1 Topic by J.R. Geiger (edited by J.R. Geiger 2026-01-21 11:37:51)

Topic: Writing Contests and Other Thoughts

Next Big Writer really needs to have writing contests and prompts.
I believe it will spur more activity, more reviews, more critiques, and growth.
Prizes don't have to be monetary, but Member's Points so no money is lost by NBW.
Let's face it, NBW is dying a slow death.
The membership, including myself, have slowed down in their writing/posting.
Why?
We have found other websites offering more activity and interactivity with other writers, writing prompts, and contests to get the creative juices flowing.
I came here at the recommendation of another writer here, but even she seems to have gone M.I.A.
I'm not saying we all don't have lives outside writing because we do.
It's just disheartening to watch NBW continue its death spiral because there used to be so many more active writers here.
Right now there's only a handful.
A lot of new members post once or twice and then move on to other, more active websites.
This is my opinion, I hope I'm wrong.

Quote Post 1

Re: Writing Contests and Other Thoughts

J.R. Geiger wrote:

Next Big Writer really needs to have writing contests and prompts.
I believe it will spur more activity, more reviews, more critiques, and growth.
Prizes don't have to be monetary, but Member's Points so no money is lost by NBW.
Let's face it, NBW is dying a slow death.
The membership, including myself, have slowed down in their writing/posting.
Why?
We have found other websites offering more activity and interactivity with other writers, writing prompts, and contests to get the creative juices flowing.
I came here at the recommendation of another writer here, but even she seems to have gone M.I.A.
I'm not saying we all don't have lives outside writing because we do.
It's just disheartening to watch NBW continue its death spiral because there used to be so many more active writers here.
Right now there's only a handful.
A lot of new members post once or twice abd then move on to other, more active websites.
This is my opinion, I hope I'm wrong.

Simply put, you're not wrong. Take care. Vern (Member since 2007 who has limited participation at the moment.)

Quote Post 2

3 Reply by George FLC (edited by George FLC 2026-01-20 23:16:19)

Re: Writing Contests and Other Thoughts

I'd enjoy contests with or without money.

My advice to new people is to develop loose groups to work with. I have two people who have disappeared. One person hasn't posted for a while, but they've been very good to work with, so I need to pester them again. So, my group of people that I've worked with has changed.

And there's very good talent here. I want to work with writers here who are published or know how to write. So, I have to work at it. I have to make contact with them. I have to either add people to my current group to work with or be happy with my small current group.

Yes, get more contests, and yes reach out and develop your own group of people that you can work with.

Part of the reason that I've been slow with my last chapter is that I'm trying to incorporate good advice that one person from my group gave me. I'm going through radical rewriting of that chapter.

Anyways... keep on writing everyone!

George FLC

Quote Post 3

Re: Writing Contests and Other Thoughts

Life absolutely gets busy, but writers tend to gather where the energy is. I’d love to see TNBW become that place again instead of a ghost town with great archives.

Giving posting points instead of or in addition to $$$ may be an added incentive for newbies. "Win $50 and 50 free posting points." Or "Win 100 posting points." Just sayin'...

Quote Post 4

Re: Writing Contests and Other Thoughts

Marilyn Johnson wrote:

Life absolutely gets busy, but writers tend to gather where the energy is. I’d love to see TNBW become that place again instead of a ghost town with great archives.

Giving posting points instead of or in addition to $$$ may be an added incentive for newbies. "Win $50 and 50 free posting points." Or "Win 100 posting points." Just sayin'...

Amen, MJ! :-)

Quote Post 5