  Contests & Activities
This week: Edited by: terryjroo
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The abundance of contests and activities offered at Writing.com, help to create the most exciting and fun website for writers. The Contest and Activities Newsletter is provided each week to, not only assist you in keeping up with the latest and greatest items, but to help assure that, if interested, you have the tools necessary to run a successful contest or activity. Enjoy this issue and please feel free to comment at the bottom!
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Short on Ideas?
Question: What do you do when you would like to host a contest or activity but cannot think of an idea that hasn’t been done 101 ways already? Since we writers like to think of ourselves as creative, it can be rather frustrating when you cannot think of something new or different. Believe me, I understand. Every month I write two newsletters and I try to come up with something unique – something that the readers will find, not just useful, but interesting as well. I know that, so often, the topics are repeated, but each person brings their own particular perspective, hopefully making it fresh each time. So, back to the question.
Answer: Create a contest or activity based upon some hobby or interest you have that you absolutely adore. Sure, if you love horror and you love poetry, creating a poetry horror contest isn’t quite going to be unique. So you’re going to have to think a little beyond the surface. What I’m thinking of are hobbies outside of writing. Things like: movies, games, outdoor activities, sports, events, pastimes, something that you’re passionate about. Nothing creates interest and excitement like something that truly holds your passion. You can usually tell when someone really cares about an activity or contest because the excitement is evident in the words they use (and sometimes in their use of writingML).
Some of the more exciting activities and contests around the site probably stemmed from people’s favorite hobbies and interests. I know that one of the items I host (The Christmas Extravaganza) was born because of my love of Christmas and a spark from an activity hosted by Tigger thinks of Prancer   . I’ve seen other unique activities and contests centered on movies or television shows and suspect that the hosts have a fondness for the show that has carried over to their item.
So next time you’re at a standstill, think about your life outside of Writing.com. (Surely you’re not like me ~ you don’t spend every waking moment here, do you?) What interests do you have that could be transferred into a unique contest or activity? Find something that you are passionate about and build on that idea. You’re sure to find success!
I hope this issue has been helpful!
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Some terrific contests around the site!
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Some terrific activities around the site!
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Have you received an anonymous gift?
Stop in and say thank you here!
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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
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SHERRI GIBSON  says “Hi Terry! I couldn't agree more about what WDC is all about. It's not just a site for writers to interact, but where new and priceless friends are made. Great newsletter!
Hugs,
Sherri”
black_orchid says “Why is WDC so addicting? I've had this thought many times. Why do I spend hours on it? Reviewing other people's work, responding to reviews of my work, signing up for contests, always trying to get more GPs, etc. The fact that there are the best group of people on WDC, so kind, considerate, and giving just adds to the addiction. The lovely reviews I get on my work boosts my ego and makes me write more. So in it's own way I think WDC is it's own kind of Muse. And if you find a Muse that you can use multiple times, and it never lets you down, I think you would keep going back to it. That, and WDC is so fun!  ”
Fyn  says “Why is it addicting? Oh, I don't know....could be the awesome folks I've met...or perhaps, the friends I've made...then again, it could be the charge out of reading a review someone sent of my latest work, or discovering a new writer or maybe.....finding a newbie who needs help and helping them find their way...o wait...it is the contests and activities...or hmmmmm maybe I just need something to fill the time...no...that can'tbe it, I have no time now that I'm working 50+ hours a week...Guess it is just because it is THE premier and THE best website anywhere!!!!!!!!
(Me addicted??? nah...no way)....got to fly...new email is waiting, and a contest to review entries for and ... and.....
ps...thanks for mentioning said contest!! The village of StoryOak Downs is growing by leaps and bounds!”
sully says “Great newsletter Ter! I enjoyed reading the profiles of the activities and learning about the beginnings and philosophies behind them. I think it's cool that HighWind believed in the "I Remember When Group" enough to keep it going, even after the original creator left the site. Looking forward to more stuff like this!”
Flipsideofevil says “Hi Ter, awesome newsletter! I am a new member and I am already addicted. I find myself logging in when I should be doing homework. The reason I find it so addicting is because of all the fun stuff that is going on all over the site. I already have a routine. I log on, check my email, check contests and then check activities. I like to be involved. Also, the interaction with the other members is great. There are so many wonderful people on this site. The question shouldn't be why is WDC so addicting... it should be how can someone not find it addicting? ”
Mariposa says “It's definitely the people that you get to know here that keeps me coming back. It's a writing community, but I think the important piece of that phrase is "community." Writing.com is a home away from home. ”
Thank you for all of your wonderful comments and insight on WDC’s addictiveness! I think you’re all correct! We all need a good 12-Step program! Then again, maybe we don’t want to be cured! 
Keep the comments coming ~ we editors love the feedback!
Next week’s editor is: Sarah Rae  |
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Contests & Activities: May 02, 2007 Issue [#1692]
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