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Contests & Activities: April 12, 2017 Issue [#8234]

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Contests & Activities


 This week: Hard Work
  Edited by: spidey 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

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Welcome to the Contests & Activities Newsletter. I'm spidey Author Icon, and I'm your Editor this week!



Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B083RZ2C5F
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Letter from the editor


Hard Work



Most accomplishments take hard work. Sure, there are instances of people sort of falling into their success, but overall it takes a lot of work. If you read interviews with published authors, they'll most likely say it took them years to get published. They went through a lot of planning, writing, editing, and then submitting before even being published. And then it's a struggle to be a success even when you're published!

The point is, be prepared for work in anything that you do. The publishing world is evolving and changing, especially with the possibility of self-publishing and e-books, but it's still not a sure thing. It most likely won't happen overnight, either.

For most of us, though, the dream is worth the struggle and the work.

Contests and activities can be a great practice for getting published. Not only does writing often strengthen your craft, but writing for a contest or activity can help you prepare for the whole publishing process.

*Bullet* Proofread. While I can't speak for publishers, as I've never been one, I know that most writers and avid readers can be repelled by grammar and spelling mistakes. It's really, really important to catch as many of those as you can! Before you submit anything (to be published or for a contest), read and re-read first! Ask a friend to read, specifically for errors.

*Bullet* Re-write. Be prepared to re-write. When I was young, I never re-wrote anything. I felt it was perfect the first time. *Laugh* I feel much differently now. Every writer is a little different, but my stories & characters have a tendency to run away with themselves, sometimes far away from the plot I had planned! Sometimes that works, but sometimes it doesn't. Again, getting a second opinion can be pretty helpful.

*Bullet* Read. I think one big advantage you can create for yourself is to have a good perspective as a reader. Think critically about the things you read. What works and what doesn't for you as a reader. It can help to put yourself in the mind-frame of someone reading your work for the first time. (Reviewing on Writing.Com can be really helpful to develop this skill! When you review, don't just tell your opinion, but try to explain it. If something isn't working for you, think about why.)

I really feel that many rewarding things in life are worth the effort you put into them.




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Editor's Picks








Official Writing.Com Contests & Activities:

 
Image Protector
Good Deeds Get CASH! Open in new Window. [E]
Write reviews to win cash prizes!
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon

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Journey Through Genres: Official Contest Open in new Window. [E]
Write a short story in the given genre to win big prizes!
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon





Contests/Activities:

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

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Elizabeth's Poetry & Short Story Contest Open in new Window. [13+]
Open for November POETRY submissions.
by ElizabethHayes-DaughterofIAM Author Icon

Image Protector
The Grim Reaper Contest - Closed  Open in new Window. [13+]
This is a Horror Flash Fiction Contest. See you in October 2025!
by FÐ Spread the Christmas Joys Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

Image Protector
The Flash Blog Contest - CLOSED Open in new Window. [E]
A contest combining flash fiction and blogging.
by Dee Author Icon

 
Image Protector
Writing 101 Open in new Window. [E]
A writing class teaching grammar, spelling, etc.
by Chris Breva Author Icon

Image Protector
Imagination Alphabet Open in new Window. [E]
Add the next funny or interesting word. Use your creative imagination!
by Maryann Author Icon

 Spouse's Birthday! Open in new Window. [13+]
What happens when your better half crosses another milestone?
by THANKFUL SONALI RIP BIKERIDER Author Icon





Some contest resources:
How to Create a Contest Open in new Window. [ASR]
Things you need to know before you open a contest. Includes a contest template.
by Angels in my Ear Author Icon

"Create/Edit a Message Forum" Open in new Window.
Newbie Hyperlinking 101 - Bitem Format Open in new Window. [E]
Learn the ins and outs of creating a link using the bitem format.
by NickiD89 Author Icon





Know of some gems that deserve exposure? Submit them in the feedback form or submission form at the end of this Newsletter, and I'll put them in my next one!



 
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: B01CJ2TNQI
Amazon's Price: $ 5.99


Ask & Answer


My last newsletter, ("Contests & Activities Newsletter (March 15, 2017)" Open in new Window.), discussed Reviewing Contest Entries.

Thanks for featuring my item! *Delight* ~ Dragon is hiding Author Icon

You're very welcome! *Smile*



How do you polish your contest entry before submitting?

*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!
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ASIN: B083RZ37SZ
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