USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

40,000 shout out!

ziggyeor — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:30:47 +0000

I just made it to 42,183 :D

Tomorrow I'll be packing and cleaning house to get ready to go to Indiana for Thanksgiving though! I don't know how I'm going to get anything done when I get there. I might have to write some longhand if I get the chance.
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Five exclamation marks, the sure sign of an insane mind.
-- (Terry Pratchett, Reaper Man)

USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

VIRTUAL Write-Ins

sanremoave — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:22:55 +0000

We just wrapped up our first virtual write-in --what a great time! It was fun, chatty but still awesomely productive.

There were two 15 minute Word War sessions, where participants averaged appx 500 words per session --talk about productive!

Each winner has earned bragging rights PLUS a bonus NaNo Poker card, that they can draw on their next in-person meeting (or designate another WriMo to draw for them). That's a greater chance to build the winning hand for the TGIO Party!

We had such a good time, that I've added a few more dates for VIRTUAL Write-ins --so hopefully another date/time will work so others can join in the fun. Next dates:

The link is the same for all VIRTUAL Write-ins http://chatnano.net/tempchats/murfreesboro.html

See you next time & happy writing!

----------
Melissa
>Official ML for Murfreesoboro, TN<
Follow on Twitter! http://twitter.com/NaNoInTheBoro

USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

30,000 celebration

ziggyeor — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:36:36 +0000

Yes! I've made up my word count today and actually have the word count that we needed by tomorrow bed time!

My plot is still a bit contrived but not as bad as before. Meeting someone on the bus to the train station going the same way as you is a little odd and having them going to Yosemite with their friends and introducing them to the MC may be odder still but not as bad as trying to fly someone in from across the country to meet the MC and find out they live in the same area. Don't know how it's going to work out in the end but what the heck :D It's getting there and I'm at 36682 words right now!
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Five exclamation marks, the sure sign of an insane mind.
-- (Terry Pratchett, Reaper Man)

USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

It's WAR! Let the games begin! :D

sanremoave — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:18:41 +0000

Well, it's official. The ML (MermaidSirena) for St Augustine has picked up the gauntlet and accepted our challenge to a regional word war. Let the games begin!!

How does this work? Basically, we have challenged the other region that we will have a higher average word count per person that they will by the end of the month. That means we're counting on YOU to write, write, write and keep the teams average up so we can take 'em down.

Feel free to have fun with this --goading and cheering is encouraged, so long as we keep it all lighthearted fun.

So, HERE ( http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/214 ) is the link to the St Augustine region. I encourage you all to post over there and have fun with our new war-mates.

REMEMBER Sherrilyn Kenyon's words to us: "Never retreat, never surrender!" It's time to write, write, write and show 'em what NaNoInTheBoro is really about.

St Augustine is going DOWN!

;)

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Melissa
>Official ML for Murfreesoboro, TN<
Follow on Twitter! http://twitter.com/NaNoInTheBoro

USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

ANNOUNCEMENT - 11/22 Evening of Scribbling Recklessly - Nashville, TN

fly — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:48:04 +0000

Dear Neighboring Regions (and Australia),
Greetings from fly, the ML for NaNo Nashville. This year, we are having our own ginormous write a thon, which we'll be holding the same time those out in Cali are having theirs (well, mostly). We would very much like you all to come. In fact, I would very much like to have so many writers that our total writers word count EXCEEDS that of the Cali event.

Details are as follows. Please post here if you can come.
NOTE: You only need to RSVP to one thread for this event.

The Evening of Scribbling Recklessly is on 11/22 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Nashville.

Where: 2300 Knights of Columbus Blvd. Nashville, TN

Where? - From I-40, exit Briley Parkway South (exit 215A), take the first LEFT onto Knights of Columbus Blvd.

When - 11/22 from 4-10 PM.

Important Notes:
$10 donation required for admission. This is in addition to any donation you've made. I will waive this for anyone that can prove they came from Australia.
Bring a side dish to share. Remember, we're pretty much all going to have computers handy, so stay away from really messy stuff. :)

We will be having a ton of giveaways.
You can get tickets for these givaways in a number of ways:
- Admission fee. Yes, you automatically get tickets for showing up.
- Bringing a dish to share like you're supposed to
- Wear a NaNo t-shirt. This can be from any year, and can be national or regional. I'll also accept Script Frenzy and Office of Letters and Light shirts for this.

- Additional tickets can be purchased.

Please let me know if you're coming.

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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Official ML for Nashville, TN
Official Unofficial ML for Ashtabula County, Ohio
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

Middle Slumps?

sanremoave — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:06:28 +0000

So, here we are --smack dab in the middle of NaNo.

I'm starting to feel the stall of my plot here in the middle. You know, the bright newness of my NaNo story has now worn off, my characters have come to life and are proving obstinant, not wanting to follow my outline. I find it easy to get distracted and a little harder to make my word count every day, and I even start to doubt my story, my writing, my ability to tell the tale that I want to.

I call this the Middle Slump. It happens to many of us, and it's easy to fall a bit behind.

I keep writing every day because I know that I'll get past it. I'll fall in love all over again with my plot, my characters will begin to stop fighting me and start doing some amazing things. This is the wonderfulness of Nano --if you stick with it, you will overcome all of these things.

The most important thing to do to overcome the Middle Slumps: DON'T GIVE UP! Keep writing. You can do this --there's still plenty of time to get caught back up if you keep going.

Try a write-in and join in a word-war. I'm constantly amazed at not only how productive they are, but how much fun we have! Our next one is tomorrow night (Tues) at 7pm and I hope you'll join me there!

What works for you to keep focused on your writing during the Middle Slump?
----------
Melissa
>Official ML for Murfreesoboro, TN<
Follow on Twitter! http://twitter.com/NaNoInTheBoro

USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

Please RSVP for Mellow Mushroom Midway Break on Sunday 11/15

sanremoave — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:03:41 +0000

Join us for a Midway Break!

Sunday, Nov 15, 6-8pm
Mellow Mushroom, Murfreesboro
http://maps.google.com/maps?rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-...

This is a 'no writing' event, so leave your laptops and writing instruments behind. Just come for great pizza, beer and fun. Share your successes, brainstorm new ideas and re-energize for the 2nd half of your novel.

Please RSVP here if you will be able to join us this Sunday so I can make sure to have a large enough table. Hope to see you there!

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Melissa
>Official ML for Murfreesoboro, TN<
Follow on Twitter! http://twitter.com/NaNoInTheBoro

USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

10,000 Word Celebration Thread

sanremoave — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:04:06 +0000

Hi guys!

With Day 6 goal to of 10,000 words, I thought it would be great to celebrate the milestone together.

Post here when you hit 10k and whoop it up! You deserve to celebrate a little for all of that writing!

Melissa
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Melissa
>Official ML for Murfreesoboro, TN<
Follow on Twitter! http://twitter.com/NaNoInTheBoro

USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

20,000 word count celebration!

gobo — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:27:41 +0000

I just wrote 2,410 words at the virtual write-in (seriously, everyone should try it), and I feel like my fingers are about to fall off, but I just hit 20,000!

Woot!
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USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

Please RSVP for Panera Bread Write-In

sanremoave — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:30:33 +0000

Hi guys,

We've had such wonderful turnout for our events so far, I thought it might be a good idea to get a rough count of participants for tomorrow --so I can make sure to reserve enough seats for everyone!

Details:

I look forward to seeing you there!

Melissa
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Melissa
>Official ML for Murfreesoboro, TN<
Follow on Twitter! http://twitter.com/NaNoInTheBoro

USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

Introductions!

sanremoave — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:08:01 +0000

Hello,

My name is Melissa and I'm your new ML. Welcome to NaNo 2009! *waves*

This is my third NaNo and I can't wait to get started!

A little about me:
I've lived in the Boro since 2005 and I'm a graduate of MTSU (go Raiders!). I work full time near the Nashville airport doing Marketing stuff. I like to read, write and quilt (not always in that order). I've been married 20 years to a wonderfully supportive man, no kids, no pets. I'm a history nut and an avid romance reader, so I tend to gravitate toward historicals but I'll read anything. Literally, anything. Give me a cereal box and I'll read every corner of it! ;)

A little about my NaNo novel:
This year I'm trying something a little bit different. Steampunk. My characters demand it and I figure there's enough history in there I can muck about with that it'll keep me entertained long after November is behind us.

So, tell me a little bit about you and your novel!
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Melissa
>Official ML for Murfreesoboro, TN<
Follow on Twitter! http://twitter.com/NaNoInTheBoro

USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

Help a fellow writer?

CyberMathWitch — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:08:13 +0000

I hope this is ok - I'm looking just about anywhere I can for help on this one:

My laptop and cord are acting up - I'm beginning to think it really is a cord issue. That said, I am talking to the company I bought it (the cord) from to get a replacement, but I was hoping that maybe someone had a spare that might fit an Hewlett Packard DV9000? If so, and I could borrow it for awhile (or at the very least use it long enough to test my theory) that would be amazing beyond words. Thank you all!

-Koren
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USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

Human Name Generator

CLLMCRZY11 — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:56:00 +0000

Hi guys!

My mom comes up with the coolest names for characters. I don't know how she does it, but she does. Here are a few she came up with that I don't need:

Rick Hackle
Frank Garcon
Bip Lawson
Jordon Jayfield

She can come up with female names and animal names too. She named our chicken "turkey" and one of our cats "boofus."

So if you find yourself in need of a name, let me know and I"ll ask her and get back to you.

Thanks,
C.
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USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

This week in the Boro....

sanremoave — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:05:39 +0000

Well folks, I'm not convinced that NaNoMail is working properly, so I'm going to post here a reminder email of activities available this week to participants for the Murfreesboro region.

(check the Virtual Write-In thread for info on how to join a Virtual Write-in)

Please join us when you can!!

Melissa
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Melissa
>Official ML for Murfreesoboro, TN<
Follow on Twitter! http://twitter.com/NaNoInTheBoro

USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

Word Count Goals

keriamon — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:07:48 +0000

I thought some other people might find this helpful. If you write 1,666 words per day (plus about 20 extra words on the last day), you will reach 50,000 words in a month. 1,666 words per day sounds more manageable than 50,000 a month. Here's a list of the minimum number of words per day that you should write in order to stay on target.

11/1 1666
11/2 3332
11/3 4998
11/4 6664
11/5 8330
11/6 9996
11/7 11662
11/8 13328
11/9 14994
11/10 16660
11/11 18326
11/12 19992
11/13 21658
11/14 23324
11/15 24990
11/16 26656
11/17 28322
11/18 29988
11/19 31654
11/20 33320
11/21 34986
11/22 36652
11/23 38318
11/24 39984
11/25 41650
11/26 43316
11/27 44982
11/28 46648
11/29 48314
11/30 50000

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USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

RSVP Kickoff Write-in

sanremoave — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:02:13 +0000

Wow, it looks like we're going to have a great turnout for the MeetNGreet on Tuesday --I'm SO looking forward to meeting everyone!

And, with Nano beginning in JUST ONE WEEK (eek!), I wanted to make sure everyone was aware of the our KICKOFF WRITE-IN.

Beginning at 11:30pm on October 31st, we will kick off NaNo with a Write-In. So get a jump on your manuscript once you're done with the Trick-or-Treating

The Grind
1513 East Main Street
Murfreesboro

This is a neat little late-night coffee shop located on Main Street in the MTSU area. There are comfy couches and chairs, and they are usually open until 2am or so and welcome us for a late-night write in. $5 gets you bottomless coffee or tea, but bring a few extra bucks for late-night munchies. For more info on the grind, read the Murfreesboro Post article http://www.murfreesboropost.com/news.php?viewStory=10120

Please RSVP to this message to let us know if you'll be able to join us!
----------
Melissa
>Official ML for Murfreesoboro, TN<
Follow on Twitter! http://twitter.com/NaNoInTheBoro

USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

October is for Plotting!

sanremoave — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 00:14:38 +0000

Well, for those of us who are 'plotters' anyway!

I realize that some of you may be what's commonly called a 'pantser'. A 'pantser' is generally a writer who sits down with a kernel of an idea, or just a tidbit about a character and goes where the muse leads him/her. It's reportedly a magical, uninhibited experience.

I, however, am a 'plotter'. A 'plotter' is someone who really needs a good idea of where they're going and what they'll be doing along the way or the words just won't flow. That doesn't necessarily mean every single detail has to be figured out in advance, but it does mean that key plot turning points or character motivation and growth have to be known to the plotter writer before they can write effectively. That's me. I've tried pantsing it and all I end up with is a blank screen or a pile of useless prose.

For my fellow plotters, I've created this thread to share into, tips and updates about the plotting process. Feel free to share your thoughts or just give us updates on your progress!

Happy Plotting!
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Melissa
>Official ML for Murfreesoboro, TN<
Follow on Twitter! http://twitter.com/NaNoInTheBoro

USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

'Twas the Night Before Nano

sanremoave — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:03:14 +0000

'Twas the night before NaNo, when all through the house
Not a keyboard was typing, not a click of a mouse.
The stickers were hung by the writer with care,
In Hopes that a Novel, soon would be there.

The Editors were nestled, all snug in their beds,
While visions of red pens, danced in their heads.
with Chris Baty in his viking hat and I in my shirt,
All the wrimo's world wide, sat waiting to work.

When out on the lawn, there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my writing spot, to see what was the matter.
Away to the window, I flew like a flash,
Tore open the window, threw up the sash.

The moon was big, with a very bright glow
and it looked like a screen that had something to show.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a story and eight characters.

With a little plot arc ,so lively and round,
I knew in a moment, "My Novel - I've found!"
More rapid then eagles the chapters they came
and the story whistled and shouted and called things by name,

"Now characters, Now plot arcs, now storylines and more,
"On conflict, On turmoil, On plot twists galore.
To the top of the plot line, to November's 50 K
Now write away, write away, write away today."

As dead words before the wild month fly,
When they meet with a Muse and mount to the sky
So up to my desk top these coursers, they flew
with a slew full of ideas, and my muse too.

And then in a twinkling I heard on my desk
The smattering of words, taking one last rest.
As I drew in my hand and was turning around
Appeared, did my muse, in one single bound.

It was dressed in all words, from it's head to it's foot
and it's clothes were all tarnished with erasure gook.
It's bundle of stories were flung on it's back
And it looked like Chris Baty - What's up with that?

It's eyes how they shimmered, It's dimples how scary,
It's cheeks were all blustery, it's smile so merry.
It's droll little mouth was drawn up like an "oh"
And not a beard on it's chin, that'd be freaky, ya know?

The stump of a pencil it held tight in it's teeth,
And punctuation encircled it it's head like a wreath.
It had a bright face and a round cuppa coffee
That shook when it laughed, without ever sloshing.

It was awkward and lumpy, a right crazy old elf
And I laughed when I saw it, inspite of myself.
A wink of Its eye and a twist of Its head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

It spoke not a word, but went straight to my desk
And It looked at my blank page then said, "Surely you Jest"
Laying its fingers aside of my keys, It winked at me once,
And slid inward with ease.

It sprang on my screen, to the words it gave whistle
and away they all flew to it, like the down of a thistle
But I heard it exclaim, err it faded into the night
"Happy NaNo to all, tonight you shall write!"

- C.A. Dubois October 31, 2009
(aka eensybeensyspider, the ML from Flint, MI)

Wasn't that awesome? Had to share (with permission, of course!)

Happy Nano-eve!
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Melissa
>Official ML for Murfreesoboro, TN<
Follow on Twitter! http://twitter.com/NaNoInTheBoro

USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

Extraordinary Book of Names (Not a baby name book)

werebuffalo — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:38:11 +0000

Hey Folks!

I'm sure I'm not the only one to have issues coming up with names, not just for characters, but also for places, groups, etc. It breaks names out by culture, historical periods within the culture, naming conventions, and name construction techniques. It also has a good section on fantasy names.

I'm finding this book really helpful! (And I'll bring it to the write-ins, when I remember...)

Gary Gygax's Extraordinary Book of Names
Malcolm Bowers
Troll Lord Games
ISBN 1-931275-56-4
$34.95

Have Fun,
Amanda

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Trespassers will be violated. Violators will be prosecuted. Prosecutors will be trespassed.
werebuffalo@gmail.com

USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

Local Nano Buddies

Jaydee Faire — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:00:03 +0000

I know there's already a thread like this in the all ages coffee house (I made it >.>; ) but I'd like to know if any local Nanoers (especially the ones who frequent write-ins) have journals or blogs or Twitters for their Nanovel-- and if so, I'd like to ~~stalk~~ friend it so we can all keep track and cheer each other on (and scold people for not meeting quotas, as well as gloat that we're so far ahead/sob that we're so far behind).

Would that be an okay thing, or will I incur the Wrath of Mod?
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USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

Meet N Greet

sanremoave — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:15:06 +0000

Please mark your calendars for a Murfreesboro Regional 'Meet N Greet', a chance to get to know your fellow local WriMos before the craziness of November kicks in!

Our very own Christy (CLLMCRZY11) has arranged it with her boss that we can do our get together at:

Back Yard Burgers
1432 Memorial Dr
Murfreesboro, TN
October 27, 6pm - 7:30pm

This is an all-ages environment, with great food so be sure to bring a few bucks for dinner. If you're a younger WriMo, this would be a great place to come with a parent so they have a chance to meet the folks who'll be cheering you on during the month, and if you have youngsters of your own bring 'me along, too!

Fun things we will do while you're there:
1. WriMos who come to the Meet N Greet will receive their very own Pet RockWriMo. This little fella is cute and great company for late nights when you're trying to get your word count up!
2. STICKERS! I have NaNo stickers for everyone, so be sure to come by and claim yours. (There's also a super-special only-available-for-write-ins sticker, but my instructions are to save those for.... uh, write-ins, so you'll have to get that later!)
3. Help build a group BLOCK BOX. This is a box of ideas, characters, dialog and other useful tidbits that you can use for inspiration during write-ins when you get stumped.
4. Your first WriMoPoker card. Yes, folks! We'll be playing POKER. Every regional event you participate in will enable you to draw a new playing card (and even earn bonus cards during word wars and other Write-in games). You will collect cards during November for prizes at our TGIO party.

So, pencil it in or note in on the Blackberry/iPhone.

But, don't forget to let us know you're coming. So, we can estimate and reserve enough space, please RSVP with a reply to this post that you'll be coming and we'll keep a seat warm for you.

I look forward to meeting you there!

Melissa
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Melissa
>Official ML for Murfreesoboro, TN<
Follow on Twitter! http://twitter.com/NaNoInTheBoro

USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

Jell-o thread

mari_bell_writes — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:14:28 +0000

I don't know if this will work but this is what I have saved:
U:\My Documents\Personal\How much Jell-O do you think it would take to completely fill the White House National Novel Writing Month.mht
and GrytaJME started the thread if it doesn't and you want to PM them...
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USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

Nano plots and inspiration

CLLMCRZY11 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:52:50 +0000

I don't have a decent title yet, but tentatively it's called Corrinne Kennedy, Mall Spy. It's about an ordinary teenage girl who works at the mall and gets recruited into the underground mall secret service, to battle the ever-present influence of the infamous Dr. Bangkok, who's intent on mall domination.

It's crazy and fun and I can't wait to get started. I think the idea came to me in a dream, probably inspired by watching too much Phineas and Ferb on the Disney Channel. Call Me Crazy, but I'm just a huge kid at heart, even though I'm a grown woman.

So what's your novel about, and where did you come by the idea? Inquiring minds want to know.

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USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

Word war, anyone?

sanremoave — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:25:59 +0000

Is anyone interested in challenging another area to a 'word war' during November?

Basically, it's a region to region challenge that we could out-write the other region. It's lighthearted fun and usually inspires some good-natured ribbing between the warring regions. Another way to keep the motivation up.

If you think this is a good idea, any particular region you'd like to challenge? We can pick anywhere, though I think it'd be fun to challenge a similarly sized region.

Whatcha think?

Melissa
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Melissa
>Official ML for Murfreesoboro, TN<
Follow on Twitter! http://twitter.com/NaNoInTheBoro

USA :: Tennessee :: Murfreesboro

Private Chat Room for our region!

sanremoave — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:24:19 +0000

Hi everyone,

Since we have a number of folks who live in outlying areas of Murfreesboro, and a others with things that may keep them from travel, I've set up a private chat area for our region. It's really easy to use --just follow this link and click connect. http://chatnano.net/tempchats/murfreesboro.html

This is a private chatroom for the Murfreesboro NaNo region. If you have trouble with the link above, try http://chatnano.net and scroll to find Tennessee:Murfreesboro

So far, I have set up the following VIRTUAL write-ins using this chat room:

This area is available 24/7 so feel free to announce other dates & times you'd like to meet here, that way I can include them on the calendar and others can join in if they are available. It's ready now, so feel free to use for plotting activties, too!

Happy Plotting!
----------
Melissa
>Official ML for Murfreesoboro, TN<
Follow on Twitter! http://twitter.com/NaNoInTheBoro