Hi:
This is the official thread for the graduates or (if they are insane) current students of Goddard College's campus in Port Townsend, WA who are doing NaNoWriMo.
What's everybody writing?
What's your plan of action?
How do you plan to back up your work?
Will you be attending local write-ins?
How are you going to keep friends and family off your back all month?
~ Nita
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Okt 31, 2009 - 17 09
Okay. That was supposed to say grads or students of the Goddard College Port Townsend campus MFA program. So, how ya'll doing?
~ Nita
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86,871 / 50,000
Okt 31, 2009 - 17 50
Hi! Just checking in!
Do you guys think I should "publish" my book in my blog? Pros and cons? I was considering doing it as I write it, but there are reasons not to do this. I have mixed feelings.
Happy writing, everyone!
Julie
http://juliemadblogger.wordpress.com
----------http://juliemadblogger.wordpress.com
67,218 / 50,000
Okt 31, 2009 - 19 09
Just wanted to say Happy Writing and Good Luck to all. I Marvel that some people may have time/energy to type anything other than their nano novel each day, but thanks Nita for providing so many opportunities for people to connect.
Maybe I need that Extra Hour to arrive each day in November...
Happy Extra Hour! Happy Almost November!
67,218 / 50,000
Okt 31, 2009 - 19 09
Just wanted to say Happy Writing and Good Luck to all. I Marvel that some people may have time/energy to type anything other than their nano novel each day, but thanks Nita for providing so many opportunities for people to connect.
Maybe I need that Extra Hour to arrive each day in November...
Happy Extra Hour! Happy Almost November!
1,624 / 50,000
Okt 31, 2009 - 19 25
Hi All,
Yes, I am a sucker for punishment. I am in G2...but this will keep me writing no matter what.
I have no plan.
I back up on desktop, flashdrive and in a file on my documents.
No local write ins.
No ideas how to keep others off my back.
I am just here to write and not think about anything else.
Right. LOL
Christy
58,013 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2009 - 11 24
Hi Christy:
Good luck! Annotations and NaNo? Sheesh.
Didn't see you when I searched for "GoddardPTMFA" under Author Search -- Novels. I've set up an email list and would be glad to include you. Private message me with your "real" name and your email address and I'll add you to the list.
~ Nita
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58,013 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2009 - 11 36
So, I'm doing a "white page revision" of last year's NaNo novel. I'm writing from scratch. I sort of know the story, but the MC was really weak and I think the story will take a few interesting new twists. I'm going to just let it roll as if I hadn't written anything on it before. It's called "The Dream," and it's about a woman who's estranged from her husband. She's anorexic and she winds up in a psych ward where she begins having a recurring dream. She meets a male patient who's also having that dream. So it's about obsession and dreams and also carrots.
I'm very lucky on the family front. My husband is very supportive of my writing. And after the semesters at Goddard, he gets it that sometimes he just needs to leave me alone! My dog, Morgan, on the other hand, will probably not allow me to skip his walks.
I'm using ywriter software to write the novel. It's a free program created by Simon Haynes, who writes humorous sci fi novels. Check his site out at: http://www.spacejock.com/yWriter5.html
Time to hit it!
~ Nita
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58,013 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2009 - 11 27
Just a reminder if you haven't done so already:
To help us all track each other, on the NaNo site, go to MyNaNoWriMo. Edit Author Info. And in addition to any other novels you've got there, type in: GoddardPTMFA (all run together). Then hit "Submit" at the bottom of the page. To find each other we can then go to Search. Then Authors (click the Author tab). And in the Author/Novel info box, type GoddardPTMFA (all run together) and it should bring up a list of all of us with possibly a few strays thrown in. You'll only find the folks who've done this little trick though.
~ Nita
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1,624 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2009 - 21 35
thanks and I will
86,871 / 50,000
Nov 3, 2009 - 02 54
Hi, i woke up early after having a terrible nightmare about jumping in front of a train. Anyway, I thought now that I had the extra time I'd update my mailing list and take care of "housekeeping" things, etc.
I'm writing a memoir about my hitch-hiking trip I did across the country in 1979 with my dog, Hoofy. He was a Belgian Tervuren. We were on the road for 40 days and 40 nights. I am also talking about a few other things. The book will be called Summer in November. I am chronicling the writing of the book as I write it, hence the name. So in the book I talk about my current life and relate it to my hitch-hiking trip back then. Already, there are things I wish I'd done differently in the manuscript, but those things will have to wait till revision.
Happy writing,
Julie
----------http://juliemadblogger.wordpress.com
58,013 / 50,000
Nov 3, 2009 - 06 47
Hi Julie:
If you ever hope to publish your NaNo tome, you should only post small excerpts to your blog. Blogging counts as publishing and many publishers only want to take unpublished manuscripts. I'm sure there are tons of exceptions to this rule, but the question gets asked every year and "small excerpts only" has always been the answer from those in the know.
Good luck!
~ Nita
Do you guys think I should "publish" my book in my blog? Pros and cons? I was considering doing it as I write it, but there are reasons not to do this. I have mixed feelings.
Happy writing, everyone!
Julie
http://juliemadblogger.wordpress.com
------------------------------
Check out central Ohio's most complete listing of writing events: Write Now Newsletter
2004: Memorial
----------2008: The Dream
2009: ??????
------------------------------
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.)
86,871 / 50,000
Nov 3, 2009 - 08 10
Nita, thank you so much for your advice, and all your hard work to keep us organized.
You know what I'm thinking...let me run this by you:
We should get together and run another one of these in May. The G4's will just have finished up 4th packet, and may want to participate. We could set up a website--easy enough--and get as many people into it as possible. It could be called Goddard PT Nano or whatever. And then we'd write away. We wouldn't have the NaNo people behind us, just us, so it wouldn't be the same, but it would get people writing! What do you think? Or are you too deep into your manuscript to think about this right now?
Julie
----------http://juliemadblogger.wordpress.com
58,013 / 50,000
Nov 3, 2009 - 15 08
You might be on to something, Julie. Let's see how folks do this month before we spring the idea on them. Unless of course they make it over to this forum to post.
And good work on your word count! Having fun yet?
~ Nita
You know what I'm thinking...let me run this by you:
We should get together and run another one of these in May. The G4's will just have finished up 4th packet, and may want to participate. We could set up a website--easy enough--and get as many people into it as possible. It could be called Goddard PT Nano or whatever. And then we'd write away. We wouldn't have the NaNo people behind us, just us, so it wouldn't be the same, but it would get people writing! What do you think? Or are you too deep into your manuscript to think about this right now?
Julie
------------------------------
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67,218 / 50,000
Nov 3, 2009 - 17 43
Hello Nano Writers,
I am sure that you are finding, as I am, that this web site is turtle slow? I take that as a good sign, meaning everyone is here! It is very inspiring to hear about your novel/memoir/stories. Here it is Day 3 and I have generated a lot of words, a lot of pages, but it could still be said that I am lacking a Plot. Uh Oh! I could tell you that the story is about A woman who is trying to find a fertility specialist who can implant her with the embryos of endangered species, and that is sort of true, but at this point not enough is happening. Still, I intend to upload my word count on Wednesdays and Sundays anyway.
As for May, Tra La, that lusty month, I want to say Count Me Out, because one thing nano is giving me is the freedom/desire to make a New Year's resolution that in 2010 I will give up writing entirely.
Then again, I don't always keep my New Year's resolutions for very long.
Count me in?
If you see a plot wandering by, looking lost, it might be mine. Please send it my way.
Thank you.
Stephanie
67,218 / 50,000
Nov 3, 2009 - 17 43
Hello Nano Writers,
I am sure that you are finding, as I am, that this web site is turtle slow? I take that as a good sign, meaning everyone is here! It is very inspiring to hear about your novel/memoir/stories. Here it is Day 3 and I have generated a lot of words, a lot of pages, but it could still be said that I am lacking a Plot. Uh Oh! I could tell you that the story is about A woman who is trying to find a fertility specialist who can implant her with the embryos of endangered species, and that is sort of true, but at this point not enough is happening. Still, I intend to upload my word count on Wednesdays and Sundays anyway.
As for May, Tra La, that lusty month, I want to say Count Me Out, because one thing nano is giving me is the freedom/desire to make a New Year's resolution that in 2010 I will give up writing entirely.
Then again, I don't always keep my New Year's resolutions for very long.
Count me in?
If you see a plot wandering by, looking lost, it might be mine. Please send it my way.
Thank you.
Stephanie
86,871 / 50,000
Nov 4, 2009 - 08 14
Hi,
Gee, I haven't seen a "plot" for some time!
If you see "quality writing" lying around, send it my way! Nothing I'm writing is exciting, vibrant, full of tension, or interesting!
I've been putting my manuscript in that "word counter" thingy and updating after every chapter, because I like seeing a number up there. It makes me feel good, plus I don't trust Word's word count thingy.
I actually went to stand-up comedy class last night, and it was a welcome relief. And I laughed my head off. My act turned out to be funny. I got a lot of laughs. So it was a smart thing to do, even though I had a screaming headache.
Back to work.
Julie
----------http://juliemadblogger.wordpress.com
58,013 / 50,000
Nov 4, 2009 - 15 10
Clara - where's your word count? Just type your total so far for the month in the little box in the upper right hand corner. You don't need to upload the whole thing until the of the month.
Plot? Don't need no stinkin' plot. Just writing and going at it. Having said that, I fear I'm one of those authors who rules her characters with her will - YOU WILL MOVE TO OHIO - YOU WILL LEAVE YOUR HUSBAND - YOU WILL MOVE BACK IN WITH YOUR PARENTS EVEN IF YOU HAVE NO GOOD REASON TO DO SO. Sigh. Perhaps I have too much plot.
Julie - Good for you for hanging in there with the stand up comedy. You're a trooper and I know for a fact that you can do funny. Keep at it.
~ Nita
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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.)
67,218 / 50,000
Nov 4, 2009 - 18 43
Thanks for making me laugh Julie and Nita, Good Times!
I uploaded my writing thus far and it even gave me a bonus word! Word tells me I am at 16,544 and Nano grants me 16,545.
Since I started with a blank page Monday morning, no outline, no plan, that seems to mean I am in fairly deep but today I was strangely untroubled by not having a plot.
And I had not even gotten these messages of good cheer yet. Thanks for them and good luck to you all with your plots and characters and quality writing. Stand up comedy seems like a terrific idea. Wish we could have been there.
Meanwhile, I like this idea of telling my characters willfully what they will do. Right now my main character is mainly just talking to a giant bird, trying to figure out what to do next.
Where do we go from here? Rhetorical question but again, feel free to give me your best answers!
I will upload again on Sunday, the god of technology willing.
Stephanie/Clara
86,871 / 50,000
Nov 5, 2009 - 08 43
Hi, just taking a break. I'm ahead on word count but behind a little on the story. I'm on July 16th but I need to finish July 16th by 4pm and I don't know if I can do it. I'm rushing it and I'm not happy about that.
Is anyone having trouble sleeping? I've had to call my psychiatrist and have an increase in my medication. I take a hefty dose of antipsychotics and she's increased one of them. Hopefully that will help. Tossing and turning all night, and being sleep-deprived all day doesn't do much for writing.
Knitting class tonight. What a joy and a relief.
Back to work!
Julie
----------http://juliemadblogger.wordpress.com
86,871 / 50,000
Nov 5, 2009 - 09 54
Okay, I've got July 16th done. Barebones. Now I have to "flesh it out."
Where do we go from here? To week two. Everything they say about week two I believe. I am going to feel like hanging it up and quitting probably.
As we speak, I just got a call from my library saying the Nano book has arrived, the one by Chris Baty on how to write a book in 30 days. Tried to order it from Amazon--they said 1-3 weeks. No help there. For a change, my library is faster.
Happy writing!
Julie
----------http://juliemadblogger.wordpress.com
58,013 / 50,000
Nov 5, 2009 - 14 30
Clara - Good to hear from you, Keep up the no plot and eventually something will happen!
Julie:
It's good to be ahead on your word count. That way when the week two doldrums arrive, you're ready for them. No Plot No Problem isn't the world's best book, but I like to read it every year during NaNo. It reminds me of the "Shitty first draft" theme that underlies all of NaNo.
Happy knitting.
Nita
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Check out central Ohio's most complete listing of writing events: Write Now Newsletter
2004: Memorial
2008: The Dream
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67,218 / 50,000
Nov 5, 2009 - 20 55
Are you two including the Traveling Shovel of Death I just read about on the main page?
What is a plot?
Hahahhahaha!
58,013 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 05 19
Hi Clara:
I will probably not include the TSofD since it's not that kind of story, but you never know. Might make it more interesting. I did do another similar thing though. My main character is reading a book by "Ian Wormon" - that's an invented author name that uses all the lettters of NaNoWriMo). There's usually a thread about doing it somewhere in the forums.
Plot shmot. Sounds like you're having a great time.
~ Nita
What is a plot?
Hahahhahaha!
------------------------------
Check out central Ohio's most complete listing of writing events: Write Now Newsletter
2004: Memorial
----------2008: The Dream
2009: ??????
------------------------------
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.)
86,871 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 14 20
Hi. I have 62 unread messages in my e-mail inbox.
I have read all the messages from you, Nita, of course, and any other person from our group. But I haven't read the "Pep talks" yet.
I read some of the Nano book before therapy today. I had to laugh at the "decades" quote about the guy that says each ten thousand words is like a decade of life: 'You hit fifty and then you die." He was in his 30's. had to laugh. Guess he'll drop dead of a heart attack or something, probably in November.
I bought dog food today. At least the dog is eating.
Hope you're having a good evening!
Julie
----------http://juliemadblogger.wordpress.com
58,013 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 15 03
Julie - beware the first week NaNo mania. Second week can be followed by NaNo crash. Eating helps stave off the crash (as well as hunger).
~ N
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Check out central Ohio's most complete listing of writing events: Write Now Newsletter
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86,871 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 16 27
Watch out for the word counter, too. MS Word doesn't necessarily agree with their word counter. It was off by about 80 words just now. Not in my favor, either. So don't rely on MS Word to count your words.
Julie
----------http://juliemadblogger.wordpress.com
86,871 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 16 29
Make that 62 words off. My math was wrong.
----------http://juliemadblogger.wordpress.com
67,218 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 19 18
I don't know where everyone else is but I sure am glad you two are here!
Very funny about the Ian Wormon (sorry i cant recall exactly but you know who i mean) and the writer who says every ten thousand words is a decade. (wait did i get that right?!)
Must be a Serious Moment of Doubt over here!
At the moment I am stalled, but not unhappy. My plan is get to 25,000 words by the time I upload on Sunday night, so my character may be having a lot of adventures in the next two days.
No real news I guess.
Just glad you are here!
Stephanie/Clara
86,871 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 08 39
I am so freaking close to 25,000. I hope to get there by the end of the day. And I hope the all-knowing word counter agrees and doesn't make me write another 100 words of crap.
"Serious Moments of Doubt"--permanent over here.
I read in the Nano book that people have a big emotional letdown a few days after finishing the book. Nita, was this your experience, too? Actually, I weathered "finishing" my thesis pretty well. It was when I had lulls in the revision that I really freaked out.
Julie
----------http://juliemadblogger.wordpress.com
67,218 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 15 03
Congrats Julie!
We are neck and neck like racehorses. I reached 25,000 today but dont intend to upload until Sunday night so I am trying to decide if I will take a day off or forge ahead.
It is rather odd to not go back and read or revise and I wonder, in a way, what i have already written! If I get to do this again next November, I might try to come up with an outline, some character sketches, some more tangible goals. But again, I am not unhappy. Just trying to think about the most construtive way to spend the next day. Maybe looking towards the end and seeing how I can get my character there?
Nita, You are so willful. Maybe you can tell my character what to do?
Happy day to you both.
Stephanie/Clara