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Writing.Com Time

Tuesday
May 29, 2012
12:31am EDT


Recent Items
By Online Authors
Writing.Com Newsletter Archives: storytime
Writing.Com Newsletters Edited by esprit .
#3882:Noticing Newbies  July 28, 2010
Boston Baked Beans
Make the brief description the hook to pull the reader in.
#3834:Noticing Newbies  June 30, 2010
Read to Learn to Write
If you don't hook a reader right in the beginning of the book, you might not hook them at all.
#3773:Noticing Newbies  June 02, 2010
How Do I Create My Item?
If you wonder why no one is reading your item, make sure you've filled in the genre information.
#3728:Drama  May 12, 2010
What is Style and How Do I Develop Mine?
Style includes the multitude of choices fiction writers make, consciously or subconsciously, as they create a story.
#3713:Noticing Newbies  May 05, 2010
WdC Newport Upgrade
If you have questions or find an issue with the upgrades, make this forum a fan/favorite and post here.
#3665:Drama  April 14, 2010
Do You Write nonfiction?
Are we ignoring this less-competitive market?
#3654:Noticing Newbies  April 07, 2010
{x}Shouldn't you be working?{/x}
A duplicate
#3655:Noticing Newbies  April 07, 2010
Shouldn't you be working?
A list of gadgets to keep us focused on writing.
#3653:Noticing Newbies  April 07, 2010
#3580:Action/Adventure  March 31, 2010
Give Your Characters the Right Cut
A simple one-dimensional character becomes a three-dimensional that lives and breathes in the hands of a trained writer.
#3625:Mystery  March 24, 2010
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Picture prompts are often recommended for coming up with ideas for a story.
#3579:Drama  March 17, 2010
Action-Reaction--Part Two
You can write the perfectly structured scene.
#3574:Noticing Newbies  March 10, 2010
Do Real Men Read Instructions?
Read the FAQ's, explore the menu lists, click on portfolio cases and look around.
#3585:Drama  March 03, 2010
How to Assemble Instructions--Structure
The end product will be more satisfying if logical steps are followed.
#3564:Romance/Love  February 24, 2010
Do You Write Purple Prose?
What does the phrase 'purple prose' mean?
#3559:Drama  February 17, 2010
Do You Dare to Offend?
Don't sacrifice your writing or your characters because you're afraid of offending.
#3541:Action/Adventure  February 10, 2010
One, Two, Three Dimensions!
What is a one dimensional character? Are there other dimensions and what does that mean?
#3531:Noticing Newbies  February 10, 2010
Describing the Five Senses: sights, etc
There are few words for describing taste and smells. Here's a list of sorts and a few exercises to help you practice.
#3529:Mystery  February 03, 2010
duplicate 10,000 Hour Theory
#3530:Mystery  February 03, 2010
The 10,000 Hour Theory
Writing it your way is fun, but the hours won't make you a better writer unless you are learning the craft inside out.
#3539:Noticing Newbies  February 03, 2010
What is Character Arc?
Everyone says you need to have a character arc, but they don't say how to do it. What is a character arc anyway?
#3493:Mystery  January 27, 2010
Quirks and Personality Disorders
Quirks are odd behavior habits that we all have. Personality based, not to be confused with traits or plain oddities
#3478:Drama  January 20, 2010
Banned & Challenged Books - Kids Lit
Unless you're writing for a specific publisher that requires 'clean and innocent', don't worry about it.
#3473:Noticing Newbies  January 13, 2010
Test Characters Emotions by Freewriting
He might not be the person you thought he was going to be, but he will be real.
#3494:Romance/Love  January 13, 2010
Romance Writers are Fortunate
I'm not saying it's easy, I'm saying the rewards are great and almost instant because the genre is so popular.
#3441:Action/Adventure  January 06, 2010
Free-write to Draw Your Characters Out
One of the most useful items in a writer's toolbox is raw curiosity. Know your char by letting them speak for themselves
#3472:Mystery  January 06, 2010
What's in a Name? Everything.
The first of many possible stumbling blocks is the stumbling block of odd names.
#3442:Action/Adventure  December 23, 2009
How to Keep Each Voice Consistent
They should be recognizable as the same people throughout the story, so name tags won't be required as often.
#3451:Drama  December 23, 2009
Overwriting, Details and "Chekhov's Gun"
Was a simple detail brought in but never mentioned again? Did you leave a loaded gun in the drawer?
#3443:Action/Adventure  December 23, 2009
Exercise to Build a Complex Character
Don't birth a new character for each story you write. The more you use the same profile, the better he and you become.
#3436:Action/Adventure  December 16, 2009
Is Writing Still Fun for You?
When you log onto your computer, do you go straight to your WIP or do you go to your Blog?
#3437:Noticing Newbies  December 16, 2009
It Takes a Village
'Profiling Characters' What good does it do the beginning writer if they don't know which questions to ask?
#3429:Mystery  December 09, 2009
Comments on Crafty Cozies
Writers are able to write about anything, and I'm a firm believer in writing about what you know. Hobby/Skills
#3401:Drama  November 25, 2009
News & Tid Bits For Writers
This weeks letter is a little different, but variety is always good. Right? Submission ideas.
#3394:Noticing Newbies  November 18, 2009
Getting to Know the site and the Lingo
I clicked on search to find a forum, but my forum doesn't come up. Why not?
#3356:Drama  October 28, 2009
What Does 'Prior Published' Mean Anyway?
As long as it's clearly presented as a work in progress-it's probably not considered prior publication.
#3345:Noticing Newbies  October 21, 2009
NanoWrimo Excitement!
Your NanoCounter helps you keep track of how many words you've written for this year's NanoNovel.
#3308:Mystery  October 14, 2009
Crafty Cozy Mysteries
What in the world is a Cozy Mystery? Mysteries themed on YOUR hobbies, skills, or real life jobs. Write what you know.
#3307:Romance/Love  October 07, 2009
Mary Sue and Gary Stu
Original Mary Sue Litmus test is linked. Use it to test if your main character is heading toward cliche or not.
#3298:Drama  September 30, 2009
Give Them Conflict
Conflict occurs when the character needs something, and needs it badly. Tension is the emotion that holds the reader.
#3299:Action/Adventure  September 30, 2009
Beware of the Scammers.
Which Way Does Your Money Flow? They're in the business of selling empty promises and they're very good at it.
#3283:Short Stories  September 23, 2009
Encourage, Push, and Prod
I believe talent needs to be encouraged, pushed, nurtured and prodded in order to grow.
#3287:Noticing Newbies  September 23, 2009
Sustainable Writing--One Scene at a Time
When I hear a new writer announce he's writing a novel, I admire him-then I sympathize. He has a rocky hill to climb.
#3234:Noticing Newbies  September 09, 2009
A Reminder of What WDC Means to Us
This once in a lifetime date, 09-09-09, is also WDC's 9th year birthday month.Let's not take it for granted.
#3218:Drama  September 02, 2009
Think About Writing Fillers--Seriously!
Magazines always need good column fillers. The shorter the better to leave room for more ads.
#3221:Action/Adventure  September 02, 2009
Learn to Self-Edit
Each time you read an item in preparation for reviewing it, you learn something new about what works and what doesn't.
#3222:Action/Adventure  September 02, 2009
#3219:Noticing Newbies  August 26, 2009
Flash is a Good Teacher
There's no room for wandering, for extra details or to wait to 'get to the good part later'.
#3204:Noticing Newbies  August 12, 2009
Don't Take Criticism Personally.
If you can detach yourself from the writing, you'll see that it's not you on the page, even if it is your life story.
#3202:Drama  August 05, 2009
Who Can Stay Focused? Raise Your Hand.
I lose sight of my original idea and become frustrated in my attempts. I know none of you have trouble staying focused.
#3187:Short Stories  July 29, 2009
Overwriting is a Good Thing
Your creativity is working, don't stifle it by forcing perfection too soon. Focus on the story, not the editing.
#3185:Noticing Newbies  July 29, 2009
Why You Should Subscribe to the NL's
WDC offers thirteen newsletters each week offering help to writers. tips, hints and examples in each one.
#3138:Short Stories  July 15, 2009
Writing Tips From The Experts
We all know writing well is not easy, so tips are always welcome.
#3137:Drama  July 08, 2009
#3136:Noticing Newbies  July 01, 2009
Yes, Spelling and Grammar Matters
You want your reviewers to read your story with a sharp eye, looking for story elements and content, not fixing errors.
#3079:Noticing Newbies  June 03, 2009
Simple Review Guidelines
This is a basic guideline for members who feel they don't have enough knowledge to review other writers.
#3080:Drama  June 03, 2009
Short Story or Long Scene?
Writing the short short story is a great exercise to improve your overall knowledge of writing.
#3055:Contests & Activities  May 27, 2009
Contests - They Aren't About Winning.
You know those members who get on your nerves by consistently winning over and over? You think they won their first?
#3057:Noticing Newbies  May 20, 2009
Asking For Reviews
You have decided you want someone to read and review your writing. What should you give them?
#3054:Romance/Love  May 13, 2009
Writing to a Category Imprint
Writing category romance is a good way for new Romance authors to get their foot in the door of publishing.
#3037:Romance/Love  May 06, 2009
Do Men Read Love Stories?
Why do male authors hide their genre behind feminine pin names, and male readers deny the book is theirs?
#3029:Noticing Newbies  May 06, 2009
Membership Types: Premium, Upgraded, etc
I could have written a full letter on the value of a premium membership, but I thought it best to let others do it.
#2984:Horror/Scary  April 29, 2009
It's Only Horror.
Where has all the imagination gone? Real horror comes from messing with the mind--not just gobs of gore.
#2996:Action/Adventure  April 22, 2009
It's Okay to be an Amateur Writer.
We don't all have aspirations to publish, and that's okay. Your goal could simply be to learn to write well.
#2985:Noticing Newbies  April 22, 2009
First Step, Learn the Basics
All stories, whether horror fiction or historical fantasy, use the same basic structure. A beginning, middle and end.
#2961:Noticing Newbies  April 08, 2009
Don't Hesitate to Toot Your Own Horn!
What's shameful of being proud of your writing?
#2950:Short Stories  April 08, 2009
How Do I Develop My Own Style?
Style is developed, good or bad, in direct ratio to how much time is spent learning the craft of writing.
#2947:Noticing Newbies  March 25, 2009
Think revision is just fixing commas?
That's proofreading. Proofreading too early will just be putting a clean band-aid on a dirty wound.
#2940:Romance/Love  March 18, 2009
Is it Romance or Is it Love?
There is a difference between the two and it's easily spotted once we understand the formula.
#2930:Noticing Newbies  March 11, 2009
The Cluttered Path
A reader becomes lost when word clutter is so dense he is forced to backtrack to find the point.
#2904:Noticing Newbies  February 25, 2009
Four + One Main Concerns
A writer's main concern is to impress the reader. "Did you like it?"
#2877:Noticing Newbies  February 11, 2009
Can I Make Changes To My Port?
Stop! Don't touch that delete link! I know these technical letters aren't as much fun to read as who's spoonin' who,
#2850:Noticing Newbies  January 28, 2009
Take the Time to Rewrite
Revising/rewriting. This is how your good idea takes shape and becomes a good story.
#2828:Noticing Newbies  January 14, 2009
What Do You Really Want?
Begin easy and enjoy your time learning. It's a long road to publication, and you have time - don't rush it.
#2782:Noticing Newbies  December 17, 2008
Questions From Members.
To be noticed, read, reviewed, and rewarded for your work you must take it into your own hands
#2720:Noticing Newbies  November 19, 2008
Have A Question? Need Some Help?
I've heard through the grapevine that some of you are overwhelmed at the size of Writing.Com.
#2674:Noticing Newbies  October 22, 2008
Useful Tips on Procrastination
Without a job to put off, procrastination has no purpose.
#2650:Noticing Newbies  October 08, 2008
WDC is Huge and Confusing.
It can be hard to find what you're looking for in the first few days. Two places hold almost everything you'll need.
#2623:Noticing Newbies  September 24, 2008
Have You Thought About Screenwriting?
Why not give it a try? I've read that entering contests are the way to get noticed, winning or not.
#2600:Short Stories  September 10, 2008
Writer, Know Thyself.
For one heady moment you know you're brilliant and then, with just as much clarity, you know what you do is awful.
#2601:Noticing Newbies  September 10, 2008
Honest Opinions
Each member has their own take on how best to review, and writers will decide if they're useful or not.
#2572:Noticing Newbies  August 27, 2008
WDC Power Search vs WWW Google
A plus for using power search is the opportunity for instant interaction with the authors; can't do that with Google.
#2551:Noticing Newbies  August 13, 2008
Writing Terminology
You may come across them occasionally among a reviewer's comments and not understand clearly what they mean.
#2524:Noticing Newbies  July 30, 2008
What Kind of Parent Will You Be?
Learning to write is a lot like learning to parent. Neither is easy and there are reams of advice available.
#2498:Noticing Newbies  July 16, 2008
Finding the Perfect Match
Every writer has questions and every writer has answers, the topic of this newsletter is helping them find each other.
#2473:Noticing Newbies  July 02, 2008
News We can Use-Writer Beware
Paying publishers and agents don't come looking for you. If they do, hang onto your wallet.
#2450:Noticing Newbies  June 18, 2008
Become a better Reviewer/Writer
Know the rule, and know what effect you are creating by breaking it. Such an action should never be an accident.
#2423:Noticing Newbies  June 04, 2008
Fill in Your Bio Block
Your BioBlock is the welcome mat you lay out for the visitors to your portfolio.
#2403:Noticing Newbies  May 21, 2008
Get Your Groove Back!
Would you like to know what will help you? It's something I've never seen advised in any 'how to' books, but it works.
#2359:Noticing Newbies  May 07, 2008
#2321:Noticing Newbies  April 09, 2008
#2280:Contests & Activities  March 12, 2008
#2268:Noticing Newbies  March 12, 2008
#2204:Noticing Newbies  February 13, 2008
#2195:Noticing Newbies  January 30, 2008
#2172:Noticing Newbies  January 16, 2008
#2093:Noticing Newbies  December 05, 2007
#1937:Noticing Newbies  September 12, 2007
#1887:Noticing Newbies  August 15, 2007
#1866:Mystery  August 08, 2007
The Game of Red Herrings
If your reader knows who, how, why and where by the middle of the book, you haven't done your job.
#1877:Noticing Newbies  August 08, 2007
#1832:Noticing Newbies  July 18, 2007
The Dreaded Slush File
Your slush pile can be a good thing. Somewhere in that pile of papers may be the outline of a first published novel.
#1749:Noticing Newbies  June 06, 2007
I Can Do That!
Writing short articles for magazines sure does look easy, doesn't it?
#1700:Noticing Newbies  May 09, 2007
Writing Tips and Resources links
Writing.com is about sharing. Many wonderful authors on site share their experiences and their knowledge.
#1646:Noticing Newbies  April 11, 2007
Are You a Reader?
You have to be a prolific reader to write well, but you don't have to be a prolific writer to read well.
#1593:Noticing Newbies  March 14, 2007
Weather Reporters
Have you ever heard the words 'weather report' and wondered what it meant in relation to writing?
#1541:Noticing Newbies  February 14, 2007
Dear Me, that hurts!
Ergonomics may be a new word for many of you, but it's one we need to learn if we intend to finish a book--without pain.
#1488:Noticing Newbies  January 17, 2007
The Purpose of This Newsletter
The Newbie Newsletters are geared toward hints and tips on how to get around and do things.
#1437:Noticing Newbies  December 20, 2006
Novice Reviewers
Learning to critique is the other side of learning to write.
#1385:Noticing Newbies  November 22, 2006
Testimonials
Do you enjoy and appreciate Writing.Com? Send Your Testimonial!
#1333:Noticing Newbies  October 25, 2006
In-Depth Reviewing
If you want to help a writer's story become publishable, in-depth reviews are the only way to go.
#1273:Noticing Newbies  September 27, 2006
Keep Practicing!
Some good work is ruined with too much 'correcting', but natural talent also needs to learn refining and discipline.
#1237:Noticing Newbies  August 30, 2006
Sharpen the Hook
The opening is your one shot to have your work taken seriously. It has to hook the reader.
#1178:Noticing Newbies  August 02, 2006
#1123:Action/Adventure  July 12, 2006
DIY Publishing{
The DIY’s are catching the attention of many authors who have waited long enough – they want to publish their book now!
#1124:Noticing Newbies  July 05, 2006
Match the Rate with the Review
I would rather receive low rates now, in the learning stage, than have them plastered all over Barnes & Noble web page.
#1081:Noticing Newbies  June 07, 2006
Which Way Does Your Money Flow?
The golden rule of publishing is simple: Money flows from the market to the writer, not the other way around.
#1026:Noticing Newbies  May 10, 2006
#974:Noticing Newbies  April 12, 2006
Enter Contests to Become a Better Writer
Those of you who need ideas will find contests wonderful in loosening your imagination.
#923:Noticing Newbies  March 15, 2006
Questions and Answers
If you have a question about WdC and can't find the answer, you can post it on
#880:Noticing Newbies  February 15, 2006
SITE NAVIGATION
This is for those new members, and those who haven't completely mastered all the ins and outs of navigating the site.
#827:Noticing Newbies  January 18, 2006
#779:Noticing Newbies  December 21, 2005
#727:Noticing Newbies  November 23, 2005
#676:Noticing Newbies  October 26, 2005
#635:Noticing Newbies  September 28, 2005
#579:Noticing Newbies  August 31, 2005
#529:Noticing Newbies  August 03, 2005
#455:Noticing Newbies  July 06, 2005
#411:Noticing Newbies  June 08, 2005
Total 130 newsletters found.


For newsletters dating before June 2005, please see: "Writing.Com Newsletter Archives"