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 Contests & Activities: May 13, 2009 Issue [#3031] |
  Contests & Activities This issue's editor: Shannon   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    Welcome to the Contests & Activities Newsletter. I am Shannon and I'm your editor this week.   Did I Really Just Do That? So I've been working on a story since December for a semiannual contest. It's a long story--the longest story I've ever written (over twelve thousand words)--and I poured my heart and soul into it. I was sure I would place ... almost as sure as I was of the deadline. As I edited it one last time, added the finishing touches, a word count and a list of works cited, I decided to check the deadline again--just to be on the safe side. Imagine my horror when I discovered I'd missed the deadline by twenty-four hours! I was absolutely certain I had until the end of the month to submit it. Turns out I only had until the first of the month. All that work, blood, sweat and tears ... all of it for naught. I felt sick. I wanted to cry. I cannot stress enough how imperative it is to read the contest rules. Read them twice! Print them out and tape them to the wall above your desk. If you don't follow the rules you have no chance of winning, and isn't that the point of entering in the first place? If you don't pay attention to the rules, like I didn't, your work won't be considered, and you'll have no one to blame but yourself. 
There are many contests and activities to choose from here on WDC. I’ve tried to include a wide variety here, so hopefully you’ll find something to light a fire under your muse.
And be sure to check out the comprehensive Contests and Activities listings. Each of the 125 items listed includes a short synopsis, providing you all the information you'll need to choose the contest or activity that's right for you.
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter! http://www.Writing.Com/main/newsletters.php?action=nli_form  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! http://www.Writing.Com/main/newsletters.php?action=nli_form Don't forget to support our sponsor! InstantPublisher.Com: Self publishing made easy and affordable. All file types accepted with many options. Starting at $100 for 25 copies in 7-10 days! Visit us today!  Feedback This feedback is in response to "Contests & Activities Newsletter (April 29, 2009)" :Smiling Sonali WDC Power #1!  says, "I'm so glad you brought up the dependability factor, it is very important. Also about keeping in touch with contestants by email or forum postings. One contest I happily remember was when they declared the results on time, gave the winners their packages, and informed all the contestants by email that results had been declared. Even though I didn't place in that contest, it felt good to have an email updating me with the status." Exactly, Sonali! Even though you didn't place, you still came away from the contest with a sense of satisfaction. And my guess is that you'd enter that particular contest again. Thank you for the feedback.Dr Taher Wishes Happy 2012!  says, "Thank you for including the Team India contest in the NL." Absolutely! Thank you for offering such a great contest for WDC members to participate in.Connieann says, "I certainly agree with you that people who run contests need to act responsibly and considerately to those who take the time to follow a prompt, write a story and make a submission. I have entered many contests and have always had good results as far as getting timely reviews and announced winners ... except for 2 in the past couple of weeks. One emailed me they didn't have time for a review but my story had been read; the other I heard absolutely nothing from at all. The only recourse I have is not to enter those 2 contests again." I completely agree. The least you should be able to expect is a review for your efforts. I'm sorry you had less-than-ideal results with your last two contest entries. I can assure you those are the exception rather than the rule, and I am confident you'll have better luck in the future. Thank you so much for your feedback!simply_complex says, "Shannon, thank you so much for highlighting my contest 'Pens with Purpose' in your last newsletter. The forum received an increase in hits, which I believe is due to its inclusion io this communiqué. Your kindness has been a true blessing!" Aw, you're so sweet. It was my pleasure.  Silva Shado says, "I try to be as dependable as possible. I think so far I have succeeded. I agree that it is very important to try and if you fail, just apologize. Be open about it - I completely agree. Most of the time, people will understand. And those that don't, well, you can't do anything about them. Just let their rude comments roll off your back. And being dependable isn't just for other people, it's for yourself. Can you depend on yourself to be focused on the task at hand, or do you always get distracted or procrastinate? In a similar vein, I've created a challenge to help people develop a habit of writing every day. It's the "Keep On Writing! Challenge." I think it's a great way to develop skills and dependability." How right you are, SilvaShado! There were times I started a contest round a day late or ended it a day late. Life happens! All you can do is grovel ... er, I mean apologize.  People will understand, and they are very forgiving. Thanks for the feedback! I've added your challenge to the submitted items below. Web~Witch  says, "Thank you for mentioning this unpleasant thing, Shannon. I also know of a guy who has been cheated a couple times out of the auction winning prize. If you cannot deliver through with your donation--please don't volunteer one. It just makes sense. Treat others as you would like to be treated and all should work out fine.  Great Newsletter!" Thank you, WebWitch! I really debated whether or not to write this newsletter, but I've heard so many stories like this I thought it needed to be addressed. Thank you for reading! Submitted Items
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