Looks like it's already time to gear up for another year together!
Here's the place to pop in, say hello, let everyone know a little about you and what you're planning (or haven't planned yet) for this year.
I'm Jasmine, and I was ML for this area last year, too. I've got a sketchy idea going, but I've got a lot of research to get through in October if I want to try to pull it off in November. It's a dark urban fantasy, and possibly a murder mystery, which is a little different from what I usually write. But what good is NaNo if you don't experiment?
This'll be my fourth NaNo. My first year, I started off strong, but I got sick in the middle of the month and never really got back on track. Second year was my first win, and a novel of which I'm extremely proud. Last year I managed to win, even though the novel I was writing kept making me fall asleep. Here's hoping this year goes better than last year.
So, as ML, what am I here to do? Well, I'm moral support, a cheerleader, a shoulder to cry on, and the girl who pulls together the meet-ups. I'll also be handing out official and unofficial swag at the parties and meet-ups.
How about if we get together on Saturday, October 13th, at 3 pm at Cafe Bella?
For those of you who might be new and wondering what on earth is going on, Cafe Bella became a regular hang-out during NaNo and the months following for those of us crazy enough to try writing a novel in 30 days...who also discovered that the task can be a surprising source of a social life. None of us are in this alone--we're all making that mad dash to the finish line, and what can be better than getting together with other people over coffee (and the coffee at Cafe Bella is excellent) to share the joys, weep together over the tragedies, and mostly just talk about what we're writing, and...well, whatever else we feel like talking about. If we writers are anything, we're chatty.
A handy-dandy map to Cafe Bella can be found here.
If you've never been to a meet-up, don't worry about having a hard time finding us. Cafe Bella is a lovely, intimate location, and I'll be the chick with the long brown hair wearing the long skirt who's sitting at a table with a big black cauldron in the middle of it. If you get lost along the way, feel free to give me a call to ask for help--I'm happy to provide directions. I can be reached at 816-3133.
We'll use our first meeting to plan for the kick-off party coming on Saturday, October 27th. And, well, gab.
We're good at that.
So if you're in the OKC area, whether you're planning on coming to meet-ups or not, give a shout-out here. Let us know who you are, and if you're wanting to come to meet-ups, what areas of town and what days are best for you. I can't guarantee that I can accommodate everyone, but I'll do my best.
----------
--
Jasmine, Leaping to Conclusions
"Writing saved me from the sin and inconvenience of murder."
75,079 / 50,000
Okt 3, 2007 - 06 02
I'm Mabry, and I'm in Norman. I did this last year, but didn't go to any meet-ups. I don't drive and my schedule's generally crazy. I'll try to make the one on the thirteenth, but it's kind of unlikely, since October's a really busy month for me this year. I definitely won't be at the kick-off party--I'll be on my honeymoon! But I'll try to make it to at least one event of some sort this year.
50,002 / 50,000
Okt 3, 2007 - 16 28
I'm Kylea and I live in Edmond. This will be the first time I participate in nanowrimo, and I'm going to try as hard as possible to finish this without leaving it within the first week. I might be able to meet up on both days, depending on if I can get a ride. I have a couple of friends who are going to be trying it, so I'm going to see if they want to come along. Now, I have to go and find some more research for my novel. At least most of it's going to come from my friends and my travels from still being a military brat.
1,699 / 50,000
Okt 3, 2007 - 16 44
Hi, I'm Patty and I live in Moore. My first NaNo started three days after moving to Oklahoma! So I got my trial by fire here. If I can do it you can too. I've won two NaNo's and plan to win this one ... if only I can decide what to do it on...
I've really liked doing Saturday afternoons, but I'm open to other days too. I should be able to make it to the kick-off this year.
59,936 / 50,000
Okt 4, 2007 - 12 08
I'm here, and clueless about what I'll write.
I've written about:
(year one) about an alien who wants to learn to write TV soap operas from a particular author and crashes a Sci Fi Convention to do so,
(year two) about a space-faring historian/poet and her adventures as she traveled from planet to planet to write their histories in poet form,
(year three) was so boring I can't rememebr what I wrote - oh yeah, that was about the ghost on Rose Hill who mentored a journalist, fell in love with her, and tried to regain corporeality to be with her,
(year four) pizza boys saving the universe while making deliveries on time,
(year five) about colonists on a new world who meet space-faring gnomes,
and (year six) who knows?
I hope I get an idea by November 3rd.
57,259 / 50,000
Okt 9, 2007 - 22 29
Hi -- I'm Clem and this is my first year doing NaNo... GULP!!!!! Also fairly new to OK -- moved here from Maryland 1 1/2 years ago; we live in the far NW area of the city. I'm an over-the-hill retired microbiologist who got 'hooked' on writing fan-fiction and now I'd like to to try something a bit more 'substantial'. Three years ago, I participated in an on-line novel-writing course, but never completed my opus. I'll take any and all moral support anyone can give! ;-)
Sorry, I'll be out of town on Oct. 13 and the 27th is rather iffy, too. But chats online are always good! :-D
-- Clem
2,600 / 50,000
Okt 10, 2007 - 15 32
Hiya!
I'm Nikki, and I'm in North Okc. I've known about NaNoWriMo for like, ever, but this is the first year I've gotten off my lazy bum and joined. I've made up a character along time ago called Buffy, so the story is going to be about her. There's two ways I'd to take her, but I'm haven't figured out which way I want to go. I'm terrified that I won't be able to do 50,000 words, but I'm going to do it, even if I have to stop watching grey's anatomy. I'm working until 5 on the 13th, but I might stop buy if it's still going on.
50,138 / 50,000
Okt 10, 2007 - 15 52
I'm Erin, or better known by friends as Rin or Sphynx (I'll seriously answer to either one ^^). I am nineteen years old, and I live in South Oklahoma City, near OCCC. This will be my second year to do NaNoWriMo, and I hope I have a better kick off this time then I did the last. I was the girl who won the "Most Amount of Words Written at Once" last year - I wrote 16,000 words in one day, and didn't wake up for the rest of the day.
I'm hoping this year will be better, considering I have actually been getting ideas for this since about July. I have a series that I write on FictionPress.com, and my main character is Osamu. I won't bore you with details, but I am planning on writing about his parents, and therefore fleshing his story out as well. I am nowhere near as creative as Jasmine, or Kopi by any means, but I hope that I can please myself with this story. That is all that matters in the long run, right?
Also, if you haven't noticed, I love to talk and have a tendency to be long winded.
I will be there both the 13th and the 27th
50,045 / 50,000
Okt 10, 2007 - 18 59
Hey everyone,
I'm Jake, and this year will be my fifth NaNo attempt and hopefully my first NaNo win. I've got another writing partner and a better schedule, so let's hope everything goes well.
I'm a Junior at OCU heavily involved in English, Dance, and Web Design. I'm also a staff member at a popular RPG website. I don't think there's much else to know about me. I'll try to make it to meet-ups, but I'm shy and don't have a car, so we'll see how that goes.
Go team Okie NaNo!
50,000 / 50,000
Okt 10, 2007 - 21 48
Aw, I'd love to meet up but we're going to a concert on the 13th. XD
Anywho, this is my second year doing this. Last year wasn't so great because my cat died in the beginning of November and I just lost all inspiration after that. But this year hopefully will be different! :]
59,936 / 50,000
Okt 11, 2007 - 07 40
Heya, I'm also in North OKC (well, sort of - in Warr Acres, just south of Edmond).
We also have a Yahoo group - the OKCNaNoWriters - and we meet once a month all year long. We even do field trips! Last year, we gathered to watch the movie "Stranger than Fiction", and attend both the OU Medieval Fair and the Muskogee Renaissance Faire.
I haven't a clue what the ML has planned for the Kick-Off Party, but it's usually good, and she plans meet-ups all over the city every week during NaNo so we all get a chance to attend at least one. If you can't make it to anything else, do try to make the Kick-Off Party or the TGIO Party.
50,020 / 50,000
Okt 11, 2007 - 08 15
Ok, I'm going to try to catch up with everyone here, so bear with me through a serious mega-post:
First, to everyone: Don't worry if you can't make it to the first meet-up or the kick-off. Those two aren't going to be your only chances to meet us. For the past few years, there have been two meet-ups a week, usually ranging from the extreme north to the extreme south parts of the city. If you have ideas for a good place to meet, or if you have a day and time that's really great for you, let me know! And I can possibly offer rides to meetings, depending on where you're located, and if you're willing to stay for the whole thing.
If you're worried about showing up late, relax. We writers are a chatty bunch. We've been known to start meet-ups at 3 and stay until wherever we were closed.
Mabry: I'm glad you're in the forums this year. Funny thing...people who spend time in the forums and at meet-ups actually are more likely to win NaNo than those who hole up. I'm sad you won't be at the kick-off, but at the same time, I'm really excited for you. Congrats, and enjoy your honeymoon! (Boy, that's one of the best reasons I've ever heard for not coming, too!)
Kylea: Glad to have you joining us this year. I hope you can make it to some meetings. We're pretty fun people (if I do say so myself...). I'm having to go running around trying to research some stuff, too. I think I'm going to have to call the county medical examiner.
Patty!: I'm glad you're still here! I'm sure you'll get something worked out. You aren't in trouble needing ideas until November 26th, I think.
Kopi: I figure we'll be eating a lot of pizza this year if you go with Pizza Boy again. I think I can survive the experience.
Clem: I'm so glad you've decided to take the plunge with us this year. The NaNo challenge can be kind of intimidating, but with a little determination (and a lot of crazy), you'll find it's pretty satisfying. There'll be lots of meetings, so hopefully you'll get to see us sometime in November.
Nikki: When you get off of work, come see us! I can gurantee we'll still be at Cafe Bella. Probably until 8 or later, judging by past history. I'm glad you're joining us this year. And remember, 50,000 looks pretty scary, but 1,666 a day isn't so bad at all. Keep it to a round 2,000 when you can, and you can even take weekends off.
Erin: You kicked butt last year. I bet this year you'll do even better. I'm looking forward to seeing you again.
Jake: Five times for the win! I might be able to give you rides, as long as you're in for the long haul on the meetings. A lot of us are shy, too. Turns out when you put enough shy authors together, everyone gets really talkative. We're friendly folks, and going to meetings and hanging out in the forums actually seems to increase you're chances of winning. Go for it!
Zombie: Last year sounds terrible. I know I'd have never gotten anything out if something had happened to one of my babies. I'm really hoping this year's a lot better for you. I hope to see you at the kick-off, or one of the many meetings in November.
Everyone take care! I hope to see a lot of you on Saturday.
57,259 / 50,000
Okt 11, 2007 - 08 42
Kami et al --
I look forward to meeting folks, but in addition to having commitments already for the Oct. dates, I don't really drive that much anymore (age + a medical problem) For something in my neck of the woods, may I suggest the Red Moon Cafe, 13425 N. MacArthur, for a gathering place? It's a great place for chats and plotting (and I think they have WlFi...) They have awesome coffee, sweets to DIE for, great soups & sandwiches -- not that we're into this thing for the eating or anything like that... ;-) Oh -- it's right off Memorial and also the Kirkpatrick Expressway.
--- Clem the old foggie
50,138 / 50,000
Okt 11, 2007 - 09 17
I was extremely shy last year. I didn't get the nerve to come to the first few meetings, and the first time I did, I sat in a corner writing and watched the entire bunch :D Now they can't get rid of me. Like Jasmine said, don't worry about being shy. Most of us are too.
50,020 / 50,000
Okt 11, 2007 - 17 46
I'm always on the hunt for good places to meet. The Red Moon Cafe sounds awesome! Thanks for the tip.
I hope you get a chance to meet us at least once. I'll get at least one meet up at the Red Moon.
Of course, I'll have to swing by and scope it out. You know...taking one for the team, and all that. ;)
9,600 / 50,000
Okt 11, 2007 - 22 47
Hi, I'm Sara and I'm in Norman. No meet-ups for me, unfortunately, as I'm working, going to school, planning my wedding, editing a short story collection for a friend, maintaining what used to be an active personal website, and, oh yes, giving this NaNoWriMo thing a try.
50,020 / 50,000
Okt 12, 2007 - 07 41
Hey, Sara.
Sounds like you're just the right kind of crazy to excel at NaNo! Good luck with everything that's going on, and if you happen to get a little time for a breather, there'll be a lot of meetups. And we continue meeting once a month through the rest of the year, if you decide to stick around.
57,259 / 50,000
Okt 12, 2007 - 08 06
Oooooo -- let me know when you're going to make your reconnaissance trip and maybe I can join you. After all, as a retired laboratorian, I know how important quality control is! ;-)
-- Clem, heading out of town for the weekend...
6,697 / 50,000
Okt 12, 2007 - 08 16
Is there a Tulsa chapter? I live much closer to Tulsa (Cleveland, OK), but would consider driving in to OKC if that's the closest group I can find.
50,020 / 50,000
Okt 12, 2007 - 18 24
The job is sending me to a class at Francis Tuttle on Monday. That's right in the neighborhood, so I was thinking of swinging by during lunch. If that's good for you, let me know. You can post here or give me a call--my number's in the initial post on the thread.
50,020 / 50,000
Okt 12, 2007 - 18 25
There is a Tulsa chapter. In past years, Jamie has been the ML. I don't know if she's back this year or not, but there's a pretty active thread for Tulsa where people are introducing themselves.
Of course, this doesn't mean OKC won't welcome anyone who wants to come hang out. The more, the merrier.
68,991 / 50,000
Okt 12, 2007 - 19 29
Smunkee checking in!
I have no freaking clue what I am writing about and my students keep asking me.......guess they think as the creative writing teacher who is making them do NaNo that I should have some sort of idea what I am writing. I do not. Half the time I don't even know by Thanksgiving what the heck my book is about........ah, fun!
okay, so I am going to try really really really really really really really really hard to come to the meet-up tomorrow. I seriously need OUT of the house.
55,892 / 50,000
Okt 13, 2007 - 11 05
Whoops. It's five after one in the afternoon, and I've got two other things already planned for today, so maybe I'll see you all at the kickoff party?
It's exciting to see all the new participants signing up this year.
It looks like this is where folks are introducing themselves. For those who don't know me, "Susan B. Walker" is a pen name, borrowed partly from the famous (I hope) 19th century women's rights activist Susan B. Anthony, and partly from Walker Avenue in Oklahoma City (for complicated reasons having to do with my last year's novel, Urban Legends). I think I know what I'm writing about this year, but I'm not quite sure yet, and am still playing around with ideas.
For me, NaNoWriMo is an opportunity to teach myself to write fiction. I figure that writing fiction is like most things--it's all a matter of practice. If I keep working at it for a few years, I'm apt to get tolerably good at it.
See y'all soon.
Betsy
1,699 / 50,000
Okt 13, 2007 - 18 58
Oh, darn! For some reason I had it on my calendar that the meetup was the 20th!
Hope you all had fun...
2,600 / 50,000
Okt 14, 2007 - 11 56
So..how did the first meet up go? I spaced out as usual and didn't think of it until about 8pm last night.
Bad Nikki
33,403 / 50,000
Okt 14, 2007 - 13 33
Okay. I tried this last year and my blood pressure went high. So this year, I've gotten medical tests done and everything came back normal, so I'm back to try again. I've got my topic and a vague plotline, but since I write by the seat of my pants, that's fine. Glad to see someone else writes fan fiction. Welcome aboard, Clem. I presently have 4 separate fan fiction stories in progress on the 'net and won't finish those up by Nov. 1.
Sorry I missed the first meet-up, but I had a date with a haunted warehouse instead.
Was there ever a final decision made on the train trip to Ft. Worth???
Tukay
68,991 / 50,000
Okt 14, 2007 - 18 30
I had tons of fun at the meet-up! I hopefully will be able to go to the kick off.
57,259 / 50,000
Okt 15, 2007 - 09 04
Kami -- Just got your message as we didn't get back into town until late last night. Sorry I've got to bow out of noon today because I'll be taking a friend to the airport. Dang! When did life get so busy?
Hope you like the Red Moon --ttyl.
-- Clem
59,936 / 50,000
Okt 16, 2007 - 16 33
Nope, no decision on it yet - only 1 person responded from the DFW area. Won't be much of a Rolling Word War if we're only up against a single opponent.
We could wait a few more days and test the DFW area again.
0 / 50,000
Okt 17, 2007 - 06 24
hi! im jen, ive never done this before, just found out about it today, actually. ive started on novels before, and stopped them midway due to that ever present need for procrastination..i have no idea what im going to write about..i have a short time to come up with something..but im sure i will be able to..:) happy writing everyone! and good luck! how do i get info on meetings etc? like i said ive never done this before..so im a newbie..and im not really sure where to register for it, if i am supposed to..any suggestions would be very helpful! thx
19,522 / 50,000
Okt 17, 2007 - 11 15
Hello Jasmine,
I'm Hightower and this is my first shot at NaNoing. I just signed up today so I obviously didn't make the meet up. I am interested in doing so in the future so I wouldn't mind being updated. I live in Kingston. That's about 2hrs south of the city so it won't be too long a distance to travel. Thanks, Hightower