For those who want a read-in

Who - I will be there, and so will Chooky (depending on the date, but I don't think we have anything much on at this stage), and we will both bring chapters to share.

When - I'd say the week after the TGIO party, so the 8th/9th if it's on the 2nd, and the 15th/16th if it's on the 9th. I wouldn't go later than the 16th because that's severely encroaching on Christmas time. The 15th/16th will give us time to edit part of the story, just to tidy up names and speech and all manner of things.

Where - Botanic Gardens have been suggested, and I'd agree with that. I'd agree with someone's place if they want to volunteer. I'd agree with the Writer's Centre, if someone can swing that. I'd be less inclined to agree with a cafe, because it would be damned hard to get a quiet one at this stage of the year.

How - I have two suggestions: 1. We all take turns in reading an excerpt and getting feedback, or 2. We all print out a chapter or two, maybe a small synopsis on what's happened in the novel to this point, and everyone just picks one up and reads it. I'd probably prefer the second just because it would stop people from being intimidated from standing up, and it would also stop people being bored if someone else's writing isn't to their taste. That one could be done online I guess - but it would be messy to email to everyone, and there would be less likely to be a copyright issue if nobody else has an electronic copy. It's also a little less, well, interactive than the other way. Whatever everyone else thinks is up to them - although we could even do a mixture of both, people choose either/or.

I agree with Denise, have it the week after the Final Hoorah. That should give people time to edit something. Not too close to Christmas though. I know that schedules get booked up with Christmas dos, work functions, and family.

I'd like a read-in plus an outdoor BBQ (weather permitting) out in the Adelaide parklands somewhere. I'll offer my BBQ, it comes with alfoil for the vegies to cook patties on.
There are some fantastic places around Adelaide City, Rymil park is a favourite of mine, especially as they have a Kiosk close by if you want ice-cream (or have been promised an ice-cream Denise) and the free City Loop bus stops near by too.
BYO deck chairs, picnic blankets, beanbags, blow-up couches, whatever you want to bring to sit in.

As for novels, it's up to authors to print out copies. As much or as little as you like. The whole thing or just a chapter.
Add a cover page and a synopsis so people can work out if they might be interested in reading it. (Artwork is optional)
And bind it somehow. Whether you get it done professionally, go to Office Works and get it spiral bound, or just put holes in it with a hole punch and put it in a folder, just so long as when we share it we don't have to worry about pages flying away if its windy and gets out of order. I'm sure I could supply a couple of worn but still usable folders if you don't have any spares.

OK, an update now that TGIO has been set.

The 'read in' is set for Sunday 9th December, the week after TGIO. I shall come along. ALl options sound great and Botanic Gardens or Rymill (not sure where that is) sound the best! I probably won't bring any work to share, but am I still allowed to come along? If everything is written, then there will be one person with nothing to read. :(

Rymil park is the one at the end of Grenfell st. There is a (dry) lake and lots of lovely shade.
There are toilets a little bit up the hill and lots and lots of near by street parking. Mostly free too.
And a playground if you feel that way inclined ;-)

This is radical, showing what we write. I like it.

I don't think I will be there if its the 9th - have another regular writing date. Although the way thats been going maybe it would be better off without me and I should come reading.

Well done the people who have finished.

Of course you are still welcome, as is anyone else who wants to come and listen rather than share their work...:)

“If you hold on to the handle, she said, it's easier to maintain the illusion of control. But it's more fun if you just let the wind carry you." ~ Brian Andreas

Well, at this stage it looks like Rymil park is popular and is a sensible choice with shade, toilets and easy parking nearby.

The only question remaining really is, what time? Is there a time that might suit Peter (either before or after his regular writers meeting)? After all, the more the merrier...:)

Red, the merry dragon

“If you hold on to the handle, she said, it's easier to maintain the illusion of control. But it's more fun if you just let the wind carry you." ~ Brian Andreas

How does 1pm sound?
I'll be at the writing group with Peter, and things generally start wrapping up around then.

How do you want to work the sharing of stories? People stand up and read them aloud, or just swap copies of paper around and read at your own leisure. (I vote for the second one cos I'm not the best public speaker)

If we go the way of print and read I'm sure there would be a few people who be able to bring along extra copies of their stories.

How would people feel about getting feedback? When you print the story, we could add a few extra blank pages for people to leave comments on. I think you should do this with your character, this scene seems out of order, that type of stuff.

I think if you are going for feedback it probably should be oral, or else we'll spend the afternoon reading and scribbling on paper, which won't be easy to do in a park.

If some are not comfortable at public speaking (or reading) then why not ask someone else to read it for you?

I think reading it aloud would be fun. One can be heckled or applauded at the end (or throughout) and we are all interacting together rather than working separately at reading or giving feedback. If it is all done good naturedly then it shouldn't be a problem. After all, we all will have our 'babies' on display, so we will all know how sensitive writers can be and will bear this in mind when making comments, I'm sure.

My thoughts anyway....:)

Red, the daring to be daring Dragon

I'd be comfortable for people to do either, or both.

That is, bring along printed work to be read, or to stand up and read it, whatever is more comfortable.

I'm also willing to offer my services as reader for some of the shyer members of the group. Just let me know beforehand.

Double damn! Can't make this either as I got work Christmas Lunch on!

YEp.
Rymill park is cool.
I'm also happy to read for others .....

see y'all then.

Ok, looks like it's going to be Rymil Park, 1.00pm on Sunday 9th December for the read in, with byo everything and Chooky will bring her barbecue.

And the weather is looking promising with low temperatures for that weekend too!

Woohoo!!

Now I just have to figure out which bits I want to share!

Red, the excited Dragon

Sounds good. I'd like to come.

Feedback from readings is instant but limited to short stuff, so I wouldn't suggest bringing 3 chapters. Avalanch will be in his element :o)

Written stuff's best done by sending out copy and having one-on-one considered feedback later I think. Give people time to read it a couple of times and consider their response properly. Or it could be a very quiet, boring session.

Can I suggest that people might like to prefix (or introduce) what they read with a story synopsis. A) it helps to put what they read in context and B) it is a good idea to have a synopsis ready, be able to tell someone in 30 seconds what your book is about and still hold their interest. So maybe add writing a synopsis to the list of things to do by next week.

Congratulations to all the purple people, by the way. "Winning" nano is never an easy feat.

Sorry I've been awol this year. But I'd still like to catch up now its all over.

Peter

It will be great to see you Peter. I think your idea of a short synopsis to set the scene is a good one. It will certainly help those of us listening to picture the story setting better...:)

You're forgiven for being AWOL - it happens to everyone now and then.

See you next Sunday! (Or even better, tomorrow AND next sunday!)

Red, the sociable dragon

I just realised something. I'm bringing the BBQ, so hopefully people worked out that they have to bring their own meat. Just what you'd eat, not the whole cow.
Also I'll have alfoil to cook my vegetarian things on, so if there are any other vegies (or people who need their meat cook separately) who are coming, there will be a way of separating the cooking without cleaning the BBQ plate in between.
Bring drinks, salads and nibbles too.

Does anyone have a card table they could bring? Mine had 3 legs so we threw it out.

To avoid confusion because Rymil park is huge, lets meet around the Rundle St side of the lake, its a bit greener there, and a lot more shade.

Now I have to go and polish up a few chapters.

I've got a few chapters edited and ready to go. Denise has already spell checked it, I think she was dying to fix my grammar too.
I just need to print my story out now.

I don't have a folding card table, so I can't help you there. I don't have a folding anything really as I'm not the outdoorsy/barbecuey type...lol

But that won't stop me from coming along and joining in. I just have to figure out which bits of my story I want to share! Eeep!

Oh, and am making efforts to remember to bring said Eragon for Chooky and Denise!

Now though I'm back to mundane domestic duties until Sunday - see you all then!

Red, the domesticated (NOT!) dragon

What a great afternoon!

The island in the (now dry) lake, under the leafy canopy of the trees, good company, good food and damn good stories to listen to - who could ask for more!

It was challenging to share my work, but like all challenges, once met it was very rewarding!

Hope to see you all in the New Year!

Red, the happy dragon

I loved it. It was great to hear what others had done. And I love getting unbiased feedback. Denise tells me it's good, but she's meant to ;-)
It would be great to continue on sharing work throughout the year, hear how people's nano stories are going with completion and editing.

Also, Red you must tell us how the gift goes. Can't wait to find out how it went.

As I'd suggested, we can continue these readings if people want to - my place will be suitable in the new year.
Feel free to pm me for more info.