  Noticing Newbies
This week: Benefits of a Master Plan Edited by: JACE  
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Hi, I'm JACE .
Welcome to this issue of the Noticing Newbies newsletter. Join me as I take you into some nooks and crannies of Writing.Com that you may not have found time to check out yet.
Don't forget to toss me a note about what you liked or didn't like in my column, or about a topic you'd like to see discussed. This newsletter is about and for you. And for you seasoned members, I hope you'll find something you can take from my ramblings. 
Your Noticing Newbies Newsletter full-time Editors:
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I recently read an article entitled "The Benefits of a Master Plan" in one of my woodworking trade magazines. The article stated that a master plan and the related feasibility study were essential tools for construction professionals in the design and sale of a personalized construction project.
I was struck by the parallels that might be drawn from the article to reasons for joining Writing.Com. While the terms master plan and feasibility study are often used interchangeably, they are indeed different. Regarding your efforts and goals as a writer, your master plan might be to publish your novel. A feasibility study is the series of steps you must take to achieve that ultimate goal.
Each day I read in the "Noticing Newbies" and "Writing.Com General Discussion" forums of many new members who state their desires to publish a book. But many, and I include a large number of seasoned members, have little or no idea of how to accomplish that milestone.
WDC is a peer-to-peer writing site that is eminently qualified to help each of us achieve whatever writing goals we have. The first step of your 'feasibility study' is to get involved. Don't sit back and wait for others to shower you with advice or help. The old adage "you reap what you sow" is no more valid than here.
Pursue your goals in small steps. Reviewing others will surely hasten you on your way. Learning to write quality reviews not only helps you improve and polish your own writing skills, but also invites others to review your work.
Enter your work in contests. There are no shortage of official (WDC-sponsored) and member-run contests on site. You can find a listing of such contests at "Writing Contests @ Writing.Com" . Keep in mind that the judging of these contests is subjective and based solely on that judge's opinion at that point in time. You may wish to enter contests that offer reviews along with prizes.
Finally, join a group whose charter is in line with your writing style or desires. A search of select keywords may reveal a group that is right for you. Or, you might find another member whose writing you like, and who may be willing to work with you in a collaborative exchange of ideas and reviews.
Use the building blocks offered by Writing.Com to grow as a writer one step at a time. Make smaller goals that when achieved gives you the confidence to continue moving forward toward that ultimate dream. And have fun along the way. Write on!
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Check out these Newbies (I've selected folks who have filled out their Biography or something in their Bio-Block). Take a moment to review something in their Port ... or just say hi.
| |  | Wanda (E)
The love of my life...on display. (This was not well put-together. Sorry)
#1921826 by Conner M. Leach  |
User submitted items:
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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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And from the mailbox about my last Noticing Newbies newsletter, "How Much Is Enough?" .
From Mae Redding : Hey, first I would like to say how much I love your newsletter and writing.com. It has boosted my confidence to a whole new level. I'm new to the writing world and would love to get some exposure and feedback on my first novel, thanks.
Welcome. We're glad you found Writing.Com. As I mentioned above, consider looking into a novel group with a focus on the style of your novel. Good luck.
From Beckyl : Thank you for your thoughts on helping newbies or people with questions. I am no longer a newbie but I remember feeling some frustration and embarrassment when seeking help because it seems like the answers I received led to more questions just like the one you pointed out 'where is the recycle bin'. I like the fact that you get it! And I LOVE that you shared it!! Beckyl
thank you, Miss Becky!
From Mark Allen Mc Lemore : Thanks for using my story! I guess I better polish it up a little bit. I was hoping one of my stories would land here before I was no longer considered a newbie. I think the art of writing is such a great learning process we are always newbies to something. I mean, just recently I learned, outside the WdC, I was misusing i.e. and I was never using what I meant- e.g. I always thought i.e. meant "in example".
Currently, I am working on showing more instead of telling. I think this is something all writers have struggled with. it's also a difficult habit to learn but it pays off in the end. We build a larger vocabulary and it's our readers are absorbed into our stories. I am beginning to believe this is where we find our voice as writers.
Thanks for the newsletter, always a great read. Mark A. McLemore.
From blunderbuss: Hi Jace! I think this is a great newsletter. I remember when I started on WDC asking some very dumb questions and everyone was so helpful. Just trying to create that very first item/to get it onto my Portfolio was really hard. People didn't give up on me and I will always remember that. Technical Support is brilliant, too. Sometimes it really helps if somebody else chimes in, goes back to square one, and just gives the information in a different way.
Thanks, Miss Diane. Yep, EVERYONE sees and understands things differently. It's good to keep that in mind and ask for clarification when needed. 
From Zheila : Hi Jace. My name is Zheila, I liked the way you explained how to recover an item from Recycle Bin. I prefer step by step style as you have done it.
Thanks, and you're welcome, Miss Zhelia.
From BIG BAD WOLF Feeling Thankful  : You've got no idea how many times I've told people how to make items. I lost count after a while.
And yet, isn't it a great feeling to continue helping those who need?
From k-9cooper: Awesome advice. Love every bit of it. Also how true.
Thank you! 
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Noticing Newbies: March 06, 2013 Issue [#5549]
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