Contests & Activities: November 12, 2014 Issue [#6659]
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Contests & Activities


 This week: Finding Inspiration
  Edited by: 🦄🏳️‍🌈Sapph Author IconMail Icon
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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 purpose of this newsletter is to share my thoughts, ideas, and experience with anything and everything relating to contests and activities. Information from me to you on entering and running activities here on Writing.Com.

Today's Topic
Finding Inspiration


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

Most contests come with some sort of specified prompt that you have to follow. These can be anything from a picture to a quote and if you don't follow it, your entry will be disqualified. Now what if you want to enter a contest but the prompt doesn't spark any interest for you?

Sadly this can happen with any contest prompt and there's nothing you can really do to stop it. There only so many ideas in the world and they will run out at some point, which can lead to these less-than-impressive prompts.


A few tips to help you find inspiration:

*Starr* Look up the prompt on Google and get inspired by the results there, whether it be images or websites.

*Staro* Find the history of the prompt and draw from that.

*Star* Mull over the prompt for a while before you write. You may not have an idea right away but it could eventually spark one.

*Starg* Think outside the box of the prompt. Find an unexpected route that could be taken to incorporate it.

*Starb* Talk it out. You can either talk about it with other people in your life or just to yourself. This process can get a flow of ideas coming when you think you have none.

*Starv* If the prompt really doesn't inspire you, just don't write for it. Write another idea that you have and maybe the prompt will naturally work its way back in.



So remember, you can find inspiration elsewhere that can tie into a contest prompt and help you write that story or poem you want to write!



Editor's Picks

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


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HONORING OUR VETERANS  Open in new Window. [ASR]
Of course there's a Veterans Day - EVERY DAY!
by Monty Author Icon


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Roots & Wings Contest Open in new Window. [E]
Can you capture the essence of an ancestor in one story? CLOSED
by GeminiGem🐾 Author Icon


Tales of Terror Open in new Window. [ASR]
Sacrifice a story at the altar and unlock the secrets of terror!
by lotte Author Icon


Seven Deadly Sins Contest - CLOSED!! Open in new Window. [E]
It's pretty simple; write a short story or poem based on one of the seven deadly sins.
by Culraven Author Icon


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The Weekly Quickie Contest Open in new Window. [18+]
Can you excite in 969 words? Romance+ Contest. -Closed for NaNoWriMo
by Dawn Embers Author Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


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The Writer's Cramp Open in new Window. [13+]
Write the best poem or story in 24 hours or less and win 10K GPS!
by Sophurky Author Icon


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The LGBT Writing Contest Open in new Window. [18+]
Short story contest (with great prizes) for LGBT characters.
by Osirantinous Author Icon

 
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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!
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Don't forget to support our sponsor!

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Ask & Answer

My question for you this time: How do you find inspiration in prompts that aren't that interesting?


Question from before: Do you ever have issues with doing too many things with similar deadlines? How do you handle it?


Lornda Author Icon replied: Nice newsletter on deadlines! I run several contests and enjoyed reading your tips. *Thumbsup* Here's my response to the question you asked: I always have issues with too many similar deadlines. *Rolleyes* *Laugh* I wish I knew why I pile these up on myself, but I do get them all completed after almost running for the hills. *Smile* How do I handle it? I prioritize them all and work away at them one step at a time. For me, if it's something I have to write, I find I do better under the pressure of the deadline. If I have to judge a contest, I try to send the reviews before the deadline, but that doesn't always work . . .um, because I have too many deadlines, (*Laugh*) so I take my time and try not to rush. I still want everyone to get a quality review! *Smile*


NaNoNette Author Icon replied: I want to hug this newsletter.


BIG BAD WOLF is Howling Author Icon replied: I just pick the ones I really want to enter.


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