Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Dragonchilde — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:52:55 +0200

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

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

mrsnazilli — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:26:39 +0200

Any buddies gratefully accepted..xx

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Kataja — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:32:01 +0200

Anyone in this group who likes to write speculative fiction (i.e. SciFi, Fantasy, or anyhting in between). Seems I'm all the time ending up writing either.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

patrise — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:47:22 +0200

I'm writing in historical, but it's going to veer wildly into speculative, I suspect! be my buddy?

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

patrise — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:49:07 +0200

I'm patrise, 56, and live in southern Maryland USA, not far from DC but in the wild woods along the river. I'm an artist and gardener reclaiming my writer-self, and this is my first Nano!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Teri-K — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:43:35 +0200

I'm a first timer, writing historical fiction. But I read just about everything except horror. (Life is scarey enough sometimes.) I'd love to have some buddies to help keep each other on track, and to keep me from chickening out at the last minute. If you need someone to send you a "Keep Going" note every day, I'm your girl.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Zookeeper — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 21:48:31 +0200

I had some writing buddies, but they all seem to have gone away. At any rate, they don't communicate much. So I'm up for new buddies. This year I'm writing a zombie novel. In years past I've written urban fantasy, sf steampunk, and one foray into mystery. My interests are mainly sf/f/h with the occasional mystery or historical fiction.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

mt si dad — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:33:10 +0200

I'm writing a YA set in '62-65 Southern California. This will be my second NaNoWriMo; last year I wrote 82,000 words.

Writing Buddy offer

aldy — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 06:03:18 +0200

Good day to you all, I've been lucky to have had a few writing buddies during my 4 past Nanowrimo times, and I'd like to extend the offer to anyone who might need a bit of support, butt-kicking (at times) and good thoughts! I've finished two entire novels (not yet submitted for publishing) and started two others. I will not, however, review anyone's work - I'm not at THAT level! I will send emails of encouragement, whohoo you on your achievements, help you during brain-freeze moments (believe me, they happen a lot!) and even give you a few gentle kicks when you are sitting back without WRITING! If this sounds good to you, please don't hesitate to send me a note! Regards and happy writing Sylvie - AKA ALDY

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

thing — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 07:09:36 +0200

Anyone about who likes not only Salinger but also Virginia Woolf? This is my first NaNo year & I'm kind of feeling my way into what looks like being a thinly disguised autibiographical-based thingy with digressions, so probably LitFic.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Timkford — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:22:24 +0200

I saw nanowrimo on tv last week and signed up. I introduced myself somewhere, and after a few days. I’m sure I posted something; checked back to see if it had responses – then yesterday it had all gone. I was impressed by some outlines I read somewhere yesterday morning. They were all good, so I didn’t post mine. Maybe I just get tangled in threads because now I can’t find that one either. I look at the Euro-England-Birmingham forum – but can’t see myself meeting up with people who might be a third of my age. A friend calls me a Grumpy Old Peculiar man, but I think she uses too many adjectives and they don’t feel to be in the right order. But perhaps that description puts me in squarely in the 50+ group. Not sure what a buddy does, so do I want one? I’d probably be a rubbish one anyway. I sometimes think that I use, just, far, too many commas, and other times leave my work with a trail of semi colons (I like collective nouns) – would you ask a buddy about that? I completed writing my first novel - a 9-12 year old, anthropomorphic, avian nature/fantasy novel a few months ago. So far, 3 agents have rejected and I suspect 2 aren’t going to respond. I am playing with an outline for a sort of sci-fi or sci-fantasy for November, but I am not very good at planning. (Kataja – not sure what speculative fiction is?) I think I have just rolled my intro, previous post and a buddy all into one. Must spend less time on NaNo and more on planning – though I do have a Gaiman to read.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

naiche — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:52:31 +0200

I'm Wilma, 51 years young and living in the Netherlands. This will be my second Nano, last year I wrote a little over 51000 words and my story wasn't even half finished. I never took a look at it again. This year I may continue the tale of a Dutch girl in California, but I also may start something new. Any questions? Just as. Buddies are always welcome.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

dancingfool — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:35:14 +0200

To those asking about buddies... I know it is a bit confusing, especially since the buddies feature isn't functioning yet... but buddies are simply people who you list on your 'home' page... and as they update their word counts, it shows up on your list. You certainly aren't reviewing their work, (omg... you think you're going to write 50K in 30 days AND have time to read what someone else is writing??!!!!), and there's no commitment to exchange your novels, after nano is done (that's another thread, that opens up later)... you're just cheering each other on. You can't even send a nanomail to all your buddies at once, you have to contact them one at a time. But as you see SnottyNose lagging behind daily goals, you can send him a nanomail -- come on, Snot, let's get writing.. go team, go.... and as HuggyBear nears 50K, you can send her a nanomail -- way to go, Bear, almost there. So the buddy list is there to provide an easy way to keep track of the progress of all of your buddies, without having to go to each of their individual pages. Also, you may find that seeing their word counts go up, motivates you to get off this website, and add to your own word count!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

bonnie824 — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:11:57 +0200

Tim, all the old forum stuff erases when they redo the board each October. This year it was the 10th. I don't do the regional stuff either, for the same reason, age, plus I am a hobby writer and keep it private usually. Just talk about it on writing boards. Bonnie

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Teri-K — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 21:00:38 +0200

Thanks so much for explaining that. Also, for letting us know that the function isn't up yet -- I was wondering how to do it. I'd love to have lots of buddies, I need the motivation to keep going. :)

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

fabulist — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 21:54:15 +0200

Hey guys, I'm 53, but don't feel that. In fact I still relate to the 'kids' and their music. But then, I'm a musician singer/writer from the , gasp! eighties! I'll try and get on with 'older folk' but I'm not ready for myself to be 'older'! Hey, hey! Yo Yo! The way I see things is that age is nothing while the heart is still pumping and my brain is still with it! Screw the sterotypes!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

fabulist — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 21:56:09 +0200

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

fabulist — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 21:57:21 +0200

How the hell did two of these get posted? Stupid inter-tubes! LOL!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

-SAN. — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 23:43:04 +0200

Hi; I could use a writing buddy - I'm over 50 and live in lovely Seattle, and am hoping to be a winner at NaNoWriMo this year. I can use all the help to keep motivated I can get. I'm thinking about a horror novel that doesn't include vampires/werewolves, etc. In fact, this will be based on some personal experiences I had several years ago. If there's anyone out there who is interested in kicking my butt to keep me writing in November, I will be happy to return the favor!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

talongrywolf — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 01:58:16 +0200

Would like some writing buddies. 53 and in Georgia. Not sure what I will be writing this year. This is my third NaNo and hoping to win and put lots of words on paper/screen. Hope the Buddy List starts working soon. :)

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

glynes — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 02:52:33 +0200

glynes here, heading into my 5th NaNoWriMo, with a pretty good idea what my characters have in mind. Would love to have some buddies of a similar age to comiserate and celebrate with ... I'll return a good butt-kicking when it's warranted. 8-) glynes ************ Play a role that's larger than life and play it like you believe it 2011 - "Stella" - Waiting in the wings

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Jamilah — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 03:56:43 +0200

I'm Jamilah, age 55, living in Kentucky with my husband and the two youngest of our six sons. I consider what I write to be literary fiction, though I'm not certain it fits there exactly. I know the stories I most love to read all are categorized as literary fiction. More simply, I write about families. I love to examine family dynamics.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

AshleenO.Gaea — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:45:31 +0200

Ashleen here, and I'm open to writing buddies too, near or far. (Near would be in the Tucson, AZ area.) I am also available for consultation -- free to NaNo buds -- about Wicca and other paranormal and occult topics, so your stuff can be exciting ~and~ accurate. www.PENtagramConsulting.net; www.AshleenOGaea.com

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

donne.r — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:47:06 +0200

Anybuddy wanna be my buddy? I'm 53 and live in St. Louis, This is my fifth NaNo. I write children's fantasy.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Wolfyone — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:53:32 +0200

Hi There, I'm 57 wrote my first novel at Camp Nanowrimo in July, finished a second during August and September and started my third for Gothnowrimo. I'm doing a ghost story for NaNo inspired by the haunted house I grew up in, so your idea of a horror story with some personal experiences as a source really resonated for me. I'll kick your butt if you'll kick mine! Happy writing!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Wolfyone — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:58:53 +0200

Thanks for the info. Yes, god knows it's hard to keep up with the writing and social networking while little things like work, preparing meals and sleep keep interfering. Reading is like a guilty pleasure when you're trying to get a novel written in a month. But buddies who can shame you into hitting the keyboard are like gold! So bring them on!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Kat Gentian — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:43:38 +0200

Hi, everyone. I, too, hope the Buddy function returns soon. Donne.r, I'll be your buddy. I seem to have written two fantasy novels that could be classified as YA, although that wasn't my intention. I've heard children & YA fantasy described as the gateways to the hard core stuff. LOL

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Dixiegirl — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 05:21:52 +0200

Hi every one! I love buddies. Kat is one of my buddies, ask her! At the moment, you can't add any buddies. That feature is non functional. However, once it is working again, look me up!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Samitchell — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 05:45:41 +0200

Hi Wilma, I groaned aloud when I read your post. After writing 51,000 words during last year's NaNo, you didn't look at it again?!? Oh, that discourages me. It seems like such a lot of work to put in, then to leave it. Did you write just to push through to show yourself you could do it? Did you feel that writing that much so quickly led to poor quality work? I was hoping that NaNo (my first) would be a push for me to get some solid writing done, then finish/begin editing the book later this winter. Perhaps that's naive. I'd be please to count you as a writing buddy and to gain from your experiences. Sharon

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Samitchell — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 05:49:43 +0200

I'm 57 as well and would appreciate some shared butt-kicking. This is my first NaNo and my first attempt at a novel. I'm impressed with how prolific you have been so far this year. It sounds like you should have time to complete two more novels before the year is out. You sound like a person with lots to share with us newbies. Sharon

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Wolfyone — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 07:21:26 +0200

My plan is to have four first drafts completed this year, then on to editing. I'm a pantser so I don't know how helpful I will be in the advice department, except to say that the trick to finishing is to just let it flow. The idea here is to get a story on paper. Later on you can go back and fix the problems. But first you have to have something to fix. The thing that really freed me to write was reading Stephen King's book "On Writing". In it he talked about plotting versus just starting with a scenario and letting it all go from there. That and sitting your butt down in a chair and writing every day. I thought to myself, well I can do that. So I started and lo and behold, finished first drafts. It showed me that this is very doable. The amazing thing was that even without a plan, not knowing what was going to happen or even who my characters were when they first showed up, in the end it all came together relatively coherently. So show up, write, and trust your subconscious to guide you. You can do it!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Fingertips — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 19:12:34 +0200

Hi all, I'm Gina, living in the Elmira-Corning, NY region and surrounded by college-age NaNovelists. Great kids, but at 56 I could be their granny and it makes me feel like I should be wrapped in linen strips and laid out in a sarcophagus. This is my second NaNo; last year I got to about 3,000 words before it all went belly up. I'd love to hook up with some fellow perfectionist/procrastinators to kick each other's butts across the finish line this time.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Terri K — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 19:41:54 +0200

When the time comes that we can add buddies, I would like to sign up. My writing tends toward mainstream fiction, and I need buddies who are encouraging but I'm not into speedwriting competitions--and I mean that in the nicest sort of way. I have nothing against competitions, but it's just not me. I'm located in Elsewhere:AZ.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Zookeeper — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:26:59 +0200

Teri, I got your e-mail. I'd be happy to be your buddy (once the function goes live). Ashleen, I'll buddy up with you. I've also been involved with tarot, Wicca, supernatural research, etc., for many years.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

jte3rd — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 23:23:16 +0200

No writing is ever wasted, even if you bury it under your workbench out in the garage and never look at again. First, every time you write you learn something. Second, while those scenes, thoughts, and ideas were going onto your screen, they were also going to that gigantic smoldering pile in the back of your brain, and the best things back there will present themselves unbidden when they're most needed. At least, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Agatha — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 04:11:09 +0200

Hi I'm Vicki writing as Agatha. I completed/won Nanowrimo last year writing about my experiences living and working in a different country. I found it quite easy, this year is going to be more fiction but based on fact and its worrying me, can i do it? I'm giving it a shot. Husband, daughter and maybe one son are also doing nano. I'm 58 and will need to write something every day to get finished.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Jannerose — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 05:30:16 +0200

Hi, I'm Janne and I could sure use some writing buddies. I'm a newbie and have to believe that I can do this.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

elizabethnoble — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 17:26:50 +0200

I had a buddy list, then it vanished when the site was reset. Do we have to go out and re-buddy people, anyone know?

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

dancingfool — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:33:37 +0200

Right now, the buddy feature is not functioning, but they're working on it. As I understand it, a) anyone on your buddy list before Oct. 7, will magically show up, when the buddy feature goes operational. b) the buddy feature is likely to go operation sometime this coming week. I am HORRIBLE at being patient!!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Ian Wallace — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:39:18 +0200

Well, hello all! This is my first Nano so i am not sure what to expect. I am venturing into writing an Historical novel after years of dipping in and out of writing for my own pleasure. I am 55 now and never managed to complete anything worht publishing!! I guess I couold really use some buddies to get me going.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Ian Wallace — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:40:46 +0200

By the way, anyone who might be interested, I live in the glorious uplands of the northern borders of England!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

elizabethnoble — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:53:44 +0200

Thank you!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

dancingfool — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:53:44 +0200

My mother is from Manchester, although she's been here in the states, for over 60 years now. I had the pleasure of visiting her home town, a few years ago... beautiful country. Wish I could go back.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

krudyard — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:03:30 +0200

Anyone from New Zealand I can be buddies with?

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Timkford — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:55:28 +0200

aaah - some English. A language I think I speak, hang on ... Hey up pet, aah's it gooin? Hast thee got a plan an all that? (Sorry, I know Black Country - I can't put an accent on Northern Borders. I can do Manc (in my head at least)). New Zealand - Rugby world cup winners eh?) I've given up on Pokin Hen, Smoking Fun, Speaking Pun- or whatever it is, so I guess if I don't interact with someone somewhere then there's no point in being in this - though stil not sure what a buddy is. oh, hang on - Father Ted is on Dave.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Kat Gentian — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 03:53:37 +0200

Ah, Tim, please come back to the Pen! The first week or two is sort of like a shake-down cruise, with people finding their feet and figuring the place out. And when the Buddy feature is back, I'll buddy with you if you'd like. Krudyard, I can be your buddy, too. I'm in the US midwest, but I've written fiction characters visiting Aukland. Not anything like being there, I know. Researching that made me want to visit! A volcano in the harbor? I'm in...

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

krudyard — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:31:45 +0200

Cool, Kat. 'ey up, Tim! I was born in England, in Staffordshire. I don't follow rugby at all (ugh).

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

justBetsy — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 06:06:48 +0200

I learned this weekend that what I write falls into the Urban Fantasy subgenre of Science Fiction. It's not exactly a sequel, but it is set in the same world as the one I did last year (which made the word count but still isn't finished). But the first is also satire--don't know if the second will be or not.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

justBetsy — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 06:13:33 +0200

Does that mean the "upload your cover" option is also not working yet? I looked for it but couldn't find it even though I'd swear I saw it earlier today..

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Timkford — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:34:17 +0200

krudyard - only take a half interest when the world cup is on. Can't say I understand the rules. I'd guess Northern Staffs, Stoke area for your origin. (based on ey up rather an ah do) Kat - thanks. SP - Wrote myself into a corner that just got more surreal in there. I'll maintain a watching brief for now - I could climb back through the window to retrieve the book I left. As for buddies - are you collecting these like the Pied Piper? I'm not sure the term buddy fits with grumpy, curmudgeonly, ... etc, so another watching brief i feel.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

dancingfool — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:41:00 +0200

Tim- not to worry about that first trip into the Pen... it can be more than a bit bizarre, at first (and sometimes later, as well!) what with the characters that have been built in over the years, the fictional characters (plot bunnies, muses, and main characters who continue to exist outside the story!), and then, of course, all the different time zones. So by the time I'm on my home from work, my friends in England should be getting ready for bed, and I have no idea what you're doing! But Kat's right... come on back. It's worth a second shot. You have to be careful you don't let the Pen distract you from writing during NaNo.. but I do find my appearances there (even if I only read to catch up on what's happened) can get the creative juices flowing.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

gbostic5 — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:53:29 +0200

Hi Betsy! I've been lost in poetry most of the year, and although I also made the word count last year, I also never edited to the point of satisfaction or the possibility of trying to get published. This year I am very excited about trying a new genre. I am setting out to write in the YA /Children's lit category. LOL, we shall see what we shall see! ;) Gloria

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

gbostic5 — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:01:12 +0200

I'm a pretty good butt-kicker, or at least I can learn to be, if you'll kick me back! ;) Your profile pic looks familiar. Do you post at Allpoetry? If so, you know me as Lady Gloria. Good luck with your novel!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

gbostic5 — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:44:23 +0200

Hi patrise, We are practically neighbors. I live in south central Pennsylvania. ;) We have friends in Prince George's County so that might be near you. Anyway, I hope we can be buddies :) Gloria

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

thing — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:16:03 +0200

Anyone else out there in my age-bracket (not that I think age matters too much - I'm mostly curious and feel I've stumbled into some kind of Youth Lounge - where do we leave our Zimmer frames?) i.e. 60++?

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Kat Gentian — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:37:13 +0200

Collecting buddies - LOL. I don't even remember how many buddies I have! But this is my 7th year and I've made new friends every time. I won't drop someone from the list unless it's been 2 or 3 years with them having no word count. I'm not an active, in-your-face kind of buddy. ;-) But if you need advice or help, I'll be there for ya'. You can use NaNoMail for anything you don't want to post publicly. Kat

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

gbostic5 — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:47:32 +0200

LOL, 67 here. ;) I noticed there were quite of few young whippersnappers in their 50's here too!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Kat Gentian — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:51:30 +0200

As for the Pen, yeah, it's confusing. I don't help matters much! I write a fictional Kat who's been involved with Serge for a while now (from around the end of Nov '08), as well as real me interacting with my friends. Dixie also does something similar, with Simon. In real life Dixie and I are friends and you may notice how she sets me up in the Pen! She just did it again this morning!! Once in a while I set her up. We view these as writing challenges, and it's so much fun it should be illegal. In good years, we end up with a group of folks working on one story line. No planning, but it's utterly amazing how good the stories can turn out.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

MonoVerde — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:42:54 +0200

My second Nano novel was a steaming pile of words that served nicely as background info for a character I used in last years novel. Brought a few ideas I could use that I never would have gotten to if I hadn't plowed through.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

GraceOM — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:53:09 +0200

Betsy, No cover art yet. Coming soon! In these weeks running up to Nano, I check out the forums with their varying temperatures and make some decisions about where I will spend my time online. By the time Nov. 1st comes around, I need to be focused, so my personal forum list will be small but trustworthy! Shannon

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

HugoN2 — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:14:58 +0200

I too am new here and see many young people in groups, and that is good. However, even over the internet, I can detect eyes glazing over any discussion of the evolution of computers from vacuum tubes to solid-state technology. I am 73 and am encouraged that there are so many energetic writers over 50.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Idahocat — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 01:31:42 +0200

I might take you up on that Ashleen - my novel is based on a paranormal event.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Samitchell — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:46:19 +0200

Thanks, Wolfyone. On Writing is my favorite book, but I'd forgotten what King said about plotting vs going with a scenario. I'm more a seat-of-the-pants type and have worried when I hear so many people readying their plots and characters sketches for Nov. 1st. Your post relaxed me. Yes, this is doable!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Samitchell — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:49:49 +0200

I like your story, and I'll stick with it as well. While I was truly hoping that NaNo would jump-start my novel, you're quite right about no writing being a waste. Even if it does not lead to a published work, I'll still learn just by doing it. Thanks for the reminder.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Wolfyone — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 05:40:36 +0200

I'm currently doing Gothnowrimo, writing a gothic novel in the month of October. I had absolutely no plan in mind except that I was going to sit down at the typewriter and start at the stroke of midnight on October first. To my amazement this book is just about writing itself. So fear not. Sometimes I think we do our best work when we just get out of our own way.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

A. C. Ellis — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:54:04 +0200

A. C. Ellis Here, age 64 I write sf and mystery/suspense novels and short stories, and have had some success with publication over the years A few years ago I joined NaNoWriMo, but didn't finish that year. I WILL finish this year. Good luck to you all! Al

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

jonrkc — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:05:26 +0200

"No writing is ever wasted, even if you bury it under your workbench out in the garage and never look at again." I think this is true. Over many years I wrote an estimated 2 million words of journal, some longhand, some on various computers. There are thousands of pages that I haven't read since the day I wrote, and hundreds that I've revisited. And while I stopped journal writing over a year ago, I do feel -- actually, I know -- that I'm a very different person than I would have been without all that writing. (And different in a favorable way!)

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Liz Hill — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 20:29:03 +0200

Hi I'm Liz living in Bristol UK. This is my second year and I am planning to finish the novel I started last year. I'm going to be 56 on 7 Nov but I won't be celebrating I'll be writing! Would love some writing buddies from overseas so looking forward to hearing from you. I'm writing a thriller/mystery about a woman who disappears

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

thefensk — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:01:13 +0200

Yeah, I can see the motivation aspect of having a few buddies. As they motivate you to keep going, you motivate them as well.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Cactuskay — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 01:08:07 +0200

Bonnie, you should link up with the NV crowd. It seems half of us are grey hairs and the rest are teeny boppers, but we try to get together before it all starts, sort of puts a face and personality to the nano name, it's fun to cheer each other on and keep up with what everyone is doing. We try to have a "we survived" get together too. We usually write in different genre's so don't exchange too much there, but sometimes it's nice to have a contact to share information with all year long. Kay

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Cactuskay — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 01:20:07 +0200

I'll kick your butt San, I'm below you in NV (pronounced envy) I just finished a 3 day workshop in beautiful South Lake Tahoe with Thriller novelist Todd Borg of the Tahoe series from Thriller Press. It was great and I learned so much, But I don't have a plot for Nano 2011. I wasn't going to do Nano this year but one of the Workshop participants from Southern CA was all pumped up, and it was contagious. My 2009 Nano novel A Deadly July will be released right in the middle of NANO this year. My 2010 Nano, The Murder Channel was the manuscript I used in Todd's workshop for class assignments. After the workshop, he really encouraged me to keep working with it and get it published in the spring or summer of 2012, then I would have 3 books on the market and a good selling base. WOO HOO!, but I need a plot! ;-0

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

GraceOM — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 01:30:16 +0200

I think I'm going to start referring to myself as a quintegenarian... (Heard a story about Tony Bennett's new #1 record, with reference to him as an octogenerian. Do we only use those kinds of words when people are over 80? Or can we coin a new one for ourselves??) Shannon

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Idahocat — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:10:47 +0200

I'm Cathy, in Idaho. I would love some buddies. I can always use some more motivation!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

West15th — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:46:05 +0200

This is my first NaNoWri. I have an idea and have done some research, no title. I have taken many workshops and written short pieces for those. I have a submission ready for the Writer's Digest Short Short contest (1,500 wds). It is about a 15 year old girl who escapes from slavery. I know nothing about what we are about to begin but it feels a little like getting ready for a marathon when you have never done one before. However, like a marathon, I am very excited and committed to finish. I will definitely need and appreciate a buddy.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Arturo Montaia — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:48:20 +0200

Yes, I am writing fantasy, it seems it is going to be scifi-ish. The working title is Dragon travel, just because I needed a title, and it has dragons. I love dragons. And , I am 65, live in Sweden, am a Finn originally and write in English. What a mess.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

donne.r — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:08:45 +0200

Thanks, Kat! LOL... love the "gateway to the hard stuff" quote. My stories always seems to have a magical or paranormal element, and that's what I've liked reading ever since I was a kid.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

donne.r — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:10:29 +0200

What fun to have your whole family in on the adventure!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

donne.r — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:15:25 +0200

Sorry if this makes me a whippersnapper... or maybe just a dumb American... but what in the heck is a Zimmer Frame?

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

e_journeys — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 05:19:31 +0200

Hi, Kataja! I write SF/dark fantasy/horror (all of my published fiction and much of my published poetry is speculative), but I'm being a "rebel" for my first NaNoWriMo by working on a nonfiction project. Do you know about Broad Universe? I'm on their Motherboard (board of directors). They're an international organization celebrating and supporting women writers of SF/F/H. They've been around for ten years now: http://www.broaduniverse.org/ Anyone (no membership necessary) can read their Yahoo forum, which often has publishing and marketing leads: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/broaduniverse/?yguid=53063970 Happy writing! -- Elissa

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

e_journeys — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 05:30:04 +0200

Tim, "speculative" is an umbrella term that includes science fiction, fantasy, horror, slipstream (otherwise known as "doesn't fit neatly into any of the above"), and all their various subgenres. It's also a subjective term, so you'll likely get different definitions from different people. (For example, I include some science poetry under the "speculative poetry" umbrella.) In short, speculative means the story, poem, etc. asks, "What if?" in a sense-of-wonder way.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

e_journeys — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 05:37:31 +0200

Another 53-year-old over here! I think the 1980s was the last decade I regularly followed pop music, but I was raised on modern classical. My tastes are very eclectic. Just recently made the acquaintance of electro-swing (thank you, BoingBoing!). Older? What is this thing called older?

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

kimfujioka — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:10:33 +0200

I love Virginia Wolf's work. I also like Michael Cunningham who wrote The Hours, based on Wolf. Are you looking for a buddy? Me too. Kim

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

kimfujioka — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:12:18 +0200

Totally agree. I have kept a journal since I was 12 and I am 53 now. I have boxes of them. It was never wasted time! It helped me be the person I am today.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

kimfujioka — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:14:48 +0200

I like your advice. And I actually have that book on my shelf by S. King. I am gonna read it again.

Looking for a buddy

GregWyoming — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:12:11 +0200

Hi all, My name is Greg and I have been a writer for many years.... oh wait wrong group...lol This is my third nano and will be my first win with help from a buddy. I'd love to team up with someone and give and get encouragement.. Part of my day job is executive coaching and I'm willing to share lots of propping up if necessary. I am working on a semi-autobiographical fiction and have had this one in my head a long time but recently got some advice and encouragement from a producer of the Daily show and am ready to work on it full out. I live in Wyoming and am a blackberry junkie so I am very responsive to email. Greg

Re: Looking for a buddy

dancingfool — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:43:32 +0200

what does that lovely seasonal fruit have to do with email? oh wait.. never mind :-) (sorry, couldn't resist... kind of like that monty python skit about technology!)

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

dancingfool — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:45:37 +0200

lol.. I wondered the same thing, too... but was too lazy to ask. However, seeing your question sent me to google.. a Zimmer Frame is a walker!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Dixiegirl — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 22:04:56 +0200

I love blackberries, too. My grandmother used to throw them in a pot with dumplings and make a cobbler. MMMMmmm so good.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

raspberrymoon — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:04:35 +0200

Talk about Fruit & Nuts - the 50+ group seem to have more then its fair share. :)

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

dancingfool — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:05:15 +0200

you could post that on the 50+ recipe thread! and I'll have mine with ice cream on top, thank you very much!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Doug Story — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:52:32 +0200

Reclaim that writer-self. Good luck.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Doug Story — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:55:50 +0200

OH No another poet. If anything, I always get lost in poetry. YA..that could be fun.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Doug Story — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 03:04:51 +0200

My second year. Last year got nowhere. Dog got suddenly sick. Dead, day after Thanksgiving. My excuse this year; got a new puppy. But I'm not going to let that yougin' get in the way. Want to try a political thriller thing.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

ghk1962 — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:49:42 +0200

I'd like to say thanks for that explanation too. I was thinking I was not going to do a buddy thing because I ididn't want to somehow slow someone down. But I now see its a rah-rah (or hurry the heck up) thing. Cool.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

ghk1962 — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:53:54 +0200

Greg here. This is my 1st NaNo. I only found out about it at the beginning of October. I've never ever written anything before really (unless you count HS and college term papers . . . and specifications for construction projects!) But I am going to be trying my hand at what I think would be classified as LitFict. If someone says they will be your writing buddy, and that feature is not turned on yet . . . how will we all remember who agreed to be writing buddies with whom?

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

ghk1962 — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 05:01:25 +0200

Oh . . . by the way . . . I am cheating and joining in here. 49 . . . a few more months to 50. And in SW Washington (the state . . . not the capital)

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

GraceOM — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:27:35 +0200

There are a bunch of us WA folks here in the 50+ group--to which you are most welcome as you approach the age! Have fun with Nano. You'll be amazed, Greg. Shannon

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

ghk1962 — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:21:03 +0200

Thank you :-) I'm a little south of you . . . Vancouver area!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

dancingfool — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:09:51 +0200

As for me, and the writing buddy issue... I'm writing a list (although not checking it twice.. not even checking it once) of usernames I want to add as buddies. Once the feature is implemented, it will take no time at all. As a side note.. IIRC, the buddy list process does not (or at least it did not) require that the recipient of your attention consent to be added to your list. However, as a courtesy, I always ask. So while I'm waiting for the feature to come up, I'm nanomailing people to ask them if they mind.. and I'm emailing those for whom I don't yet have their nano name.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

raspberrymoon — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:58:42 +0200

So many great ideas and great people here that I want everyone as a buddy LOL. However, I'm not as organized as Fool. Even if I had a list I probably wouldn't be able to find it on my mess of a desk. I am a family researcher/historian and I am madly trying to finish up my latest project - a family that originated in Volga Russia. It is due to the client on Dec 18th so I'm trying to get it finished now which is why my desk is a mess. Balancing the very sad story of this family with the lighthearted nonsense of my next novel (a private eye who can talk to ghosts) is exhausting. I sure hope we get the Buddy Button back soon. BTW this is my second nano.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

gbostic5 — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:00:14 +0200

I hope so! We shall see....

Re: Looking for a buddy

Kat Gentian — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 03:46:06 +0200

Welcome, Greg. At times it seems the Geezers are all buddies for each other! You'll see... If I could, I'd get a Gooseberry (trademark TP, or PTerry, I suppose). Has a little green imp inside that keeps track of things and runs off to deliver messages. If you don't read the manual and tell it your name it will call you Insert Name Here. (Is in several of Terry Pratchett's Discworld books - Jingo, and others.)

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Kat Gentian — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 03:49:34 +0200

That's a great idea, Laurie! I think I know who I've agreed to buddy with ... hopefully they'll remember, too, and it will all sort itself out. I can't remember if we buddied each other last year!?!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Mrs Couch — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:27:00 +0200

Love both of them! Have you read the Virginia Woofe Writing Workshop - i think it is wonderful! love the idea of your book!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

ghk1962 — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:28:09 +0200

Sorry to have to ask . . . but what is IIRC? And when does the writing buddy thingy get turned on?

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Mrs Couch — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:30:20 +0200

Hi Im Traci and 52. I guess my grey hairs show in that i can't figure out how to upload a pic - after 2 yrs of trying. lol! been doing this for yrs but never made the word count. this year - gonna get er done! even got my xmas shopping down so i have no excuse. glad to find the grey hair section!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Fiona W — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 11:41:01 +0200

Uhh...I have a real clueless-type question: what do Writing Buddies do for each other? I've been on social networking & book-related & craft-related sites that have "friends" or "buddies" but I've never figured out what the point is supposed to be. I always enjoy writing messages back & forth with people, and I do tons of that, but what's the deal with having these buddy icons on your page? (Sorry to be so dense—and I have no excuse, because I've been on the Internet for 22 years...) —peace, love, rock-n-roll, Fi

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

dancingfool — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 12:46:42 +0200

sorry about that.. IIRC is If I Recall Correctly. and typically, the buddy list never goes away. The only reason it's non-functional at the moment, is because of the new system being implemented. I think I read somewhere that it will be back, this coming week.. but I know the plan is to have it up and running by Nov. 1

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

dancingfool — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 12:55:06 +0200

Fi - This is only my 2nd year to be active on this site (all I did in year one, was enter my numbers.). So there may very well be a piece I'm missing... but from what I'm seeing, adding someone to your buddy list just means that - with one click - you can go to a page and see a listing of all your buddies, and their word counts. I like the buddy list, but frankly, it's not that huge a deal, bc you can always go to each person's profile, and see their word counts. Of course, this may be a function of how many (few) buddies I have. I think last year, I had maybe 10 buddies... and 6 of those were people who I'd talked into doing Nano, so I wanted to be able to see how they were doing and provide my own motivation and/or praise for them.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

gbostic5 — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 14:14:54 +0200

I'd be happy to add you to my buddy list as soon as that option opens up to us. :)

Re: Looking for a buddy

Kataja — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 14:45:11 +0200

To me both blackberries are unknowns... My mobile is a Nokia model that has a code as its name (no flipping parts, no touchpad, but a navigator - and the thingie's been working well for almost two years now, it's predecessor (BTW why is that word pre-decessor which I would parse as "one who died first" and nor pre-cedessor from precede?) was a very basic model that I had over seven years... would possibly still have if I hadn't dropped it in the stairway so that it's shell was broken in three parts - got it back in working condition, but after that I was scared to even try to open it, and finally got myself to by a new one... krhm, back to fruits and berries - the rubus berries I know are raspberry (yum!) and cloudberry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubus_chamaemorus) which has a delicate but somewhat sour taste.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

reey — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 16:11:12 +0200

Nope...sorry...no pet excuses! I'm currently typing this with a cat sitting on my lap! Have 8 felines all told, plus one large dog, and most of the cats have health problems, being geezers themselves (eldest is 17), needing as many, if not more meds than I do! So, the new puppy isn't going to be sufficient reason for not reaching your goal! ;-)

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

reey — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 16:19:13 +0200

Name's Ree, and I need a writing buddy to help me stay on track. I've done NaNoWriMo every year since 2004, but last year was the first time I made the 50,000 mark. and I even finished the novel over the summer. Retiring finally gave me the time to stick with it, but I'm a rabid multi-tasker with story ideas always floating around in my head, begging to be written. I even dream entire plots! So, sticking with the one I've picked for this year is going to take perseverance on my part and nagging from a buddy. I will be happy to nag in return (my sons claim I excel at that!).

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

elizabethnoble — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 16:45:15 +0200

I like your story too and I'm sticking with it also. Great advice.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

elizabethnoble — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 16:48:52 +0200

Ha, I have the same issues with plots in my head and dreams. Oddly, my sons say the same thing about me too...lol

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

ghk1962 — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 16:52:19 +0200

Ahhh, ok. Thank you. I'm not quite up to speed on computer and chat lingo. In fact, in the rare instances I do something like texting, I'm one of those that take forever because I spell out every word, use punctuations, re-read for spelling errors, etc. Which really makes me worried that I can actually finish 50K words in 30 days!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

reey — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 16:59:16 +0200

My sons also claim my stunning ability to multi-task is actually ADHD while my mother always said I was just "antsy"!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

ByChaz — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 19:38:17 +0200

This will be my fourth nano year. I won the first time, limped the second, then last year crashed and burned - got to mid November without writing a single word! Not gonna let that happen this year. I'm 56, my two teenage kids have both gone away to University this year, so I should have time to write. Not sure what I'm writing yet, but generally my ideas are all along the scifi, speculative fiction genre. I would love some writing buddies so please feel free to add me. I am writing here in the suburbs of North London, and yes, I have a cat on my lap!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

terrifried — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 21:12:31 +0200

Hi Kim, I'm intrigued by your surname... is your husband Japanese? Mine is. I'm probably not able to write a literary novel, but who knows... I was planning a mystery set in kent but I might change my mind at the last minute and try a literary novel set in Japan.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

MargoMcP — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 22:33:38 +0200

I was 12-15 years old living in Southern California (Coronado) in '62-65! http://www.coronado.ca.us/

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

MargoMcP — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 22:39:03 +0200

You're the right size, it's the pants that don't fit! (the software had a glitch taking too long to show your post so you pushed the button again; not your fault! The software should work for us, not us for it.)

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

MargoMcP — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 22:45:12 +0200

Hey, Ian, I was just visiting the glorious uplands of the Lake District a couple weeks ago, first week in October. You got lots of nice sheep there (Lancaster, up the M6 to Penrith, over to Keswick and back down).

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

MargoMcP — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 22:46:56 +0200

I'll be 61 on Wednesday (26th)! I'm almost "senior".

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

MargoMcP — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 22:51:22 +0200

It's great fun; you only have to write 2-4 hours a day to get in your 1/30th number of words (1666.666666666+) but then things get interesting because the writing won't leave you alone for the other 20-22 hours of the day and you walk around in a daze and answer people's questions about how you are inappropriately :-)

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

MargoMcP — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 22:58:16 +0200

It will all make more sense when it happens; you'll get requests from others who want you to be their buddy that you have to authorize (nobuddy can force you be their buddy :-) and you'll figure out how to go right to their page and push their buddy button so they have to respond to being your buddy. It just makes it a little "group" you can access from your own, home page and sometimes you get a good conversation going and sometimes their names just sit there and with others you notice that they are writing way faster than you are and you feel intimidated and like you're doing something wrong. Don't get too wrapped up in what someone else is doing; just keep your own nose to the grindstone and your ear to the keyhole, etc.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

MargoMcP — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 23:02:04 +0200

There are zillions of us on here and having people with similar interests or locations or who just sound neat to write to gives you a way to get to know some people in more detail. I go to the write-ins in my area and usually get those people as my buddies too so then you can check the time or location or see if they need a ride, etc., it's just a way to make this huge village a little smaller and more manageable so you can write someone quickly if you want/need to without reading through these forums. In addition to the buddy feature, there's a pick-your-forums feature that isn't ready yet and that will allow you to just say what forums you are interested in so you don't have to look through such a long list; the buddy system does that for people.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

MargoMcP — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 23:11:41 +0200

I have two cats but they often prefer their own laps except at certain times so I think I'll be okay/cat-less while writing most mornings. I'll be 61 on Wednesday, get to start the day with going to get a blood test for my doctor's appointment the next week; I'm married and we're retired with three grown sons and two grandchildren. I live in a little townhouse on the Chesapeake Bay of Maryland (or, more specifically, on the Gunpowder River which flows into the upper Chesapeake). This is my third NaNo and I won both times but only liked my first book Morning Story It was a rewriting of a combination of my own young adult life with my fantasy life (the way I wish it had been, how you would have done it differently if you knew what you now know :-) and last year I was going to do a sequel, Evening Story but did a stream of consciousness thing that was very unsatisfactory. This year I'm going to use an actual character from my own genealogy and try to tell her eighteenth and nineteenth century story but fill in the gaps with how I think things were (or how I would have liked them to be :-) kind of the same exercise I did for myself but using a made up but real character (the same, only different) and what I know about her.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

ghk1962 — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 07:53:03 +0200

Good advice . . .thank you :-) As for whether I will figure computer thingys out ...heh...remains to be seen!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

ghk1962 — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 07:54:12 +0200

I read your synopsis . . . that's kinda interesting about how she see's you at the computer.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

TextintheCity — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 12:00:36 +0200

Hi all, Sue here. I have just discovered Nano and signed up in a fit of inspired enthusiasm. I am beginning to panic. I work full time. No prep, no plot, just a swirling mass of story forming into something that hopefully can be retrieved and put on the page. I live in London and will be in Sarasota, Florida for half of November visiting family. I will be putting those 'jet lag' wakeful hours in the middle of the night to good use. TxT

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Terri K — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 19:02:49 +0200

Do you knit or crochet? I crochet and just love to use real wool--the texture and great scent.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

SusieC — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 21:14:32 +0200

I have no cats, but my two greyhounds would sit on my lap if they could. As it is, they have to be content with the floor. My writing room is quite small though, so any sudden movements of my chair cause a few squawks! I live in Berkshire, UK and work in London, so I'm aiming for some writing while I'm commuting to add to the daily total. I've tried NaNo three times and failed dismally - so I figure a buddy or two could keep me going this time.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

waterloon — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:34:09 +0200

Hello all, I'm back for another year of NaNo. I pulled it off in 2009, skipped 2010, and am back for another round! I'm 54 and live in the Flint, Michigan area. I would love some writing buddies in my age group. Normally I write sci-fi, but this year I'm going to try my hand at my own brand of fantasy (I'm calling it "mutt fantasy" because it's a little of this and a little of that and NO DRAGONS. They scare me.). Not sure how it will turn out but I'm pretty tenacious, and I have one success behind me. Hopefully with a little luck it will carry me to the end. ;-) Looking forward to getting to know all the brilliant writers here! P.S. I'm Waterloon on Critique Circle for anyone there too.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

waterloon — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:51:28 +0200

Oh, thank you! I can't remember the last time I was referred to as a "young whippersnapper." Suddenly my knees don't ache quite as much and it only takes me five minutes to get out of a chair instead of ten!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

gbostic5 — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 01:30:14 +0200

LOL, I can practically hop right up out of my chair......now that I have new knees! Had them replaced about 8 years ago. Before that I felt like I was 90!!! ;)

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Nora Grace — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:40:39 +0200

Hi Everyone, I crossed over the '50+1' threshold this year (it did not hurt too terribly much) which makes me eligible for the 50+ group. It feels good to be one of the grownups. *smile* I have participated here the past two years without finishing a novel either year. This year I intend to complete a work before the end of November even if it finds its way into a box in the shed or closet with my other writings. My intentions are to work on a psychological thriller however, that may change (to a romance) before next week. I am looking forward to jumping into the NaNo experience with others this year rather than keeping completely to myself. I look forward to making many new friends this year.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

cwcad — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:33:27 +0200

Hi there to everyone in this thread!! I learned of NaNOWriMo from a friend. He makes his living as a writer. Yet he still participates in NaNoWriMo. I am a retired traveling construction worker who could not stand going to school but needed an education. Wish I would have stayed in college and graduated. Instead I continued on as an undergraduate of the school of hard Knocks. I can barely type without looking at my fingers. I know nothing of punctuation and conversations but there is a story in my head and it has been there for most of my life. I was to lazy to put it down on paper. I need a writing buddy to tell me that I will complete this contest. I don't need anyone to tell me it is good(I am a first time novelist ...It will be crap) What I need is some positive support. I need some yes men(ok, that is sexist). I need some yes people to keep me positive. My life is full of nay sayers. Having read the entire thread it is abundantly clear that I have found the right spot for this 59 year old luddite. Anyone wanting to communicate with me I promise that I will respond to all who make a request. I live in central Texas with my wife with only one 11 year old boy at home. One son in college and the oldest is married with a newborn on her lap.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

otto — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:51:44 +0200

As the proverb says 'If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.' Would appreciate a buddy, (or two) for our journey ahead. I turned fifty this year and it's about time I chased this story out of my system as it's been malingering inside me for several years now. I can't think of a better vehicle to speed it on its way than NNWM so if anyone is up for a bit of reciprocal butt-kicking and virtual cheerleading please let me know.

Re: Writing Buddy offer

forest animals — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:35:44 +0200

Hi I am just starting my first nano this year. My name is Madeleine Smith an I am from Tamworth, Staffordshire, England. Do you think you could help me? If so many thanks.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

RutaBaker — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 01:37:46 +0200

I'm a 5 time winner in my 60s writing a found person mystery, actually rewriting my 2010 winner. Since NaNo 2011 has stolen all my buddy support from previous Novembers, I welcome any 50+ NaNo who wishes to buddy me.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Balou — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 03:11:03 +0200

Hi Patrise, your place sounds wonderful. I am an artist also and I love to garden. The drought here in W. Texas took care of my garden and herbs. This is my 4th NaNo and I WON last year! 66,000 words! Good luck to you!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Fiona W — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 05:59:27 +0200

All righty then! Thanks for the explanations about what buddies are for. I'll say the same thing RutaBaker said: I welcome any 50+ NaNo who wishes to buddy me. You don't have to ask. =grin= Now everyone with a cat on their lap while they're posting raise your hand. =raising my hand= Fi

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

pdkw — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 06:18:57 +0200

A suggestion on how to email all your buddies. Open a text edit page on your computer and write you message. Then just copy and paste it in the NaNoMail. Not quite as easy as being able to just email all your buddies at once. But better than writing individual messages.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

waterloon — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:24:17 +0200

Raising Hand! I've got a cat permanently attached. She thinks she's another appendange of mine. I have two cats as well as a barn cat we've named Henry who comes over from time to time for a snack and some conversation.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Kataja — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:38:31 +0200

Your nick always reminds me of Christmas! In Finland a type of rutabaga (Swedish turnip) pudding is a must in the Xmas table, and of course baking... fruit cake, gingerbread...

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

RutaBaker — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:23:19 +0200

It somes from a friend's mispronunciation of rutabaga. She once tried to use it as an alias thinking everyone would get the joke. There is a scientist in South America whose actual name is Ruta Baker,

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

RutaBaker — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:24:11 +0200

Gosh how I need that edit button!

Re: Writing Buddy offer

Nanuchka — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:05:26 +0200

I'd like to be your buddy. This is my first NaNo too, so I don't know what help I can be of you other than to let you cry on my shoulder or scream about how you're stuck. I'm a good listener. My biggest fear is going off track with the novel and realizing that might not be a bad thing. Oh, and I live in Virginia, United States of America.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Tessen — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:07:33 +0200

Hi, RutaBaker. I'd be glad to be buddies with you. You're the only fellow Iowan I could find here. I live in Cedar Rapids. This is my first NaNo so it would be nice to have a veteran to push me.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

thefensk — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:04:22 +0200

close enough ... he decided to give me a break for a while. In fact, his most favorite place is on my mouse pad ... he's a monster and hardly fits on my lap. He's just one of the legion of felines in our midst. The cat in my picture is not the monster cat.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

RutaBaker — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:14:43 +0200

Glad to have you as a bud,Tessen, can't work out how to do it on this thread. Good luck with your novel.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

pink shoes — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:21:50 +0200

Hi. I'm Sue and I live in Buckinghamshire, so we're practically neighbours. I'd like to be your buddy. This is my first NaNo and I'm wondering how I'll get on. That small matter of going to work seems to be something of an obstacle. I like the sound of your greyhounds. I'm one of the many with a cat, though she isn't a lap-sitter - she likes to squeeze in behind me on the chair and then objects loudly if I move.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

reey — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:22:00 +0200

My hand would be raised except one is typing and the other is petting the cat on my lap. Since I have 8 indoor felines, they take turns. The only way to get them off is to grab the nail clippers I keep on the desk and clip a few claws. After a couple snips, the cat decides there are better places to sleep! Wonder how much business it might generate to name a bed-and-breakfast "The Cat in the Lap"?

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

thefensk — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:52:10 +0200

Well, I haven't openly asked because I was waiting for the function to be functional, but I could use a few writing buddies to help me keep on track and hopefully I would be doing likewise.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

DreamingOn — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:24 +0200

Welcome to Nano, Janne! Yes, you CAN do this! What can I tell you about it?

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

abhava — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 03:38:53 +0200

Hi Jamilah, I'm attempting to write a middle-grade novel on Hindu mythology. This is my first Nano! Coming from a large extended family, I love novels about family dynamics. Anything that you can recommend?

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Fiona W — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 06:45:37 +0200

Is the cat in the picture a redpoint colorpoint by any chance? It's really a beauty! I had a redpoint colorpoint once upon a time...I sure did love that guy.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

thefensk — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:54:19 +0200

This cat has a closely colored brother and an orange tabby brother who were all born to a feral kitty with similar markings who decided our garage was the best nursery she ever saw. This was her second litter in that place (the other litter had two calico and three variations of orange/white tabbies). I thought I had blocked her out, but by the time I realized she had another litter in there, I decided to take my vet up on her offer to do a spay and release at cost. This guy (in the picture -- Cookie) followed his mom right into the trap. After the operation, the vet wanted me to keep her caged for a week -- I managed to keep her in the cage for about five days before she started getting so antsy I knew she was going to bolt. She's still around (it has been two years since she was neutered) and she is still as wild as a billy goat; but I leave her food when I see her. We gave three of the first litter away and so we still have the five remaining "kittens". Kitchen looks like a koi pond at feeding time. The two flame tip brothers and the mother are all indeed beautiful cats. Before she was trapped, I had never been within 40 feet of the mother and I thought she was just a white cat. Someone told me they are a variation of siamese, which I can believe ... the markings are very similar and the "white" has an almost peachy undertone like a simamese cat's darker undertone. Cookie is one of the sweetest cats I've ever had. His brother, Pooka, is one of the most skittish. True Yin and Yang. Who knows how this absolutely beautiful mother cat ended up on the streets but even after being as gentle and nice as I could be, and hand feeding her for days, and I know she knows I still feed her, I can not get within 40 feet of her. She is feral through and through.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

mlhh39 — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 23:31:00 +0200

I love cats and envy all of you with your companion feline assistant writers. I lost my 19 year-old Main Coon in July and miss him jumping on my computer when he wanted attention while I was busy writing. I know it takes a while to adjust to being alone. I'd love to have some writing buddies this year. Support and friendship are always welcome. Lynette

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

RutaBaker — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 23:58:48 +0200

So sorry for your loss, Lynette. My old boy Blackie died during a previous NaNo and I'm still not used to writing without him in my lap.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

elizabethnoble — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 02:55:00 +0200

I"m so sorry you've lost your cat, he sounds like he was a great guy. My dog just died at the end of August, and I miss her very much.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

lola777 — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 03:35:10 +0200

Sorry about your cat, Lynette. We lost our 16 year old bobtail girl Queenie a few months ago. She was the last of the menagerie of kitties to go, and it feels strange not having a cat in the house. My aging husky is keeping me company while I type. I'm looking forward to the writing buddy button to appear as I'll need all the encouragement I can get.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

abhava — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 03:55:42 +0200

Hi donne.r and anyone else, I'm writing a middle-grade novel on Hindu mythology. I think this can be considered fantasy with a touch of horror. Will be happy to be your buddy.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Fiona W — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 05:21:06 +0200

Fascinating! I'll just comment briefly on what you said about "variation of Siamese." The flamepoint aka redpoint varieties of cats in the related genetic pools of Siamese/colorpoint/oriental-shorthair are not, technically speaking, Siamese. Many years ago the poohbahs who make the entirely arbitrary rules about what's a Siamese and what's not, decided to bar the door after redpoint, lilacpoint, lynxpoint and some others appeared. So purebred Siamese can be sealpoint, chocolatepoint, and bluepoint (& maybe one other? I forget)—that's it. Red or flamepoints, lilacpoints, lynxpoints, etc., are classified as colorpoint shorthairs. And then there are a whole slew of other, non-point, solid and multicolor varieties that are classified as oriental shorthairs. But since your Mr. Cookie isn't purebred, anyway, it doesn't really matter what you call him. =smile= This trivia about purebred cat coloration was brought to you by someone who loves purebred oriental shorthairs for their gracile body type and extremely social, intelligent temperament.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Timkford — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:08:25 +0200

Mine was a foriegn white - I thought it was classified as siamese but then wasn't interested in showing

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

pink shoes — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:58:51 +0200

Hi, Lynette. Sue here. Sorry to hear about your cat. He sounds lovely. We lost one of ours earlier this year, a beautiful long-haired black called Ruby. We still miss her. On the other hand, our surviving cat is thoroughly enjoying her new position as only cat in the world. It would be great to be buddies. This is my first NaNo and encouragement would be most welcome.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Kataja — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:18:56 +0200

Never had a cat myself but where I spent my childhood the neighbour lady had all the time a cat that was a mixture of a Persian and a Finnish country cat. She had a friend who had a Persian she-cat that was for some reason unsterilized and the result was funny-looking kittens every now and then. They tended to have long hair and all kinds of colouring. I especially do remember the one (that she also had for a long time) that had black and white patches as a cow (I don't know how that patterns is called in English), and long hair. Especially a thick furry tail. We disliked his ornitologist hobby, but liked his interest in moles. ;-)

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

goldberry — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:23:30 +0200

Dear mlhh39, Lynette, I feel for you. I have two writing buddies, one a 16yr old Ragdoll from the humane society and the other is a 4yr old wild beast that I adopted from the wild. They are Sasha and Ivan, as different as night and day and yet close as brothers can be. They are very demanding of my attention and know how to handle their human. I've always had cats and know what it is to lose them. I would let you borrow one of mine but I'm afraid you'd find little hair ball barfs and 'accidents' to trip you up in the mornings. They are notorious stalkers of the computer keyboard and it will be a challenge to thwart their attempts to sabotage my efforts to complete my first nano. (At least I can use them for an excuse). I'm writing a horror/sci-fi thing, I think. It has to do with cordyceps, nature, Godesses and evolution? I think or something like that. A 'blender' of strangeness.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

chrisdd — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:55:01 +0200

Is there any way that I can get a writing buddy or is everyone taken?

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

abhava — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 21:01:01 +0200

I used to live in Manchester, England, and now in Honolulu. Will be happy to be writing buddies if you are interested.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

RutaBaker — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 22:11:54 +0200

It looks like the buddy thing isn't ready yet. It still says 'coming soon'. Don't know what's happened to my buds from previous NaNos. In any case my buddy list always has room for one more, Chris.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

chrisdd — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 23:35:24 +0200

I was wondering about that too. I had several people that I would contact year after year and now they're gone. But thanks, RutaBaker!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

BethTH — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 23:58:11 +0200

Hi, Zookeeper. All mybuddies have vanished too. I guess we'll all just have to find each other again.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

unicawn — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 00:58:54 +0200

Hi, this is my first attempt, I'm hoping to overcome all the self doubts etc and get the novel in my head onto file. My genre doesn't quite fit the other, but probably a new age, spiritual, fantasy, fiction... I'm going to put it under mainstream fiction I think. Has anyone ever managed the 50000 in a month... I wonder how many words one can write in a day? all sorts of questions like that, but I guess the answers will be there. I'm happy to become a buddy with anyone although I don't really know what writing buddies do? Also, is there a winning formula, for instance, does one write the bones of the novel down, then add the muscle to get it moving and then flesh it out or fill in all the detail from the beginning? I currently have a clear vision of my novel, but I don't know whether there are enough events to make 50000 words, however, there will probably be more events as the story progresses. I am loving letting things unfold in my imagination and allowing my mind to have time to think about it, explore possibilities and think around it without reservation, usually I have to focus on other things, now because it all starts soon, the more time I can spend thinking about the novel the better. It is such a lovely opportunity.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

unicawn — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 01:07:26 +0200

hi, i am in luton, so we have something in common.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

unicawn — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 01:09:43 +0200

hi, i'm from Luton, so also in the UK, I've just discovered nano too, wo I'd also like to be your buddy.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

unicawn — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 01:10:59 +0200

I've got 3 cats and a horse who has never seen a laptop, but she is lovely, I'd like to be added to your list too.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

unicawn — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 01:12:33 +0200

Can we encourage each other, please.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

unicawn — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 01:16:48 +0200

Hi, Pink Shoes, it is my first nano too, I'd like to be friends with you too.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

reey — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 01:51:26 +0200

My sympathies on the loss of your furry friend, Lynette. I lost one of mine a few years ago. Mischa was 15 and liked to recline on the back of my computer chair, leaning up against my shoulders. Every so often, he press his head against the back of mine to let me know he was there and loved me. To this day, I sometimes still tilt back my head, close my eyes, and imagine i feel Mischa there. My eldest cat now is Kahlil, and he's 17. The other 7 range in age from 2 to 14 years old. My dog, Tripper, is 5 now, and he came when I needed a totally accepting and loving friend the most: during chemo and radiation.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

krudyard — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 03:19:37 +0200

Writing Buddies is now working so feel free to add me. :)

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

raspberrymoon — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 03:20:29 +0200

Greetings All, The Buddy Button seems to be working now - Cheers This is only my second year so I'm no expert but anyone that needs a buddy, I'm here. I know I already have emailed some of you but please add me to your list. Last year I wrote a family saga based on my own family. This year I'm writing a mystery with ghosts. I'm from north TX and passed the half century mark 15 years ago. Sigh. I have 3 cats and 3 dogs - all of them older than me in pet years. Happy writing to all.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Kat Gentian — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 03:28:04 +0200

For RutaBaker, RM, and others who have been round this block before, the NaNo PTB said our old buddy lists will come along with our old mail. Since the old mail hasn't shown up yet, I have hopes that our buddy lists are still on the moving van.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Gael McCarte — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 17:38:13 +0200

I am trying a new genre for me, steampunk, simply because there is such a call for it. I am published, i wrote a novel about a psychologist working with criminals in Australia. I was one, so have the background. Now I live in Gwinnett County. I am amused at the invitation of whomever wrote it to "pull up a rocker" how bizarre! I do not know what to expect from this, don't know if I will be able to do it with my schedule, but will try. I know nothing about the competition, like where we write and how we record our daily word score. I am sure it will be revealed. I have to have a twist in the tale, the characters will lead me. Good luck to you all, 'rockers' nothwithstanding.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Risada — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:33:02 +0200

Hi, Everyone! I would love to have some writing buddies. I'm 56, love to dance (and knit). I live in the Seattle, WA area.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

pink shoes — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:40:53 +0200

That would be great, Unicawn. Thanks for offering. The buddy system is up and running now, so I just need to sort out how it works.....

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

DreamingOn — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 19:45:58 +0200

Put at least one dog in your political thriller and watch the word count climb.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

DreamingOn — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 19:49:04 +0200

In a sentence: DO NOT RE-READ, SPELL CHECK, OR EDIT ANYTHING YOU WRITE. Spend ALL your time capturing scenes, characters, description, events. It's the text version of 'kill them all and let God sort them out."

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

martdog9 — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 23:37:10 +0200

Steve from Australia here. I'm hoping to write something contemporary and hopefully comic. Would love some buddies to share the ups and downs with. Haven't yet managed to win nanowrimo but aim to give it a great shot. I have all the time in the world right now as I'm recovering from a ruptured quad tendon and nothing better to do than my rehab exercises.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

GraceOM — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 05:25:20 +0100

So which were you, Gael? A criminal or a psychologist? It's the sort of thing people who work in corrections notice... Welcome in! Shannon

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

ghk1962 — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 06:58:01 +0100

I have seen that a lot . . . about not editing or erasing and such. It will be hard for me to do I admit. However, at least for a couple days I will try this and see what comes of it. Who knows...it may be a way I find I like writing! Thanks :-)

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Terri K — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 19:40:38 +0100

As I understand it, the idea seems to be to get a rough draft down on paper. We can go back and edit the rest of the year, which I think is a great idea. After all, you can't edit if you don't have a rough draft.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Kimmer — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:19:35 +0100

Tell us about yourself and I'm sure you'll get lots of buddies!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Autumnlady — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:06:16 +0100

A newbie here and I would love Writing Buddies from anywhere!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Luna54 — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:23:46 +0100

I live in Lincolnshire UK. This is my first time attempting Nano. I've been working on a split-time/reincarnation novel for years, so writing one in a month will be a real challenge! I'm going to expand a short story I've written into a novel, it will probably be classed as mainstream. It would be good to have some Writing Buddies to give/receive encouragement which will surely be needed!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

ghk1962 — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 03:10:38 +0100

True, true. I will surely try to do this...at least for a portion of my writing...and likely towards the end when I realize I have 2 more days to write and have 45,000 words to go!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

mlhh39 — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 03:14:57 +0100

Thanks for all the nice things you said about my cat, Jefferson. It sure is different here without him, but staying busy writing helps. My daughter offered me another cat, but I'm not ready. The buddy link seems to be on, but it is confusing me. I see some of you have friended me and I appreciate it. I also see some people on there twice. I don't know how to change them and I can't find a button to friend anyone. (Though I work on the computer writing full time, I consider it a glorified typewriter. Anything techinal throws me.) Anyone want to give me a 'how to buddy for dummies' lesson? I do know how to open my messages. Lynette

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Janet B Smith — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 05:06:40 +0100

Hi 50+ group. My name is Janet and I would love to have some writing buddies as this is my first try at NaNo. I definitely need all the help I can get, particularly with respect to HOW to do everything. Despite my 58 years, a pretty decent education and a great life, I am woefully dysfunctional when it comes to computer stuff - how to sign up for lists, how to access the profiles of fellow writers, how to best contact others, how to update word counts, etc. I know, I know, it's not rocket science and most of it is probably easy, but some of us are truly pathetic when it comes to the nuts and bolts of computer stuff beyond basic word processing. Fortunately, our local library is having a NaNo kick-off on the night of Nov 1st so I hope I can pick some brains then. With regard to stats, I've been living in the Denver area for the past 20+ years, am an avid reader (aren't we all?) and love to write. My daughter told be about Nano a few months ago, and I realized that it would be a perfect challenge for me since I possess a most persistent inner editor who bogs me down with editing and rewriting so that I never get past Chapter 3. I am looking forward to free writing as much as possible and NOT re-reading ANYTHING until I reach 50K or Nov 30th, whichever comes first. So question #1: I hear that the Buddies List function is "now working". How (there's the first HOW) does one sign up and use this - another forum to visit? I swear, NaNo has more forums than I've ever before seen under one organization. Don't get me wrong. I'm really enjoying reading them. It's just a bit overwhelming. So . . . if anyone wants another buddy, I promise I can write nice short notes, too (as oposed to this long-winded monolog), so I hope I meet some of you soon. Oh, one last item, my genre of choice is mystery. Good luck to all and have fun TWO DAYS FROM NOW (YIKES!)

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

raspberrymoon — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 06:30:15 +0100

Janet, I sent you a nanomail & added you as a buddy. The top of the page or your main regions page should show this in a little while. Just click on that & it will take you to your buddy page and/or mail page. If it doesn't show up repost me here. I'm not very good at all of this either since they changed everything this year. You can also click on anyones name to get to their profile and add them as buddies there.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Patricia_Shirra — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 06:42:33 +0100

Hi, I'm Patricia. I am 53 and this is my second NaNoWriMo. I actually finished last year but just by the skin of my teeth and I must admit I had to get creative at times. Since my story was about a young minister who was assuming responsibility for his deceased father's church I used hymn lyrics and Bible verses to get my word count up on more than one occasion. Was I proud of myself? Heck yes, I finished! I actually started editing the manuscript post NaNoWriMo but I've shelved it for the time being. Anyway, I'm writing a YA suspense thriller this time around and I am in need of a writing buddy or two. I can't take the time to critique anyone's work -- there's no time to critique my own -- but I'd like someone who can encourage me when I am sleep deprived and grouchy and brain-dead and I 'm sure I will experience all three. I will, of course, send words of encouragement to you as well. Is anyone interested?

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

waterloon — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:55:53 +0100

Lynette, if you click on a member's profile, you will see a couple options in small red letters above their info. One is "add buddy" (or it could be "remove buddy" if they've already been added) and another is "send nanomail." So if you click on "add buddy" they will be added to your buddy list. Once you do that, you should see them under your "writing buddies" tab on your profile. It could be that you see some people twice because you have two sections in your writing buddies. One is for buddies you've added and one is for the buddies who have added you. So if a person falls into both categories, then they'll be on there twice. Hope this helps. If it's clear as mud just let me know and I'll try to explain it better, or maybe someone else can have a go at it.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Janet B Smith — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:27:19 +0100

Hi Raspberyrmoon - What a GREAT picture to have (and great user name, too), especially today on Halloween. Thank's SO MUCH, both for the initial info and for adding me as one of your buddies. I really appreciate it. I've got an important meeting which will take me into mid-day (and I'm already late!) so afterwards I will get back to this site and other stuff. A quick look shows that I have 4 nanomails, so I am looking forward to seeing the responses and getting more knowledgable and involved - chatting with my buddies - as the NaNo month progresses.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Erica in the novel — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:42:26 +0100

Clippers! What a great idea! Fortunately, mine fur babies usually only demand attention when they are hungry. Cat in the Lap, yup, that would work, I think. Anyway, I am a California living deep in the forest of central Sweden (no, I am not married to a Swede, but a wonderful French woman) and would like a few buddies. But I am not sure what the next step is after posting here.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Erica in the novel — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:45:17 +0100

Oh, and I am a newbie writing what might be mainstream fiction. All I really know about this story's genre is what it isn't.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Luna54 — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 18:03:42 +0100

Hi, I feel exactly the same as you do, this is my first time too. I live in Lincolnshire. Maybe we could be buddies?

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

kyahpearl — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 19:12:11 +0100

I believe that as well, however I'm trying to purge stuff to make use of a living room, which has served as a storage room for almost 3 years. Every time I open a box, there's pages and pages of not only typewritten, but hand written novels, short stories, ideas, etc. Not to mention all the floppy disks which no longer can be read by these modern machines (I could imagine what's on them, without written proof, I haven't a clue). But occasionally you have to say enough is enough, sift through, chuck some of the old stuff, and keep the better ideas in your head.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Idahocat — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:16:55 +0100

Usually I have a cat on my lap or one blocking the monitor, unless the doggie is in the room, then they find a higher nesting spot. He loves the kitties, and doesn't understand why they won't play. They find him annoying.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Idahocat — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:34:52 +0100

Too funny Shannon! Uh, so Gael, which is it . . . ?

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

mlhh39 — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 03:04:25 +0100

Thanks so much. Worked like a charm. I knew somebody could tell me what to do.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

ghk1962 — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 05:07:59 +0100

:-) I was gonna ask the same thing earlier!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

ghk1962 — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 05:15:46 +0100

Can I jump on the wagon here for another writing buddy? I am similar to Janet in that I am new and all this techie thing overwhelms me! It would be helpful to be able to ask someone things who've been here before. I figured out the buddy thing...I think. Although . . . should I email someone before I add them as a buddy? (This is my question #1 I guess.) And Q2: How does one figure out how to get back to where they have posted on here? I have randomly posted things . . .but for the life of me can't figure out how to quickly see where I was . . short of opening up bazillions of posts and scrolling :-)

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

GraceOM — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 06:40:22 +0100

Greg, I think anyone posting in this forum would be happy to be a writing buddy (why else would we be posting here??!) so go ahead and add as you see fit. Sending a bit of mail to say "I've added you" is a nice touch.) As for Q2, when I get to the forum and before I click on a thread I've been to before, I look to see how many NEW posts there are since I last visited. If it's 20 or less, I hit LAST when I get to the first page. That usually puts me in the ballpark. I may have to go back a page, but usually I'm very close. My memory from last year is that (eventually) we'll be able to click on something that will take us to "New since I last visited" so we don't have to scroll through pages and pages. I've been looking forward to the "Edit Forums" going live so I can whittle down the list of forums/threads to read. I'm supposed to be writing, after all, not reading! Shannon

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Sancho Panza — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:13:31 +0100

Writing is not clothes, it is not objects which take up space. There are disk readers for old floppy disks. Any clutter in the house is not due to your collective thoughts. The most voluminous and best writing of decades would occupy less than a 4x4 foot sq space...and that's generous. We always can and should move on-- but you never know when you might need some of the lines or references in your older work. It is one thing to make an honest assessment of your living space, and another, still, to disparage what you are doing at the expense of losing material you may well use... Sometimes when we meet middle or late middle age, we let the platitudes of others define us. Please don't give in to that temptation...You can't work I with what you don't have....the memories are concrete, but lost if you throw them away. Good Luck!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

ghk1962 — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:20:12 +0100

I just added you as well just a bit ago. And I have sort of been doing what you mentioned (with regards to going to the "Last" posts on a thread. My problem is I don't remember what thread I was on hahaha. Well, it's late here...and I just finished writing some (not a lot...I am not used to writing so much and it's HARD!) I hope you've got a good start to your writing though! :-) Greg

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

mlhh39 — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:08:29 +0100

Does anyone know why the bars for word count aren't showing up on the forums this year? It's nice to see what your buddies are doing, but I liked seeing how it was going overall.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Ballyhoo — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:23:12 +0100

Well put, Sancho! I am dealing with the same problem...too many boxes of papers and discs from old computers that I can't bring myself to dispose of. Art ideas, writing, etc. Yes, the "platitudes of others" are powerful. Thank you for that bit of wisdom. I really needed to hear that.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

4thAce — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:24:48 +0100

[quote=ghk1962] And Q2: How does one figure out how to get back to where they have posted on here? I have randomly posted things . . .but for the life of me can't figure out how to quickly see where I was . . short of opening up bazillions of posts and scrolling :-) [/quote] In case you're still wondering, if you put your mouse over Forums in the navigation header, there's a dropdown for My Forum Comments you can click. It will bring up what you posted and there's a link there to get you back to the original thread. Rich

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Thannisan — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 21:34:11 +0100

Wow! What a bunch of neat people. I am on a lake in the middle of Georgia and have been retired the last ten years. In that time, I learned how to be a balloon twister (don't ask why, I just always wondered how they did that), and learned a number of Photoshop and Painter methods (really, mostly Photoshop). I did a Nano three years ago but it was really several novels all munged together. My spell checker doesn't like "Munged" but it seems a good word to me. This year, I am going at it again. I may as well try my hand at it since I too believe that nothing is ever truly wasted --and besides, why not? I am a retired Professor and haven't a clue as to how to write fiction, not that that will stop me from doing it. I'd love a buddy or to be a buddy. I haven't yet identified what genre I'm writing in... sort of a metaphysical version of the other side of here complete with cute and very frightening creatures. I don't know where this stuff comes from but then I guess that could apply to many of us. Regards.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

hollygetz — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:50:04 +0100

Oh how cool is this? This is my very first NaNoWriMo ... never even heard of it till yesterday. (See profile for story as to why I'm here ... other than the obvious) So I was wandering the desks at work today asking folks whether "It was a dark and stormy night" meant anything to them. (Of course the person who told me about this recognized it). And of course I have those as the 7 words written so far ... cheating you say? Seriously though, I am totally new to this and know I need some "buddies". So, although I don't know how to do it, I'd be really happy to have you as a buddy. My name really is Holly btw.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

daedalusi — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:52:06 +0100

I'm 59, this is my first NaNo and am wondering whether any others are looking for a writing buddy. I'm more used to programming computers than writing novels, but this is fun so far. oh, I'm living in Marietta, GA.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Grannys7 — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 07:21:33 +0100

Hi justBetsy! I'm Grannys7 (7 grandkids, newest one born last year right before we started) and my name is Faith. This is my second time at this and last year's novel (hit the 50,000) is still sitting waiting to be read and revised. Last year it was more of a what if kind of thing about a woman and choices. This year I'm trying my hand at youth/young adult. I have a story about a little blonde girl who turns out to be a princess (empress, something), I'm using my little granddaughter as the model and seeing where it takes me. Looking forward to talking with you and seeing how we go.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Grannys7 — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 07:30:14 +0100

Hi Wilma! My name is Faith and I'm 53. Like you, I got about 51k last year and until last month left it sit. I finally printed it out and at the end of this one I will read and start revising last year's. I think sometimes space is a good thing, especially when it comes to writing. This year my story has come from watching my little blonde granddaughter and writing for youth/young adult. A fantasy type thing. Just an idea right now and I'll just run with it and see where it takes me. I seem to write better that way. Hope to hear from you. It will be interesting to follow someone else and see how they get it done. Hope to hear from you.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Grannys7 — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 07:37:56 +0100

Hey fabulist! Im with you. Age is a number-ya either roll with it or let it beat ya! I'm looking forward to getting started on my story. It's for youth/young adult audience. A story about a little blonde girl a lot like my five year old granddaughter. We'll see if I can hit the 50k mark again this year. looking forward to hearing how it's going for you.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Grannys7 — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 07:42:19 +0100

Hi! 53 seems to be a popular number and I'm cool with that. This is my second nano and I'm looking forward to getting started (delay due to babysitting chores with the grandkids). My musical taste is all over the boards and I tend to just turn on the tunes and let them go. Look forward to hearing how your doing as we go along.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

TessaBlue — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:36:43 +0100

Hi, Risada. I'd love to buddy up with ya. I'm also 56. I don't knit, but I used to belly dance. Will that work? =)

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

TessaBlue — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:38:31 +0100

Hi, Arturo. I'm 56, live in Iowa, and am working on a mainstream novel for NaNoWriMo. I'd love to be your buddy!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Sancho Panza — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:40:05 +0100

Thanks Ballyhoo: it took me two days to figure out how to find this thread again. I sent you a post. Let's be buddies!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Patricia_Shirra — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:56:21 +0100

Thanks for your buddy request, Holly, and I see that you have gotten into the swing of things. From 0 to 15,000 words in a couple of days. AWESOME! Keep it up! Patricia :^D

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

False harpist-48 — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:54:19 +0100

Greetings all: I'm a first timer. I live in beautiful Saint Anthony Village, Minnesota, USA. I'm retired at age 63. My primary hobby involves being a student of the chorded zither (autoharp) & refurbishing old zithers as well. I also enjoy bread baking (I took bread baking classes at the National Baking Center in Minneapolis when it was in existence so I know quite a bit about it (unfortunately I've forgotten alot too.) My novel is a very personal exploration of some very personal life experience which I'm only now coming to terms with at this later time in my life. I'm both scared that I will finish it and scared that I won't. So far I feel like I'[ve made a strong start, although my word count is not up to where it needs to be. I do worry though that I'll run out of material before I get anywhere near 50,000 words. Also, sad to say, I lack the equipment and the expertise to upload a picture. I also have a channel on YouTube & it's the same story. Somehow I feel slightly less than a full participant because I can't upload some sort of picture (not of me heaven knows, but perhaps of one of my autoharps or something as a stand-in. If there was someone who could help me with my novel writing that would be marvelous! If it were possible for someone to help me with the pic problem as well that would be great too although it is obviously of secondary importance.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

juliesea — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:22:43 +0100

[quote=False harpist-48] Greetings all: I'm a first timer. I live in beautiful Saint Anthony Village, Minnesota, USA. I'm retired at age 63. My primary hobby involves being a student of the chorded zither (autoharp) & refurbishing old zithers as well. I also enjoy bread baking (I took bread baking classes at the National Baking Center in Minneapolis when it was in existence so I know quite a bit about it (unfortunately I've forgotten alot too.) My novel is a very personal exploration of some very personal life experience which I'm only now coming to terms with at this later time in my life. I'm both scared that I will finish it and scared that I won't. So far I feel like I'[ve made a strong start, although my word count is not up to where it needs to be. I do worry though that I'll run out of material before I get anywhere near 50,000 words. Also, sad to say, I lack the equipment and the expertise to upload a picture. I also have a channel on YouTube & it's the same story. Somehow I feel slightly less than a full participant because I can't upload some sort of picture (not of me heaven knows, but perhaps of one of my autoharps or something as a stand-in. If there was someone who could help me with my novel writing that would be marvelous! If it were possible for someone to help me with the pic problem as well that would be great too although it is obviously of secondary importance. [/quote] I am sure someone will know the answer to the picture thing as you can see I have not done that yet either. I am first timer and I am learning the ukulele! I don't have a plot or plan but am hanging in there a cathartic experience up to now which is an added bonus I have no guilt about liking wine, chocolate and not exercising (gardening does not count because I enjoy that) julie

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

hollygetz — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:21:27 +0100

Thanks, Patricia! Um, "It was a dark and stormy night" 2000 times counts, right? I should get some real typing done over the weekend ... at least thats the plan!

Re: Writing Buddy offer

Ashlar1 — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:58:12 +0100

Hello its my first nano too and I am confused at the size of this site and huge number of forums fora whats the right term? I live in Melton Mowbray in middle England am a retired nurse. i written professionally )nursing)stuff before but this is my first fiction - its an Aga Saga dont yawn! So its day 4 I'm 7000 words in. i doubt my novel has 50,000 words in it so will just plough foward and see how we go. Hope you are all having fun with this.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

False harpist-48 — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 18:40:39 +0100

Hi Julie: Thanks for your reply. Personally I'm into Virgil's Cream Soda and Root Beer! We live in a townhome and we have a small dog who has to be walked a couple of times daily so that's my exercise. Hope the ukulele learning goes well. I used to be a guitar player but I gave it up years ago. Recently, when I decided to get back into playing music, I settled on the chorded zither (autoharp), in part because I like it but also in part because I thought it would be easier to learn than some instruments I could have taken up. This has not turned out to be the case... but I'm working with it. Good luck with your NaNoWriMo undertaking. Brad

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Terri K — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 23:45:54 +0100

I don't know the answer to the resizing-a-picture question (I'd like to know too), but I took a picture with my webcam and it worked. Also, the Web Badges from the Fun Stuff drop down box at the top of the page work too.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

cygwriter — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 09:14:25 +0100

Hi Kataja! Everyone, I'm 52, a nanowrimo veteran. I write SF suspense space opera thingamagadgets. I'm always writing SF. Anyone can add me as a buddy. I'll try to keep up. I am busy busy, but I try. lol

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

cygwriter — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 09:19:27 +0100

I like your story too. My very first nano was awful, it made no sense! There were a few sentences that grabbed me, and it froze my brain. I could not write all year. Well, two years later I found the draft, found a completely different story inside it, rewrote it, and it ended up being one of my favorites. Then the next one came along....lol This years is begging to be faux firewood but i digress. I like the characters too much to give it up.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Catana — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 14:17:39 +0100

Hey, Harpist. Maybe I can help with the avatar. You need to reduce whatever picture you use to about 100 x 100 pixels. It's simple to do and doesn't require any equipment. Go to http://fotoflexer.com/ and click on Upload Photo. You don't have to register. If you want to get the hang of it first, click on one of the sample photos just underneath. Click on Crop if you want to cut out any extraneous material to focus on the central subject. Your mouse does the work. Next, or first, if you didn't need to crop, click on resize. The easiest way to resize is just change the numbers in the boxes to 100 and 100. Decide whether you want to keep the same proportions, then click Apply. Now Save. The program makes a copy of your original photo; it doesn't change it. Hope this works for you.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

ghk1962 — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 15:47:52 +0100

Thanks! I found that drop down....when I click on it it does indeed take me to the post...but it does not show me who I am responding to. But it's a start :-) (And see...I had a hard time finding that someone responded here! I'll figure it out sooner or later though.)

Re: Writing Buddy offer

Moll-in-the-Wood — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:00:33 +0100

Hello :) That's a lovely part of England you come from. I was in Oakham in July and loved it round there. I live in south west Manchester, UK. It's my first nan too. Good luck with your novel!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

GraceOM — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 21:57:10 +0100

If you're reading the thread "flat" then you will see answers that don't seem to pertain to what you might have said earlier. If you read the thread "nested," you'll have to hunt through all sorts of pages to find that new response. Neither is simple. I think, though, if you click on "Your forum comments" and then on "Parent" or "Context" in the right hand corner of the posting, you may be able to navigate around a little easier. Shannon

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

ghk1962 — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 14:30:24 +0100

Thanks! I did not see that "Parent" clicky thing. That works great. I tried it...I found that it works in a reverse nested operation. If your comments, or those above yours (even if you have not commented above your nested comment I mean), the "Parent" clickly thing will keep showing for you to click until all the nests are shown. I like! Thanks again.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

S.Lacey — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 16:30:34 +0100

Hi, everyone. I'm also a first time NaNo writer. I'm looking for writing buddies who are writing romance, preferably with MCs who are not twenty-somethings. Love is not just for the young and beautiful!! As for me, I live in Sydney (in Nova Scotia, Canada, not Australia LOL). I used to write years ago, but gave it up with the intention of taking it up again once my kids were grown and gone. And now they are, so I have no excuse. My interests include knitting, sewing, reading (of course!), walking, skating, but also sci fi, zip-lining, river rafting. So far it's going pretty well. A little ahead of my quota, in spite of the fact that I'm not an outliner, but prefer to let my story evolve on its own. I'm still working on the photo thing too. It seems no matter what I do I still get the message telling me the file size is too big. I'll keep at it. Good luck to all of you.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

words4mom — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 04:09:07 +0100

I'm Candice, 51, live in Rockville, MD (suburb of DC). This is my 1st NaNo and I'm finding the forums a bit overwhelming in volume and complexity. I've found a local bunch of WriMos who meet at a local coffee shop and have their own listserv, nice bunch, but mostly a lot younger than I am. My novel I guess falls under Chick Lit, I would call it Mommy Lit as a sub-type. Some mystery, lots of motherhood stuff, and a twist of supernatural (but no zombies or vampires). I'm at over 14K total word count, chugging along to my goals each day, enjoying NaNo very much. I would like to someone in this group willing to be my Writing Buddy for encouragement, trouble-shooting, etc. Please NaNoMail me if you're willing and able to be my Writing Buddy, as I don't often keep up with the Forums. Thanks! Candice (aka words4mom)

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Seaquille — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 04:37:53 +0100

Sounds like a lot of good optimism in this group! I am proud to be a part of it. This is my first Nano-Write. I am going with an urban-fantasy theme, no vampyres or werewolves, but an assortment of unusual skills being passed on in a family group, and some inter-generational conflicts on how to use these, and the setting is a lonely NW coast town. I want to keep the gore and off-colour stuff to a minimum so that this would be suitable for a family to read together. I will see how that works out, cause the excitement seems hard to keep in the chapters at the moment. I am not sure how to add people to my Buddy list, but am going to work on that, next! I also used to paint & draw. I originally wanted to BE an illustrator, so maybe that can still happen. I love working with wool, spinning from a fleece and knitting it up. Not real skilled in the knitting, but the the spinning is something I could do for hours. I used to be in a middle-eastern dance troupe, MANY years ago, and continued to teach at the YWCA until I moved to a small town. Haven't done that in years, but I still love the music. Maybe it is something to do with this 56-year old group? Many things appearing to be in common.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Jeanne the Red Jay — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 05:38:15 +0100

Kataja, Your cat is irresistible. I have two and a husband. All three have learned how to drag me out of the library where my computer lives. I'm writing Sci Fi and Fantasy, and never expected to do so. I'd like to be your buddy. I did Nano somewhere around 1999 or 2000, when I was so busy I can't even recall what I wrote. Don't even remember if I finished whatever I wrote. I probably just put it up on my teaching website, and it got lost in there somewhere. I'm already 4 days behind because my old computer crashed, and I foolishly ordered a spiffy new one that needs all kinds of software and doesn't feel at all like the one I lost. This will be the first time I've tried fiction for the sake of fiction since I was in elementary school. Even that wasn't a novel; it was a play that I directed in front of the whole school. All I remember about it was that the MC was on roller skates on the stage. But then, I reckon most people don't write novels at that age. It's late here, we just ended daylight savings time. I'm going to throw caution to the wind and sleep. I spent the whole day putting up my new pen and tablet. Arthritis makes a mouse difficult. I hope it's possible to catch up. I've soothed myself by delight with how much I've learned about programming and Ubuntu. But it's sure not as easy at 76 as it was at 46, or even 56. I promise after a good night's sleep tonight, I won't let anything, neither pen, nor tablet, nor new software stop me from catching up tomorrow.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

ejessic — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:55:07 +0100

Anyone in the Winston-Salem or Lewisville, nC are that is writing? I'd love to get together with a few people a couple of times and write.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Artesia — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 01:06:00 +0100

Hello, everyone, Just catching up with the forums, now that the first week has flown by. I'm Artesia and this is my fifth NaNo. I live in central IL and tend to be somewhat of a hermit during NaNo, just because I work full-time and I am no good writing around noise or other people. That means that I sequester myself after work in order to find time to write. But that does not mean companionship isn't welcome some of the time. In the past, I have tried to ignore the forums during the first week in order to get a good start, and I'm doing OK with my goal. I'd be happy to find a buddy or two now that the middle of our quest--the most challenging part of NaNo--is upon us. Not looking for editing or advice as much as encouragement, and I'm willing to offer the same. Glad to see that there is a fair representation of the 50+ group!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Margaret57 — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 02:53:28 +0100

Hey everyone, I am 54 and write historical fiction. I do quite a few contemp. short stories though and bring in the true Aussie characters, I have so much fun with them. Would love a writing buddy of similar genre and age, someone who will get on my case when I get slack.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

cclopez — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:29:36 +0100

Hi, all you 50+ers! I'm proud to be in your group. I'm a newbie and, apparently, a rebel! Awesome! I am working on the second 60K words of my current novel during NaNo. I've never tried this before so I'm not sure if I can "win" (despite my rebel status) but I figure anything will help. Good luck! Feel free to add me as a buddy, if interested! Claire in N. Tx

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

collin2 — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:38:45 +0100

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Dixiegirl — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 23:45:22 +0100

Someone go ask her!

Re: Looking for a buddy

Dixiegirl — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 23:51:28 +0100

I love blackberry cobbler!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Dixiegirl — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 23:52:11 +0100

LOL replied twice ! See I am a geezer!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Dixiegirl — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 23:52:35 +0100

Moon! LOL

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

daedalusi — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 02:09:44 +0100

I'm looking for writing buddies too. I am 59. this is my first NaNo. It is hectic, but a lot of fun so far. I go and participate in a few writing meetup groups, but none of them "bought in" to it this year I like it so far.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Sherilyn_M_Cook — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 04:39:15 +0100

I turned 49 on November 3rd. May I please please play in the 50+ SandBox? I am an artist/illustrator. Blessed with one late in life daughter who will turn eleven in Janaury. Husband is a Paramedic and Nuclear Safety/Training Officer. Two kitty cat writing buddies. One dog but all she does is guard the house and lead on family hikes. All pets are rescues. This is my second year to do NaNoWriMo. First time was 2009. I made it to finish line but it was a jumbled mess in my opinion. This year I have a good plot started. I am writing scenes and watching my characters come to life. The journey is more exciting and rewarding this time. I am writing in Fantasy genre. Looks like a YA work right now with my three main characters in the 15 to 21 age range. I may have jumped into the pool far too late for a writing buddy but if not, I am seeking someone to share the experience of NaNoWriMo with. Possibly past November if we really hit it off and mutually aide one another with support and encouragement. Wishing each and all a very successful run to the finish line.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

ElleG — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:54:30 +0100

Hi I'm Lesley aged 65 from Kent in the UK. This is my first NaNoWrimo and I would welcome a buddy/buddies for encouragement. I am writing historical fiction based, very loosely, on story of an ancestor's move from rural Wales in mid nineteenth century to the Durham coalfields in England. I've attended a write in locally but dismayed to find all the others were under 25 so delighted to find this forum at last!! Good luck everyone! PS Also tired of reading posts full of phrase "awesome"!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

sile001 — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 21:30:59 +0100

Hello - I'm a second time nano-er from near the English Lake District. I have writing buddies, a number of whom I've been meeting with these past couple of weeks. Hope everyone is doing OK in their Nano-world :)

Re: Looking for a buddy

Gael McCarte — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:49:35 +0100

Dixie do you have a buddy? I am happ to buddy up, I live in NE Georgia, at about the same word count you are, I love blueberry anything but blackberries are good too. Let me know if you need a buddy. Gael

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Gael McCarte — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:56:17 +0100

Sorry for your loss Lynette, I find it difficult to write with a German Shepherd trying to do the same things your feline friend did. I am open to buddies. First time writing a novel in a month. I live in Noretheast Georgia, stll writing.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Gael McCarte — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:02:07 +0100

You are a funny mob, my role was psychologist to help the prisoners re-orient to life with out guards and walls. Are you surprised that many recreate their prison cell in their apartments? And they live witnin a very restricted radius. You can take the boy out of the cell but you can't...never mind. I designed a program called Justice Through Art where those who did art inside coulc continue it outside witht he same teacher same technique etc, to sell their work. Prison art is big. We wanted it to be an independence make even a wealth creator for them but the key point was that the arts' community is inclusive, and accepted them, assisting them with their re-assimilation. So there yah go? Who are you all?

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Gael McCarte — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:03:51 +0100

Shanon where did you work? I was with DoJ Perth Western Australia, I haved worked in prisons but last position was with cmmunity based offenders, post release and pre prison.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Gael McCarte — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:06:32 +0100

Terri I had the same problem I ended up posting the only picture it would accept, and it was taken when my son was 2, he is now 18. It's still current right?

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Gael McCarte — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:08:03 +0100

S. Lacey did you get a response? Feel free to buddy me. I have romance woven through my historical novel, married love that endured even beyond the grave. You are racing ahead withyour word count there. Well done.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

cclopez — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:22:09 +0100

We can be buddies! Iadded you.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Gael McCarte — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:00:18 +0100

daedalus we are neighbors, I am in Gwinnett County. Look at your word count!! If this is what you do with writing and it is not your "thing" what do you do with computers which are your "thing", or "thaing"?

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Gael McCarte — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:02:48 +0100

Teri I am doing historical fiction, I added you to my buddy list. I am in Georgia, writing a novel about my Scots ancestors. They would not recognize the details of their own lives as I have convoluted them. How is your work going?

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Gael McCarte — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:04:56 +0100

cc I am not sure if this message is for me or not, if it is welcome buddy, let me know what you are writing. g

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

iampat — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:46:02 +0100

nothing wrong with writing sf or fantasy. mind you i am not reading as much of that sort of stuff as i should do. who do you like to read?

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

iampat — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:02:10 +0100

just turned 50. writing something that might be fantasy (though it is not very good). living in london.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

JackieSimpson — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:44:18 +0100

Hello, I am 53 and live on Cape Cod in USA. I am English, from Bedfordshire, and my nano-novel is an historical murder mystery set in the Norwich area in the 1870s. This is my first attempt with NanoWriMo and I am motivated by needing to keep ahead of two of my children. So far it has been a surprising revelation, but I worry that the word count will fizzle. I wish I had done more work on my plot. I would be happy to be anyone's writing buddy.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

ejessic — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:17:18 +0100

Hey again. I tried uploading a pic but couldn't make it load, so I am faceless, but energized. Sounds like most of you are pretty young...i am 70 and this is my 4th, as I said earlier. This year I am finally doing as my family asked and trying an autobiography as well as stories to expand on the characters from my first NaNoWriMo which should be out after the new year. Today was the first time this month I haven't written, but will do some tonight before I go to bed so I do not break my streak. My first book, Eldercat, was supposed to be a YA but several editors have convinced me that it is adult fantasy cat fiction instead. Hopefully, folks will love it when I finally get it out. So pleased that so many of us are posting on this forum. Keep going, y'all. It energizes every day!!!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Gael McCarte — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:23:34 +0100

Hi yah, you are an inspiration to the rest of us. Keep trying to upload a pic, I had to keep trying and the only one that loaded is 16 years old, but ::shrugs:: it works. I love that you think we are young, it's been a while since I have been classed "young". Congrats on your prior wrting successes. And look at you, over 32,000 words this time around!!!! Hope you still like your characters. Keep writing Gael in Georgia.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

West15th — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:21:59 +0100

Last night I hit 25,000 wds. During the first week I lost 8,000 wds to a technology glitch and have been trying to catch up every since. Thankfully it is the weekend and I am committed to catching up completely. Last night I booked a two hour facial for the first Sunday after Nov. 30 which is Dec. 4th. That is the carrot I am writing toward. Of course that is besides the joy of completing the 50,000 wds and having the first draft of my first book.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

words4mom — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 22:59:18 +0100

Awesome idea, your carrot of spa treat after Nano! I'm thinking I'll get myself a massage, work the stiffness out of my neck from sitting at the computer.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

LynneInPborough — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 10:42:13 +0100

Happy to buddy up. I met some great people last year which was my first. I've been a bit preoccupied with work and writing this year and only now that I'm oh so close to 50k am I spending a bit more time on the forums. the people I expected to be following are having to follow me as i keep getting spurts on. I just want to get past 50k to get a bit of my life back. I know. I never will now. Hello.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

redbone56 — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 07:23:20 +0100

Hi I'm 55 and this is my first nano. I've been really overwhelmed by all the information so just put my head down and finished my 50 000 in 17 days. I wanted to get it over with even though it's been so much fun. Have had aches in the shoulder, neck and derriere ...writing is hard work. I live in a little city in New Zealand and have felt abit isolated from the camaraderie of the Americans and English. There seem to be so many of you...lucky people. I'm originally from South Africa so I'm abit of a mixed up citizen. I've written a mystery but it sounds suspiciously like a love story,oh dear. Good luck everyone heading for your 50 000. If I could you can. One of my writing buddies has already hit the 80 000 plus mark and she's only 17!!I don't think I had that much to say at that age...lol ps, I can't seem to upload a pic,no matter what I do. win some lose some.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Gael McCarte — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:45:45 +0100

Hi Red - welcome. I am an Aussie living in te US, born and raised in Perth Western Australia, conceived in London, so I know the "mixed up" citizen feeling. You have done well with your writing. I am just under 50,000. I loved NZ when we were there, you are in a gorgeous area. We had an exchanges student stay with is from Dunedin. Keep trying with the pic, took me several times, and the one that did load is 16 years old, ::shrugs::. Glad to have you onboard. Gael

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Gael McCarte — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:48:34 +0100

Hi I am in Georgia too, good luck with the writing, we live in a lovely state.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Ballyhoo — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:49:09 +0100

Congrads Sancho! I pooped out! Not to be my month for writing; too much going on. But I am happy for you! I still intend to write this thing...had new inspiration last night. Let me know when I can read your novel. Best, Prof Ballyhoo

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

lthamer — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:57:48 +0100

Hi All I'm 53 years old. In 2012 I will be 54 in June. This year was my first year of doing NaNoWriMo in November, and I find that I need some buddies to write dares, word wars, and just a bit of interaction in general. I keep coming back here to read what you all are saying and I am encouraged. Have joined a couple of groups to keep me motivated, but I find I need some writing buddies as well. I'm in California. I going to start my own writing group once I find out what the parking situation is in my area. Any buddies waiting in the wings?

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Kat Gentian — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 03:26:20 +0100

I'm in the midwest, so not available to drive to a writing group in California! But I'm checking in here about weekly, so I can chat and commiserate. And certainly you can add me as a buddy!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Erica in the novel — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 11:36:45 +0100

Hej Ithamer, I will be 55 in June and am originally from California, and it was my first NaNo too! Anyway, I am also struggling to get back into working on 'it' (!). New Year's resolution (which I almost never make) is to do something on it every weekday. Contrary to what (from reading the posts) is most people's experience, I was pretty hopeful while writing it that it might amount to something, but the longer I sit only thinking about it (didn't someone recommend taking December off and not reading it for a month), the worse I am sure it is. Discouraging... What do I do with it? Edit? Or is it too soon for that? Build it up, put in all the missing bits that are now just minor notes in brackets, and then edit? Read it, sigh, and wait for next November to start over on something else? I just don't know... On a happy note, I am sitting in a warm house watching the snow fall. It is beautiful out and I don't have to go out there. I can sit inside and watch the Wizard of Oz! Happy New Year everyone!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

lthamer — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:18:29 +0100

Love, love, love the Wizard of Oz. Don’t get much snow here . . . he he he, but I love to watch it rain. I received a thousand word prompt book from one of my girls. They have been very encouraging, but they don’t get my passion for writing. That’s okay though it makes me feel good that I’m trying to be the best writer I can. Sharpen those pencils and the mind. I didn’t put my story down, (in December) because I just went back to trying to plan or sketch more of my outline and characters. Trying to make sure that my book has a viable concept, theme, and premise in the process of planning. Researching, reading, and writing all at the same time. Love telling a story, but I find I'm bogged down with all the little bits and pieces like you. It sounds like were rowing the same boat. I’m glad you want to row with me. The more the merrier. I am still navigating through this site, so I do not know how to make you my buddy. If you like, we can bounce ideas, or just talk shop in general or not. It’s up to you. I have so many irons in the fire right now I’m bound to be burned. Sigh. . . Let me know what you decided through NaNoMail, and I will reply as soon as I can. I hope this sounds okay with you. Happy Writing Lthmaer

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

lthamer — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:21:15 +0100

Thanks Kate How exactly do I do that? Two writing buddies. Yea You gals have made my day. I will look for you on a weekly basis. Happy writing.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

lthamer — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:23:01 +0100

Sorry Kat not Kate Reading to fast I guess. ;(

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

lthamer — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:33:30 +0100

Well what do you know I figured it out. I buddied you. Kat and Erica in the Novel I will go do you next. Have a great morning.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Kat Gentian — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:24:36 +0100

I put my novel aside for most of December. I read it through just before Christmas and again a few days ago, trying to decide if it would be my next edit project (the other option was my 2010 NaNo, which I also read twice in the last week). Well, the 2011 novel won - the characters are more insistent! Editing is a complex process, and includes all the stuff you mentioned, Lthamer! Replacing brackets with text, adding description, punching up characters, completing story arcs ... but it can't all be done at once. I usually choose one thing to work on, "finish" that, then pick another. Sometimes it's just get rid of overused words! In November writing I don't stop to hunt for just the right word - walk, smile, grin, wink get used way too often. Word replacement is good when there isn't much time, the larger issues for when I can spend half a day or more. Erica, I hope you're pleasantly surprised when you read your novel. I always come across sections that read well and I can't even remember writing! Kat

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

False harpist-48 — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:14:42 +0100

Hi all: I've been away from NaNo since the end of November. Guess I needed some time to come down. I haven't done anything more with my novel. It's sitting in my computer collecting electronic dust. In the meantime, I've been doing some reading related to my subject matter. This has just served to make me realize how far I would have to go to make my story worthwhile. It has also confirmed something I felt during the writing process. That is that, in my zeal to reach 50k, I got off track somewhat. As a result, if I were to decide to do some more work on it, I would have to regroup & get back on track. No matter. I had a great NaNo experience, learned lots about the NaNo process, & hope to be back this next November (if I can come up with a viable story idea.) I'm in the northern midwest & we're having an unusually mild winter. Hardly any snow & mild temperatures... can't use winter chores as an excuse for not doing more work on my novel (actually I couldn't anyway; we live in a townhome!)

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Erica in the novel — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:14:23 +0100

Thanks Kat, I hope you are right. I was wondering...50.000 plus words isn't really sufficient for a novel (although yes, I know it isn't about the word count), and I remember leaving sections with just notes saying something like 'remember to write about X' so I know there are things set to fill in. My question is...does one edit what one has so far, add the missing stuff first (so as not to do a first read through before it's 'all' there), or do both at the same time? I realize there probably is no set answer to this, that it is probably personal preference, but as I don't have a personal preference yet, could you all say what you do?

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Kat Gentian — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 04:01:17 +0100

Erica, I don't necessarily have a 'plan' for editing. Wednesday I was off from work and spent hours renaming characters! In November whenever a new character showed up, I tended to give them the first name that popped into my head. Ended up very heave on "J" and "B" names! That's mostly fixed now. I guess that's one of my lessons from 2011 NaNo - pay more attention to the Names so I don't have to do THAT again! Next I'll just slowly read, making little changes as I go. Whenever I hit a [bracket] section, either I'll deal with it or leave it for later, maybe with added notes. In this stage I'm trying to get a good sense of everything that's there, if the flow of the story is working, and what might be developed more. I know this one needs more story arcs; I don't really have much other than the main one. Most main stream first novels are around 80K; science fiction/fantasy first novels more like 100K (because of the world building). But that's really a generalization. If it's good and the publisher wants it, they'll publish it! Harpist, welcome back! You said your novel got off track - do you mean from what you planned? Because usually when a story takes off on its own it's a good thing! It may not be what you thought you were going to write, but it could be better than what you'd planned. Many authors know that outlines are only suggestions, and can often be trashed once the characters take over. That's why I don't even bother with one! I'm southeast of you, near Chicago, and we still had greenish grass on Christmas Eve!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Erica in the novel — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:09:07 +0100

Thanks Kat! I finally had once again what had kept me going all through November -- waking up with a scene laid out in my head. I hadn't had anything come to me in so long I was beginning to think that was it. Now, with your words and my adding that bit, I think I can see a way forward. Thanks again for your help and encouragement!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

False harpist-48 — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:19:56 +0100

Hi Kat and thanks! My novel was very heavily based on personal life experience. As I went along, I ran out of this material about half way through (haven't led a very interesting life!) Beyond that point I began writing material that I really have no 1st hand knowledge of & so I felt (and continue to feel) much less confident about it. Also, since November, I've done some reading in the field & have felt that there is material out there that is much more powerful than what I have written, again in particular with regard to the material I have no 1st hand knowledge of. This was my 1st NaNo & I really know very little about fictioin writing so I can only follow my gut, so to speak. My gut tells me this year's work isn't really worth getting too "worked up" over. But it was a great learning experience &, if I can come up with a viable story idea, I'll be back again this coming November.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

lthamer — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 04:29:38 +0100

Hi Harpist Welcome back. This was my first NaNo as well. I think you should keep what you write even if you do not like that you went off on tangents. I find that you never know what might be something you could use in something else. I have written a lot of stuff off and on, and I find that sometimes they serve as inspiration for things I’m writing. Happy writing Hamer

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

lthamer — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 04:54:02 +0100

Hi Kat, Erica, and Harpist Trying to make sure that my book has a viable concept, theme, and premise in the process of planning. I’ve learned other things as well through my research and have started to incorporate them into my planning. In the last couple of days, I did a storyboard of my story. Through it, I can see it in picture form and can see what my story looks like. I can see where I need to plug in stuff to make it clearer. It has helped me see my story better and determine what comes before and after what. I’m also using it to determine beginning, middle, and end. I also see how my character arcs for my other characters are missing. It’s been a very helpful tool. I also like the idea that I can come back and talk to you and Erica, and hear what you are doing and how it’s going. I like the idea of the brackets. I think I will try that next time. I planned this story using the snowflake method and for once, I was no so all over the place as I was in my last novel. Besides writing and drawing. I also decide to draw because of one of the challenges suggested on another thread. I’m doing pretty well thanks to the storyboard. I hope everyone’s New Year started off with a bang, and I will see you later. Harpist I’m looking for writing buddies if you’re interested. Not a lot a work just a little conversation and shop talk. Let me know. : ) [Sunning out waving her hands in the air and screaming, “ Yeeeeeeeaaaaaaaa”]

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Gael McCarte — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:28:38 +0100

Erica I am a great one for "threads", I add the threads, like, the sense of community that binds and supports then strangles, it starts as gossamer threads and ends up metal chains, I add it later and weave it throughout the story, building it as it goes. Perhaps a family secret, it is like the accessories to an outfit, it pulls it all together. I don't always have the threads as I am initially writing, but they provide intrigue and suspense From these threads I often get predisposing and unfolding developments that enrich the whole story. I hope that helps.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Erica in the novel — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:51:45 +0100

What an interesting idea...I'll have those thoughts (I mean threads) percolate in my brain. I am sure it will come up with something. Thank you, Gael!

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Gael McCarte — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:52:46 +0100

You are welcome, let me know how it works for you. Maybe we could compare threads.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

False harpist-48 — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:08:27 +0100

Hi Ithamer: Sorry for the delayed reply to your recent posting. I'm heavily entrenched in YouTube & all of my recent web time has been going in that direction. I appreciate your offer regarding writing buddies. I had several during November, but they've all gone on to focus on other things at this point, & we're no longer in touch. I found writing buddies to be one of tyhe most enjoyable aspects of NaNo participation. Unfortunately, at this point, I'm afraid I would be a non-writing buddy. I've pretty much abandoned last November's NoNo project. I'm doing research which will be of great benefit should I decide to return to it at some later date. However, this is not at all certain. I do have 1 or 2 ideas for next November's project & so I may be back, but, depending on how things are going, that may or may not occur either. So, while I'm certainly open to the idea, I'm not sure I would make much of a writing buddy.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Kat Gentian — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:01:39 +0100

This week I'll be working on some descriptions, specifically on how the characters look in various scenes including what they're wearing. I used a character from a previous story in this NaNo, and put [look up description] rather than actually go and do it back in November. When I put that in, I realized NO ONE else in the novel had that detailed a description! Oops. Well, I knew that was a weak point for me ...

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Timkford — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:07:01 +0100

What - readers want to know what my characters look like! Every time I think I've finished someone adds something else I haven't done. I don't know what they look like yet.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Erica in the novel — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:28:22 +0100

That's a good idea. I think I have done that, at least with clothes for my MC because clothes are a major problem for her. Other kinds of descriptions...I should look, I can't remember if I have done that or not. Hmmmm...

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Kat Gentian — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:25:24 +0100

[quote=Timkford] What - readers want to know what my characters look like! Every time I think I've finished someone adds something else I haven't done. I don't know what they look like yet. [/quote] Sorry, Tim, but this is something readers want to know. I sympathize; it took me a long time to get descriptions for my characters in my first novel. Like you, I wasn't sure what they looked like! Now I can usually see them quite clearly - doesn't mean I necessarily do them justice when I describe them, but I'd recognize them on the street. For many, I'd recognize their voices if I heard them even if I couldn't see them.

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Timkford — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:25:37 +0100

Next you'll be saying that people will want to know what my characters have in their pocketses, luckily i appear to have covered both. Wonder what else i might or might not have missed

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

Erica in the novel — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:03:38 +0100

Hahahah! I'm with you, Tim! The funny thing is, Kat, the only time I even remember when characters are described is when it really bugs me, so I have been very hesitate to do much in this area. Does anyone have good examples of reasonably well done (i.e., not over-done) descriptions?

Re: Age Group: 50+ Writing Buddies

lthamer — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:22:12 +0100

Hi all I don't have any well written descriptions. I find that the best descriptions come from other characters. I do not mind description until that seems to be all the writer is doing, and usually I put that book down. I hope everyone's new year started off well. Thank you Erica and Kat for your support, because just knowing you are here has helped me a great deal. I have written 9,932 words. WoooWhoooooooooo Talk to you all later.