  For Authors
This week: Keeping track of goals and glory Edited by: Elle - on hiatus  
More Newsletters By This Editor 
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
Hey, I'm a guest editor for this For Authors newsletter. I'm not sure I'd call myself the queen of lists (I already have one royal title, and that's the Queen of Unfinished Projects  ) but I do have rather a reputation for them on this site. So it seems appropriate that I share my addiction wisdom with you, and hopefully you can take something from this that will help you with your writing. |
| ASIN: B01FST8A90 |
Product Type: Toys & Games
|
Amazon's Price: $ 24.95
|
|
Despite Fivesixer  's point of view in his recent poem, "Lists" , I find lists to be endlessly useful. Maybe it's because I'm forgetful, but I think that's not the key reason. Mostly I think it's because I'm easily distracted, overly ambitious and struggle to validate my own achievements.
These days there are multiple sites devoted entirely to lists. So what's the purpose of a list? Well, it depends who you ask. One blogger, Nathan Hurst , says that 'A list is useful because it removes the cognitive load of having to remember things.' On the flip side, Michael Linenberger says 'The primary purpose of a to-do list isn’t to get everything done.'  In fact, he goes even further and says 'you intuitively know you’ll never do it all'. Man, I can relate to that sentiment!
As I browse through the newsfeed, I often see contests or activities that I'd like to enter. Some are closing soon, others don't close for a few weeks. Not all of them are listed at "Writing Contests @ Writing.Com" or "Activities @ Writing.Com" . And while some hosts are good at advertising regularly, others may only advertise at the start and just before the deadline. So, I write them down as I find them, and then when I'm in the mood (or simply have time) to write, I have a fantastic starting point. Does it matter if I don't participate in all of them? Nope.  Like I said, overly ambitious. I have come to accept that, and oftentimes the ones I don't get to will form the basis for the next list (especially contests that run regularly). "Invalid Item" is a good example of a contest 'to do' list.
So how do lists relate to my struggle to validate my own achievements? It's easy to look at what other members achieve and feel inadequate (*cough* "Something Clever About 8 Years?" *cough*). When you're crossing things off a list, it not only engenders a feeling of accomplishment, but it also provides a clear and visual record of all that you've achieved. You can even take that one step further and keep a list of accomplishments to look back on, such as "Invalid Item" .
Lists are a fun way to track large or complicated challenges too, like reading or reviewing challenges. And yup, lists are just fun. 
Lists don't have to be fancy. But sometimes that's satisfying too. I like to use {e:box} and {e:boxcheck} for mine. For example:
 Enter "The Writer's Cramp"
 Write the For Authors newsletter
Enter "Rhythms & Writing: Official WDC Contest"
#protip Just, er, don't be surprised if 🌕 HuntersMoon  starts teasing you about all your empty checkboxes.  |
| |  | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#2126380 by Not Available. |
|
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: B004PICKDS |
Product Type: Toys & Games
|
Amazon's Price: Price N/A
|
|
Do you use lists? Why or why not? I'd love to hear how lists have been useful for you, or why you refuse you to use lists.
Feedback from my last For Authors newsletter, "Stepping out of your comfort zone" :
Elle,
 Informative newsletter, packed with fantastic advice while highlighting many items. As always, well done.
~ Lexi  |
| ASIN: B085272J6B |
Product Type: Kindle Store
|
Amazon's Price: $ 9.99
|
|
To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.
|
For Authors: July 12, 2017 Issue [#8384]
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
