\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/5825-Save-the-Drama-for-your-Mama.html
Noticing Newbies: August 07, 2013 Issue [#5825]

Newsletter Header
Noticing Newbies


 This week: Save the Drama for your Mama
  Edited by: Tornado Dodger 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 Noticing Newbies Newsletter's goal is to make the newer members feel welcome and encourage them with useful information and/or links to make navigating Writing.com easier. Writing.com members of all ages and even veteran members can find useful information here. If you have specific questions, try visiting "Writing.Com 101Open in new Window. and/or "Noticing NewbiesOpen in new Window..


Meet The Noticing Newbies Full-Time Newsletter Editors






Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor


"Work on yourself first, take responsibility for your own progress. " ~I Ching.


You might have chuckled to yourself reading my chosen title for this newsletter. Perhaps you got a small crease in your forehead wondering what I could possibly be thinking. Either reaction is fine with me because it still caught your attention. That's half the battle in life, as well as writing. One day this site caught your eye and even interested you enough to sign up for a free account. We were ALL in that same position at one time. I can remember exactly where I was when it was me. It's been almost nine years since that fateful night and I have seen my share of changes, not just in this site, but in myself as well.

*Bullet* It's important to not lose track of your reasons for signing up.

I suppose for most of us, that reasoning would be simple. We enjoy reading and writing. Maybe you joined to receive some feedback and see if someone other than your parents and friends though you were a good writer. It's important to keep writing and practicing your craft. No one gets better overnight. It takes time and being open to learning and improving.

*Bullet* It's important not to overload yourself with activities.

We have some of the most incredible and creative activities I've ever seen online. It's easy to get involved and have fun at many of the events being held around the site. Make sure when you start to create your own that you start out slow and don't take on too much. They are addictive and before you know it, you'll hosting or judging so many activities at once that you get burnt out and signing into your account becomes more of a job than recreational. Don't load yourself up with so many responsibilities that you no longer look forward to signing in because it's more work than you really want or have time for. You're not alone. Don't be afraid to ask for help and then scale back so your time spent here is enjoyable.

Many members think the key to promotion to a higher level is running activities. That's not always true. As long as you're active within the community and maintain a consistently positive presence, you will be noticed. Reviewing is much more important than running a successful raffle or auction or even a group. Writing and reviewing are the most important activities and they are what makes Writing.com the successful site it is. Concentrate on being an active and positive force in the community and don't get caught up in the drama of why did she/he get promoted and I didn't? Does it feel good to be promoted? Sure, but ALL our members are important - regardless of their case level. It's not a representation of how talented you are as an author. There are many black and yellow case members here who are better writers than I am and I'll be the first one to acknowledge that.

*Bullet* Don't allow yourself to get caught up in the drama.

There are many great groups here. Some focus on reviewing, others on reading, and still others on many different genres, types or aspects of writing. All have their own niche' audience. Joining a group is a great idea as it helps you meet like-minded authors and also encourages you to become more involved in the community. The only downside is, sometimes personalities clash and therefore we have drama. If you notice a certain person creating or causing drama or strife, do your best to stay away from it. It's easy on the internet to get caught up in something that you didn't even mean to be a part of. If you see someone is stirring up drama and trying to get you involved, please take a moment and ask yourself if it really involves you. If it doesn't, politely remove yourself from the situation. There are thousands of people on this site to share your interests with.

Write and Review on! ~ Brooke

*Down*This is a quick but deep book that explores the role of personal accountability in one's work and personal life.


[Related Links] *Thumbsup*
This month's links are to some interesting activities around the community.

*Pencil* "The Book Club"  Open in new Window. by ~Minja~ Author Icon
Set yourself reading targets and be rewarded - sign up now to start reading on 1st August

*Pencil* "Invalid Item"  Open in new Window. by A Guest Visitor
Contest for those you would like to make a point. Here pens are mightier than swords.

*Pencil* "What if...? (Closed)"  Open in new Window. by Dawn Embers Author Icon
The contest that asks the big question - what if...? Genre Remix Round Due August 31st.

*Pencil* "Invalid Item"  Open in new Window. by A Guest Visitor
Nineteen day novelette contest. *Left* This is almost over but hopefully another round will start soon!



Editor's Picks


Here are some items that caught my attention when perusing the site's new member writing.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

Excerpt:
I've been working in the White House Protocol Office for many years and I still cringe when the red phone rings and I get summoned to the Big Guy's office, which by the way is more round than oval. Yesterday I was watching the latest episode of Duck Dynasty in my office – there really isn't much to do in the Protocol Office - when the red phone came to life. I considered pretending I was out to lunch but an image of living on the streets popped into my head and I reluctantly turned off the television. I was subsequently summoned by the Big Guy to attend a meeting, pronto.

~*Star*~

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

Excerpt:
I was six years old in 1954 when I learned a life long lesson on the subject of the title of this story. It was a bright and sunny the day when my mother brought me grocery shopping with her. The “First National” was the grocery store where she did her shopping. It was only ten or fifteen minutes away by car form home and located on route nine in Natick, Massachusetts.

~*Star*~

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

Excerpt:
To be clear, Thomas Jefferson is one of my heroes. I find the man fascinating for many reasons. He is solidly in the top tier of historic people I would have liked to meet. Although I disagree with him on some points, much of what he said I agree with and even find brilliant. I realize, like everyone else, he was far from perfect. I don't hold that against him.

~*Star*~

 In Defense of Self Defense Open in new Window. [13+]
The Zimmerman Case was a clear case of self-defense.
by GodlessHeathen Author Icon

Excerpt:
The protestors hold up signs and chant "No Justice for Trayvon" but do these people even have a clue as to what justice really is? I think not. The only "justice" these delusional people will accept is for George Zimmerman to be convicted of murder. It does not matter that all the facts in this case point to the fact that he acted in self-defense. No, facts are not wanted or needed for someone that only cares about furthering their own racist agenda.

~*Star*~

 Remembering you Open in new Window. [18+]
A first draft of an unusual story of love and death...
by Liz Author Icon

Excerpt:
I remember you holding me and rocking me. We would lay on the couch, you behind me, solid, protective, yet soft. You put your leg over my hip and used it to rock me gently. So slightly, I could barley notice it. But, it's effects were so powerful it would calm me right down. All the tensions of the day melting away. There we would lay, together for hours so softly, so sweetly, falling asleep. You told me once you always rocked 'your girls' this way. I smiled, because it meant I was 'your girl.'

~*Star*~

 The bartender who fears the future. Open in new Window. [13+]
Maybe things will be different this time around.
by Joltarn Author Icon

Excerpt:
He'd been working at that place for a long time. He'd seen faces come and go. A few stood out, of course. The comedians, the pricks, the whores that'd come and go; these weren't exactly unique people to a bartender. But each night, each week or so, he'd notice less people coming in. New people came in less and less, and the bar's customers ended up just being a bunch of nostalgia-filled veterans with nowhere better to go. Guys and gals from the good old days.

~*Star*~

 Night Open in new Window. [ASR]
its about a murder being in love at first sight
by WingsOfSakura Author Icon

Excerpt:
Swallowing the street in another night,

Seeing the police on the other side.

And so did i glide,

To a different light.

~*Star*~

 How I Met My Older Man Open in new Window. [E]
Beginning of a book I'm writing
by Jade Storm Author Icon

Excerpt:
It was a beautiful morning on the West Coast. I had lived there for a little over a month, and it still amazed me how perfect the SoCal weather was. I loved going down to the beach early in the morning because it was so serene and peaceful. Most of the time, I read a book as I listened to the waves crashing in from the ocean. But for the last few days, I’d had my eye on something else.

~*Star*~

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

Excerpt:
My mind fills with sorrow,
At this hearts beating sound.
There would be no tomorrow,
And it started to pound.

There in the flying snow,
The tears streamed down.
Off the end of my nose,
They fell to the ground.

~*Star*~

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

Excerpt:
My partner, Rick, gets tired of me moaning about the fact that I can't think of a story to write. Tonight he suggested I pick one character and have a prompt ready for each day in August based on that character. That way, no matter what day I find myself without any ideas, I can select from this list. I sat down at the computer and put the dates down then begged, bribed, and cajoled Rick into providing the prompts *Smile* This is the result! Feel free to do the same and use these prompts through August too....(this isn't a contest or activity and there are no prizes - it's just something to do).


~*Star*~



 
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: B00KN0JEYA
Amazon's Price: $ 4.99


Ask & Answer


I received some wonderful feedback to my last newsletter [#5772] "The Two Most Important WordsOpen in new Window. and I'm proud to share it with you.

From PandaPaws Licensed VetTech Author Icon
I have been doing random reviews, but i had not considered reviewing the folks who reviewed me. Great idea.


Glad I could help by sparking an idea to get your reviewing more. *Thumbsup*

From pietroschek
Some truisms in that. I know both sides as I have been harsh and rude myself on occasion and I got threats of violence and worse even on outright positive reviews with many stars and given GP...

Someone here threatened your with violence over a review? Holy cow! Make sure you report any member who ever does that. That's not acceptable. *Frown* While getting all positive responses isn't really expected, that's just not the way it should ever happen.

From Missy ~ EnjoyingBeingAMommy Author Icon
I'm so glad you addressed the need to respond to a review. It's not only newbies that fail to do it though. Occasionally I'll review for an older member and not get a response. It is a little upsetting to know I've spent hours picking through a story and not even get a simple 'thank you' for my trouble. I can't say that I've responded to every review I've gotten because I may have missed a few a long time ago. Nobody's perfect, right? *Laugh* It's always a good thing to respond to reviews because occasionally it can lead to friendships, and sometimes you are even able strike up a conversation about the piece and learn more about how to fix a specific problem you may have trouble figuring out or have questions about. Even if they can't provide you with all of the information you need to improve, they can give you a place to start researching the problem areas. *Smile*

Yes, it's amazing how some people don't. It's not hard to shoot someone a quick note just simply saying "Thank you for your time." Thank you for writing in! *Bigsmile*

From Dragon is hiding Author Icon in response to "What triggers your review?Open in new Window.
my answers to the poll:

Gps, hopefully a return review

Thanks for sharing your response to her poll. It's always interesting to find out what inspires people to review. *Smile*

*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: B01DSJSURY
Amazon's Price: $ 5.99

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.


Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/5825-Save-the-Drama-for-your-Mama.html