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This week: Oh My Stars Edited by: Gaby  
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Hello, everyone! I'm Gaby and I'm your Contests&Activities Newsletter editor for this issue.
You don't have to be an expert in reviewing in order to lend a helping hand to a fellow writer!
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We all review! In the beginning we felt a bit intimidated and worried a lot about it, because we can't just tell another person how their writing truly is. Who are we to judge, right? When you review, don't think that you have to be a professional editor in order to review someone's work. You're a reader, first and foremost, and that's the perspective you're supposed to review from. There might be 1% of the members on the site who are actual full time editors. Don't fret about your opinion of another writer's work.
We've talked about reviewing many times and how you can earn Gift Points by reviewing a lot. Many members earn enough to support their yearly membership with it. You have to give something in order to get something. It's a nice, scenic, two way road. However, it can depend how picturesque your trip is.
I'm more of a short stories or a novel reviewer. Aside from grammar and the flow of a poem, I cannot review a poem and tell a person to change the entire thing. It is their voice, not mine. When they are ready, they will change things accordingly. When it comes to ratings, personally, I don't care one way or another. You can give me 1 star or 5 stars. What matters to me is your actual review. If you tell me my writing is amazing, but give me 3 stars, I'll question it. Some people will give the 5 star rating only when they're blown away by your writing. I'm more mellow than that. When it comes to novel reviewing, my review will always be honest and on the harsh side. I'll just tell you what I see. I rarely will tell the writer that my comments are my opinion only. It's common sense - I'm a writer who likes helping others. There isn't a reason for me to specify such a thing at all.
Also, when I get a review from a new member and the character count is just above the 250 character count, I don't mind. They're new and they're learning the ropes. The fact that they want to get into reviewing other people's work is wonderful. Don't be too critical of that. Although, when I get a review from a more seasoned member who's reviewing my work of their own accord, I expect much more. We are writers. Reviewing is also a form of writing. Work on it to impress me or at least give it your best. So, let's talk about what to do, what not to do, and the template challenges.
What to do:
 If you've never reviewed a particular writer, in a sentence or two, introduce yourself.
Be critical, but also positive in your review.
It's okay to elaborate.
Find at least one thing you've enjoyed reading about, or could relate to.
Tell them why you liked certain parts better than others.
If something made you giggle or laugh, tell them!
Be honest.
If it's a longer item, go more into detail with your review.
Take the time necessary to do a proper review.
You're allowed to make suggestions.
Be open for communication.
Show your emotions in your review.
It's okay to state that certain suggestions you've made could be your personal preference. You're only human!
This is your opinion. Share it!
Have fun with it.
Learn from it!
End your review with a good note.
What NOT to do:
If you cannot relate to an item and have nothing nice to say, unless asked to review it, skip it
 The goal is to be helpful. If you can't do that in any way with your review, it's better not to write a review for that piece at all.
Don't do line by line reviewing unless asked or it's necessary.
Don't tell them you can't relate to their writing without giving an explanation.
Don't be vague!
Don't do a fluff review - positive, nice, yet almost irrelevant to the writing itself.
Don't say you liked the piece for what it was, without an explanation.
There's no need to review a signature unless asked or you really wish to do so.
Don't be afraid to say things how you see them.
Reviewing poetry doesn't mean that your review should be short.
Don't forget to point out the good parts of their writing.
Don't do their work for them.
Do NOT rewrite their entire poem when reviewing poetry! 
Make sure the review fits the rating.
Templates:
It isn't necessary to use a template, just make sure your review is clear. However, for longer pieces, a template does help. It will remind you of the basic things which your review should focus on, such as:
Characters
Settings
Imagery
Plot
Structure
Meter - if poetry
Grammar
Pace
Dialogue
These are just some suggestions which could help you elaborate more. If there isn't any dialogue, don't just write - not available. Either remove that part from your review or, if you see it as necessary, tell the writer that it might be good to add dialogue to it. Make suggestions as to where. If you feel the need, change your template around entirely while reviewing. Be creative. If you have one of your bullets set as Character, don't just write 'The character is Mike Smith.' What else? What did you learn from what you've read? What do you think should be included or excluded? What matters to the story?
A template only helps to point you in the right direction, but it doesn't mean that your review has to be defined by it. You're a writer full of imagination! Nothing in life is set in stone. Neither is your template! Have fun with it. Just remember, quality over quantity. And for those of you who worry about the star rating, don't. No matter what rating you get, it won't be on the national news and it might help you see the changes needed if a similar rating continues. Look for honesty instead.
While I could go on and on about this, I think you've got the basic picture. Hope you'll share your reviewing experience with me in the box below where comments go, or at least tell me something about your own preference. 
'til next time!
~ Gaby 
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From my previous Newsletter:
Lexi wrote:
Gaby,
I have a special place in my heart for Neil Gaiman, and I adore Imogen Heap, so your "About This Newsletter" section was greatly appreciated. Thanks for sharing and making me smile! ~ Lexi
Any time, Lexi. Thank you for reading.
Seshat wrote:
My Blog here is my first and I write best with prompts and I have found I do love it :) Blogging has become a part of me as a writer, what a great outlet indeed.
Truly is. Sometimes we like to just rant, but other times, having prompts get the writing juices going. |
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Contests & Activities: March 02, 2016 Issue [#7506]
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