Coffee House -- Come On In! http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068 lauragoodin Laura taps on the door; its heavy, dark wood sends the knock booming into the Coffee House. "Hm," she thinks, puzzled. "Can I actually be the first one here this year?" She opens the door -- it's always unlocked -- and steps inside. Tobie and the others have left it immaculate, as usual; there's not much to do to get things ready. She gets a fire going, puts the kettle on, and fires up the coffee thingie (she hates and fears coffee, but doubtless someone will be along soon who understands it). Then she settles into her favorite chair, takes out a notebook and a swag of fountain pens, and sighs happily. "Good old Coffee House," she murmurs. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:53:48 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_15207 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_15207 lauragoodin I confess I couldn't remember the exact name for the thread, but I'm hoping I approximated it closely enough.... Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:29:52 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_16981 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_16981 rianlrt *peeks in* Someone else is here? Good, other people can help eat these! *sets plates with cinnamon ginger scones and oatmeal cranberry cookies on the counter* I certainly don't need them all :) I'll handle the coffee from here, Laura. Thanks for starting it :) And I brought loose leaf tea - it's a blend of Darjeelingand Ceylon Summer. Cookie, or tell me what you're writing for this year? Or both? :) Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:44:32 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_18472 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_18472 Thekherham Greetings, Fellow Writers. I'm coming down to Earth this year, and writing... trying to write... a murder mystery, with human characters for a change. I'm still trying to put everything together. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 23:39:31 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_21836 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_21836 sushimustwrite Greetings, everyone! I can't believe Nano is almost here. And did someone say tea? Mmmmmm. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:40:48 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_22566 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_22566 lauragoodin Laura grins wildly as friends make their way back to the Coffee House. "Hello, everyone," she cries. "Missed you!" With a grateful look at rianlrt, she takes a cookie AND a scone, and makes a nice cup of the Darjeeling blend. "I'm a rebel this year," she says. "Working on a pre-existing work. But it's for my Ph.D., and NaNo will help me get the words out at a good rate. It's simultaneously an old-fashioned adventure novel and an ironic riff on old-fashioned adventure novels. I could go on about my thesis topic at length, but my mouth is full. Or will be in a moment." She eats the cookie with gusto, then piles some fresh whipped cream (which has miraculously appeared in a lovely terra cotta bowl on the counter) onto the scone. -- Laura "mffphfmfmfmf omnomnom mffmmfphmgmfn" Goodin Wed, 12 Oct 2011 01:22:28 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_23021 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_23021 JonnyBananas Did someone say coffee? :) Wed, 12 Oct 2011 03:53:03 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_24129 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_24129 lauragoodin Drink up, Jonny! There's also hot chocolate, chili hot chocolate, mulled cider, iced tea (it's springtime here in Australia, and I'll be glad of a cold beverage soon enough), and the occasional possibility of something stronger.... -- Laura Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:01:23 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_24181 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_24181 rianlrt It's funny; I'll occasionally drink iced tea, but only rarely, even though it's always at least spring here in Texas. And for me, coffee is a hot beverage... otherwise, it's flavoring ;) But yes, there's coffee, and I'll start more. Laura, I'm glad you like the scones. My 'bestest' friend's recipe, tweaked to account for the cinnamon and candied ginger. Or, when I do it, other things (I use the same base for rosemary-cheddar, or cranberry almond, or whatever else). Now all we need to do is get you to use proper clotted cream! *grins* Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:47:43 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_28282 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_28282 lauragoodin I've lived in Australia for 16 years now. They keep trying with the clotted cream, but no -- I insist. Fluffy, SWEETENED whipped cream. That's what THIS American is jonesing for. -- Laura Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:44:26 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_31674 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_31674 Mara Jade Did someone say clotted cream? And I must check the cupboards to make sure my marshmallows are stocked. *waves* Hiyas! Still not sure what I'm writing. Wanted traditional fantasy, but then I was talking with Eidolon Oracle, and the idea of a superhero story might be fun... not enough girl superheroes out there. ;) Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:01:57 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_31974 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_31974 lauragoodin O yes! Superhero story! I LOVE superhero stories! -- Laura Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:10:07 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_33049 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_33049 Independence1776 Coffee House!!! *waves at everyone and puts a plate of maple syrup cookies on the counter* Yeah, I'm a bit overexcited. I'm really looking forward to Nano this year. I love my idea and my characters. (Though one aspect of the world is bothering me-- it's simultaneously telling me one detail is both legally important and not legally important. Oh, well.) Mara, I think a girl superhero would be wonderful! :D Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:13:42 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_33094 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_33094 lauragoodin Hi, Indie! Good to see you again! (Maple syrup is both hard to find and disgustingly expensive in Australia, so I will help myself to your cookies with reckless abandon, if you don't mind.) Glad to hear this year's NaNo opus is firing your writing spirit! -- Laura Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:30:27 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_33354 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_33354 Thekherham Helloooo, Indie. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:52:15 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_33642 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_33642 Independence1776 It's Indy, folks. Not "ie"-- a "y". (Yeah, I'm being particular. I've been known as Indy since I joined Nano.) Laura, enjoy the cookies! :D I can't wait to get started, but the "shortened" timeframe is a bit bothersome. It feels like it should be the first couple days of October right now! Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:55:35 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_33705 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_33705 lauragoodin Sorry, Indy -- I stand corrected. -- Laura Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:09:31 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_33948 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_33948 Chasemoose *Walks inside* I love coffee houses... Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:50:54 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_34577 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_34577 lauragoodin Hi, Chasemoose! Make yourself at home. Sofas, window seats, big, overstuffed chairs near the fire, thick carpets to sprawl on -- something's bound to suit! -- Laura Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:52:14 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_34597 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_34597 charleenlynette *peeks head inside* I hung out in one of these type places during one of my previous NaNo's. I'm not sure if this is the same coffee shop (I tend to get lost easily) but it sure does look cozy in here. *grabs a scone and a latte and snuggles into one of those overstuffed chairs* Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:19:43 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_35971 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_35971 lauragoodin Welcome, Charleenlynette! What are you working on this year? -- Laura Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:28:14 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_36094 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_36094 ms.read *Walks in a bit tenatively* Hello Everyone! I heard someone chatting about Australia, and food, and I thought I'd bring my own to share. *sets down a large platter with steamy mugs of hot cocoa* Please! Enjoy, it's homemade with nice frothy sweetened whipped cream. and a peppermint candy cane! Wed, 12 Oct 2011 21:34:58 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_37074 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_37074 lauragoodin Wow! Thanks, ms. read! What's your interest in Australia? -- Laura Wed, 12 Oct 2011 21:36:54 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_37100 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_37100 sushimustwrite Whoa, hot cocoa? I want some! Maybe I should have gotten some at the store today, or at least some milk to make my own. How's everyone's novel prep (or lack thereof) coming? Thu, 13 Oct 2011 01:25:31 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_39790 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_39790 Chasemoose Pretty good... if I could find my outline. You, Sushi? Thu, 13 Oct 2011 02:17:40 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_40180 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_40180 lauragoodin Unnnghghgh! First time back at fencing in about eight weeks. Aches. And pains. A sore finger from being whacked with a whippy blade. Blistery feet. Stiff shoulder and neck. Whiney knees. Grumbling quadriceps. And yet...SWORDS! What's not to love about SWORDS? Avast! Have at thee! Hello; my name is Inigo Montoya! Là! Là! Allez! -- Laura "Prepare to die!" Goodin Thu, 13 Oct 2011 05:53:11 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_41251 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_41251 haricot_vert Hey y'all! *pulls door closed and heads directly for the chili-spice hot chocolate* My plot up and faded on me last night. Both plots actually. I'm not sure what to do about that, except hope and hope some more. I'm glad to be back and glad the Coffee House is open again. :) Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:24:55 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_44116 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_44116 karebearforChrist *Walks in slowly, with worried look on face* Hey everybody! Missed you all! *Gets coffee* Yum.... So, I've got this story, all outlined and everything and I want to start it now, not in November! Also, I'm scared the homework monster is going to eat my Nano XD Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:41:59 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_44303 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_44303 thebookworm47 *peers around the door curiously* What's all this hubub?? A coffeehouse?? Pass the hot chocolate please!!! *sips daintily* Soooo, hey there fellow writers :) This is my first time actually frequenting the forums this year. Glad I stumbled into this thread! You guys all seem like such a lovely bunch :) Mind if a newbie joins? Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:09:47 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_44650 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_44650 sushimustwrite Of course we don't mind if you join in. We're a welcoming bunch. Now drink up. You have a long month ahead of you. Also, did you say fencing, Laura? Oh man, I haven't done any fencing in about... five years? Wow. I'd be in pain for days if I got back into it again. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:12:38 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_44679 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_44679 charleenlynette Laura, I am writing a SF thriller this year . . . currently having issues balancing the SF with the thriller, but it will all work out I'm sure. And I have never fenced, but I can sure relate to the body aches. This year I've been really making an effort to exercise more, but unfortunately I'm not quite as consistent as I'd like . . . so when I go back to the weight machines after a few weeks away, my muscles aren't too happy about it. Also, last week I walked from my apartment to the library, about a 4-mile walk. It was a bit longer than the distance I normally walk, but what really killed me was that it was up and down hills the whole way. My glutes were KILLING me for about two days after that. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:36:35 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_45638 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_45638 rianlrt Novel prep... let's see. Currently reading steampunk short stories, immersing myself in a lot of different approaches. I wrote to the same themes this spring, so I'm thinking about that too. Shaping the plot more in my head every day. Computer is recently wiped and restored (though I need to reset my prefs in Word), and I'm mostly done setting up my new Win 7 machine (though I need to buy Word 2010 and set it up, too; have to use a port of my Office XP meanwhile). And... I got more coffee, mocha cappuchino hot cocoa, and wine this week, and blended more tea. So I'd say it's going pretty well :) Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:46:44 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_45775 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_45775 rianlrt I meant to add!: We don't mind remotely, bookworm. And if there's room under that glass igloo and the stars, I can probably be verrrrry easily convinced to funnel you hot chocolate :) I love stargazing. I'm one of those idiots that gets up at 4am (assuming I've gone to sleep yet!) for eclipses, and back in college, I had a program that would show star plots for any time/ date in history, from wherever you chose. So I chose my birthdate/ place/ time, did a screen capture, and made it my wallpaper for a while. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:50:43 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_45821 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_45821 lauragoodin Tonight's dinner: mojo*-marinated pork chops, cooked on the grill (meat is marinating as we speak); black beans (soaking as we speak) and achiote rice; and grilled red peppers. As it's not quite 11 in the morning here, I feel virtuous for getting most of the dinner prep out of the way. *mojo seems, in most recipes, to consist of garlic, black pepper, oregano, and citrus juice. I have been rebellious and put a few chilli flakes in the mix as well. -- Laura "cooking, oh, yes, I am cooking" Goodin Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:51:47 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_49669 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_49669 Independence1776 *waves at the newbies* Welcome! Nano prep… Right now, it consists of finishing up my non-Nano story and semi-official stuff for one of my MLs. I'm trying not to think too much about my novel; that's for the last few days of October. :P Rianlrt, that sounds like an awesome program! (I'm *still* disappointed it was raining when the winter solstice eclipse happened.) Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:54:29 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_49704 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_49704 sushimustwrite Cooking, oh yes, I am cooking! I get to sing that same tune to myself since I did real cooking tonight, except I made stuffed bell peppers. Forgot the onion, but they still weren't bad. Too bad I was ravenous and scarfed all of them down without any thought of leftovers. This is the problem with having a fast metabolism and being a grazer. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 19:39:13 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_50204 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_50204 Thekherham Right now, I'm reading another of my novels (actually, a journal), written by yours truly in the guise of the alien alter ego, and I'm reading it out loud, hoping to catch all those silly spelling errors and grammar mistakes. One hundred 'chapters', as it were. I want to get it done by the end of the month, so I can put my 'alien' writing aside, and concentrate on this year's NaNo. No aliens, down to Earth, humans, horses, trail ride, Murder, He Wrote... Thu, 13 Oct 2011 21:58:21 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_52016 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_52016 lauragoodin Pre-NaNo writing fun: I'm working on the lyrics/book for a 10-minute musical! Accomplishes nothing relative to the Ph.D., but it refreshes my spirit. -- Laura Fri, 14 Oct 2011 01:55:30 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_54112 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_54112 rianlrt There's a great deal to be said for that :) I'm up this late (2:20AM local time) because I've only been in about an hour after taking my daughter to an OMD concert, and Colbie Caillait is next Friday (yes, I've completely brainwashed her into liking my music too ;) But she does it as well; she introduced me to Vienna Teng.). Fortunately, while she has to actually show up at school on Fridays this term, she's got no classes, so she can be a zombie. The show ended at quarter of midnight :) And by the way... the opening act was Washington - as in Megan. Australian, based out of Melbourne, and well worth seeing if/ when she's anywhere close. Very good voice, sultry with an edge of smoky that betrays her jazz roots, though what she's playing is pretty much straight rock. And at all of age 25. I was impressed. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 02:32:50 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_54322 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_54322 charleenlynette I just had a real life Pumpkin Scone &amp; Pumpkin Spice Latte. Yummy as they were, I like the ones here better -- calorie free! Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:11:05 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_57463 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_57463 Independence1776 Cooking… I dislike it. I can do it, but I don't enjoy it. Laura, that sounds like a cool project. Can't live your life doing nothing but schoolwork. I have a relatively decent synopsis up! I'm glad I waited to post it, because my original one was… bad (and that's being charitable). Seventeen days… Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:03:10 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_59281 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_59281 rianlrt Oh goodness! 17 days... Is that what we're down too? I'm still plotting! *looks around* I need more caffeine... Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:17:09 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_61769 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_61769 charleenlynette I've made huge strides in developing my idea this week. But now I'm wondering . . . should I continue to add to it bit by bit over the course of the remainder of the month, or should I leave it at what I have and set it aside till Halloween? This is already the most planning I've ever done for a novel and I feel like there's so much more detail I could go into. It's a strange feeling. Not bad, but I just worry that if I keep working, it will lose its appeal before it's even time to write. *snacks on a cookie while pondering* Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:51:19 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_62839 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_62839 lauragoodin I seem to remember just before the forums got wiped, Tobie (October Rose) was saying that NaNo wasn't going to happen for her this year. Anyone know if she's still going to come and play on the forums? If you know her, can you let her know she's missed? -- Laura Fri, 14 Oct 2011 23:46:19 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_66080 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_66080 lauragoodin And to please come and hang out with us? Fri, 14 Oct 2011 23:46:32 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_66081 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_66081 rianlrt Laura: I remember that too. i _think_ I remember her saying she'd stop in... but I know what you mean. I miss her too :( Hopefully she makes it by soon... as fantastic as we all are (and we are, d@##it! *heh*) there's something missing without her. charleen: If you're asking for advice? Let your own feelings on it be your guide. I don't think you need the planning to get 50K, if that's your goal, since I see three Nanos and three wins on that profile, and you said you did less planning for those than you've done already. And you can fix things in December and January (and beyond); that's what they're for :) (and personally, I like the way a story lets me discover it, and in a way teaches me things about it, because I don't plan to the last detail. That works for me, and sounds like it does for you too? If so, go with it). Sat, 15 Oct 2011 00:28:34 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_66425 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_66425 Independence1776 I miss Tobie, too. Charleen, if you think you're overplanning, then stop. But I'm biased-- I'm a pantser, so all I go into Nano with is an idea and some characters. I usually know where the story is going, but I don't know how it gets there. That's the fun part of writing for me, the discovery. Sat, 15 Oct 2011 12:34:06 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_70750 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_70750 lauragoodin This is my first year planning. But I actually submitted a proposal for this novel, so it's got to at least be recognizably based on that.... -- Laura Sat, 15 Oct 2011 17:28:48 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_74073 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_74073 October Rose *unburies self from under reams of paper in the corner* Did someone call me? Sorry, I think I fell asleep grading these papers ... next thing I know I wake up and the forums have changed ... ;) (Actually, Laura commented on my blog on brought me here! Thank you Laura!! :D ) *yawns and stretches and pours some coffee* Anyway, no NaNo for me this year, although I do have to write two short stories by the end of November (and one by the end of October) ... frankly, I'd rather the 50k of novel. Easier to keep rambling on about one idea than to carry through two to completion. As for planning ... I need to strike that perfect balance between having a plan, yet having enough "gaps" so to speak to let the story do its own thing. I've tried pantsing two years before and it did NOT work for me. I need enough of a plan so that the story is vivid in my mind, has something tangible about it. Sat, 15 Oct 2011 20:43:52 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_76219 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_76219 charleenlynette I am not a good pantser. It's fun . . . until I get to what should be about the halfway point and just run out of ideas or it gets too silly and I don't know how to get back. After a few tries of that, I now at least have to have a beginning, end, and a few turning points defined before I get going. This time around I started that way. But then I just kept coming up with ideas, and kept rearranging the order, and now I pretty much have a scene-by-scene list of how things should unfold, and it feels REALLY weird. I'm not used to this, and I wasn't expecting it to snowball so quickly. So, I think I am going to set it aside for the rest of the month and try not to think about it. Hopefully then it will still seem fresh when I go to write it. I'm also going to try to avoid the forums a bit, as this week has been . . . less than productive. I might pop in a few times, but I'll definitely be settling back in come November. *grabs a hot chocolate for the road* Sat, 15 Oct 2011 21:45:57 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_76938 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_76938 lauragoodin Rianlrt, Lewis's comment sounds like how I write, condensed into a singularity of pithy meaning. Sometimes I have even fewer trees than that, though! (This year I've got lots of trees, which is very unlike me, so Charleen, I sympathize with the weirdness!) And TOBIE TOBIE TOBIE! Good to see you! *exuberant hug* (Glad my detective work paid off *grin*.) Today my husband, teenage daughter, and I spent a fantastic afternoon at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, looking at a remarkable exhibition on German art between the wars. It's fun having a geeky family! I need a BIG mug of peppermint tea, though, to help me deal with this head cold. I'll take one here, then I'll go make one in the real-world kitchen. -- Laura Sun, 16 Oct 2011 02:08:57 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_79286 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_79286 rianlrt *tucks a blanket around Laura* There you go... have to stay warm to beat a cold. Just 'Rian' works :) The 'lrt' are just initials; I tack them on whenever I get somewhere and somebody has had the complete etmerity to take Rian first! *heh* It's free now, but after eight years, how could I switch now? Though I've thought about making the account in case... I'm not sure what I have! :) I'm using themes from The Tempest, and I did the same play and genre this spring/ summer for a short story submission. So you'd think I have a forest! The play and that story are basically an outline for now, right? But... I didn't think the word count limit would let me work with this plan. So I went with a straight prose interpretation of the play with some steampunk elements, and worked it down to the 10K for the short story. For this one, I'm not being slavish (per se) to the play, I ahve a more expansive setting (and maybe cast of characters), and a more complex story, I hope. So it's like most of my forest is ash, and I'm looking for the aspens. Or something like that. Sun, 16 Oct 2011 02:35:34 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_79431 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_79431 lauragoodin Thanks, Rian -- I feel better already! I love The Tempest (it's a LOT more complicated than it seems, and I'm convinced that Prospero is an abusive, controlling bastard, and Caliban is right to hate and fear him). I would SO, SO LOVE to read a steampunk reinterpretation of the play! (I did an odd, surreal look at it myself in a short story that has yet to find a home, although it's out at a literary magazine at the moment -- disturbingly, my science fiction and fantasy stories have often enough found good homes in literary magazines that I'm starting to be afraid that my husband is right, and I'm writing literature....) -- Laura Sun, 16 Oct 2011 02:53:40 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_79541 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_79541 lauragoodin Rian, I am so jonesing to read that story.... -- Laura Sun, 16 Oct 2011 16:07:06 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_85514 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_85514 sushimustwrite The fantasy as literature discussion comes up every single year. Yes, fantasy can be literature, folks. Literature is genre-agnostic. Rose, at least you're writing something in November! A November without writing is a very sad month. Meanwhile, my weekend is devoted to doing all the things in the hope I can start the new week with a fresh to-do list. And how on earth is NaNo two weeks away?! Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:52:37 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_88326 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_88326 lauragoodin Oh, Rian. *chuckles fondly* Always with the breaking of the TARDIS. By the way, I actually *can't* get too many interesting kinds of chillis here, because I'm stuck Wollongong, about an hour and a half south of Sydney. There are many, many, many ethnic groups here, but not the ones who necessarily use interesting varieties of chillis. It's a drama even to get jalapeños. Every now and again I make a pilgrimage up to Sydney to see what I can find in some of the funkier neighborhood shops and markets. Sigh. -- Laura Sun, 16 Oct 2011 22:31:33 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_90457 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_90457 lauragoodin *rant You know what? You know what I hate? I hate the "reply" function. It means that if I don't read the WHOLE BLOODY GROUP every single time there's a new message, I'll miss something, because it's in a reply to something somebody said on, like, Day One. Is there something I should know about settings to get it to display strictly chronologically? */rant* -- Laura Sun, 16 Oct 2011 22:35:07 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_90502 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_90502 Thekherham If NaNo were to start right now, I'd be in a lot of trouble. I've got one character, and a basic plot, and that's it. No details! There should be about fourteen or fifteen characters in this book, but all I have is the trail guide. I don't even know how many males, how many females, ages, etc. etc. I'm reading my previous work out loud, and I want to get that done before the end of the month. I have fifteen days to get ready. Sun, 16 Oct 2011 22:51:17 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_90707 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_90707 charleenlynette Laura, There's SUPPOSED to be an option to view in threaded format, or in chronological format. Unfortunately it's stuck on threaded and there's no way to modify it. Just one of the many bugs with the changeover this year. I, like you, am hoping it gets fixed sooner rather than later. Ironically, I was going to hit "reply" to respond to your question, but decided against it. ;-) Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:49:30 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_95640 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_95640 charleenlynette Also, if you take note on the forum page, next to the thread name it will say "10 new" or whatever. So, when I check a thread, I usually count the posts I haven't read to make sure it adds up to the right number. If I come up short, then I know I'm missing a "reply" in there somewhere . . . and then decide if I want to go through the effort to scroll through and find it, or just ignore it. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:54:46 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_95687 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_95687 Mara Jade Ahhh. I have my MC, but no villain and why does she have superpowers? And how did she get them? And even though I prefer mutation to radioactive incidents, how do I make sure this doesn't just turn into x-men? And I know I want her to have swords, but why should she use them? Am I really just projecting my desire to write fantasy into a superhero setting? How does she learn to use her powers? Why should she use them to stop crime? If she reads comic books, how does she know she's not batshit crazy and insane and making this all up because she spent her Friday nights playing Magic: The Gathering, instead of socializing with her classmates? AHHHH. Head, meet explode. *whew* Hi guys. I think I need me some hot chocolate... Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:38:12 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_96828 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_96828 Independence1776 The non-threaded viewing, editing posts, etc. are coming; HQ had said so. I'd rather have a forum up with some options missing than not having forums at all. Just gotta remember to not reply to individual posts… Thek, there's always the Adoptables forum if you need characters at the last minute. :) You don't always need a villain, Mara, but if you want one, think about what your character wants and who is the person who has the best reason to stop her from getting it? And I wouldn't worry about ripping off X-men-- mutation is fairly common. As for swords, just tossing some ideas out there: maybe she needs short-range weapons, or her power is more defensive than offensive. Um, if she's geeky enough that she plays Magic, would she really think she needs to socialize with her classmates who may or may not like her? (Just extrapolating from my high school experience; I didn't care what the popular kids did, and never went to a football game.) Feel free to ignore any of that; just trying to help. :) I have things to do before November. I'd rather be on the forums… Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:51:17 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_96966 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_96966 Gianna Robbins *slips inside quietly, sweater pulled tightly around me* Mmmm a nice warm shop. *waves shyly* Hello, mind if I join you? I brought treats... *pulls out bag of homemade candy and brittle and some dried fruit* Hope you enjoy. *tosses them on the table and claims a cozy chair with table next to it* How is everyone? Ready for this month to end and November to finally begin? I think I finally know what the heck my story is doing, at least the beginning and now I'm getting antsy and bored waiting on being able to actually write the silly thing. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:07:22 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_97803 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_97803 lauragoodin Hi, Gianna -- you are very welcome! And thanks for the candy and fruit! Help yourself to a drink; there's just about everything there. (Speaking of which, some chilli hot chocolate does sound good....) -- Laura Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:11:28 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_98620 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_98620 haricot_vert Huh. I wish I had read all of the new comments about threaded vs chronological posts before hitting the reply button. Doh! Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:14:01 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_102734 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_102734 lauragoodin Laura steps inside, still squinting from the bright Australian afternoon sun. She moves gingerly, as she has just incremented the intensity of her (admittedly mild to begin with) yoga workout, in a burst of virtuous determination in the shadow of her looming 50th birthday. She remembers being 25, training hard in tae kwon do for between 12 and 15 hours a week. She ruminates on how exercise is *good* for writers: makes their brains work better. She reaches for the chilli hot chocolate, which, being virtual, is also virtuous, and sips gratefully. "Hi, everyone," she says. "Preparation for NaNo can take many forms. Fencing's started up again, and I've just renewed my membership at the archery range -- yee-hah! It's Xena, Warrior Princess time! I'm catching up on housework and yardwork, and getting the Ph.D. work and the paid editing under control as well. It's a busy month, but perfect for instilling new, industrious habits on the eve of NaNo! And don't worry, GreenBean, it's MY job to cope with the threads if I want to read them, not your job to accommodate me!" She sips again. "So, fellow denizens -- aside from plot and character and world-building, what else are you doing to prepare? -- Laura Tue, 18 Oct 2011 02:20:16 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_106529 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_106529 October Rose @Mara: "Am I really just projecting my desire to write fantasy into a superhero setting?" My answer to this? If you are--so what? ;) And I think it would be pretty cool if your MC *didn't* know she wasn't crazy and making stuff up, but questioned herself about it along the way. @Laura: fencing has always seemed way cool to me--I had friends that were very good at it--it looks beautiful, but I doubt I could ever do it! @Gianna: Welcome! How can we not welcome anyone who brings us treats? ;) Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:00:38 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_108965 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_108965 Gianna Robbins *snickers softly into my tea* Mmmm, yea well it's the Southener in me I guess... you never go to a party without bringing along something to share. I'm finally have a semi solid synopsis for the first half of my novel...and yes for me that is quite something since I normally just write and see what my Muse vomits onto the page. I just wish I knew more about Cassandra, or The Girl as I've been calling her, was all about. She's the big point of the whole story but my Muse has decided to be vague and not helpful. *Sips more tea and glares at Chorta the Muse* Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:26:09 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_113779 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_113779 lauragoodin Just out of curiosity, anyone else here a fountain-pen fanatic? I love the retro-ness of them, and the ink colors, and the way it feels to write with them in a very nice notebook (I blush to say I'm also a Moleskine fanatic). I have about eight fountain pens, each with a different color, most with different nibs. My favorite ink colors are from Noodlers, but their ink takes an annoyingly long time to dry and I tend to smudge them if I'm not careful (and end up with ink on my hands). One of my Writing Pilgrimage moments was to sit in the lobby of the Algonquin Hotel in Manhattan, sipping a gaspingly strong (and gaspingly expensive) gin and tonic, and working on my then-novel using a fountain pen and a Moleskine notebook. (I seem to recall it was a NaNo novel, too....) -- Laura Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:56:51 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_120806 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_120806 Independence1776 Writing Pilgrimage! Just the idea of that is awesome. No, I don't use fountain pens. But then, I don't usually write by hand. I do have a certain brand and type of pen that, after living here for four years, just managed to find last month. I was so happy-- I've been using that type since I began writing with pen, and my last pen of my stash was dying. Welcome, Gianna! As for non-novel related things, I'm not really doing anything to prepare. Aside from my usual maps/floorplans and wordcount chart I'll make on Oct. 31, I'm basically ready to go. Well, I need to donate and buy a T-shirt, but I haven't gotten around to that yet. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:38:33 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_127781 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_127781 charleenlynette *sneaks into the cozy shop* *looks around, wondering if people will notice she's back even though she said she'd be staying away for a while* *warms her hands with a cup of cinnamon spice latte* *burns her tongue* I just can't seem to stay away from the forums for long. I HAVE been good about setting aside my novel plans, but the forums . . . they call to me! Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:54:43 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_128018 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_128018 Thekherham Fountain pens? Fountain... oh, those things. I haven't written anything with a fountain pen in ages... maybe last century... maybe just the grocery list or small stuff like that. As for my stories... novels... whatever, OpenOffice is my fountain pen. If I were to write my story, I'd need an interpreter to figure out what I wrote lol. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:12:08 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_130338 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_130338 sushimustwrite Did someone say fountain pens? Me! Oh me! I love the feel of writing with them in a notebook, not to mention that my handwriting is so much neater when I'm writing with a fountain pen than with a ballpoint pen. It's not that much more expensive. Sure, there's an up front cost, but after that using fountain pens isn't that much more expensive than regular pens, especially given that my current bottle of ink is over a year old and not even half empty yet. Now that's a worthy investment. (It's also purple. Yay.) Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:21:27 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_133019 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_133019 lauragoodin And more environmentally sound, too -- much, much less going into the landfill over the life of the pen! *I* understand you, Sushi. *I* understand why you love fountain pens so. Huzzah! Fountain pens! Huzzah! And, Gianna? I can think of nothing better as a NaNo reward than that pen. In fact, why wait? Get it now -- not as a reward AFTER you win, but as something to live up to, HELPING you win! ("I have to write my 1,667 words -- I have to be worthy of my pen!") -- Laura Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:25:14 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_133073 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_133073 Gianna Robbins Hmmm it is a possibility. Still if I wait then it becomes even more precious because I earned it and besides what I really want to find is ink cartridge because it only comes with a few and I write A LOT. I wish it was the kind that you refill or dip into the ink, although to be honest I would likely make a horrid mess with that. *sighs and stares at the clock* I really wish it was Nov 2 already (Nov 1 I have family things boohisss). Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:09:20 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_141097 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_141097 crookedHalo did anyone say coffee??? Pumpkin spice please :) Good morning! Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:20:24 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_141226 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_141226 haricot_vert I love fountain pens! But I haven't used one in years. :( I still remember the feel of it writing though. Made me feel like I could write the next American Novel. Or at least an incredible essay for English class. ...I wonder if any of my local Office Max/Depots would carry them...? Or if I'd have to order them online? Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:16:38 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_143422 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_143422 charleenlynette *sigh* It was bound to happen. I spent all that time and effort putting together a plan for this year's novel . . . and now I can't stop thinking about a different idea. Blargh. I need a latte. Pumpkin Spice sounds like just the thing. *drowns sorrows* As for the fountain pens, I don't use them myself, but I know I've seen them around in office supply stores. I don't know how big a selection, you might have to order online if you were looking for something really specific. Either that, or I'm thinking a craft shop might carry a decent selection of pens &amp; inks. Don't know for sure, though, since I've never looked. I never actually write with pen &amp; paper, other than jotting notes and reminders for myself. When I was younger, I LOVED buying new journals to write in, but I was such a perfectionist that if I made a mistake, I felt like it was ruined. Can't tell you how many fancy notebooks I had lying around with 2 or 3 pages of writing and then nothing. I'm MUCH better suited for using the computer. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:05:00 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_145034 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_145034 lauragoodin My notebooks are, as they charmingly say here in Australia, a dog's breakfast. My handwriting is appalling to begin with, and I scribble, draw arrows, doodle, scribble, scratch out, REALLY scratch out, restore, re-scratch out, and just randomly draw vague lines and patches of color. Before too long they look like they've been through a war. I have one particular notebook, with unlined pages, that I refer to as the Playground (as it has no rules and no firm objective). It is utterly, utterly chaotic, and utterly glorious. And I've reinforced the spine and edges with scary-spy-looking black duct tape. It's my "field" notebook, my "tactical" notebook. It goes with me everywhere, and has the first jottings of a dozen or more projects that ended up being fairly fabbo. This contrasts oddly with my actual "now it's time to sit down and actually write" style, which is meticulous and agonizing. I obsess over every word, even in first keyboard draft. NaNo is a real stretch for me. -- Laura Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:38:54 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_146352 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_146352 Thekherham I was at the horsefarm today, hoping the horses would give me some inspiration for my novel. I wonder if I should just start writing on November 1st, instead of worrying about it. I have a general idea what it's about, and where it's headed. Does anybody here do that? November 1? That's it. I'm writing. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:53:32 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_148351 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_148351 charleenlynette Nooooooo! I used the "reply" feature without meaning to! Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:20:49 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_148770 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_148770 lauragoodin It's okay, Charleen -- YOU ARE STILL LOVED!!!!! -- Laura "the only person who whinged about it anyway, so don't mind me" Goodin Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:58:27 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_149313 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_149313 sushimustwrite I'm finally giving these fingerless gloves a shot. And by fingerless gloves I mean I chopped the fingers off a pair of gloves whose fingers were too short anyway. I'm still deciding how I feel about them before sewing them up or giving up; I may have to cut the pinkies on the glove a little more since the pinkies were the closest to fitting in the first place. First impression: Maybe it's because I'm getting used to these or because these were once gloves, but they're still not as easy to type in as my bare hands are. Are any of you fingerless glove fans? How do you like them? Thu, 20 Oct 2011 22:27:44 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_151422 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_151422 lauragoodin Friends of mine are fingerless-glove fans; not me, thoguh. The very thought of those things clinging to my hands makes me shudder. Instead, I just put a hot-water bottle in my lap and put a blanket over all. I also make sure I'm wearing fuzzy slippers! Fuzzy slippers make parsimony fun! Luckily for me, the weather is just now turning hot in Australia, so I won't need to worry about how I'm going to afford to stay warm during NaNo! -- Laura Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:05:53 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_151880 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_151880 October Rose Sushi, I like fingerless mitts, as opposed to gloves. They leave your fingers completely free, although they make you feel less Dickensian. (Unfortunately the pair that I knit for myself are a bit too big, but I want to knit another, prettier pair anyway. :) ) Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:31:58 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_152218 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_152218 rianlrt Okay... catching up here still, after being away for four days. *waves to Gianna* Hi and welcome! :) Sorry I was slow... I'm another of the talkative ones. Needless to say *heh* Sushi -&gt; On the rare occasions I have to "grade" any chess stuff, or when I'm editing a story in hardcopy, I use green... or purple :) Laura, you're welcome to the heat. Take it ALL! *heh* It's still too warm in Texas for me. Tobie... TOBIE! *hugs* That's all... just glad to see you :) It's not the Coffee House without some people... What I'm doing to prepare: Honestly, it's all still percolating. A lot of the basic plot structure is done for me, since I'm working with The Tempest, but it's changed a good bit, dressed up... and those changes are still shaping themselves. Texas Book Festival si this weekend, and I'm sure I'll get some ideas while listening to writers talk about their processes, too, as well as talking to other people I know who go, etc. So I'll scramble some next week, make a pile of notes I'll only use half of, but somehow manage to get a half-order out of the thoughts I develop between now and the 29th or so. Oh, and I'm also scrambling a bit to prepare my writing equipment. This computer is WinXP, and has OfficeXP on it. Fine for a first draft. My new Computer is Win7... Home, so no XP emulator. And I don't have Office 2010, which is $120-150 for the basic package. I could install my OfficeXP on it, but there could be compatibility issues. I'm planning on getting the new Scrivener for Windows when it comes out... but then I'd have to learn new software during Nano, if I were to put it on the new computer. I was hoping to be mostly transitioned to that machine by now, but without Word... I think I'm using the XP computer, which is unfortunately twice the size and weight of the Win7. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:54:34 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_153011 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_153011 lauragoodin @ Rian -- I'm a relatively recent Scrivener convert, and I must say that the basics are VERY, VERY quickly mastered. You could do worse, especially considering the NaNo discount on Scrivener. -- Laura Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:56:52 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_153718 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_153718 charleenlynette @ Rian [quote] (And what's a cynic, after all, but a romantic tempered by reality?) [/quote] It's so funny that you say this because it reminds me of a quote from the movie *Enchanted* (actually not FROM the movie, but it was in the deleted scenes and I kinda wish they'd left it in). "You're a hopeless romantic who's realized that romance is hopeless." Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:00:46 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_155602 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_155602 rianlrt Laura -&gt; I've still got last year's code, too (the updated one) - so it'll be $20! But I'll have to get it downloaded, installed and set up on both machines (in case, depending which one I'm on) in a day, since the full version is due out on the 30th. Yeah, I could do the beta... but then I'd have to uninstall, install the full, etc, so might as well wait for the "real" one. I like the features. I looked at WriteWay, too, but something about Scrivener's layout and setup seems cleaner and more intuitive, and therefore a bit more useful. charleen -&gt; which movie is that? I know I know it... but my first thought was the Drew Barrymore "Cinderella" retelling, and I know that's not it (that's "Ever After"). So... help? :) Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:11:10 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_156903 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_156903 Independence1776 Thek, that's how I write, period. I go in with an idea and direction and just write. It's worked so far. :D Fingerless gloves: I *must* use them. Not for vanity, but because I have Raynaud's Phenomenon. I like being able to feel my fingers, and if they're cold, they hurt and then go numb. But mine aren't outdoor gloves; they're US Marine uniform gloves that I cut the fingertips off of. Lightweight and flexible. (Marching band uniform gloves are similar, and may work just as well.) Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:58:08 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_158160 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_158160 charleenlynette Enchanted is the movie where an animated Disney princess gets thrust into modern day NYC. It's a great movie, I love it. Basically an homage to all the Disney classics with a real life twist. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:25:01 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_158497 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_158497 sushimustwrite Indy, I also cut the fingertips off my gloves. They aren't band gloves or anything similar, just the cheap gloves you find at Walmart. I suspect they were kid-sized gloves since they fit my hand fine except the fingers were too short, making them perfect candidates for fingerless glove conversion. But I slept with them on last night and my fingers were nice and toasty. Maybe I should do that more often. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:25:46 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_162925 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_162925 rianlrt Mostly a bump... too frazzled for much more. Long drive on Thursday, took my daughter to a concert on Friday, and today was day one of the Texas Book Festival. With sleepovers for her (different subsets of friends) last night and tonight, to boot. Day two of the festival tomorrow. Oh, and thinking nano plotting thrugh all the while *heh* Indy, Sushi... can I borrow your gloves for my brain? :) Sat, 22 Oct 2011 19:44:28 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_176491 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_176491 lauragoodin Woo-hoo -- a couple of performance-writing projects are coming good (i.e., meeting with the approval of various directors/producers/composers)! That's the nerve-wracking thing about writing for performance: there are so many people who have to agree to play the same game -- the game YOU said they should all play. Then, of course, comes the stress of when they start to play the game THEIR way, which is the risk you take when you decide to play with other people to begin with.... Also good that the projects will be mostly all set up before NaNo starts! -- Laura Sat, 22 Oct 2011 21:59:59 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_178086 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_178086 sushimustwrite Of course you can, rian! I have three more pairs that can be cut up, actually. My fingers won't fit in them anymore, so go to town. And hooray for your progress, Laura! Getting the stressful part out of the way before Nano starts is definitely good. Sun, 23 Oct 2011 16:14:33 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_187189 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_187189 lauragoodin *staggers through door carrying a LARGE slow-cooker and trying desperately not to spill the contents* Hi, everyone! I'm making real-life sweet-potato-and-peanut soup for dinner, and thought I'd bring some by to share. (Recipe, in case you're interested, on my blog at http://lauragoodin.blogspot.com/2011/05/by-popular-demand-peanut-soup-recipe.html.) This particular batch I'm anticipating keenly, as it benefits from the use of some AMAZING chicken stock I made a while back (with saffron, cardamom, coriander seed, etc. etc.). I also bought a box of fufu a while back (because I'm curious about the world's foods, and because the word has always amused me), so we'll be having some relatively authentic African food for dinner. One doesn't hear too much about the various cuisines of Africa. I was lucky enough to live for a while in a city with a significant population of Ethiopian immigrants, so I've had some Ethiopian dishes; and I LOVE North African food. But what about some of the other stuff? It's a big continent, so I've set out exploring. I'll let you know how the fufu tastes! (It's instant, which is, apparently, frowned on, but plantains and cassava are REEEEEEEALLY hard to get in Australia, and the hours and hours needed to actually make it from scratch are even harder to get.) -- Laura Sun, 23 Oct 2011 20:29:51 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_190909 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_190909 October Rose *hugs Rian back* How can I NOT hang around the Coffee House when I get free hugs? :D Laura, I LOVE Ethiopian food! Not that I've had much of it, but there's an Ethiopian place in the city here, and it was just amazing. That soup sounds really good. :) Sun, 23 Oct 2011 22:26:55 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_192502 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_192502 charleenlynette *ladles a cup of soup out of the slow cooker* Mmm, yummy. My favorite soup to make used to be a cheddar potato soup, the recipe of which I found in the amusingly named "Help! My Apartment Has a Kitchen!" cookbook. I haven't made it at all since I started improving my eating habits. It's not terrible for you, but it does have quite a bit of cheese and sodium, neither of which are good in large amounts . . . not to mention I never could stop at just one bowl. I should make it again sometime soon though. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:50:05 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_196981 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_196981 Slussen *peeks in* Are there any empty seats in the coffee house? I'm a newbie - not in NaNo, but here on the Forum side of things. Somebody mentioned fingerless gloves - for me, the trick is to knit / have them knitted / etc of yarn that is super thin but still warm, like alpaca. *nods, pets collection of aplaca yarn* Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:50:14 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_197629 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_197629 rianlrt Oh, it's not a free hug, Tobie. I got one in exchange! :) Laura -&gt; Funny you should mention plantains. Kashi (the whole grain food people) make a few frozen dinners as well as their cereals and granola snacks and such, and one of them, they call "Mayan Harvest Bake." It's plantains with amaranth and polenta, sweet potato pieces, black beans, and ancho chile sauce. And not bad at all :) But... I'm going to try playing with it at some point, and do it with quinoa instead, and maybe something in place of the sweet potato. I've got plantains in the freezer, black beans and quinoa in the cupboad, and ancho chile sauce (pre-made, but oh well) in the fridge. Not sure when I'll do it... but I assume I should bring some in? :) Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:11:18 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_197877 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_197877 SBess84 Hey there! I'm a bit late in getting here, but it might be due to the fact that my food offering took a bit more time to prepare. I've got several limited edition coffees from Gevalia Kaffe (I'm a bit of a coffee snob, I'll admit) and a big pot of white bean chili. The recipe is a family secret and I apparently make it better than my mother-in-law - according to my father-in-law. :-) I've also just pulled some freshly baked pumpkin muffins from the oven and there's a bowl of freshly whipped cinnamon whipped cream to top them. Hope that these offerings are sufficient enough for my joining the coffee shop. I am new this year, but eagerly looking for fellow writers to help me make my way to a NaNo victory! I've been reading the last posts and you seem like a lovely bunch of talented people. I would be honored to get to know you all. And coffee/food is definitely one of my favorite hobbies! :-) Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:33:24 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_198121 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_198121 Thekherham Still thinking like an alien. Think horses, think trailrides, think murder!!! Yeah, I'm trying. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:38:34 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_198931 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_198931 haricot_vert SBess84, yay for pumpkin muffins!! *puts down a tray of carrot muffins, half with cream cheese frosting, half without* I like them both ways, so figured y'all might too. :) And fingerless gloves are a wonderful thing, to chime in on the discussion above. I have a pair in my desk at work, and I have another pair that I keep with me when I'm not at work. Yes, the fingers must stay warm! Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:58:18 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_200040 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_200040 lauragoodin Rian, that menu (the plantains and beans and stuff) reminds me of the AMAZING food you can get in the cafeteria of the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC. I moved away from DC before it had been built, but every time I go back, I make SURE SURE SURE to have lunch there at least once. (Oh, phooey, now I'm all homesick again.) SBess, you come sit here by me, yeah? And bring those muffins and that cinnamon whipped cream. No, right here next to me. Omph mphphp mmmpphhhphphh nomph nomph (Cinnamon whipped cream -- freaking brilliant! I've done amaretto whipped cream, but for some reason the cinnamon never occurred to me -- genius!) Thek -- horses think like aliens. It's all good. Green Bean -- Oo! Carrot muffins! Could I possibly still have room? It is just possible that I may. *takes out secret stash of Betty Crocker frosting, grabs one of the unfrosted muffins, and commits the crime* -- Laura Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:41:11 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_203579 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_203579 rianlrt Cafeteria in the museum of where... what cafeteria is this? (*grins* Listen to me... forget the museum and give me the food? You'd never know I'm as tiny as I am, would you? ;) But yes, the museum too!) And... there are other cinnamon fiends here? Hm... it just might be time for the cinnamon and candied ginger scones. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 19:25:50 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_206142 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_206142 lauragoodin When is it NOT time for cinnamon and candied ginger scones? -- Laura Mon, 24 Oct 2011 19:27:53 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_206179 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_206179 charleenlynette Oooh, and snickerdoodles! I used to work at a bookstore and would always get a cinnamon latte and a snickerdoodle from the cafe on my breaks! Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:50:48 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_207604 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_207604 October Rose Slussen and Rian, alpaca is my *favorite*. So soft and fluffy and light and warm! (Although cashmere is pretty nice too ... and any fiber blended with a little silk. :) ) And SBess84, I would love one of those pumpkin muffins, mostly because I want to slather that cinnamon whipped cream on top! ;) Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:59:53 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_207755 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_207755 SBess84 lauragoodin - Take your time on the muffins. I've got another few batches just getting out of the oven. :-) And yes, the cinnamon is AMAZING in whipped cream. So very, very yummy. I have never tried the amaretto style and that sounds just as mouthwatering and brilliant! haricot_vert - Will trade you a carrot muffin (with the cream cheese frosting) for a pumpkin muffin. Man I love this time of year. The food itself is phenomenal and coffee shops are even better for some reason with all the seasonal drinks. :-) Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:08:02 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_208928 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_208928 littlehurricane Holy long, tiring day! Will someone bring me a GIANT caramel macchiato, skim milk, extra shot please? Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:49:10 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_210321 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_210321 lauragoodin Here you go -- enjoy and relax! Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:46:10 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_210892 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_210892 rianlrt littlehurricane -&gt;*grins* an extra shot of what? :) I know you've got your hands full with a little one, and I remember those days. A shot of brandy or rum in there might be as worthwhile as one of espresso? :) Meanwhile, I'm thawing chicken for dinner, and cutting veggies. Is a Portugese-Indian fusion curry okay with everyone? Tamarind/ date/ chili, with chiucken, bell pepper, onion and carrot? Tofu in place of chicken for the vegetarians? Have to get all the cooking going now, because I'm not going to be getting this intricate in a week... Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:13:49 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_216042 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_216042 haricot_vert Rianlrt, what you're cooking sounds sooooooo good!! Tamarind makes many things tasty. Yum. SBess84, consider the muffins traded. :D Anybody else (besides me) feeling panicky about next week? I have an outline in progress, characters, potential conflict, and yet I'm convinced that next week will find me completely devoid of anything write-able. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:06:23 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_217486 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_217486 charleenlynette I am feeling slightly panicky. I just know that, despite all the prep work I've done for this novel, it's going to be just as awkward as everything else I've ever written. I'm good with the plot. It's the characters I can't figure out. I was reading a thread for "Introverted Writers" (I think it was in the 20-somethings' forum) and a lot of people were commenting that they don't feel they can create realistic characters because of their own social awkwardness. I'd never thought about it before, but that's exactly my problem! I'm in my own head so much that, inevitably, so are all my characters. I can't make them act the way that "normal people" act because . . . well, I don't know how normal people act. I don't spend enough time with other people to pick up on those things that make them real. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:23:29 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_217743 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_217743 Independence1776 Littlehurricane-- I'm a couple years older than you and still haven't had a drink. Not for any moral reasons, but simply because I can't stand the taste of alcohol. (Communion wine was enough to put me off it for life.) Haricort, I'm *definitely* panicking. I need to find my name list (pages of "100 most common names", though it's US-centric and I'd like British for this novel), finish researching how upper class/old money lives (of which I have found nothing but generalizations), and some other stuff. I thought I was ready. I'm not. Normal people… I have trouble writing extroverts. Introverts I have no problem with. And hey, we <em>are</em> normal. Just because we prefer our own company or just a few others doesn't make us unnormal. (Look at me, making up words already…) Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:49:01 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_218079 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_218079 rianlrt Feeling panicky? YE... um, I mean, no. Not at all :) Seriously, I both am and am not. On the one hand, it's my 8th year, and I've done this a few ways; once I even switched stories the day before, and won; I wasn't even pantsing that year! It was closer to pajama-ing, I was so unprepared ;) So you'd think I'd be fine this year. I know what I'm doing, I have a loose plan, the broad-brush plot work is done for me, and I did a short story on the same rough structure this summer, four or five months ago. And yet this one is so different, a complete sideways turn from the earlier one, and I'm not sure I've given it enough thought. I feel remarkable unprepared compared to the last two years. So yeah... I'm scrambling a bit. littlehurricane (i love that handle! :) ) -&gt; not a failure at all! that said... shall we have the party for you after you win nano this year? haricot_vert -&gt; It's done, too, pretty much, both versions :) the sauce is made, the tofu/ chicken is sizzled with onion, garlic and ginger and in the sauce. Veggies cut, just waiting to be added when I reheat later so they don't get mushy... and water in a pot, rice in a cup, set to cook. Dinner planned to be in about 4 hours. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:58:20 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_219082 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_219082 charleenlynette *runs into the shop squealing* Laura . . . We have flat mode! *snags a celebratory muffin* Wed, 26 Oct 2011 07:39:19 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_228071 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_228071 lauragoodin HUZZAH! HUZZAH! Toss me one of those muffins, would you, Charleen? Now I have EXTRA reason to celebrate! My 50th birthday, and flat forums! (My family and I went up to Sydney to see a production of Julius Caesar in the Sydney Opera House. Those of you from the Sydney area, if any, will doubtless be impressed that it was Bell Shakespeare. It was a GOOD birthday!) -- Laura Wed, 26 Oct 2011 07:46:10 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_228138 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_228138 SBess84 Well, now this is a much better look...flat mode. Genius! :-) haricot_vert - Thanks for the trade. Yummy! So yeah. I'm panicking. I even have my idea outlined with a hundred little notes and asides just waiting to be put into a workable (okay, semi-workable) story. But timing is huge for me as a writer and with the kids, I know there will be several non-writing days. I was NOT this panicked for the 3Day contest. But I had a theory about that. See. 3Day is all about isolation writing - no distractions, no one around, nothing to take one's mind off the goal except one's mind. :-P So this type of writing for me (NaNo) is always a whole lot harder. And now that I've committed, I refuse to accept failure. (would that be considered a fatal flaw?) I might just have to ship the kiddies off to grammy's for a few days so I can get some hardcore writing done. We'll see when it's crunch time, how far I've gotten. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:05:29 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_228316 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_228316 baileyanne *Peeks in the door, sniffing the air full of the smell of tasty pre-NaNo food and drink* Hello? I think I've stopped by here once or twice in years past. Is this the Coffee House with the reinforced closet for locking up inner editors? And I think I overheard someone say they have trouble with writing extroverted characters, being an introvert themselves. Hello, fellow introverts! I sometimes wonder if I have this problem myself. I try to solve it by (surreptitiously, I hope) watching other people. For a temp job I had recently, I had to ride the bus every day. Boy is that a good way to watch people and get character ideas, my goodness. It's always the extroverts who talk on the bus. For my contribution to the Coffee House, I bring a big jug of Vermont-made farm-fresh apple cider. Mmm. When I haven't had it in a while, apple cider is just about the best drink ever. *pours a cupful of cider for herself and sits down in a comfy chair to rest a while and ponder plot holes* Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:54:47 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_228843 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_228843 haricot_vert Oooooh, fresh apple cider! The Coffee House is definitely _the_ place to be. Oh my, yes. /pours a glass and savors a sip. It's a relief to not be the only one panicky. Kind of makes the panic back down some. :) Charleen and Indy, if I start to think if my characters are intra- or extro-verted, I get an adrenaline rush of failure. But if I concentrate on making them... believable? It's like when I think if I'm making the guys masculine enough and the girls feminine enough. Ugh. Just makes me want to curl up in a ball and forget writing altogether. I guess what I'm trying to say is if they resonate with me, and if they resonate with a beta reader, that counts enough, yes? Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:06:18 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_229712 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_229712 Thekherham All right, I have progressed a bit. I have the names of all the characters who will be going on the trailride. Five days, so they'll camp out under the stars. I don't know a)who the murderer is b) who the victim(s) is/are c) what the motive is Possible multi-murder (killer wants to throw suspicion off himself/herself) so it appears like random killings Setting... probably fictional... over the river and through the woods lol I'm getting there, I'm getting there. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:29:54 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_230868 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_230868 charleenlynette . . . It was a MALE co-worker! Don't mind me, just having an epiphany over here. Go back to your mugs of delicious warm beverages. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:16:17 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_233598 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_233598 rianlrt littlehurricane -&gt; *grins* I shouldn't admit this, but as long as it's wine? Takes a lot more to make me fall-down drunk than I can actually physically drink. (eeps!) Flat forums! Yay!!! *does SnoopyHappyDance* Now all we need is newest-first! But this is good... very good! Now, who asked about the internal editors? That's what that little room in the corner is for. The small door in the shadows over there... see it? *points* We send them in there; there's a computer with connections to travel sites, and they get to plan a month-long vacation. Charleen -&gt; Keep the epiphanies coming! with any luck they'll rub off some... I'm still looking for several :) And now, all that said... I've got something here. It came up in another forum, so I figured I'd make them. The perfect brownies. The kind that are made with deep, dark, make-me-keep-the-world's-secrets, 75%+ cocoa chocolate. Just the right amount of sugar, rich real vanilla bean, heavy cream, ginger and nuts... dusted with a touch of cinnamon on top. We can work these off in December, scurrying around holiday shopping :) Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:47:24 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_235098 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_235098 baileyanne Oh excellent! Thanks for explaining the inner editor plan, Rian -- letting them plan a vacation is likely to leave them much happier at the end of the month than simply locking them in. What a wonderful idea. I'll have to let mine know to be thinking about where she wants to go. And those brownies look delicious! *snags one* Mmm. Chocolate. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:10:04 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_239445 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_239445 haricot_vert Mmmmm, brownies! Maybe I'll have those as my reward system; I have a book with a few recipes in there... Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:01:54 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_247830 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_247830 October Rose So I've been having trouble lately sitting down and *writing* for more than, say, half an hour ... it's very difficult for me to focus enough and get in the flow and write more than a fragment of a scene. (Was just talking to my thesis director about this today.) But also lately--as in the past week or less--I've been waking up in the middle of the night, or just as I'm about to fall asleep, and out of nowhere bits of the story pop into my head. It's kind of crazy! I'm beginning to wonder if I should get up, grab a blanket, and start typing in the middle of the night ... but I think half of it is that the rational part of my brain is falling asleep, allowing those creative sparks through, and that part would wake back up if I actually turned the computer back on and opened a word document. Anyone else experience flashes like this? Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:12:45 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_252471 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_252471 lauragoodin I do, occasionally, Tobie. But my brain's usual modus operandi is days, sometimes weeks of utter drought, then, within a day or two, a whole chapter bursts out, and it's pretty much a keeper (according to my advisor, anyway!). I've learned not to panic when the words won't come -- they're brewing and stewing in there somewhere. Have you tried a notebook by the bed? Less conscious-brain needed to pick up a notebook and scrawl the sparks than to boot up, load software, and open a document? -- Laura Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:49:13 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_253061 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_253061 Independence1776 I experience flashes like that, too, Tobie. Occasionally, I'll get out of bed and write them down. Most of the time, I just hope I'll remember them in the morning. It normally works. But I second Laura's suggestion about a notebook nearby. I found relevant research books at the library! Now to find time to read four books when I have a story to finish writing… Thu, 27 Oct 2011 19:17:02 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_254999 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_254999 haricot_vert I keep a notebook by my bed. That definitely helps. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:05:16 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_263228 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_263228 Thekherham I think I have my killer. I think I have my victims. I just need names for horses. So I guess I'm almost ready... I think. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:04:28 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_265966 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_265966 Creating Goddess *slumps into a chair* ...Why is it so hard to focus when I have no one to talk to as I'm working? I hate not being able to do this on my lonesome...sigh...stupid outline of doom...I wish it'd finish itself. *downs expresso* Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:02:31 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_266982 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_266982 contemplations *Knocks on the door tentatively before opening it just enough to pock my head through* "Ummm, Hi, I'm Effy. I heard the noise and the smell drifing down the corridor was to much to resist so I thought I'd drop by. Is it too late to join? This is my first Nano, and thought you seemed like a nice group to vent to when times get (so I've heard) tough. Plus, I bought Swiss chocolate, popped over the boarded to get it, you see, I'm living in Germany at the moment but I'm from Sydney (go Australia!). I'm pretty excited for Nano, I think my characters have some real potential, but am a little worried about my outline, or should say lack there of." Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:42:52 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_267633 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_267633 lauragoodin Hey, Contemplations -- come in, and welcome! (And thanks for the chocolate!) And I'm sure everyone will join me in telling you not to stress about your outline. Your NaNo opus will take you where it wants to go! I'm living in Wollongong (although I'm an American). The weather SHOULD be getting warm now, but it's been extremely fickle, and actually unpleasantly chilly for most of this week (almost like October back home in DC). Thekh, best wishes with naming your horses! CG -- hoping the Coffee House will give you enough interaction that you have an easier time on your lonesome. -- Laura Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:56:25 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_269828 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_269828 Silhouette. Hello, all, I'm Cait. I'm not normally a coffee person, but in the midst of the NaNo craziness that's already coming over me, nothing seems more inviting than a coffee shop :D So I thought I'd drop in Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:15:56 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_272595 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_272595 lauragoodin Hi, Cait, and welcome! Make yourself at home. Those two crock pots over there have mulled cider and mulled wine. Coffee and tea here, cold drinks in the fridge. Comfy chairs *everywhere*! -- Laura Fri, 28 Oct 2011 21:14:45 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_273448 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_273448 lauragoodin Oh, man. What a day and what a night! We had my 50th birthday party, and Halloween stuff has only just started to be available here in Australia, so I bought a lot of really cool decorations at the cheapie stores, and we had a ton of good food, and lots of really fun and interesting people, and now I'm utterly exhausted. And one of my friends gave me an umbrella with a sabre handle on it -- does it get any better than that? Glad I did this before November started. It will take me the next few days to recuperate, even though I didn't have any alcohol! -- Laura Sat, 29 Oct 2011 09:02:09 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_279917 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_279917 Delta_knight *brings in cupcakes* Hello? I'm Tiffany. And I'm delighted to see hot cider here. I could really use some. With snow in tonight's forecast and still no name for any of my characters, it seems I've hit a little speed bump. Anyway, this is the first year I'm going into this unprepared. I haven't done any planning, except the basic concept of the book. The idea actually came from a vivid dream I had a couple of weeks ago. -sigh- Sorry, just rambling. I'm awfully bored today. Sat, 29 Oct 2011 09:30:14 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_280214 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_280214 lauragoodin Hi, Tiffany! Make yourself at home. And ramble away! *said with mouth full* And thanks for the cupcakes! -- Laura Sat, 29 Oct 2011 09:39:50 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_280337 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_280337 Lady Lunas *sneaks in and claims windowseat* Hi, everyone. Yes, I am still alive. I'm just very, very busy. (Not like last year, in which I was a come-from-behinder - this year, I have a vacation the first week of November.) So I'll be popping in every now and then. Oh, and I'm probably not handwriting this year. :-) Sat, 29 Oct 2011 23:31:51 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_291185 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_291185 lauragoodin Good to see you, LL! -- Laura Sat, 29 Oct 2011 23:36:06 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_291243 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_291243 AgentReyes Uh, hi. I'm sort of new to Nano, so I thought I'd introduce myself XD I'm Em, I love coffee, and I have an outline at last! I also brought cinnamon rolls, if anyone's interested. *sets rolls down* Sat, 29 Oct 2011 23:43:23 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_291357 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_291357 lauragoodin Hi, Em! Welcome, and thanks for the cinnamon rolls -- they smell great! -- Laura Sat, 29 Oct 2011 23:58:30 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_291587 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_291587 Delta_knight -sniffsniff- Mm, Cinnamon rolls. I'll help myself. In other news, my toes are cold. But, hey it's a good thing there is hot coffee and snacks. Speaking of coffee, does anyone else use the Bailey's Coffee Creamers? They are amazing. Sun, 30 Oct 2011 10:56:34 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_297901 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_297901 haricot_vert Happy belated birthday, Laura!! Glad it was a good time. :) Good to see you again, Lady Lunas! Cinnamon rolls are yummy. The gooey-nes, the sweet bite of cinnamon. Thank you, AgentReyes! Sun, 30 Oct 2011 12:15:09 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_299280 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_299280 lauragoodin Thanks, Green Bean! Those with cold toes are advised that there is plenty of room, and big, thick carpets and beanbag chairs, near the fire. -- Laura Sun, 30 Oct 2011 15:35:02 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_302918 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_302918 Independence1776 *waves hello to all the newbies* *glomps Lunas* It's about time you showed up. :P Oh, dear Eru… One day to go. I'm not ready. I haven't even touched my four(?!) research books; I just finished that story I needed to get done before Nano today. If I go mad tomorrow, just ignore me, please. *panics* Sun, 30 Oct 2011 20:12:31 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_308946 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_308946 Lady Lunas Good to see you guys, too! Hey, you know how busy I am, Indy. You haven't touched your research yet? And you've been doing mine? Indy! I think we're both going to go just slightly insane(r). Stop panicking. Breathe. You can do it. You have time. *blinks* Right. One day to go. Yeah, definitely not time to panic. Yet. Sun, 30 Oct 2011 22:47:40 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_312859 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_312859 lauragoodin I'm sitting out in my driveway dressed as a wizard and surrounded by Halloween decorations, with my computer blaring "Monster Mash", "Ghostbusters", and other seasonal hits (I did have some sound effects going, but they were actually too creepy), and trying to write in between the neighborhood kids coming by. I try to do it right -- carved pumpkin and all -- because this is Australia, and they're only starting to get the hang of Halloween here. They need people to show them the way. (Hee hee, we're winning!) I am triumphant, because the supermarket was charging over $30 per pumpkin, and I'm homesick, but I'm sure not THAT homesick. Today (Halloween itself) I stopped by and found them for $8 per. (And yes, I am $8 homesick.) WIN, LAURA! EPIC WIN! -- Laura "no kids in sight at the moment; back to writing" Goodin Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:39:21 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_315545 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_315545 sushimustwrite Eight dollar homesick? Hey, I'd be eight dollar homesick too. I have hardly been on the forums in days. MLing and everything else I have to do before Nano has sucked all the time out of me, leaving none for forums. This is having more of an impact on me than I realized. One of the other MLs of my region got me a "Keep calm and carry on" plaque for my wall. I should figure out a place to hang it. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:57:24 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_320587 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_320587 charleenlynette I haven't been on much the last several days either, though I don't have ML'ing as an excuse. I know some people are already writing! For me, I'm at NaNo minus 14 hours . . . though since I'm not starting at midnight, the official countdown is moot. I've got probably about 21 hours till I'll actually start writing, but only 12 or so that I'll actually be awake for. Aiming for 10K my first day! Yay, NaNo! (!!!!!!!!!!) Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:13:34 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_322159 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_322159 rianlrt I was away for days as well. My end of week last week was CRAZY! But in a good way; I saw a friend I hadn't seen for years on Friday - all day *heh* Got there at 1:30 pm or so, left at 2:30... am :) And then had an hour and a half drive back. A band performance/ competition to see another friend's daughter play on Saturday, chores yesterday, a lecture on Thursday and dinner afterwards... So now here we are, half a day away, and I'm still scrambling. BUT: the cranberry bread is just now cooled enough to cut. And there's more batter to bake another when this is done :) Sushi -&gt; hang the plaque on your back. That way we can all see it when your word count leaves us behind, as usual ;) Lunas -&gt; no, definitely not time to panic yet. We'll only do that if the coffee, chocolate, and wine run out! Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:20:03 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_325346 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_325346 Delta_knight This is the first year I'm doing this just sitting at home. Not in school. No other obligations. I'll be able to write all day everyday if I so choose. So, I have no idea what my word count is going to be like. I remember last year I got to 50K with, I think a week to spare or so. And I stopped there because I wanted to enjoy the vacation I was on. This year, I think I might keep going if I hit 50. I've never even tried before. I'll be without a computer for 3 days, but that's ok, I can hand write and then transfer. For me though, that takes forever. I always get distracted... Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:32:26 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_325696 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_325696 emgriff Hi Everyone! I'm Erin. Nano newbie. I brought apple cake with maple drizzle. And a thermos of triple strength coffee. (I'm a mom, I need the caffiene!) I have my main characters, sort of figured out. A very fague outline. And have spent the last three days looking for picture prompts. I like having pretty pictures that remind me of my story world. I thought it was going to be romance buy &gt;cough&lt; the ummm, things I'm already thinking up are leaning more to the erotic. Guess we'll just have to see how it goes :) Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:51:30 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_326217 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_326217 Thekherham I can't believe November 1 is almost here, and yes, I'm worried. How do I start my novel? That is the question. I don't want to start it too soon (i.e. getting the horses ready, etc. but I have to write about the different characters... there are 12 riders, plus two trail guides.) and I don't want to start it in the middle of the trail... unless... maybe... hey, I can always use flashback... Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:10:51 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_326725 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_326725 rianlrt *grumbles* Okay, I do NOT need this. Apparently the Windows Scrivener version is delayed - AGAIN! Meaning I have no word processor to work in on my new machine, and while I could do the beta, I can't really do it on this machine, so I can't go between the two. And it'll mess with my mind to switch programs in the middle. While I could use Word 2003... I have it on this machine, not the new one. And the structure of this story really needs the split-screens and storyboarding; just the 10K version this summer showed me that. Meaning that at this very late date, I'm actually considering sitting this year out. D@#^ Scrivener anyways! :/ *sighs and flops in a cushy chair* Someone bring me chocolate? Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:07:27 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_332705 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_332705 lauragoodin Oh, no, Rian! Here, have some of these Lindors a kind friend gave me for my birthday. Is it possible to storyboard on paper and at least write a few hundred words in a notebook for now, just so you don't fall too far behind? When is Windows Scrivener supposed to come out? (By the way, I'm pretty sure Scrivener imports Word, if you just want to get started. I know it hurts the brain to swap programs in the middle, but it may not be as painful as anticipation makes it seem.) Hugs, chocolate, a nice glass of red, and a soft, warm blanket for you! -- Laura Mon, 31 Oct 2011 18:29:17 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_334960 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_334960 charleenlynette Boo to last-minute complications! I guess it's a good thing I've never gotten too attached to any fancy word processing programs. In the past I've typically used Word, or even just Notepad. This year I have used yWriter to outline and organize my notes, but I wasn't planning to actually compose my novel in it. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 19:35:09 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_336553 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_336553 Thekherham I won't be able to start tonight at midnight because 1) I'm going to have a shower because I was at the farm and I smell like a pony, and 2) I have to get up early tomorrow morning to get ready for work, so I guess I won't be able to start until November 1, sometime in the afternoon when I get home. Hopefully by that time I'll have thought of a paragraph or two or three... Mon, 31 Oct 2011 21:02:37 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_338591 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_338591 Independence1776 Oh, no! I hope you figure out something that works, Rian. Less than an hour and a half to go… Beats me why I do this to myself. Oh, well-- staying up til midnight is tradition at this point. Eeeeee!!!!! Mon, 31 Oct 2011 21:41:35 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_339487 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_339487 Lady Lunas Just over a half hour left to go on my end. I feel so unprepared - I've handwritten the past four NaNos to the point of forgetting my computer-based routine. Eek. I think tea's involved somewhere. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:20:45 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_340335 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_340335 SBess84 It's getting so close, I can almost feel it! Only 1.5 hours left and then it's WRITE LIKE CRAZY! :) Good luck everyone! Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:30:10 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_340555 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_340555 Lady Lunas Five minutes. *flails and then sips tea* Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:56:42 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_341171 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_341171 October Rose Wow--no posts for the past 14 hours. Guess everyone must be writing. :) Me, I did not reach my pre-Nano goal of completing a short story so that I could, in turn, complete two more short stories in November. &gt;_&lt; Bah. I can't really do any writing today, because I teach a night class and have procrastinating preparing for it. (Just grading exercises and notes for leading a workshop, but still. Looking forward to seeing those wordcount bars start filling up! ;) Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:26:00 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_357674 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_357674 charleenlynette Phew! I've done a few word sprints today, including my last one of 1394 in 30 minutes. That pushed me up over 5K, which is half of what I wanted to get on Day 1. I know I can finish my 10K 1st day . . . the real question is, can I finish it before my husband gets home from work, or will I need to be a hermit for a little while tonight? The strictly mathematical answer is, of course I can finish before he gets home, but in actuality it depends on how many breaks I take and how long. Because I cannot keep up that pace nonstop. For example. Right now? Break time. In other news, I'm excited that Lindsey looks to be using an Alphasmart in the latest NaNoVideo, as that's what I've been writing on all day so far. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:46:46 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_358389 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_358389 Independence1776 Heya, Tobie! I'm sorry you didn't meet your goal, but hopefully you'll still manage. :) *waves pom-poms* You can do it, Charleen! And there's nothing wrong with being a hermit. Alphasmarts are wonderful, wonderful machines. I use my AS3000 at write-ins, as my computer's a desktop. I've definitely been writing. Hoping to get to 3334 today. But I have learned one thing-- this year is the last year I stay up to midnight. I'm pretty much non-functional today. Even so, I've finished both prologues (yes, I have two), and I'm going to the regular Tuesday write-in tonight and hoping to get the first chapter written there. Which leaves an hour or so to do what I should have done last night and didn't have the time: floorplans. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:42:33 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_359770 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_359770 rianlrt I'm suddenly also battling a sinus thing that set in at the kickoff last night, but I've still gotten to 2020. I was hoping for 5K today, which would match last year... but not really expecting it, because I'm not really looking for 160K again *heh* This story isn't nearly that detailed anyway. If it makes 65-75K I'll be thrilled. Okay, if it makes 50K I'll be thrilled :) I'll be a hermit for a while this evening though, so hopefully I'll get closer to 5K at least. charleen, those 10K days are killers! I've done it a few times - the 30th last year was 11K for me, a big push to "the end" - but I was a zombie at the end of it *heh* Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:14:02 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_360952 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_360952 Lady Lunas I love Alphasmarts, too. I'm borrowing a Dana from a friend. :-) I don't have a goal of how much I'm going to write on any given day. As long as I reach 50k by the end of the month, I'll be good. I can't structure myself in too tightly right now. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:34:05 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_361816 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_361816 charleenlynette Indy, thanks for the pom-poms. Here, have some leftover Halloween candy. In fact, Halloween candy for everyone! We didn't get any trick-or-treaters last night. Not exactly a surprise. We're in an apartment and have never gotten a single trick-or-treater over the past six Halloweens -- spanning four different apartments in three different towns -- that my husband and I have been living together. But I always like to be prepared just in case. Rian, I've never done a 10K day before. Don't know why exactly I arbitrarily decided to start this year with one, but I did. I'm up to 8295 now, less than 2K more to go. A couple more word sprints and I'll be there. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:39:38 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_362013 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_362013 charleenlynette I did it! And just in time, too . . . my husband got home as I was transferring my words from my Alphasmart to my computer. 10,106 words, in just over 8 hours "real time." I'm estimating about 4.5-5 hours of that was spent writing. Feels good to have a nice cushion already. I'm not thrilled with my writing thus far, but it's certainly no worse than other years, and at least the plot is coherent, even if the prose is lacking. I plan to edit a very short section tomorrow and post it as my excerpt. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:32:25 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_366083 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_366083 Thekherham Wow, sometimes I really surprise myself. Here I was worried that I'd have trouble starting, but when I finished typing at 9:30 p.m. I had done 2807 words. Of course right now it's all a bunch of horse manure, but I don't care. And you know what? I started typing, and I kept typing, unlike previous years when I'd start about three or four times. So I'm happy with what I've done so far. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 21:44:18 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_374819 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_374819 lauragoodin My kid has had her learner's permit for a week now, and she's been doing really well. Astoundingly well. Responsible, precocious, focused. Today, not so good. Got rattled, it was the end of a long day anyway. Nobody's hurt, the car is not even dented. But we're both a little shaky at the narrowness of the escape from -- well, not disaster, as there were no other people around and she was going about 10 miles per hour. But still, it was a miracle that the front of the car escaped without a dent. The tree has some scraped bark. My kid has some scraped pride (probably a good thing, if one takes the long view). *deep breath* Parenthood. Okay, back to writing. Thanks for listening, y'all. -- Laura Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:15:08 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_383538 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_383538 charleenlynette I've been driving for 12 years and still haven't gotten the hang of gauging distances and speeds. When in doubt, though, I just wait, which at worst will just irritate anyone waiting behind me. Which I feel bad about, especially as the car in question gets closer and I think to myself, oh yeah, I had the time . . . but still I'd rather do that than end up causing an accident, or making the car slam on their brakes to avoid hitting me as I pull out in front of them (something I have to do ALL THE TIME, so maybe that's why I'm overly cautious about it). I agree, though, a minor scrape or a near miss is probably a good experience to have, in the grand scheme of things. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:21:19 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_390550 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_390550 haricot_vert I think the trick is to have the scares early in the driving process. I'm thinking that helps avoiding them later on. ...Or maybe that is just my rationalizing that mailbox I took out shortly after getting my license. Glad neither the tree, nor the car, nor the passengers were harmed, Laura! :) Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:03:33 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_395338 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_395338 haricot_vert Well, crud, looks like my grammar skills are not so good today. Wish there was a way to correct that last post. Lol. Yeah, welcome to November, haricot. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:04:33 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_395378 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_395378 lauragoodin Thanks, guys.... By the way, Green Bean, I'm a professional editor, and I reckon the grammar in your post was pretty good (I only spotted one thing I'd change, given that the context is idiomatic writing, rather than, say, a thesis or a technical manual). There used to be an "edit" function; wonder why they turned it off. I also wouldn't mind having this forum STAY set to "flat" once I've set it to "flat". Grumpily, Laura Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:40:55 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_400579 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_400579 October Rose After realizing I've written 811 words so far today, I'm more than ever determined to participate in NaNo as a rebel--so I am. Right now, since I have a fairly good idea of the overall shape of this story, I'm going to aim for the usual 1666 a day. That may not work so well with stories that are still vague in my mind, but you know? These drafts need to get FINISHED already. So. 855 more words to go ... :) Driving stories ... I drove to and from college (a good 45 minute commute) for three and a half years without trouble. (Well, one speeding ticket. But.) Then I got a brand new car, and in the first two months I owned it I ripped the front bumper off on my parents' basketball hoop and got into a stop-and-go-traffic accident that left nary a scratch on the people's SUV in front of me but totally crushed the front of my car. And I had just started paying for my own insurance, too, so I got dropped by the company. &gt;_&lt; Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:35:41 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_406717 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_406717 lauragoodin Ack, Tobie! I forget if I mentioned: I'm a rebel too this year (working on the PhD novel -- why not make a virtue of necessity? Or a necessity of virtue? Or something. -- Laura Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:54:23 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_407386 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_407386 charleenlynette Finally settled on an excerpt! First I had to figure out which scene could stand the best on its own, and then I had to turn it into something decent. It's still not great, but I've already spent more time editing this short passage than I care to admit, so it'll have to do for now. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:55:56 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_407435 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_407435 Lady Lunas Driving stories - mine's kind of funny. So the first time I get behind the wheel, I'm coming home with my dad from high school track practice. We went the longer way and so I ask to drive. Dad says yes, so we pull into a parking lot with a field next to it. Good thing. I end up zooming across the parking lot (at about 40 miles an hour), end up in the field, and did the same in reverse. Dad had me put the car in neutral and drive around the back of the building. I promptly stop the car at the end of that, get in the passenger seat, and refuse to drive for the next two years. I ended up getting my license because my friend and I drove together to a college class and she refused to take the keys back to her truck after she handed them to me. She forced me to drive the rest of the year. :-) Go NaNoRebels! I was one last year. I think I swapped between three or four stories before finally settling on one. And all those words counted. As for the forum functions, I think they're still working on them. The site's not quite at a hundred percent yet. Charleenlynette, your summary and excerpt make me want to read your story. Very intriguing. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:13:33 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_410396 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_410396 October Rose 1209 words! (Why can't I see anyone's wordcount bars? :( ) I think that does it for the day ... I have some reading I need to do, as well. Laura: Ack indeed. :) Now that you bring it up, I think I remember you mentioning that you were working on your PhD novel. Way cool. :) If I can keep up this pace throughout November, I think I can finish these three stories, and (if necessary for my thesis's 150 page minimum) start another. What sort of page/other requirements you have to meet with your novel? Charleen: I like the excerpt! :) And wow, 15k already! I am impressed. :) Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:21:40 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_410700 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_410700 lauragoodin LL, the picture of you and the parking lot and the field -- oh, God, I shouldn't laugh, but since no-one got hurt.... I wish I could relay these stories to my kid, but she'd DIE if she knew I'd posted her "little adventure" on a forum. -- Laura Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:23:54 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_410775 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_410775 Independence1776 Oh, go ahead and laugh. We still tease her about it. (And hey, I helped teach her to drive. You forgot that, Lunas, driving back to the library and back. *grumpy face*) My driving story: I have none. Save that I didn't my license until after I graduated college. (I didn't need it before then. Tiny campus with a grocery store literally across the street, and a bus stop within walking distance.) Novel's not going as well as I'd hoped. But I really liked what I wrote tonight (the last of the set-up), so hopefully it'll get better now. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 21:21:10 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_412768 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_412768 lauragoodin Tobie, I'm aiming for a 100,000-word novel, and I also need to submit a 25,000-word thesis. It's a quarter of the length, but it scares me more. I'm looking at the idea of strict genre boundaries: it interests me that a hundred years ago, nobody really minded if an adventure story had magic in it, or if a science-fiction story was also a detective story or a political satire or an adventure, or whatever. How did we all get so narky about what we will or won't read, whom does this serve (hint: not the writer), and what happens when a writer starts playing with the conventions and the unspoken agreement with the reader that what they think they're purchasing is what they'll safely get? The novel is an ironic take on a Victorian adventure novel that gets weirder and weirder as it progresses and goes horribly wrong (for characters AND for the complacent reader who'd been hoping for just a garden-variety ripping yarn, although I'm trying to make it that, too). -- Laura Wed, 02 Nov 2011 21:31:22 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_413117 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_413117 lauragoodin Indy -- best wishes on your novel! I have lived carless (not careless, although perhaps that too) at several points in my life. I had a lot easier time staying fit during those times! (I have also spent lengthy periods without a television -- and this was before I could watch about 80 percent of what few shows I'm actually interested in off the net. It's AMAZING how much time not having a TV frees up.) -- Laura Wed, 02 Nov 2011 22:28:23 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_415119 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_415119 charleenlynette Laura, your thesis sounds really interesting. Personally I enjoy books that play with the boundaries of genre a little (perhaps why I'm writing a science fiction thriller), although I definitely appreciate it when I know WHAT I'm getting myself into. I suppose that just means I'm a product of this cookie-cutter genre system we have set up. We have A television, but we don't have cable/satellite/or even regular network television now that broadcast has gone all digital and we don't have a fancy adapter for our old analog TV. So, while I can still waste lots of time watching shows via Netflix on my Wii, I'm ONLY watching shows that I REALLY want to see. Gone are the days of suddenly realizing I've been watching crap for three hours just because it was there. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:01:00 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_427572 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_427572 October Rose Laura, both the thesis and the novel sound fascinating! Like Charleen, I enjoy a truly good novel that plays with the boundaries of genre. I think that's why I am so drawn to magical realism (well, some of it)--it's all literary and whatnot, but it's also making up its own rules all the time. Sigh. I have a feeling that this story will end up much too long for the amount of stuff that *happens* in it ... but I need to not worry about that right now and just get it written. 287 words into my day! Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:27:53 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_431421 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_431421 lauragoodin ACK! ALREADY SO BEHIND! Luckily not too much on this weekend.... -- Laura Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:52:24 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_439524 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_439524 Lady Lunas I agree - genre is something I think largely influenced by the publishing world. Just look at the urban fantasy subset: urban fantasy, noir, detective, paranormal romance. We're (or they) are so focused on labeling stuff that it seems that telling a good story that crosses genres is almost forgotten. Laura, you'll catch up. :-) Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:51:19 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_448999 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_448999 SBess84 I too have a TV, but it's tucked away down in our basement and we almost NEVER go down there. It' s wonderful how much time that opens up for writing and reading and my favorites loves - my husband and children! :) I hope to cross several genres in my novel this year. Whether it ever sells, I don't know yet, but by golly! I hate guidelines...and if the only one who enjoys this story is me, then I've accomplished three-quarters of my goal! Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:04:41 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_453715 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_453715 lauragoodin Squee -- it's official! I have two stories coming out this month in WICKED COOL markets! One will be published in Daily Science Fiction on November 22 -- hurry and subscribe now (for FREE!) so you don't miss it. The other will be appearing in the inaugural issue of the relaunched Michael Moorcock's New Worlds magazine; the official launch date is sometime this month, not sure when. Oh, I'll let you know the details all right, don't worry! (This one you have to buy the magazine or its download to read; sorry.) Big month, November 2011, no? -- Laura Fri, 04 Nov 2011 02:59:27 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_455249 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_455249 charleenlynette Laura, that is great! Congratulations! Fri, 04 Nov 2011 09:10:44 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_459953 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_459953 lauragoodin Thanks, Charleen! Oh, and I'm on the road to catching up -- just over 2,000 words before packing it in because the screen was swimming before me. Annoyingly, midnight came in the midst of all thst, so not all of today's words are counted for today. Ah, well, just means an inflated count for tomorrow! -- Laura Fri, 04 Nov 2011 09:16:24 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_460069 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_460069 Independence1776 That's awesome, Laura! Genre-benders can be interesting and fun. I'm also sick of the boxing in that occurs. I took yesterday off so I could figure out exactly what was bothering me. (Well, aside from just plain not liking it.) And I did a soft reboot of my novel! The first 5k are now a hardly-remembered nightmare sequence, and the 2500 words I wrote today just flew out of my fingers. So much happier and motivated now. I'm hoping to get to at least 15k this weekend. *cheers everyone on* Fri, 04 Nov 2011 19:05:45 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_475087 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_475087 lauragoodin Yay, Indy! Here's to flexibility, determination, and fresh starts! And genre-bending! -- Laura Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:31:59 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_478639 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_478639 lauragoodin I'm slowly catching up; the gap is narrowing, not widening! And the daily quota has fallen to something not much more than 1,667. The beginning of November is a kind time. A forgiving time. A time of flowers and caramel topping and all friendly things. -- Laura Sat, 05 Nov 2011 07:25:56 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_488256 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_488256 October Rose Laura, congrats on your publications! So exciting! Well, I didn't write at all yesterday ... too much morning(/afternoon/evening) sickness and just general exhaustion, so I decided to take the day off. I'm back today though, hopefully. :) (I will also shower today. Yes.) Sat, 05 Nov 2011 11:08:29 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_491940 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_491940 rianlrt Laura, congrats! Both on the gap-closing, and the publications! :) On the latter, all the better... very good for one of us in here to have success this month on that front :) I got the expected but still disappointing news yesterday that my short story version of this project was, indeed, turned down. Which just means I get to make the Nano novel better and sell it instead, right? :) Gap-closing here as well, so off to more writing I go... Sat, 05 Nov 2011 15:58:18 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_499143 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_499143 Thekherham Hello, I'm back again. I didn't type anything on Friday, but I made up for it by almost doubling my word count on Saturday. It helped that I didn't have to go to work today, as well as getting up in the morning when everyone else is still asleep. Ah yes, it's so nice and quiet for typing, just listening to my favorite type of music, and rolling right along. Until I hit the proverbial corner I've painted myself into, which I think I can remedy. One of the characters gets killed on the first night, but then I realized the others would probably have to turn back. I mean, they wouldn't continue with the trail ride after someone had been killed, would they? So much for the five days, five nights trail ride. But I have come up with a solution that will probably show up in the second draft. Right now, I'm just typing, and I know 99% of it is crap, but hey, it's just the first draft, and I'm trying to get 50K done by the 30th. Besides, I've left out a lot of details re: the scenery, and the horses, and the people, but that's something for December. Now I just have to make sure I continue to typing at the rate of more than 1,700 a day, and I'll be fine. Sat, 05 Nov 2011 19:28:51 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_505247 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_505247 lauragoodin Morning sickness? Tobie -- congrats! (I sympathize: I was living proof that the world is round, and it's always morning *somewhere*.) And thanks, Tobie and Rian, for the kind words. It's been a LOOOOOONG dry spell for selling stories, and then these two came in quick succession, and they're really GOOD markets! And Rian, I feel it in my bones that Steampunk Shakespeare is destined for glory! Thekh, I admire your diligence! (Was just out for a ride with my horsebeast today -- bright, hot sunshine, breeze, good horse, good day.) -- Laura Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:52:49 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_507678 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_507678 lauragoodin Ack! I'm reduced to merely keeping the wordcount gap from getting too much bigger each day. However, I did make a fabulous dinner: shepherd's pie, only with spicy veal sausage meat (which I seasoned myself) as the base, and honey-and-spice mashed sweet potatoes for the top. I confess, it was very tasty indeed! -- Laura Sun, 06 Nov 2011 06:50:39 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_518704 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_518704 lauragoodin I managed a bit of catchup today (not much, but still, NOT falling further behind!) -- yay! Also, coolness, a short-story web site here in Australia has posted an interview with me! If you want to know all my deep dark literary secrets, you can read them at http://shortaustralianstories.com.au/spineless-wonders-asks-laura-e-goodin/ -- IF YOU DARE! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAaaaaaa! -- Laura Mon, 07 Nov 2011 06:51:46 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_547630 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_547630 Independence1776 *sneaks back in* Um, hi? I've been fighting with my story and just barely making wordcount. The reboot helped, but then my main character decided that she's a very serious drummer and wants to go to a conservatory for it after she gets out of high school. Plus, the background serious information (world-specific and real-world bigotry) threatened to become the main thing. Which took most of the fun out of writing. I still have to get through Chapter 3 today, which deals with those issues specifically, mostly to set up the plot, and then I get to the fun part. In true Nano fashion, I'm adding ninjas! :D (I'll be writing after dinner; I'm making cupcakes right now.) Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:38:40 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_553979 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_553979 lauragoodin Yay, Indy! Yay for writing, yay for ninjas, and yay for cupcakes! -- Laura Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:28:39 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_555169 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_555169 rianlrt Cupcakes? I call getting to lick the bowl! :) I just got a ninja drop in my lap, myself. As I've said, I'm using "The Tempest" as a basic plot line. Except that I started with my Ferdinand analogue (named Francis, or Frankie, just to make it more blurry *heh*) as a runaway instead of aboard the airship, which will only show up when his father and others set out to find him. It and the surface boat he uses to get away (he was captured by a smuggling gang, and invents devices for them for a short time (steampunk, remember), not entirely by choice) will crash in the Prospero analogue's territory in near but different places and times. But about a paragraph ago, the leader of the gang just became a woman, and is now my Sycorax analogue... bringing that into the present, with her still at deadly odds with Prospero, that action overlaying the rest instead of past history. So I'll have in effect four or five factions, multi-layered (Prospero and his daughter will actually be separate ones, in fact; parallel but not united aims), with some of the players party to multiple factions. And a lot of it all because that one woman Sylvia showed up... if that's not a ninja? *heh* And now my head hurts... ;) Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:40:08 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_555458 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_555458 lauragoodin I am jiggling in my chair about Steampunk Tempest! I always thought Prospero was a first-class, emotionally abusive, power-mad jerk, and thought it would be no less than wisdom to exile him. Is your Prospero a goodie or a baddie? -- Laura Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:52:05 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_555763 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_555763 rianlrt Um... yes? *heh* He's a bit of both. Now, remember that in the original, he wasn't any worse - and really, much better and more enlightened - than the nobles of the day. He seems more power-mad and manipulative by modern sensibilities, it's true. But by 1500 Britain's? That said... he's not any better here, really. Very mixed, with things to recommend him and things to detract; the most fun I'm having though is that his daughter is going to have her own agenda and not be the meek little 'Yes, Father" sort as in the play. She's a proper, independent- minded Steampunk gal! And Ariel, while her father's servant, goes along with her to an extent, serving both hers and her father's agendas, despite them being parallel but partly crossing. I'm sort of plotting as I go, discovering things about this, as I always do. Moreso than usual though. It's proving quite fun... now can I translate it to prose? :) Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:15:30 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_556343 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_556343 lauragoodin You must, Rian! The world needs this book! -- Laura Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:43:05 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_557077 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_557077 rianlrt I'm starting to think so, too :) And I'm actually not minding in the least that the short story was turned down... I like this approach better by far if I can get it to work. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:49:16 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_557238 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_557238 rianlrt (Okay, now enough procrastinating *heh* Back to slave-driving... Francis and Caliban both, though the latter hasn't shown up yet. But 25K by bedtime is my goal! I've got about 10 hours for 6200 words) Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:51:06 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_557296 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_557296 charleenlynette This weekend was pretty much torture for me to get through my words. Even though I'm so far ahead, I'm determined to write at least 1K every day to keep the momentum going, and I almost gave up on that on Sunday. Today wasn't much better, although I did hit a breakthrough toward the end, which means tomorrow should go much more smoothly. But still, I know my past 5K or so is pretty awful. Not looking forward to reading it come December. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:13:20 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_557871 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_557871 charleenlynette Ooh, and don't forget it's Back Up Your Novel Day! Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:15:55 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_557952 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_557952 October Rose Um, hi all. Peeking in here a moment to get away from all the flash fictions I must grade ... gulp. They're about a third done; must finish them and grade workshop responses as well, and then, perhaps, I'll write. But perhaps not. :-/ I've been pleased enough with my writing progress in terms of just, well, *writing*. But it's definitely not NaNo worthy. (And not really "finish-this-manuscript-by-December" worthy, either.) I get 1.2k on days that I write, which so far has been half the time. So. Ah well. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:47:00 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_562990 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_562990 lauragoodin Howdy, Tobie! Best wishes for the grading. (At least they're flash, and not, like, novellas.) I haven't been able to get a lot of wordcount squeezed out either. Maybe I'll catch up; maybe I won't. The last couple of Novembers have each been dreadfully stressful, for different reasons. I learned from them in a very visceral way that NaNo is only a game. You play it when it's fun, and in a way that's fun. And if you don't get your 50K, it's no bigger of a deal than if you'd had to put away the interminable Monopoly game because Mom says it's dinner time. We rock for being here and playing and having fun, and for encouraging each other. I LOVE games where nobody has to lose for someone else to win! -- Laura Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:58:29 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_563290 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_563290 rianlrt I'm nowhere where I wanted to be for today either; is it unanimous? *heh* But I'm giving myself til 2AM, and it's 8 now (well, 8:10), so I've time. Still... I need to get moving! charleen, not to worry. Of my 19K at this point, only about 6K is worth anything, if I'm being honest :) tobie, define flash fiction? I always hear it talked about, but what are the parameters here, and in general? Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:13:22 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_563686 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_563686 October Rose Laura, I just now caught your congratulations from a page ago ... thank you! It is very exciting. :) Last week I started to feel the baby move regularly, which is pretty cool! And I can't complain about morning sickness too much ... I had a lot of nausea in the first trimester, but have only actually gotten *sick* on three days (one of which was Friday). Rian, flash fiction is basically stories that are really, really short. How short depends on who you ask, but the upper limit I put on my students was 750 words. There was no lower limit. A couple of the stories were only about 100-150 words long. (Some of them were good, some were not.) Writing a story that short--and having it still be a *story*--really makes it a whole different beast. I, personally, can't write it. But I'm often impressed by what my students do with the assignment. :) Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:11:46 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_565246 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_565246 lauragoodin Wow, how fortunate for you that you haven't actually been throwing up much! (I did. *groan*) Regards to the baby! I bring to everyone's attention the AMAZING piece of micro-fiction by Ernest Hemingway (produced when challenged to write a story in six words or fewer): "For sale. Baby shoes. Never worn." -- Laura Mon, 07 Nov 2011 22:34:52 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_567312 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_567312 Lady Lunas Congratulations, Tobie! I actually enjoy writing flash fiction. It's fun encapsulating a story within a set word limit. It's produced one of my better short stories. :-) Mon, 07 Nov 2011 23:10:55 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_568019 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_568019 rianlrt Laura -&gt; I'd always heard that as "For sale: baby carriage. Never used." Same thing though, pretty much; I've frequently said (and stand by it) that Hemingway was the best short story writer the language has seen. Tobie -&gt; gotcha :) I wondered what the word-count limit would be, there. So all the NPR 3-minute fiction entries would be flash fiction, by that definition? Cool; I've done a couple! :) My favorite of mine was the one I did last fall for that contest. Didn't win though. Hm. Anyone got a suggested market for a 600-word cute bedtime ghost story? :) Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:57:14 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_569685 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_569685 lauragoodin Rian, try storypilot.com or duotrope.com, two search engines for which you can specify the story length and which will yield you a list of markets with but a few clicks! -- Laura Tue, 08 Nov 2011 02:40:20 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_570633 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_570633 SBess84 Hey there everyone! I've been busy writing the last few days so I haven't been able to check back in and grab a muffin with pumpkin spice latte to go even... Ah, the writer's life feels a bit isolationist at times. Something I'm pretty good at. I don't mind the extroverted side of myself, but I recharge and refuel by the introverted side. :) So I'm at nearly 20,000 words and the entire story decided to take a darker twist... I actually started out on the Grimm Brother's version of a fairy tale and for some odd reason, the story went all fluffy Disney on me. Didn't like where it was headed and I spent last night's Twitter wordsprints writing ahead - past the mushy, gushy part. It's dark, it's Grimm, it's definitely more the direction I wanted to take. Still romance and good things, but I never wanted it to be an easy happily ever after. Anyone else having difficulties staying on the original course they wanted? PS. Just dropped off some fresh pumpkin pie with whipped cream (again the cinnamon is a must in whipped cream) and a fresh pot of Colibri Azul coffee from the rainforest in the mountains of Nicaragua... (Mountain affectionately named El Diablo) :) Tue, 08 Nov 2011 10:30:47 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_575617 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_575617 lauragoodin *cuffs Rian upside the head* My word count is still abysmal, with no possibility of getting appreciably better today. Still, it's not like I'm resenting the reasons for it: meetings with artistic collaborators, free tickets to various shows, paid editing work coming in, going with my teenage daughter to the gym (I LOVE going to the gym), rehearsals, etc. etc. All in all, not a bad life.... -- Laura Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:07:02 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_581178 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_581178 rianlrt Ow! *rubs head* A fair response, though :) My word count today is pretty bad; overall I'm dong fine, but I'm not even yet to where I wanted to be yesterday, so... I better get to work! I keep wasting too much time on the forums, and making coffee, and doing laundry, then scrambling to write to catch up til all hours of the morning and oversleeping and losing the whole morning :/ To work I go! I was hoping to end today at 30K; 28K might be more realistic. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:36:50 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_581918 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_581918 Thekherham So I'm rolling along pretty good, writing a lot of crap which will hopefully turn into something decent. The one problem I'm having is how to make a five-day trail ride interesting, especially in the way of scenery. I have forest to the left of them, a river to the right of them, a waterfall, clearings where the horses can graze, and drink water at small lakes, but I'm trying to put some pizzazz in it. I have fourteen characters, and a number of them have various conflicts, or secrets they eventually reveal which leads to more conflicts. Conflicts are coming along fine, especially in the light of the murders which will occur a little later, but it's just trying to vary the scenery, but still remembering that the trail goes mainly through deciduous forest. Not that I'm worried right now. After all, it's first draft, and my first drafts will be nothing like the last draft. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:38:31 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_588373 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_588373 Independence1776 I hate my novel. :( The characters are boring, the plot is too serious, and even the ninjas-- which were supposed to bring the novel in a different and fun direction-- managed to get sucked into said plot. (Not that I've gotten to them yet. I only managed just over 700 words today. I'm now officially behind.) If I had another idea that could reach 50k, I'd write it. But I don't. Gah. *waves pom-poms for everyone else* Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:00:11 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_588816 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_588816 Lady Lunas Indy, do a dares novel. You are not going to not finish. If I could be a very far come-from-behind winner last you, you certainly can do it. If you need to, just scrap the entire thing and start over from scratch. *cheers on everyone else* Tue, 08 Nov 2011 22:59:04 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_591301 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_591301 Thekherham Indy, the best thing to do is just write. My novel is crap right now, but I'm going to continue writing. I'll figure out the details later. All I want to do right now is get 50K in (might be more) by the end of November. Then I'm going to leave it for a bit before reading it over, and saying, What the f*** was I doing? Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:48:30 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_599920 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_599920 rianlrt I'll agree with Thek, in spades. Mine is mostly junk - maybe 6-7K of this is usable? but I'm getting direction out of it, and with as unplanned as it was, that's all I'm hoping for. That, and 50K plus whatever. Then I can rewrite with the sense of direction and structure (HAH!) I get from this go-round. Some of it might even find its way into the "real" version come the start of the year! :) Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:30:15 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_601747 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_601747 Lady Lunas Hey, we can see word counts again! *glances around nervously* And mine should be green . . . nine days of vacation and doing nothing but writing did wonders for my novel. I didn't expect to finish this fast. *sighs* Now I have to go back to work. Go, everyone! You can do it! Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:17:30 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_607241 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_607241 lauragoodin Yowie, LL! (I feel somewhat abashed, me and my modest wordcount. But still, everyone's path is their own.) -- Laura Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:24:01 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_607367 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_607367 charleenlynette Ah, word count bars. Personally I don't mind they haven't instituted the green bars yet, I never cared for the color. Of course I'm planning on hitting 50K on Friday and by then they might put it in. It's almost enough to make me hang out at 49,999 until the 25th and I can jump right from blue to purple... but not quite. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:20:23 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_608462 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_608462 Independence1776 CONGRATULATIONS, Lunas! *cheers everyone on* We can do it! Well, I actually came up with another idea. Someone at the write-in last night had a prompts book, and I copied one down because it sounded like a good Doctor Who fanfic plot for use after Nano. Then I started thinking about it, realized I probably couldn't get 50k out of it, realized I could do a lot with gaps in canon, and-- boom-- an idea I'm enthusiastic about. So I'm back to 2500 words, and happy. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:40:24 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_610025 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_610025 rianlrt Whee! LL, why be so nervous? Others of us have done it this fast before - just your turn this year is all :) And Congrats! Now, you have 30 days to finish the story... how is it, and how close? :) (I needed all of that time last year; I hit 50K at exactly this spot, overnight on the 9th-to-10th, and actually typed "the end" on the 30th at I think 7-something in the evening *heh*) charleen, it's looking like you're next? :) And Laura... I think you know where to put that "abashed," right? If not, allow me to respectfully suggest in the drawer next to those two acceptance letters. Me... I'll be making pumpkin latte tomorrow, right after my hair appointment, for the afternoon and evening writing push. What flavors for everyone else? :) ps: SBess... I do that too :) Or rather, I don't write the end necessarily, but I have to know what it is first. I think that's part of my relative slowness this year; I wasn't sure how this ended until yesterday. There's a bunch in the middle I'm not sure of, but that I can find, as long as I have that goalpost and a few spots along the way to chart toward. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 01:11:01 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_614346 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_614346 October Rose Aaaaah, Lunas!! You are amazing. Well done! :) I love seeing people's wordcount bars!! (My own, not so much. :-P Rian, I have never hit "the end" of any of my NaNo novels, not even on years that I won! I usually hit 50k just before Thanksgiving and peter out quite a bit, and my novels are generally at the end of "Act 1" (or whatever you want to call it) by that point. I admire your oomph. :) Hmm. Now I think I need a pumpkin latte. Maybe I will shower meself and walk to Starbucks before starting today's writing session ... Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:58:32 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_619008 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_619008 charleenlynette I used to be a total pantser, and realized that was why I could never finish anything. Now I need to at least have a beginning and end in mind, as well as a couple points in the middle just to keep myself moving toward the right direction. It seems to be a good compromise for me between pantsing and doing a full outline. Of course that said, I still might leave some things up in the air. For example, this year's novel ends with my main character being captured, and told the truth about her "condition," which is what she's been trying to figure out the entire novel. However, what she does with this information, I haven't quite decided yet. If I was writing epic fantasy or space opera I might know I'm ending with a huge battle, but not exactly how it plays out, or who dies, or even which side wins (okay, I'd *probably* have figured out which side wins). Because the thing is, I really enjoy discovering the story as I write it . . . but when I did it that way, it basically amounted to a giant brainstorming session rather than an actual first draft. And the prospect of having to do a complete rewrite is a big reason why I've never actually edited anything. This year I'm hoping to reach "the end," and then actually make it into something I can let other people read. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:02:44 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_619067 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_619067 Independence1776 She's completely done, Rian. Lucky her… (She's my sister. I'm allowed to be jealous. Plus, it's payback for all the years I did this exact same thing to her.) I'm a pantser through and through. Outlines kill my stories dead. I need a direction and a couple of signposts, and I'm fine. Don't even need an ending-- the characters will tell me when we get there. I can't remember who said this, and I'm paraphrasing/misquoting, "Writing is like driving in the dark. You can do the whole journey with your headlights; you don't need to see the entire route." I generally complete my novels in November. The one year I didn't (2005), I finished up at 230k the next September. This year… I'm still scared I'm not going to win. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:05:08 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_632065 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_632065 rianlrt You'll win :) We've seen your output in previous years, and you seem to have something you like and know where you're going, now, yes? So what's to be scared of? :) As for the "driving in the dark" analogy... I've told the C.S. Lewis/ Bethany Hegedus story here before, right? Before the re-launch I guess, or last year? Or was that in another thread? Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:31:23 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_632493 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_632493 October Rose It's crazy how many writers compare writing to finding one's way through darkness. (Groping around and feeling furniture in a dark room is one I remember in particular, though I don't recall who said it.) There are shapes, you sort of have an idea of things, but you just can't *see*. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:19:30 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_641281 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_641281 Independence1776 I think it's mostly that I'm over 12k behind. I think I'll be more confindent once I get below 10k debt. It just feels more managable. I don't recall that CS Lewis story. So even if you did, feel free to repeat! Hey, it works! There's really nothing else that describes it better, in my opinion. Okay… gotta get 2.5k written this afternoon. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:24:19 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_641360 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_641360 charleenlynette *enters with a HUGE tray of assorted cookies, brownies, and cupcakes* Well now that I hit 50K, I have some free time for baking . . . only I can't bake, so instead I just went to the local bakery, and I'll have to find another way to use my free time. My story's not done yet, but I definitely won't be pushing nearly as hard as I have been. I actually have it planned out to (hopefully) finish everything I have outlined just before Thanksgiving, then take the long weekend off from writing, let it all percolate, figure out what choices my main character is going to make now that she knows the truth . . . and then come back after the weekend to write the ending. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:53:01 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_642807 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_642807 charleenlynette *sigh* In just a couple hours, I've gone from being excited that I've already got 50K done, to depressed because most of that 50K just ISN'T WORKING. Not that it's bad writing (it's that, too . . . but that can be fixed), it's just completely illogical. I should have realized it around 15K or so, when my character was already starting to question things I didn't want her questioning until about the halfway point (I was thinking 35-40Kish). But the longer I went, the more I just kept saying, "Oh I'll fix it later, it'll work." Except now I'm realizing, no, it won't. There's just too many holes. So. One option is to move the BIG THING that was going to be revealed at the end, and have it actually come to light around the midpoint of my novel, but then I have to come up with some NEW BIG THING to occupy the second half of the book . . . and, of course, the NEW BIG THING has to be even bigger/badder/whatever-er than the original BIG THING, otherwise the whole second half of the book would just spiral into nothingness. Another option is to go sub-plot crazy. That . . . isn't very appealing. I know sub-plots can do great things for some novels, but I don't think this is one of those novels. For one thing, I already have a couple. Well, they're not sub-plots exactly, more like an extension of the main plot but from other characters' perspectives, and therefore with a different focus than the main story. (One is your typical "here's what the bad guy is doing now" line, and one is slowly revealing back story.) And I liked the fact that these side-stories play a very minor role and let the main action take center stage. For the type of book this is, I feel like a true sub-plot -- or two, or three -- would just slow everything down. Or, my final option: finish as I'd planned, go back and edit as I'd planned, and once I've condensed everything and worked out the pacing, just deal with the fact that what I have is actually a novella. I'm kind of thinking that last one is my best option. It's just a bit demoralizing to realize that I've already written 50K, with more yet to come, and yet the end product will likely end up around half that. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:31:19 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_645817 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_645817 rianlrt charleen... I have a couple thoughts, actually :) But let me ask this first: what are your eventual aims with the novel? The Hegedus/ Lewis story: I think it was at 2010 Texas Book Festival (m ight have been '09), and Bethany Hegedus was on a panel I sat in for. In partial response to a question, she talked about something she'd read about writing, which I seem to recall she attributed to C.S. Lewis. What she said he said was that writing is like standing on the edge of a valley. You can see the other side, and that's where you need to go. The floor of the valley is shouded in fog, but here and there you can see landmarks - not too far away, there's a tall tree, a ways further on there's a large boulder sticking up, etc. As a writer... you aim for the first tree. I loved that. LOVED it. It was and still is the best description of how I write that I'd ever heard. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:59:34 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_646353 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_646353 charleenlynette First, the C.S. Lewis thing . . . I have heard that description before, and I love it as well. That is exactly the writing style (or outlining style) that works best for me. Just going by the headlights is fun, but ultimately I will end up getting lost. Rian, as for my novel, my only aim is to turn it into the best work that it can be, because I would love to actually be able to let my husband, and others who are interested, actually read something I've written. I have NEVER let anyone read anything I've written, at least not since my fanfic days. :) I just want to finish it, and edit it into something I can be proud of, not necessarily something that I can sell. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:22:24 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_646758 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_646758 Thekherham So my story is almost at the half-way mark, and it's so bad I'm seriously thinking... no, no, don't worry, I'll carry on, to the bitter end (ha ha I just wrote 'the better end' - Freudian slip, perhaps?) One thing I've learned from the eight years I've done this (this is my ninth) when you get stuck or your story slows down to a crawl introduce a new character. I don't know where I'm going with this one, but he'll either stay, be back later, or I'll erase him in the second draft. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:06:48 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_647563 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_647563 lauragoodin Charleen, there's every chance that your subconscious will pull things out of the bag. If I were in your place, I'd let tbe BIG THING happen now, trusting that she (my subconscious) has just been waiting for this chance, waiting for you to let her dazzle you with the REALLY BIG THING. -- Laura Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:26:44 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_647898 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_647898 rianlrt charleen: Then if I may - a piece of advice, and a suggestion. The advice first. Don't sweat the small stuff :) Next year, the only thing anyone else is going to see is the purple "2011" your profile will sport. What the ms was at the time, and what it becomes and when, will be only what you know or tell us. And we're not about to judge - we're all doing the same thing. I've got two NaNo novels, from the past two years - both of them well over 100K. 142 and 162 to be exact. And about half, if that, of both will work. The 142 in particular (2009) is FULL of holes. This year is just as bad. Huge holes, and as much as I like and believe in the idea (Hell, I did a 10K short story that I _submitted_ with the same basic plot and genre, this summer, and didn't use this idea because 10K wouldn't do it properly), I don't believe in how I'm doing it now... not really. And that leads to the suggestion. Or challenge, if you prefer. I think I can make a go of this one, for publication. Not how I'm doing it, but the idea, yes. So I'm going to get to 50K. Beyond that, I'm going to use what I do as a broad outline, the pattern of the story. And come January, I'll start rewriting (I won't write in December I suspect, but I may note/ storyboard). So... the forums will stay up. I'll pop in from time to time. If you want to join me, have someone to do the same thing with - slower, more sedate, but still not on your own - call me game. First one with a ms they're honestly satisfied with, on their own terms (and my bar is pretty high, because I'm aiming this one for a submission!), "wins." And yes, that puts me at a disadvantage... but it'll also give me a motivation. So I get something out of it anyway. And count me as interested to read it, when you're willing to let it be seen, so I get something else too. You up for it? :) Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:27:01 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_647904 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_647904 lauragoodin That post was a point-of-view disaster, but you get my point, no? -- Laura Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:28:07 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_647925 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_647925 lauragoodin Shoot, overlapping posts! MY post was the POV disaster. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:29:07 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_647937 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_647937 charleenlynette @Laura - It's okay, I think I was able to follow it. Perhaps my novel is just so full of epic POV fail that I'm used to deciphering it. @Rian - I will totally take that challenge! Yes, you may be at a slight disadvantage for your having publication-worthy standards. But . . . I have never seriously edited anything. So I have no idea how I will take to the process (or not), or how long it will take until I actually feel comfortable having someone read it. So I think this could still go either way. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:47:15 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_650702 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_650702 rianlrt Then we're on! :) *virtual-handshakes* And I'll expect my feet to be kept to the grindstone :) Laura -&gt; POV? That's the extra lane on the freeway, right? ;) Fri, 11 Nov 2011 23:17:59 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_652337 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_652337 Independence1776 CONGRATULATIONS, Charleen! Just keep going, Thek! Would you mind if I joined into the editing-for-betterness thing? Not with this Nano, but last year's. (Or maybe a previous year's.) I'd really like to get serious about getting published, and editing-- no matter that it's like pulling teeth for me-- is a neccessary thing. Well, I made 10k today. So technically, I'm 10k behind. Here's hoping I won't lose ground tomorrow. Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:19:23 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_668259 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_668259 Thekherham I've gone past the half way mark and nobody's been killed yet! But that's the way it has to be; I couldn't very well kill someone on the first page, or even the first chapter. Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:56:57 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_668926 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_668926 October Rose Well. I am finishing the first short story of the month tomorrow, because it must be turned in for workshop the day after tomorrow. I am paranoid about it being awful. (I am afraid this is one of the negative effects that pursuing my MFA degree has had on me--constantly comparing my writing to that of my peers, who are all quite good, and feeling vastly inadequate.) But I need to let go of that ... and breathe ... and write. I don't know how to do word count for this, since it is all revising. But dangit, I'm gonna make it count somehow. :-P And then I'm giving myself a day to breathe, and then plunging into the next story headlong. This one has skunks. Just stopping to check in and admire all of the shiny wordcount bars in here. :) Sat, 12 Nov 2011 23:16:19 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_670348 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_670348 rianlrt Indy -&gt; I absolutely don't mind :) The more the merrier, if you ask me... and since you did... *heh* Thek -&gt; I know! I haven't killed anyone yet, either. I do have a couple planned, and one or two others under consideration, but body count so far is zero. Such a contrast to last year where I had killings, injuries, car bombs, shots that missed, and kidnappings all over the place. Sun, 13 Nov 2011 01:13:57 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_671741 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_671741 lauragoodin Yet another day seems to be going by without any increment in the wordcount. Ai, me! Ai, me! However, I have, while not killed anyone off in front of the reader, made reference to a brutal (and fatal) bashing that took place before the start of the novel. Does that count for body counts? Tobie, I applaud you! Thek, I can tell the suspense is killing you. Surely they're far enough along on the trail ride that going forward, even in the aftermath of a murder, would make more sense than going backwards, so kill away! Rian, who'd have thought that beneath that civil exterior lurked.... I am almost kind of sort of caught up on non-NaNo commitments for the next few nanoseconds, please God don't let this jinx it, so I might be able to get a SIGNIFICANT chunk of words tomorrow. Tonight is hanging out with my exhausted family (we all three performed in a concert: my husband conducting the whole thing and accompanying our daughter, who sang a Baroque aria and a showtune as part of the concert, and I drumming for one of the songs and doing all the driving there and back again -- over two hours each way -- as well as providing moral support). We are going to forage for leftovers for dinner, pour some wine, and watch Galaxy Quest. -- Laura Sun, 13 Nov 2011 01:49:31 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_672077 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_672077 Thekherham The novel is about a five-day trail ride, and I was thinking of killing someone off on the first day. Then I thought, This is pretty stupid. If I kill someone off on the first day, they'd have to head back, because they're sure not going to ride around with a dead body in tow. So I'm going to have the first death on the third night, when they're far enough away so it'll take them a few days to get back. And more bodies to follow. (Oh, and I'm making it so cell phones don't work where they are, and other things that'll prevent the story from ending too quickly.) Sun, 13 Nov 2011 07:02:04 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_674060 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_674060 charleenlynette I have not killed any characters, nor do I plan to. I've never killed any characters in any of my novels, but this year I'm writing a thriller, and it seems strange to have a thriller in which no one dies (all the ones I read usually have pretty high body counts). But I just can't seem to do it. I think it works just fine without. Having some "collateral damage" might give the story more suspense, I guess, but it would just seem like killing for the sake of killing. Maybe my antagonist just isn't "bad" enough to make it work. Sun, 13 Nov 2011 10:40:58 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_675342 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_675342 rianlrt Laura, you think that's bad? You should have seen 2009! That year, I had this legendary historical artifact, and death sort of seemed to follow it. So the guy that made it in ancient Egypt, to start the book... then all over the place as it travelled back and forth. Ancient India, China, the fall of Constantinople, all the way up to Cortez landing in Mexico (which is when it disappeared), people kept getting killed for or because of this thing. And car chases, and driving off cliffs - I read the drive-off-cliff passage for a local NaNo reading. That was fun :) charleen -&gt; They're rarer, but those sorts of thrillers happen. The psychological suspense ones, where nobody dies but everyone gets strung out ona mental high wire, are some of the most amazing to read... :) Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:23:26 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_677569 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_677569 Independence1776 *waves pom-poms* We can do it! You're doing awesome, Tobie! Thanks, rian. Should be interesting. I don't think anyone's died (yet). Well, does regeneration count? :P Though I do agree with Charleen-- character death doesn't always need to happen. Sun, 13 Nov 2011 21:25:32 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_684845 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_684845 Thekherham Yes, I've finally killed my first character. Despite the petty squabbles and the argument during the first three days of the trail ride, I've killed off a character you wouldn't suspect. But that is all part of the killer's plan. And there'll be more persons killed. One on this night, two the next night... Mon, 14 Nov 2011 01:06:46 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_688173 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_688173 Lady Lunas Hey, guys. Glad to see everyone's doing awesome, no matter how far behind or worried about your novel you are. Sometimes all you need to do is just sit down and write. (And as for subconscious brain things, that was what happened to me. I thought my reindeer plot was enough and then my villain decided to say that was a diversion and did something else a bit devious. Things will happen if you ignore your doubts.) Character death: It's not always necessary. Sometimes the story calls for it (murder mysteries, certain types of thrillers, even as a plot device to get character movement), but it's not required. It takes a good writer to decide not to kill off someone and take the harder route. Character death can sometimes be a cheat. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:22:38 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_694247 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_694247 Thekherham I just wrote 5935 words to pass the 32,000 mark. For someone who was so worried at the beginning I'm doing really good now. Considering that this is something new and different (not my aliens) it helps to have a number of characters, and also the fact that I'm writing this in third person omniscient. In a novel like this it would be hard to keep it focused on one character, so I thought it would be better to be able to jump into the minds of the other riders. As for the body count, I only commit murder when it absolutely calls for it. In this case I think it does. I know it's not required, but I guess I'm giving one of the characters (the killer) free rein. I'm sure that he or she will have a good reason for committing these murders. I think in a novel you can't just do it 'for the hell of it' unless you portray your killer as someone who does it randomly, but that wouldn't go over well with an audience. They'd want to know why, and you better come up with a good answer. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:16:09 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_695022 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_695022 lauragoodin Going...slowly...mad.... The good news is, my life is full of a half-dozen or more MAJOR, MAJOR writing-related projects -- I really am living the dream. And so is my kid, who has several rehearsals and gigs a week of one sort or another. And so is my husband, who is getting pieces performed all over the world (wish we could travel to all of the performances!). I am very grateful for all this, and there is no bad news. But the *frustrating* news is that if I manage five or six hundred words a day, it's a miracle. I'm so far behind that 50K is looking pretty nigh on impossible, especially given that I don't tend to write all that quickly, and there's an actual purpose for this year's NaNo opus -- it's not just for fun, it's for getting a Ph.D., and I can't afford to just happily spout words and see where they take me (as tempting as that is). I'm here for the ride this year, and to see how far I can get under these circumstances, and to cheer y'all on. (Truthfully, it's been years since I've won NaNo. I know I *can*, as I've won three times. But the last few years have been...difficult, each for its own reason. At least this year's reason is a good one!) *sigh* I must practice nonattachment. -- Laura Tue, 15 Nov 2011 04:34:19 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_706122 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_706122 charleenlynette I have never done anything like a doctoral dissertation, but after my first NaNo, I did start applying the "quantity over quality" philosophy to my own college papers, and found it really did help. Just like with a novel, anything I wrote was not set in stone, and it was much easier to edit and organize once I got everything out of my head and onto the screen. But, the longest project I ever attacked with this method was a 10-page paper, so maybe it wouldn't work that well for your situation. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:43:30 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_707850 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_707850 October Rose Laura, NaNo has been like that for me the past few years too ... for me at least, it's impossible to be in grad school and successfully NaNo. I hope that next year I'm able to participate in the joyful craziness whole-heartedly again; until then, it's just not able to take that spot in our lives, and that's okay. But a little disappointing. I totally did quantity-over-quality for most of my college work ... to be honest, half of college papers are about being a good BSer anyway. :-P Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:49:25 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_707899 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_707899 Thekherham I passed the 35K mark, and I'm well on my way to 50K. But I still don't know what the hell I'm doing... kind of. One dead body, more to come. And that's why I call it a first draft. Finish the damn thing, let it simmer, and hope it doesn't stink up the computer, get back to it later, and try to salvage it. I'm good at salvaging crap lol. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 20:04:12 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_717739 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_717739 Independence1776 I'm glad things are going well for you, Thek. Tobie and Laura, both of you are doing awesomely for being in grad school. You have more than enough reasons to not feel guilty about being able to make it. I reached 20k! First time I've had a 5k day all month! So excited. I finally feel like I can catch up. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 21:38:11 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_718461 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_718461 lauragoodin Yay, Indy! And thanks for the understanding. -- Laura Wed, 16 Nov 2011 02:46:17 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_721834 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_721834 lauragoodin Some words have come out, but I'm realizing that the NaNo method of "squat over the keyboard for a month" is inimicable to "write a high-quality, large-scale piece that not only goes according to a predetermined outline but in fact expresses some sort of academic point in a metaphorical, literary way." I'm (sort of) good with that: at least I'm producing far more words than my characteristically finicky, glacially slow working style would otherwise yield. And, as Tobie points out, there will be other years in which I can, um, squat. In other news, I'm short-listed to be a "cafe poet" through this program that Australian Poetry is running -- I'm breathlessly waiting, because I think it would be SO MUCH FUN to sit in this really cool cafe (coolest place in Wollongong, without any doubt at all) with a sign up saying I'm the poet in residence, and run readings and slams, and blog about it, and stuff. Here's the link: http://www.australianpoetry.org/cafe-poet-program/ . I REALLY hope I get in.... If I don't, I suppose it would be one fewer thing to worry about while I'm trying to get my Ph.D.. But still...how cool would it be? Think good thoughts at the fine people at Australian Poetry, wouldja? Thanks. -- Laura Thu, 17 Nov 2011 02:10:29 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_737154 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_737154 lauragoodin PS Bump! (Couldn't stand seeing us on Page 2.) -- L Thu, 17 Nov 2011 02:11:39 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_737161 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_737161 October Rose Laura, being a poet/writer in residence of someplace sounds way awesome! I hope you get it. :D At some point--preferably today--I need to sit down and get back to writing. I've hit kind of a slump after turning my last story in, but I can't really afford to take a break. I'd like to have one more finished story under my belt, and maybe a 25k wordcount, by the end of the month. (Then I'll have to write a revision for my workshop, and then yet another story, and then ... maybe my manuscript draft will be finished?!) Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:18:40 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_741683 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_741683 lauragoodin Yikes, Tobie! Be brave! Encouragingly, Laura Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:43:42 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_743506 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_743506 Thekherham Slowing down a bit here. I didn't type anything yesterday, and I typed a bit over 1,400 words today. Luckily I'm ahead, so I'm not worried. Hopefully I can do a big batch this weekend. To everyone who is trying... keep on writing!!! There are still thirteen days to go (including today). Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:06:21 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_756006 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_756006 Independence1776 I hope you get the cafe poet in residence thing, Laura! Sounds like a plan, Tobie. :) *cheers everyone on* I did it! I caught up! I caught up! So excited, but I think I'm going to crash into bed now. Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:26:46 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_760965 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_760965 charleenlynette Were we really on page 2? *gasps* It has been quiet around here, guess everyone's busy on their novels or other projects. I am realizing I really have no idea how to end a novel. I don't know how to get from the climax to the resolution without a bunch of rambling. I think I've written about 5k of rambling, trying to figure it out. Hoping to wrap it up in the next day or two so I can not think about it over Thanksgiving, and just give myself that much more distance from it (though I'll already have at least a month, since don't plan to start revisions -- or, more likely, rewriting -- till January anyway). Also I'm in a challenge to read 75 books this year, and I still have 11 more to go, so the sooner I finish my novel, the sooner I can rededicate my free time to that goal. *munches a snickerdoodle* Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:36:37 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_761047 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_761047 rianlrt Hm. Being on page 2... probably my fault. I went for my usual birthday trip (well, usual in that I've done this now at/ near my birthday for the last 4 years), so I wasn't online much. Less this year than any of the past three for this trip in fact. But I did keep another tradition! :) I broke a 50K milestone on the birthday trip, too... of course last year, it was 100K both years, this time it's half that, but still :) Now what do do with this mess? *heh* Well, other than wrap it up somehow... it IS a mess though. I guess I start planning the rewrite? Even before the initial write is done? *heh* Fri, 18 Nov 2011 22:42:29 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_761873 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_761873 lauragoodin Yes, Rian, yes! Your fault! None of the rest of us has any role in keeping the discussion here either lively or timely -- only you! How dare you have EITHER a birthday OR a life????? *sticks tongue out at Rian* I haven't actually posted any poetry here, have I? So I guess I'm not the Coffeehouse poet, technically. Shall I be self-aggrandizing enough to post a poem now? Why not? This one is part of a poem cycle about doomed love, the poems of which I'll be performing in between a series of staged Handel arias. It's a REALLY fun piece, as the three singers are -- it turns out -- both excellent singers and terrific actors. Anyway, here's one of the poems (as it's the poem that comes before the fifth aria, it's called "Fifth Poem" -- clever, eh?): Fifth poem by Laura E. Goodin (please don't copy and paste it anywhere without checking with me first) dancing on the bridge on the edge the ledge watch me fall watch me crawl these cracked limbs flimsy made of whimsy can't bear me weighted freighted with hate you were made of sparks and dazzle jazz and jingle graceful lithe and hateful casual cold contempt I dreamt I woke alone unstuck you suck Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:05:09 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_762711 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_762711 lauragoodin Oh, and congrats, Indy, for catching up -- you're an inspiration! Rian, maybe have a look at a novel of which you really liked the wrap-up, and see if you can follow that pattern? -- Laura Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:10:10 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_762768 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_762768 rianlrt *grins* It worked! And now you're officially a coffeehouse poet :) *ducks* Seriously, though... maybe it's just a little bit of feng shui, but why not think of it as an affirmation when it happens? Nothing wrong with thinking positively, and letting that enhance the chances. Method to my madness, I promise ;) As for my Nanovel and the wrapup... I might well try that. I've actually got some ideas already (beyond of course the Tempest stuff, because with a living Sycorax, this is a bit different). And, I think (though I've not done this, I may) perhaps involving a dead Caliban. Possibly as yet another redemptive thread, to go along with all the other elements of forgiveness and redemption in the play, of course. Why not one more? Especially given the (working, anyway) title I settled on, calling it _A Storm of Redemption_. I wasn't sure whose redemption I was thinking of - Prospero's, his brother's, Sycorax's... why not many? Sat, 19 Nov 2011 14:02:25 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_768611 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_768611 rianlrt Oh, and as for my fault: well, no. Of course I'm not the only one with that responsibility. But I was the one away and being a slacker, after all *heh* Besides, I don;t mind taking the blame for this one. See, if I just shoulder the fault now, then for the really big ones, I can pass it off on someone else ;) Sat, 19 Nov 2011 14:04:41 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_768643 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_768643 lauragoodin Very clever, Rian -- if I were still working in an office, I'd remember that strategy. *writes in notebook: admit to small malfeasance, lending credibility to efforts to dodge large ones* By the way, you're making me REALLY eager to see the MS on your Tempest take -- I LOVE a good redemption story. Off today to another rehearsal for the poems-and-Handel thing. I'm quite looking forward to it! (On the way, I'll be stopping in to watch a little of a fencing tournament -- sabre, which you don't get a lot of chance to see. I'm aching to fence sabre, but my coach doesn't teach it and the closest ones who do are over an hour away to either the southwest or the north, and the time -- not to mention the cost of gas -- makes that prohibitive.) In the gap between those two, I'm hoping to be writing.... -- Laura Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:07:33 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_770111 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_770111 charleenlynette I definitely haven't been on the forums much either this week. Actually I've barely been getting my writing in, I've just been so preoccupied with other things. But . . . I actually finished my novel today! Huzzah! It's definitely not the most graceful ending but it pretty much says what I want it to, and even after I edit it down into novella form, I think the ending will be pretty much the same. So, mission accomplished! Now I just need to actually come back to it in January and follow through on my plans. Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:16:02 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_770233 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_770233 lauragoodin Yay, Charleen! Congratulations! -- Laura Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:28:55 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_770389 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_770389 Thekherham I don't know if I'm going to type anything today. I've been up since 3:30 this morning, and now I'm tired. I'm still ahead, but... it's not that I can't think of anything to type, it's just that the mood isn't there right now. Once I get in a groove again, I should be o.k. Sunday and Monday should see an increase in my word count. Way to go, Indy. I knew you'd catch up. Charleen: Congratulations. Getting to 50K is no problem for me, finishing is. If I know the one I'm working on now, it'll definitely not be on November 30, no matter what the word count. Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:42:44 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_770566 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_770566 rianlrt I'll have to get it finished first, of course... finished properly, that is. But I installed Scrivener on both computers today, to that very purpose :) After Nanovember is over, I'll take the ms, scan it over, look at the broad structure, what works, and try to re-outline to concoct a better, more cohesive draft. I'm aiming for spring for the first part to be rewritten, and June 1 for the whole thing... maybe, with any luck, sooner. But it'll be readable at some point. And hopefully eventually on shelves! As for the strategy... don't credit me too much. I'm sure it traces back to either Machiavelli or Sun Tzu. Doesn't everything? Sat, 19 Nov 2011 20:41:14 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_773403 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_773403 lauragoodin BRAG BRAG BRAG BRAG BRAG There is still time to subscribe over at dailysciencfiction.com for free stories every weekday -- and not to miss MINE, which is coming out on Tuesday! BRAG BRAG BRAG BRAG BRAG -- Laura Sun, 20 Nov 2011 21:42:53 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_787401 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_787401 Thekherham Yes, I typed tonight. A little over 4000 words. What a piece of crap I'm writing. Yeah, I know, I've been saying that all along. As soon as I hit 50K I'm stopping. I know the novel won't be finished, but I'm going to put it aside, and just let it... what? Simmer? Yeah, maybe. This novel needs CPR, mouth to mouth rescucitation (sp?), an exorcist? Something. Sun, 20 Nov 2011 22:14:02 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_787801 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_787801 Thekherham I split my writing into two parts, typing about 2,000 words this morning when it was nice and quiet, and another 900 words this evening. I'm about 3,000 words from 50K but I know the novel won't be done. Three more characters are about to get murdered, but there will still be plenty of suspects. I hope I'm not going to make it too obvious as to who the killer is. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:16:44 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_797326 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_797326 rianlrt I suspect it'll get more obvious as you run out of potential suspects, killing them off! *heh* Unless one or more of the earlier murders is committed by someone who gets killed later, and you have a two-in-one mystery, sort of... those are tricky, but can be a LOT of fun if done right :) I've only read one or two, though. Sort of unfair in a way *heh* Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:42:34 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_797621 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_797621 charleenlynette I don't read whodunits, but one of my favorite TV shows is Psych. I probably guess the correct killer maybe half the time. Of course, on that show, it isn't trying to figure out the mystery that makes it so entertaining. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:39:50 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_798205 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_798205 lauragoodin Goodbye, Anne McCaffrey. If I can comfort, inspire, and encourage readers of all ages as you have done, I will count that a life well lived. As yours was. Thank you. -- Laura Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:26:15 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_809874 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_809874 charleenlynette That's so sad. I was actually just recommended a couple days ago to read the Dragonriders of Pern series. RIP Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:05:46 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_810318 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_810318 Thekherham Oh my God. Anne McCaffrey?? She was one of my favorite authors. I have most of the Dragonriders of Pern books. I wonder if they're ever going to make a movie based on those books. I'd love to see it. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 21:31:14 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_812193 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_812193 rianlrt They probably won't... maybe, I suppose, if her son (I suspect he's the one with control now; he'd been co-writing with her the last several books, and did one or two on his own, yes?) gives the okay, but I suspect that won't happen. From what I understand, she never wanted it messed up the way movies have a tendency to do... *heh* and of course it wasn't a financial necessity. So I wouldn't hold my breath. I haven't told my daughter yet - she's at a sleepover tonight. She's a huge McCaffrey fan as well, so she's going to be pretty bummed. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 22:21:57 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_812871 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_812871 Thekherham I've checked IMDB and there is a Dragonriders of Pern movie in developement, slated to open in 2013. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 03:20:27 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_815650 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_815650 lauragoodin Uh-oh, Thek, not good news.... Wed, 23 Nov 2011 03:58:03 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_815851 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_815851 Independence1776 It's really hard to belive she's dead. I mean, I knew she wasn't in the best of health, but… It's still sad. (At one point, there was a Dragonriders TV show in progress. I'm not sure how far along the movie is, but unless they start filming, I doubt anything'll come of it.) I'm making progress on my novel. I'm hoping to be done within the next few days. But first, I gotta run some errands and then I'll be right back to writing. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:17:59 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_819420 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_819420 Thekherham They've delayed the movie numerous times. I think it was supposed to come out in 2011 (as in this year), and even before that, they were trying to start it. Now it's supposed to be 2013, but it's a matter of 'I won't believe it till I see it.' It's a shame that someone like Christopher Paolini can get his book made into a movie faster than you can say 'dragonrider', but a classic dragon novel (it depends on which book they're (allegedly) going to film) by an award-winning author like Anne McCaffrey gets put on the shelf. If I sound pissed off, it's because I am. But then again, maybe it should just be the books. Hollywood has a tendency to screw things up. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:09:18 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_820039 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_820039 lauragoodin Happy Thanksgiving, everyone (which it already is here in Australia)! Insane scheduling problems mean we must postpone our feast this year (there is no holiday in Australia -- school is on, work is on, deadlines loom). But I can still be thankful today! Including being thankful for all of you and for your encouragement, and for the great folks at NaNoWriMo who make a place for us to catch up with each other every year. -- Laura "low word count but thankful nevertheless" Goodin Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:03:30 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_822911 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_822911 charleenlynette I'll be heading out of town tomorrow morning. Happy Thanksgiving, and good luck to those still writing this weekend! Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:04:15 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_824876 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=15#forum_thread_comment_824876 rianlrt Safe drives and other journeys, charleen and everyone else travelling as well :) Remember to write when you can! What else are you going to do standing in those long lines on Friday? *heh* Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:53:08 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_825477 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_825477 lauragoodin Dress rehearsal last night for the operas and the poem cycle -- despite my fears, I think it's going to be a great show! But, again, not much (if any) writing in sight. Still, I wouldn't trade it, even though NaNo is also cool. -- Laura Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:27:49 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_843831 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_843831 Thekherham I hit 50K, but I'm not going to validate my novel yet. I'm going to type a bit more, and I'll validate it later in the week. Sat, 26 Nov 2011 10:30:00 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_851655 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_851655 Independence1776 CONGRATULATIONS to everyone! Words are words are words. :D Sorry I haven't been around; I've been writing. (I had Thanksgiving all to myself, and took advantage of it.) I'm done! I thought I'd never get here, and I did! *collapses* I'm going to spend the next week doing nothing but reading. Sat, 26 Nov 2011 11:54:24 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_852361 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_852361 lauragoodin Congratulations, everyone! Another year of glory! Or, as in my case, another year of valuable effort upon which we will no doubt look back and think, "Wow, didn't get my 50K that year, but the words I got were worth the effort." -- Laura Sat, 26 Nov 2011 14:43:12 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_853850 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_853850 Thekherham As you can see I've decided to validate my novel (novel? ha ha, that's a laugh) even though I wanted to write a couple more days and maybe get past 60K. Actually I was past that number, but I'm using OpenOffice and they count curly quotes as words, so actually I had less than I thought. This year was kind of an experiment. I've been working around horses for the last six years ago, volunteering at this farm about fifteen minute drive from home, and I thought I'd try writing something different than my usual 'alien' novels. Even though I'm rather pessimistic about this year's novel, I'm sure if I leave it for a couple of months... or more... I could salvage something, and turn it into something reasonably decent. So how's everyone doing as we head down the homestretch, and the finish line is in view? (Look at that, more horse related terminology) Maybe one year I'll write a novel about thoroughbred horse racing. ROTFLMAO!!! Oh... please... no!!! Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:13:16 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_874406 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_874406 lauragoodin Winning -- not going to happen this year for me. But it wasn't because I wasn't taking my writing seriously, at least! (It was mainly other writing projects that pulled me from NaNo, and I can live with that.) Hope everyone is having a fabulous homestretch, and congrats to all, winners, non-winners, everyone! -- Laura Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:31:18 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_880106 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_880106 charleenlynette Yes, congrats to everyone. Looks like lots of people have their pretty purple bar, but is anyone still working on their story? I officially set mine aside until January, but I'm trying to decide if I should keep writing something else in the interim. Well, correction: I know I'd like to keep writing, I just don't have any other ideas that are leaping out at me. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:51:01 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_882579 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_882579 rianlrt I'm writing a little bit; how much is actual story and how much is prose notes disguised as, it's hard to say ;) But saince the entire thing is in a sense prose notes disguised as story, since I'll be using this as the outline/ template for the rewrite anyway, there's in a sense not much difference. So I might get another few thousand on the total, but not a lot. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 22:40:18 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_883104 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_883104 Independence1776 I'm not writing at the moment-- I'm using this week to make a dent in my to-read pile. But I signed up for a fanfic Secret Santa exchange that I need to write soon. (I have an idea; I just need to recharge my batteries.) I don't yet know which story I'll be focusing on come January, though. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:32:09 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_886512 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_886512 charleenlynette Oh, the to-read pile . . . I have 7 more books to read by the end of the year if I'm going to reach my goal (75). The good thing is I know for a fact that I can do it. Which may be enough to satisfy me even if I decide not to push it. Sometimes I'm in a crazy reading mode, sometimes it's a chore just to get through one book. Plus with the holidays . . . well, let's just say that I'm not going to let it become a source of stress. December is bad enough for that already. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:47:40 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_886623 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_886623 October Rose Just popping in to admire all the pretty purple and say congrats to everyone, purple or otherwise. :) My own wee wordcount hasn't budged for a good week at least, but that's okay. Next writing goal on my horizon: finish a rough draft of my manuscript by the first week of the spring semester. (About five weeks away, I think?) A little shorter term: surviving *this* semester, which includes a revision, a book review, grading, and a giving reading on Thursday. (Still don't know what I'm reading from ...) Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:35:31 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_886939 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_886939 Thekherham I've filed my novel in a deep, dark corner of my computer, in a file folder called literature. One day I shall retrieve and look at it, and maybe make some major changes. As in, put some life into it. As in, change my characters so they don't all sound like robots. As in, do better descriptions of the settings and characters. As in, give it mouth to mouth resuscitation and/or CPR. But that will be a long time from now. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:57:01 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_894237 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_894237 charleenlynette I've done NaNo on three previous occasions and none of those files have ever been opened since tucking them away. I don't think they ever will be, but of course I can't bring myself to delete them . . . not even my first one, which was nothing more than a fantasized version of my life after graduation (written while I was still in college). As horribly embarrassing as I'm sure it is -- pretty much a 50K-word diary -- I just can't do it. There are too many instances of wishing I still had copies of things I wrote back in high school that I've since gotten rid of, so from now on I'm following the rule of never throwing anything away. Who knows, maybe when I'm 60 I'll get a kick out of it. This year is the first that I actually feel confident that I can turn my NaNo into something worth reading. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 07:40:43 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_899303 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_899303 rianlrt Flops into chair with a hot latte* Wow... busy week! A write-in on Wednesday, T-giving on Thursday (I did all the cooking), a friend of my daughter's on Friday working on college essays, then again on Saturday partly for that and partly for a sleepover (with another friend as well). A wedding on Sunday, then the bride and groom were here for dinner and giving away more cake and reception leftovers yesterday. And another week and a half of full-slate calendar stuff to go! Things will slow down around the 11th... maybe *heh* Nanos and what to do with them: I've deleted one, in 2006. I got 56K words that year, but... well... um, no. *heh* Otherwise, all of them were (I think) good ideas, and something could be made of them with proper implementation. But it's only been the last few years I've thought I'm finally good enough to actually try. Last year's, I entered a ms contest with, and scored well but not into the semis. I never got to a re-write of it though. So this year, I'm aiming for the same contest, then the full ms for a conference in June, as I've said. (charleen - and all/ anyone else - , are we still on? I'm set; Scrivener installed and everything!) Then depending what happens witht hat (ie, no bites on _Storm_), I'll be doing a re-write on _Santiago_ (Nano 2010) until Nano 2012... not sure what I'm doing for that yet, but I have a couple ideas. Congrats to all the purple bars! And just as much so to all the ones not purple yet, or that won't be this year. As I've said before, the most successful and significant nano for me was 2008, a year I didn't make it, didn't even come close. I think as much as anything, it's the journey and undertaking it that's the most important part. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:36:17 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_902896 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_902896 Independence1776 I'm still on! Wavering between rewriting/expanding a YA novella into a full-length YA novel or tackling last year's mess of a novel and trying to figure out the actual plot. I like Coffee House Novel Editing myself! (There's also a part of me that wants to set up a private LiveJournal community for us, so we can get more detailed about what we're doing and whatnot without having to worry about publishing rights, etc. But it's a bit extraneous when this thread is right here, and I don't know if anyone'll want to me do that.) I haven't deleted a Nano yet, but only about half of them I want to do things with. And my goal for December is reading my 2005 Nano for the first time. (It's my baby, and I'm scared about how bad it'll be. I have been putting this off for too many years now.) Good luck surviving everything, Tobie! Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:50:08 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_916811 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_916811 rianlrt Indy, join us for the January-to-whenever challenge :) Pick one of them... we're not going to start until Jan 1st, so there's time to decide. I _have_ to be done with the first part, plus a synopsis, by mid-March or so (not sure when the contest deadline will be if they even have it; last year it was the end of March, but then pushed back a month)... but I have until mid June to be done with the rest of it. Maybe end of June. But everyone will be their own judge, because we'll all have different standards/ goals; my thinking is this is just to give us incentive and encouragement to stay with them. As for the private LJ or other blog, or just using here - what do folks think? I'm perfectly open to whichever route people think will work best :) Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:56:29 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_916861 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_916861 charleenlynette *bustles in with bags of Christmas shopping and plops down in a cushy chair* It's been quiet around here lately! Real life coffee houses are hopping right now, but I guess the virtual ones get left behind. I'm heading out of town on Saturday to spend Christmas with my family, and I'll be sticking around there until the following weekend, which will be a New Year's Eve party with friends, complete with sleepover, and the final Bears' game of the season the next day. I'd be a lot more excited about the game if injuries hadn't completely derailed our playoff hopes, but I guess it will just be like football games before I cared about football, when I went to parties just for the food and the company. My husband and I are still really close with our group of friends back home, though we rarely see each other, so pretty much any excuse to spend more time together is welcome. And then, when it's all over and we drive the 3 hours back to our tiny corner of Iowa . . . then it will be time for my novel. I've been thinking about it on and off, but haven't looked at it all month. I'm actually pretty nervous about reading it again. Hope everyone's holiday season is going well. Thu, 22 Dec 2011 21:15:46 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_995210 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_995210 Independence1776 Happy Holidays, everyone! I hope they were good. I've decided what I'm going to-- both! I'll focus on last year's Nano first, worldbuilding and such, hopefully culminating in another draft done for June's Camp. After that, because it really only needs some worldbuilding, reworking, and expansion rather than a complete rewrite, I'll do my YA story. (And then it'll be time for Nano!) Tue, 27 Dec 2011 10:07:56 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_1003623 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_1003623 rianlrt We did :) And this late, if we're still up we're planning on staying up, so maybe Nilgiri, for its sharpness? (I wonder; do I have too many teas? *heh*) Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:43:38 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_22595 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=1#forum_thread_comment_22595 rianlrt Talk it through. Tell us a little bit if you like, and we'll see if we can push it along? After all, we have to be more than pretty faces and great food once in a while :) And I've found when I'm active here, and in the forums and the regional activities in general, I write a lot more. The story goes further, is more cohesive, with the input and just knowing and talking to everyone here, seeing their progress as well. It's... infectious. And I think a large part of why I had my highest ever word count last year, as well as the first truly completed draft (I'd gotten to "the end" three times before, but with some skips and glossing over) had a lot to do with the people right here. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:40:44 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_45690 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_45690 rianlrt There is _nothing_ rebellious about chili flakes :) (And you're in Australia... I bet you can get Portugese peri-peri (African Birdseye) peppers. I can't... not even dried and ground any more, since World Market stopped carrying that) Fri, 14 Oct 2011 02:19:01 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_54243 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=2#forum_thread_comment_54243 rianlrt Tobie, it's great to see you *hugs* And do make sure you let us know from time to time how the stories are going? As for writing: I'm pretty sure it was Bethany Hegedus, at the Texas Book Festival last year or year before, talking about something she'd seen, a comment from C S Lewis (I think) about writing a novel. He said that it was like standing on the edge of a valley and needing to reach the other side. Here and there along the way, you could see a tree, or a rock sticking up, or something else, but the valley was mostly shrouded in fog. So you aim for the first tree. I liked that; it's pretty much how I write, and I haven't heard it said better, before or since. Sat, 15 Oct 2011 22:07:31 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_77187 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_77187 haricot_vert *waves at the October Rose* Howdy again. Glad to see you. :) Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:08:07 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_102658 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_102658 rianlrt Trying this again. I'm getting really tired of my connection dropping (not the boards' fault - modem or router going probably :/ ) *grins* You should visit the "Can fantasy be literature" thread in the Fantasy genre section, then :) But be warned, I'm not at all shy about making my opinion on that one known, and am all over that thread :) The answer is, of course, "absolutely!" My short story version was more benevolent, with Prospero more kindly, though vengeful toward the nobles. And Ariel and the other faeries were brass constructs he'd built, powered by clockworks charged with a steam/ heat engine, so they could have bodies. They had to be recharged every so often. But I know - it's definitely complex, and between the lines not nearly so much a comedy as it seems. This version will be rather darker... for starts, Prospero's (though I'll be changing names) "island" is an old abandoned opium smuggler's warren and smoking house, that he'll have stumbled on when exiled, and taken over. *heh* Late 1900's, gaslights, whole nine yards :) Sun, 16 Oct 2011 10:41:05 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_82013 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_82013 rianlrt The 10K, or the nano? :) I had three ideas for this year (what else is new? *heh* I always have too many ideas), and was talking just a bit about them before the relaunch. This one got such favorable endorsement, I decided I had to give it a go. My favorite was five words long: "Steampunk Shakespeare? Please marry me." *lol* How can I NOT write it, after that? Sun, 16 Oct 2011 18:44:01 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_87460 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_87460 lauragoodin Whatever form it takes, I'll read it. (Was the proposal in earnest? There's a lot to be said for a partner who gets how utterly necessary steampunk Shakespeare actually is.) -- Laura Sun, 16 Oct 2011 18:47:50 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_87504 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_87504 rianlrt *grins* No, not a chance. It was one of the teens in my local region, my daughter's age. But a Shakespeare and steampunk fan, so definitely someone who gets it... and still, the sort of endorsement that demands it be written :) Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:07:19 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_87765 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_87765 haricot_vert I agree with Laura. Explorations of Shakespeare, plus steampunk, get my vote every time! ...Not that my vote is asked for... H'mmm... I've got to get that changed. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:11:18 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_102701 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_102701 rianlrt [quote] And how on earth is NaNo two weeks away?! [/quote] Well, you see... it's my fault. I hit the wrong lever in the Tardis, and it jumped us forward, so here we are, a couple weeks short of Nano. And of course since it was the wrong lever, now it's broken, and the Doctor is working feverishly to fix it. But there's this airship doing slow circles up there... see it? Some megalomaniac with a worl-domination complex got wind of the Tardis and decided it would be the perfect thing to further his plans. So now we're having to sneak about to get parts, and be extra careful not to be followed, so he can't find it... because when I said I messed up and broke it, I really meant it. It's completely shut down, won't even move. Some power coupling or another, and it takes a certain mineral conductor... I don't know, I'm not an engineer, certainly not a Tardis one! But anyway, that's how and why. Damn. Now I have _four_ ideas! :) Sun, 16 Oct 2011 20:31:51 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_88895 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_88895 Independence1776 *cackles* Fanfic is cool. Sun, 16 Oct 2011 21:25:23 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_89589 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=3#forum_thread_comment_89589 Gianna Robbins I love fountain pens, but haven't used them in a while. I mainly use them when I'm doing calligraphy stuff, which I sadly no longer have time for it seems. I did seem an absolutely gorgeous set at Staples today that had 5 nips and a beautiful pen body...maybe that will be a reward for winning NaNo this year. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:12:12 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_132880 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_132880 rianlrt I used to like fountain pens when I was (much!) younger... but liquid ink and I had this little misunderstanding *heh* Though interestingly enough, when I write poetry (though it doesn't happen that often any more), I still have to write the first drafts by hand. Not by fountain or liquid ink pen, but still by hand. As for moleskines... Laura, I love the romance and nostalgia of them :) The notebook of Hemingway, not to mention countless reporters over the years. And anyone reading my posts here and elsewhere on the boards will realize that as cynical as I can be sometimes, I'm a romantic at heart. (And what's a cynic, after all, but a romantic tempered by reality?) But I think because of that, to me they belong to another time. I've never used one, despite all the notes and journals and whatever else over the years, and I don't know if I could. But I'll take one of those gin and tonics :) Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:34:24 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_152830 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_152830 rianlrt No need for sorrows :) I always have several ideas... I just pick one of them and go with it, and if it falters (or goes so well I finish it with time to spare!) I start on another one :) One year, I only won Nano because I had that second idea (it's also the only one I deleted afterwards, but we won;t discuss that part *heh*). That said... far be it from me to take away an excuse for punpkin latte :) Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:37:26 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_152856 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_152856 charleenlynette Well my first NaNo I didn't learn about it until about a week in, but still decided I wanted to do it, so I basically had to jump right in with no clue. So, I started with a young woman who was about to graduate college with a degree in music (I'll give you one guess as to where that idea came from) and just sort of went with it. It was terrible, but it was fun. And while none of the actual story was salvageable, there were a few ideas it spawned that were worth exploring later. So, to answer your question, yes! Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:20:17 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_148757 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=4#forum_thread_comment_148757 rianlrt There's always another place to sit :) And if not... then I'll perch on the counter and you can have my chair. I actually wrote about 20K words of a nano one year exactly that way, in fact. Welcome to the coffee house! And agreed about alpaca; isn't it fabulous? My daughter went to Peru this summer on a hiking trip, and held a baby one, and said they're maybe the softest things in the world :) Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:05:16 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_197818 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=5#forum_thread_comment_197818 littlehurricane Mmm, thank you guys! And an extra shot for means espresso... Although one of these days I'm going to have an official "first adult drink" party. I'm 24 and have never had an alcoholic beverage. I'm a failure! Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:05:01 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_217463 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_217463 littlehurricane Ha ha yes! You all can get fall-down drunk and I will film you and put it on Youtube to laugh at later! (The real reason I don't drink: I don't want to look like an idiot.) Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:21:47 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_225763 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=6#forum_thread_comment_225763 SBess84 Good lord. You mind letting me take the first bite? Sinfully delicious! :) Can I get the recipe? Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:37:50 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_238964 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_238964 SBess84 Definitely been there, done that. And the notebook is right at the head of my bed. I also have a dim reading light that I can flip on without disturbing my husband at 3 in the morning. :) Most of my best ideas in writing have taken place in the middle of the night. After losing quite a few to the, "I will remember it in the morning, need my sleep right now" idea, the notebook has collected quite a few concepts that would have been forever lost in oblivion. :) Fri, 28 Oct 2011 07:51:30 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_261615 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=7#forum_thread_comment_261615 rianlrt Oh good, someone else is doing this too! *heh* I was thinking about names, and what to do - I can't call the Prospero character 'Prospero' again,for instance, can I? And then in a flash of inspiration, I realized yes, I can! Why not let it be a bit self- referential? When he's exiled and set into the place he is at novel's start, he could have seen the similarities, and adopted the name Prospero as a cover... and call his daughter 'Miranda' in keeping :) Which will add an element of mystery as the other characters, subject to his mechanations, hear the name Prospero as the overlord and not know who it is, allowing me to identify him without doing so, and giving them a twist at the end the readers are 'in on' all along. And I can use whatever other names I wish in that case. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:59:08 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_329570 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_329570 rianlrt Whoa... wine, chocolate, AND a blanket? Where were you when I was looking to get married!? :) Never mind... I'd be undeserving *heh* I'm pretty much figuring I'll have to do exactly that - use Word on this machine, and just lug it about. Frustrating, because not having to lug it is why I got the smaller new computer to begin with, still sitting mostly unused almost two months later despite the expense of it. And yeah, I'll have top use paper notes, etc... also what I was trying to avoid. I'll make do, I guess... not much choice, right? :) Mon, 31 Oct 2011 18:37:55 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_335168 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=8#forum_thread_comment_335168 SBess84 If it makes you laugh I will share my own "learning to drive" story. My parents are both pretty paranoid teachers, so I dealt with a lot of panicking from the passenger seat. You'd think I would have gotten used to it by the time I went for my driving test so I could attain the coveted license. I passed easily, though I am pretty sure I made enough mistakes to have failed. I was timid on the road, but the instructor just said she didn't think I'd do any better. Not exactly confidence boosting, but I finally got the little square of plastic in my hands. (Don't worry, I've since improved greatly and I am still the only driver in my family who hasn't gotten into an accident - knock on wood) So we (mom and I) are pulling out of the DMV and I am behind the wheel. Euphoria might have had something to do with what happened next. I started pulling out, but hesitated when a car showed up in the distance in the lane I wanted to get to. I had to cross three other lanes to do so, and I still hadn't gotten the hang of gauging distances and how fast oncoming cars could get. I did everything else right, but I hesitated too long. Instead of waiting that little extra bit of time - since I had hesitated too long and the car was getting ever closer - I decided to book it. Tires squealing, I peeled out of the parking lot. I didn't hit the oncoming car. But it was so close, I could see the terror in the other woman's face as I swerved to narrowly avoid her bumper and door. My mom screamed at me for about fifteen minutes after that and I shook like a leaf all the way home. Suddenly that plastic square in my wallet seemed a whole lot more like a burden I wasn't ready to bear. It took me a while to get back in the driver's seat after that. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:43:00 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_389535 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=9#forum_thread_comment_389535 rianlrt Interestingly enough, this very idea came up on a panel I sat listening to at the Texas Book Festival a couple weeks ago. The panel was called "Genre-bending Fiction" and had two fantasy and two sci-fi writers... and yet all were literary. Stuff shelved sometimes in fantasy/sci-fi, sometimes in fiction. One of the writers (I think it was Thomas Mullen, but don't quote me on it) specifically blamed Henry Miller and writers of that ilk, for deciding somewhere in the 20s and 30s that "literature" had to be artsy and literary, and the rest was all popular genre fiction (though of course they didn't use that term then). And... I agree with you. I miss those days; what was wrong with the Tom Swifts, Mad Scientists' Clubs, Lucky Starrs... the Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drews, Hardy Boys, Encyclopedia Browns, Sherlock Holmeses? Prydain, or The Dark is Rising, both of which were Welsh mythology but couldn't have been more different? All those wonderful adventure novels, illustrated to boot, that captured the times and the imagination at once? I think that's why I took to the Steampunk Shakespeare notion so much, and wrote not only for the short story submission this summer, but the novel now. This is part Victorian-esque mystery-adventure, part coming of age, part fantasy, part emerging-tech sci-fi, all with a decidedly Shakespearean plot... all in all, just a good old fashioned fun adventure yarn :) And yes, everyone, I'm better and writing again :) 1500+ words so far today, aiming for a 5K day to be back on track, and another couple to get ahead by the end of the weekend. I don't think I can get 50K by the 9th/10th now... but the 15th maybe? :) Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:19:47 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_470476 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=10#forum_thread_comment_470476 rianlrt Ooh! Really?!? :) How did I not know about those? I KNEW I kept you around you for a reason! *ducks* ;) Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:15:39 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_578724 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=11#forum_thread_comment_578724 charleenlynette [quote=SBess84] Anyone else having difficulties staying on the original course they wanted? [/quote] My trouble is that the second half of my novel is much more intricately planned than the first half was. So, I'm having to force myself "off course," simply in that I need interesting things to happen until we get to our midway turning point. And then, of course, having to find my way back. Fortunately I have just reached that midway point, and I think from here things will be a lot easier. At least I hope they will. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:48:41 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_579437 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_579437 SBess84 CONGRATS! Extra coffee and a celebratory German Sweet Chocolate Cake for you to pass around! It's even got a candle on it. :) I am looking forward to the halfway mark in the next day or so... The funny thing is I am actually skipping the "halfway" mark in my book and writing the end first. I need to get that part down since I already have the idea in outline form, before the middle will come together. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:40:56 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_611184 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_611184 rianlrt I've only done it twice myself, really. I could claim three times, but 2005 was WAY too much skipping to truly count. In 2009 I just sort of skim-wrote a couple critical scenes,with holes... close enough to count. Last year was the only truly complete, A-to-Z novel :) Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:46:29 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_628527 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=12#forum_thread_comment_628527 SBess84 Count me in @rian I have really high standards to follow myself as this manuscript is only the first in a series of three that I've planned to publish someday. I'm a huge stickler about editing which will more than likely slow me up, but thankfully I've been able to put that part of my personality on the back burner so I can just write this November. :) It's been eye-opening for me. Looking forward to an edit though once this month's challenge is complete! Sun, 13 Nov 2011 02:04:40 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_672226 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_672226 charleenlynette [quote=charleenlynette] . . . I just can't seem to do it. I think it works just fine without. Having some "collateral damage" might give the story more suspense, I guess, but it would just seem like killing for the sake of killing. Maybe my antagonist just isn't "bad" enough to make it work. [/quote] I think I overuse the word "just." Sun, 13 Nov 2011 13:52:39 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_677051 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=13#forum_thread_comment_677051 rianlrt *looks around* waitaminute... this is a cafe, isn't it? So whad'd'ya mean, you're _short-listed_ to be a cafe poet? Tell Australian Poetry to get with the times already :) Okay... now all kidding aside, way cool! :) Definitely keep us posted... Fri, 18 Nov 2011 22:38:45 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_761829 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_761829 SBess84 I have the end of my novel written...just don't know how to get from here to there now... It may be because the novel is going to end up being four books. Originally, it was three, but the beginning story might have to get told too...even if it will only be for my eyes alone! :) Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:55:39 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_827742 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=14#forum_thread_comment_827742 charleenlynette [quote=rianlrt] I think as much as anything, it's the journey and undertaking it that's the most important part. [/quote] Absolutely! And yes, I am totally ready for . . . let's see, CoHoNoEd? Coffee House Novel Editing? No? Well, whatever we want to call it. My plan is to keep it out of my head for a while and come back with fresh eyes in January, at which point I will furiously pound my manuscript into submission . . . or something a little less violent. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:48:37 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_903044 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/writing-groups-and-clubs/threads/2068?page=16#forum_thread_comment_903044