Well done to everyone who won this year, and well done to everyone who didn't!
As I mentioned in the email and at the write-in last week, this will be my last year as ML for now. I've had a good run of four years, but I fancy putting a bit more effort, thought and planning into my next novel than I've done previously. Plus Starbucks aren't keen on us coming back for write-ins, so whoever takes over will need to find a new location. Basically I'm leaving that problem to someone else!
(John, the other ML for our area, has said he might take a break from NaNoWriMo next year. He doesn't have to decide till August or so, but that means both slots might be up for grabs.)
Anyone who fancies taking over from me should have a look at the requirements: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/1003232
Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about what's involved. I don't have much advice. One thing I've learnt is that although it's nice to give people a choice about when to have events, it takes a while to organise things that way - and a good general rule is that the sooner you set the date and time for an event the more people will come. Another thing I'd suggest is when contacting pubs, cafes, etc, to not bother trying to explain the concept of NaNoWriMo - just say "We're a writing club." That's about the extent of what I've learnt! It's worth mentioning too that if you become an ML you'll get access to the special ML forum where you'll be able to get loads of advice on everything if you sign up (as well as getting to hear the latest inside gossip).
One benefit of being the ML is that you get to arrange things you way you like them. Another is that you'll get to meet lots of great people, just like I have! Thanks to everyone who's made it a relatively easy job for me!
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Theaker's Quarterly Fiction #23
50,644 / 50,000
Dec 3, 2007 - 04 33
I'm surprised to see that no one has replied to this. Guess it's not something that people want to do. But I'd be interested in being an ML if you are handing over the torch. I've had a look at the link that you've posted and other than arranging a new venue for the write-ins it all seems like something that I can do....not that I can't arrange a new venue that is...oops came out wrong. So what do I need to do now?
26,700 / 50,000
Dec 3, 2007 - 05 48
Well, it's been up less than 24 hours and most people are catching up with the real life they put on hold. Give them time.
27,001 / 50,000
Dec 3, 2007 - 16 35
I'm not sure what I'm doing next year yet - I might be on a crazily intense programme that eats up all my time and it's possibly I may not even be in Birmingham - but otherwise I'd love to. Which doesn't help now of course, but I'd know before the time John needs to make up his mind....
50,069 / 50,000
Dec 4, 2007 - 13 21
Hi,
As Stephen suggested, I won't be doing the ML thing next year. I've yet to decide whether to take part in nanowrimo next year, so I think it's only fair to let somebody more committed take over. Best of luck to whoever decides to take on the role(s)!
John.
50,307 / 50,000
Dec 9, 2007 - 13 28
Thanks for all the help you've given me, John - both this year and for the last couple before you were an ML!
Anyone who wants to take over should just follow the instructions on the page I linked to with regard to contacting Erin. We don't have any official role in anointing successors, although I'll be happy to send Erin an endorsement of anyone who's been to any of the meet-ups.