  Noticing Newbies
This week: Jumpstart Your Creativity! Edited by: Tornado Dodger  
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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
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 101" and/or "Noticing Newbies" .
Meet The Noticing Newbies Full-Time Newsletter Editors
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""All the world is birthday cake, so take a piece, but not too much." ~ George Harrison
Click the cupcake to check out a listing of Writing.com Birthday Activities!
You'd be hard pressed to find anyone lacking for entertainment this week on the site. There are so many activities going on you'll find yourself needing more hours in the day just to take part in everything that interests you.  Remember though, just because you're in a hurry to take part in as many activities as possible, make sure you take time to do things right.
 Pay attention to the rules
First, make sure you are eligible. Many contests have no restrictions. However, a few are restricted to members of certain groups or even certain ages or membership levels. Make sure you are eligible before you write your entry.
Also pay attention to word limits, rating requirements, and entry deadlines. You certainly don't want to put your effort into creating a good entry, only to have it disqualified because of a technicality.
 Make sure your entry follows the prompt.
One of the most broken rules of all - the prompt. Does the contest require newly written items or can you submit something you wrote last year? Are items that have already been awarded accepted? What about simultaneous entries to other current contests? Will you be allowed to edit your item once you have submitted it? How are you supposed to post your entry? These are all valid questions that could cause an entry to be disqualified.If it's not covered in the rules, don't be afraid to email the contest owner and ask.
 Proofread your entry.
Running a spell check doesn't take long at all and is worth it every time. If a judge is deciding between two entries, a few typos might make all the difference in the world. If possible, have a friend review it for you. Another reader can often catch mistakes that the author doesn't notice.
 If you post your entry in a forum, refresh the page after posting to make sure it shows up.
You'd be surprised how often this happens. If you want to make sure your contest entry doesn't disappear into thin air like a random sock in the dryer, make sure you hit submit and then double check before you leave by refreshing the page after you post.
 If you win, say thank you and If you don't win, don't be discouraged.
It takes time and effort to run a contest along with the funds for prizes. Saying thank you is always appreciated, and a review of the contest is a nice touch as well. If you don't win, it doesn't mean your entry wasn't any good. Only a few entries can win, and sometimes the difference between winning and losing entries is extremely small. Some contests get ten time as many entries than can win prizes in a single month. Remember, there's a lot of activities out there. If you were inspired to write something new, you are already a winner! Congrats!
Write and Review on! ~ Brooke
[Related Links] 
This month's links are to some groups around the community.
 "7-11" by The StoryWitchress 
Writing.Com will award 13 reviewers per day during our 7-day birthday celebration!
 "The Writer's Cramp" by Sophurky 
Happy Bday WDC! Join us all week for special prizes in celebration of 13 years of WDC!
 "Invalid Item" by A Guest Visitor
Are you a WDCer? Come and celebrate WDC's 13 Birthday with us. Prizes await to be grabbed!
 "Wdc 13th Birthday Masquerade Ball" by Tornado Dodger
All you need to win is your imagination. Who would you like to be for a night?
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This month, I'm featuring items that have been created in honor of the site's 13th birthday. Enjoy!
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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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I received some wonderful feedback to my last newsletter [#5825] "Save the Drama for your Mama" and I'm proud to share it with you.
From Marci Missing Everyone 
I'm so glad to say that I've been here for 4 months so far, and as involved as I am, I have only had positive experiences. I think I've found the cream of the crop right here at WdC!
That's great to hear Marci!
From JACE 
Ohmigosh, Miss Brooke. I do believe you wrote this newsletter about me. Great advice for all, newbie and seasoned members alike. While we need activities and events to keep things fresh, remember the REASON we joined. That's my focus for the remainder of this year. Better late than never. 
I am quite sure many people felt the same way as you my friend, including me.
From Quick-Quill 
I signed up years ago when I typed in Writing sources or something. I putsied around, writing, reviewing low key. Not because I wanted to but because I didn't know any better. I felt bad that after years I still had only a (18) then (20) after my name. Then I took some classes, reviewed and reviewed and today I noticed for the first time I had an (86) when did that happen? I wasn't looking anymore, I was doing. I think that's the key. Just learn all you can, review (take the CLASSES!!) and hook up with a group that writes like you do! I'm going to plug PAPER DOLL GANG right here as they have been my biggest supporter when I'm in need.
Great advice! Thanks for writing in and sharing your experiences.
From Jeff 
Great NL this week, Brooke! I'm still not sure I've even come close to mastering #2... but I guess we've all got room for improvement somewhere, right? 
Join the club! Thanks for the note my friend.
From BIG BAD WOLF is Howling  submitted with item: "The Revolution of Humans and Anthros"
Normally, I come on to see my friends.
You're not alone in that goal.
From Joy 
Great NL, Brooke.
Love the advice on drama.
Thanks.
Thanks! I think it's important advice.
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Noticing Newbies: September 04, 2013 Issue [#5868]
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