USA :: California :: SF Peninsula

Attention Bay Area Wrimos!

Tavia Stewart — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:14:51 +0000

We wanted to make sure you all knew about the third-annual NaNoWriMo Night of Writing Dangerously Write-a-thon. This noir-themed noveling event will be held from 5 PM to 11 PM on Sunday, November 22 at the beautiful Julia Morgan Ballroom in downtown San Francisco!

All you need to do to raise $200 in sponsorships through GiftTool from family and/or friends by November 18. And if you raise $300 or more you can bring a guest!

Not only is this a great chance for us to see the faces of those who support us, but all proceeds from the evening make our programs possible, including the classroom-based Young Writers Program. Come show your support this year by helping us reach our $25,000 fundraising goal! The more money you raise, the more tickets you'll get for our prize raffle. Plus, the top fundraisers will walk home with one of our grand prizes. Check out our Night of Writing Dangerously Write-A-Thon 2009 page to find out what this year’s grand prizes include.

Don’t miss your chance to come write with us for six hours surrounded by San Francisco’s city lights and 200 fellow NaNo-novelists typing frantically alongside you!

Already shopping for my Noir costume,

Tavia Stewart-Streit
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USA :: California :: SF Peninsula

Help OLL and Nanowrimo win tons of money!

scribblegrl — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:33:57 +0000

Hey Guys! I just found this competition, and it says the top voted 100 charities each get $25k. Please click on this link, fan Chase Community Giving and vote for Office of Letters and Light!

http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/1222220

It takes a couple minutes of your day and you can help OLL make Nanowrimo bigger and better!
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USA :: California :: SF Peninsula

NaNo Chat Room

captainhook — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:44:35 +0000

Last year I remember there being a NaNo chat room where people could challenge each other to word wars, for which I must credit at least 50% of my novel. I don't think it is running this year (though please correct me if I am mistaken) so I have created a new one here http://www.chatzy.com/988547057678 for anyone who wants to write-in from home so to speak. The password is nanowrimo. I know there are people (like me) who just don't seem to get anything done without a little friendly competition, or at least active writing buddies, so if you are one of those people, drop on by. :-)
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Captain Hook

USA :: California :: SF Peninsula

Nov. 19 write-ins at Borderlands Books and The Booksmith in San Francisco

Lindsey Grant — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:15:35 +0000

November 19 is the official day of Come Write In: Independent Bookstores!
The Booksmith on Haight and Borderlands Books on Valencia will be hosting Wrimos from 4-8 PM. Please come and rack up some words with me and Chris!
(That is right. Chris will be at one of these bookstores... but which one?)
We'll see you there!
Lindsey
Community Liaison
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USA :: California :: SF Peninsula

Introductions

moshez — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:00:11 +0000

Hi, everyone. I thought it would be nice if we had one topic for the introductions :)

I'll start!

My name is Moshe Zadka. I'm brand new to the peninsula -- got here in the end of June. I live in the south-east corner (more or less) of San Mateo. This year, as in the previous two years, I'm writing an Urban Fantasy.
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'07 - Digital Watches (Won!)
'08 - Digital Watches 2 - Spells (working title) (won)

USA :: California :: SF Peninsula

The "My Butt Doesn't Hurt" post

jnichols621 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:06:54 +0000

I cannot relate to the other topic so I am starting one. I may be all alone here or not.

I have not written a word since Thursday night. I am in mortal danger of giving up altogether. Even though I checked out about 10 books at the library an hour ago on Brazil & Argentina, which is where I've stupidly set my novel. Stupid because I do not know nearly enough about South America to have set my first attempt at NaNo in it.

Does anyone have a bit of wisdom for me, even if it's "face the facts, you're doomed so cut your losses now." I am <4,000 words in. Or should I keep trying even if there is no way on earth for me to finish?

Jess
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USA :: California :: SF Peninsula

Half-way get-together anyone?

lindac — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:10:29 +0000

Some regions have a half-way party around the 15th of the month, where we can all relax a little, socialize a little, then go back to our novels with renewed vigor. I'm going to be gone on the 15th, but thought maybe we could do something on the 16th or 17th? Maybe in Redwood City? Much as I love San Mateo, I do know that it is hard for folks to make it up to there sometimes.

Or, we could declare that Thursday's San Mateo write-in a bit of a half-way party. More like a 3/5ths party, but hey. What does everyone think?

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~Linda/ lindac
linano@mac.com
ML, SF Peninsula (quack!) *4th year!*
Regional Forum: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/282

USA :: California :: SF Peninsula

The "My Butt Hurts" post

herenthere — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:01:57 +0000

Was walking through the grocery today and thought, "wow, my butt is kind of sore, wonder what is up with that?"

I realized it was from sitting at my desk all day writing.

By the end of November, my wrist and my fingertips usually ache too, from all the rat-a-tat typing.

Day 4 and I already have aches and pains.

How 'bout you? Anything aching yet?
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Karen
“My motto was always to keep swinging. Whether I was in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the field, the only thing to do was keep swinging.” - Hank Aaron

USA :: California :: SF Peninsula

The "Way to Go MLs" Thread

moshez — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:13:03 +0000

It is ML appreciation day.

I would like to start: thanks for organizing write-ins, even when you're flying far away. Thanks for helping us all feel welcome. It is appreciated :)
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'07 - Digital Watches (Won!)
'08 - Digital Watches 2 - Spells (working title) (won)

USA :: California :: SF Peninsula

Write-In Dates & Times

lindac — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:35:24 +0000

What is a write-in? It's a time you set aside for yourself to focus on your writing by removing yourself from the distractions of your daily life. Write-ins make a difference.

A write-in can be a weekly thing, or just a single meeting. All are welcome.

Please post write-in information here. One of the MLs can add it to the calendar. Thanks!

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~Linda/ lindac
linano@mac.com
ML, SF Peninsula (quack!) *4th year!*
Regional Forum: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/282

USA :: California :: SF Peninsula

Date change for Second write-in at East West Bookstore

Digby — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:26:26 +0000

We had a scheduling snafu on the 17th (a yoga class that uses the space), so the second write-in at the bookstore is going to be offered on Monday, Nov 23 from 5 - 7 PM. We have padded folding chairs, cushions, and a couple of really cushy desk chairs if you're concerned about the seating. Hope you can join us!
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USA :: California :: SF Peninsula

Chris Baty at Stanford!

captainhook — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:32:37 +0000

Just wanted to let you all know that Chris Baty will be coming down to visit us at Stanford tomorrow, Tuesday the 10th, at 6:45 pm. If anyone is able to make it, we would love to have you join us. He will be talking about NaNoWriMo, answering questions, and may even read a short excerpt from last year's novel. Bring your laptops as we will likely get a chance to do some writing together as well!

This event is in the lounge of Casa Adelfa in Lagunita Court, and the address is 326 Santa Teresa St. which can be located quite conveniently on this here map: http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl. If you walk in the right entrance of the complex, Adelfa is the dorm immediately to your right, and the lounge is at the far end. I apologize for the late notice, but I hope some of you can make it!

-Hari Rai

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Captain Hook

USA :: California :: SF Peninsula

Writers Group in SF Looking for New Members

TinaTurtle — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:47:37 +0000

Our critique group is looking for 2 fiction writers.

We meet in San Francisco every 2 Sundays at 5:45 pm. I am finishing a rough draft and everybody else in the group is at the refining stage. Some of us have published already or are focused into publishing.

Please email me for details if interested.
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USA :: California :: SF Peninsula

Zombies Ate My Novel

HollyHarwood — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:53:59 +0000

At the write in at Peet's someone suggested writing about zombies. I am, or was, writing a mainstream romance novel. Now I have zombies randomly appearing and wreaking havoc. Cliff Brooks even became a zombie after his untimely demise. What to do?
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USA :: California :: SF Peninsula

Sunday Afternoon San Mateo Write-in

moshez — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:15:41 +0000

Date: Sunday, November 8th
Time: 3pm-7pm
Place: 3249 La Selva St. Apt. #4, San Mateo

Water, chips and cookies provided. Bringing something edible or liquid to share is encouraged :)
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'07 - Digital Watches (Won!)
'08 - Digital Watches 2 - Spells (working title) (won)

USA :: California :: SF Peninsula

PSA: Backup your novel. No, really.

moshez — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:18:44 +0000

Every year, my heart breaks to see the posts of people who lose their novel. But I'm not just typing out of the goodness of my heart -- all y'alls are gonna help us achieve good "Regional word counts".

Please, make backups.
Please.

* Mail to yourself (preferably, to two different accounts, or from one account to the other)
* Use Google Docs, private blog posts or some other web-based documentation system.
* Backup to a USB key, iPod or some other portable USB mass storage device.

Backup frequently. Keep all the versions of the backup -- don't step over it. Backup at least once a day.
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'07 - Digital Watches (Won!)
'08 - Digital Watches 2 - Spells (working title) (won)

USA :: California :: SF Peninsula

First Sentence of the Month

lindac — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:22:01 +0000

So, what was your first sentence for the month? Long or short, post it here.

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~Linda/ lindac
linano@mac.com
ML, SF Peninsula (quack!) *4th year!*
Regional Forum: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/282

USA :: California :: SF Peninsula

San Mateo Sunday Afternoon Write-in -- The "Recover From Halloween" Write In

moshez — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:14:13 +0000

I'll be hosting a write-in, my place in south-east San Mateo:

3249 La Selva St., Apt. #4
San Mateo

I'll have drinking water and some kind of chips -- bringing something to share is encouraged.

Times: 3pm-7pm

Parking: there is usually some parking on the street. Otherwise, in Casa De Campo, there is a nice parking for the playground that you are welcome to use.

Scene:
You've had a glorious time in your Halloween party. But what about your word count? You wake up leisurely. You stretch. You go back to sleep, and then wake up again. It's noon now, on a slightly chilly, but sunny, Peninsula day. You realize you have not written anything today. You drink plenty of water to get rid of that nasty hangover, you take a shower and start feeling a little more human again. But the words -- they are not there. You know that it's good to start of nanowrimo with a couple of extra words under your belt, giving you the buffer you need for the emergencies ahead. You get into your car, and drive over [or maybe take the train to Hillsdale Caltrain station and walk a bit]. You arrive. People are writing, munching on chips and staying mostly silent. Occasionally a cry pierces the air, "Word-war at 20 past for 15 minutes. Who's in?" Some people are too lost in their writing to notice what's going on. Those who are stuck, however, latch on to this opportunity like a drowning man to a log. A few hands go up in the air. "OK...in 30 seconds...10 seconds...9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 GO!" The frantic clacking on the keyboard is an inspiring sight. You find yourself irresistably drawn to participate. You start typing the next scene in your novel. You make typos, but don't bother to fix them -- you'll catch them all during December, you tell yourself, and keep writing. Your find yourself in a tight spot and type "no actually, that last bit did not happen, this is what really happened..." and keep typing. The backspace key is a thing of myth to you, with no existence for this month. You are in the zone, typing the words as fast as they're coming into your head, one after the other. "...and DONE!" you hear the cry. You pause, and click on the "count words" button in your editing software. You are happily surprised to find the number increased -- you are going to make your quota for today after all. Sure, some of the numbers people call out might be 3 times or 4 times what you did -- but who cares? In a word-war, everybody wins. A smile spreads across your face, and you continue writing.
[~400 words]
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'07 - Digital Watches (Won!)
'08 - Digital Watches 2 - Spells (working title) (won)

USA :: California :: SF Peninsula

Mountain View Write-In at East West Bookstore

Digby — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:33:28 +0000

East West is hosting two write-ins: on November 2 and 17, from 5 - 7 PM, in their event room. They'll provide tables, chairs, plug-ins, and the soothing sound of water fountains. No coffee allowed, unfortunately, but drinking water is fine. Afterward, you can head to a local coffee shop or restaurant for drinks and eats. The bookstore is located at 324 Castro Street in downtown Mountain View, within walking distance of CalTrain and buses. Seating is limited to 18, so you must call to reserve a space beforehand. 650-988-9800. First come, first served in terms of plugs.
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USA :: California :: SF Peninsula

Midnight Kick-Off in Palo Alto

captainhook — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:53:39 +0000

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that a group of us from Stanford are going to be hosting a midnight kick-off party at Happy Donuts in Palo Alto (3916 El Camino Real). It will start sometime before 11:30, and once the proper amount of donuts have been consumed and sufficient excitement has been built up, we will count down New Year's Eve style to midnight, assume the noveling position, and promptly forget that anything exists beyond our laptop screens. It should be great fun and a good start to the month, so please join us if you are in the area. See you Saturday!

-Hari Rai
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Captain Hook

USA :: California :: SF Peninsula

Meet & Greet @ Peet's

lindac — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:52:53 +0000

With NaNo time almost upon us, it's time to gather 'round and say hello to our partners in crime (or fantasy, or western, or YA, or whatever else you're writing), pick up cool NaNo stuff, plot and plan, and pre-commiserate .

Peet's in San Mateo has been our traditional place for the past couple years, and it's still a central place in San Mateo. You'll find it at the corner of 3rd St. and B St.. across from the Century 12 theaters, and less than 2 blocks from the CalTrain station. So, without further ado:

What: PenNano Meet & Greet 2009
When: Thursday, October 29th, 2009, 7pm to 9pm
Where: Peet's San Mateo, 255 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA‎ - (650) 403-1591‎ (map)

Even if you are not planning on coming to the write-ins (I'll write more about why you should later), please do plan on coming on the 29th.

Hope to see you there!

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~Linda/ lindac
linano@mac.com
ML, SF Peninsula (quack!) *4th year!*
Regional Forum: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/282

USA :: California :: SF Peninsula

Missives from your MLs

lindac — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:59:19 +0000

This thread has the contents of the emails that we MLs send to you, in case you accidently erase them.
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~Linda/ lindac
linano@mac.com
ML, SF Peninsula (quack!) *4th year!*
Regional Forum: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/282