\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/895-.html
Noticing Newbies: February 22, 2006 Issue [#895]

Newsletter Header
Noticing Newbies


 This week:
  Edited by: Cubby 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

*Snow2* Welcome to the Noticing Newbies Newsletter! *Snow2* Our goal is to showcase some of our newest Writing.Com Authors and their items. From poetry and stories to creative polls and interactives, we'll bring you a wide variety of items to enjoy. We will also feature "how to" advice and items that will help to jump start the creation process on Writing.com.

*Snow2* We hope all members of the site will take the time to read, rate, review and welcome our new authors. By introducing ourselves, reviewing items and reaching out, we will not only make them feel at home within our community, we just might make new friends!
*Snow2*Your host this week: Cubby Author IconMail Icon*Snow2*


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B083RZ37SZ
Product Type:
Amazon's Price: Price N/A
Not currently available.


Letter from the editor

*Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2*

** Image ID #1073459 Unavailable **
*Star* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Star* Excuses, Excuses, Excuses *Star* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Star*


And here are mine: *Pthb*

I planned on a well-written newsletter for this week, but we lost power last Thursday and never regained it until Saturday, late afternoon. Then we had to do some catch-up, like dishes, laundry, and such before totally enjoying our much missed heat for three days! Sunday we were whipped from all the struggles of living without electricity, warmth and water, so we watched NASCAR most of the afternoon and talked on the phone with our kids. Unfortunately, I did not begin this newsletter previous to all these happenings, so now, here I am, making excuses. So... I shall write briefly about excuses!

We all have them, don't we? And if we can't think of one or two right away, we can surely dig a little deeper and come up with at least one, yes? My excuses seem genuine, but... I should have been more organized earlier and had this newsletter at least 80% finished so I wouldn't find myself in a tight squeeze. I can only blame myself. *Pthb*

Other well-thought of excuses for not writing much in the past year are:

1) I practice my violin/fiddle at least two hours a day.
2) When I'm not practicing, I should be cleaning the house. (Okay, this could branch off quite easily to 'Excuses Why I Don't Clean the House'!)
3) I'm spending more time with the new grandbaby. *Heart*
4) My husband is always dragging me off to... exercise after work.
5) The Olympics have been on recently, and geesh, they're only on every two years, right?!
6) I also take violin lessons once a week.
7) I've been depressed more than ever this season.
8) My job seems to be more demanding with meetings, workshops, and events.
9) I feel overwhelmed most of the time, which takes away from my creativiity juices.
10) My office at work is a mess... Papers in somewhat organized stacks that need either filing or tossing. I get so many interruptions that I can never catch up!

*Note1* Oh, yeah, and I'm not overly excited about turning 50 in a few weeks, either!

Okay, tell me now, am I worse with excuses than any of you? I bet I am. I'm pitiful, aren't I? *Laugh* Instead of Cubby's Question of the Week this time around, I'd like to ask you to send me (via the Feedback window) what your excuses are for not writing. I don't care how silly they may sound, let's share in a bit of self-pity this time around. Perhaps after reading everyone else's excuses, I won't feel so out-of-the-loop. *Smile* And who knows? Maybe it will inspire me... and you, too!

Hope to hear from you!

Until next time...

Happy Writing!
** Image ID #1073459 Unavailable **
Love,
Cubby ")


Editor's Picks

*Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2*

** Image ID #1073460 Unavailable **
*Star* ~ *Snow1* ~ *Star* Got questions? You might find answers here... *Star* ~ *Snow1* ~ *Star*


Getting Started: Table of Contents Open in new Window. (E)
Visit here for a tour of Writing.Com and learn about this vast, exciting site!
#168945 by The StoryMistress Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#794007 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#741058 by Not Available.


*Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2*

** Image ID #1073456 Unavailable **

*Star* ~~~And Now... For Our Featured Newbie Presentation!~~~ *Star*

** Image ID #1073458 Unavailable **
 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

Excerpt: I'm going to be up front and honest with you as that is very important: I am an addict. I'm addicted to a substance that is spread so insidiously that most people don't even bat an eyelash at it. A substance so powerful that I have seen adults drop to their knees at the mere sight of it. I'm not talking about cigarettes, alcohol or even drugs. I'm talking about...

** Image ID #1073458 Unavailable **
 D.M.N. Open in new Window. [13+]
In the near future the great plague is finally is unleashed...Setting the D.M.N. among us.
by thehungryeye Author Icon

Excerpt: Hidden by the shadows, Jordan made his way into an alley. Tucked away into a slight recess in a wall as a dark iron door. He knocked five times, softly, and waited. A small hatch slid open and two inquisitive eyes peered down at him. Then it closed. The sound of a multitude of locks and deadbolts could be heard disengaging. The door opened a crack.

** Image ID #1073458 Unavailable **
 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

Excerpt: It was muggy outside, but I didn’t sweat. I don’t know why. It may have had something to do with the fact that I was pretty much dead. I’m not really sure how it all worked. But I was still walking down the street that night at 2 in the morning, minding my own business. Then I heard it; Mozart. I stopped immediately and listened. Then, I faced the house I’d stopped in front of. I don’t know why I waste my time like this, and then again, I have all the time in the world, so I investigated. It was a two-story house and the music was coming from an open window on the side of the second floor. I figured it was probably some old woman, because who listens to Mozart anymore, anyway? I reached the roof of the garage and sat there looking into the window. I was just out of the light- hardly visible.

*Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~*Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2*
** Image ID #1073463 Unavailable **
*Star* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Star* Great Places for Newbies to Check Out! *Star* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Star*

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#844409 by Not Available.

Image Protector
FORUM
Noticing Newbies Open in new Window. (13+)
A warm welcome to our newbies; come meet new and not-so-new members of Writing.Com!
#126963 by The StoryMistress Author IconMail Icon

THE DROP-OFF BOX  Open in new Window. (13+)
Monthly newbie contest.
#530577 by Tammy~Catchin Up~ Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#837496 by Not Available.

 
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: B083RZ2C5F
Product Type:
Amazon's Price: Price N/A
Not currently available.


Ask & Answer

*Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2*

** Image ID #1073454 Unavailable ** ** Image ID #1073460 Unavailable ** ** Image ID #1073454 Unavailable **
*Star* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Star* Yahoo, Feedback! *Star* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Star*

** Image ID #1073454 Unavailable ** essence of thought Author IconMail Icon
Hello Cubby,

Thanks for this very much helpful newsletter. And what you have said about newsletters carries the truth, for I am much enjoying the newsletters I am reading and they are very helpful. As to the Newbie newsletter I don't think a new subscriber of Writing.com, can achieve the goal if not reading it. Thanks for help.


That's what we editors like to hear! We strive to be helpful and inspirational. And you are very welcome! *Smile*

** Image ID #1073454 Unavailable ** vivacious Author IconMail Icon
Books on writing? I have two.

One is On Writing by Stephen King. Not only does he give great advice on adverb usage and other forms of description (when's too much or not enough), but if I took anything away from that book it is this: "Never lie to your readers. They can always tell."

The other is Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Browne & King. This gives great advice on how to tighten up writing, how to write in the proper point of view, when narrative summary is not appropriate, and many others that would take too much room to mention.


Hmmm, perhaps my library could use a copy of the books you recommended! They sound excellent. Thank you for sharing! *Smile*

** Image ID #1073454 Unavailable ** Puditat Author IconMail Icon
Hehehe. Cubby, I just LOVE those penguins! *Bigsmile* And you 'stole' my topic *Shock* and did an excellent job with it.
Oh, what to do now???


*Laugh* I bet I didn't 'steal' your topic this time around, eh? *Laugh* Looks like you managed to come through with a great replacement though! (((HUGS))) Glad you liked the penguins!

** Image ID #1073454 Unavailable ** Nimue Author IconMail Icon
I would like to recommend On Writing by Stephen King. I'm sure I'm not the only one to do so.
On Writing is different because it's about how Mr. King writes, not about how you should write.
And it's FUN to read.


Wow, a second recommendation on the same book! I'll definitely have to order it for the library now. Perhaps it will inspire me!

** Image ID #1073454 Unavailable ** Wanadoo Author IconMail Icon
Cubby,

How're doing mate? Thanks for spending the time to knock together the newsletter for us newbies. Like most guys, I'm a sci fi fan and have recently started writing. Mechanically I'm a bit rubbish, I'm an engineer by nature, and I was wondering if you know anywhere where I can brush up on the structure of creative writing??
As an astronomer, astrophysicist and Technology Consultant, I'd like to offer my technical help to any writers who might need a technical question answered in regards to their novel.

Thanks Again Cubby...You da Man


*Blush* Actually, I'm da woman, heehee! But you are not the first to assume I'm a man. *Laugh* And probably not the last!

As far as finding a place to brush up, I might recommend a 'writing group' or two here at Writing.com. They are pretty helpful and the members are usually very friendly and honest. Here are a few for you to check out:

"Invalid ItemOpen in new Window.
"Writing And ReviewingOpen in new Window.
"Invalid ItemOpen in new Window.
"The Terrace (CLOSED)Open in new Window.
"Invalid ItemOpen in new Window.

Usually a group requires membership. If you find you cannot get into any of these, and there is no information on how to join, just email the author of the site, letting him or her know that you would like to become a member. Good luck and have fun!!!

*Star* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Star* ~ *Star* ~ *Snow1* ~ *Star* ~ *Star* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Star*

Just for fun, this week I've included several quotes on... yes, Excuses!
Enjoy!

There aren’t nearly enough crutches in the world for all the lame excuses.
~Marcus Stroup

Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure.
~Don Wilder

Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.
~George Washington Carver

It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.
~George Washington

He who excuses himself accuses himself.
~Gabriel Meurier

Nothing is impossible; there are ways that lead to everything, and if we had sufficient will we should always have sufficient means. It is often merely for an excuse that we say things are impossible.
~Francois De La Rochefoucauld

For many people, an excuse is better than an achievement because an achievement, no matter how great, leaves you having to prove yourself again in the future; but an excuse can last for life.
~Eric Hoffer

It is easier to find an excuse than to find a reason.
~Doug Brown

These quotes were found at The Motivational Inspirational Center website. If you'd like to read more, visit http://www.motivational-inspirational-corner.com/getquote.html?startrow=1.

*Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Snow3* ~ *Snow2*

See you again on March 22nd!! Wait a second... Isn't that the first day of Spring??? WOOHOO!!! I just got in a better mood! *Laugh*
Happy Writing!

** Image ID #1073453 Unavailable **

Love, Cubby ")


*Star* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Star* ~ *Star* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Star* ~ *Star* ~ *Snow2* ~ *Star*


** Image ID #1073460 Unavailable ** Next week's editor will be... Puditat Author Icon

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B07NPKP5BF
Product Type: Toys & Games
Amazon's Price: Price N/A

Removal Instructions

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.


Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/895-.html