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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/6132-Lend-a-Hand.html
Contests & Activities: January 29, 2014 Issue [#6132]

Newsletter Header
Contests & Activities


 This week: Lend a Hand
  Edited by: Leger~ 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

The purpose of this newsletter is to highlight some of the current contests and activities on the site, help educate members on how to host contests and activities, and provide clues to submit quality entries to contests. Write to me if you'd like something in particular covered.

This week's Contests and Activities Editor
Leger~ Author Icon


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

Lend a Hand


Remember when you joined WDC? It felt exhilarating and frightening. Suddenly you found a cool group of people that loved to write and were encouraging you to post your work. And those first reviews? The people that found your item and sent some feedback, weren't you thrilled? I was. Now, I find sometimes I'm so busy, I look at things and then click away without leaving some feedback or comments. I've resolved to take a few moments and at least let members know I've been around and looked at their item. I'm going to especially try to help newbie members that could use a lift up. I hope you will too.

Also, if a newbie is hosting a contest or activity, think about not only reviewing their item, but help promote it. Some new members don't know about "The Shameless "Plug" PageOpen in new Window., "Activities @ Writing.ComOpen in new Window. or "Writing Contests @ Writing.ComOpen in new Window.. You can help by posting a blurb for them and passing the word about something new.

While I like to encourage people to enter contests and participate in activities, I'd like to change up this newsletter a little bit. I'd like to suggest we don't forget the euphoria of opening reviews when we were new. So when you enter a contest, or check out some new activity, don't forget to send some feedback. It doesn't have to be a mile long or contain seven hundred grammar edits - but let the author know how you felt, what you think the item basically needs and if the activity is easy to understand and fun. It's all we really need, isn't it? Just to know someone is out there, enjoying your contest, having fun in your activity, or read your work and was affected by your words.

Write on!

This month's question: How could we better help newbies in our community? Send in your answer below! *Down* Editors love feedback, too!


Editor's Picks

FORUM
Weekly Goals Open in new Window. (13+)
Motivate yourself to conquer your goals this week! Post on Monday; update us on Friday!
#1949474 by The StoryMistress Author IconMail Icon

Write your weekly goals and earn gift points!

FORUM
ACRO*BATICS [Round Over] Open in new Window. (13+)
I supply an acronym; you make up what it stands for. My favorite entries win gift points!
#921363 by Davy Kraken Author IconMail Icon

This contest is celebrating its 100th round with huge prizes!

 The Superpowered Erotica Contest Open in new Window. (18+)
A short story contest for superhero erotica, brought to you by the UENG and UHVN.
#1973728 by Jeff Author IconMail Icon

Write something superhero sexy.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1971521 by Not Available.

Who doesn't love a good dog story? Enter and win, woof woof!

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1947347 by Not Available.

This contest is being revived in February, help support ~ Santa Sisco ~ Author Icon and enter!

FORUM
Ladies Night Out Contest Open in new Window. (18+)
Creative Story Writing ~ CLOSED
#1969414 by Creeper Of The Realm Author IconMail Icon

If you like writing and you like music, this is for you. Ends January 31st, hurry!

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#598466 by Not Available.

Sweet for 7 years, enter and win!

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1973643 by Not Available.

Shhh, you did not hear this from me. Hurry! Drawing is February 1, 2014 at noon (WDC time)

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1971831 by Not Available.

Donate and bid!

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1915277 by Not Available.

Need reviews? Bid on a review package.

FORUM
Review a Newbie Open in new Window. (ASR)
OPEN ~ Submit your Newbie Reviews
#1970173 by Creeper Of The Realm Author IconMail Icon

Help our community, review a newbie and earn prizes!

 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

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!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: B01MQP5740
Amazon's Price: $ 4.99


Ask & Answer

This month's question: How could we better help newbies in our community?

Last month's question: What new thing would you like to try in 2014?


Replies:
Patrece ~ Author Icon: In this new year, I would like to really focus on strengthening my "show don't tell" ability in the pieces I write. I hope to learn to captivate the reader from the opening sentence, until the very last word written in the piece. Additionally, I know I need to work hard at leaving out the unneeded adjectives, and tightening up my sentences by using less, but more powerful wording. Finally, I intend to begin work on an idea I have for a novel, as I have been putting it off due to lack of faith in my ability to write a large piece that would effectively include the above components.

Quick-Quill Author Icon: I am going to write a Christian Romance novel. I have the first 5k or so done and heading for the dreaded middle. I think I have a good idea of the plot line so that the middle won't be the cliff edge but more of a swinging bring, scary but manageable. I'm saying that, one who would cross on a swinging bridge unless it were really life and death. Mine.

I love stepping out to try a different genre. The only thing I stay far away from is POETRY. The challenge to writing cross genres is you may find out you're very good at a scenerio you didn't think you could be.

Thanks for the replies!

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