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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/8455-Where-do-I-start.html
Noticing Newbies: August 23, 2017 Issue [#8455]

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Noticing Newbies


 This week: Where do I start?
  Edited by: Elle - on hiatus 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

After seven years on Writing.com, I know my way around pretty well. There are still a few areas I haven't explored though. One of my favourite things about Writing.com is that there is something for everyone. It doesn't matter how niche your preferences are, there is someone else on this site that has the same interests and preferences. Sure, if your preference is 'dark free verse poetry', you're more likely to stumble across a fellow enthusiast than if your preference is 'Legends of Zelda fan fiction', but they're both on here.

But where do you start? How do you find the people that you want to connect with, or the writing you want to read and review? How you do find the people who will understand the specifics and subtleties of your writing? Let's take a look around together.


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Letter from the editor

A friend of mine, whom I've known since primary school, recently joined Writing.com. I'll admit, I do sometimes take this site and my knowledge of it for granted. Although I know there are areas I haven't explored, I know how to find what I'm looking for, and know who to ask if I need help. But I looked at my friend's grey case and realised how overwhelming this site can be for newbies. So I thought I'd give a little guidance.

Where to start?
*Bullet* Set up your portfolio and bio. This is the starting point for everyone who meets you. It gives them a little intro to who you are. There's a really helpful video that shows you how to do this - "Video: Set Up Your Portfolio TabsOpen in new Window.. There are also written instructions at "Overview of Your PortfolioOpen in new Window..
*Bullet* Introduce yourself. I recommend posting a new message at "Noticing NewbiesOpen in new Window.. This is a really supportive forum, and you can also ask questions here. I also recommend posting in your notebook. This is a good way to reach out to the community and start a conversation. You can read more about notebooks and how they fit into the community newsfeed at "NewsfeedOpen in new Window.
*Bullet* Share something. Some people join Writing.com only to read and review, which is totally fine, but most are writers and want to share their writing. There are a variety of types of items you can share, both static and interactive. "How To Create an ItemOpen in new Window. gives you a good starting point, and there is a link at the bottom of that post to all the different item types. Once you've added your writing to your portfolio, you can share it in your notebook too!

Who to ask for help?
*Bullet* Right at the top of every screen, you'll find a link to "Writing.Com 101Open in new Window. which is a huge help. It's laid all clear and simple,
so you should be able to find what you're looking for.
*Bullet* If you're confused or lost though, "Noticing NewbiesOpen in new Window. is a great place to ask for some direction.
*Bullet* If it's something technical that's not working like it should, you can click on the link at the top of every page that says 'Need help?' and that will take you to the "Technical Support ForumOpen in new Window..
*Bullet* You can ask a moderator (they're the ones with the blue cases). Most members will help you out, but moderators have the blue cases to make it easier for you to find people who are likely to know their way around the site and if they don't know the answer they should be able to help you find it.

How to find items that interest me?
*Bullet* At the top left of every page, there is a 'search' function. You can search your own portfolio (very helpful when you end up with lots of items over the years!), another member's portfolio if you're already in their portfolio, or the whole site. If you click to search 'All of Writing.com', you can then select the genre that interests you, and even the type of item that interests you. The search defaults to 'reading' so it will bring up static items like short stories, poems, articles, novels, etc. You can change it to find groups or forums, or any type of item that appeals. You can search just by genre, or you can search just for key words, or both.
*Bullet* If you scroll down the left hand column on any page, you'll see a link called 'Community'. If you click on that, it opens up a panel that has more links, includes contests, activities and blogs. Check them out and see if any interest you. *Smile*
*Bullet* Ask. You can always ask in your notebook or in the "Noticing NewbiesOpen in new Window. forum, and someone may be able to point you in the right direction.

Where can I get some guidance on reviewing?
*Bullet* "Reviewing On Writing.ComOpen in new Window. is a good place to start, and from there you'll also get links to "Guidelines To Great ReviewingOpen in new Window. and information on the five star rating system.
*Bullet* "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window. is a forum specifically for reviewers to talk, ask questions, and learn.
*Bullet* "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window. has lots of helpful advice and links.
*Bullet* "Checklist for CritiquingOpen in new Window. has some good ideas on what to say in a review.
*Bullet* You can figure out your own rating system over time, but this is a good starting place if you're not sure - "Star ratings.Open in new Window..
*Bullet* Join a group (more on that in the next section). Many of the groups specifically help newbies learn how to review.
*Bullet* Take a class. Yes, Writing.com has classes! They're run by members, and you can take classes on all sorts of topics from novel or poetry writing to grammar and reviewing. Check out the course catalog at "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window..

No one knows I'm here. How do I make friends?
*Bullet* Post in your notebook. That gets you on to the community newsfeed.
*Bullet* Browse the community newsfeed (there's a link in the left hand column that simply says 'Newsfeed'. You can change it from your personal newsfeed (which shows you only notebook posts from your favourite members) to the community newsfeed using the link at the top of the page).
*Bullet* Post in a forum. "Noticing NewbiesOpen in new Window. is a good one. You can not only start a new post of your own, but you can reply to other people's posts and start a conversation. You can also post in "Writing.Com General DiscussionOpen in new Window. or reply to posts there.
*Bullet* Review. Reviewing is a brilliant way to get noticed. You'll be surprised how many people pay attention to the review pages, and generally speaking, the more you review, the more your own work gets reviewed.
*Bullet* Enter a contest. There are contests specifically for newbies, like the "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window. and "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window.. Each month there is an official site contest too, and for August it is "Short Shots: Official WDC ContestOpen in new Window.. You can find more at "Writing Contests @ Writing.ComOpen in new Window.. Some have prompts, some don't. Some allow older items, some require you to write something new. Some are for short stories, some are for poems, some are for blog posts, some are for chapters... Some are daily and require something to be written within 24 hours, and some run for a month. Some are even longer and require you to participate over a longer period. Check them out and find one that appeals to you. *Smile*
*Bullet* Join a group. There are some great groups that are specifically designed to assist newbies, such as "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window. and "Newbie Help And Support GroupOpen in new Window.. There are groups for reviewing, for blogging, for those who write romance or those who write dark poetry, for people who enjoy photography or people who want to work on their novels together. There are support groups for teenagers, those with disabilities or mental illnesses, members dealing with grief or domestic violence, and a group for those who support the LGBT community. There are more than 700 group items on Writing.com. There truly is something for everyone.

Don't be afraid. Remember, everyone on this site started off as a newbie once. We have all been where you are now. Soon, you too will be guiding others around this amazing site, and you'll love it just as much as we do. *Heart*


Editor's Picks

BOOK
Writing.Com 101 Open in new Window. (E)
Explanations and instructions of all things Writing.Com.
#101 by The StoryMistress Author IconMail Icon


FORUM
Noticing Newbies Open in new Window. (13+)
A warm welcome to our newbies; come meet new and not-so-new members of Writing.Com!
#126963 by The StoryMistress Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1873271 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2085863 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1949660 by Not Available.


GROUP
Newbie Help And Support Group Open in new Window. (E)
Group dedicated to helping newbies learn their way around WDC
#1767965 by Tiggy Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2040683 by Not Available.


GROUP
WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group Open in new Window. (E)
Join the fun! We inspire reviewers through kindness and learning! Winner of eight Quills!
#1300305 by Maryann Author IconMail Icon


GROUP
SIMPLY POSITIVE GROUP Open in new Window. (E)
A group whose mission is to spread positivity.
#1384154 by Simply Positive Author IconMail Icon


GROUP
The Rockin' Reviewers Open in new Window. (13+)
~Quality reviews given in a positive and encouraging manner
#1630911 by Osirantinous Author IconMail Icon


GROUP
The WDC Angel Army Open in new Window. (ASR)
Dedicated to promoting positivity, encouragement, and support to the WDC community.
#1188309 by iKïyå§ama Author IconMail Icon

 
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Word from Writing.Com

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Ask & Answer

Here's a poll from Cubby Author Icon.

There are many reasons to love Writing.Com but what is it you would like to accomplish here, if anything?

I created this poll after being here five short weeks back in December of 2002. I've seen people come and go, for various reasons, and others stay because they love this community and benefit from the encouragement and support it has to offer. What really surprised me at first was that many members did not join because they longed to be published. I didn't understand this, but the longer I am here, the more aware I am of people's needs.

And now, please take part in my poll and be sure to email me with any specifics that you'd like to add. *Bigsmile*

Love, Cubby ")
      I am here for fun but perhaps I will learn something, too.
      I like to see my writing in print.
      I long to be published and feel the reviews are very helpful.
      I am a published author and want to help others by reviewing their work honestly.
      I am an editor who enjoys reviewing work at this site.
      I write for my own enjoyment and love to hear all feedback.
      I write for my own enjoyment and do not appreciate any suggestions for improvement... only positive.

*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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