Age Group: 30s & 40s

Dragonchilde — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:51:45 +0100

Looking for a writing buddy in your age group? Here's the place to ask!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

MEJKnowles — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:49:29 +0100

Great idea! I'm 41, single, childless, & have a cat. I'm not a crazy cat lady, though - just crazy about my cat. I haven't quite decided on the genre of my novel, although I'm writing from a Christian perspective because that's my perspective in life. The MC will struggle with depression in the way that I did a few years ago. It's a sort of therapy for me to write this, to get out any remnants that might be there. A writing buddy for me doesn't have to be a Christian nor single nor childless - just someone who's looking for support & to offer support to someone in the same age group. Yes, it's easier to relate when someone has certain similarities in life, but being a buddy in this sort of thing isn't always about being able to relate perfectly. To me, it's just about the support that those within the same age group can offer. :)

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

AnimeUSMC — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:31:34 +0100

38, single, 2 kids (dont have custody) and owned by a cat. I have been writing poetry, songs and fanfics for a while now, though I have not been the most productive about it. Thats ok though, because I write for the pleasure I get when I do write, and that is the most important reason for me. I'm into PC games (MMORPGs and 1st person shooter), Japanese anime and motorcycles as well. Among my various goals is to have at least one published novel someday and to set a land speed record on a motorcycle. I dont wish for a lot in life, I just want to live my life chasing my dreams. Maybe, if it be God's plan for me, I might even find someone to chase those dreams with me.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Lily-Eve — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:27:28 +0100

Oh, good to see this thread here. After posting last year on the general writing buddies thread I ended up buddying up with mostly teens (because there were mostly teens on that thread), which turned out to be not the best idea, because I just didn't have anything to talk about with any of them. I'm 36, childless (on purpose), single (on purpose), atheist and very much not spiritually inclined in any way, shape or form. Oh yeah, and I own a dog. I kinda like cats as well (any animal with fur or feathers, really), but I find dogs to be just a lot more fun. This is my 4th NaNo and even though I won every time my last 3 novels still sit on my harddrives in various states of unfinishedness. I love writing as a hobby, but outside of NaNo I'm a terrible procrastinator, so I rarely finish anything. Besides writing and reading (really a lot of reading) I love gardening, photography, travelling, webdesign and all kinds of other stuff. I also tend to get a tad obsessed with some tv shows, but usually not for very long.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Jack1761 — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:52:49 +0100

This is my first NaNo attempt (although not my first attempt to write a novel...), still a little nervous about it... Anyway, I'm female, 38, married, one daughter, agnostic (probably the closest fitting descriptor for my religious beliefs). I'm a major history nut - mostly Napoleonic these days, but I'm also interested in plenty of other periods of history - so I am writing something historical. I spend a lot of time reading (I have almost perfected the art of reading while cooking, but will still occasionally burn dinner...) or chasing my six-year-old around. No pets at the moment, unfortunately. I'm not so good at actually finishing my stories, so I am hoping that NaNo will give me a bit of a kick in the behind as I tend to do better with fixed deadlines.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Alxa — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:29:46 +0100

Been doing NaNo for a while, won for the first time last year and will win again this year. Female, 38 and single, childless by choice, and a polytheistic Norse Heathen. Doing my first Western and it's already looking good. Sundays are going to be tough to write on with the NFL season going on but will manage. I have one dog and two snakes. My goal this year is not only to win, but to see this novel through at least one edit. I want that proof copy in my hand. I come from fanfics and have done some poetry in the past. The longer medium of a novel still throws me for a bit of a loop but it's getting better.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

skneal — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:28:07 +0100

Hello! I'm an overachiever and this will be my 6th year doing NaNo, and my 6th win as well. I'm the mother of two puppies who keep my on my toes and try to help my writing by standing on my laptop keyboard when they want love. Hubster is very supportive, but is waiting for the day I become published. [/////]------____---------___--------__------** Beatings will continue until word count improves!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Anna York — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:21:11 +0100

Hi everyone! I'm Anna, and this is my first NaNo attempt. I'm single and childfree- all by choice, and owned by three small, cute dogs. I usually describe myself as a "Sarcastic Italian Jewish Leo who is a neurotic grad student". Yea, kind of frightening! I also work as a mental health worker and professional artist. My novel's genre is humor and its ultimate goal will be that it details the dating misadventures of two friends (there's very little romance, mostly total fails). I'm in charge of the female protagonist and my partner is using NaNoWriMo to write the male protagonist's side of the story. Then we'll meet up again, mesh the two together, and go from there. We had the idea over the summer when we had disasterous dates and decided we NEEDED to do a book about this stuff because it's too funny not to share. Our characters experience several years of bad dates and relationships and decide to do a Big Experiement where they try online dating with hilarious and even horrifying results. There's too many books out there about "lived together happily ever after" and we want something geared toward singles being happy to be single (and happy to be themselves), avoided the whole "opposite gender sucks" angle (we're making sure our characters emphasize their own flaws), and something that men could read and enjoy, too. I have my outlines and character sketches ready and I'm using October to refine them, get my chronology together, and decide what observations I want Elena to include at the end of the story. I can't wait to get "Elena's" stories written down, and even more excited to pull it all together!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

CarolinaWriter — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:52:12 +0100

Hi! I am Connie and I have been taking part in NaNo since 2006. I'm 45, married with a 6 year daughter, 25 year old stepson and two 8 month old twin granddaughters. I work full time and write when I can. I'm not published, but am not in an all-fire hurry. I am enjoying the process far too much. I won last year, but that work was so horrible that I am taking this year for a complete re-write. I have tightened things up and plugged the plot holes. I feel good about the second time around. My story is a premise that BlackBeard has descendants still around in the present day and the search is on for his purported treasure.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Eriadriel — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 21:06:57 +0100

Hi, I'm Jan, 41, married mum of two (10 and 15yrs - so not too much trouble keeping them busy while I write!) with a full time job that keeps me out of mischief most of the time. Writing is my passion and I'm always scribbling, making notes or researching social history. When not writing I am knitting, a hobby discovered this year that I have fallen madly in love with, or working on embroidery. I'm also still battling an allotment that's about to be put to bed for the winter. Made it to the end last year - just! This year I am writing historical fiction (it's what I always write) but am making a foray into the second world war (which is new for me) and the relationship between a young doctor and the POW camp that she finds constructed on her doorstep. Struggling with the title this year, though I have amassed plenty of reearch that should give me plenty to work with next month when it comes to writing the actual story. I'm sure a title will have come to me by then!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Elementalpixie — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 21:08:32 +0100

Hi, I'm Angie, 44 years old, from the UK, this is my first NaNo - I only started writing seriously last year (and am now completely hooked). Have ended up writing things that are seem to be a random mix of mysteries/romance with a definite helping of humour thrown in with several gay main characters. Which strangely, although I always intended to use the gay main characters, was not what I set out to write at all.... Would love to have some writing buddies - I've got a feeling that before November is over I'll be very glad of them!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

adabeau — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 22:11:16 +0100

Hi all, I'm Sharon and this is my first NaNo. Very scared! I'm 48, married with 5 grown up children and three young grandchildren aged 4, 3 and 2 months, and another on the way in January. I have three dogs who rule the roost and I work in a doctor's surgery which believe me is a book in itself. I used to write stories non stop from about the age of seven until I had the kids and it all just fizzled out. I took a creative writing course with the OU a few years ago which reignited the passion but apart from a few short stories I have never actually finished anything I start to write which is infuriating. I am working on ideas for a chick lit novel for want of a better phrase (not sure how you define chick lit to be honest) but I am growing to love and care about the characters which is a relief! I have been playing around with plot and setting for a few months and signed up for NaNo to try to ensure that I actually write the novel! I love reading which is a major distraction for me and I am on Twitter and Facebook which are even worse, so just hoping that I can keep focused and give my characters the chance to tell their story. Good luck to us all!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

faesutherland — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 23:27:22 +0100

Hi all! I'm Fae, just turned 37. I'm childfree (by choice) and in a committed, long-term relationship. I am also owned by one very sweet, very beautiful Ragamuffin kitty. I'm a writer by trade, of gay erotic romance novels. If signatures get working again, I'll have a banner/ link to my website there lol. /pimpage I live in the DC metro area, College Park, Maryland specifically. Not sure if I'll be hitting up any write-ins this year. I usually don't get much done at them, too many distractions! This is my 5th year doing NaNo since 2006 (I had to sit out in 2009, too many prior commitments) and I've won 3 of those years. I'm really excited this year, since the majority of my writing time in 2011 has been dedicated to a novel that just did not seem to want to be written but is finally finished! I'm looking forward to diving into NaNo with a fun, light sort of book that hopefully won't give me near the trouble the last one did lol. Good luck to everybody and if you want to be buddies or talk or anything, add me, nanomail me, etc. :)

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

keolah — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 23:28:04 +0100

*waves* Hi all. I'm Heather. I'm 31 years old, child-free, stay-at-home girlfriend. (Been with my man for five years now, we're just too lazy to actually get married.) I'm starting to get to the point where I feel like I'm either surrounded by kids, or people who have kids... and I don't fit into either category anymore. I am not particularly religious, although I might occasionally pray to Gaia, or take Bob's name in vain. (Who's Bob? Don't ask. It's better that way.) This year, I'm writing fanfiction for the first time. Maybe it'll turn out better than my attempts at nano with original fiction... not that most of them turned out particularly badly, but... okay, the 2005 one turned out really really badly. And 2006 wasn't so great either. And 2007 was pretty nonsensical. Oh, who am I fooling, the only decent ones were 2004, 2008, and the first half of 2009.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Sforzie — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 23:30:30 +0100

Hello, this is Sforzie. I am a fairly freshly minted 30 year old. I'm childfree and SO-free, and share my apartment with a cat. I think I'm fairly immature, but oh well... This will be my 8th NaNoWriMo, and hopefully my 8th win as well. I'm one of those annoying NaNo-over achievers who thinks they're slacking if they only write 50k. Not that any of what I write is necessarily any good or publishable, but it amuses me and I think that's what really counts.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Wolfsong98 — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 23:50:31 +0100

Hi, I'm 31 years old. My name is Amy and i love to read and write. Fanfiction is my main genre (csi miami) though i have an idea for an original if i can work the tweaks otu some what with the fanficiton story i'm doint this year (au).

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

kitsuneopal — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:52:56 +0100

No matter what the genre I am happy to keep you motivated!! Maybe even help with some brainstorming. :)

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

runner_penguin — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 01:04:47 +0100

I'm Beth. 40. I'm gonna give this a go again (working on an old plot) - though between teaching, my part-time job at Disney Store, and training for my first marathon...we'll see.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

MermaidSirena — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 01:21:09 +0100

Welcome, all! I am MermaidSirena. I turn 41 during November and have been an active participant in Nano since 2005. I have been married for 14 years, have 3 bonus daughters, 2 sons, 2 grandsons, 1 granddaughter, and 1 grandbaby due 11/11/11. I work for the state department of education in the ESE section. I will be moderating this forum as well as Fantasy. I have been a ML for a few years but recently moved and will just be 'enjoying' from the other side this year. Let me know if there is anything I can assist you with! :-)

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

SirenPrincess — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 02:56:56 +0100

Hello, everyone. I'm SirenPrincess. I'm 32 and happily married. I have a beautiful black cat. I'm a medical writer during the day. I spend all day trying to make myself write for work. What could I possibly want to do more than make myself write for fun all night?! I love my characters so much, though, that I want to make this work and find a way to actually share them with the world. This will be my first NaNo, and I'm looking for some buddies to encourage me. I write paranormal romance--vampires and shapeshifters. I live in the Indianapolis IN area.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

angitiger — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:15:31 +0100

Hi all, I'm angie this is my 4th Nano. Im single and 31 with a dog. I write in several genres including but not limited to thriller, suspense, paranormal bordering on horror and a few more. I am also moderating this forum along with mystery/thriller/suspense. If you get stuck im.great with writers block. Also im the go to ML in my region foe fight scenes, paranormal and taking care of pesky charaters. If you guys need anything send me a pm. I can't wait until Nov. Its going to be a crazy month. I hope this came out alright since I'm typing this from my phone. Lol

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Urbana_banana — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 05:01:09 +0100

Hello! I'm Sarah. I'm 31, married to my best friend in the world, and the only child I have is my inner child, who is more than enough for me. I currently don't share my home with any animals, but several cats have tried to adopt me, and other people's dogs always try to come home with me, so who knows? My pet status may change whether I like it or not. ;) I'm a writer and artist currently working on launching my Etsy site and writing a nonfiction book. In fact, unless I have a rough draft book proposal finished by the 31st of this month, I'm not allowed to begin a new novel and will venture into NaNo Rebel territory by writing my sample chapter. So if anyone would like to nag me about finishing that proposal, I'm all for it. I also enjoy chocolate, hula hooping, YA fiction, blogging, and taking up new hobbies and interests. Nice to meet everyone!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Scratchingcat — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 05:13:31 +0100

Hey all, I'm back! I loved last year's NaNo and will hang out here again more than I should. Name: Ute (don't worry, everybody else can't pronounce it either) Age: 42 Kids: Yep, Two of them Hubbie: Yep, one of those. Genre: This year it's a Dystopia. I am not very genre specific. I have done Fantasy, I wrote a script for ScriptFrenzy last year and for NaNo, I wrote a Western.

Writerfangirl — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 06:59:09 +0100

I'm doing quasi fanfiction. I'm using three TV shows (one hasn't even been made yet) as framework for my novel. It'll be filled with original characters, but some of the rules of the settings will be the same. What universe are you writing in?

Writerfangirl — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 07:08:23 +0100

Hey all. I'm Jen. You all seem like wonderful people but the idea of being around a bunch of 30 and 40 somethings (and no 20 somethings around) is a bit disorienting to me. I just turned 30 this past June and I don't have a complete handle on what it's all about. It's like I'm the Doctor after he's changed into his next incarnation. I'm still cooking. I don't know what I like, what I don't like, what I want to do, or who I am yet. Maybe I should get some fish custard and all will be right with the world. As for the novel, it's urban science fiction with some metaphysical/spiritual/new agey stuff. I've thought about doing a book about 2012 and the change of everything, but I think I'd like to do something a lot less heavy handed. It will involve the new race of people who are deeper connected to one another and to the Universe than previous generations. The new race is also us. There will be a lot of relying on faith and love, two of the most powerful forces in the Universe.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

RebekahW — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 07:19:30 +0100

I'm 31, which is slowly creeping into the 30s. I tried to tell my birthdays to stop coming, but time can't be bribed, even with chocolate. (Shocking, I know.) I write a lot of genres and I'm currently deciding between comedy and literary horror (like I did last year.)

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Aphrael — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:45:43 +0100

Anyone who wants to add a slightly warped, Californian-transplant-trying-not-to-freeze-to-death-in-Alaska as a writing buddy, feel free to add me. I just turned 37 this year, have a 16 year old son who is trying to rush me into an early grave, and an Australian heeler who tries to keep him corralled for me. I'm not married but not QUITE single - and I prefer things that way. My writing ideas are always kinda out there - I've written about vampyres, werewolves, the paranormal, an drunken idiot who kidnaps and kills 20-somethings just because he blames them for his life falling apart, and many many other strange ideas. You can see some of the ways my imagination takes shape at my creative writing blog: http://goddess-of-the-north.blogspot.com This year is my sixth NaNo and I am aiming to surpass my word count last year (iirc, it was 89,790). My story idea falls within the genres of mystery, thriller, horror, and romance - which is quite normal for me; a lot of my ideas blur the edges and blend the facts. I think my antagonist this year is probably the most evil one I've ever come up with, though, and I'm looking forward to seeing where this rollercoaster ride will end this time :D So, like I said, if you're looking for writing buddies, feel free to add me :) I will add back anyone who adds me :D

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

littleoph — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:14:39 +0100

Hi again everyone! Oph, 32 going on 33 waaaay too fast for my liking, aiming for a sixth success in a row. All five previous NaNos belonged in different genres (or at least different subgenres) and this time, the setting will be medieval fantasy, or rather, Renaissance-like fantasy. I work as a computer engineer just outside Paris (France). Out of my office window, I can see a maintenance station for TGVs. No Eiffel Tower, no matter how much I twist my neck. It's hidden by other buildings. For the first time this year, my home is a real house with a small garden that I ought to mow soon, lest I lose my daughter in the grass. Complete with husband, 8-year-old boy, 3-year-old girl and... no pets unless the wormery counts.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

DianaQM — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:24:52 +0100

Hello, I'm Diana. I'll be turning 33 during NaNoWriMo (on 11-11-11, which makes me giggle to no end). I'm a military spouse living in Okinawa, Japan. I started writing in Junior High, and have not stopped since. And although I have cheered on others during their NaNo experience, this is my first attempt to join in the madness. I'm a Jack-of-all-Trades and have had an array of random jobs over the last ten years. I love to create. It doesn't matter if it's writing, cooking, crocheting, knitting, drawing, mask-making. If it's a creative outlet, I'm in! Someday, It's a general consensus that I'm completely off my rocker. I do have cats. Two in Okinawa, and two in Ohio. One more and I'll be an official crazy cat lady @_o Feel free to add me as a writing buddy. I will do my best to help!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Shem-the-Penman — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:48:56 +0100

Hey, folks! I'm Shem, going for my third NaNo win. I'm 45, married to the crazy cat lady and fellow NaNo writer EdmundWells, and I have two teenaged kids. I tend to stick to the black-comedy route in NaNo, though this year I read a little John LeCarré so there'll be some spycraft too. And this year I'm going for a historical angle too: it takes place in Scotland during the 1950s. Buddy me! Good luck to everybody. -Shem

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Gwionfawyr — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:50:59 +0100

Hi all, I'm Gwionfawyr. 33, dating a man that makes me smile. College student. Happy. I write Urban Fantasy and Horror. No sparkles! I love meeting new people and sharing tales of writing angst. *grins* I live in Houston.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

MMWyrm — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:31:18 +0100

I'm 37, divorced, two boys (adhd and autistic), self-employed, master procrastinator, reality escape artist and I wish I had a cat or two. :) I write under various pen names, non-fiction and fiction, but mostly write fantasy and horror. Working on a psychological horror novel this NaNo. This will be my 5th win.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Celticat — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:54:16 +0100

Hi all, I'm Ann, 40 (but will be 41 by the end of Nano). This is my first Nano. I'm married, two kids, two cats, large dog (who thinks he's also a cat) and way too many books. I work full time as a Legal PA, studying two course with the OU (Latin and Archaeology), just joined the OU Book club and now I'm securing my descent into insanity by doing Nano along with my son, who I decided to drag down with me!

Re:

keolah — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:58:23 +0100

Writerfangirl - I haven't decided yet -- I'm still debating between Mass Effect and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. The original character in question has already dimension-hopped his way through Harry Potter and Dragon Age.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Renalae — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:30:50 +0100

Hi all! My name is Claire, I just turned 30 about a month ago, so I'm one of the young'uns of the age bracket. No kids and have a guy that for the past two years decides a closed door is an invitation to come in and interrupt the writing flow, so this will be fun once again this year. We just bought a house and moved as well so now I've got home ownership on top of everything else, plus a full-time job in the financial sector. I also have two roommates, two dogs, and two cats that all like to demand attention, and I'm a hardcore video game player active in World of Warcraft and recently retired from Final Fantasy XI. Thanks to that long-term Final Fantasy XI addiction, this year I'm writing the second in a series of FFXI fanfiction NaNos. I tend to waffle on whether or not this is "fantasy" or "fanfiction" actually since I'm using entirely original charactes and am writing in the "future" of the FFXIverse, but this year I claimed fanfiction as my genre so that's where I'll be. I'm always up for writing buddies so feel free to add me, and let's all have a great November together!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

KelticKitten — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:32:25 +0100

Hi! I'm KelticKitten (I find it hilarious that CelticCat is also on this forum... we should be a source of no end of confusion for you!! So Hi Ann!!) My name is Misty. This is my first NaNoWriMo. I'm a newbie ML for the Montgomery, Alabama area--excited on two counts as this is Montgomery's first time with an ML. Last year, I won NaNo -- despite going into it half certain I would fail. I had never written anything longer than 40 pages prior to NaNoWriMo 2010....and let's face it....50,000 words is a LOT longer than 40 pages. I took an outline I wrote 25 years ago and finally stopped carrying the thing around from move to move and wrote the story for it. Really proud of how well my 17 year old self did in writing up that outline. I think she'd be proud to finally get to read her sick little tale :) This year, I'm working on a story I once wrote in 4 pages. (Told you...I write things short) and plan on turning it into a full blown story. I have always known that 4 pages did not do this story justice. And I do believe this year. Last year was a Young Adult fiction (kinda appropriate, considering who wrote the outline). This year, I am writing Fantasy. I got my first true foray into writing by writing fanfiction for Time Trax (two stories, one straight Trax, and one Quantum Leap Crossover) and finally settled down in The Magnificent Seven fandom (if you are familiar with any fanfiction those realms, let me know and I'll tell you my pen name). I've been inactive in fanfic for a while. However, FanFic really helped me to develop story lines and plots in a safe little world where most of the characters were already developed. Really made me want to develop my OWN worlds and characters. But I kept procrasitnating. And then came November 2010, when I was actually NOT teaching and NOT planning a wedding and NOT doing anything massive or busifying. I was free in November for the first time in six years and I said "Dang it... I'm gonna do it! Win or lose, I'm going to try." (then they offered a free proof copy to any winners, and I was writing for that proof copy. Seriously, that was my inspiration. I wanted that proof copy!!) I'm a Unitarian Universalist, tending towards the Neo-Pagan end. I am married with three cats, no kids (by choice).In my spare time, I act, sing, serve on a theatre board and hang out with my amazing husband, my high school sweetheart whom I reunited with 22 years after we graduated from college. Yeah, just another silly love song.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

KelticKitten — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:33:02 +0100

I meant to write 2nd NaNoWrimo and First as an ML

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

stet — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:54:57 +0100

I'm Angela, well into middle age at 46, living with my True Love and two daughters, 12 and will-turn-15-in-November. I have a very spoiled Boston Terrier and a step-guinea pig who lives with his real human but visits frequently. I'm a housewife, active in my church choir and local early music choir, and regular participant in a local fiction writers' group. The rest of the time I cook, bake, do beadwork and needlework, and collect and refurbish dollhouses. I've seen seven NaNoWriMo wins since 2002, and this is my first year as ML for Lexington, Kentucky, the horse capital of the world.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

WynnDFae — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:42:16 +0100

Hi all, I'm Wynn, 32, and still not used to it even two years into my 30s. Hehe. I'm an artist from central NJ who loves to write as well. I'm like my own comic book machine! If I was ever inclined to do that, anyway! I'm single, childfree, and have one cat, Gizmo. This'll be my last NaNo while in Jersey as I'm set to relocate to the DC area in December to live with a friend of mine. And if my friend's career has anything to say about it, next year's NaNo will be coming from Tulsa! What a leap, eh? I won last year with my psychological romance/horror story and aim to do the same with my (and I don't know why this pains to me to know this) chick-lit plot revolving around a career-misplaced 27 year old who begins writing long letters to Vincent van Gogh. Y'know, despite his being dead and all. I'm looking forward to seeing how it all plays out.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Susan Harris — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 21:45:21 +0100

Hey, I'm Susan. I'm 45 but still feel 13. No kids. No cats. I live on a farm and I keep chickens. I work full time in a hospital pharmacy. This will be my third NaNo and I'm writing historical fiction again. I love to write but the only time I get really serious about it is during November. I spend the rest of the year revising and reviling my previous efforts. I would really enjoy having some writing buddies in my age group. And good luck to everybody with hitting that 50,000 mark.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

gentillylace — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:27:36 +0100

Hello everybody! I'm Katheryn. I'm 45, never married, no kids. I'm crazy about my calico cat, and not so crazy about the semi-feral orange cat who likes to come in the house, play with my cat and eat her food -- yet run off as soon as a person tries to touch him. This will be my third NaNo. I'm planning an alternate history -- a romantic political thriller set in a counterfactual 1953 Paris in which the American Revolution never happened, the French Revolution occurred in 1906 and the Great War took place from 1914 to 1942. It's from a leftish yet orthodox Catholic perspective, because that's my perspective in life. But I hope readers don't have to be leftists or Catholics to enjoy reading it :-) I would like to have some writing buddies in my age group -- they don't have to be Christians, or single, or childless. Also, it would be great to keep in touch after NaNo -- I get so exhausted from NaNo that I do no writing, editing or otherwise revising my previous efforts for months on end. By the time I want to write again, it is summer and I am developing plot bunnies for the next NaNo. Maybe a writing buddy could keep me on my toes year-round!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Serena Casey — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 02:11:28 +0100

Hey there! I'm Serena, age *cough*46*cough* and raring to go - this is the year I will finally try NaNo. Hubby and I live in rural Michigan with our two cats. I've been writing all my life but not seriously until the last 5 years or so. I wrote my first book in two weeks in 2006 and have recently self-published it. Of course, it took me five years to make it presentable. :) I'm hoping to do the same with my NaNo novel if I can whip it into shape once November is over!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

J.P. — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 02:17:30 +0100

Hi. I'm JP. 31. Married. No kids. Work full-time. This will be my second NaNo. I won last year, and I intend to win again. Writing buddies helped me a lot last year. It looks like we can't add buddies yet, but I'm hoping that glitch in the new-and-improved nanowrimo.org will get fixed by November 1st.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

cmk418 — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 03:48:45 +0100

Hi. I'm Cat. 42, although I'm still not sure I believe that. Single by choice, no kids. This is my third NaNo. I'm trying something a little different this year - it's somewhat futuristic so I find myself trying to imagine the way the world will be in the not-so-distant future. I still write like a screenwriter, so it's hard for me to think in terms of long descriptive passages (my inner critic always accuses me of over-directing!) Looking forward to the process again this year!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

belle_laide — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 05:47:10 +0100

Hey all, I'm Jody. 42, single for 15 years now, daughter of a 21 year old daughter. Technically I guess this is my 3rd Nano, but the first year I was just curious and signed up for the forum but didn't attempt it. Last year I was doing pretty well, chugging along at 2000+ words a day and then *boom* my back went horribly, terribly out and I had 2 weeks of basically surviving while working as a hairdresser pulling 10-12 hour days for the holiday season. Anyway, I hope to actually finish this year, since I feel better prepared. I'd love to have someone to kick my butt when necessary and I offer whatever kind of support you prefer in return! I'm planning a noir-ish mystery, complete with a complicated romance angle. Also, my cocktail of choice for writing is a Negroni. ;)

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

lillyasia — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:32:57 +0100

G'day. I'm a thirty something wannabe surfer gal, who has a shark phobia and a fear of drowning. I've been scribbling ever since I can remember, but I have a short attention span. This is my first NaNo. I'm hoping this will give me the kick I need to finish a story. I write kid stories, fantasy and comedy.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Juniper34 — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:30:00 +0100

Hi all! I'm Nicole. This is my fourth nanowrimo and my third as an ML for the Peoria IL region. I've won all four times and hoping for a fifth! I am 30 years old and will be turning 31 during nano (11/19/2011). I think I jumped on these forums last year as I did technically come into the age group mid Nano :) I am married with two kids 6 and 7 1/2 months (by choice LOL). I am the crazy cat lady, I have four of them (used to be five before Hendrix passed away :( he was 21 years old!!) I also have a cat named Gizmo (pretty sure someone mentioned this previously, but I have a brain like a sieve!) I have a feeling that my 7 1/2 month old is going to keep me on my toes this year...he's a momma's boy so very clingy. Hoping I don't have to type half of my novel one handed!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

zisforzillah — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 21:12:55 +0100

Greetings and salutations! I'm Jen. This is my sixth NaNo, and I'm hoping for my sixth win. I still haven't figured out what to write, but that epiphany doesn't usually happen until the last week of October, so I'm not going to worry too much about it yet. I'm 36, in a LTR but not married (by choice), with no children (also by choice). I work in a used bookstore, which I love, and I've acquired quite a library of my own over the years. There are three permanent feline residents in the house: Flash, Freeman and Gizmo (who grouches and grumbles like she ate a Mogwai and it's trying to communicate from the depths of her belly). I've never been very active in the forums in the past. I'm trying to amend that this year. Good luck, everyone!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

schweasels — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 02:29:19 +0100

Hi I'm Amanda. This will be my second year. Hopefully I will finish this year. I gave up around day 15 last year one of my ferrets was diagnosed with cancer and I decided it was better to spend my time enjoying him while he was still around. This year there are no excuses I have healthy pets and a plot out there for the picking.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

anna scott graham — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 03:56:35 +0100

I'm Anna, 45, my sixth NaNo. I'm married, three kids all nearly in their 20s. A former SAHM, I lived in the UK for eleven years, homeschooling the kids in tandem with the hubby in Yorkshire, England, where I started NaNo. Having moved back to my native California in 2007, the kids went to college and public school, and I started writing full-time. Now I'm publishing independently, which keeps me off the streets and out of Target, much to my spouse's relief. I'm pretty prolific, will be trying two NaNovels, one in lit fic, the other sci-fi (with heavy psychological undertones). If I'm not writing, I'm watching baseball or American football, listening to music (and usually plotting out the next novel), or baking chocolate banana muffins. I adore NaNo, autumn my favorite time of year. Good luck and enjoy November; it only comes around once a year.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Scuzzimei — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 05:07:41 +0100

Hey, all. My nickname is Mei, I'm 32, and I work in retail. Single (by choice) and no kids except the ones I work with. (LOL) I've been doing Nanowrimo since 06, though I missed a year back in 07, but have yet to score a win. I enjoy everything about Nanowrimo so much, I keep coming back to try again anyway. I also participate in Script Frenzy, though I did skip this year, and have actually managed a win in that (last year in '09). Mainly I write Fantasy and Sci-Fi, though I've dabbled in Paranormal. I've never published, but I do have a writing journal where others can read my work on-line, including my currently unfinished previous Nanowrimo attempts. This year I'm writing a Fantasy novel, with a complicated plot I'm not sure how to make a synopsis for. LOL. It involves three kingdoms, a war, three siblings, magic, political intrigue, double agents, assassinations, and whatever my characters insist on throwing at me once I start writing.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Mindie — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 06:02:58 +0100

I haven't introduced myself yet. So I thought, what the hell. My kids are all asleep and my husband is working late. Damn Cat! She just tipped over my book case. AWESOME! Time for kitty to go outside because she just woke up the baby! Aaaanyway, I am 30 this year and my 20's were too crazy.(Married, Hubby tried to kill me in a bipolar frenzy, running away in the night, met a much better guy, adultery, finally divorce the first guy, unexpected pregnancy, married the second guy, found out it was twins, bad case of rare cancer, and lost the babies, all before 21) It took me the rest of my 20's to sort that first year out. So Now I want to live a mellow life and write about the crazies. The crazies are what make good story telling. This is my first NaNoWriMo and I'm feeling pretty darn good about it. The most challenging thing is going to be keeping my house together and my four kids happy. They take a lot of care with their ages so close together and still so young (Jasmyn 6, Marshall 5, Lavender 4, and Bruce 1). Sometimes I think they gang up on me and plot out something way too creative to be a coincidence. They make for great characters in my novel however, so I am glad. I'm writing this and thinking to myself, "Gosh, I hope my crazy X husband doesn't find me through this thread. If he read this he would know exactly who I was, but then he wouldn't be able to find me because I'm going to go delete my home town right now'. I am a crazy....................

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

neschria — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 15:23:24 +0100

Hi, folks. You can call me Mia or neschria. I am not particular. I'm 40. I have six kids and one granddaughter. (My oldest is 22, my youngest is 6). I am separated and in the process of divorcing, and I've landed at my mom's house with my youngest 2 daughters until I pull myself together. I'm working (very) part-time and working on renovating another house my mom owns. Life is already complicated and crazy, so it's the perfect time to try to write a 30-day novel, right? Actually, this is my second username and I've been using this one since 2007, so I've been around for a while. I've never actually finished, but I keep coming back. Failing NaNoWriMo is a tradition at this point, and the year wouldn't feel complete if I didn't. Maybe this will be my year, the year I do this all the way. Everything else in my life has changed this year, why not this?

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

WhippetGirl — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 20:28:02 +0100

Hi everyone! I'm Jean, 42, from New Zealand. I am a proud single-mum of two dogs. I have never made it past the first few days before but am determined this time. I think my novel will be chicklit but I'll watch and see. I am currently trying to clear all my to-do list before 1 November. If anyone knows a career where procrastination is an asset, please let me know.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

mentalist — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 02:07:02 +0100

Hello everyone. My name is Chris and I'm 38, hailing from Northern Virginia. I've given nanowrimo a shot since 2008 but have never succeeded beyond a few thousand words. This time though, I'm going to give it a real shot. Let's do this!!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

scaddy — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 16:28:49 +0100

Hi, I'm Steve, I'm 33, single, no children or pets. How boring! This is my first NaNo, so I've no idea what to expect, but I think I might need some hand holding when things start to go wrong. I've got a plan, and a bunch of ideas... it's about time they were written down.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Lufia_Metallium — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 16:35:09 +0100

Hi there! I go by Lufia here, I'm 31 (32 come Nov. 8), married as I'm going to get, no kids except for the ones I teach, and no pets currently. I teach in a public high school, read lots of books, and adore musical theatre in any language. This is my 9th NaNo, hopefully my 9th win, and I'm looking forward to getting started.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

kimberj103 — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 18:16:56 +0100

Hi! I am a married mother of one two-year-old boy. I am 36 and work part-time (well, full-time for part-time pay...). I managed to win NaNo last year (my house went to wrack and ruin and we ate a lot of take-out) but I cannot WAIT for November 1st (my family is less enthusiastic - probably still bitter about the dust bunny invasion and burger fest). I am also sponsoring our school's first-ever student NaNo group. I am writing a mystery this year. Last year, I think I categorized myself as "General Fiction" if only because they haven't started a forum called "Steaming Pile of Crap." (Let me know if they do...I want a tee shirt...) I would love to have some pals who are also working moms of young kids to inspire me (and to inspire?) and commiserate with (or with whom to commiserate, if you want to get technical). NaNoMail me if you're interested in being writing buddies.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

poiama — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 18:38:01 +0100

Other than Cowboy BeBop what other anime do you like?? Do you read manga as well?

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

poiama — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:25:56 +0100

So Hi y'all!! I'm Amanda. 33 From Massachusetts Third year doing nano, won last year hoping to do it again this year. I write a little bit of everything and some things without meaning too lol. Single no kids no pets, live entirely on my own. Also love reading and photography, and drawing, and digital art.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

UKSteve — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 20:54:56 +0100

Hello, seems like about time I did one of those intro thingies over here :) So... I'm Steve, I'm from the UK (what do you mean you guessed that?), I'm 37, 1.5 kids, and absolutely no idea what I'm writing this year. In past years I've completed an Old Testament Space Opera, a retro-cyberpunk comic fantasy road trip story, and what should have been a serious novel addressing the manifold problems of 21st Century life, but was actually complete rubbish. This year I have a bunch of vague ideas but haven't decided which way to jump, so you can help me pick my genre/theme :)

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

SilentScribe — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 01:17:15 +0100

Hi, I’m Michelle. I’m 37, married, with no children (though I’m very excited to soon be a first time aunt). I’m owned by six cats (named Bast, Noki, Rune, Charm, Sweetie and Girli-Girl - Bast was a stray that we took in who almost immediately crawled inside our couch and gave birth to about a thousand kittens), and have been living in Tucson, Arizona for six years now. It’s very hot here. I want to move to Alaska. Though I would settle for just going back to Connecticut. This is my sixth NaNo, and hopefully my sixth win. Fingers crossed. Last year didn’t go so well; my cat Picky (who has since passed away at the age of 18) was just starting to get sick and he wanted a lot of attention. I just made it to 50k on the last day, almost all of those words written with an orange cat lying across my wrists. And in case you’re wondering, yes, I am a crazy cat lady. This years novel will be a fantasy story, no title yet. I’ve been working on an outline, but I’m still at that point where I keep changing my mind about the important stuff. I need an outline, though. If I don’t have one, a ten page story is likely to turn into a Robert Jordan novel. I do know that this story is going to have a human sacrifice in it, and I’m not looking forward to writing the details of that. I’d really love a few writing buddies, maybe even someone who wouldn’t mind keeping in touch after NaNo is over. I’m sure I’d write more if there were someone bugging me about it on a regular basis. Is it really still two weeks until November 1st?

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

sammyjw — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 19:25:07 +0100

Sounds interesting! Where are you setting the POW camp?

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

sammyjw — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 19:43:34 +0100

Hi I'm Sam, 43 (for a few more weeks), Homeschooling Momma with 2 great girls. They Nano, I Nano, and the man in our lives sighs. This will be my 2nd NaNo year, first to be acting as teacher/cheerleader for our homeschool friends (over on the YWP side of things). I'll be writing a Fantasy novel that I've been planning on and off all year. I've written a couple shorts to get myself into the story. Can't wait to get going!!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

artzy29 — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:20:05 +0100

I feel like I'm writting a personal ad..LOL.. I'm Amy and I live here in Southern Arizona. I work a full time job and babysit my nieces when ever I have the chance,. I'm 34 and single with no kids. This year will be my second attempt at Nano but have been signed up since I think 2008. I would like to have a few writing buddies to keep me motivated and keep me on track I'm writing a paranormal/supernatrual storty.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

coffeewithkate — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:42:25 +0100

I'm Kate. Almost 43 years old (I'm sure that's a typo). Mum of six but only one left at home now (aged 4). Published erotica writer and poet but I dabble in horror and comedy too. It's my first year here which, for a self confessed serail procrastinator, is a massive leap. I'm from Yorkshire in the UK (no I don't own a flat cap or a whippet but I make fantastic Yorkshire Puddings). I've chosen to do a horror novel but that could be subject to change depending on where the nine separate voices in my head decide to take me. If you can shout over the top of them then that makes you the ideal writing buddy. Don't be scared, I don't bite. Mainly because the nurses here only give me my teeth back at mealtimes. :-)

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Jonquil Aries — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 01:29:15 +0100

Hello, my name is Serena. I'm 34, live in New Jersey with my other half for eleven years, and am a happy, if somewhat crazed, mother of dozens of fictional children that would most likely lynch me if they were real. I have been writing for years now, and have had my share of professional rejections. I'm currently working on a young adult novel that I plan to self-publish. Of course, it will take a severe back seat once November 1st rolls around. This is my third NaNo and I am really excited about it. I blame my current obsession with Loki/Tom Hiddleston from Marvel's Thor, considering one of the characters IS Loki. All I know is that it's going to be a twisted love story full of sensationalism and more than one reference to Tom Hiddleston's portrayal as Loki. Ahem. I regret nothing!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Mikita5510 — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 02:40:14 +0100

hi im Kim married mum to two kids one 9 year old girl who keeps me jumping and a 17 month old boy who is the love of my life. this is my second year of this insanity last year I did a sci fi thing and this year I am tossing around Horror since lately my life has been pretty horrific with family drama crapt i feel drawn toward horror or else its just I wanna off someone and not get in trouble for it LOL just kidding I think.... I would LOVE a writting buddy who is thinking of horror too so I can bounce ideas off their heads and they would understand where I was coming from... it would be tough to say " what if the demon vanshished when he turned on teh light" to someone who was writing about unicorns and rainbows or about a girl finding her first love that would be jsut silly and not in the same mind set at all....

Re:

Mikita5510 — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 02:46:14 +0100

just remember to dip your fish sticks into that custard and beware of any cracks in the wall and you will be fine :D

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s-2 novels "Almost Paris, Outside Paris"

chriscoonen — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:05:44 +0100

Hello, I am 47, I have a 5 year old son I had when I was 42. I wouldn't even mind having another one. It makes my poor husband who is 53 look noivise, thats nervous. We have a Corgi named Cowboy, a minature rabbit named Scooter and two birds. One bird is old and a friend from church found her in the trash and we bought the second. They are a mismatched bird couple but at least they are not alone and the older bird is a bit controling. I am from Albuquerque but live in Paris since 2005. I have won NaNo in November of 2006. My son was just seven months old and wasn't very mobile YET. I finished my first novel of about 80K words by December and than wrote a second novel in the spring, which I haven't finished. I would like to get these two in reasonable shape before I proceed. There is part of me that would prefer editing this month. I will try to edit at least 50K words. My goal is to have these two novels out by the time I am 50. Then I have about 6 other novel ideas that I am already working out mentally. Looking foward to get to know you, Chris

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

chriscoonen — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:41:34 +0100

hi, i have the gay character thing pop up also, i live in paris,american, chris

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

chriscoonen — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:42:09 +0100

gawd, i am 47 but am like a teen in my life, good luck, mean it; chris coonen

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

PyD — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:34:08 +0100

Just 30 this past summer so barely feeling the 30s vibe apart from the crippling sense of my life having not really gone anywhere yet or having no real personal achievements to look at. But that's normal right? Overeducated single jobless anxious depressed - but those are first world problems and we are where we are and do the best with it. Hoping to start writing before the first and get back to some kind of regular productive output as part of a general plan of the self administered part of my rehab and therapy. Don't want to change the world, not looking for a new Ireland, just waiting etc.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

potatosandwich — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:12:22 +0100

It's my first time here, I have an idea and somewhat of a plot, you can say I am a little unprepared but this may well be the kick up the hill I need to get pen to paper and unravel the story I have in my head. It's a story about relationships and responsibilities. That's all I know. Have fun everyone.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

MiiMii80 — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 01:30:59 +0100

Hello!!!! My name is Mikki. I am 30 (31 in 1 week :( ) I am a single mom with 2 young kids. My oldest has autism, and my youngest is in the YWP. She actually talked me into doing this with her as inspiration and a friendly challenge with each other. It is going to be a lot of fun but a lot of work for me. I am also a full time college student at ISU so I am going to busy. I found this forum and was exited to see that other people my age do this :) I am going to need all the support I can get as this is my first time and I am going to be stressing out over all the work. I look forward to spending the month of November in this forum with all of you!!!!!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

autumn dragon — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 03:10:51 +0100

Hi all. My name is Autumn. I'm 35, single and owned by Merlin, a beagle/chihuahua mix. I'm a non-fiction history, historical fiction, sci-fi/fantasy, post-apocalyptic, mystery, alternate history enthusiast when it comes to reading (and writing) but also enjoy Wodehouse, a MMORPG addict- WoW, Age of Empires Online and a few others, a puzzle addict, a Trekkie and I enjoy board and card games- Mayfair train games, Risk, etc. I am child free by choice- I've always told my mother she will get grand-dogs but no grandchildren. Haven't settled on a genre, let alone a plot yet. I might even be working on a non-fictional historical biography. Looking for writing friends- those who share my favored genres as well others.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

burstsofbrilliance — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:00:49 +0100

Just wanted to say hi--I'll be moving to Oki in Feb with my Air Force hubby and two kids. Be my buddy?? I'm Kaylyn by the way :)

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

burstsofbrilliance — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:17:55 +0100

Hey guys, I'm Kaylyn, 31, a military spouse and mom to two. I write literary fiction because I'm not clever enough to create fantasy worlds and too cynical for romance. Recently I started blogging and found out, to my surprise, that I love it. This is my second nano and hopefully my first win--I'm better at putting off writing than actually writing so we'll see how things go. Trying to find encouragement any place I can so if you need a buddy, I'm your gal--nobody gets turned away ;) Good luck to everyone!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

kristocker — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:31:55 +0100

Hi all! I'm Kristen, 31, married and expecting my first baby in January. I learned about NaNo last October and joined on a lark. I ended up winning but not finishing the novel. I tried working on it throughout the year but could never get motivated beyond a few paragraphs - I realized that I really need the structure and deadlines of NaNo to write fiction. This year I had planned on writing historical fiction. The research has overwhelmed me, so I'm shelving it for now. When looking over last year's outline, I was really intrigued to see how it would turn out and have decided to write the second half this year. Now I just need to go back and read what I've written. I'd love to win and finish the novel this year. My 11 year-old niece has been begging to read it - coming-of-age fantasy that I think she might actually enjoy - so I'm using her as a motivation to finish and edit.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

mals86 — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:04:55 +0100

Hey there, fellow NaNoWriMos! This is my fourth NaNoWriMo, and this time... bum bum BUM... I'm a Rebel. I'm working on a piece that I started over the summer and only got about 9K into. Determined to finish this. Married, Christian, three kids, live on a farm in Virginia (US). Have a dog, a cat, and about 220 cows. (Well, technically the cat owns me. You know how I know? *I* feed *her.*) Blog regularly, often about perfume but sometimes about personal stuff - like NaNoWriMo. And marching band. And, well, cows. Not that cows are personal, exactly, but not everyone has ongoing relationships with them. Looking for a couple of good writing buddies to share encouragement with.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

annabelle2024 — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 22:38:00 +0100

Hi, ya'll. I'm Annah, and I just turned 30 in September. I think I am going through a pre-midlife crisis. I have always wanted to write, and I have started stories but haven't finished them except for a few short stories. I'm taking a writing course for Children's Lit. which has helped me reunite with my desire to write. I just found out about NaNo at the beginning of October. This is my first year, and I'm very excited. It was just what I needed. I am the mother of two, a 7 year old and a 3 year old. I have two kittens, two dogs, two snakes, a tortise, and a monitor. My husband and I would have more animals, but we know that that would be overdoing it. : ). My story falls into the supernatural genre. I would like to have a writting buddy that can help keep me sane and motivated until the end of November. I will help try to do the same for any buddies.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Tipsister — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:57:42 +0100

Hi all! I'm Susan, 38 and single. I don't have children but I have a dog who expects to be babied. She's actually been very detrimental to my writing as she expects me to throw a ball whenever I sit down at my computer. It's hard to get those ideas going when I have to stop and throw a ball every 15 seconds. I may need to hire a nanny. This will be my fifth NaNo and I've won every year. I feel like last year was a failure even though I had the word count. It was a complete mess of writing. I fully expect to get my groove back this year and I am planning a sequel to my 2008 NaNo. That novel is still in very early editing stages because I seem to have a mental block about it. I'm hoping that writing a sequel will help me better develop my character's voice so that I can re-write the first novel without her sounding so dang whiny.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

nzric — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:12:40 +0100

Hi, I'm Richard, 35, married with a two-year-old girl and a giant ocicat/moggie that thinks it's a dog. Live in New Zealand and work in emergency management, interested in reading/writing about current events, science and atheism/skepticism, as well as history, literature and art history. Doing my first ever marathon on 30th October so I'm planning to be happily couch-bound for the first few days to get a good start on the month. Haven't done nanowrimo before but I like reading/writing macabre fantasy and near-future science fiction - have one idea in particular that I'd really like to get my teeth into so looking forward to throwing myself in the deep end.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

chriscoonen — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:16:37 +0100

I just had a thought? There is a special age group for 20's and we 30 and 40 year olds are lumped together. Personally I find a huge difference between my 30's and now my 40's. For next year perhaps they can do four groups of 20's, 30's 40's and 50+. I certainly don't mind being together with thirty year old people but for me I was still living partly in my twenties in my thirties and not ready for real real adulthood yet if that makes sense? Anyhoo just my idea. That the fhirty and forty year olds could easily have their own age groups seperately although it's fine together. and i also would like to think that there are big differences in the above fifty age groups also? Just a comment. Other than that have enjoyed reading the descriptions of people and their interests, backgrounds, writing etc. Neat-o. chris

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

tacomagirl — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:39:56 +0100

Hi, I'm Lauri! Stats: 32, in a serious relationship heading towards marriage but we're in no rush, no kids by mutual agreement. My boyfriend is 42, so I feel like I fit perfectly into the 30 to 40 group... We adopted a golden retriever from a rescue group a few months ago and now she is the little princess of the house. I am originally from NJ and my bf is from PA... after living together in Spring Lake, NJ for 8 months, we decided to get the heck out of the cold Northeast and moved to Florida in April. It has been 6 and a half months of paradise so far and we love it. We live one block from the Gulf and have a large deck with an awesome view - it is going to be my little treat to sit on the deck with a glass of cabernet and write my evenings away all through November. Since we've only been down here for a short while, we haven't made many friends, let alone of the NaNo-ing sort, so any writing buddies would be welcome!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

tigerlily515 — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:47:35 +0100

Tigerlily here....43, two teenagers (God help me), a soon-to-be-ex, and a lazy dog. I work part time in a very slow office. My office mate works on her masters, so I decided to do nano. Pretty much everything I write at least has a seed of real life experience in it. After having the wool pulled over my eyes recently, I decided to write The Cat Burglar's Club, about four women who track down the man who seduced them all online.....and they end up making it a career.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Glas — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:04:32 +0100

Dan here, 47 and fourth time back. A Wisconsinite transplanted in Florida and yes the sun is doing wonders for me.The Mini will soon be sporting a Darwin and an agnostic fish followed by five pointy ear, fuzzy tail tadpoles decals (once I figure put how to differentiate dog from cat tadpoles). Considering I only have 18 days to write I am thinking of just finishing my steam punk fairy tale mash up. If I have time and word count; last years story? Or maybe I will just be a rebel, start a new topic thread and beguile you with my renditions of Vogon poetry.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Aladdin — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 17:20:06 +0100

My name is Jase and this is my first NaNo! I am very excited and I look forward to this experience. I will be 36 in December and I have been married for 15 years. We have 3 adopted children and an adopted cat! In college I began majoring in journalism and worked at the local paper. I fell in love, dropped out, got married and took a factory job. All of these years the stories inside of me have begged for release! Now, I have been writing for a few months and a good friend told me about NaNo and said I should try. So here I am! I look forward to interacting with you all. I have a rough outline and a couple of characters cooked up just chomping at the bit for Nov. 1 to arrive! Always willing to take on writing buddies!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

alicewitten — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 20:37:57 +0100

Hi everyone! I'm Alice, 31, and this is my first NaNoWriMo ever. I live in Omaha, NE with my wonderful husband and two crazy dogs. My "big girl" job is accounting manager but I have this ridiculous idea that someday I will be able to leave that behind and write full-time. I have a book about 7/8 finished at 111,000 words but its taken me longer than I care to admit to get to that point. I'm hoping NaNoWriMo will force me to actually finish a book. My project is a YA fantasy but I don't have a title yet. Looking forward to meeting new people and drinking way too much expresso!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

madamding — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 22:16:41 +0100

Hi, I am looking for writing buddies to keep me motivated and hopefully to help keep others motivated too! This is my first attempt at NaNoWriMo so I have no idea what I am letting myself in for or how this is going to go so moral support is welcome! I am 32, live in England and have two children. I've no idea what genre I'm going to fit in as I haven't quite decided on which story I'm going to run with but I think it will be chick lit/literary fiction or somewhere in between!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

LilMomma5 — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:15:02 +0100

Hi all, I'm Jacqui. I'm 34 years young and live with my wonderful hubby, 4 gorgeous daughters (with another baby due in May) 2 dogs, 1 rabbit, and 1 cat here in Darwin, Australia. I have a full time job, and write as much as possible. This is my first attempt at NaNo, and as yet I'm still unsure of which direction I'm going in with it, but am planning on just having fun and seeing where it takes me.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

IanswertoMom — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 01:57:39 +0100

I'm...well, I mostly answer to "Mom," hence the screen name. I'm 36, Quaker, married for rather more than a decade, mom of four. My two homeschooled big kids, ages 9 and 10, plan to do the YWP this year. I expect the four-year-old and baby will "assist" us all by providing frequent interruptions, along with lots of hugs and encouragement. This is my third NaNo; won 2009, lost last year (barely). I have my work cut out for me this year, with a week of travel planned in the middle of the month, two children rehearsing for roles in The Nutcracker, and a crazy number of appointments scheduled, in addition to the usual chaos. (As an example of "usual chaos," we're currently making many quarts of applesauce and pie filling for the freezer. We'd better finish that before NaNo starts!) I'm writing science fiction this year. My novel is set in a Mars colony, and begins with a terrorist attack that kills the protagonist's husband. I expect it will just get more complicated from there.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

EDBeale — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:28:41 +0100

My name is Erica. I'm 30, married with no kids. This is my second attempt at Nano. Last time I got a little discouraged (and fell out-of-love with the story I was writing). I've decided to go ahead and give it another go. We'll see how it turns out. My story is an erotic, dark fantasy about a half demon woman sold to a pair of criminal vampires. I actually started the story years ago, but my writing style has changed so much sense then that it needs to be completely rewritten...not to mention actually finished! Good luck to everyone :)

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Orphansunder — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:16:57 +0100

Name is Trevor. 30 years old. Married to my Goddess for nearly a year now. No kids. This is my second NaNo. First one I completed the word cap, but never finished the story, which i refer to frequently in my head as my Literary Abortion. Sat out last year because I was busy getting married in November. But this time around I'm back and mean business. Good Luck all!!! XD

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

linkin73 — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:27:36 +0100

I'm Iain, i'm 37 but will be 38 the day NaNo kicks off. I'm not married & i have no kids, had thoughts of having a family a few years ago but never really did anything about it. This is my 2nd year of NaNo, just about finished last year as i had taken time out during Nov to go up to London to see a band i like as well as a few things. My story this year is a supernatrual/ paranormal themed piece, based off an idea i had almost 10 years ago, i've made various failed attempts at writing this story but never actually finish it, hope i have better luck with this years NaNo. Best of luck to one & all.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

CrystalG1 — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 23:38:18 +0100

HI! I'm Crystal. I am 32 and single with a beautiful 7 year old daughter. This is my first NANO and I'm so excited but a bit nervous! Though I have been working on a book for a few months now, I have a new idea that I'm very excited to write so I'm hoping things will go well. Because I have a brain injury I never know from day to day if I'll feel like writing which may pose a problem for my daily word count. I think I'll be able to make up the difference on good days, though! I would love for everyone to add me as a buddy as I will need the encouragement, especially on the BLAH days. I'd be interested to hear from veterans who knows what to expect, as well as newbies like me who can share their NANO journey with me! God Bless!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

oceansong99 — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 06:33:46 +0100

Invest in a NaNo baby carrier for hands free snuggle time!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

oceansong99 — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 06:39:52 +0100

Hi **waves** I'm Shira, the love of my life and only man in my life is my 21 month old son. He is my biggest distraction, which means I need to get motivated after he goes to bed. I love to procrastinate and am a bit of a hermit. Oh, and I will be 31 on Halloween. I have never participated in anything like NaNo before, so this is a brave new adventure... just like parenting.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

uterusarmageddon — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:13:24 +0100

Hi :) I'm Laine, 34, mother of two, engaged and about to be step-mom to two more. Oldest is nearly 16, then 13, then nearly 9, and 6. I'm a photographer and graphic designer, and I do some sql coding. And I'm Pagan. This is my third nano and I'm hoping to actually get somewhere this year. I don't do outlines, or character personality sheets or anything. I can't even manage to write in a straight line. I just write in chunks then piece it together later. I'm hoping a writing buddy will help me stay motivated! I think my novel will maybe fit into either young adult supernatural stuff or just flat out supernatural.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Sparky_Marshall — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:27:44 +0100

Hello, I am Sally. I'm *gulp* 30 and married with no children but we have two 30lbs Maine Coon cats named Faffy and Fang. I am burlesque preformer and when I am not dancing I work at our city hospital, search for abandoned farm houses and generally find reasons to go explore towns that are not my own. I am a total newbie at Nano although I did stalk the boards last year while trying to decide if this is something I could truly do or not. I would love to have a buddie(s) to help guide me through this. I started writing young but I remember writing my first true "good" story on a family camping trip when I was about 13 or 14. My story for Nano can be considered and erotic romance since that's mostly what I write nowadays. Please don't write off the smut pedalers! Anyways it takes place on an island off the coast of Newfoundland which is and area I am quite famililar with and I have developed my MC's as well as some supplemental players....but my plot is a little thin. I hope to iron it all out as I write. I have a bad habit of doing that!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

mlthut — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 07:58:30 +0100

I'm Melanie. 37. Married. No kids (by choice). 2 cats. I'm California Grown, transplanted to Washington State (Seattle area). This is my 7th nano and hopefully 4th win. I know what I want to write about (in the fantasy genre), but am having a hard time motivating myself to actually work on it even though I know I never do well if I don't have at least a little bit planned out ahead of time. I can't believe there's only 4 days left until it begins! Now can I panic?

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Selahrose — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:20:24 +0100

Hello! I am Selah. Though I am 31 as I write this, by the time the challenge is over I will be 32. I have no issue with my age or telling of it. When people look at me they think that I am in my early 20's and when I speak they believe that I am in my early 40's. lol I do not act my age and tend to act older in everything that I do. Even in picking a mate they are at least 12 years my senior and must carry themselves as such. To make me even more twisted than that I am Christian. No I am not a bible thumper and to prove that I write erotica fiction, bdsm, lgbt and other things that are considered a no no for most Christians, however my faith is still intact. :D This is my first Nano and though I have only been seriously writing since June or July this year, I have written two 50,000 word or more stories within that time. I am hoping to use this Nano experience to bring me into area of writing that I would never think of trying. In saying all of that I am glad that there is a group for 30's and 40's. I never have anything in common with those in my age group and being religious doesn't help because sadly they judge that beore getting to know the whole me. With me you never know how far the rabbit hole goes... Thanks again!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Jedi Scaper — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:21:53 +0100

Hey. Lance here, from Northwest Chicago burbs. 40. No wife, no kids. First Nano. Wanted to be a writer since I was 10 or 12. Got distracted by that whole life thing. Last year I finally started that novel based on a story I wrote when I was a kid (yes I still have the original notebook), only now I can make it just a tad more realistic, and now my MC went to Iraq instead of Vietnam. It's a crime noir, though my genres of choice are typically more speculative: sci-fi and urban fantasy.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

mysticCelt — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 22:08:49 +0100

I'm Russ, from Grand Forks ND. 48 (darn near 49), married, three kids (ages 10, 7, and 7), and a moderately codependent Labrador Retriever who considers herself my copilot anytime I grab the car keys. She's a good dog. :-D First NaNo this year, prepping for a story in the soft-scifi/space opera regions. Have no idea where this will go, but the whole NaNo thing looks like a lot of fun - and plenty of opps to make friends! Onward... have a great day!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

dreamingheart — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 22:29:57 +0100

I'm Misty (*wince*) and I'm 32. I'm the stay at home mom of three girls, Adia (8), Alaina and Patience (5). I'm bipolar and about as sensitive as a thumbtack, so I'm sorry in advance. My passions are reading, cooking, writing and eating. I learned to write in a fanfic society, but due to a friend's insistence, joined NaNo in 2009. I not only won that first year, I won twice - as in, two separate writing projects crossed the 50k line. I also won in 2010, and logged one more win in July's session of CampNaNo. My resolution this year was to finish things I started, so I've been trying to write and rewrite that 2009 winner and submit it for publishing. I'm writing for the mainstream/romantic/crime novel class this year with a tale that involves identical twins and a lady who thought she knew what she wanted. The plot seems madly derivative to me, but they say all stories are based on other stories and there's nothing new under the sun. So, I definitely shouldn't feel ashamed of myself. I also have a book on perinatal hospice I'd like to write: perinatal hospice is carrying a terminally ill fetus until it is born, rather than following what used to be standard medical advice and having a late-stage abortion. I carried my first daughter in this fashion in 2002, until her death by heart defect/Down's syndrome. In a perfect world, I will "finish" both this NaNo season. In an imperfect one, I'll have to be happy with finishing the fiction and doing the nonfiction during another month, like DecEdMo or whatever it is.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

shaitarn — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 02:10:54 +0100

Hi everyone, I'm Karen, 37 and married. This is my second NaNo, and I'm frantically trying to pick the plot I'm going to use from the ones circling in my head. I'd really like a writing buddy for encouragement and so I don't feel like I'm writing in a void. I'll be writing fantasy, but 99% of the people in the genre link seem to be teenagers; not that there's anything wrong with teenagers writing, but I have nothing in common with them.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

ShaViva — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 09:05:07 +0100

Hi, I'm Sha, 42, married, 3 children (8, 8 and 5), working part time ... this is my first NaNo - written lots of fanfiction in the past and going for my first completely original story. I'm writing mainstream fiction - that's what you call your story when you know it's not fantasy, mystery, suspence, sci fi, etc ;) I have a plan, not very detailed, and brief character bio's for my three main characters - I think it'll be a challenge to turn that into an actual story!! Happy to be writing buddies if any of that seems interesting :D

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Taisch — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 15:01:55 +0100

[quote=shaitarn] Hi everyone, I'm Karen, 37 and married. This is my second NaNo, and I'm frantically trying to pick the plot I'm going to use from the ones circling in my head. I'd really like a writing buddy for encouragement and so I don't feel like I'm writing in a void. I'll be writing fantasy, but 99% of the people in the genre link seem to be teenagers; not that there's anything wrong with teenagers writing, but I have nothing in common with them. [/quote] Heh, yeah, I know the feeling! I'm writing fantasy, too (rebelliously continuing my NaNo from last year!). I'm 42, married, with 3 kids. It's only 3 more days! Panic! I would love to have a writing buddy, too. This is my 7th year doing NaNo, but I feel more blah than ever. I do have the story I want to write, but when it gets down to the nitty gritty writing days...I'll probably go into it with much wailing and gnashing of teeth. Hmm, the buddy code now seems to be online! Woo hoo! I'll add the last 3 people who posted before me, if you guys are up for NaNo mutual-support. :)

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Midwest — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 15:53:20 +0100

Hi all, Married mom of 4 (2 bio, 2 step/bonus) and 2 labs of questionable behavior. Work full time. This is my first NaNo and I'm using this w/e to stock the pantry, stock the freezer w/ muffins and casseroles and prepare the kids for their "opportunity" to pitch in on meals and laundry for the month. My hubby is also giving NaNo a shot. He is sane and going for 50k; I am not and am going for a finished novel - around 95k. Would love to chat w/ writing buddies. I write mainstream/women's fiction of the thinking-person type - the sort of "what would YOU do" or "book club fiction" novel addressing real issues. Looking forward to seeing how all of you are doing as the month goes on. Good luck to everyone!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

dreamingheart — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 20:19:04 +0100

Whoohoo! Support! Not even my bra offers that these days. :)

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

shaitarn — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 00:00:24 +0100

I'll take all the support I can get :). I've added you to my buddy list.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

shaitarn — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 00:02:18 +0100

Hi Erica. I hope you get that written, I really want to read it!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

shamlett — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 04:20:05 +0000

Hi, I'm Sandra. I've done NANO number of times, some years I've been more successful than others. I'm the mother of three (16, 12, and 5). All my kids are in school. I've taken a leave of absence from studying at New Paltz. I actually might have time to write. I'm trying hard not to think about this fact too much because it's just too damn scary knowing the only thing standing between starting this novel and finishing it is my incredible powers of procrastination. I can already feel myself planning to organize my books alphabetically by first sentences... no must not think of this, I must focus on writing... So I could really use some encouragement from other procrastinators out there... especially with soccer playoffs happening during NANO (Go Red Bulls!!)

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

IrishMouse — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 06:08:50 +0000

Hi! I'm Amanda. I'm 33, single, no kids. This is my second attempt at Nano. Last year didn't go so great so I'm hoping this year will. I've always wanted to be a writer and thought this would be a great way to dive into it. I'm currently trying to put together a plot from all the ideas swirling around in my head.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

BWBB — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 16:49:27 +0000

I'm Debbie and I'm (ehem) 39, married with a 14 year old daughter. This is my first NaNo and hopefully not my last (we'll see). I've got my moleskeine ready to be written in and my excellent cheap pen, as well as my fab discoveries: Scrivener and Evernote (please Google these). I'm writing a paranormal, YA novel called The Junk Room. All the best.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

dutchbando — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 20:02:44 +0000

Hi everyone! I've been trolling the forums since relaunch and just realized I never introduced myself. I'm dutchbando, a 30 year old substitute teacher from Madison, Wisconsin. Childfree, pet-free and single after my long-term heading-towards-marriage relationship ended unexpectedly in April. That threw me for a loop in every way and I've been trying to pick up the pieces since then. I'm trying desperately to find a better job than being a substitute teacher, but alas nothing yet. When I'm not working my thankless job or searching/applying for new employment, I like taking walks, reading and doing jigsaw puzzles. This is my sixth NaNo and I'm aiming for my fourth win. My novel this year is fantasy. If you write fantasy too, feel free to add me as a buddy! Good luck to everyone!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

MariAdkins — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 21:57:10 +0000

I'm Mari. 42. Married. Two boys, both grown (22 and 20). One cat (calico). Two tanks of fish. I'm the woman around the corner who keeps all the wild birds fed. :) I generally write fantasy/paranormal // urban // dark fiction. This summer I decided to branch out and try my hand at YA literature. That's been interesting and fun.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

starrdust16 — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:58:07 +0000

Hello, Im Amber. Im 32 and this is my first Nano! I am excited, but....nervous too. I am writing a fantacy story for my two daughters. I hope I can do this!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

brandyb — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 02:53:46 +0000

Hi everyone! I'm Brandy--33 years old, happily childless and unmarried to my boyfriend of almost six years. I'm not sure if I've gone crazy yet, but I do have a cat and I am a lady, so it's possible. I work full-time for a cosmetics company, and I'm pretty sure most of my writing will be done during my long transit commute. This will be my third Nano attempt. Last year I pantsed it and made it to 50K (and I finished early, no less! I have no recollection of how I managed to pull that off), so this year I've made things a bit easier on myself by completing an outline. The story doesn't lean substantially toward any particular genre, so I'm slotting myself into Mainstream Fiction. I'm always up for some encouragement, and I'll do what I can to inspire! I don't expect to be overly active on the forums, but if I seem absent I'll definitely be available on NanoMail and all manner of social media outlets.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Loneguppy — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 05:47:32 +0000

Hi. I'm Cindy. Age 43. Eternally single. Always hits a writing roadblock when writing about relationships. That's because, I live with my retired parents. I work in animation production, and literally watching cartoons everyday. Art was my first outlet of creativity. Writing is an extension of my vocation. NaNoWriMo is my most ambitious project. More so than the scenery projection I just created for stage. I've usually write independently, but now I need buddies to keep me going.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

chaeron — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:20:59 +0000

I'm Jade, married with two kids under five. My husband is also taking part in Nano this year, so I expect the kids will be eating lots of mac and cheese, and watching lots of TV.... :-) I write science fiction. The novel I wrote last year during the NaNo (and significantly edited) went on to take second place in the 2011 Royal Palm Literary Awards, Science Fiction (unpublished) category. This year, I'm taking a break from the series it spawned to work on young adult sci-fi. I welcome all writing buddies!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

LilMomma5 — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:10:58 +0000

Congrats on the baby and best of luck with your NaNo journey! Jacqui

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

lifeinpolaroid — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:37:03 +0000

Hi! I'm Nicole, I'm 32 and while I don't have children of my own I actively co-parent my seven-year-old niece (and she's a handful!) I write in any genre, but am fascinated by dystopian fiction. Writing buddies welcome!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

tigerlily515 — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:21:28 +0000

I am 43, "in transition," and I have two great teenagers. I am writing what I suppose is mainstream fiction, though there will be a few mysteries to solve and some humor. But NO mushy love stuff - nada. I am a southern belle with an irreverent attitude and bipolar disorder. I have no outline because that would require planning and organizational skills.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Amy P. — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 19:04:01 +0000

Hello, writers. :) My primary goal is just to knock out the 50,000 words this year, but I would really love to actually produce something with a semblance of cohesion instead of random fragments all stuck into the same "novel." I usually end up loving many of the fragments, but fail pretty badly at the concept of "novel." Write on!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

aliat — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 23:29:09 +0000

Hello, I'm Ashley. I am 36, have one 14 year old kid and am writing a YA fantasy for Nano this year. I've thought about doing Nano before (and even went as far as signing up last year), but this is the first time I'm actually making an honest attempt at winning. I wrote the first draft of a different novel in May by pretending it was Nano and focusing on writing quickly and without editing, so I'm hoping that success is repeatable. This book has an outline and characters and a couple of false starts already written. I'm pretty stoked to get started. :D

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

omnicad — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 02:14:10 +0000

Hi I'm Nate, 32, single, no kids but a cute little niece and nephew and an Australian Silky Terrier/Yorkie (?) named Zoe who came to me from the streets of South Korea by way of a slightly impulsive, now estranged, fiance. This is my first NaNo. I actually decided to do this last week so I've not done a whole lot of planning. I think I'll try to put some fragments together from stories and tidbits I've written in the last couple years. They all seem to want to fit together so why not give them a chance to mingle? I think my stuff will fall under Mainstream Fiction, but I tend to get a little strange at times so...Anyway, I'll probably need some encouragement so if you need a buddy, hit me up and I'll do the same.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

aquamoon — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 02:36:03 +0000

Am 43, and this is my very first Nano! Am so impressed with the number of people who've been doing this for years. (Any tips???) To me, this is an intimidating venture, though I'm determined to stick it out. Am heartened that people return annually....gives me hope that I, too, may survive. How to balance writing with full-time work, friends, family, etc.? Am hoping that Nano will help me figure that out, and that I'll keep the process going beyond November. Sidenote about the '40's. During dinner with a friend (also in her 40's) last night, she mentioned an urge to try lots of new things. She's learning to swim, despite a lifetime fear of water. How many of us are diving into our creative pools for the first time?

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Intel134 — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 07:40:02 +0000

Elemetalpixie, I would like to be your writing buddy!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Scarl — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:54:02 +0000

Hi All, I'm a guy, 45 years old, and divorced with no children. This is my second year of NaNo, but I only managed 2k words last year so I could probably use a couple writing buddies to keep me honest. :-) I'm writing a zombie-apocalypse adventure, mainly because it should be fun to write.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

SandraDee — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:31:56 +0000

Hi fellow NaNos! Does that make anyone else here think of Mork from Ork (nano, nano)? I'm Sandy and I'm 42. I'm a NaNo virgin, and so glad to be here. I've got kids, an ex-husband, a lovely girlfriend, dogs, cats ... you know, the usual. I'm writing a crime/thriller (?) about a suicidal woman middle aged woman (she'll be culturally 'invisible') who decides to murder a bad guy before taking her own life. Mayhem ensues. I shared the plot with a friend today who said it was "psychotic" and asked not to be included as a character. Hmmmm. I'm just hoping to make it gritty but fun. I don't really know how the buddy thing works (Is there a button? Do you just ask 'Will you be my buddy'? It feels like a bit like a Sadie Hawkins dance). Anyway, I'd love some company on this journey. Good luck to all of us...

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

ChrissyMarie — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:52:15 +0000

Hey, everyone! This is my 6th or so NaNo... I've won every year but last year. Last year I became bored to death with my premise and was dealing with some new medical stuff... This year, though, while I am not done with the medical stuff, I'm used to it. ;) Single, 32, I live with my cat. We're in Connecticut. :)

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Erin Doane — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:27:51 +0000

Hello Everyone! I decided it was time to procrastinate so here I am! This is my seventh NaNoWrimo and I've done pretty well with it. In the past I've always gone at it on my own but this year I thought it might be fun to collect some writing buddies to share encouragement, or inspire competition, whichever gets the words on the page! I'm 33 years old, I've got a quail who crows along with my NaNo soundtrack as I write and a husband of nine years who mostly stays out of the way when I'm deep in my own head. No kids and no plans for kids. I love having nieces and nephews because I can give them back! I'm trying my hand at mainstream fiction this year though I've done science fiction, fantasy and historical romance in years past. So, if anyone would like to be my buddy, here I am!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

troutrd2011 — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:12:19 +0000

Hi, Angie. I'm Rhonda and I just joined Nano. I'm 45, married with two daughters, Kimberly who is 21 and Karen who is 18. Both in college. I haven't written in a very long time, I've done articles for my newspaper a few times and I wrote a story about Candy Land, but nothing published. I would love to corresponde with you and be your buddy. :D

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

troutrd2011 — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:15:03 +0000

Hi Sharon! Don't be afraid! I'll hold your hand and help you through this if you will hold mine! I'm 45 and I am a procrastinator from the get go! I live in Missouri and I have one cat named Kenji who thinks she's a dog. My daughters are 21 and 18 and both are in college. I read "romance novels" and fantasy/fiction books that my husband likes to read. We can do this!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

troutrd2011 — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:18:09 +0000

Hi SirenPrincess! I love Paranormal Romances! You are my new BFF! :D Let's be buddies! I'm 45 years old and have been married for 22 years! I have a cat who thinks she's a dog, named Kenji. I'm writing about my character which I play in a role playing game called Magicduel. I hope I succeed!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Jtmarie — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:31:53 +0000

Hi Everyone!! I am 44 and single and this is my third attempt at Nano. I didn't complete the challenge the last two years, but I am hoping this will be the year. My story this year is a ghost story that takes place on a horse farm. I hope I can sustain the story long enough to reach 50,000 words. I am looking for buddies if any one would care to be one :) Good Luck everyone!!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

El Santo — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 03:57:50 +0000

Hello! I am 35 and doing this for the second time in, oh, 9 years. I am doing something that has something to do with integrating Pacific Northwest Native American mythology into the modern era. Sadly, I have no knowledge of this mythology beyond Wikipedia. Quelle horrors!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

minati — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:01:35 +0000

Yebo, I'm 34, single (not by choice, but oh well, what can one do) and I'm currently living and working in Mozambique. Successfully completed NANO waaay back in 2004... been way too lazy or busy since then. Hoping to complete it this year, and I've typed up 5384 words about an hour or so ago. Whew. I have two black cats (one very sweet, the other kinda neurotic). My novel so far is about zombies.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

dreaded_night_turtle — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:21:10 +0000

I posted this elsewhere. I'm also posting it here in case anyone here is interested. I'm actually quite irked that age is the defining factor for a lot of these boards. I feel age is irrelevant and dislike pigeonholing. I seek people of like-brains. Bodies do not matter to me. I am the turtle. This is my 8th nano. I have won the past 6 in a row and I (mostly) know what I'm doing. I do not care how old you are, where you are from, your gender or your genre. I do not care if you have succeeded at nanowrimo more or less times than me, nor do I have any issues if you have never done this before, are clueless and want help. I do care if you are a writer outside of nano, if you are well-spoken and/or poetic, if you are intelligent, eloquent, expressive and creative, if you are interested in actual companionship with another writer rather than just someone to read your story and/or like what you like. I'm looking for someone to actively converse with on a regular basis during nanowrimo. Things which will detract from us getting along: - if you primarily write fanfiction (I have nothing against fanfiction, I just have zero interest in it) - if you are prone to 'squee' - if you cannot handle having your religious beliefs questioned/challenged - if you cannot handle having your militant atheism questioned/challenged - if you have any problems with non-normative sexuality and/or non-normative conceptualizations of gender - if you do not read (you'd think this would not be an issue among nanoers - you'd be surprised) - if you primarily wish to talk about child care, babies, parenthood or other overly domestic nuclear-family-centric concerns (it's just not something I can connect with, I'm sorry) - if the genre within which something is written is more relevant to you than the quality of its writing - if you don't do email and/or instant messenger chats Things which will enhance the likelihood of us getting along: - if you read a lot, and widely - if you enjoy philosophical and/or theoretical discussions - if you are pursuing a degree or otherwise have an interest in: biology, physics, mathematics, computer science, psychology, philosophy, anthropology, history, fine arts, music, drama or literature - if you find any of the following interesting: media theory, the narrative construction of the self, transhumanism, fluid concepts of gender, non-normative sexuality, artificial intelligence, poetry, zombies - if email and/or instant messenger chats are among your preferred formats for online communication

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

duxelissa — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 02:39:10 +0000

Hi, Jtmarie! I'm also 44 and single, but this is my first try at Nano. I almost didn't try this year for fear that I'd not make it. Your idea of a ghost story on a horse farm sounds very interesting - I'm betting you make the 50,000! :) Mine so far is about a timid man who faints at the sight of blood becoming a vampire. Not sure where I'm going with it, but...we'll see. And I'd love to be writing buddies...happy typing! (or writing, of course) Duxelissa (Valerie)

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

rebeccasbrain — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 09:42:34 +0000

Let's buddy up. I'm 35, in a relationship and living in London....! I need some buddies to help motivate me :-)

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

rebeccasbrain — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 09:43:31 +0000

Let's buddy up! I'm looking for some motivation :-)

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

chriscoonen — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:20:26 +0000

Although I agree that sometimes being cool transends age. Although I often find people annoying at all ages. the person who posted above. ah, so high minded, above up there;) except I really do feel almost 50 yet 47 for now. Me being 47 feel I am heading to old-lady-ville, and its not margarita-ville. Old-lady-ville, is menapause and weird weight gain instantly, occassionaly facial hair and starting sentences like, "jeese, today I was remember what it was like when I was 36." plus low sex drive. I am just grateful when I can get mascara on much less move around after 10PM. I do like people and am extroverted. In fact just the opposite of you I was kinda thinking maybe I will join the 50 year old link and perhaps just ask to be an honorary 50 year old? I think it would make them laugh and giggle. I am sure we all would get a kick out of it. Today, I am editing. Let's see, I stopped by just because it had flashed through my mind how I enjoyed my thirties. How I still dressed up for Halloween, stuff like that. I do read constantly and sometimes classics and really enjoy new novels. Right now I am reading "The Girl With A Dragon Tattoo", although I can realllly tell it was written by a european who was enamored with John Grisham. I just finished "Windows of the World", by Frederic beibegher a french writer who had rich parents and is famous for getting busted by the police sniffing cocaine off his parked car outside and losing like 30 pounds seemingly overnight right around that arrest. and now is incredibly thin; I have a liberal arts and science degree; although i wouldnt have minded a business degree. If I had been more clever I think a great degree is economics. anyhoo, this is a big link and i would enjoy hearing more from people I soppose, chris

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Lexxicongal30 — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:06:11 +0000

Hi. Can I adopt you as a writing buddy as you sound like someone who's on my wavelength? Thanks

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Lexxicongal30 — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:14:17 +0000

Hi Can I adopt you? You sound like me, with ideas going around in your head!! Can't make up my mind either. Thanks in advance.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Lexxicongal30 — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:16:46 +0000

Hi, could I adopt you? You're right up my alley for writing fantasy!! Thanks

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

GhostGirl — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:51:30 +0000

Whoa! I just jumped up another year, today! (that sounds weird, doesn't it?) Had to update my age status from 46 to 47! Party on, people!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Tenma2011 — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:20:39 +0000

Hi, Jean - I'm Kim. I think it's funny that you just described your novel in almost the same way I did in my synopsis! We'll have to compare notes at the end of the month and see if we evolve into something other than chicklit (however, I don't plan to add even one vampire to mine, so supernatural/horror/etc. is absolutely out). How's that career in procrastination coming along?

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Tenma2011 — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:27:52 +0000

Hi, I'm Kim! This is my first NaNo as well, and I'm kind of in the same boat you are...I think my story may fall into the chick lit category, but not entirely sure. I will absolutely add you as a buddy, as I also need all the motivation possible. I've heard from a few people that the first week is usually very productive, but then it gets harder. Hopefully, we can provide some mutal, much-needed moral support!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Tenma2011 — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:34:20 +0000

Hi, Cindy - I'm Kim. Wow....I could've written the "Age 43. Eternally single" bit myself. And I find it pretty cool that you get to watch cartoons all day, because I love cartoons. Lucky girl. This is my first NaNo and I'm worried about getting past the rush of week 1, so I'm definitely adding you as a buddy. Hope you're enjoying the ride so far!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

chriscoonen — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 06:18:33 +0000

you look good for 47 what's your secret, just teasing I'm the big four seven myself.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

GhostGirl — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:01:35 +0000

LOL! I write for teens...keeps me young!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

mo — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 22:23:06 +0000

Hi there. I'm 41 and this is my third time doing nano (but I've only finished once -well twice if you count the time I didn't validate because I felt I'd cheated). I tend to take a year off between attempts to recover. You know, because of being old. I'm more prepared and have a more fully formed plot this year than ever before and I can already see the difference. Other than that, the angst and insomnia feel frightfully familiar. Like everyone here I suppose, I hope to someday publish. I am a published poet but there'd be something extra special about seeing a work of fiction of mine in a bookstore. That is if there are any left by then. On this hopeful and triumphant Day 4, I actually feel like it might be possible... the bookstores, not the being published. No, I don't write about ninjas or zombies. But ask me again on Day 22.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

EvanACohen — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 23:31:32 +0000

if you still need buddies add me we first time NaNo-ers need to stick together

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

EvanACohen — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 23:34:30 +0000

feel free to add me, I think we first time NaNo-ers should build some sort of support group each year.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

EvanACohen — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 23:37:33 +0000

Considering the way life is set up your not alone in any of that if it helps. If you need a buddy sign me up.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

EvanACohen — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 23:38:53 +0000

Ah a fellow first time NaNo-er I figure if I keep suggesting all of us first years buddy each other it will happen. Or the mods will ban me not sure which.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Oddyssey — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 00:04:26 +0000

Hello everyone, I'm 41, married and I have a 14 month old baby boy and a 17 year old stepson. The older one helps a lot with the baby, but it's still tough to squeeze writing in with the baby running amok! lol (We also have a dog and lots of fish) This is my 2nd NaNo and I didn't even come close to winning last year. I found out about it a week into November, so I was already behind. This year, I've already gone past my total from last year (which is embarrassingly easy, since I barely got past 5000 words last year.) I love Fantasy/Fiction stories and that's what I generally write, but this year is a little different. It's still a Fantasy/Fiction story, but there aren't any wizards or dragons or fairies or anything like I usually have in my stories. (at least not yet) So, we'll see how it goes this time. Glad to find this group and good to "meet" you all!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Marcy Italiano — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 00:19:20 +0000

Hi guys, my name is Marcy and I'm in Waterloo, ON. I'll be 38 in December and I wanna celebrate the first draft done with champagne by then. ;) Many moons ago I got an English degree at U of W, I have identical twin boys who are 3 1/2 and I was just notified this week that I start my new, full time job in November, I had to get a car, clothes, and the boys will start daycare. I also have to shut down my home business doing websites and close all accounts. Nice timing, eh? I'm new to Nano. I always thought you folks were all crazy, and honestly, I still think that. LOL! Here's the thing, I'm already over 65,000 into my novel. A friend suggested I join up to renew my faith in this project and to push me to the finish before the crazy month of December hits with my birthday and x-mas and family stuff. I need the good vibes! :) I've published three books already, so I'm not new to writing, just NaNo. Word count as of Nov 5 = 0. Heh. Sheesh.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Michelle Kidwell — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 06:53:14 +0000

Thirty three almost thirty four single, no kids of my own, but close with the kids in my life, esp my nieces and nephews disabled, Children's Church teacher, seven time published author, and this is my sixth year of Nano, last year I was categorized under mystery but this year Young Adult teen, I generally write about people overcoming great obstacles, and finding faith in their beliefs. and themselves.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

chriscoonen — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 13:18:55 +0000

are you self published since you had a home business I am curious because am thinking about self publishing myself?

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

chriscoonen — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 13:19:40 +0000

same question as above, curious if you are self published your experience?

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

skywaters — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 21:31:26 +0000

Hi...I just posted my need for a writing buddy in the wrong place. Anyway, I'm reposting here... The Stats: 2010--first year for nano...won, but nothing published yet 43 for 32 more days engineer by day...artist by night introvert with extravert tendancies from time-to-time overly ambitious when it comes to setting writing goals, but don't tell anyone haven't been outside the house yet today due to overly ambitiousness everyone--husband, children, parents, friends--must wait their turn or until i hit my daily word count Does any of this really matter? The real point is that I haven't reached my daily word count yet and I could use a few or a lot of interesting writing buddies. If you're reading this, then I'm probably talking about you.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

pixiebaby1972 — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 21:46:14 +0000

Hi Everyone. I'll be 40 in a few short months and this is my first Nano. I've always been a rabid...avid wasn't quite descriptive enough...reader, and while I was growing up was a non-stop writer into my early twenties. Somewhere along the way, I got too busy with other things and other than a few poems and short stories was in a writing void for almost a decade. The last few years have been a period of reinventing myself due to a lot of factors. I'll keep it brief...in the past six years; I was in a bad car accident (was rear ended at a stoplight at high speed) which left me unable to continue my career, have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, degenerative disc disease, fibromyalgia, and arthritis to name a few, plus I've put one divorce under my belt. Now here I am happily single with no plans to change that, finally feeling happy with life and being okay with the fact that it's a lot different than it used to be, and really excited about getting back to my creative roots. In the last year and a half I've maintained a blog (semi regularly) and written some short stories and poetry, but I want to do more. I've also taken up knitting which I love WAY more than I ever thought I would. My genre is mystery/thriller and this story has been bouncing around in my head for almost twenty years. It's turning out to be a lot of fun bringing it to life after all this time. I want to wish all of you luck...this is quite a task we've undertaken isn't it? Thanks for listening to me ramble :)

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Kate Flood — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 23:54:50 +0000

Hi Fellow 30-40+'ers! Would love to hear from you! Anyone else in Ottawa too? Here's my novel info: NaNoWriMo Novel Entry: Working Title: • "Adrenaline Rush: Running from my Heart" • Autobiographical Blog Page for Novel: http://runningfrommyheart.wordpress.com/ Facebook Page for Author and Novel: "Kate Flood" / Author Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kate-Flood/312705278746642?sk=wall Twitter: runninghearts Good Luck Kate

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

stellameimei96 — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:25:15 +0000

Finally: My people! I'm 34 years old, happily single, and starting on my second NaNo (not counting my novel for Camp NaNoWriMo in July). Tomorrow I begin my new life as a full time PhD student in Manila. I usually write satire and chick-lit novels, because they're easier to write for me. But this year I'm taking it to another level by going into the mystery/thriller genre. Tonight, in fact, was the best writing night of my life, pounding out 3335 words in the span of one day... and that's just my novel, for starters ;) Someday I will get published, against all odds, and I'll be able to at least make enough money for tuition, rent, and gas. Until then, I'm just living my life one day at a time. Except for the days when I hang out at the Pissed Off Cynic thread, to remind myself that it's normal for me to write a potboiler instead of a socially-relevant bildungsroman and/or a sparkly fairy steampunk yaoi saga. Curmudgeoning is my coping mechanism, after all.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Mermaidsong — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:14:24 +0000

Hey Everyone:) My name is Katie. I'm a married homeschooling mom of a very energetic and delightful 7 year old boy. I'm writing a fantasy novel in the breaks in my day and when my kid sleeps to stay sane. "I''m 37 I'm not old!' Seriously though, I'm always happy to make new friends so buddy me or message me to say hi anytime:) I think we're all awesome for taking this on!

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

geko546 — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 04:25:48 +0000

Hello all! I'm 30, a single father of a 5 year old genius girl, and I'm going back to school. I'm currently working on my first novel again after a long break from writing. I'm loving life and all it's crazy twists and turns (well when I can't get a nice peaceful stream to sit by ha ha)

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

kimberlyFDR — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 22:31:41 +0000

Hmm...for some reason I never introduced myself. Let me rectify that! I'm cheating by using my author bio, but I like it and it covers everything I want to say :P In her youth, Kimberly could most likely be found in the local library, devouring books that covered everything from WWII History to Dr. McCoy's latest adventures aboard the Enterprise, with some X-Men thrown in for good measure. Once she had read everything that was on the shelves, she turned around and read them again. Kimberly was also known to create elaborate adventures that more than once made it to the page. Ink-filled papers gave way to overflowing computer memory as the years went on, but the stories never ceased. Saturdays were often reserved for PBS re-runs of Doctor Who during the daytime and re-runs of Red Dwarf during the night. It was the closest a girl from North Carolina was going to get to an adventure in space or a close encounter with the UK. Her latest television adventures have taken her across the United States and across the galaxies. She enjoyed Stargate: Atlantis until it sadly went away, but she's consoled herself with the adventures of the Leverage crew and the Winchester brothers, and they help immensely. Kimberly has degrees and certificates from UNC-Chapel Hill in the areas of American History, Religion, Creative Writing, and Public Health. When she passed her Mensa entrance exam, she did not pull a John Sheppard, thank you very much. And, yes, she has a favorite astrophysicist (Neil deGrasse Tyson). Doesn't everyone? She also designs and programs websites in her daytime hours. During her nighttime hours, she can often be found online commenting on the latest media revelations of the day in between commenting on the latest fanfiction she read. She has recently completed her first urban fantasy novel and, while she's querying agents, she decided to write a short genderswap novella she had outlined. Her goal was 30,000 words, but the novel had other ideas and has expanded into a full-length novel outline.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

allisonjanewrites — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 23:42:48 +0000

I'm just getting started on my first nano book. I'm 44, and just stopped practicing law about a year ago, after 17 years of torture. I also just got out of a 7 day silent retreat, and was unable to start writing my nano book until 2 days ago. Up to 6657 words already, and hopeful that I can get to 50,000. So, this is my first nano, and I'm already a nano rebel as I'm writing a work of autobiography/poetry/story. I have 2 novels in process already, both started during the odd hour here and there when I wasn't slaving away at my job. I couldn't bring myself to write the new book I've outlined - too many plots and characters racing around inside my head. So, I'm just writing about myself, and what I discovery in my writing journals dating back to 1984 - I actually found my first poem ever. I'm in the East Bay in California, and organized a write-in at the Pegasus bookstore on Shattuck on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is a small table for like 4 writers, but everyone else just pulled up a chair and put their laptops in their laps and got to writing. Come join us this Sunday if you can and want! Allison

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Ooklah — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 04:07:08 +0000

Hello, I'm Andrew, i'm 30, single and currently unemployed! This is my ... ninth!? year doing Nano, and in theory I have enough time to actually finish this year! But we'll see how that goes. I like to write science fiction or steam punk fantasy. I used to be on the west coast in San Diego until about two months ago, and now I'm on the East Coast for a spell. I'd love to finish up one of my stories and try to get it published at some point.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

khattsmeow — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 08:33:35 +0000

Howdy, my name is Edna. I turned 40 this last october but I refuse to act old. That is me in my profile picture dressed as the FMC of my story which is a fantasy as far as I can tell right now. This is my first NaNo and I've never seriously tried to write a novel before even though it has been a dream for years. I am child free, work full time, and am owned by my 2 cats and my dog. I could really use a few buddies to help me along with getting my story out of my head and on to my computer. I'm also willing to help as much as can.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

chriscoonen — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:14:08 +0000

There was a note that today we might mention our appreciation for the people who organize the NaNoWriMo and the staff at the Office of Letters and Light. I really do appreciate everyone who helps support the writers, Chris

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

debbpenn — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:55:12 +0000

hi people - i just watched the videos posted by the nano-folks while folding laundry and the videos gave me some silly inspiration. then i scanned the forum because i'm nosey. my first nano - and i've come up with a new routine in my day - i have been pulling the laptop into bed at 4:20am - writing till its tiime to wake the kids for school. i have to say so far nano has been great for my commitment to write. i am finding that when i write so early in the morning, by the next morning enough occurs within 24 hours to inspire a little unexpected conflict into my story. out of nowhere i gave my characters a seventeen year age difference - although at their ages it should be no biggie having an age difference so big, but it could/would matter if your entire family puts their 2-cents into your business thinking the gap is just too big...thereby creating it awkward and uncomfy. and as much as you like this guy, is it worth the grief from the fam? family vs this guy? i dont know who has a stronger hold on her yet. by the way - this is total fiction. : )

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

Mnemonicer — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 05:46:12 +0000

I never wrote one of these introductory post things. I mean, can't you all just go to my profile and see what I do? Eeeesh. Intellectual Property attorney running my own practice, so I have the privilege of consulting with clients while in my pajamas over Skype or email or the phone. I also have the privilege of setting my own hours (god, I hate mornings), and taking time off if I want to go out drinking or to do crazy things like write a novel. Lessons that should be heeded: 1. Do not start me on the NBA Lockout. I will talk all day about how cool I think the issues and strategy are. It's just one of those things that fascinates me. 2. Do not talk to me about the First Amendment or Copyright Law unless you're genuinely curious. Too many Occupy people are, sadly, idiots in this regard and keep shouting about how their rights are being abridged when they're not and there's a perfectly legit reason for certain restraints. And I do support Occupy. Just wish they were more intelligent about it. 3. Politics in general right now make me froth at the mouth. Particularly as it relates to job creation, tax law, campaign finance reform, securities, and corporate rights. 4. I love to argue and debate, so if you're willing to go toe to toe on these things with an open mind, have at. Be warned, I not only carry a Big Sword, but I walk and talk loudly.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

chriscoonen — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:04:13 +0000

hi packer fan, i glanced at your autobiography, back atcha for mebio. I am a quasi Packer fan being born in that area although have never seen a live game and only fleetingly on the TV. Me, I am editing so not listing my words. Let's see, I being middle aged and with much lower expectations than younger people I think that the democratic system seems to hold it together even through some frightening stuff like the Civil war and the Depression. The senate and congress are sopposed to be slow its designed that way to cool off hot headed ideadujour. Ah, generally, I wish we had a stronger energy policy, well any energy policy because that is what is going to make us competitve in the long run. Also supportive of big business as ten person offices are great but I would not want to be sentenced to work in one the rest of my life.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

MariaElaine — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 21:10:54 +0000

Hi, I'm Maria. I'd like to be your writing buddy. Personally, I hated history as a student. Once I got out of school, though, and was able to read more than just a brief overview, I actually found it interesting. Believe it or not, I actually wrote a historical fiction! That surprised even me! You can nanomail me if you're interested.

Re: Age Group: 30s & 40s

MariaElaine — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 21:25:47 +0000

Hello, everyone! I'm Maria. I'm 45, married, and have four kids. I've been writing for some time but just discovered Nanowrimo. I've written three full novels and co-authored one. I enjoy writing about topics that I know very little about because that requires a lot of research. Right now I'm "in between" novels. I just finished one and don't have an idea for another one. I enjoy writing fiction that takes place in another country or another time, so that I have to do research. I'd enjoy a Nano Buddy, especially one who can get me to keep writing!