Hello everyone!
At the kick off several people were interested in having a couple of write-ins in the Shirlington area. I did some research and we have to submit an application to schedule the meeting room at the Library and it is quite large (It would have comfortably fit the group we had at kick off), but available if we want it.
So here are our options:
1) Pick a convenient day and time ~10 of us want to meet up and schedule the room at the Shirlington Library (they can break it into halves which would still be spacious, but nice). This is the only option that will accommodate a large group of people.
Pros:
- Lots of private space to spread out. Very quiet.
Cons:
- We would have to make reservations in advance and it likely wouldn't be worth the hassle if there wasn't at least 10 people.
2) If there are less of us or we want to be more spontaneous, pick a convenient day and time and meet at the library and take over their cushy chairs that have cool pivoting laptop trays. There are 8 at the very front of the library against the windows and 5-10 more scattered throughout the library. There is also an area in back with tables and chairs.
Pros:
- We could meet early for a coffee at Caribou Coffee to get all the novel talk out of our systems, and/or afterwards at any of the local restaurants.
Cons:
- Shirlington Library is apparently a hip place to hang, so it gets busy. We likely wouldn't be able to sit together at first.
3) Meet up at Busboys and Poets right across the street. It looked like they could accommodate 8 (max) of us in the area that has plugins for laptops.
Pros:
- Informal, good food, comfortable area.
Cons:
- Smaller area that wouldn't hold many people. This would most likely be more social than writing, which isn't always a bad thing.
Some general info:
Shirlington Library Meeting Room: http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/Libraries/events/LibrariesEventsMe... (last room listed)
Library Hours:
Monday: 10:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday & Wednesday: 1:00pm - 9:00pm
Thursday: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
So, please reply and let me know:
- if you are interested
- which option you like best (though if we get more than 10 we will likely go with option 1 automatically)
- what days/times work best
I am very flexible (Except Nov 12) and am available any workday after 3pm, and anytime on the weekends.
Thanks!
Lauran
(Wittyandorironic)
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W a/o I
50,513 / 50,000
Nov 3, 2009 - 15 11
I can go sporadically, but work best if I only attend one Write In a week, so I'll only commit to a date if you're booking a room and need 10 people.
----------Another new excerpt! This one is about faeries.
18,683 / 50,000
Nov 3, 2009 - 18 21
Hi, Lauran,
Thanks for spearheading this. I'm definitely interested.
I'd prefer to meet at the library if we can get a room. If we're anywhere in a "public" room, like a restaurant or just out in the library, it's going to end up being more social than productive.
I'm free during school hours on weekdays (8 a.m. to 2:30 or 3:30 p.m., depending on day of the week). Or almost anytime on weekends.
Another possibility:
If the procedure for booking a room at Shirlington is a problem, I might be able to get us a room at the Duncan branch library in Alexandria. It's in Del Ray, only a few minutes from Shirlington. I'm a member of the Friends of the Library, which I think may get me some kind of priority.
Or, if we had enough people, Busboys and Poets might let us reserve the back room there.
-Cathy (catpet)
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Catherine Petrini
Children's and Young Adults' Book Author
blog: http://petrini1.livejournal.com/
e-mail: petrini1@aol.com
8,822 / 50,000
Nov 4, 2009 - 07 36
I'm moving to Shirlington Saturday and would be interested in write-ins wherever. I can't commit until the third week of Nov. due to the whole moving thing and then Thanksgiving.
In the past at write-ins we've brought extension cords and power strips so to take advantage of few outlets, which generally opens up spaces not specifically designed for laptop users.
Thanks for organizing.
----------2005: Sugarcane Rising
2006: The Ant Man
2007: Untitled and unfinished about zombies
2008: -Did not write- Too miserable to engage in creative activity.
2009: What Develops
www.amberture.com
24,048 / 50,000
Nov 4, 2009 - 11 16
these all sound like great options.
I would be able to attend anything on the following dates and times:
Thursday Nov. 5, 12, and 19 - 1pm to 3pm
Monday Nov. 9, 16 and 23 - 10am to 3pm and/or 7pm to 9pm
Friday Nov. 13 and 20 - 10am to 3pm
Sunday Nov. 15 and 22, any time after 1pm and before 9pm
Thanks!
6,890 / 50,000
Nov 5, 2009 - 07 11
I'm pretty flexible with respect to date and times, e.g. could do all of the dates listed above *except* the 12th in the pm. Thanks for organizing this!
20,697 / 50,000
Nov 5, 2009 - 10 10
Thanks for coordinating Lauran! I do a 9 to 5, so am free evenings and weekends. Preference on M-W evenings or mornings on Sat/Sun. Regarding location, I'm flexible. Count me in if you need a body for the meeting space. Another location in Shirlington is the Bear Rock Cafe which actually is pretty quiet, has lots of tables and a fireplace. I could see a group easily taking over part of the cafe... (food isn't anything special though).
27,395 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 06 07
Wow. Some things in life should just not be that damn difficult... Such as booking a meeting room at the local library.
After I jogged down earlier this week and was told, in no uncertain terms, that I had to submit an online application and said online application failed 4 times, I finally spoke to the booking person yesterday and found out that the room is almost entirely booked from now till spring (97% full). The only day it was available was November 29th (Sunday) from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. I booked it because I figured we could at least have a quiet place to work towards the end of the month, when we are all trying to make the November 30th deadline.
So, we can maybe look for a room at the Duncan Branch Library (Thank you for volunteering Cathy! :)). Other than that I figured I would set some informal meet up times for the library and I will get there early to try to commandeer table space.
So- I will be at the Shirlington Library 1:00 pm (opening time) tomorrow, and every Sunday at 1:00 pm throughout November. I will likely hang out and write for a few hours in whatever space I can get. Don't know how long these will last, but we can move to Busboys or Bear Rock if we want. I will also be getting coffee at Caribou Coffee at around 12:30, if anyone wants to meet up early and chat. :)
I will also be at the Shirlington Library on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm. It will likely be busy, but we can take seats as they become available or shift to Busboys or Bear Rock if it is too crowded.
I'm sorry it so loosely formalized, but at least I have lessons learned for next year. Next NaNo I will book well in advance. :)
I will send a note to the MLs to add it to the calendar. Hopefully I will see you there!
Lauran
----------W a/o I
18,683 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 13 22
I'll stop by the Duncan Library on Monday and see what's available. It's a good location in the City of Alexandria, and walking distance to several good cafes and coffee shops.
-----------Cathy
************************************************
Catherine Petrini
Children's and Young Adults' Book Author
blog: http://petrini1.livejournal.com/
e-mail: petrini1@aol.com
18,683 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 13 45
I just offered to reserve the Duncan Library meeting room, and then realized I don't know when I should be trying to reserve it for. I know you were trying to get the Shirlington library for Sunday afternoons, Lauran. Unfortunately, the Duncan branch is closed on Sundays. What other days of the week and times of day sound good to people in the Alexandria/Arlington area?
-----------Cathy (catpet)
************************************************
Catherine Petrini
Children's and Young Adults' Book Author
blog: http://petrini1.livejournal.com/
e-mail: petrini1@aol.com
40,179 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 13 49
I feel like I should mention here...you guys are on the calendar for Sundays from 1-3 at the Shirlington Library, Wednesdays from 4-6 at the same place, and then Sun the 29th from 1:30 to 3:30 in the meeting room there.
If you want it changed be sure and drop Kristin or I an email or Nano-mail.
Jules
----------NoVA ML
2009- Witching Time
2008-Phaedra's Light
2007-Dying to be Immortal (never move and try to start a book three days later)
2006-Thistles in Spring (worst title ever)
27,395 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 14 25
Thanks Jules! While the 29th is the only one we have the meeting room for, there is plenty of space at the library for people to get out their laptops and write. So it may be informal, but we should be good.
Cathy - I had also said I would meet Wednesdays, but I am pretty open. Why don't you let us know if they have any days consecutively available?
----------W a/o I
18,683 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 14 32
So you're looking for several days in a row, as opposed to, say, the same day once a week. Right? Any time of day OK?
-----------Cathy
************************************************
Catherine Petrini
Children's and Young Adults' Book Author
blog: http://petrini1.livejournal.com/
e-mail: petrini1@aol.com
27,395 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 15 04
Sorry I wasn't clear. If they have any day of the week and time that is open every week (Every Monday, as an example) than that would be easiest for everyone to schedule.
----------W a/o I
3,170 / 50,000
Nov 8, 2009 - 07 20
Anyone going to be there today?
Blue Fish
27,395 / 50,000
Nov 8, 2009 - 08 20
I will be, and I should be there right at 1:00 pm when they open! I will print out a NaNo sign and post it on the back of my laptop so you can recognize me... though I won't force you to sit with me if you don't want to. :)
----------W a/o I
18,683 / 50,000
Nov 8, 2009 - 08 22
I'm coming too. Can you tell us again where we should look for you? I've never been inside that library.
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Catherine Petrini
Children's and Young Adults' Book Author
blog: http://petrini1.livejournal.com/
e-mail: petrini1@aol.com
27,395 / 50,000
Nov 8, 2009 - 10 12
Sure, though I can't promise it will make sense. :)
When you walk in there is a row of check out desks that curves to the left. If you follow that around (to the left) there is an area with chairs and tables. I will try to snag one of the tables in that area. Truthfully, the library isn't that large, so you should be able to find me. If I am not by the tables (because it is full) than I will be by the windows at the front, by the row of computers. There are several laptop chairs there as well.
I am Caucasian, brown long hair in a pony tail, and likely will be wearing a t-shirt, gray hoodie, and jeans.
See you all there!
EDITED TO ADD: Just wanted to say that I am here, in the very back against the window.
Edited to add (again): Cathy and I are both here. :)
----------W a/o I
50,513 / 50,000
Nov 9, 2009 - 05 44
I'd love to meet up with everyone today, but have to been in Baltimore at noon. Sorry! Hopefully I can catch you all next week.
----------Another new excerpt! This one is about faeries.
18,683 / 50,000
Nov 9, 2009 - 21 33
The Duncan Library meeting room is pretty booked for November as well. (Note to self: reserve library rooms earlier next year.) But it is open on Fridays. Should I book for Friday afternoons? I can be there from around noon until 2:30, but if other people can stay later I could try to book for longer. Suggestions?
Duncan Library is in the Del Ray neighborhood in the City of Alexandria, on Commonwealth Avenue.
----------************************************************
Catherine Petrini
Children's and Young Adults' Book Author
blog: http://petrini1.livejournal.com/
e-mail: petrini1@aol.com
27,395 / 50,000
Nov 13, 2009 - 15 21
Hi Cathy!
Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, but life intruded on NaNo and I only just wrestled back control. :) I work M-F, so I am no good for anything on a weekday prior to 4 pm, so I can't make the Friday DelRay Library times. Obviously others might find it more accessible though.
I will be at Shirlington again this Sunday, if anyone else wants to join in.
----------W a/o I
18,683 / 50,000
Nov 13, 2009 - 16 02
I never got any more responses, so I guess it wasn't a good day or time for anyone else, either!
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Catherine Petrini
Children's and Young Adults' Book Author
blog: http://petrini1.livejournal.com/
e-mail: petrini1@aol.com
27,395 / 50,000
Nov 15, 2009 - 10 24
Hi all! I will be at the Shirlington Library this afternoon. I have a big goal today (10k by the end of today) so I will be writing furiously. Anyone able to join me?
ETA: I am at the Library now. I am sitting in the chairs by the front windows and I have a NaNoWriMo sign with me, a brown shirt with white skulls (I promise I don't bite) and a blue NaNo pin that says "NOVELIST". Let me know if you don't see me. I will check in here frequently.
Lauran
----------W a/o I
18,683 / 50,000
Nov 15, 2009 - 19 52
Hi, Lauran,
----------Did anyone come? I had thought about it, but I was planning to be in D.C. later in the afternoon, so I went to the one in Crystal City instead, so that I could jump on the Metro from there. I'll watch for more of your Shirlington write-ins, though.
************************************************
Catherine Petrini
Children's and Young Adults' Book Author
blog: http://petrini1.livejournal.com/
e-mail: petrini1@aol.com
27,395 / 50,000
Nov 22, 2009 - 07 05
Hi all! Is anyone planning on coming to today's write-in? (No one came to the last one Cathy)
If so then I will be there, if not then I will likely skip this one. I don't mind writing at the Library, but I can get a lot done at home as well and stay in my pajamas. :)
Even if no one can come this weekend, please don't forget that we have a LARGE room reserved for next Sunday so that we can all squeeze in some furious writing time right before the deadline.
Thanks!
----------Lauran
W a/o I
18,683 / 50,000
Nov 22, 2009 - 07 25
I couldn't make it last week, but I was planning to go today.
-----------Cathy
************************************************
Catherine Petrini
Children's and Young Adults' Book Author
blog: http://petrini1.livejournal.com/
e-mail: petrini1@aol.com
27,395 / 50,000
Nov 22, 2009 - 07 39
I'll see you there then, :).
I will try to get there early enough, and be pushy enough, to get the table by the column. It has several plugs and that we don't have to share the long table.
----------W a/o I
27,395 / 50,000
Nov 22, 2009 - 11 10
I was not as early as I wanted, so I am once again at the front by the main windows. I am in a BRIGHT red shirt (wouldn't want you to miss me!).
ETA: Alrighty... my stomach is growling so loudly I can't even write. :) I am going to jump across the street and grab some food. If you end up at the library (Cathy, or anyone else!) then post here and I will head on back.
----------W a/o I
18,683 / 50,000
Nov 22, 2009 - 17 55
Oh no! Apparently I did miss you. I was at an earlier write-in in Crystal City, which was supposed to be over at 1:00 p.m. The others had left, but two of us were still there, writing away. I suddenly realized it must be close to 1:00, and I checked the time -- and it was already 2:00! The NaNo website seemed to be down, so I couldn't get in to check to see if you were still there. So I drove over and couldn't find you. I stuck around and wrote for a short while, and then came home. Now I see from your post that you must have been out getting food when I arrived. Oh well, maybe next week....
-----------cathy
************************************************
Catherine Petrini
Children's and Young Adults' Book Author
blog: http://petrini1.livejournal.com/
e-mail: petrini1@aol.com