United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

NaNoWriMo 2008 - How Soon Do You Prepare?

quillandink — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:36:00 -0700

It's August and there are 80 days before the first day of November. Eighty days, you exclaim - why, that's a l-o-n-g ways from now. I've got plenty of time to come up with an idea, characters, plot, and scenarios. I'm with you on that thinking track but there's no reason why you can't begin mulling over ideas and jotting down thoughts today.

I say this to convince myself as well as inspire you to think about what you'd like to write about this year. Is there a grisly murder haunting your nightmares? Or does some fair maiden peek from behind an ancient oak tree to watch her knight protector bathe naked in the crystal lake bed?

August is the perfect time to daydream about possibile story lines. Where do your summer thoughts take you? I'd like to hear and see who's coming back this year for another go at National Novel Writing Month this coming November 2008.

Jeannie Leighton, your tenderly nudging ML
----------
Jeannie Leighton
First Time Script Frenzy 2008
NaNoWriMo ML, Prescott AZ
"We don't know who we are until we see what we can do." MARTHA GRIMES

United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

The Raving Writers

indigozero — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 22:43:57 -0800

We started a new novel writing group. All that want to join please message me or email me your email address and I will invite you. Thank You, I'm looking forward to see you all at our monthly meetings.
-CODY-
cjlee33@gmail.com
----------

United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

Life After NaNo - Continuing the Flow

quillandink — Thu, 6 Dec 2007 08:07:57 -0800

Hi there, fellow Wrimos! I sincerely hope that everyone is recuperating after the merry marathon month of November. Fingertips are healing from keyboard bruises; caffeine withdrawal is diminishing from the shakes to an occasional shiver; and the voices in your heads are settling down and wondering what lovely presents you have in store for them later this month.

The TGIO party was festive - thank you, James for picking up the tab! Food was delicious and drinks were thirst-quenching. We had a special guest, our creative writing teacher from Yavapai College - what an honor to see her. She was equally honored to meet this prolific bunch of writiers.

Some of us want to continue meeting throughout the year to discuss our WIPs, critique each other's work, and share experiences from this year. We'd also like to discuss how to become better prepared for next year's event. Most everyone felt that Tuesdays work best since that was our weekly write-in day. I am in full support of this but would like to hear from you before setting up specific dates.

Your humble servant (yeah, right!)

Jeannie
----------
Jeannie Leighton
First Time Script Frenzy 2008
NaNoWriMo ML, Prescott AZ
"We don't know who we are until we see what we can do." MARTHA GRIMES

United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

With time to spare

Monk E. Luv — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 23:24:14 -0800

Well, I guess this is my first and last post. I had to save my typing strength for the novelling task at hand. But that's over now.

That's right, I did it. 50,000 G.D. words done and done. I even had five minutes left to spare.

Mark it Dudes. 11:55 PM November 30th in the year of our lord, two thousand and seven.

I spent the day in front of a computer screen and rattled of over 14,000 words. And the sick part is, I think it was my best work of the whole WriMo.

Speaking of sick, I think I drank so much Ginseng and Chai tea today that I might not come down for a few more days.

Throughout the month I kept the meaning of the month in perspective. Yeah, I was going to do my best to hit 50K, but the point behind it all is to put words on the page. I had school, work, and a sick dog to prioritize ahead of the novel. But today, I took off work, I had my schoolwork all taken care of, my dog wasn't sick and he and my wife allowed me the space and gave me the support to kick this WriMo's monkey butt.

I'm not going to lie to you. It feels damn good. But I owe much of the cudo's to other people. Without my wife, Cody, Jeannie, and James, I would not have even attempted this. Thank you everyone. Let's do this again in a couple of months. (Tee Hee Hee)

Much Luv,

Matt "Monkey Butt" Stalter
----------

United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

50K Shout Out.....

Sportstertaz — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 19:30:42 -0800

HOO AHH!!!!!!!

I made my 50 K and about two hours earlier than last year.

I am so jacked!

Now it's Tequila time!

James
----------

United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

Introduce Yourself Here!

Sportstertaz — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 12:35:29 -0700

Hello,

I am James and I am the co-ML for the Prescott Region. I thought that I would take a moment and Introduce myself to everybody. I own and run my own business here in Prescott. When I'm not writing, I practice martial arts and ride motorcycles. This is my third year doing the NANWRIMO. The first year I got my 50k, but only got about 2/3s of the way through my novel. Last year I got the 50k and made it beginning to end. Unfortunately, both novels have been sitting on the back burner waiting rewrite. I have been taking some writing classes at Yavapai College. I have been trying (and hopefully succeeding) to improve my craft, but mostly I have been having fun doing the writing thing. I mostly write horror and other weird fiction.

If there is any thing that I can do to help you on your NANIWRIMO journey, please do not hesitate to ask. either contact me here on the forum or at one of the write ins.

See you soon,

James
----------

United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

TGIO Party...

Sportstertaz — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:55:12 -0800

Yes it is that time.

I was planning to have the party at Prescott Brew Pub. (it's just around the corner from the Raven, on Gurley.) The down side is that they will not take a reservation. So I will need to know how many people are planing to show up. I was going to have everyone show up around One O'clock. I will sneak down about 12:30 and snag a table(s). I will spring for first beverage and munchies. So please let me know If you will be there.

Thanks

James
----------

United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

Home Stretch and What I've Learned

quillandink — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 09:11:16 -0800

It's been a long month, hasn't it folks? There's five days left as of this writing. Our families and pets are wondering who the stranger is that staggers from the kitchen to the computer, mumbling strage words under their breath; things like,"Only 500 more" or "Who cares if it's good prose, it's words on a page isn't it?"

Many of you are nearly at your goals; a few of you have reached them.

Some of you are, like me, wondering why on earth you tackled this insane project at the time of year when family members and work responsibilities scream louder than your characters, demanding attention every second of the day. Let me tell you why ANY word count is a winner in my eyes.

IF it wasn't for NaNoWriMo:
I would never have even started my novel.
I would not have met all the talented writers in our area who are as insanely passionate about writing as I am.
I would not have learned how to sit down and write every day even if I didn't want to.
I would not have learned how to appreciate the words that made it to the page, even if they weren't good and even if they didn't add up by the end of the week.

My word count isn't even close to the 50K required for recognition by NaNoWriMo but I am still thrilled to have begun writing a story that I have compassion for, that contains fully developed characters, and that holds promise for an intriguing plot and story line. It continues to evolve daily. My Muse and I practically purr when we're writing and I plan on seeing it through no matter how long it takes.

How about you? What have you learned these past few weeks about your writing process? Your story ideas? Your characters?

I'm about to pack up for today's (Sunday) write-in. Maybe I'll see you at the Raven Cafe. Good writing, everyone.

Jeannie
Co-ML for Prescott AZ

----------
Jeannie Leighton
First Time Script Frenzy 2008
NaNoWriMo ML, Prescott AZ
"We don't know who we are until we see what we can do." MARTHA GRIMES

United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

Happy Turkey Day!

Archimedea — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 18:59:27 -0800

I'm a bit early with this, but I have to work tomorrow night, and I thought I might as well get a jump on it.

Anyhoo. What are some of your plans for Thanksgiving other than eating too much and using the day from work for novel immersion?

I'm declaring Thursday a cartoon and video game free day! My kids will probably be upset by that, but too bad. They already know that we're watching Animal Planet that day. We're not watching the Macy's parade either. The last couple of years, that thing has been nothing by Broadway song and dance numbers with a few balloons and floats mixed in. The networks don't show the actual parade anymore, and that just STINKS!

----------
"Don't waste yourself in rejection, nor bark against the bad, but chant the beauty of the good." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
~~~~~
"Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my book?
It took me years to write, will you take a look?" - Paperback Writer by Lennon/McCar

United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

Pit Stop Halfway Through The Race!

Dreamers Cove — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 17:13:56 -0800

Today marks the half-way point for November. Time to replenish the goodies, change the flavor of tea or coffee to something with a little more zing, stretch those cramped muscles and re-focus.

So, how is everyone doing? Found your story yet? Beat those characters into submission, or are they beating up on you?
----------
***
Julieann Dreamer
Creator/Writer/Artist of free webcomic "Dreamers Cove" - http://dreamerscovestudio.com/comic
Nano 2007 : The String Weavers: WON!

United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

Eating the Elephant

Sportstertaz — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:14:53 -0800

I find myself falling behind the word count. So I am going to adopt the idea of eating the elephant. You can't eat an elephant in one sitting. You have to take small bites and never stop.

I have found that short (15 to 30 minute) bursts of writing is getting me more over all words than longer sittings. If you are having problems with your word count, give this a try.

James
----------

United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

Arby's?

Dreamers Cove — Mon, 5 Nov 2007 10:11:24 -0800

Someone mentioned they work the night shift at the Arby's in Prescott some nights. Was that you, Archimedea?

Anyway, I thought I would ask, what nights? Who knows, a few novelist might come in and keep you company some night. ;)
----------
***
Julieann Dreamer
Creator/Writer/Artist of free webcomic "Dreamers Cove" - http://dreamerscovestudio.com/comic
Nano 2007 : The String Weavers: WON!

United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

50,000 words or bust!

Dreamers Cove — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:31:24 -0800

Sometime between noon and 1 PM on Saturday I not only finished the first draft of my NaNo book, i also happened to hit the 50,000 word mark!

My first year! In 10 days!

And if I can do it, so can you!

So get writing, people!

Anyone having a hard time that needs a little help to get over the finish line? We're all here to help. :)

Julieann, who is now working on the second book.
----------
***
Julieann Dreamer
Creator/Writer/Artist of free webcomic "Dreamers Cove" - http://dreamerscovestudio.com/comic
Nano 2007 : The String Weavers: WON!

United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

Future Tuesday Write-Ins - discussion please

quillandink — Wed, 7 Nov 2007 17:44:20 -0800

First - yay to those few who attended last night's (11/6) write-in at The Raven Cafe. I heard that the band was good but distracting. Sorry about that.

Second - Based on the introduction of music on Tuesdays at the Raven, I think we should change locations for our Tuesday night write-ins. This one depends on Archimedia's earlier offer to use the eating area at Arby's on Iron Springs Road. She is a manager there and would love to have our literary company on a normally quiet in-house evening. ARCHIMEDIA - do you still want us? If so, what time?

Third - Any of our scheduled write-ins may or may not be attended by everyone. James and I set them up for the soul purpose of getting us normally reclusive writers out of the house and into writerly company. Even if only two or three show up, enjoy the time together, write away, or strike up stimulating conversation about plot bunnies, the defeat of that dastardly inner editor, or how you managed to work a zombie into your young adult romance fantasy novel.

Fourth - I will be at all Sunday write-ins. They will continue to be held at The Raven Cafe.

Fifth - depending on Archimedia's response, Tuesday nights will warrant a change in the EVENT CALENDAR. I will update that as soon as I read any amount of consensus from the Prescott area Wrimos. If you have an opinion, please reply. I want to hear from you.

You're a great bunch of talented writers. Keep those words flowing. See you on the e-waves.

Jeannie
"Remember, there are no mistakes, only lessons. Love yourself, trust your choices, and everything is possible." Cherie Carter-Scott

----------
Jeannie Leighton
First Time Script Frenzy 2008
NaNoWriMo ML, Prescott AZ
"We don't know who we are until we see what we can do." MARTHA GRIMES

United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

Your First Sentence

Dreamers Cove — Mon, 5 Nov 2007 10:17:45 -0800

Yes, I know, I should be writing, but first something else popped into mind. At the kick-off party it had been suggested that we bring our very first sentence of our novels to the first Write-In to share. I don't think that happened, but I still think it's a neat idea.

So, I'll start off:

First Sentence of "The String Weavers", a soft sci-fi novel:

While other girls her age worried about acne, boyfriends and college, Kelsey Hale's one sole goal in life was to have enough food not to starve, which wasn’t easy when food kept disappearing on her.

So, what's yours?

----------
***
Julieann Dreamer
Creator/Writer/Artist of free webcomic "Dreamers Cove" - http://dreamerscovestudio.com/comic
Nano 2007 : The String Weavers: WON!

United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

Prescott Word Count Page

Dreamers Cove — Sat, 3 Nov 2007 12:17:53 -0700

We now have 26 authors listed in our region. Yes, I know not all of them are in this area, but that's still an impressive number. :) If anyone new signs up for our region, I'll add them.

Unfortunately the Buddy listing in our Author profiles allow us to see the statistics of only 11 Buddies at any one time. With how slow the NaNo site has been lately, going to everyone's author profile to see how they are doing has taken too long for me.

So, I built an alternative. I have put up a page on my website with a listing for everyone in this region. It tracks the word count of everyone at one time with the help of a couple of the handy word count widgets. That is, if the author has uploaded their word count to the Nano site. You can find it at:

http://www.dreamerscovestudio.com/NanoCounts.htm

Authors are listed in alphabetical order from top to bottom and then left to right. At the bottom of the page are links back to the Nano site and our regional forum board.

The statistics are fun. It lists how many words you have written, how many you have to go, how many words a day you are averaging, and how many words a day you need to write to finish 50,000 by the end of the month. The bar below the statistics shows in gray how many words you should have written by now (based on 1,667 per day average), and the blue is how much you have written so far.

Realize all the statistics are updated at midnight each night.

Hope this inspires everyone to write. Enjoy the page! Everyone keep writing!

Julieann
----------
***
Julieann Dreamer
Creator/Writer/Artist of free webcomic "Dreamers Cove" - http://dreamerscovestudio.com/comic
Nano 2007 : The String Weavers: WON!

United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

The First Day?

Dreamers Cove — Thu, 1 Nov 2007 14:13:15 -0700

So, how has everyones first day been? Anyone needing RAH's? Did you stay up till Midnight to get your first words in or did you wait to get up in the morning?

Report time! ;-)

Julieann
----------
***
Julieann Dreamer
Creator/Writer/Artist of free webcomic "Dreamers Cove" - http://dreamerscovestudio.com/comic
Nano 2007 : The String Weavers: WON!

United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

Getting into the Rhythm

Dreamers Cove — Fri, 2 Nov 2007 08:01:42 -0700

I know this is a little early to know your writing pattern/rhythm, but I’ve been very happy to find that I can get at least the minimum (1667 words) first thing in the morning before even going to work. What a relief!

Actually I’ve been getting a lot more than that just in the mornings. :-) That means anything I can write during breaks, lunch or after work is pure gravy! It’s nice to know I have some padding should anything happen to interrupt the writing for a day or two.

Even more amazing: mornings are not my best time! Usually I’m a stare-off-into-space-zombie.

Anyone else finding their best writing time, or writing rhythm?

----------
***
Julieann Dreamer
Creator/Writer/Artist of free webcomic "Dreamers Cove" - http://dreamerscovestudio.com/comic
Nano 2007 : The String Weavers: WON!

United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

2007 NaNoWriMo tracking spreadsheet

Dreamers Cove — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 19:11:51 -0700

I was curious, so I decided to go forum surfing and found the links for the new spreadsheet for 2007 with the graphs and statistics.

Here is the thread for the new 2007 spreadsheet: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/1026114

This is a direct link to where the spreadsheets can be downloaded: http://nanowrimo.nidonocu.com/

I tried the simpler XLS version and it opened fine in Office 2001 and Office/Excel X on a Mac OS 10.4.10.

Enjoy!
----------
***
Julieann Dreamer
Creator/Writer/Artist of free webcomic "Dreamers Cove" - http://dreamerscovestudio.com/comic
Nano 2007 : The String Weavers: WON!

United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

I love you guys!

Antonia — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 20:34:45 -0700

We are a talented smart clever interesting curious funny attractive diverse faceted gang of writers. Thanks for your openness about your lives and projects.

Special thanks to the two Js who gave me a ride.

If not for totaling my car, I mighta found myself too busy to partake of tonight's meeting and upcoming write-ins. The crash was not a blessing in disguise, but it has proven quite a lemonade maker.

NaNo is fun, intense. Helps one live in the moment. Write like hell, and detach from outcome ;)

Love you madly!
Antonia of the Violin

see at the place of 5,000 words (day 4) http://www.ravencafe.com/
----------
Antonia
author Writing is a Lonely Art

United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

Fall is Definitely Here!

Dreamers Cove — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 18:19:17 -0700

Between all the wind yesterday and today, you can definitely tell that fall is in the air. The wind has that bite to it that says winter isn't long in coming. The trees around the house are now showing the very first colored leaves. I'm hoping they will stick around until at least mid-November, but that may be too much to hope for.

Today was the first day this season that we have set up the fireplace and had a fire. For some reason that always puts me in a creative mood. Considering I'm doing NaNo this year I have a feeling I'll be burning more logs this November than last year, by a long shot.

The NaNo writing corner is now set up, with a very comfy chair with lombard support, a clear view of the fireplace, a handcrafted afghan made my my Grandmother to drape over my feet, and a table next to the chair all set to receive hot tea or hot chocolate. Oh, and soft music in the background. Yep, ready to write.

So, has anyone else set up a special writing area?
----------
***
Julieann Dreamer
Creator/Writer/Artist of free webcomic "Dreamers Cove" - http://dreamerscovestudio.com/comic
Nano 2007 : The String Weavers: WON!

United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

Write-Ins and the month ahead

quillandink — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 21:29:36 -0700

What a great kick-off event, folks. Thank you all for coming out and I am so happy we have such talent. We had seasoned Wrimos as well as several newbies who can't wait to get started. I have a feeling that our fledgling group will hatch out a healthy bunch of winners come the 30th.

See Antonia's post "I Love You Guys" for her feelings and I encourage everyone to respond to that one. I will as soon as I get this ML task stuff completed .

Speaking of writing, the fingers will soon be flying over keyboards and I will do my best to keep everyone on track with their totals as the days tick by. To help with moving your stories along, we will be holding at least 2 write-ins every week: one on Tuesday nights and one on Sunday afternoons. Seems to work out best for everyone. I'll post the dates and times on the Events section of our region. So far, we've only booked Week One and we're in a different location than our kick-off event because those tables and chairs were not conducive to lengthy writing stints.

Something I forgot to mention was "Writing Buddies", a feature on the NaNo website. It's a way of linking to fellow Wrimos to either keep track of their daily totals, to visit their personal websites (if they have one), and to have a cyber connection. I'll be linking to the Prescott Wrimos and probably some other folks I meet in the NaNo forums I participate in.

It's getting late and I have a Spanish vocabulary quiz to study for. Hasta luego, mis amigos.

Jeannie
----------
Jeannie Leighton
First Time Script Frenzy 2008
NaNoWriMo ML, Prescott AZ
"We don't know who we are until we see what we can do." MARTHA GRIMES

United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

Hello Prescott Wrimos

Sportstertaz — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 10:38:43 -0700

My name is James Gifford and I am the Co-Municipal Liaison for the Prescott area. I wanted to kick off this forum by letting you know that we will be having a kick off get together on Tuesday October 30th at the Coffee Depot. It's located on the corner of Granite and Goodwin. The start time will be at 6:00 pm. Will will be discussing write ins and other tricks of the trade to keep us sane and writing away during the NANO. Please come and join us for some caffeine and chat.

James
----------

United States :: Arizona :: Prescott

Please Check the Event area

quillandink — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 10:10:11 -0700

Hi there, Prescott Wrimos!

I've posted information about our first ever Prescott Kick Off gathering under our forum "EVENTS" area so check it out. Feel free to post an RSVP or to ask any questions. I'm psyched about getting started on my own project as well as helping each and every one of you to reach your own goals.

Jeannie
----------
Jeannie Leighton
First Time Script Frenzy 2008
NaNoWriMo ML, Prescott AZ
"We don't know who we are until we see what we can do." MARTHA GRIMES