Noticing Newbies: April 26, 2017 Issue [#8261]
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Noticing Newbies


 This week: Writer’s block.
  Edited by: ~ Santa Sisco ~ 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

Hello, everyone. I am ~ Santa Sisco ~ Author IconMail Icon. I'm one of the four permanent editors of the Noticing Newbies newsletter.

My aim is to ensure you have a smooth transition into the site. I still remember my first day here. "Bitem?" Do I have to be a computer programmer to put my writing on here? *Laugh* Forty-eight hours later, I realized it was a case of easy when you know how!. My biggest mistake when I joined was that I didn't take the time to read the "Writing.Com 101Open in new Window.. I was excited and wanted to do everything the same day. Sound familiar? *Smile*
You will see my contributions every four weeks, and I hope they help you with using this great site.

My fellow permanent editors are Tornado Dodger Author IconMail Icon, ember_rain, and Sara♥Jean Author IconMail Icon.


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

One of the most common questions I receive emails about is writer’s block. I decided that an answer here will make it easy for me to refer future questions to this newsletter. *Bigsmile*

What is writer’s block?

The condition pertains to being unable to create new work, proceed with a piece of writing, or to be creative. There are many causes of writer's block including, but not exclusively due to; stress, pressure, change of environment, mental health, physical health, and many other issues a writer may be encountering.
The block can last for a few hours to several years. *Shock* If you do a little research, you will find that many famous authors and songwriters have suffered from the block of some form or other.

How do you overcome writer’s block?

That is the million dollar question. *Bigsmile* Everyone will find a way that helps them to overcome their block. Common suggestions are to do freewriting and brainstorming to break free from the block. I have tried both methods, and they do little for me, but I know several writers who swear by them. I find that reading a good novel works for me most of the time. I can get ideas for my plot, and once I’m inspired, I have broken free from my block. *Smile* If that doesn’t work, I take a break away from my writing and try again at a later time. Sometimes it can be as simple as removing yourself from your chair and taking a walk. The trick is to find something that works for you and stick to it. *Smile*

Blank page syndrome.

Blank page syndrome should not be confused with writer’s block, and it’s when you sit down and stare at a blank page and can’t think of what to write. The easy way to overcome this is only to get ready to write when you have a clear idea of what you are going to write. *Rolleyes*
I sat down to write a poem and just couldn’t get past the title I chose. The result was unexpected, but I must admit I was pleased.
"Invalid EntryOpen in new Window.

Let me know if you have a different way of combatting writer's block.

Write on!


Editor's Picks

This week I have chosen a selection from read a newbie.

Community > Read a Newbie

Selections:

 Black History Open in new Window. (E)
This is just a poem I made in a few minutes. Hope you enjoy!
#2119678 by Jarianna Author IconMail Icon

 The Ugly Truth Open in new Window. (E)
This is a poem about how we sometimes pretend to be someone we are not to get attention.
#2119675 by theunknowngirl Author IconMail Icon

 calling Open in new Window. (ASR)
"There’s a hole in my chest from the things that I did and the gun in my hand."
#2119642 by Zeit Author IconMail Icon

STATIC
Haikus Open in new Window. (E)
Short and sweet
#2119619 by Danial Lucas Author IconMail Icon

 
STATIC
Coming of a Flower Open in new Window. (E)
Nature at it's finest !
#2119618 by Danial Lucas Author IconMail Icon

 PoeTry Open in new Window. (E)
I have a mind and I want to try writing poems ..ah..poetry.
#2119577 by Drago Author IconMail Icon

 
STATIC
Empty Room Open in new Window. (E)
Writing poetry is very introspective and very personal.
#2119565 by Danial Lucas Author IconMail Icon

 nothing left Open in new Window. (E)
passionless
#2119526 by Zeit Author IconMail Icon


 
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!

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Ask & Answer

From "Noticing Newbies Newsletter (March 29, 2017)Open in new Window.

hbk16 commented:
Thanks a lot for such advice.Indeed I agree with you.I think that when writing in such genres someone needs to put a starter to curiosity in the entry to readers so that to render such writing exciting.

Thank you for your comment. Yes, we all have to attract readers to our work. *Smile*

From "Noticing Newbies Newsletter (March 29, 2017)Open in new Window.

midnighteddie commented:
The hook: I've read various articles on interesting readers before. For whatever reason, your article resonated with me. I'll have to make some changes now.

I'm very pleased my article has spurred you on to make some changes to your titles/descriptions. Good luck with getting your readers hooked! *Smile*

From "Noticing Newbies Newsletter (March 29, 2017)Open in new Window.

Joy Author Icon commented:
Excellent points Sisco. I do care about the titles and definitions when choosing an item. “A poem I wrote when I was bored” or 'my first try' or 'be gentle' turn me off, even if all this could be the truth.
I even care about titles and stuff on the books in the market. For example, I will skip anything with a billionaire in the cover picture and title or anything that suggests mushiness. *Laugh*

Thank you for commenting, Joy. I still receive many offers from authors for a free book in return for a review of it for them. I must admit, I still make my decision based on the title and blurb. So I can only say I am as selective as you are when I skip anything mushy. *Laugh*

From "Noticing Newbies Newsletter (March 29, 2017)Open in new Window.

the Wordy Jay Author Icon commented:
Wow, you read novel chapters and pick your favorites for a living?!! That's like the best job ever, Sisco! *Envy*

Great topic -- I've found out (via my reviewing adventures) that some newbies actually don't know what to do with the "description box" under the title! Thanks for the helpful newsletter. *ThumbsUpL*

Thank you, Jay. Yes, it was a great position to hold. *Bigsmile* I think I'll have to mention the description box in more detail in a future newsletter.


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