Terms a Newbies should know http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313 Kaister_Azira I'm a newbie and, like many I'm sure, I'm looking through forums, profiles and just links and diferent places on this website trying to learn more. THe problem I keep seeing thought is terms and words and phrases taht keep coming up. Yet I can't quite figure out what it means. So I'd like this thread to be questions, answers and clarifications on things a Newbie wouldn't know about. Let me start: What's a word war? and WoD? Sat, 15 Oct 2011 23:13:05 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_77255 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_77255 RAveN-838 A word war is when two (or more) people sit for x amount of time and see who can write the most words in one sitting. WoD: I have no idea--never come across it. Voss Sun, 16 Oct 2011 00:44:10 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_78164 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_78164 Marie16 WoD usually refers to Write or Die, a website that helps you write a lot at once by giving a timer and "penalties" (like loud noises) if you stop writing before the time is up. Sun, 16 Oct 2011 01:02:39 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_78329 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_78329 SianaBlackwood You should also know MMC (male main character) and FMC (female main character). Planner - someone who writes with an outline. Pantser - someone who writes without an outline. Edit - a banned activity in November. TSoD - travelling shovel of death. Need to get rid of a character and don't know how? Use a shovel! Spork - an eating/writer-stabbing implement that may randomly turn up in a story. Sun, 16 Oct 2011 04:45:47 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_79742 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_79742 janra Plot bunnies - ideas for subplots that crop up at random in your story. They can lead you down the rabbit hole into distraction or be fertile ground for story and wordcount. They breed like rabbits. Sun, 16 Oct 2011 08:59:36 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_80874 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_80874 Ksimpson1998 That was very helpful I was having the same problem not knowing what was going on! Thanks everyone!!!!!!!!!!!! Sun, 16 Oct 2011 14:51:46 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_83862 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_83862 FlipFlyFall The Fourth Wall: usually used in the context of breaking it. When the author begins speaking to his or her characters within the story. NaNoism: the lovely grammar or redundancy that somehow appears in your manuscript. Generally amusing, and reading the thread is a great procrastination tool Sun, 16 Oct 2011 15:05:34 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_84026 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_84026 Day.In.Everyones.Shoes I love how I'm a second year NaNo-er and this is extremely enlightening :P Sun, 16 Oct 2011 21:31:20 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_88886 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_88886 FlatRose May I recommend Wikiwrimo's NaNo Terms category here? http://www.wikiwrimo.org/wiki/Category:NaNoWriMo_terms It's not complete but it does hold a lot! And Wikiwrimo is an excellent resource for learning NaNo things. But adding a couple terms to the list. Plot Ninja: A character who comes in specifically for the purpose of rearranging the plot. Usually takes the form of a ninja. Plot Bunny: An idea for a character, story or scene. Comes in many different flavors. Mr. Ian Woon: A character who will appear in multiple Wrimos novels. His name can be rearranged to spell NaNoWriMo. Wrimo: A participant of the mad event NaNoWriMo. Sun, 16 Oct 2011 21:33:52 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_88921 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_88921 shimiusha wow, this is awesome, am so excited :) who knew I would learn a whole new language? Mon, 17 Oct 2011 21:39:35 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_103053 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_103053 PenGryphon2007 Inner Editor: That small voice that tells you how crummy your novel is coming along and why would you even consider writing it. It usually begins about the second week in. Make sure to lock up your Inner Editor (IE) before November 1st! Tue, 18 Oct 2011 19:06:56 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_115470 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_115470 Aldara-Nerita Ah, this has been wonderfully enlightening! Thanks for sharing for all of us. :) Wed, 19 Oct 2011 21:30:13 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_134072 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_134072 modernparanoia Could someone explain a Mary-Sue? I saw it mentioned in a different thread but wasn't sure of context. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 21:58:58 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_134547 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_134547 MishMoze One I haven't seen yet...Might be super obvious but here it is anyway: NaNo: can refer to anything from the whole month of November, the novel that you are attempting to transcribe from the innards of your skull to paper (or computer screen), a previously completed draft written during NaNoWriMo, or, in verb form (NaNo-ing), writing your NaNoWriMo novel. The verb form is usually followed by 'DO NOT DISTURB ON PAIN OF STABBING' on irl signs, warning people not taking part to not disturb whomever is within. Oh, and NaNo-er=someone taking part in the madness. That's you! Wed, 19 Oct 2011 22:01:40 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_134590 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_134590 Kaister_Azira What's Script Frenzy? Wed, 19 Oct 2011 23:53:50 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_136303 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_136303 Wolfme Script Frenzy - A separate event that happens in April. 30 days to write 100 + pages of a screen/stage play. Chris Baty - The genius behind Nano SoD - Shovel of Death Write-In - A group of writers getting together to work on their novels/scripts, sort out problems and generally socialise. TGIO - Thank God It's Over (party time) Winner - Those who reach or pass the 50k word count. Also can be used to describe anyone who has a go at Nano. (sorry about the unintentional rhyming) Totem - A good luck charm. Something that relates to either writing or your novel. Epigraph - The use of a quote to begin a novel/chapter ie 'I have a dream.' Martin Luthor King. YA - Young Adult. A genre aimed at teens, which usually deal with themes a little more adult than childrens books. Nanowrimo - National Novel Writing Month (even though it's an international event) Thu, 20 Oct 2011 03:12:26 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_138209 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_138209 janra Mary Sue (sometimes Gary Stu for male characters) is a character that can do no wrong. She gorgeous, smart, and everybody loves her even if the author gives no good reason for it in the story. She often has a troubled past if the author is aware enough of what's happening to try to give her flaws. No matter what she does everyone still loves her, with the possible exception of the bad guy who hates her because he's the bad guy, not because of anything she's done. She's good at everything she tries the first time. If a fantasy, she is often also the first or last of her kind, the most powerful magic user ever, or something else intrinsic to her that she has no control over but which sets her apart. In short, an unrealistically ideal character. They can be fun to write, but are no fun to read. If you ever hope to get published, try to avoid them. If you're just in it for fun, don't worry about it. (Note: a gorgeous character who makes friends easily isn't automatically a Mary Sue. The "can do no wrong", lack of consequences, and idealism is more the key instead of any particular advantage she may have.) Thu, 20 Oct 2011 06:23:22 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_139025 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_139025 sammyjw YWP - the young writers program which has its own portal and goings on. Write-In(s) - times to go sit with your fellow Wrimos and get some work done. Generally found through your regional forum ML - the brave Municipal Liasons who are volunteers and coordinate local events Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:52:39 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_141609 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_141609 Kaister_Azira I've started to notice this: Here on the forums you see that little book icon? What does it mean when it's red, blue or has a star/twinke? Fri, 21 Oct 2011 23:43:40 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_165379 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_165379 Reggie Tharp What is "snowflaking"? Sat, 22 Oct 2011 11:53:49 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_170115 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_170115 Sinharani There's so many terms, I'm sure to forget all of it.. Sun, 23 Oct 2011 08:47:15 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_181904 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_181904 Twinkle<>Twinkle Never heard of Mary Sue characters before but I really understand what they mean, in the beginning I used to make my characters Mary Sue's XD This is a really helpfull thread! :D Sun, 23 Oct 2011 10:11:08 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_182495 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_182495 deadpoetmentis First year doing this and I'm already well acquainted with the Plot Bunnies.... very well acquainted. Sun, 23 Oct 2011 13:02:36 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_184044 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_184044 Kaister_Azira What does the 'k' stand for? I keep seeing 5k, 50, 20k but no mention of what 'k' is.... Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:24:43 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_206117 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_206117 WASampson Rebels: Those who are not writing a novel. Can be anything like a script, a memoir, non-fiction, etc. Rebels are not cheaters, and are welcome (50k words of anything is a feat) Second Week: The feeling of doom that occurs during the second week of November. If these are your thoughts: "My story is stupid, I'm never going to be able to write all 50k words by the end of this month. Why did I ever start this in the first place? I can never be a writer," then you are suffering from Second Week. Can be cured with some chocolate, a walk outside, a visit to the "NaNo Ate My Soul" forums, and persevering into the third week. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:51:38 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_228187 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_228187 Lisa Rose This thread is so helpful! I had no idea what plot bunnies were or Rebels. Thanks! Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:20:48 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_247381 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_247381 Stephanie_Wideman I have a question about plot bunnies. I saw, either on the Facebook page or on another thread here that I can't find anymore, something about putting bunnies into the story as a kind of inside joke or easter egg. Is that also part of the whole Nano thing, along with the Shovel and Ian Wroon thing? Since I'm currently sticking in a lot of little dares and inside jokes, I wanted to know if the plot bunny was a normal bunny or something special when placed in a book. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 09:20:58 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_261910 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_261910 SVEllis Thank you for posting these. I've been trying NaNo for years but I've never gotten into the interactive part so I've never known many of these phrases. Sat, 29 Oct 2011 10:34:57 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_280277 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_280277 monday_eyes What about "word sprints"? What does this activity entail? Sat, 29 Oct 2011 23:31:09 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_290197 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_290197 Kaister_Azira Okay, I just spent the past 15 minutes trying to figure this out and...I still haven't actually figured it out. And I can't be the only one....(I hope) How do we add Writing Buddys? And what IS a writing buddy? Someone you talk to? Someone who help you? a beta? What's a beta? Sun, 30 Oct 2011 00:37:35 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_291276 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_291276 Oddyssey Thank goodness for this post! I had NO idea what a Panster was... Now I know, that's what I am! LOL Sun, 30 Oct 2011 04:30:14 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_293528 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_293528 furfuffillum What I'm still puzzled about is what "story beats" are and how to recognize them as such. Sun, 30 Oct 2011 14:22:55 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_300441 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_300441 cdyard Writing buddies: someone sent me a message telling me he had added me to his list of buddies. I agreed then I got a message from someone else telling me he had added me to his list of buddies too! Is it possible to be buddies with more than one person? Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:16:13 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_328406 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_328406 furfuffillum But I still don't see what a buddy is going to do and what I can do for a buddy. Is it just a token to have (x buddies), or do buddies actually do something (or are suppose to do something)? Please elaborate. Sun, 20 Nov 2011 13:18:16 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_780416 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_780416 AmyPReed I haven't had any responses, so it might mean no one is reading this, but if you are, then I'd like to let you know that if FiMo doesn't happen, there's another December forum that has the same type of goals for December. Here's the URL so you can find it. http://arrow-of-eloquence.proboards.com I'm not running this one, but I recognized several names from the other forums in NaNo and WriMo land. I hope to see you there. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 06:05:07 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_838829 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_838829 PeverellSister Procrastination: What you are doing if you read to the end of this thread. And what I'm doing right now. (Now, no one post after me! :P) Sat, 26 Nov 2011 18:45:27 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_855551 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_855551 luvinpadfoot Here are two I haven't seen yet: Hydra50 - A three minute word sprint. There's a long story over on the Word Wars, Prompts, and Sprints subforum. Race - Much like a word war, only instead of writing for a certain amount of time you pick a word count goal. You and your writing group pick an amount (say, five hundred) and start at a certain time. You write until you hit that amount and whoever reaches it first wins. Then they wait until everyone finished the race before starting another. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:22:19 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_923226 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_923226 furfuffillum Herman Miller Aeron chair, the chair to get for the serious writer. It will cost you an arm and a leg to buy one, but you can use the other arm to write and the remaining leg to push off the chair. Weeeee! Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:47:02 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_923574 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_923574 randomlylouise This has been a great help. I'm a newbie myself and can't wait to get started. Thanks everyone. Sat, 22 Oct 2011 13:10:56 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_170977 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_170977 Day.In.Everyones.Shoes Oh my goodness--I had not heard of this wonderous website. I just did some outlining I'd been putting off in 15 minutes! :D Thank youuu! Sun, 16 Oct 2011 21:25:41 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_88821 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_88821 jesusfreakhobbit I was just wondering about plot bunnies. Now I have a name for that thing my mind does whenever I write... thank you. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 21:41:36 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_134272 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_134272 TogetherAgain I've been WONDERING what the heck plot bunnies are! You mean there's an actual term for my tendency to take a fairly simple story, and then complicate it, and then over-complicate it, and then REALLY over-complicate it because my main character's major life issue obviously can't be enough without the major life issues of five other minor characters? Ohhhhhh how relieving. I'm not the only one! And what a fitting term, too... they do, in fact, breed like rabbits. Sun, 23 Oct 2011 22:07:30 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_191446 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_191446 Steampunk avi8or Stupid question her but there are some threads that are like 'Adopt a plot bunny!' and I have no clue why you would adopt a plot bunny and what do you do with it? Does it appear in your story and lead you off on a rambling trail, or does the person who gave it up nanomail you and be like "You need to have a subplot here!". Also confused about adopting angels, hellhounds, wordcount dragons etc. Sun, 20 Nov 2011 09:00:32 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_778576 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_778576 moonmomma Breaking the fourth wall can also be when the characters start talking to the author, or to the reader. Commonly used as a device to increase word count when desperate. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:16:00 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_147832 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_147832 HaleyBug Me too! I'm learning so much! Sun, 23 Oct 2011 12:26:21 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_183665 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_183665 moonmomma I always wondered where Mr. Ian Woon came from! Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:16:41 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_147845 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_147845 MariahBurkett Dude, I have a new respect for Ian Sat, 29 Oct 2011 23:27:39 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_290136 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_290136 rikabeau Heh. Learned that one from Gail C. Levine. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:27:29 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_232811 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_232811 PeverellSister Mine is coming out right now. Back! back!! Go back to your closet! Sat, 26 Nov 2011 18:39:34 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_855492 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_855492 Nereti This is my 5th nano and I'm not sure I ever knew what plot bunnies were! Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:20:29 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_161452 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_161452 moonmomma ok. a lot of people get this wrong. so here goes. Mary Sue started as a self-insert character in fanfiction (that is, the author makes herself into a character in the story). Mary Sue is stunningly gorgeous, often with unusual, often jewel-toned, hair and eye colors. She is good at everything, and is often able to pull new and amazing talents out of nowhere right when they're needed to save the other characters. Everyone adores her: Women want to be her, men want to make mad love to her (regardless of any other pairings that might already exist). The only people who don't love her are the stupid jealous ones. They usually either come around to realize how awesome she is or else suffer horribly because they were too stupid to realize how awesome she is. If she has any faults at all, they only add to the cuteness and charm that everyone else sees in her. She is often a half-something-or-other runaway princess, the hero's half sister, or a visitor from 21st-century Earth. For a wonderful illustration of Mary Sue in action (actually, an aggregate Mary Sue, based on the many who have appeared in Lord of the Rings fanfiction) read this story (it's not mine, I found a link to it on another forum): <a href="http://www.fanfiction.net/s/536905/1/Nine_Men_And_A_Little_Lady" rel="nofollow">Nine Men and a Little Lady</a> Bear in mind that in an actual Mary Sue fic, everyone would be too charmed by her and love her too much to realize something was wrong. Mary Sue characters can also appear in original fiction. There is also a male equivalent, Gary Stu or Marty Stu. Characters are *not* Mary Sue just because they have an unusual physical appearance, unusual background, or unusual talents. A character is *not* a Mary Sue just because she/he is out of the ordinary. Too often, characters with extraordinary or maybe slightly unbelievable characteristics are labeled Mary Sues even though they don't really fit the definition. If your character has flaws, and/or if reasonable characters don't care for her/him, you've escaped the curse of the Mary Sue. There are Mary Sue tests out there on the internet, but I've found that they are far too broad in their definition of Mary Sue. According to them, any character that has interesting qualities at all is a Mary Sue. This is wrong, so ignore those tests. (/dissertation) Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:30:38 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_148025 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_148025 n0mad Essentially NaNoWriMo for script writers (movies/TV shows/comic books/plays ect.); 100 pages, 30 days in April. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 03:00:29 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_138141 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_138141 Chillibean Also called Screnzy :) Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:13:01 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_153796 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_153796 modernparanoia Ah, thank you! That clears it up. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:32:17 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_142075 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_142075 moonmomma didn't get this far down before I wrote my little thesis on Mary Sue above. good explanation, especially of what a Mary Sue *isn't*! :-D Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:31:42 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_148047 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_148047 mandiiminx I can never write a Mary-Sue, even if I try. I get too jealous of her LOL Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:38:00 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_272103 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_272103 Sunechirei I have a character who can break the fourth wall... he's a snake demon who loves to annoy me. It's kinda funny. He only does it in the epilogue of the last book in the series though XD Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:53:58 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_249397 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_249397 moonmomma I think that has to do with how many posts that thread is getting, how active it is. Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:49:28 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_166131 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_166131 moonmomma *runs and looks* ok, it looks like red means there are new posts on the thread since the last time you looked at it, blue means no new posts since last time, a star means an especially active thread or one with lots of posts on it. Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:50:55 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_166160 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_166160 moonmomma using this method of outlining: <a href="http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/art/snowflake.php" rel="nofollow">The Snowflake Method</a> Sat, 22 Oct 2011 12:00:12 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_170175 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_170175 Reggie Tharp That sounds.... exhausting. Of course, I don't even know how to make myself write an efficient outline. Haha. Anyways, thank you! ^_^ Sat, 22 Oct 2011 12:06:22 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_170254 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_170254 Shadowdancer Riiiiight.... Y'know, when I started NaNo this year (actually, my first time) I just started to write. Plot outline? What plot? It just evolved as I wrote... Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:03:46 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_950402 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_950402 MariahBurkett That's okay. Most of my beginning characters had princess syndrome. (refusing to wear 'ladylike' clothes, refusing aristocratic suitors, possibly running away to avoid an arranged marriage, etc.) Sat, 29 Oct 2011 23:39:09 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_290331 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_290331 moonmomma thousand. 5k = 5,000 (not from NaNo, it's the same as "kilo" in "kilometer," for example) Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:39:08 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_206355 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_206355 Kaister_Azira That explains somethings....I ran across this post in a forum on some having the goal of 100k and someone mantioning that once for a Nano they ended up with 51k, and I was completely lost. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:48:15 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_206518 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_206518 hamlet_ophelia_xoxo Yeah, Second Week isn't that great. As in the theater business some call Tech Week "Hell Week", so I have christened the second week of November. :D Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:04:23 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_792005 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_792005 janra The plot bunny doesn't have to be a literal rabbit. They're ideas that breed like rabbits and get into everything and eat the plants in that nice orderly plot edging you built in October. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:41:36 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_262895 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_262895 Stephanie_Wideman No, I know that. It was something that was connected to Nano Inside jokes, like the shovel and Mr Ian Woon. Putting in a bunny to represent a plot bunny. I could have read it wrong, but it was asked of me, and I was trying to find the answer. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:31:10 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_265441 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_265441 janra Oh, I misread your question. I'm not sure if putting actual bunnies in as a Nano inside joke is common or not. I haven't seen it myself, but then I wasn't familiar with Mr. Woon either. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:07:31 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_266028 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_266028 PeverellSister You are very lucky. This is my first non-comedy story without a Mary Sue in it. Then again... this is also one of the first (finished) coherent stories I've ever written. Sat, 26 Nov 2011 18:42:33 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_855527 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_855527 janra Word sprints are probably related to word wars (or maybe word wars are the group version of word sprints?) where you pick a defined time, set a timer, and write like a madman until the timer dings - basically sprinting, knowing that it's short and you can take a break when it's done. Word wars are word sprints where everybody in the group announces their word count for that 10 minutes (or whatever the timer was set for) and a bit of a competition can develop where people try to get the most words in that set time. Sun, 30 Oct 2011 11:01:55 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_297057 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_297057 janra You add a writing buddy by going to a user's profile page and clicking on the "add as a buddy" link in the yellow name-and-picture block at the top of their page. A writing buddy then shows up on *your* profile page on the "writing buddies" tab, so you can find their user profile easily (eg to send them a nanomail) and see their wordcount in one easy place, without having to search for them. A beta is a "beta reader", somebody who reads a draft of your story and provides feedback. The name was taken from software development: beta testers are users whose job is to use, and try to break, a program, and report back to the programmer what they broke and how so it can be fixed before release. A good beta tester or reader is a wonderful thing to have, because they find problems in your software/story and let you know about them *before* the general public can see it. Sun, 30 Oct 2011 11:07:58 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_297131 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_297131 monday_eyes Thank you! Sun, 30 Oct 2011 19:50:19 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_307133 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_307133 janra <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_2363655_use-beat-sheet-design-story.html" rel="nofollow">Here's a link to story beats</a>. It's not something I use consciously but I know some people do. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 21:56:37 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_338438 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_338438 A.U.thoress Yes, it is. You can have as many buddies as you want. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:25:19 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_330165 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_330165 FlipFlyFall I wrote this in another thread - it was about buddy etiquette, so some of this might not apply - but I'm just going to paste it here. Buddy lists are just like friends or following - similar to twitter, facebook, etc. They might be people that you know in real life, or people that you met online, or just people who put you on their buddy list (in other words, buddied you) because they liked a post you did or your picture or your novel (concept). As far as etiquette goes, it's pretty much the general rules of politeness we find in everyday life. There's no required "kick in the pants" email that you have to send, and if you don't want to, you don't even have to hold certain conversations. Sometimes they can be people that you bounce ideas off of, or maybe you just share a common interest and you talk about that. You can think of it sort of as a contacts list in your email. To buddy someone, go to their profile, and at the top (on the other side of the box with their user name), click the "add as buddy" red button. They should get a message saying they have a new buddy or so-and-so buddied them the next time they log in. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 01:35:12 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_343059 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_343059 janra The various adoption threads generally are places where you can grab ideas to put in your story and do whatever you want with. Sometimes it leads you off on a rambling trail, and sometimes it ties back to the main plot and makes the story more interesting. You don't have to talk to the person who put it up for adoption at all if you don't want to. I think some people state in the thread that they're adopting, but you don't even have to do that. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:01:50 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_791982 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_791982 Sunechirei A buddy is someone to talk to. They're someone you can ask questions to, compete with in word wars, get help from, help them as well, and just someone you can be friends with during this month. It's not easy to write 50 thousand words in a month. Why not have someone you can talk to while doing it? That's basically all a buddy is. Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:33:04 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_781146 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_781146 furfuffillum Thanks! Although I can't answer that last question, even though it is meant rhetorically. Indeed why would you want someone to talk to you don't know? Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:58:21 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_781464 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_781464 AmyPReed I'd like to add that a NaNo buddy knows what you're going through this month, and there are some, perhaps a lot, of people who's doing NaNo that feel all alone, because no one they know in real life writes much less does something as crazy as NaNoWriMo. LOL I've actually made a few really good friends during NaNo. During the year, we'll chat on YIM (Yahoo Instant Messenger) and have word wars on there. This is my sixth year of NaNoWriMo and there's at least two people that I met during the 2006 NaNo that I stay in contact with. Well, as much as I can, that is. They both work and are published authors. During NaNo we'll check out each other's word count and give the slacker(s) a kick in the pants to get their word count up, or help whoever is having trouble out of the jam they got their characters into. The last time I had any real support from someone I know in real life was during the 2007 NaNoWriMo, and that was my mom. She passed away in January of 2008. If it hadn't been for my NaNo friends, I don't know if I would have gotten as far as I did in the 2008 NaNoWriMo. I didn't win it, but I did have someone I could talk to about my writing. I came back with a storm in 2009, 2010 and (hopefully) 2011 with back-to-back-to-back wins! I got a late start this year, but if I can keep my word count up, I'll have another win under my virtual belt. Okay, this was a bit long-winded, but I just had to put in my two-cents worth in favor of finding WriMo buddies you really click with. Oh, there's one more thing, the newbies might not know that there's a NaNo or a WriMo going on every month of the year now. If you aren't brain-dead after the official one is over, be sure to check them out. Oh, and feel free to add me as a buddy. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:18:26 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_800881 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_800881 janra You're talking with people you don't know on the forum here :-) Most of my writing buddies are people I've met in real life. Some were friends before NaNo, and some I met through NaNo. For me it's just an easy way to find their profile and see their wordcount and novel synopsis if they posted one. Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:03:58 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_783097 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_783097 furfuffillum [quote=janra] You're talking with people you don't know on the forum here :-). [/quote] So why then the need for a buddy system? The only reason I can think of is, like you said, friends from other places. However, no need to announce that to the world through a buddy list, because the interaction was already going on outside NaNoWriMo, via email, Facebook messaging, Twitter, etc. The whole system seems so antiquated to me, like something left from times social media did not yet exist as a popular medium to exchange messages between individuals. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 04:51:48 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_790191 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_790191 janra [quote=furfuffillum] So why then the need for a buddy system? The only reason I can think of is, like you said, friends from other places. However, no need to announce that to the world through a buddy list, because the interaction was already going on outside NaNoWriMo, via email, Facebook messaging, Twitter, etc. [/quote] Because email/facebook/twitter don't let me see their wordcount. Buddy lists do. As I said in my previous post, I put people I know in my nano buddy list so I can see how their novel is coming along. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:08:16 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_792036 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_792036 hamlet_ophelia_xoxo Listen, honestly buddies aren't that big a deal. I only buddy IRL friends, and that's cool, and i message them occasionally. It's good to have buddies with your friends because you can see their progress in November (although you can do this without buddying them, it makes it easier to just go to your writing buddies page and click on them instead of having to search for them). Also, a lot of complete strangers have buddied me because of my totally awesome avatar. and i mean a LOT of people. I don't buddy them back because i don't know them, but i'm totally cool with it. sometimes they contact me at first saying "OMG your avatar is totally awesome! i'm buddying you!" and i'll respond with something like "oh, thanks! hey, and nice word count! your story sounds great." after that, all contact pretty much ceases and they're just random people who buddied me. so don't overthink it. you dont rly contact buddies much (or at least i dont), they're just kind of there. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:08:57 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_792042 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_792042 Alinzar410 In my unfortunate case, Hell Week for theater coincided with the Second Week of NaNoWriMo... Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:27:02 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_840991 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_840991 furfuffillum Ha, one of my buddies doesn't even have a word count, which probably means he hasn't started NaNoWriMo. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:14:13 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_792599 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_792599 awesome speller Hey, I'm so glad to hear there's a NaNo or WriMo going on every month now because I need some motivation to keep going and finish my novel! How do I find the ones that don't have the big names (like I know there's Screnzy and Camp Nano..but how would I find the ones for December or January - or does it become a separate thread on a forum?) Thanks :) Tue, 22 Nov 2011 03:22:07 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_802099 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_802099 AmyPReed I'll list the ones I have for December first, since that's what's coming up next. LOL These aren't run by the OLL (the fantastic people who created and run NaNoWriMo, Camp NaNo (or is it Camp WriMo?) and Script Frenzy). <a href="http://www.nanofimo.org" rel="nofollow">NaNoFiMo</a> - National Novel Finishing Month. Write at least 30,000 words and finish a novel in progress in December. <a href="http://plotwhisperer.blogspot.com/2008/11/december-national-plot-writing-month_30.html" rel="nofollow">International Plot Writing Month</a>. Participants write a plot in December. <a href="http://community.livejournal.com/isadg/" rel="nofollow">International Story a Day Group</a>. Participants write a story a day for the month of December. <a href="http://decnawrimo.proboards.com" rel="nofollow">DecNaWriMo</a> AKA December National Writing Month. You can choose your own word goal and write in December. :D Started last year (2010), currently rebooting the site and making it pretty for 2011, but we need more people to take part (we only had 7 last year). :) I don't know which of these are ready to go, but most should be ready to hit the ground running December 1 at 12:01 AM. As far as I can tell, and I could be wrong about this, so please don't sue me, NaNoFiMo appears to be the most popular. I know it's the first one I found out about. I learned about the others last year. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 04:25:24 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_802327 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_802327 awesome speller oh my gosh, NaNoFiMo, that's exactly what I need, LOL! thanks so much for all this great info, Amy :D Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:53:26 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_807385 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_807385 AmyPReed [quote=awesome speller] oh my gosh, NaNoFiMo, that's exactly what I need, LOL! thanks so much for all this great info, Amy :D [/quote] You're very welcome. I'm glad I could help. You'll probably see me over on FiMo (the shortcut term for NaNoFiMo). I might be working on finishing a novel, or I might just be hanging out with a lot of friends I've made over the years. You'll also probably see me over on JanNo, and I'll be hosting FebNo. Oh, and there's a few forums that you can go to where you can sign up for a year round NaNo or WriMo. I'll be posting those links somewhere before January hits. I might go ahead and post them here, if anyone is interested. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:56:44 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_808195 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_808195 AmyPReed I just checked out the FiMo board, and I'm afraid it looks like it's dead. I posted over there to see if I get a response. If I don't, I can look into hosting FiMo this year. That is, if anyone is interested in having a December board for finishing a novel. Or even starting one, if you're so inclined. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 18:33:33 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_833994 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/newbies/threads/5313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_833994