United States :: California :: Riverside County

Getting to Know You

kalindria — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 05:26:46 +0000

Just a little thread where we can introduce ourselves, our novels, and share pertinent or not-so-pertinent information.

I'm Diann, your ML and this will be my 5th NaNo. I've won them all. I even like all my novels.

I've written 2 fantasy (in a series that has at least one more book), one chick lit, and one murder mystery. I'd like to try another mystery but I haven't formulated a plot yet. I often don't until a day or two prior to November. Ask me about it at the kick-off.

I have a crazy job in marketing (where I write a lot of not-so-creative stuff), a great boyfriend who has a terrific idea for a novel but never actually gets too far on it, a lovely curly-coated retriever and I am a volunteer teaching creative writing to middle school kids in an after school program.

I will drink too much coffee and do very little laundry or housekeeping during November. Promise.

I look forward to learning whatever you'd like to share about yourselves.

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Diann
NaNo Winner: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
ScriptFrenzy Winner: 2007, 2009
ScriptFrenzy Participant: 2008

United States :: California :: Riverside County

Thanks Kalindria and Cooper3

Dannigrrl — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:40:15 +0000

Thank you for everything you guys have been doing to keep us well informed and motivated. It's a lot more work than most people realize. We appreciate all that you do. You guys rock!
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As imagination bodies forth the forms of things unknown, the poet's pen turns them to shapes and gives airy nothing a local habitation and a name.
- A Mid-Summer Night's Dream

United States :: California :: Riverside County

Riverside Write-Ins

vandonovan — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:24:28 +0000

Hey folks! Like the last two years, the Riverside write-ins will be held at the Coffee Depot by the Riverside Plaza. This coffee shop has ample seating, free wifi and a really great vibe. Our meetings this year will be held on Tuesdays, but we're likely to have a Sunday gathering as well, which I will post about here if details get ironed out more.

Where: Riverside Plaza Coffee Depot (Map here: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Coffee+Depot+3540+River... )
(It's located almost directly opposite the Borders. You'll probably have to park in the big lot and walk over, but it's not far)
When: Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00pm, or whenever you need to leave!
(Note: some people may be arriving as early as 6-6:30p, so if you plan to come early, post so you can meet up with other Nanoers)

There is a couch and a couple of tables on the right-hand side of the store that we usually "take over" so if you're new, check that area out first. I'll try to remember to bring a sign, etc. Our first meeting should be November 3rd.

We also tend to throw a "Finishing Day" party which runs until midnight on the 30th.
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United States :: California :: Riverside County

Last Line Written

kalindria — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:19:37 +0000

This one's simple: just post the last line you wrote today. You can include a short explanation if you like, but it is definitely not a requirement.

I'm writing for a while longer tonight, but here's the last (two) lines I wrote:

“So, we question Jenny, then the boyfriend – if there is one – and the date if there isn’t, and hopefully after that we’ll know a lot more about how Chloe managed to wind up in the tower after the big dance. You ready?”

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Diann
NaNo Winner: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
ScriptFrenzy Winner: 2007, 2009
ScriptFrenzy Participant: 2008

United States :: California :: Riverside County

Temecula/Murrieta Write-Ins

kalindria — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:01:17 +0000

This is the thread for all Temecula, Murrieta, maybe even Lake Elsinore, Wildomar and surrounding areas. We can discuss write-ins and anything else you'd like here.

Anybody interested in getting together on November 1st?

Let me know. I'm eager to get started! I finally have my plot and am busily plotting!!
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Diann
NaNo Winner: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
ScriptFrenzy Winner: 2007, 2009
ScriptFrenzy Participant: 2008

United States :: California :: Riverside County

TGIO (Thank God It's Over) Party

kalindria — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:43:02 +0000

By general consensus, we'll once again be having our TGIO party at Tom's Farms.

Saturday, Dec. 5th
2 pm to whenever
Tom's Farms
www.tomsfarms.com

23900 Temescal Canyon Rd
Corona, CA 92883-7668
(951) 277-4422

We will be at Senor Tom's on the outside patio. Whoever arrives first should grab a couple tables together as there will likely be a lot of us.

I believe Senor Tom's is the second driveway once you exit the freeway. There are a lot of us these days so don't be shy about arranging carpools. Riverside writers are green! (or not.)

See You There!
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Diann
NaNo Winner: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
ScriptFrenzy Winner: 2007, 2009
ScriptFrenzy Participant: 2008

United States :: California :: Riverside County

How's It Going? Gripe, Cry, Brag, or Just Ask Questions Here!!

kalindria — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:32:59 +0000

This is the place! Check in with your fellow WriMos and let us know how you're doing. Brag about an awesome paragraph you just finished or a word goal you surpassed.

Or moan and groan about your stupid, stubborn characters and how they never follow your directions!

For my part, the word count is climbing, slower than I'd like but progress is progress. I'm waiting for that feeling of fun though. So far, it's not as much crazy, exhilarating exuberance as I remember. Maybe tonight... Or maybe I just need a write-in.

How are YOU doing??
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Diann
NaNo Winner: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
ScriptFrenzy Winner: 2007, 2009
ScriptFrenzy Participant: 2008

United States :: California :: Riverside County

Regional Word Wars!

kalindria — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:20:32 +0000

I had a conversation at our kick-off about a regional word war. In October I reached out to Melbourne Australia as they have about the same number of participants we do but I never heard back. So last night, after someone asked if we were doing this, I emailed two regions with around 550 members which is what we have.

I heard back from the New York: Albany region. Their ML is agreeable and is going to speak to the participants at their kick-off today. Their idea was a one day word count war - our regions would agree on a date and whoever posted the most words on that date would win. I was thinking of a month-long competition for most total words, but either would work for me.

Word wars are fun because you get to visit other regions forums, post a little smack talk on their boards, read what they've written on ours, and possibly have a little extra impetus for your own writing.

I also emailed another region late last night but have yet to hear back. I will keep you all posted.

OK, time for me to do some writing of my own. I didn't get up early just to update the forums!!
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Diann
NaNo Winner: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
ScriptFrenzy Winner: 2007, 2009
ScriptFrenzy Participant: 2008

United States :: California :: Riverside County

Corona Write-Ins

JFletcher — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:56:32 +0000

11/7 6 AM - 8 AM

It's A Grind Coffee House

3833 Bedford Canyon Rd.
Corona, CA 92883
(951) 520-0566

Hi All,

For anyone else who is an early bird, feel free to meet up for coffee and some quality Nano time on Saturday morning. Show up anytime and leave whenever you like. Just think we could kick out our daily count before 8 AM and still have all day to write more!

Hope to see you there.
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Good Luck All!
Janette Fletcher
Writing itself is an act of faith, and nothing else. EB White

United States :: California :: Riverside County

Redlands Write-Ins

Cooper3 — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:03:02 +0000

A month from now and we are on our way to start another year of Nanowrimo. I’m looking forward to it. I have ten chapters already outlined, remodeling my bedroom for that tiny bit of comfort for the long month of word crunching, and I’m trying to come up with travel plans for Night of Writing Dangerously, depending on raising the $200 commission and parental permissions (long story). It is also my first year as a C-Municipal Liaison and I’m really excited about it.

The writing location, for those who live in the Redlands/Loma Linda/Mountains area, it will be at Stell’s Coffee and Tea Company off Alabama and Barton. Here is the address:

Stell Coffee & Tea Co
1580 Barton Rd
Redlands CA
United States

They have great food and enough tables for a group up to ten people. You will have to let me know if you are coming so I can adjust the seating arrangements. The days to have it is going to be tricky for me. If I get a job at Bear Mountain, and I could get it next Tuesday, then I have to limit it to one day a week. Wednesday mornings and evenings work best because I have one class on that day. I can add other write-ins but that will be rare, probably Sunday. More write-ins will be available on the fourth week. A write-in at my parent’s bed and breakfast is a long shot.

Let me know if that works for you.

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United States :: California :: Riverside County

General Information and Answers

kalindria — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 22:51:11 +0000

Got questions? Need information, answers or input? You're in the right place. Now, you could send Landon or me a private message, but trust me, if you have a question, 12 other people probably have the same question.

Here's the answer I sent to one inquiring person today:

The write-ins during November are just people getting together and writing - mostly typing. There may be some brief visiting and comparing progress, but it's all business. These write-ins typically have 2 to 6 people.

We ALSO have write-ins/writing group meetings before NaNo where we have short presentation on a writing book (usually by me), a writing exercise and discussions. These write-ins typically have 10 to 15 people. People often offer to carpool which might be a good solution for you. And even if you don't attend the pre-November write-ins, try to make it to the Kick-Off Party. That's a blast.

Since November is a time for writing and making sure you get your 50K done, we encourage people to attend or set up write-ins in their area. This is my 4th year as ML so the folks down here know we'll go to the same places. The people in Riverside come and go but my co-ML, Landon is based near Redlands so he'll be organizing write-ins near him. There may be some folks closer to you who'd like to get together too.

As people post their info on the forums, we'll see who's near you and perhaps you can hook up with them for a write-in.

Also, write-ins are not necessary, just fun. My first year, we had no ML and when I got tired of writing on my own, I decided to have a write-in at my local coffee shop and one person showed up. If you decide to go that route, just send Landon or me the info and we can add your event to the regional calendar.

Thanks for writing. I hope I didn't overwhelm you.

diann

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Diann
NaNo Winner: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
ScriptFrenzy Winner: 2007, 2009
ScriptFrenzy Participant: 2008

United States :: California :: Riverside County

Pomona Valley Write-Ins

Writerfangirl — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:52:11 +0000

Hey there!

Continuing from last year, writers in Pomona Valley will be meeting at CK Cafe, in Claremont, on Saturday and Sunday, starting with Sunday, November 1st. The time will be based on what time people will want to meet. If you want to come, please post the time that is best available for you. I'm thinking 1 or 2PM, but we could do earlier or later. Writing tends to go all day.

CK Cafe is the best cafe I have ever been to. They have free wifi, comfy seats, and SOOO many drinks to choose from. Their assortment of tea is unprecedented. All of their tea is found in glass jars on the front counter. On Saturdays and Sundays, the indoor portion of the cafe is a quiet place and perfect for working.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/ck-cafe-claremont

CK Cafe is a bit of a hole in the wall. You can access the cafe through the patio by the parking lot or you can cut through the hallway where the bathroom is at The Danson/Espiaus.

If you are in Claremont, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Montclair, Chino, Upland, or any other surrounding city, we would love for you to join us at the Pomona Valley Write-Ins!

See you at the Write-In!
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icon by lyn_thorne @ livejournal.com

United States :: California :: Riverside County

Hemet, Perris, San Jacinto, Sun City

Lady Wolf — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:53:44 +0000

Any possibility of having a write-in in that general area? Please post if you have an interest. Thanks!
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My novel is guarded by Julio Nakamura, The Remedial Ninja... but he really wants to act

United States :: California :: Riverside County

1/10th finished!

FairyEyez — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:01:35 +0000

I know it's still technically behind the daily goal, but since I started two days late I'm ecstatic to have passed 5k!

Just hoping I don't get distracted like last year and suddenly get behind.. lol. Must Write Every Day!

On an almost similar note. One of my char's is kinda inspired by Fran Kranz (Topher on Dollhouse) and he's responded to me on twitter about the char like 3 times, lol. It makes me squeel for a bit.. get terribly distracted and then suddenly write a lot.. a flawed but effective system...
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When you listen to the world around you- anything is possible.

United States :: California :: Riverside County

Palm Springs/desert writers?

runolan — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 03:13:40 +0000

Are there any other writers in the Palm Springs-desert area? If so, it would be fun to connect. I'll be writing in my first NaNo starting...in a few hours!
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United States :: California :: Riverside County

Kick-Off Party / Log In Here to Find Buddies

kalindria — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:50:39 +0000

Hi all! At today's kick-off party I promised to create a thread for us all to log in and let everyone know our NaNo names. So, this is me, Diann. Please feel free to add me as a buddy (only if you want to.) I try to stay slightly ahead of the word count curve so if you need someone to pace you, I'm probably a good choice.

And if you need to contact me for a pep talk or a swift kick in the rear, just let me know. It's easier for me if you EMAIL me because I am able to check email from work but I cannot access my NaNo mail at work - so uncool, but they pay me to be there, so I can't complain too much. Email: kalindria at gmail.com - remove the spaces and use the @ symbol instead of spelling it out.

The kick-off was fun. Great food. Thanks everyone for coming and sharing your questions and insights. For those who couldn't make it, attendees received stickers, plot ninjas, dares, stress balls and some even got temporary tattoos!!

We're making a special effort this year to raise money through donations for NaNoWriMo. If you host a write-in, please ask for donations. You can send them in to HQ yourself (just note that it's from Riverside County region) or give it to me and I will send it in with what I collect. I have two posters from past years - one from Script Frenzy and one for NaNoWriMo - that I will be auctioning off to raise money too - maybe at the TGIO party. If you're interested, let me know.

Landon (co-ML) and I are available to help you and answer any questions - I urge you to ask them here in the forums so everyone can benefit. We have a LOT of newbies this year and our goal is to help you ALL reach 50K in the next 30 days!!

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Diann
NaNo Winner: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
ScriptFrenzy Winner: 2007, 2009
ScriptFrenzy Participant: 2008

United States :: California :: Riverside County

eltree from Banning

eltree — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:52:25 +0000

Hopefully, some of you happy people who live near Banning would like to have a write-in closer to me. I think we discussed Moreno Valley, and I'm open for it! Let me know and we'll set one up and see how it goes.
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United States :: California :: Riverside County

Second time doing NaNo

3AM — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:13:33 +0000

My first NaNo was in 2008, and I won at nearly exactly 50k words. I'm still struggling to figure out how to revise that novel. I also wrote one more this year, a fantasy novel at 88k words, that I know I'm going to have to heavily revise (read: cut out the first ~40k).

This year for NaNo, I'm determined to write something that's publishable length, so I'm aiming for 75k words. That'll give me a novel that's just a hair on the short side, but definitely sellable. I'm going for something new to me, a novel that's part mystery and part mainstream. Not really sure where it'll end up.

Good luck, everybody. Remember, no plot, no problem!
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United States :: California :: Riverside County

Donation Derby!

kalindria — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:35:08 +0000

From Lindsey Grant of the Office of Letters & Light:
Check out the new menu item under Fun Stuff. It’s the Donation Derby! All NaNo regions have been grouped into six teams—the fiercest animals we could conjure—to determine who will reign supreme as the top-donating NaNoWriMo chapter.

For your donation to count toward your region’s final total, you need to be homed to that region. You can find out how to home in the NaNoWriMo FAQs - check out the home page for more.

~*~

This is a great idea. I did a little research late last night and we are part of Team One! Go team, go!!

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Diann
NaNo Winner: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
ScriptFrenzy Winner: 2007, 2009
ScriptFrenzy Participant: 2008

United States :: California :: Riverside County

I'm SO Excited!

kalindria — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:58:33 +0000

Here we are, one day before November and I'm packing up things for the kick-off. I hope to see all of your wonderful people there - I know I won't but you'll be in my thoughts.

As we tick closer to midnight and the official start of madness, I just wanted you to know what a wonderful, freeing adventure we are all embarking on. I wish you much luck, many plot twists, great characters, and bountiful words. To 50K and beyond!!
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Diann
NaNo Winner: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
ScriptFrenzy Winner: 2007, 2009
ScriptFrenzy Participant: 2008

United States :: California :: Riverside County

Hello everyone!

smileitsashley — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:28:10 +0000

My name is Ashley, I am 18 and recently graduated high school. I am attending college to major in criminal justice and minor in paralegal studies. I want to become a domestic relations lawyer who specializes in custody and divorce. Messy, I know. This is my 2nd year doing NaNo but I gave up in my first year, so I'm hoping to find some inspiration along the way to keep me going. Not quite sure what I want to write about yet but I have some ideas. I'm not used to writing novels. I normally write poetry so this may be a challenge. My poetry has been published a few times, so I'm hoping to add this to my list of accomplishments. I look forward to a great month.

Bless all of you,

Ashley
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United States :: California :: Riverside County

Need an extremely cheap backup system? Get Dropbox!!!

Cooper3 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:22:07 +0000

http://www.getdropbox.com/

I'm not kidding, that is their address. Anyways it is a super backup system of having a single file synced between your computer and the online server. You get 1GB of space for free and some ways to get another GB of space. Works on all three systems (Mac, Windows, Linux) and the sync is instantaneous. I recommend it to all of you if you have a computer you cant trust to crash or have multiple systems synced all at once. If that is confusing, check out the video:

https://www.getdropbox.com/tour

SPREAD THE WORD!!!!!
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United States :: California :: Riverside County

Rate Your Title

kalindria — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:37:12 +0000

http://www.lulu.com/titlescorer/index.php

A fun little app that rates your title's chances of becoming a best seller. Obviously, there are many more factors to consider but this is fun when you're considering various names for your work-in-progress.
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Diann
NaNo Winner: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
ScriptFrenzy Winner: 2007, 2009
ScriptFrenzy Participant: 2008

United States :: California :: Riverside County

Writing Contest

kalindria — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:49:33 +0000

Monday, October 12, 2009
The 3rd Sort-of-Annual Stupendously Ultimate First Paragraph Challenge
Fun fact: The person who thought of the last contest we had (Be an Agent for a Day), is now a client of mine: hello Jim Duncan! Also, the person who won the contest before that (The 2nd Semi-Annual Stupendously Ultimate First Paragraph Challenge), is also now a client: hello Natalie Whipple!

We've also had three finalists, Stuart Neville, Terry DeHart, and Victoria Schwab go on to be published/soon-to-be-published authors respectively.

In other words: NO PRESSURE.

(Bonus fun fact: I didn't actually call the inaugural first paragraph challenge "stupendously ultimate," it was actually "largely indispensable," which throws into doubt whether this could properly be called the "third sort-of-annual." We'll just agree to forget that part, hmm?)

Now then!

It is time. Time to test your paragraph against... other first paragraphs. Time to see if your sentences can wage successful word combat in order to defeat other sentences and emerge victorious on a field of battle.

Oh, and there are prizes.

Here's the link: http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2009/10/3rd-sort-of-annual-stupendously....
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Diann
NaNo Winner: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
ScriptFrenzy Winner: 2007, 2009
ScriptFrenzy Participant: 2008

United States :: California :: Riverside County

Need a critique

Cooper3 — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:22:20 +0000

I just finished editing the first sox chapters of last years Nano and now gathering note from friends of mine. Anybody care to read them for me? I need some fresh eyes on my WIP. It's rated mature. Care to help an aspiring novelist?
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