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By Online Authors
Contests & Activities: July 08, 2009 Issue [#3106]


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.







Things That Make You Go, Hmm


Do you avoid prompt-based contests? Do you believe prompts stifle your creativity? Do you wait for divine inspiration to strike before putting pen to paper (or fingertips to keyboard, as the case may be)? Well, you're not alone.

For years I refused to enter prompt-based contests. Writers create, I'd reason. How can I create something fresh and original--something uniquely mine--based on someone else's idea? Then one day I stumbled upon a picture prompt-based contest that, when I looked at the photo, instantly triggered an entire storyline. It was an Aha! moment for me, and one of those things that make you go, "Hmm. Perhaps I've been wrong."

I didn't win that first prompt-based contest. I didn't even place, but since that day I've entered several more--some of which I have won. The picture prompts are my favorite. I print out the photo and tape it above my desk, then every day I look at it, briefly, and wait for inspiration to strike. Sometimes it does; sometimes it doesn't. But whatever you do, don't force it. Your readers will know your heart wasn't in it. Simply chock it up to writer's block and wait for the next one, because there's always a next one.

Don't be afraid to try something new. There are contests out there with picture prompts, word prompts, character prompts and quotation prompts. You're a writer! Writers are artists, and artists push the envelope. Take a chance and push yourself. You may be surprised by the results.

Until next time, keep writing and we'll keep reading.




"A little bit of fear means you are doing something worth doing. You are stretching. You are going outside your immediate grasp." ~Yanni




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.

ID: 1573379
Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
by Not Available.


ID: 1549485   (Rated: 18+)
Evil is Elegance 
Can you write a villain that chills -and- thrills?
by silverfeathers


ID: 1568249
Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
by Not Available.


ID: 1551146
Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
by Not Available.


ID: 1572828   (Rated: 13+)
Alice's Curiosity Shop  
A contest with prompts
by AliceNgoreland


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.

ID: 171898   (Rated: E)
Writing Contests @ Writing.Com! 
Writing Contests on Writing.Com are posted here.
by Writing.Com Support


ID: 819558   (Rated: E)
Activities @ Writing.Com 
The best place to find out what's going on around Writing.Com!
by Writing.Com Support

 
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!




Feedback


The following feedback is in response to "Contests & Activities Newsletter (June 10, 2009):

In college classes: inactive says, "I got a couple of activities running myself to help others. Good newsletter. :)" Thanks! And thanks for taking the time to comment.

weekendnovel says, "I am still new to this site and therefore I am still exploring, but what I have found has excited me greatly. I have had fun just skimming over the ideas people come up with for contests. I have not tried my hat at one just yet, but I am glad to see that there is a plethora to choose from. A quick and to the point newsletter. I like it. Well done." Thank you, and welcome to WDC!

Legerdemain says, "Hi Shannon. Thanks for featuring my shop in this week's issue. You rock!" You are very welcome, Leger! It was my pleasure.

Sara - will be back soon says, "I loved this newsletter! I had such fun visiting the items you highlighted. Keep up the good work!" Thank you, Sara! I'm glad you enjoyed it. *Bigsmile*

Silva Shado says, "Thanks for featuring so many fun activities. It is summer and it's time to have fun and smile! To add to the fun, I've just created a C-Note shop full of smiles called C U Smile." Thanks for the feedback, SilvaShado! I have your item below in the Submitted Items section.

lotto says, "Summer is the time to have fun. Thanks for reminding us of that." You're welcome! Thank YOU for taking the time to read and comment.

Submitted Items


ID: 1569967   (Rated: 18+)
Tap the Muse 
Link an item to advertise or for r/r and write a short piece with the given word.
by Joy--Happy ♥ Day


ID: 1568289
Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
by Not Available.


ID: 1569460   (Rated: E)
C U Smile C-Notes 
A C-Note shop full of smileys to brighten the day. Send someone a smile today!
by Silva Shado


ID: 1563217   (Rated: 13+)
The Other Side of Summer Contest 
Closed for the season.
by Lorien


ID: 1568468
Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
by Not Available.

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

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