Mom passed away earlier this month unexpectedly. I find myself remembering the smallest, silliest things. One thing that sticks in my mind is my Mom's competitive nature. She wasn't a sore loser, but she did love to win! I grew up playing board games and card games with my family and my parents didn't go easy on my sister and me. Looking back, I think that was the best decision.

Isn't it a little bit fun to compete? I think many of us find that competition drives us to be better. We want to play our best hand to increase our odds at winning! Some of us feel compelled to try just a little harder when we know others are watching and if our work is being pitted against others.

So much in life is about balance, don't you think? A little competitive spirit is good, but you don't want to go overboard. Tone is difficult to convey through written communication on the internet, so be sure not to offend anyone else if you get involved in a little competitive ribbing or teasing. In short, be a good sport, like my Mom! *Bigsmile*

In the spirit of friendly competition, why not try out one of the contests linked below? Challenge yourself and get a little competitive! *Wink*



Always keep on writing!

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Editor's Picks





Contests:

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Activities:

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Thinking about NanoWrimo - Rebelliously! Open in new Window. [ASR]
"writing a memoir, a script, a nonfiction book ... or something else that's not a novel."
by ruwth Author Icon

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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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Ask & Answer

My last newsletter, ("Contests & Activities Newsletter (October 3, 2012)Open in new Window.), discussed practice makes perfect vs born ability.

When I was attending years upon years of schooling, writing was one of my weaker subjects due to a mother who's English too, was not her strong point. However, it was not content, ideas, that I struggled with, but organization and how the content was said(syntax errors). The best advice that I too, would share with anyone who desires in becoming a writer and was advice given to me during my days of college; READ, READ, and do more reading...this will ingrain the more appropriate english skills for the writer in making less syntax errors. ~ ingenuity66

Great advice!! *Smile*



Spidey,
A very encouraging and spot on NL. Practice does make perfect and I can honestly say since starting here on 2005, I've seen my writing improve greatly.
~ StephBee Author Icon

I totally agree, and thanks! *Smile*



Some people do have innate abilities that increase their chances of success. The key is practicing those abilities and not giving up even when all you produce is an egg rather than a gem.
So in truth practice makes perfect is a part of the whole process, no matter what gifts and abilities you may have, you have to develop those skills by writing on!
Copenator out!
~ Steve adding writing to ntbk. Author Icon

I agree! *Smile*




Thank you for picking my contest in your newsletter.
Already newbies are being brave and two have submitted to it. I am linking your newsletter to them in reply. This is one newsletter that deserves to get out especially to our new members.
Thank you for your encouraging words.
Bonnie
~ Bonnie Author Icon

Thanks, and I'm glad you're getting entries!! *Smile*



If writing ability could be measured objectively I suppose the data would be distributed along a bell curve. I suppose some have the knack and a few never will. Most writers - not all - could improve with practice. ~ Doug Rainbow Author Icon

Thanks for your feedback! I'm sure there are a very few out there who don't need practice, but I also don't think it can hurt! *Wink*




Questions to think about:
Do you have a competitive spirit? Do you see it as a good or bad thing?

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