Introductions: Hi, how are yah?

I'm Duffy Moon, but all my friends call me Duffy Moon.

I've been doing this since 2003 with some moderate success (measured entirely in word count). The last two years I typed 100% of those words on manual typewriters. I plan to do the same again this year.

Don't knock it 'til you try it. Using a manual typewriter is an incredible way to focus on just getting words on paper. No distractions, just noveling. There's a whole bunch of us doing it again (see the Typewriter Brigade thread in the NaNoTech area), and it sure would be nice to have a few more local members.

I don't generally make it out to Columbus-area events, what with my hectic work schedule, family stuff, and the distance (I live up in Union Co). Will try to make one or two this year.

And I thank chaoticpi once again for stepping up to the plate to be our ML. I tip my hat you-ward!

Hey-lo. I'm Odderkid, living in Columbus (shocker). I'm originally from Chatham, Massachusetts, but I've still been living here for most of my life.

This is my first NaNoWriMo, although I've been meaning to try it for the last two years. I'm a little nervous - partly from being new to this, and party because I haven't settled down on a plot just yet. I've had a few in mind, but I just decided that they're too complicated to get worked out within a month. So, any advice would be very helpful...

Here's to an awesome year, and good luck to all the newbies like me and the veterans! :D

If life gives you lemons, squeeze the juice into waterguns and squirt other people in the eyes.

You can do it, Duffy Moon!

Hey all, I'm Anne, and I'm from north central Columbus. I've previously lived in Kent, Akron, and Cleveland, Ohio, as well as Davis CA. I've been doing nanowrimo since 2005, and won since 2006. I'm a member of a writing group called Creative Minds Collective (http://www.creativemindscollective.org/) who are really fun to write with - in fact, I wrote with them for a couple of years of nanowrimo before I finally joined them full time. And I'm always looking for folks to meet up with for writing on weekdays or Monday nights during November!

This year's novel will either be another YA urban fantasy or a post-apocalyptic dark fantasy. Haven't quite decided yet. I'm toying with the idea of doing two novels this year (yes, I'm crazy!) but the second one would be a regency romance.

To Odderkid: I am notorious for being a little, um, vague on plot. Lots of plot development, but I don't go in to it with an outline or any sort of organized thoughts. I'm kind of the poster child for doing nanowrimo with no real plan whatsoever, and I've written 3 novels that way! I can help if that ends up being your method; I know other Columbusites go into it with a complex outline and very thorough plan.

I sound like a broken record, but I totally recommend the No Plot? No Problem! book for first timers. I won my second year and every year since all because of that book. It really shows you how to let go of your inner editor and write the damn thing, and it talks you through all the ups and downs you will inevitably experience in the month.

Anne

"Blank pages can't be edited, but bad prose can."

Thanks for that. ^_^ It's always good to know you're not alone... Actually, I've read the first half of No Plot? No Problem! and I'm just waiting for November to start to get to the week-by-week chapters. The whole thing's just a little intimidating.

If life gives you lemons, squeeze the juice into waterguns and squirt other people in the eyes.

Hi everyone, I'm Katie. I'm originially from Cincinnati but I'm a student at OSU and Columbus has become my home away from home. This is also my first NaNoWriMo, but I did try to do the one in July. (did not work very well, work caught me and I had no chance of catching up.) But I'm hoping that I'll be able to finish the novel that I started in July. The more that I look at it the more it looks like a Dan Brown/John Grisham style book. Since I got most of the introductory plot laid in July, I hope it will all go well. Looking forward to November and good luck to everyone participating! =)

OK I think I replied to the noreply@nanowrimo.org address =(

Anyway, Hi. I'm Rory from Columbus and I won NaNo last year with my western/fantasy, "Under a Western Moon", 56k words. I'm not sure if I can participate this year because I'm working on the first draft of a new novel and I really want to get it done by Oct 31. If I get behind, I'll have to skip NaNo this year.

I can recommend "No Plot? No Problem!". Even thought it didn't do a whole lot for me personally, I think it would benefit new writers or those not used to writing on a deadline.

2008 NaNoWriMo: Under a Western Moon (54k; Complete)
2009 Script Frenzy: Barista (104pp; Complete)
2009 NaNoWriMo: Zombietown (???)

Hey everyone,

this is my first wrimo and I'm kind of nervous about it. I'm a very inexperienced writer but I really want to give this a shot as I love to create things. Anyway, I'm fairly new to Columbus. I grew up in NW Ohio and went to a small college in SW Ohio, in June I got married and moved here. I'm not an OSU student, but my husband is, so I spend quite a bit of time on campus with him. I'm free most of the time for any meet ups or write-ins or whatever it is you crazy kids do.

I'm not real sure what my story is going to be about, but I think I've started to get a handle on it-until I change my mind come November 1.

So, yeah, that's me in a nutshell!

Odderkid: Just take it one word at a time. Even if you have gigantic firestorms in the middle of the artic, there's nothing wrong with that, and you can just fix it later.

So many words, so precious little time.
ML Columbus, Ohio

Hey all! My name is Erin. I've lived in Columbus my entire life (with the exception of the time I spent at college), but this is the first time since my first NaNo that I've been here for it. My first NaNo was 2004...after that, I was off to college in Ada, but now I'm graduated and back in Columbus, so I'm excited to get to participate in events around here!

In all those years of doing NaNo, I've never actually won. But I feel like this year might finally be my year. I have an idea that I'm way psyched about AND this is the first time I haven't had school/classes/papers/etc. competing for my attention. Last year was the worst...only wrote a little over 1k...but that was mostly because I was too busy working on my OTHER novel for senior seminar/presentation, which was breathing down my back. Anyway, yeah, I'm very excited for this year.

I look forward to getting to know you all!

NaNo '04: Band is Such a Soap Opera
NaNo '05: Life in the Bubble
NaNo '06: 101 Ways to Kill Your Roomie
NaNo '07: Good Idea at the Time
NaNo '08: Disfunctional Novel
NaNo '09: The Missing

First time writer, long time voyeur.

I have no idea how to find the time and focus but this is something I have wanted to do for a long time. I have a character, a setting, and no clue of what happens. I read that they will start doing something...and I am hoping.

I am starting some research but am focusing on keeping this fun. Crazy perhaps but fun.

Born and raised in Columbus, lived in New Orleans for ten years, Nashville for college. Mom of two, three dogs, husband, full time job and try to exercise and do yoga, hence the time issue. I'm going on the theory of "if you want something done, give it to a busy person"

Hi, I'm J.
This is my first NaNo. I'm hoping it is an opportunity to birth one embryonic novel, which will make more room for the others who are fighting for space in my brain. I'm going into it with a fairly detailed outline, since my record of completion is dreadful when working without one. What a magnificent goal: 50k. What an excellent support system. Thanks.

J

-still searching for the write words-
J

I made it onto the site today.

Hello everyone!

I've been participating since 2005 in NaNoWriMo. I think I've won twice and I'm hoping for another win this year. Not much planned ahead right now for the plot or characters but some things came to the forefront while I was on vacation last week.

http://www.amberstults.com

Hi all.

I'm Beth & I live in Grove City. Evidently I've had a NaNo account since 2006 but procrastinated all these years and am finally taking things seriously.

I've written everything you can imagine--fiction, freelance, poetry, memoir. I'm published in all but am an ESL teacher in my day job. I love writing and anything to do with writing. I love being around people who feel the same way :)

For NaNo, I'm working on a collection of creative nonfiction, aka a book of memoir/essays. I know it's supposed to be fiction but this is the book I want & need to start.

I'm a little homeless when it comes to writer's groups. I'm a member of the local RWA group and was a part of a smaller group of writers who got together every 3 weeks to set goals, collaborate and commiserate. Unfortunately, a few non-writers made it into the mix and we basically fell apart because it became their social hour. It was hard to give up after about ten years. I notice that some of you get together to write & do other writerly things (LOL!) and I'm definitely interested in adding that to my experience.

Here's to lotsa great words & stories!

Beth

A good writer's group is hard to find. I'm a member of one up in Union County (Marysville) that meets every two weeks. We could use some new members - not as many writers as you'd think in this little town. We have one lady coming in from Grove City (I think) and one all the way from Circleville or Chillicothe or some such.

But so anyway, welcome! Hope NaNoWriMo proves to be helpful to you in your writing. It always is for me.

I am always amazed at all the people who've stuck around since 2003/2004. Go six/seven-year WriMos!

I'm Sarah, lloannna (said "low-wah-nah") is the username I picked for myself when I was 11 and thought that knowing and using obscure Romulan vocabulary was Really Clever. I've had it for 18 years, and am not likely to change it up anytime soon, but please, call me Sarah. ^_^

I've been NaNoing since 2004 - in the past I've done everything from "November is for noveling only" all the way to "In November I shall take Russian and work part-time and write a novel" to 2007's terrifying "In November I shall prepare for the LSAT and work full-time in a real professional job I've had for only a few months and write a novel!" This year, I am taking 10 hours of coursework at Columbus State in accounting and management, still working full time, and I'm going to write a novel!!! I hope to finish this one, really, I swear. For sure. Sixth time has to be the charm, right???

Ahem. My novel was going to be a multi-volume Magic School With Time Travel And Post-/Pre-Apocalyptic Adventure Mystery Themes kind of thing, but last month I suddenly decided to dispense with the first five years of the plot and move straight to the time travel. If I finish, I'm allowed to write the original-story-now-backstory as a prequel; we don't get to see anyone grow up. Except the baby who will be born on, if I can discipline myself, page 3. And the Mean Teacher from the old original story, who is a toddler as of page 1 of the new story. Whee!

Every year I manage to avoid colonizing space is considered a major victory by my beta-readers (two of my sisters.) I am currently addicted to TVTropes.Com, but I think that by November I'll get better. It happens every year around this time.

I usually put at least one trebuchet in my novel (just using the font doesn't count,) and I'm a Forward Motion slacker. I am originally from Los Angeles (before I was converted to the ways of Brutus, I actually planned to go to USC,) and I once worked at Disneyland. This will be my first NaNo without Microsoft Word, unless I cave and get the student edition of Office. I work for the City of Columbus and try to spend your tax dollars wisely (actually, most of the time I try to find waste and end it; it's remarkably fulfilling,) and I take a lot of pleasure in telling people that I know (some) Russian.

Oh, and I try not to be this self-absorbed normally - but the gas station pump card reader broke today (we begged to pay but the clerk said she didn't know how to make that happen) and then the Cracker Barrel I had dinner in had a fire before we could pay the check, and all of this came after a woman belly-danced on the table at lunch, so today isn't normal. Again, I hope to get better very shortly.

(I always say I'll do write-ins, but I never do; I am an introvert who works best alone and in quiet and who will seriously sit in the corner pretending not to know what NaNo is, should I go to one... probably. Please don't take it personally.)

Sarah Marie Parker-Allen

Around chapter 8 my main character has to decide whether or not to undo the events that led to the total annihilation of Austin, Chicago, Lima (Peru) and Vancouver/Seattle. It's harder than it sounds, okay?

Hey! I'm Daniella (dangerousfemale7389, obviously), and again obviously, I live in Columbus. I'm an OSU student and, since I have no car and am normally not sure where the write-ins are, how to get there, or even if it fits with my (insanely busy) schedule, I plan on doing my own write-ins at either Morrill Tower or the Thompson Library. Chaoticpix, I'm not trying to take over your job, I promise! Anyway, this will be my fourth year doing Nano, though I've only "won" once. And have since finished that novel but am still working on the one set before it (also started before it). It's a series. Paranormal romance. LOTS OF FUN! Anyway, since I've got class in the morning, it's off to bed for me!
To anyone new to Nano: it's an insane amount of fun and an insane amount of writing, but it is always an AMAZING experience!
~ella~

~Daniella~

Hey! I'm Daniella (dangerousfemale7389, obviously), and again obviously, I live in Columbus. I'm an OSU student and, since I have no car and am normally not sure where the write-ins are, how to get there, or even if it fits with my (insanely busy) schedule, I plan on doing my own write-ins at either Morrill Tower or the Thompson Library. Chaoticpix, I'm not trying to take over your job, I promise! Anyway, this will be my fourth year doing Nano, though I've only "won" once. And have since finished that novel but am still working on the one set before it (also started before it). It's a series. Paranormal romance. LOTS OF FUN! Anyway, since I've got class in the morning, it's off to bed for me!
To anyone new to Nano: it's an insane amount of fun and an insane amount of writing, but it is always an AMAZING experience!
~ella~

~Daniella~

Okay first off:

Lloanna, good news, this year we are having a double write-in, where it's a write in for about the first two or three hours (Depending on how it's going with everyone) and then just a meetup session, where we talk about how's it going, how we're going through hurdles, what's going on in our stories, etc. So they're more social this year!

And Dangerous, if you want to plan something for the OSU Wrimos that'd be great. I'd even put it on the calendar. It's such a wonderfully diverse region I can't keep track of every part of Columbus. Plus right now, I"m awaiting a schedule from wal-mart so it's hard to plan through. I will have our "official" write-in. Or at least ML attended one. Maybe two, this is after all, a part time job and I have a laptop can travel.

I'm so excited I"m rambling again so I'll let someone else have the floor.

So many words, so precious little time.
ML Columbus, Ohio

Hi, my name is Pat (pen name, Kat Sheridan). I've lurked for a couple of years (I've been in Nano since 2007), but decided to finally introduce myself. I never considered writing a novel--furthest thing from my mind, until some writing friends dared me to do Nano. I've finished both years. Not a whole novel, just the first 50K words of them each November. One of them is now about 104K words, and on final edits before I start querying it again (I've already had an editor request for the full once, and the subsequent rejection). The other is now about 80K words, incomplete, and messy. I may work on that one more this year, or start something new. I never know until midnight on October 31st.

Like BuckeyeBeth, I'm a member of the local RWA chapter (Romance Writers of America), though I never attend meetings. The group is actually called Central Ohio Fiction Writers, but its focus is romance. I'm thinking about joining SICCO (pronounced sicko),which is Sisters in Crime, Columbus, OH, a group for female suspense/crime/mystery writers. My genre is historical romance with a strong suspense element (think grand old Gothics with gloomy castles and high body counts), though the current WIP is a reimagining of the story of real-life pirate Anne Bonny, though it's also a dark romance.

I'm also lucky to belong to an incredible online writing group, the Writin' Wombats at Gather.com. If you want help, encouragement, advice, industry info, a place to vent, mixed with social chatting, we welcome anybody (kind of like this place, 24/7, 365). I started there as an admiring reader and fan; they turned me into a writer.

I'm also deeply introverted (except online, where I'm a chatterbox) and not likely to go to meetups. I work best when it's just me and my beat up old laptop. I'm also probably old enough to be Mom to most of you (my son is 32, if that tells you anything). I'm in the Dublin/Worthington area.

Thanks to a "reorganization" at work, this is the first year I'll be able to devote full time to Nano (unemployment has its advantages). In the past, I was working 60-80 hour weeks in a high pressure job, and still managed to run a house AND meet my Nano goals. When you think "I just can't do this!!" think of me, and just write.

Wishing everyone the best of luck!

Pat

I'm Josh. Three time watcher of Nanowrimo attempts by fellow forumers at Penny Arcade. First time attempter. Live and play within 270.

I'm pretty sure under the Fun Stuff tabs should be a Flash Space Invaders game.

Edit: It's too early.

Isn't the new Library awesome? I go onto campus with my husband a lot and spend hours up there reading or trying to plan this novel thing.

Hi, Ghostmouse here. I live in the Westerville area. This will be my 6th Nano. I haven't come close to winning on my earler Nano's. I'm hoping this year is different but I enjoy the community regardless. I'm a plot writer and this year I don't have the slightest idea what I'm writing yet. So I figure that means less details to bog me down :-).

Greetings All,

I'm Mike Wallace (zendance) and I've been doing Nano since 2003.

A friend of mine tricked me into it. I thought I was going to win a new car or all the Snickers bars I could eat for a whole year. (M&M Mars is going down!)

But alas, no. I was stuck with some cheesy self-satisfaction for achieving something I could have never done on my own.

I'm happy to report that this past year I've written more than in any previous year. I'm sure my experience with Nano has a lot to do with it. There is nothing like finishing the first draft of a novel, especially if you have the cash to go out and buy yourself something cool afterwards like a life-sized, inflatable Boba Fett. (!!!)

This year I'm doing more pre-writing than in previous years. I'm writing a fantasy novel. I'm not sure just how big this is going to be, but I'm currently in the process of working out the world this story is set in.

I'm getting detailed enough to make my head explode, but at least I'll have the answers to all those annoying questions from my geeky groupies. Who, I'm ashamed to admit, I fantasize about constantly. :D

Good luck to one and all!

Cheers!

Mike

-----

Mike

hello everybody! another OSU wrimo checking in here. i've got work in the afternoon/evenings, class in the mornings and lord only knows what on the weekends (my november is filling up alarmingly fast) but i'm hoping to make it to a write-in or two this year. seems like every year, i say, "i'm making it to a write-in this year!" and then i never do. but, this is my final quarter (hopefully i'll be graduating this december!) so i'm hoping to carve out so write-in time.

http://www.notuboc.com/

Hi all, just giving a wave from Pataskala, Ohio. Been doing this since 2002 - which is the only year I did it seriously enough to actually get to 50,000 and beyond and finish a novel. The rest of the years I've been using it to kickstart other writing and get excited about something in November besides the ever darkening days and cold! Had to sit out last year, but am planning on writing this year. What about? NO IDEA! Should be fun. Any east-siders out there? Nice seeing other old-timers back again.

Hi:

I'm Nita Sweeney (aka willwrite4chocolate). I live in Upper Arlington (near Fishinger and Riverside Drive) and can be found writing at Colin's coffeehouse or the Mill Run Panera and sometimes the Caribou on Tremont especially daytimes. BTW - Chaoticpi, Colin's might be a great place to have a write-in sometime. I'm pretty sure it's on the bus line.

I've done NaNo twice before. Once in 2004 (I wrote memoir) and last year I wrote a novel. Won both times. I have no idea what I'm going to write this year. I lean toward literary writing, but might just write a good old romance. Or I might draft another memoir I've had rattling around in my head. Or I might just sit back and watch all of you young folks roll on by! I'm in the over-40 crowd.

If you're new, do read No Plot No Problem. Very helpful. And no one's yet mentioned the snowflake method. http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/art/snowflake.php Also, someone else already said this, but I'll echo, it's helpful to work against your strengths. If you're naturally a plotter, leave some room for imagination. If you usually fly by the seat of your pants, come up with a loose plot and do some pre-NaNo character development. I also found the NaNo young writers materials (especially the ones for high schoolers) helpful. But generally just try to have fun and keep up with the daily requirements. It's tough when you get behind.

In non-Nano news, I publish a monthly e-newsletter of central Ohio writing events - Write Now Newsletter:

• The current events are posted here: http://www.nitasweeney.com/newsletter/events/
• I include a short essay every month. You can see the October essay here: http://www.nitasweeney.com/write-now-newsletter-october-2009/ It's about NaNo!
• You can subscribe to the monthly email (it's free) here: http://www.nitasweeney.com/newsletter/subscribe/
• For those of you looking for writing groups, check this: http://www.nitasweeney.com/newsletter/ongoing-writing-groups/
• If you know of writing groups that are open to members, please let me know via email nita@nitasweeney.com
• Follow WriteNowNetwork on Twitter here: http://www.twitter.com/writenownetwork/

Look forward to seeing all of you both in person and around the forums.

~ Nita

------------------------------
Check out central Ohio's most complete listing of writing events: Write Now Newsletter

2004: Memorial
2008: The Dream
2009: The Dream (O.M.W.F.)

Hello, hello!

Nice to see so many taking the challenge! Win or lose, you'll be glad you took it. I've had at it in '03, '04, '05, '06, '07 and this year. I could've sworn that I did this in '08 too, but apparently I didn't; I blame NaNoWriMo for scrambling my brain the 5 years prior.

Anyway, with the exception of living in Alaska for about 6 months, I've lived in Ohio my whole life. I moved to Dublin/Muirfield back in 2000 and moved from there to Hilliard about 2 years ago. I was a cop for about 5 years prior to moving to Columbus, and have since become a tech geek. I travel a good bit and even though my life is tethered to Ohio, I see what I can of the world when I get the chance. I'm an animal lover and have a 13-year old Lhasa Apso named Krypto (who is still as happy and healthy as he was as a puppy).

I'm not sure what I'm writing this year quite yet. I can say that I tend to lean more towards comedy writing, although I have done some Sci-Fi, Romance, Erotica and Horror in the past (I like to try any genre at least once). I may try Mystery this year, who knows? I was also thinking of writing what would be "Book One" of my life story.

Ah, it's too soon to tell.

I have never participated in any events nor have I met anyone from NaNoWriMo and I'm thinking about trying to change that this year.

Bye for now,
-M

Hello to all!

This is the first time I'm posted to the local arm of NaNoWriMo, although I've participated (and won) years '04 through '08. I suppose in past years I was just too busy working out the ins and out of my characters and plot to take the time to introduce myself and attend the local events. Oh well.... lol. In any case I thought this year I'd change things a bit and participate at the local level.

I'm located out in Pataskala; it's not exactly the boonies, although some people aren't too sure, lol. This year I'll be tackling a story which probably fits best in mainstream but is heavy on mystery and suspense. I've already got a fairly good idea of who my characters are and am working out a couple of snags that have arisen with the believability of a couple of the story's events. I've been researching this story all summer long; there's a lot of details to be nailed down. I've researched some wild stuff so far, LOL.

In any case I'm looking forward to meeting other NaNoWriMo-ers at the get-togethers and write-ins.

Hi all! This is my first NaNo. I'm native Ohio and live in Newark with my hubby of 9 years. I keep busy homeschooling our 5 children.
They are:
Makayla age 8 - She's doing NaNo's Young Writers Program this year.
Joseph - He'll be 5 when NaNo starts.
Emma - She'll almost be 4 when NaNo ends.
Daniel - He'll be 2 when NaNo starts.
Oliver - He'll be 8 months when NaNo starts.

Yeah, it's a little busy at my house - in a good way!

Homeschooling mom of 5 (so far). See what we're up to http://ourbusyhomeschool.blogspot.com