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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/books/entry_id/380191-May-11-2005-storytime
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May 11, 2005: storytime

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Noticing Newbies


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 header



Welcome to the Noticing Newbies Newsletter! Our goal is to showcase some of our newest Writing.Com Authors and their items. From poetry and stories to creative polls and interactives, we'll bring you a wide variety of items to enjoy. We will also feature "how to" advice and items that will help to jump start the creation process on Writing.com

We hope all members of the site will take the time to read, rate, review and welcome our new authors. By introducing ourselves, reviewing items and reaching out, we will not only make them feel at home within our community, we just might make new friends!

Editors:

Cubby Author Icon
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laurencia

Your host this week is esprit Author Icon

Word from our sponsor


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Letter from the editor

Show, Don't Tell. What Does That Mean, Exactly?



When I posted my first stories, some of the reviews I received said the work was ‘wordy’, ‘telling’, ‘redundant’, ‘blocky’, doesn’t ‘flow’, need to ‘show’ more, etc. I had no idea what these words meant. I found out I needed to learn the terminology in order to understand the reviews. In the reviews I send I attempt to explain my suggestions so everyone can understand exactly what is meant. If you already know the teminology, great. If you don’t, you may be embarrassed to ask; I was. *Smile*

Show, don’t tell.

Use specific language. Avoid ‘labeling’ words that don’t really describe, such as awful, delightful, scary, pleasant, nasty, delicious. They are general in meaning, they create no image in a reader’s mind .

For instance, what does ‘pretty’ mean? Pretty is a label, meaning almost anything to anyone. Make a list of labels commonly mistaken as descriptive words. A few examples are; handsome, nice, funny, attractive. Labels ‘tell’ the reader what to see. The writer needs specific words in order to bring a character, a scene, a situation to life.

A ‘telling’ excerpt from one of my first stories: *Blush*

Label/telling – The parade was colorful and exciting, enjoyed by everyone in the large crowd.
The Parade had begun. The music was made from the noises the animals made. Croaker was hopping along behind, croaking. It was a beautiful band.

This is impossible to see or hear.

Specifics/showing – Cymbals clashed, trombones blared, drum majors strutted in their satin outfits of purple and gold and emerald-green. People clapped and cheered, standing on tiptoe to get a better look at the palomino horses in their glittering silver trappings.

Of course this example is not of animals, but people, *Smile* but the concept is the same.

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A massive congratulations on your 14th site anniversary. This site has come so far since those early yellow Stories.com days and yet thanks to you and SM, it retains the wonderful sense of community and extended family that makes it so unique. Thanks for all you've done for all of us over the last 14 years.



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Editor's Picks

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My Picks For Newbie of the Month *Exclaim*



These members are in different stages of their writing, and they all write in their own style. I see a talent in each of them that practice and encouragement is bringing out. Good writing will be seen from these ports.

martianmama
This member has the emotion down, and she's learning how to express it in fewer words.. *Smile*

kilter
This new member has talent! He's busy honing it.

rachel3990
I noticed Rae from her desire to learn to write. She has some good beginnings.


Editor’s Picks

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by A Guest Visitor


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by A Guest Visitor


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by A Guest Visitor


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 The Fishing Bridge Open in new Window. [E]
A picture says a thousand words
by Nyoni Author Icon


 Motherhood Open in new Window. [E]
This is my one and only sorry attempt at poetry!
by Dragon needs an upgrade! Author Icon



Remember to read your neighbor’s work too!


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helpful links

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Writing Contests @ Writing.Com Open in new Window. [E]
Writing Contests on Writing.Com are posted here.
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon


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by A Guest Visitor


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by A Guest Visitor


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Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
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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!
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Ask & Answer

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I have no questions or comments this month so I'll issue you a challenge for fun, practice and a few gift points. Not many, but how about 100 just for participating?

Describe a real-life subject, person or event as you observed it, not as you imagined it. Use sensory details such as smells, taste and hearing to bring it to life. Observing strangers or scenes that are new to you will help you learn to pay attention to specific details.

Keep it to a short paragraph and post it here.

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Removal Instructions

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Created: 10-18-05 @ 3:49pm | Modified: 10-18-05 @ 3:49pm      

Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/books/entry_id/380191-May-11-2005-storytime