  Noticing Newbies
This week: Hi, My Name Is... Edited by: Stephanie Grace  
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| I believe in simplicity in introduction to new things and also that there is a wide variety of topics to be explored in this newsletter --Not only for newbies, but those that have been here for years and want to recognize newbies through reviews, etc... I think that the primary focus of this newsletter should be twofold: Just Here and Here For Years... I think that the title is so broad that this newsletter really needs to feature something for newbies as well as "oldbies". Of course, cohesiveness between the two is also important so that one does not feel lesser than the other. We are all equals here and I think the best way to convey that message to newbies is to let them see their work alongside "WdC veterans"... |
| ASIN: B0CJKJMTPD |
Product Type: Kindle Store
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Amazon's Price: $ 4.99
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Hey there, pretty people! How ya doin'? I'm moderately fine.  (...And I have George Carlin on the brain, apparently...).
So, let's get down to business. We all know that we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but there's something else that contributes to my judgment when choosing what to read: the About the Author section. No matter where it's placed, I always go and, at least, skim it. Not only do I like to know a bit about the author, but I like to see if it 'makes sense' for the book to have been written by them. What do I mean? I love people letting their imagination shine, however, I don't want to read a military-based novel written by a woman raised in Amish Country. It's kind of like checking someone's credentials, I suppose.
 I know that a writer can do enough research to make anything seem natural when they sit to write, but I read a lot of Historical Fiction and have been let down plenty by people who didn't. About the Author says a lot. I like the author-reader connection that can develop from it, too. It adds a lot to many books.
Okay, Stephanie, you've lost it. What does this have to do with Writing.Com?
Ha! I lost that years ago! Anywho, the reason that I mention this is because the same applies on WdC. Reading someone's biography or bio-block can really help when choosing what to read in someone's port. It can give you a sense of what their strengths might be and therefore help you pick what to read first. If you're in their port to review a specific item, it can also sometimes explain why a story felt strained or a poem felt so completely natural. It can explain why one story seemed so weak but another by them is so near perfect. It can also lead to friendship and that's one of the best things to be found on this website.
I know that Mr. JACE  mentioned creating your BioBlock and Biography a few weeks ago "Noticing Newbies Newsletter (February 8, 2012)" , but I thought we'd look at it a bit more.
Directions
(I'm better than MapQuest, I know... ).
 Biography: *Go to your port (left side of screen - Click where it says the number of items after "Portfolio:")*. Click the 'Biography' tab and then, in the upper right, click 'Manage Your Biography'. The rest is pretty self-explanatory.
BioBlock: Follow directions from * to * in Biography section above. In the upper right corner, click 'Manage BioBlock and Highlighted Items'.
 Here is where the fun starts...
Your BioBlock is the first thing people see when they click into your portfolio (or on your briefcase -same difference). It can make a visitor stay or make them run for the hills. Your biography tab should give a good amount of details, but your BioBlock hooks or scares.
Some key thoughts about BioBlocks:
1. These should contain at least a sentence or two about you -including your main writing style (poetry, stories, horror, romance, etc...).
2. They should be eye-catching!
3. You should also give a nod to any members who serve as your mentor or that you just love and want to promote.
Let's re-read #2. They should be eye-catching! What do I mean? Use color! Use    List of WDC Emoticons   ! Make it  POP!!
Having rambled on about all of that, I now invite you to employ your wit and WritingML (for more about that see "Noticing Newbies Newsletter (May 11, 2011)" ) to make your BioBlock the best... EVER!!!
Once your BioBlock is right where you want it (or someone else's makes you envious), why not head over to this contest send in a nomination?
Inspiration and Hugs to all!
 ,
Stephanie Grace
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Here are some new items that I hope you find worth the read and take your time to review!
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#1854762 by Not Available. |
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#1853262 by Not Available. |
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#1854037 by Not Available. |
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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
Don't forget to support our sponsor!
| ASIN: 0995498113 |
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Amazon's Price: $ 19.95
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Feedback from "Noticing Newbies Newsletter (February 15, 2012)" ...
adampfau : Ha ha. "VHS videos". Made me laugh with that one.
I have some moldy ones (no, really...). I kind of miss movies on VHS. I haven't owned a VCR for years, though, so I've got that going for me, right?  I also didn't have a non-computer DVD player until probably a year ago. LOL. 
hoitytoity : Charming,well-written,cool newsletter. Keep the good work Stephanie. AUFWIEDERSEHEN!
Aww... Thank you! I try... Charming usually isn't part of my wheelhouse, but I'd be happy to welcome the addition! 
ruwth  : Stephanie, I was delighted to read your newsletter article about writing Product Reviews. Check this out: "Mutant Message Down Under" , a product review by ruwth ! I was delighted to discover that WritingML works in Product Reviews. I was also glad that it is not necessary to fill in every text box. I am glad to know I can go back and edit a Product Review just like any other item I create on WDC. I look forward to doing that. I want to add some information about the author as well as polish up what I have so far. Product Reviews can be fun to do!
You bring up some great points that I should have mentioned... Oops.. Your product review also makes me wish that WdC had a rate system in place for honest product reviews. You obviously put a lot into that review! Just enough to make a gal wonder if she should read it just to form her own opinion --perfect!
BIG BAD WOLF is Howling  : "Dragon's Eyes" [18+] : Always something to find.
...And always something to add. |
| ASIN: B083RZJVJ8 |
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Amazon's Price: Price N/A
Not currently available. |
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Noticing Newbies: March 14, 2012 Issue [#4933]
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