United States :: Arkansas

November Is Coming!

shiningstar5 — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 06:19:13 -0700

The excitement in the posts about NaNoWriMo is contagious, and though I didn't finish last year due to a family illness situation, I hope to write 50,000 words this year! Just wondering if there are those in the Hot Springs AR area who would be interested in forming a support group, having write-ins, etc.
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United States :: Arkansas

Looking For New and Old Writers in the Ft. Smith Area

shay85 — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:30:52 -0700

Attention NaNoWriMo newbies (and oldies)!

I just wanted to remind everyone about our writing group.

We meet every Tuesday night at the Sweet Bay Coffee Shop on Rogers Ave in Ft. Smith. (NOT the one by the park) We start around 6 pm and stay till closing. Everyone interested in writing or NaNoWriMo is welcome to join us.

We will be having the Ft. Smith/Van Buren/Alma write-ins here on Tuesday nights in the Study. (the room with the fireplace) I look forward to meeting all the local NaNoWriMos.
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United States :: Arkansas

Fort Smith and Surrounding Areas Shout Out

shay85 — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:42:06 -0700

I just wanted to let everyone in this area know I'm MLing again in the Ft. Smith/Van Buren/Alma area again.

Our little group had so much fun last year, we decided to keep meeting every week. Anyone interested in writing or NaNoWriMo is welcome to attend. We meet every Tuesday around 6 pm at the SweetBay Coffee Shop on Rogers Ave. in Ft. Smith. (NOT THE ONE BY THE PARK) If you need directions please PM or email me at cricketshay at gmail dot com.

We are a diverse group of writers who discuss a wide range of topics. We do timed writing exercises and talk about our own writing projects.

How else is looking forward to November?
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United States :: Arkansas

Conway 2008

kariliv — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:28:02 -0700

So who is planning on Nanoing this year? It seems like prep starts earlier and earlier every year. I've already been contacted by a reporter from the Arkansas Democrat Gazette and I would like to put him in touch with some central Arkansas participants. If you don't have any problem being in the paper, let me know. If you've actually sold your Nano work (*coughshalyacough*), this might be a good way to promote your book. I didn't win Nano last year, but I sold mine (my first sale!) and I know I need all the sales help I can get.
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Kari
Municipal Liaison,
Conway, Arkansas

United States :: Arkansas

NaNo Group in Northeast AR for NaNo 2008?

AstronomyLover07 — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:14:16 -0700

So, last year was my first year, and did it without the fun of a regional group..=(
I think it would be awesome if there could be a group for this year's NaNo up here in Northeast Arkansas. Anyone else interested? =D
Granted I wouldn't want to /run/ it, but I would be willing to help out.
Ideas? Comments?
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~Anna
NaNo Novel 2007:
A work in the Key of Fantasy WON!
Adopted: Kore-of-Myth (You can do it! xD)

United States :: Arkansas

Sold.

Shayla Kersten — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 11:59:04 -0800

Last night, I received an email from my editor at Ellora's Cave with a contract offer on my 2007 NaNoWriMo novel, Past Lies. *insert Snoopy dance here*

Thanks for the encouragement in November! Happy writing to all!

Hugs,
Shayla
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Shayla Kersten
www.shaylakersten.com
Past Lies (2007 NaNo Novel), Ellora's Cave, Available now
Longing For Eternity, Ellora's Cave, Available July 2nd
A Helping Hand, Ellora's Cave, Available Aug 27th
Keket's Curse, Kensington Aphrodisia, Jan 2009

United States :: Arkansas

first timer in polk county

novelnovel — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:45:07 -0700

So, we're really going to do this! I read the book two weeks ago. I immediately decided I was meant to participate. I have completed a small about of prep work and yet I remain committed. (and may be committed before this is over) What are the odds that I can find other participants in Polk County or Sevier County? Well, anyone?
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United States :: Arkansas

Fort Smith and Surrounding Areas TGIO Party

riverchic1998 — Sat, 8 Dec 2007 08:31:24 -0800

Hello everyone! It's Laura, one of the Co-ML's for the Fort Smith region.

Thank goodness for text messaging and livejournal, because that's how our TGIO (Thank God It's Over) party has been planned between Shay and me. (My lovely Co-ML is doing wonderful and the surgery went fine. Thanks for the well-wishes!)

Here's the plan:

TGIO Party Tuesday December 11, 2007!
Sweet Bay on Rogers (the one across from Lowes, and between Taco Bell and Geno's Pizza)
I reserved the room for 6:00-8:00 with Heather. The actual party won't start until 6:30. Everyone get tthat? I need those 30 minutes to set up the goodies and stuff, so shoo!

Everyone is welcome to come. Even if you've never made a meeting before, come anyway! Bring pens, pencils, paper, and laptops, because we'll be writing with Shay's Box-O-Doom.

If you've already been to our meetings through NaNo or part of our new livejournal group, I'm assuming that you'll be at the party. If you haven't come to the meetings, then I need to know by Monday night if you'll be there, so I can get the goodies for enough people.

It was a great year, guys. Thanks!!!

Laura

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~Laura
NaNo Winner 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
NaNo Writer 2008
Fort Smith ML

United States :: Arkansas

Congrats!

Plaid Phantom — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 22:58:21 -0800

Well, I didn't make it, but I can certainly congratulate those who did. So:

Congratulations!

Glancing around, I see a number of purple bars and blue bars, too. Either way, you shot for an insane goal and worked for it. Like I once heard someone say, shoot for the moon: even if you miss, you'll land among the stars. Of course, without the moon you're more or less stuck in deep space with probably no usable way to turn around while you gradually run out of air and food, suffocating in the uncaring void of deep space.

I think that metaphor got away from me.

Still, this was a lot of fun and here's to next year! And next month! And year after next! And the time in between!
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Insert witty comment here.

United States :: Arkansas

31 Things I Wish I'd Known Before I Became a Writer!

Shayla Kersten — Sat, 1 Dec 2007 04:58:43 -0800

Rose's Colored Glasses, a writer's resource group I'm associated with, has posted their December newsletter. Every year we do a December calendar and give a tidbit of advice for each day of the month. This year is 31 Things I Wish I'd Known... Check us out at www.rosescoloredglasses.com and click on the newsletter link!

Shayla
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Shayla Kersten
www.shaylakersten.com
Past Lies (2007 NaNo Novel), Ellora's Cave, Available now
Longing For Eternity, Ellora's Cave, Available July 2nd
A Helping Hand, Ellora's Cave, Available Aug 27th
Keket's Curse, Kensington Aphrodisia, Jan 2009

United States :: Arkansas

Conway TGIO Party

My Muse — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 15:57:02 -0800

What is the word on a TGIO party for Conway? I haven't been to a write in for a while and wondering if there was a plan.
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United States :: Arkansas

PLEASE HELP! URGENT!

novelnovel — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 19:57:26 -0800

Have reached 60k+. Am having trouble copying and pasting. Actually the problem lies in the copying. My novel is in microsoft works word processer. Any suggestions?
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United States :: Arkansas

It's crunch time today! You can do it!

plaidearthworm — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 07:58:21 -0800

For everyone who's still working toward that finish line: you can do it! Keep going! It doesn't matter if your characters suddenly change, or if the chapter doesn't make sense. There's always the rewrite to take care of those small or large plot holes. Right now, you're on your way to finish a novel, a real novel, one that you can wave under the nose of everyone you know. Bragging rights are almost yours, so keep going!

And if you know there's no way you will hit 50K, go for the next milestone. Try to hit 40K, or 30K, or, if you've had a really rough month, shoot for 10K. Everyone will still cheer for you because you are a working novelist. Plus, you'll have inside experience on how to hit that 50K goal next year. Don't give up! During my first year at Nano, I wrote 30,000 words the final week. In the years since, I've always crunched on the final day to hit 50K. This is the first year I finished before dusk fell on Nov. 30, so experience does pay off.

Need some encouragement? The ES Nano chat room will be open through chatzy at the usual time, 4-6, today. Keep writing, because you're almost there!

Beth
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**********************************
ML-Eureka Springs, Arkansas

United States :: Arkansas

ATTENTION FT. SMITH and SURROUNDING AREAS November 27th Write-In

shay85 — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 13:49:37 -0800

Hey guys, I'm not going to be able to make tonight's scheduled write-in. (for the first time all month. hehehhehe)

I'm not feeling all that well and you all know about my upcoming surgery. I'm sure Amber and Stacey will be present, or my fabulous co-ML, Laura, and they will keep everyone focused on their novels.

*hands over her ho boots and whip*

I'm not quite sure when our wrap up party will be scheduled. I'm due for surgery on the 5th of December and would like to have the party after this date. I might need some help financing the festivities and would love input about how we should celebrate our greatness. You guys are all wonderful.

GO SARA for finishing her 50 K!!!!

I'm so proud of everyone in our little group. You guys are made of awesome and make being a ML a joy. You accept my silliness and inspire me to continue when I feel like throwing in the towel.

*BIG GROUP HUG*

I'm going to try to be online and signed on to yahoo tonight so I can at least be present virtually. My screen name is shay_885.

We've had a great months guys! Friendships were forged and alliances cemented. I hope we can all remain in contact and continue our Tuesday night meetings.I think you are all extremely creative and talented people. I am honored to have you in my life.

In closing, I'd appreciate it if you remembered me in your prayers, thoughts, ect on December 5th.

*MORE HUGS*
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United States :: Arkansas

Hey Fort Smith People

Apprentice1 — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 15:18:12 -0800

How is it coming? Me, not too good. I have some good moments though but most of it needs A LOT of work and I am no where near reaching word count.

I wanted to let everyone know that I created a live journal and everyone is invited to be my friend. Here is the link.

http://apprentice10.livejournal.com/
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United States :: Arkansas

Are you stuck?

plaidearthworm — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 13:46:52 -0800

Often, characters don't do what you want them to do, or the book you're writing isn't the book you wanted to write. If, like me, you're behind, that 50K finish line seems impossibly far away. For those who are on time with their word counts and everything's going just dandy, congrats! But for everyone else, if you're stuck, let us know. Sometimes someone else has a great idea you can use, or just reading the posts might spark a notion in your head. If those 1,667 words a day are getting hard to type, share your pain!

For me, the two main characters that are supposed to be friends absolutely refuse to bond. So I've gone back to the beginning and wrote a prologue to spur things on. How are you getting--or not getting--through?

Keep writing,
Beth
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**********************************
ML-Eureka Springs, Arkansas

United States :: Arkansas

The Word Count Scoreboard is back!

Anshin — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:15:15 -0800

Hey guys, if you missed the announcement on the front page, the Word Count Scoreboard is up now! And we're currently ranked #77, right behind a couple of New Jersey regions. Come on, guys! Can we up our standing? Can we make #75 before the weekend is out? Let's get writing, guys! *waves pompoms*
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ML for Russellville, AR
"I am a writer! Hear me vociferate!"
(A proud member of Thesauraholics Anonymous.)

United States :: Arkansas

Thanksgiving week--Eureka Springs events

plaidearthworm — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 17:57:43 -0800

Just a heads up, due to the holiday coming up on Thursday, the Eureka Springs wrimos won't have a write-in or online chat this week, but we'll be back for next week! If you get some spare time over the weekend, pump up those word counts; I know I will!

Beth
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**********************************
ML-Eureka Springs, Arkansas

United States :: Arkansas

LR Meet up-Sat, Nov 17th, Barnes & Noble in West Little Rock

Shayla Kersten — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 06:20:05 -0800

I'll be at the Barnes & Noble in West Little Rock on Saturday, November 17th, at 2:30 with a couple other Wrimos. Any one is welcome to join for brainstorming, writing, lessons in character torture, flogging for word count, etc.

United States :: Arkansas

What's Your Novel About?

kariliv — Sun, 7 Oct 2007 13:29:39 -0700

How many of you know what you're going to be writing about? If this isn't your first year, what have you learned about plotting and Nanoing? I tried to write a complex character-driven novel last year, complete with subplots and a pointed commentary about tabloid culture and it just didn't work. It's much easier for me to go with a fairly simple plot-driven narrative.
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Kari
Municipal Liaison,
Conway, Arkansas

United States :: Arkansas

Timed Writing on Sunday, Nov 18

Shayla Kersten — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 00:58:47 -0800

Timed writing is something I've found very helpful when dealing with a deadline. Since NaNo is the deadline from hell, I plan to do timed writing as often as possible.

Here's how it works:

A group of people meet on AIM at a predetermined time. At the starting time, we write our fingers off for 45 minutes. Then we report our progress in word count. We use the remaining 15 minutes of the hour to chat about issues such as plot problems, brainstorm, etc. At the beginning of the next hour, we start again.

During an all day timed writing session with a deadline looming, I've done almost 11k words in one weekend--8k of that in one day.

I'm planning to do timed writing on Sunday morning. I'll be on AIM around 9AM. Of course, since I'm posting this at 3AM, I might be a little late. *cackle* If anyone wants to join me, my screenname is shaylakersten. Just ding me and I'll invite you to the chatroom.

This offer is open to everyone in the Arkansas forum, not just the Conway/Little Rock group!

Hope to see some of you on Sunday!

Shayla

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Shayla Kersten
www.shaylakersten.com
Past Lies (2007 NaNo Novel), Ellora's Cave, Available now
Longing For Eternity, Ellora's Cave, Available July 2nd
A Helping Hand, Ellora's Cave, Available Aug 27th
Keket's Curse, Kensington Aphrodisia, Jan 2009

United States :: Arkansas

Fay/Rogers/rest of NWA

Longhand — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 10:10:45 -0800

7-8 p.m. Sunday 11/18 RZ's at UA's Union? It'd be great to just catch up at this just-after-halfway-point, see where everyone stands in the count, share tips, over cocoa or caff.
Anyone game?
Ben
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Longhand
Fayetteville, Arkansas

United States :: Arkansas

Conway Write-Ins

kariliv — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 19:53:41 -0700

I have five write-ins planned, with three being during the day and two being in the evening. We have a diverse group and I want to try to make sure everyone can make at least one write-in, so there are a variety of times and locations. It has been proven time and again that the people that attend write-ins are much more likely to reach 50,000 words, so make sure you plan to attend at least one.

If none of these times are convenient for you, I encourage you to get together with a few Nano (or non-Nano) friends for a write-in of your own. You don't have to be an ML to have a write-in. If you do plan a write-in, send me a PM and I will add it to the list below:

Nov 1: 10:00am-1:00pm Conway Library, 1900 Tyler Street
Nov 7: 6:00pm until? San Francisco Bread Company, Conway Commons Shopping Center
Nov 13: 12:00pm-2:00pm Conway Library, 1900 Tyler Street
Nov 17: 1:00pm-3:00pm Something's Brewing, Front Street
Nov 27: 6:00pm until? San Francisco Bread Company, Conway Commons Shopping Center

Kari
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Kari
Municipal Liaison,
Conway, Arkansas

United States :: Arkansas

Friday's online chat!

plaidearthworm — Fri, 9 Nov 2007 07:29:29 -0800

The regular Friday chat will be 4 to 6 pm, this afternoon/evening. We've worked out all the bugs, and everyone last week decided that we love Chatzy (thanks Leia!) so we're continuing with that. Best part is, if you received an email with the link last week for the chat room, you can still use it today! Just click on the link, and it will take you to our chatzy room. If you need the link emailed to you, let me know. Hope to see lots of virtual faces there!

Beth
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**********************************
ML-Eureka Springs, Arkansas

United States :: Arkansas

Fort Smith Part II

riverchic1998 — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 20:07:53 -0700

Hello everyone! It's Laura, the Co-ML for the Fort Smith region. I'm starting a new thread, because once we hit 30 posts, it's kind of hard to keep up with who said what. :)

Just a note: There will be no meeting on Thursday 10/26. Shay and I are going to be getting ready for the kick-off party to be held next Tuesday (10/30) at the Sweet Bay on Rogers Avenue across from Lowe's and in between Geno's Pizza and Taco Bell. PLEASE RSVP BY THURSDAY. PM Shay or me. We're doing goodie bags and food, and if you haven't already told one of us you'll be there, you won't get any goodies.:(

Hope everyone is doing well and getting ready for NaNo. I personally have no clue what I'm doing yet. So frustrating.

Laura

P.S. Don't worry about bringing your laptops to the Kick-Off party. If we do any writing, it won't be our usual 30 minute timed writings.
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~Laura
NaNo Winner 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
NaNo Writer 2008
Fort Smith ML