United States :: Virginia :: Shenandoah Valley

[STICKY] Valley Roll Call!

Susieiz — Fri, 3 Oct 2008 18:39:50 -0700

I am requesting an official roll call for Shenandoah Valley Wrimos! There are currently 90 authors in our little region. So I am hoping to have at least 90 replies to this thread! Write as little or as much as you like but try to include the following:

Your Name and/or NaNoName
Your Hometown and/or where you will be writing from in November
How to best reach you.
If you want include something about yourself.

Example:

Name: Susan aka Susieiz
Hometown: Front Royal
Email: NaNoMail first and then I will send you my personal email.

Something about me: Lately I have had the urge to use the word "wonky" in a sentence. I don't know why.

Easy! Can't wait to hear from you and find out where everyone is so we can get some write-ins scheduled in your neck of the valley.

Your Co-ML Susan

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2006: The Scrapbook - I did it!
2007: Leaving Lucy (working title) - Success!
2008: Undecided, but it might start something like...He was a dark and stormy knight....

United States :: Virginia :: Shenandoah Valley

Welcome Shenandoah Valley WriMos

Susieiz — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 06:22:06 -0700

Woooo Hooooo! Hello out there all you Fellow Shenandoah Valley WriMos! We’d like to first send a hearty shout out to all our friends from last year, and it must be said, GOOD TO SEE YOU! Good to see you! And to all our fantastic newbies who have just hopped on this writing train, LaMishia and I would like to welcome you with open arms! (and notebooks and laptops)

We are about to embark on another fantastic year of word magic, character creating, plot primping, world weaving, novel narrating madness and as your Municipal Liaisons, we couldn’t be happier to be leading the charge down Novel Writing Alley.

You should know this November will be filled with creative highs, in which we will soar with you and creative lows, during which we will endeavor to lift you up. But never doubt the fact that we will be right there with you slogging through the muck of writers block or twinkling our toes ‘Tinker Bell’ style when you alone control the writing magic of ‘Never Never land’.

Here in our forum you will soon be able to check our Calendar of Events. It is chock full of opportunities to socialize and get support during Write-Ins and Meet-Ups. Soooo, since we value your participation we STRONGLY ENCOURAGE you to come on out and write with us and by strongly encourage we mean, IF YOU DON’T SHOW UP WE’LL BE LOPPING OFF HEADS! LOL Just kidding. ….or are we????

All jokes aside, we are super excited for the adventures about to be launched in the minds of all you Noveling WriMos and we’d consider it our honor to be a part of that. Should you decide that you don’t want to write with us (boo hiss!) or you just can't make it during our scheduled times or places, then feel free to set up your own meet-ups and write-ins and let us know so that we may add them to the Valley calendar. Heck, you never know, we might just drop in for a visit!

So pack your bags people, this is gearing up to be the best NaNo Year ever and if you let it be, it could be the ride of your life!!

ALL ABOARD THE CRAZY TRAIN!!!

Your Conductors, (ahem…Co-MLs,)
LaMishia & Susan

Ps: Your Calendar link can be found here!
http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=b6uvb4v5plvmmb3tk007h5sea0%40gr...

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2006: The Scrapbook - I did it!
2007: Leaving Lucy (working title) - Success!
2008: Undecided, but it might start something like...He was a dark and stormy knight....

United States :: Virginia :: Shenandoah Valley

Shenandoah Valley NaNoDictionary

Susieiz — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:07:44 -0700

Inspired by mike_a who made a NaNoNewbie NaNoFlub in referring to us as NaNoWriMoers instead of Wrimos (Which I was quick to point out that his makes more sense as National Novel Writing Monthers as opposed to Writing Monthers...or does it?...I don't know.)

Anyway...his word choice prompted my response which contained several of my favorite invented NaNo words such as:

NaNoNeeds which can be anything from sleep, chocolate or coffee depending on the occasion.
NaNoBuds which can be friends or beer again depending on the occasion.
NaNoJitters which is what I am feeling right now.
NaNoFrenzy will take over on November 1st.
NaNoFreedom on the 30th.
Finally, NaNoBlues which happens on or about December 1st.

So I thought it would be fun to add your favorite NaNoWords to The Shenandoah Valley NaNoDictionary!

Have fun!

Susan

----------
2006: The Scrapbook - I did it!
2007: Leaving Lucy (working title) - Success!
2008: Undecided, but it might start something like...He was a dark and stormy knight....

United States :: Virginia :: Shenandoah Valley

Halloween Midnight Write-In Anyone?

tweetywill — Tue, 7 Oct 2008 11:29:37 -0700

Howdy!
One of my favorite NaNo traditions is staying up till midnight on Halloween and hammering out a few thousand words at the first possible second. I tried to drum up some interest in such an event last year, but got no takers, so I decided to just stay up at home and write. Wow! That was a mistake! I ended up watching old reruns of "Little House on the Prairie" and getting depressed.

So, this year I have promised myself that I will be out and about writing at midnight, whether anyone else does or not!

I have no preference for location, but someplace in Winchester (or nearby) with free WiFi and affordable munchies would be great! I am thinking the IHOP on Hwy 522 across from the Costco, but I don't know whether or not they have WiFi. There is also a Waffle House just down the street at the intersection of Hwy 522 and 50 that does have WiFi, but I am not positive that they stay open 24 hours...

Any other suggestions? Or is someone already planning something like this? If so, let me know, I will be there.

Many words to all!
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****************************************************************************
Battling the soul-stealing weasels of despair!
Tweetywill

United States :: Virginia :: Shenandoah Valley

Calling All JMU Wrimos?

Susieiz — Tue, 7 Oct 2008 18:17:37 -0700

Hello out there JMU! We are still looking for a POC for Harrisonburg. It would be great if a JMU student could take the reigns. Introduce yourselves here and maybe a couple of you can share the duties or organizing meet-ups and write-ins. We want JMU on our calendar of events!

Your Co-ML Susan

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2006: The Scrapbook - I did it!
2007: Leaving Lucy (working title) - Success!
2008: Undecided, but it might start something like...He was a dark and stormy knight....

United States :: Virginia :: Shenandoah Valley

Charlottesville/Albemarle/Greene/Madison/Louisa/Nelson/Fluvanna Roll Call

runkefer — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:36:16 -0700

If you're in the Charlottesville/Albemarle/Greene/Madison/Louisa/Nelson/Fluvanna area, please announce yourself with:

Your Name and/or NaNoName
Your Hometown and/or where you will be writing from in November
If you want include something about yourself

Also, be sure to check out our blog: http://www.writerhouse.org/blogs/nanowrimo

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United States :: Virginia :: Shenandoah Valley

Update Your NaNoWriMo History/User Settings

Susieiz — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 04:37:49 -0700

Hello returning Wrimos,

I noticed that some of you have not updated your User Settings on your profiles since the change to the new shiny NaNoWriMo site. If you want to show off your NaNoWriMo history, go to:

Your Profile
Edit User Settings
Edit Tab
Author Info
then edit Years Done NaNoWriMo
and Years Won NaNoWriMo
Save!

Now you should have little purple and/or blue medallions under your NaNoWriMo history on your profile page. (Purple=won, Blue=participated)

Have fun and happy noveling!

Your Co-ML Susan
----------
2006: The Scrapbook - I did it!
2007: Leaving Lucy (working title) - Success!
2008: Undecided, but it might start something like...He was a dark and stormy knight....

United States :: Virginia :: Shenandoah Valley

Introducing Your Lexington POC!

Susieiz — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 04:26:54 -0700

LaMishia and I would like to introduce you to yet another Point of Contact (POC) for the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia!

Dressagegirl has courageously volunteered to represent the greater Lexington area. As your POC, dressagegirl will be organizing local meet-ups and write-ins. She will also make sure your local events are posted to the region's Calendar. Our hope is that by having a POC close to home, you will feel more connected to your region and be able to participate in NaNo related activities even though you may be far from the region's headquarters. And now a little bit about your POC: (cue Dating Game theme music)

Dressagegirl has a 16 year history of non-fiction freelance work for area newspapers and literary magazines. She is also no stranger to fiction writing. Although this is only her second year of NaNoWriMo she has been writing fiction since1994. She has participated in fiction writing workshops both online and ...imagine this...in person! Our very own elisgalpal will appreciate this next tidbit: last December dressagegirl won a Jericho fanfic contest and got some neat prizes. She has claimed several writing contest titles over the years including being the state winner for a contest sponsored by Family Circle. Dressagegirl has also been paid for several of her works while writing a variety of stories in urban fantasy, horror, and science fiction. How jealous am I?

We could not be more excited for our Lexington Area Wrimos to have such an experienced writer as your POC! So if you are in the area and would like to introduce yourself to your new POC, this is the place to do it! Post a note to say hello. She will be checking in over the next few days to say hello and get things headed in the right direction.

Happy Noveling!

Your Co-MLs Susan & LaMishia
----------
2006: The Scrapbook - I did it!
2007: Leaving Lucy (working title) - Success!
2008: Undecided, but it might start something like...He was a dark and stormy knight....

United States :: Virginia :: Shenandoah Valley

Introducing Your Waynesboro/Staunton POC

Susieiz — Mon, 6 Oct 2008 20:00:38 -0700

LaMishia and I would like to introduce you to our very first Point of Contact (POC) for the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia!

A Nonny Mouse has courageously volunteered to represent the greater Waynesboro/Staunton area. As your POC, A Nonny Mouse will be organizing local meet-ups and write-ins. She will also make sure your local events are posted to the region's Calendar. Our hope is that by having a POC close to home, you will feel more connected to your region and be able to participate in NaNo related activities even though you may be far from the region's headquarters. And now a little bit about your POC: (cue Dating Game theme music)

A Nonny Mouse discovered NaNoWriMo last year and made a home for herself on the Newbie forums. If you head over there you still might find her lurking about on occasion. But Nonny Mouse is no longer a newbie. This second year Wrimo enjoyed the experience so much last year that she plans to continue NaNoWriMo..."forever!" So don't expect her to go anywhere soon, she is in the for the long haul. A teacher by profession, Nonny Mouse has found a new love in writing and hopes to meet Wrimos in her area that share the same passion.

We could not be more excited for our Southern Shenandoah Valley Wrimos! So if you are in the greater Waynesboro/Staunton area and would like to introduce yourself to your new POC, this is the place to do it! Post a note to say hello. She will be checking in over the next few days to say hello and get things heading in the right direction.

Happy Noveling!

Your Co-MLs Susan & LaMishia

----------
2006: The Scrapbook - I did it!
2007: Leaving Lucy (working title) - Success!
2008: Undecided, but it might start something like...He was a dark and stormy knight....

United States :: Virginia :: Shenandoah Valley

Help Wanted: Shenandoah Valley POCs

Susieiz — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 04:06:52 -0700

Hello Shenandoah Valley Wrimos,

We are looking for at least one special Wrimo to become an official
Point-of-Contact (POC) for the mid to southern area of the Shenandoah
Valley. I am thinking of someone in the Greater Harrisonburg area
including JMU, Bridgewater, Staunton and Waynesboro. If we have enough
interest we might want to consider an additional POC for the
Lexington/Roanoke area as well.

Who we are looking for:
Someone 18 years or older.
It would be great if you have done NaNoWriMo before but not required.
Someone fun and outgoing.
Willingness to meet new people and provide support and encouragement
for your fellow local Wrimos.

What we would like you to do:
Commit to at least one scheduled write-in per week.
You pick the date, time and the location (Borders, Starbucks, Local
Library wherever).
Post a note to the forums to introduce yourself and advertise your
Write-ins.
Monitor your post and say hello to your new friends.

What we will do for you:
Include your Write-ins on the Official Shenandoah Valley Calendar of
Events.
Help advertise your write-ins with forum posts and emails.
Create a post in the forums to brag about you.
Brag to the other regions how we have the best POC in the country.
Shower you with praise, admiration and special NaNoWrimo stickers not
available to just anyone.

Your rewards:
You get to feel special!
If the region ever splits you will be the first person considered for
the ML position.
You will meet new and fantastic people just like you.

If you are interested in this fabulous position, please respond to this
post or send me a NaNoMail. Looking forward to hearing
from you.

Susan
Your Friendly Co-ML
----------
2006: The Scrapbook - I did it!
2007: Leaving Lucy (working title) - Success!
2008: Undecided, but it might start something like...He was a dark and stormy knight....

United States :: Virginia :: Shenandoah Valley

Introducing Your Charlottesville POC!

Susieiz — Mon, 6 Oct 2008 20:32:24 -0700

LaMishia and I would like to introduce yet another Point of Contact (POC) for the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia!

Runkefer has courageously volunteered to represent the greater Charlottesville area. As your POC, Runkefer will be organizing local meet-ups and write-ins. She will also make sure your local events are posted to the region's Calendar. Our hope is that by having a POC close to home, you will feel more connected to your region and be able to participate in NaNo related activities even though you may be far from the region's headquarters. And now a little bit about your POC: (cue Dating Game theme music)

Although Runkefer is a first year NaNoWriMo participant, she is no stranger to the writing process. As we speak, she is focusing all her efforts on completing the second draft of her current novel before the craziness of NaNoWriMo hits in November. Runkefer is a long time resident of Charlottesville and co-founder the nonprofit writing center, WriterHouse, a place that she hopes to offer to her C-ville Wrimos as a place to call home.

We could not be more excited for Charlottesville Wrimos! Between Runkefer and A Nonny Mouse we hope that your NaNoNeeds will be met. We also hope that you feel welcome here in the Shenandoah Valley Region. Stay as long as you like! So if you are in the greater Charlottesville area and would like to introduce yourself to your new POC, this is the place to do it! Post a note to say hello. She will be checking in over the next few days to say hello and get things headed in the right direction.

Happy Noveling!

Your Co-MLs Susan & LaMishia

----------
2006: The Scrapbook - I did it!
2007: Leaving Lucy (working title) - Success!
2008: Undecided, but it might start something like...He was a dark and stormy knight....

United States :: Virginia :: Shenandoah Valley

Twitter for Charlottesville

runkefer — Wed, 8 Oct 2008 10:40:11 -0700

I've set up a Twitter account, so if you're into that sort of thing, follow this:

CvilleNaNoWriMo

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United States :: Virginia :: Shenandoah Valley

WHO LOVES MUSIC AS INSPIRATION???

thelonephotographer — Tue, 7 Oct 2008 16:45:50 -0700

well ladies and gents,

i think i might have stepped in it this time but i am a HUGE music lover and because no one had stepped up to take the reigns of CD Swap this year, I volunteered! lol i will be organizing the cd exchange this year where you get 3 random buddies to exchange your nano music soundtrack with.

So if you love hearing new music and get at all inspired like i do by hearing new kinds etc....or write scenes from a particular feeling you get from a song, then join the CD swap this year.

You can find the info here: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/3018236

see you over there music fans!

LaMishia
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-MASTER NOVELIST IN DISGUISE-
www.thelonephotographer.com
2007- "Not on My Watch" (Winner!)
2008- "Lessons Learned" (a work in progress come November!)

United States :: Virginia :: Shenandoah Valley

Charlottesville Scheduling

runkefer — Tue, 7 Oct 2008 12:38:43 -0700

Apart from any other organized write-ins we want to schedule for Charlottesville, all NaNoWriMo participants are welcome to use the WriterHouse space during the regular member open hours during the month of November. That schedule is:

Monday & Wednesday 6-9pm
Tuesday & Thursday 10am-2pm
Saturday & Sunday 2pm-5pm

Just identify yourself to the person working at the desk and they'll show you which rooms you can use to write.

508 Dale Avenue, behind the Preston Avenue Bodo's

Please post here any other ideas you have about write-ins or other gatherings.
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United States :: Virginia :: Shenandoah Valley

Get Your Halo Today!

Susieiz — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 16:09:35 -0700

From: KEEPING THE CANDLE LIT
By Emily Bristow

"National Novel Writing Month introduces thousands to the thrill of authoring the great frantic novel, and in the process it changes lives. A 13-year-old discovers that writing can actually be fun. A 60-year-old woman finishes her "someday" novel. A shy and lonely person finds a place where he belongs. Hearts beat faster—and soar as newly minted novelists cross the finish line. It’s an amazing experience for all of us, with its caffeine overdoses, night sweats, and the opportunity to lay ourselves bare in the company of total strangers."

I could not have described the NaNoWriMo experience better. Each year NaNoWriMo offers us a unique opportunity to meet new people, push ourselves to the limits and experience the "writing life" firsthand. One of the best features about it is that we can experience all of this free of charge. Unfortunately, it is quite costly to keep this program up and running and since NaNoWriMo is largely funded by participant donations and merchandise purchases it is important that all of us try to give a little back.

As an ML, I am asked to ask you to give back to NaNoWriMo. Last year only 5.42% of all participants donated to the cause. This year we would like to double that in honor of our tenth anniversary. We consider all of our writers in the Shenandoah Valley to be angels and for a small donation to the Office of Light and Letters you can show it to the world. Anyone who donates $10.00 or more to the Office of Letters and Light will have a stylish halo displayed on their profile and in the forums.

For your halo, visit NaNoWriMo’s Donation Station, or, if you’re short on change, check out the Donating When You're Broke page. Every little bit helps the Office of Letters and Light continue to make noveling dreams come true!

Thank you to all!

Your Co-ML Susan
----------
2006: The Scrapbook - I did it!
2007: Leaving Lucy (working title) - Success!
2008: Undecided, but it might start something like...He was a dark and stormy knight....