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Contests & Activities: April 11, 2018 Issue [#8845]

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Contests & Activities


 This week: Be different
  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

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Letter from the editor


Being Different

I think often we try to be different, to think of something no one has thought of, to have a completely unique idea. And that's wonderful! With contests and activities, though, it can backfire.

If you're hosting a contest or activity with a unique theme, be prepared for a few things:

*Idea* Explain it really well. If you're combining two genres that don't obviously go together (Cooking and Thriller, maybe?), or asking for a genre that's not well-known, or perhaps a unique poetry or story style, you might want to give examples of what you're looking for particularly if it's something that isn't common or popular. Often members are hesitant to ask questions, so try to anticipate difficulties people might have understanding what you're asking for.

*Idea* Have a good reward. I often say that writing is its own reward, but when it comes to competing with other contests and activities for attention and participants, I think it can be a good thing to offer an enticing reward. It doesn't have to be gift points, either. One of the main things people come to this site for is feedback and reviews. Offer to review the entry, of course, but perhaps offer to do a mini-port raid or review a longer piece of work if you have the time.

*Idea* Anticipate participants either not understanding the prompt or bending it a bit. Think about what you'll do and how much of a stickler you'll be on the rules ahead of time so that you're prepared if it happens! I think it's more likely to happen if you have a unique prompt (and a good prize).

*Idea* Be patient! A lot of new contests and activities take time to be seen and attract participants, even ones without unique themes.

Just remember that the "popular" genres and style are popular for a reason. Those are the styles that do well and are written and read by most writers and readers. There's nothing wrong with going outside of those popular trends (that's how new trends start, after all!), but be prepared for some possible failures before the new thing catches on!



As always, keep on writing!



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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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Quotation Inspiration: Official Contest Open in new Window. [ASR]
Use the quote provided to write a story and win big prizes!
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon





Contests/Activities:

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The Science Fiction Short Story Contest Open in new Window. [18+]
A contest inspired by the serious need for more good sci-fi
by BlackAdder Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

Image Protector
Holiday Short Story Contest - closed Open in new Window. [E]
Write a short story based on a random holiday; prompt provided.
by Lilli 🧿 ☕ Author Icon

Adaptive Writers Contest  Open in new Window. [ASR]
This contest intends to challenge writers to write outside of their comfort zone
by S.J - Not Around Much Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

Image Protector
Soundtracks of Our Lives Open in new Window. [E]
Sharing the music that makes us original...
by Lyn's a Witchy Woman Author Icon

Image Protector
The Art of Show vs Tell Courses Open in new Window. [13+]
Have you ever been told, "Show, don't tell?"...a 2018 and 2019 Quill Award Winner
by Jim Hall Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 
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Location! Location! Location! Open in new Window. [E]
Where do you do your best writing?
by Joey' Falling for the Season Author Icon

Image Protector
Secret Pal Initiation Room Open in new Window. [E]
Join the group that is full of surprises and fun, one month at a time!
by Kate - Writing & Reading Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

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Daily Snapshot Open in new Window. [E]
Jump start your imagination!
by Genipher 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 ForumOpen 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!
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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!



Ask & Answer


My last newsletter, ("Contests & Activities Newsletter (March 14, 2018)Open in new Window.), discussed Groups. Here is some feedback from Newsletter readers:

Howdy, Spidey.
Good article on Groups this round. I had one small issue with it, although I believe I know what you meant to say.
When describing groups, you mentioned ones in real life and on WDC. I would argue that the groups on WDC, though based online, are no less "real" than groups you may associate with face to face. I converse with multiple members within my groups, discussing reviews, stories, etc. and they are all very real in their insight and value. There is a camaraderie as strong as any weeknight gaming group, bible study or bookclub that someone might belong to.
Thanks for listening and keep on informing us with this great newsletter. I've found some awesome contests thanks to you!
~ Cupadraig~The Remote Country Author Icon

That's so true! Online groups are every bit as "real" as in-person groups. *Smile*

I'm sort of a lone wolf, I guess. But, I met a quite a few great writers by doing reviews, getting reviewed and participating in contests. Maybe joining a group is something I should look into. Thanks for your article. ~ Kimbug Author Icon

I think there's something to be said for knowing what works for you! If not being in a group works for you, that's great! Of course, you can always give it a try, too. *Smile*



What do you think about contests that try to be different? Have you had an experience hosting one? Please share!

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