Noticing Newbies: February 09, 2011 Issue [#4223]
<< February 2, 2011Noticing Newbies Archives | More From This Day | Print This IssueFebruary 16, 2011 >>

Newsletter Header
Noticing Newbies


 This week: Writing Dot Com - the Comfort Zone
  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

What does it mean to find a group of friends who support all your writing endeavours?


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B07N36MHWD
Amazon's Price: $ 7.99


Letter from the editor

I found Writing Dot Com by chance, while looking for a place to share a poem.

Quickly, it became an online home. I had a global family I'd never met in person, I had friends, I had fellow writers who were supportive in every way.

Writing Dot Com became the place to come to to celebrate happiness, vent irritation, find a shoulder to lean on in times of trouble. It became a comfort zone.

What does that mean, as a writer and as a person?

Actually, my 'real-life' friends were a bit worried when they saw I was addicted to Writing Dot Com, they thought I was getting complacent with my writing, that I wouldn't improve my skills.

On the contrary.

Finding a comfort zone meant having a place where I could take risks with my writing. Here's what I did:-

Hone existing skills

I like writing poems in the nonsense genre, and I like writing stories for children. I did both, and tried each with an edge. My nonsense became more nonsensical *Wink* because I pushed it to its limits. Reviewers told me when that worked and when it didn't. I tried writing stories for children to prompts. Again, reviewers told me how I could improve those.

Develop new skills

I hadn't written science fiction or romance before. I tried those. I participated in others' interactive stories and created some of my own. I wrote poetry with 'form' in mind - I attempted writing various types of poems that I hadn't known existed, till I joined WDC! I created polls and madlibs. All of which helped think in different ways, helped the 'writing muscle' and the flow of ideas.

So my writing has gained, in depth and width, thanks to finding a Comfort Zone.

Comment on others' work

Reviewing! Oh my goodness, I didn't know what a learning experience that could be till I joined a review group and participated in my first review raid. Reading and commenting upon items that I hadn't written myself helped me achieve an objective distance from my own work. Interacting with the folks I had reviewed and the folks who reviewed me helped me gauge various viewpoints and interpretations of a written item, see various perspectives.

Sharing

This has been, mainly, in these ways:-
i. Sharing feelings - when I write about something I feel deeply about, and someone reviews it and responds to the emotion, it helps clarify and share my feelings. Since it is fellow writers I'm talking to, there is empathy and a supportive shoulder. Sometimes, it's easier to share things with online friends, because they can respond without being involved in the situation themselves. WDC friends have helped me through some tough times!

ii. Sharing hobbies - I like watching The Amazing Race on television, and I found an Amazing Race Club here on Writing Dot Com, where I can discuss the teams, the tasks, the show - whatever! Similarly, hundreds of groups exist where one can share various hobbies. You could even start a group if you don't find one you are looking for!

iii. Sharing the writer's journey - Writing is a lonely task. It's great to have a whole network of people who understand what it means to have a first draft done, or a character sorted out, or the plot plotted - you know what I mean! It's great to share the journey.

iv. Sharing other goals - there are groups here to help with so many other aspects of life - like the group that helps those who are trying to lose weight, or the group that is for those forty years of age and above!


So yes - Writing Dot Com is a Comfort Zone, and yes, I'm addicted.

But does being in a Comfort Zone mean being complacent, or stagnating?

Far from it! It means growth, exploration, taking risks and a great deal of excitement!

Write On!
Sonali

Hey NEWBIES!
Check out this forum!
Let's help each other grow!-Forum-Closed Open in new Window. (E)
On Hiatus until further notice.
#1761568 by ~*Arpita*~ Author IconMail Icon


Editor's Picks

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1762956 by Not Available.


Let's help each other grow!-Forum-Closed Open in new Window. (E)
On Hiatus until further notice.
#1761568 by ~*Arpita*~ Author IconMail Icon


 Random First Open in new Window. (E)
Just my first entry on WDC. Something small and true to start off my experience here.
#1761723 by Nina Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1496257 by Not Available.


 A life in shadows Open in new Window. (13+)
Under the mask of peace there is war, a war where the soldiers are beyond typical.
#1739323 by Thinkwrite Author IconMail Icon


 I Will Never Grow Oranges Open in new Window. (ASR)
I question my future and get a bit sad.
#1747831 by Ben Davies Author IconMail Icon


 Keeping The Secret Open in new Window. (E)
Every meal is a thanksgiving celebration
#1747402 by Little Flower Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1522907 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1477711 by Not Available.


Image Protector
GROUP
The Amazing Race Club Open in new Window. (E)
Discuss the show and win prizes for picking the top teams on each episode.
#960354 by Davy Kraken Author IconMail Icon


 
Image Protector
IN & OUT
Money, Money, Money Open in new Window. (13+)
Money, money, money ... you need to create the description!
#1750080 by THANKFUL SONALI Library Class! Author IconMail Icon


Image Protector
GROUP
WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group Open in new Window. (E)
Join the fun! We inspire reviewers through kindness and learning! Winner of eight Quills!
#1300305 by Maryann Author IconMail Icon


Image Protector
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 Sophurky Author IconMail Icon


Image Protector
GROUP
The WDC Angel Army Open in new Window. (ASR)
Dedicated to promoting positivity, encouragement, and support to the WDC community.
#1188309 by iKïyå§ama Author IconMail Icon


Three Word Mayhem! Open in new Window. (13+)
Mayhem is afoot!
#555590 by Jay's debut novel is out now! Author IconMail Icon


Image Protector
IN & OUT
Tap the Muse Open in new Window. (18+)
Link an item to advertise or for r/r and write a short piece with the given word.
#1569967 by Joy Author IconMail Icon

 
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: B083RZ2C5F
Product Type:
Amazon's Price: Price N/A
Not currently available.


Ask & Answer

I'm very grateful to those who responded to "Noticing Newbies Newsletter (December 21, 2010)Open in new Window..

I really appreciate all the feedback, thank you so much for writing in!

eisafue shayne Author IconMail Icon

Wow this sure is a nice newsletter for the authors who get a review once in a blue moon. That's the absolute worst being unsure of your work. This is awesome that you do this for them!

Nathalya Author IconMail Icon

Finally someone who writes the words of my mind! As a French girl living in Germany, English is not my native language - and I know through the reviews of other lovely authors that it is not as bad as not to be read! At least they understand the messages I try to display.
So now my piece of advice for those who are afraid: smooth language usage comes with... tada...! writing! Incredible but true, my English improved after I read the newsletter for newbies, authors and short stories. And I implemented the recommendations that were written down. Great thing!
Therefore, dear Sonali (but also all other editors): KEEP ON WRITING FOR US, TO US, WE NEED YOU!!! Thank you! - Nathalya

atwhatcost

Sonali, As an American-English speaker - born and bred - thank you for nudging the "foreign" writers. One of the first things I reviewed on WDC was from an Indian, who came to America as a teen, and stayed. I loved it, even recognizing English wasn't his first langauge. But that was why I liked it - it showed us ourselves from a different viewpoint. Please, everyone, understand. The Internet is so cool, because this is the only way I'll get a different perspective - whether about my own country or your country. Sometimes I can't review, because the culture is so different, but I can always enjoy a new perspective. Viva la difference. And, yes, I can't read or write French either. *Wink* Many folks don't have second languages here, so two or more is great!

Steve adding writing to ntbk. Author IconMail Icon

Sonali you are such the encourager. Your words to the Newbies is well done and to the point. You are appreciated for the time you put into these newsletters and the awesome pieces you highlight. Write on Sonali! Copenator out!

embe Author IconMail Icon

Hi Sonali, To endorse your advice to newbies, I wrote this poem as a newbie, highlighting the language used by non-native speakers of English. "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window.. embe,always availabe to help with reviews in kindness.




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

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B07N36MHWD
Amazon's Price: $ 7.99

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


<< February 2, 2011Noticing Newbies Archives | More From This Day | Print This IssueFebruary 16, 2011 >>

This printed copy is for your personal use only. Reproduction of this work in any other form is not allowed and does violate its copyright.