United States :: Kansas :: Topeka

Some NaNo Stats

Maidenfine — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:05:00 -0800

I know not everyone pays attention to the NaNo Scoreboard (and I'm not as obsessed with it as I once was), so here's some interesting news.

Based on total words, our region is #267 out of 445. Not a bad showing. We are less than 500 words away from the spot above ours, and about 10,000 words away from the spot above that (which sounds like a lot, but that's for the whole group).

Based on average words, we rock even more. We're #79 and we're less than 100 words per person away from our closest four competitors. I also want to mention that Emporia is at #4. Hurray for fellow Kansans.

Based on donations, we're sitting at $130. A donation of just $5 would shoot us up about 10 places.

So what does all this mean? Not really anything. But if you're the competitive sort, consider writing an extra 100-200 words after you want to stop tonight. It could push us up about four ranks based on average word count. Or, consider making a donation. $5 gets us up about 10 spots, but $10 gets you that sweet halo. And I think $25 is where you start getting cool swag.

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United States :: Kansas :: Topeka

Characters have free will?

fredwrite — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:28:06 -0800

Has anyone had a character turn on you? Ouch! I loved this kid. Now she hates me. I still love her, though. Maybe she'll come around.

I guess it's partly my fault. I killed her mother. Well, I didn't. Some other character did. But I still feel responsible, being God and all. I can't even figure out who did it. I may not. This is going to be a frustrating murder mystery.
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Beauty is truth. Truth beauty

United States :: Kansas :: Topeka

Playing Catch-up this weekend -- who's with me?

lysistrata — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:57:40 -0800

Okay, without getting into the reasons (the main one is taking a baby-nap on my lap while I type this) I find myself about 5 days behind on my word count heading into the half-way weekend.

I'd like to catch up and maybe (fingers crossed) get a little ahead this weekend, but it's not going to be easy. If you are behind on your word count, or want to try to get ahead this weekend, please join me in a frantic effort to get back on track with your word count and possibly your plot!

Luckily, the only thing on my calendar this weekend is the Nanowrimo Write-In from 1-5pm at the library on Sunday. But I'll need to make writing a priority with any spare minutes I can find --

I also have my husband's support, which will help -- when I e-mailed him that I was feeling frustrated and worried that I wasn't going to be able to win this year because I was so far behind, he said:

"if it hasn’t happened yet (and you can change it) then disappointment = pessimism = defeatism
just imagine you’re in the Antarctic and get to survive by your willpower alone…"

Of course, I know he's been reading about Antarctic explorers lately, but for writing encouragement, it does include some nice plot ideas as well!

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Hooray! It's (almost) time to write!

United States :: Kansas :: Topeka

Asynchronous Word War Anyone?

lysistrata — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 10:41:11 -0800

So, the way it works is--

Post your date, time and starting word count.
Set your goal time - 20 minutes or 30 minutes works well for me. Sometimes an hour will work if I can get that much time uninterrupted!

After your time is up - post your results.
TO compete against your own personal best: See how much you can write in 20 minutes, then try to break that record.
To compete against others, post your "scores" in this forum, then challenge others to try to beat your word count!

I'll start - the baby just went down for a nap, so I'll try for 30 minutes, 11716 is my starting word count.
Ready....GO!

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Hooray! It's (almost) time to write!

United States :: Kansas :: Topeka

How is everyone doing?

Renee Lynn Scott — Sun, 2 Nov 2008 07:56:22 -0800

I know we're only on the 2nd day, but I was curious to see how the word counts are coming.

Renee
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Renee Lynn Scott
Unlocking History Through Romance

United States :: Kansas :: Topeka

2008 Topeka, Kansas Nanowrimo events

lysistrata — Thu, 2 Oct 2008 18:57:52 -0700

KICKOFF EVENTS
Main Kickoff event - "How to Write a Novel in 30 Days"
7-8 pm, Monday, October 27
Marvin Room 101BC, Topeka Public Library, 10th and Washburn

Kickoff Social (for some Day 1 encouragement)
2-3 pm, Saturday, November 1
Hastings Hardback Café, 21st and Fairlawn

WRITING SESSIONS
16 computers available, or bring your laptop!
Drinks with lids okay, bring your own.
Sunday, November 9, 1-5 pm
Sunday, November 16, 1-5 pm
SBC Computer Training Center, Topeka Public Library, 10th and Washburn

CAFFEINATE AND CHAT
6-8 pm, Wednesday, November 5
6-8 pm, Wednesday, November 12
6-8 pm, Wednesday, November 19
Classic Bean, 21st and Fairlawn

FINISH LINE CELEBRATION
Thank God It’s Over!
7-8 pm, Monday, December 1
Classic Bean, 21st and Fairlawn

Other news:
The goody bags for our kickoff event are jam-packed with fun stuff, and I can't wait to see everyone again, meet and encourage new writers, and (most importantly!) start writing my novel!!

Also, (personal news) I have a new baby girl (Kivrin Anne, born August 23) so I'm looking for a few people to help at Nano events this year. My maternity leave will run out in the middle of November. If you would be willing to co-host any of our events this year, especially the Caffeinate and Chats, please email me!
Join me in welcoming Maidenfine, who has come on board as our Topeka co-ML this year - Hooray!

Email me for more information on how to be involved in Nanowrimo events this year, or with your ideas of how we can encourage more local writers to join us! I have flyers printed with our events listed, if anyone wants some to distribute around town or to interested groups. I can leave them for you to pickup at the library, mail some to you, or send you the file so you can print your own.

Lissa Staley
Topeka co-ML

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Hooray! It's (almost) time to write!

United States :: Kansas :: Topeka

At a Crossroads

sarahsmf — Sun, 9 Nov 2008 18:27:09 -0800

Okay, I’ve been doing NaNo. I didn’t write a word today because of exhaustion, but I’m not really sure where I’m going with it.

I’ve reached 14000 words yesterday, and man, they’ve already seem to have done everything. Nothing really big seems to be able to happen now :( They’ve already become mates and done that deal. He’s already had to deal with his brother.

Bah!! I don’t know what to do now :(
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United States :: Kansas :: Topeka

You're all worthless and weak!

fredwrite — Mon, 3 Nov 2008 21:45:20 -0800

I don't really mean that. I'm only trying to motivate us as a community.

Now, having condemned you all and having your, more or less, undivided attention, I shall pose to you the question that motivates all fiction. It is the fundamental consideration of all human interaction. The question I am about to ask perhaps might contain and exude the true cause of all human suffering.

A good question to open a conversation is this: Is not the clitoris the tantamount consideration regarding all human interaction? I'm not asking that because I believe such an absurdity. I'm merely posing a philosophical hors d'oeurve. And does not the aforementioned physiological object, herein considered, fall into some category of hors d'oeurve? I dare say, seeing no objection, that it very well may. Incidentally, the great John Steinbeck said the following, "An entire generation of Americans knew more about the Ford coil than they knew about the clitoris." So, despite its niggard optimism, that statement makes me want to open my lips and to cry out in eager joy-- to participate in setting the status quo.

Okay, that's enough of that silliness. It makes no sense to decent-minded people. Not that I claim, in the least, to be decent; however, I want to say this to all of you for posterity: The only way to write strong fiction is to surrender, physicallly, but not emotionally to the very goings on in front of your nose. Surrendering emotionally will produce large piles of excrement. Nevertheless, do not hesitate to roll, physically, in the dust and desire of the most common backstreets of your mind.

That's all I got to say about that.

"I love you sons-of-b!+@#es . . ."

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Beauty is truth. Truth beauty

United States :: Kansas :: Topeka

Curiosity Killed The Cat

sarahsmf — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 09:41:31 -0800

Okay, for those that have dealt with sickness (or like in my case, extreme IBS attack), how do you keep yourself motivated. I was in so much pain this morning that I used all my energy to get my daughter ready for school. I did get some meds in me but now I'm EXHAUSTED. :(

I barely made my goal yesterday and I felt great (but on pins and needles because of the election). I guess the release of stress was a little too much for me.

Anyways, before this becomes another book, how do *you* deal with sickness and/or pain when trying to do NaNo?

I'm lucky enough to have a laptop, and if I look hard enough, I can most likely use my cellphone (BlackJack II, so if you know, LET ME KNOW ... Word).

Thanks.
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United States :: Kansas :: Topeka

12am November 1st - Write-in?

Maidenfine — Fri, 3 Oct 2008 16:59:26 -0700

I know there are a lot of people that like to get started right at midnight on the 1st. I'm thinking I may take a nap that day so I can do it this year, since the 1st is a Saturday so I don't have to get up the next morning. I was wondering if anyone was interested in having a little get-together somewhere that night. Writing is somehow more exciting when I'm not the only one doing it. So I imagine it'll take a little of the procrastination out of Day 1. I think I always sort of stare at the computer for about an hour before I can get things started.

I don't have any specific place in mind, but then, there aren't a lot of places that are open that late. So, maybe IHOP, Denny's, Steak and Shake, something like that. There's also Taco Bell, but that seems like a strange place for it.
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United States :: Kansas :: Topeka

Look Anywhere for Ideas

sarahsmf — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:57:35 -0700

My husband, lovely supportive man that he is, just handed me a book with a font of ideas for writing. It doesn't really pertain to any of my story ideas, but man, it gets the juices going. Is it November yet?

Anyways, what's this font of idea book? Dungeon Master's Guide.
Yes, I know. A DnD book. It's great though. It's designed, though, for the DM (the author in our case) to tell a story. You need descriptions and locations, and other characters, right? Well, this is seriously helpful.

Whether you do DnD or not, look around. You never know. Even a dictionary can give you a font of ideas.

Oh, and I enjoyed the How to meeting this evening. I wish I could have stayed and chatted a bit, but my friend was starving, and I have a sick little one at home (just a cold), and I was worrying over him. I enjoyed having the adorable little girl climb up my leg and babble at me though. She was just absolutely adorable!!
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United States :: Kansas :: Topeka

And you are....? (introductions please)

lysistrata — Thu, 2 Oct 2008 18:56:12 -0700

This is your chance to tell us a little about yourself and declare your intentions for this November.

Are you a Nanowrimo veteran, or will this be your first year of frantic noveling?

Where do you fit on the scale of noveling sociability? Do you think you'll attend events in person, hang out on the forums, or seclude yourself for 30 days with your laptop, emerging only when you cross the 50K word finish line?

You can use this as a place to get your creative juices flowing by creating a fully developed character sketch of yourself, or you can save that creativity for your novel and just share a quick greeting here...
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Hooray! It's (almost) time to write!

United States :: Kansas :: Topeka

Pre-Writing

Maidenfine — Mon, 6 Oct 2008 09:38:06 -0700

http://www.writingclasses.com/InformationPages/index.php/PageID/106

I know we can't write until November 1st, but it's never too early for a little pre-writing. This site has not just one, but two different character questionaires for getting to know those pesky characters before you start writing. And trust me, even if you answer all of the questions, your characters will still surprise you with something.

I'll try to find a new link every day for the rest of the month. No guarantees (especially if I get busy at work), but I'll try.
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United States :: Kansas :: Topeka

Dare?

Maidenfine — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:28:26 -0700

Last year, we put '57 Chevys in our novels. Any idea for this year's dare? I know I personally am going to write in Tim (see the Q&A on the home page if you have no idea who that is). But I have room for our regional dare as well. Dares always seem to get my brain going.
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United States :: Kansas :: Topeka

Dear...DEAR{*} (this one is different!)

Laura the Kansas hic — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 09:16:33 -0700

I think we sould have some fun before Nov, when we're too busy typing and freeking out to really do this kind of stuff.*^^*

RULES:
Do the "Letter MEME". Tag no less than 5 other people, and leave them a comment, informing them that they have been tagged. Then copy the "How-to" Letter Meme, and finish your Journal entry.

-> How you do the Letter Meme:

Dear (the last person you talked to one this site.)

I don't really know how to tell you this, but ___1___. I think I realized it ___2___ ___3___ and I saw you ___4___ ___5___. I'm sure you're ___6___ enough to understand ___7___. I'm returning ___8___ to you, but I'll keep ___9___ as a memory. You should also know that I ___10___ ___11___ .

___12___,
-Your name-

1. What's the color of your shirt?
Blue - Our romance is over
Red - Our affair is over
White - I'll join the monastery
Black - I dislike you
Green - Our horoscope doesn't match
Grey - You're a pervert
Yellow - I'm selling myself
Pink - Your nostrils are insulting
Brown - The mafia wants you
No shirt - You're a loser
Other - I'm in love with your sister

2. Which is your birth month?
January - That night
February - Last year
March - When your dwarf bit me
April - When I tripped on sesame seeds
May - First of May
June - When you put cuffs on me
July - When I threw up
August - When I saw the shrunken head
September - When we skinny dipped
October - When I quoted Santa
November - When your dog ran amok
December - When I changed tennis shoes

3. Which food do you prefer?
Tacos - In your apartment
Pizza - In your camping car
Pasta - Outside of Chicago
Hamburgers - Under the bus
Salad - As you ate enchilada
Chicken - In your closet
Kabob - With Paris Hilton
Fish - In women's clothing
Sandwiches - At the Hare Krishna graduation
Lasagna - At the mental hospital
Hot dog - Under a state of trance
None of the above - With George Bush and his wife

4. What's the color of your socks?
Yellow - Hit on
Red - Insult
Black - Ignore
Blue - Knock out
Purple - Pour syrup on
White - Carve your initials into
Grey - Pull the clothes off
Brown - Put leeches on
Orange - Castrate
Pink - Pull the toupee off
Barefoot - Sit on
Other - Drive out

5. What's the color of your underwear?
Black - My best friend
White - My father
Grey - Bill Clinton
Brown - My fart balloon
Purple - My mustard soufflé
Red - Donald Duck
Blue - My avocado plant
Yellow - My penpal in Ghana
Orange - My Kid Rock-collection
Pink - Manchester United's goalkeeper
None - My John F. Kennedy-statue
Other - The crazy monk

6. What do you prefer to watch on TV?
Scrubs - Man
O.C. - Emotional
One Tree Hill - Open
Heroes - Frostbitten
Lost - High
House - Scarred
Simpsons - Cowardly
The news - Mongolic
Idol - Masochistic
Family Guy - Senile
Top Model - Middle-class
None of the above - Ashamed

7. Your mood right now?
Happy - How awful I've felt
Sad - How boring you are
Bored - That Santa doesn't exist
Angry - That your pimples are at the last stage
Depressed - That we're cousins
Excited - That there is no solution to this.
Nervous - The middle-east
Worried - That your Honda sucks
Apathetic - That I did a sex-change
Ashamed - That I'm allergic to your hamster
Cuddly - That I get turned on by garbage men
Overjoyous - That I'm open
Other - That Extreme Home Makeover sucks

8. What's the color of your walls in your bedroom?
White - Your ring
Yellow - Your love letters
Red - Your Darth Vader-poster
Black - Your tame stone
Blue - The couch cushions
Green - The pictures from LA
Orange - Your false teeth
Brown - Your contact book
Grey - Our matching snoopy-bibs
Purple - Your old lottery coupons
Pink - The cut toenails
Other - Your memories from the military service

9. The first letter of your first name?
A/B - Your photo
C/D - The oil stocks
E/F - Your neighbour Martin
G/H - My virginity
I/J - The results of your blood-sample
K/L - Your left ear
M/N - Your suicide note
O/P - My common sense
Q/R - Your mom
S/T - Your collection of butterflies
U/V - Your criminal record
W/X - David's tricot outfits
Y/Z - Your grades from college

10. The last letter in your last name?
A/B - Always will remember
C/D - Never will forget
E/F - Always wanted to break
G/H - Never openly mocked
I/J - Always have felt dirty before
K/L - Will tell the authorities about
M/N - Told in my confession today about
O/P - Was interviewed by the Times about
Q/R - Told my psychiatrist about
S/T - Get sick when I think of
U/V - Always will try to forget
W/X - Am better off without
Y/Z - Never liked

11. What do you prefer to drink?
Water- Our friendship
Beer - Senility
Soft drink - A new life as a clone
Soda - The incarnation as an eskimo
Milk - The apartment building
Wine - Cocaine abuse
Cider - A passionate interest for mice
Juice - Oprah Winfrey imitations
Mineral water - Embarrassing rash
Hot chocolate - Eggplant-fetishism
Whisky - To ruin the second world war
Other - To hate the Boston Celtics

12. To which country would you prefer to go on a vacation?
Thailand - Warm regards
USA - Best regards
England - Good luck on your short-term leave from jail
Spain - Go and drown yourself
China - Disgusting regards
Germany - With ease
Japan - Go burn
Greece - Your everlasting enemy
Australia - Greetings to your frog Leonard
Egypt - Fuck off now
France - In pain
Other - Greetings to your freaky family

Dear Madenfine,

I don't really know how to tell you this, but Our horoscope doesn't match. I think I realized it When I saw the shrunken head In women's clothing and I saw you Carve your initials into The crazy monk. I'm sure you're Ashamed enough to understand That we're cousins. I'm returning Your ring to you, but I'll keep Your left ear as a memory. You should also know that I Get sick when I think of Eggplant-fetishism.

Good luck on your short-term leave from jail,
~Laura

(this is not real, but its fun, and don't forget to let the people you taged know that you taged them. link them to this page for the rules!)

Now for my victims!!*evil laugh*
I tag:
*Madenfine
*Elizibeth Z
*Mirkwoodelf
*lysistrata
*catlover12

HAVE FUN! MWAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!

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"Talk sense to a fool, and he calls you foolish."