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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/9682
Contests & Activities: July 31, 2019 Issue [#9682]




 This week: Judge What You Know?
  Edited by: spidey 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

header for my C&A Newsletters
Welcome to the Contests & Activities Newsletter. I'm spidey Author Icon, and I'm your Editor this week!



Word from our sponsor

ASIN: 0995498113
Amazon's Price: $ 19.95


Letter from the editor

Judge what you know

I think most of us have heard the adage, "Write what you know." I think that can apply to contests & activities, to an extent.

Particularly when you're judging a contest or activity, it can certainly help to have experience in the genre or form. If you have limited experience reading or writing poetry, does it make sense to judge a poetry contest? Maybe not.

I definitely recommend having experience or even a preference for a specific genre or form if only because you'll enjoy it more! If you don't particularly like reading a specific style, why set yourself up to read a bunch of entries in that style?

At the same time, I do also recommend expanding outside of your usual comfort zone! So here are a few tips to judge or write in a form or genre that's not your typical choice:

*Idea* Study up! Read the new form and not just one or two pieces of writing. Surround yourself in the new style and get to know it. Figure out for yourself what you think it "good" or successful writing in that form.

*Idea* Ask for help! Recruit a guest judge or another writing who is familiar with the new style to help you. Ask them to co-judge or just to help you with knowing the form.

*Idea* Enjoy! Remember the reason you wanted to explore a new genre, style, or form. Enjoy the new experience while you research and then write or judge!

*Idea* Learn! Review what you've learned and use your new knowledge and experience!


A side note, the origin of the saying, "Write what you know," is meant to be about emotions, not necessarily experience. It's an often misunderstood adage, but I think it's one of those whose meaning has evolved.

Regardless, don't be afraid to try new things! *Smile*


As always, keep on writing!



purple flower sig


Editor's Picks






Official Writing.Com Contests & Activities:

 
Image Protector
Good Deeds Get CASH! Open in new Window. [E]
Write reviews to win cash prizes!
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon

 
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Rhythms & Writing: Official WDC Contest Open in new Window. [E]
Use the music provided to inspire your writing!
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon






Contests/Activities:

Image Protector
The Science Fiction Short Story Contest Open in new Window. [18+]
A contest inspired by the serious need for more good sci-fi
by BlackAdder Author Icon

Image Protector
Show, Don't Tell Contest Open in new Window. [18+]
Show Don't Tell Contest Message Forum
by Max Griffin 🏳️‍🌈 Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

Image Protector
Fantastical Reviews Aider Open in new Window. [13+]
Exclusive MB giveaway possible. Open for requests. Are you a reviewer? Please join in!
by Angelica Weatherby-Star on top Author Icon

Image Protector
Shadows and Light Poetry Contest Open in new Window. [E]
Do you love the challenge and creativity of free verse poetry? This contest is for you.
by Choconuts Roasting Author Icon

 
Image Protector
CLOSED Emojinary Open in new Window. [ASR]
A Pictionary inspired game.
by Krista Kringle Author Icon

Image Protector
The LGBT Writing Contest - December 2024 Open in new Window. [18+]
Short story contest (with great prizes) for LGBT characters.
by Osirantinsel Author Icon

Image Protector
Word Pictures Contest Open in new Window. [13+]
Share your lyrical worlds here and receive a review just for entering!
by Ray Scrivener Author Icon

Image Protector
Chatterbox Group Open in new Window. [18+]
A place to talk about things that are going on in this world & in your own world as well.
by Sunny Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor



Some How/To Items that might help you:

 Step By Step Signature Set Up Open in new Window. [E]
Step by step instructions on how to set up your signature.
by Rhoswen - Relentless Victory Author Icon

Image Protector
On Giving Reviews Open in new Window. [E]
Are you speechless when you stare at that little reviewing box? Here are some tips.
by Roseille ♥ Author Icon

Image Protector
Helping Links Open in new Window. [ASR]
'Help Links' for Newbies and all other members who are still learning
by Maryann Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor





Some contest resources:
How to Create a Contest Open in new Window. [ASR]
Things you need to know before you open a contest. Includes a contest template.
by Angels in my Ear Author Icon

"Create/Edit a Message Forum" Open in new Window.
Newbie Hyperlinking 101 - Bitem Format Open in new Window. [E]
Learn the ins and outs of creating a link using the bitem format.
by NickiD89 Author Icon





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!



 
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: B085272J6B
Product Type: Kindle Store
Amazon's Price: $ 9.99


Ask & Answer

My last newsletter, ("Contests & Activities Newsletter (July 3, 2019)" Open in new Window.), and it discussed mini-obsessions. Here is some feedback from last week's Newsletter readers:


Thank you so much for featuring my contest "Invalid Item" Open in new Window.! I definitely go through phases of obsession. Mostly it's Horror/Dark genres, but even erotica or romance get their turn. Sometimes my obsession is a particular contest. I especially like daily/weekly contests for their inspiration.

You're quit welcome, and thanks for sharing your current obsession! *Smile*


Question for next time:
Have you ever explored a new genre, style, or form? What would you like to try but you've been putting it off?

*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!
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Send a comment or question to the editor!
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Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B004PICKDS
Amazon's Price: Price N/A

Removal Instructions

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