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Contests & Activities: November 11, 2009 Issue [#3376]

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Contests & Activities


 This week:
  Edited by: THANKFUL SONALI Library Class! Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

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

The Feel-Good Factor
How is it created?


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

One of the most important aspects of a contest or activity is the intangible how it makes you feel. A quick look at how this might be created.

1. Feel good about an achievement
Prizes! Great prizes! The recognition or the applause that an author needs, to keep writing. Gift Points, Memberships, Merit Badges, Awardicons, Signatures, Reviews, all give a pat-on-the-back.

2. Feel good as a community
It feels good to know we belong to a community or a family, that we look out for each other. Helping others with upgrades or reviews gives a great amount of satisfaction. When an activity has beneficiaries, participants feel good that they're helping out.

I've seen some great contests and activities which require members to share with each other, work together, and belong to a fun group of like minded people. In these, it doesn't matter if there's a prize, it doesn't matter who wins it -- it's just so much fun to participate!

3. Feel good about trying out something new or challenging
Writing in new genres or trying something you've never done before, like an acrostic poem, gives a great feeling of self-satisfaction. Whether they encourage you to write quickly, or in fewer words, or place some other constraints which it is a challenge to overcome, contests that stretch your creative powers make you feel good.

4. Feel good about setting and achieving goals
One word - NaNo!
I haven't had the courage to participate yet, but I see the enthusiasm and energy of all the folks who are, and do I ever admire them!

5. Feel good about gaining new insights
Sometimes, a particular prompt, poll, in-and-out or interactive story makes you stop and look at life afresh. A new insight comes as a flash, and leaves you feeling hey! That's what it is! Great!

6. Feel good about being respected
Sometimes, I've felt good about simply getting an acknowledgement of my entry or post, just being treated with courtesy. I've felt good if I've asked a question and it has been answered by the host. Small gestures go a long way in making people feel good!

7. Feel good about competing with worthy 'foes'
Sometimes, when I work on a prompt, and I read the other entries to the contest, I'm amazed at what other writers did with the same prompt. It's a fantastic learning experience, and gives something to aspire to. Having worked on the same prompt myself, I'm more able to appreciate someone else's take on it.

8. Feel good about getting over writer's block
Sometimes, a quick contest or activity lights the spark - or the muse-fuse as it were! Writer's block can be a hurdle, and getting over it means --- you said it --- feeling good!

There are many, many other ways in which individual writers or groups of writers can be encouraged to 'feel good'. Feeling good can mean feeling warm and fuzzy, feeling energetic and motivated, feeling helped and healed, feeling relieved - or simply, feeling really happy!

What you need to remember is that the 'feel good' factor doesn't just come about, it has to be carefully planned by the host of the contest or activity. The next time you're planning something, remember, factor in the 'feel good', and see the participation increase!

*Delight*
Sonali


Editor's Picks

Great feel-good items!

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A Time to Give Thanks Open in new Window. (13+)
Inspired by one of my essays. Take a moment and share what you're thankful for.
#1491084 by Brooke Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1504638 by Not Available.


COLORING THE WORLD CONTEST TEMP. CLOSED  Open in new Window. (E)
A colorful contest that offers more.
#1308391 by SHERRI GIBSON Author IconMail Icon


Image Protector
FORUM
NaNoWriMo Write-A-Thon Open in new Window. (ASR)
A NaNoWriMo fundraiser... compete as a NaNo writer or donate by sponsoring one!
#1546312 by Jeff Author IconMail Icon


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FORUM
The Writer's Cramp Open in new Window. (13+)
Write the best poem or story in 24 hours or less and win 10K GPS!
#333655 by SophyBells Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1199077 by Not Available.


FIVE STAR POETRY CONTEST:editor's choice Open in new Window. (E)
A monthly contest to reward the best poem out of 5-star poems.
#1471096 by Dr M C Gupta Author IconMail Icon


A poem with creative 'constraints' - describing the self entirely through metaphors.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1611624 by Not Available.


Sign up for this one, the next round isn't that far away!

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FORUM
Project Write World Open in new Window. (13+)
A celebration of writers and their distinct cultures to bring us all together.
#1254279 by iKïyå§ama Author IconMail Icon


Interesting poll!

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#871245 by Not Available.



 
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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

My last Contests and Activities Newsletter was a while ago, so instead of showcasing feedback, I'll just ask you to do something to make someone on the site feel good, right now! Send an email or a c-note or a review, or something!

*Delight*
Sonali

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