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Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/577-.html
Noticing Newbies: August 24, 2005 Issue [#577]

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Noticing Newbies


 This week:
  Edited by: laurencia
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  

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

Noticing Newbies Newsletter is geared to help you, the new member, get acquainted with Writing.com -- there is so much do and all the features can be overwhelming! Our goal is to help you make your time here more fun and manageable.

Each week we select and showcase new items (poetry, short story, polls, etc.). Exposure for an item helps to bring you more rates and reviews; and by bringing more member interaction, that will give you the opportunity to build friendships. It is a two way street, so remember to reciprocate reviews.

"There's someone that you haven't already met, go introduce yourself to him or her. Walls and labels can't keep you from the people who are so similar to you in spirit. There's a friendly face behind every door if you pick the right moment to knock. Once you start your wave of creative outreach, it turns into a contagious force. People are waking up and smiling at each other, sharing their dreams without hesitation. This community is worth something."

-- Author Unknown


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: 197380364X
Amazon's Price: $ 15.99


Letter from the editor

Hi Newbies!

Well, summer is almost over, with an exception of hopeful Indian summer. The days are getting shorter and soon we'll be switching gears for cold weather, especially on the east coast, where we nest for the winter, so to speak.

Many people will be returning to school, buckling down for studies. And, of course we will not forget people who work all year-round. No matter what schedule you may have, finding the time can some times be challenging. Even if you just write for fifteen minutes a day, that is better than nothing at all. So, the following tips will hopefully help you achieve some writing a few days a week or everyday.

How can anyone be productive in fifteen minutes, take a look:

1. Is there an existing project you have been working on that needs revision?

2. Is there a character you want to know more about?

3. Have you broken down a large topic into segments that could be written about separately?

4. Is there a central image, metaphor, or analogy with many facets that you could explore?

5. Is there a new topic you want to write?

Take a blank piece of paper or blank computer screen, get a timer (buy one if you have to and a timer that isn't distracting). At the top of the page write four words that go with the topic. Try to make at least one of your words contrast with the others in tone or focus.

For example, if your topic is AUTUMN, write four words like foliage, leaves, pie and pumpkin.

Now set the timer for fifteen minutes. Use the four words you have chosen to start your focus and write; do not stop writing until the timer rings, even if the writing is not good. Other thoughts will transpire from what you have written. This is called "Free Writing".

There! You no longer have a blank piece of paper. You may have only written a few paragraphs or maybe you wrote a few pages...whatever amount, you were productive! Before you know it, you will be on a good writing schedule. *smile*

Good luck!

Until next time...
** Image ID #693142 Unavailable **


Editor's Picks

*Star* Monthly featured newbies I have personally chosen for your enjoyment: *Star*


 A Day on the Farm  (E)
a story about a farm and a family
#997365 by WritingBug3


 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#998939 by Not Available.


 Waiting  (E)
I wrote this sitting in my husband's hospital room while he was fighting illness.
#1002584 by ncblondie


Goodbye  (E)
A poem for a friend fighting cancer.
#1003176 by ncblondie


 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#992707 by Not Available.


 Piano Man  (E)
That afternoon was brief but heavenly. I will never forget it, Brad Oney.
#999056 by Angel Eyes


 The Magic Crystals  (E)
James loves to play with the water crystals his dad brings home. What is their secret?
#990282 by duskiestar


 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1002124 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1002516 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1000975 by Not Available.



SPECIALLY FOR NEWBIES!

 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#982972 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#552576 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#844409 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#794817 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#622871 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#991804 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: B000FC0SIM
Amazon's Price: $ 12.99


Ask & Answer

Laurencia,

You have made a very important point in the July 27 Newsletter. I have a friend who is not speaking to me right now because I was honest. I started out by being hurt. Then I was angry. Now I am resigned. You see, I finally realized that I can't be a friend by always telling her what she wants to hear or playing on her vanity. (I did apologize during the hurt stage.)

What I finally figured out though is that in other relationships she plays the fragile part and eventually gets what she wants. I love her too much to have her bully me for speaking the truth until I retract it. If we are the kind of friends I thought we were, it will blow over and away. If not, I have lost a major stressor of walking on eggshells around a friend.

When I review, it isn't a question of whether I like the writer as a person (I can't possibly know what kind of person they are) but an honest editorial opinion. That even costs me on here sometimes.

Good Newsletter!!

PastVoices

Don't feel bad, many people don't dare to give a honest or straight-forward review to people they know or a friend. I try to be an honest reviewer; if I feel it is uncomfortable to give an honest review, I don't bother and just rate the item or I'll say something like "Thanks for the read."

How can anyone totally improve as a writer if they are too sensitive to accept criticism. If a writer wants to be a good writer, than they have to grow a thick skin. If you want to get published, you haven't seen anything yet.

Thanks for your input Nanette, it is always a good subject to talk about!



Great newsletter. And its nice and short. I loved the newbies you picked for me to read.

Thank you, I try!

Coreen*s Place


Thank you for your continued support. Please don't hesitate to drop me a note. I love hearing from you.

See ya September 24th!

laurencia

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