United States :: New York :: Buffalo

Welcome to NaNoWriMo 2008, Western New York!

myla fantastik — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 19:23:15 -0700

Howdy all you WriMos! Welcome to the new folks, and welcome back to the veterans!

I hope 2008 has treated everyone well! Summer's over, and Autumn is settling in, timely as ever in Western New York. With the cooler weather our activities will begin to turn indoors, and our thoughts will begin to turn inward, towards the rest of the year, the season, and, of course, plotting that novel we'll be writing in November.

It's a special year for us- not just because this is the year I get my painfully luminous 2nd year ML t-shirt, but because it's National Novel Writing Month's TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!! Yaaaaaay! *confetti* *balloons*

Also, this is the year everyone in the Buffalo/WNY region is going to make it to 50k!

Right?

That's what I thought!

Anyway... Joseph, Sarah, and I/Madeline (your Municipal Liaison Triumvirate, serving from Buffalo to Batavia) have some big plans in store for all you WriMos this year. Fifty thousand words in thirty days is a huge undertaking (in case you weren't aware ;p), and we're here to bolster you, cheer you on, and join you all on this crazy journey through marathon-novel-writing land! Parties and write-ins abound this Fall, beginning with the Kick-Off Party on October 26th (2pm at Spot Coffee on Chippewa!), and we hope to see all of you there!

Here's a link to The Calendar. Check back for updates periodically, and let us know if you'd like us to post any events you're planning on scheduling for NaNoWriMo participants (we encourage this! We know we can't please everyone, so if you would like to organize write-ins, feel free!).

Again, welcome to the countdown to NaNoWriMo 2008!

Sincerely,

Your Humble Municipal Liaisons
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There is a word for each leaf, and each wall, and there is a word for nothing.
madelineclairefranklin.com

United States :: New York :: Buffalo

My book already accepted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

theremustbmore — Thu, 4 Dec 2008 06:12:31 -0800

This is my second nano book that will published. I am so excited I don't even know what to say :)
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Nanowrimo 2007- "The Lost Are Never Far" Amirapress.com
Check out my author site stephaniebarmann.tripod.com/

United States :: New York :: Buffalo

Official TGIO Party Details!

myla fantastik — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 21:14:55 -0800

Yaaaaaaaaay! We made it! Even if you didn't make it to 50k, you tried, and you made it to the end of November ALIVE, and dang it that's worth a celebration. ::throws confetti::

Official Details:

Saturday, December 6th, 2008 at 8:30 PM

Sorrentino's Pizza, on the corner of Main and Mill St. in Williamsville

$5/person for pizza and appetizers (vegetarians will have options!), drinks at the bar on your own tab. Any extra cash at the end of the night will go to a nice fat tip for the restaurant, and any more than that will be donated to the Office of Letters and Light. So feel free to give more money if you want ;D

Also feel free and encouraged to bring a sample of your novel to share! In the past, about a page has proven to be the best/most-readable-at-a-party length.

Yay! I can't wait to see you all there!

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There is a word for each leaf, and each wall, and there is a word for nothing.
madelineclairefranklin.com

United States :: New York :: Buffalo

The Unofficial Secondary NaNoWriMo Challenge

myla fantastik — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 09:28:47 -0800

Ok. So, if you're crazy like me and n_taber, you've already hit 50k, in less than 30 days. And while that IS a cause for shouting "holy crap! ahhhmazing!", we have a slight problem: we haven't technically finished.

SO. Here's my challenge to you:

Finish the rest of the novel, before the end of the month! I know it seems scary-- possibly scarier than writing thousands upon thousands of words. To actually put the story to rest, to conclude, to finalize it with THE END emblazoned across the bottom of the page... often that can be more intimidating than writing the very first line.

But you know what? You can do it. We all can do it, and we'll do it the same way we've written the rest of the novel: with blind faith, too much caffeine, and to the cheers of friends, family, other WriMos, or maybe even just ourselves. You probably didn't start November with the intention of only telling half a story-- unless you're into experimental fiction, in which case I guess you can justify ending where ever you want.

So what do you say? Let's finish this thing.

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There is a word for each leaf, and each wall, and there is a word for nothing.
madelineclairefranklin.com

United States :: New York :: Buffalo

Schools!

kcquiche — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:56:17 -0800

Does anyone else here go to school? I know there are at least a few UB students. If you do go to school, to which one do you go, and which grade (if you feel so inclined to disclose this information) are you in?
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United States :: New York :: Buffalo

WORD WAR!

heatherjune — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:40:37 -0700

So who here hates Grand Rapids, MI? Anyone? Anyone? Buhler? No?

That's OK. I'm thinking of picking them based solely on the fact that that their # of participants (365) is very close to ours (362).
Other options are Dublin, Ireland (353), South Africa (373), Colorado:Elsewhere (350), Nebraska:Elsewhere (357), or Dayton, OH (360).

I'd love your guyses input, if any; otherwise I am about to leave a pleasant little comment in Grand Rapids' regional forum... heh heh heh...
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So This is What the Volume Knob is For: http://volume-knob.blogspot.com

United States :: New York :: Buffalo

Thank Gosh It's Over Party stuff...

myla fantastik — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:22:45 -0800

So! Our original idea for the TGIO party fell through due to unexpected live music that would squish us out of the area we'd ideally have reserved. My question to you all, now, is:

If, theoretically, we were to have the TGIO party on December 6th, around 8pm, at a little pizza place in Williamsville called Sorrentino's, and the price was $5 a head for pizza, pop/water, and appetizers (drinks from the bar on your own bill), how many of you would show up?

I ask so that I can have a headcount when I call to reserve, and avoid the epic failure of the half-way party :x

"ooh ooh! I'll be there!" ::raises hand::

Good to know! Now, who else?

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There is a word for each leaf, and each wall, and there is a word for nothing.
madelineclairefranklin.com

United States :: New York :: Buffalo

The Winner's Thread!

myla fantastik — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 09:11:32 -0800

Hey there all you sexy winners! :D

If you've hit 50k (or higher!) then post here! Tell us about the catharsis of crossing the finish line-- the ecstasy of typing that fifty-thousandth word-- the bliss of saying out loud or too yourself "Hell yes I wrote a novel in a month (or less)!"

Personally, I've hit 50k, but my novel is far from over. Secondary NaNoWriMo goal: finish the actual draft by midnight, November 30th! Hmm... maybe I'll issue a challenge...

For those of you who haven't made it yet, keep writing! We're all still with you!

Woohoo!

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There is a word for each leaf, and each wall, and there is a word for nothing.
madelineclairefranklin.com

United States :: New York :: Buffalo

Greenfern Magazine

imperator — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 09:35:29 -0800

Hello all! Congrats to every daring soul who participated!

Now that you've got some writing under your belt, I encourage you to consider submitting to Greenfern Magazine, a new local literary mag with a stated purpose of providing a platform for Buffalo writers. Current issues can be found at Talking Leaves Elmwood, Rust Belt Books, and Queen City Bookstore. Our very casual blog is at http://estrip.org/elmwood/journals/index.php?u=greenfernmag.

Give it a look, and if you have any questions, write us at greenfernmag@gmail.com.

Thanks!
Alex
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United States :: New York :: Buffalo

Other People's Books

Hatching Phoenix — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 21:20:51 -0700

We're all readers as well as writers, so let's discuss us some books! What you're reading now, your favorite books, or books that inspire you to write, this is a place for warnings and recommendations.

Right now, I'm reading a new Haruki Murakami novel, "After Dark." Set in Tokyo, it describes a chain of encounters over the course of a single night, from last train to first train. (11:30pm to 5:30am) I'm still in the beginning, but so far it is contrasting the lives of two sisters, one of whom is older and beautiful, who is sleeping in a strange room, and the younger, mousy sister who is sitting in all night coffee shops and having adventures, despite her desire to sit quietly and read her book. Murakami is one of my favorite authors, and I this work reminds me of my nights in Osaka, sitting in narrow, neon lit counter bars.
What are you reading right now?
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Each bird must sing with his own throat.
- Henrik Ibsen

United States :: New York :: Buffalo

NaNo, NaNo, go away. Come again another day.

kcquiche — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:43:01 -0800

There are some of us *coughMEcough* who just are not going to manage to finish the novel by November thirtieth, no way, no how. Even though this is true, I still have high hopes for my novel and want desperately to complete it, and without the aide of NaNoWriMo would not have the motivation required to continue. Would it be considered cheating to abandon my novel until next year and start right off the bat with six thousand-some words for November? Of course, I would have to finish it that year -- it would be a little much to continue it a third year, but could I save this for next year? Would that break NaNoWriMo rules? I don't know. I just really like this book I've started.
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United States :: New York :: Buffalo

I'm bleeding!

DynasticCycler — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:17:01 -0800

I'm not sure why I'm posting this. I haven't posted much on these forums. I guess...I just feel like it now!

I've had some...difficulty this year (my first year). It's school stuff, mainly. Lot's of paper writing, a bunch of exams. That stuff kept me busy. I was determined to finish NaNo. I still am. I wrote something like 4,000 words this afternoon. I was excited.

And then I cut two fingernails in half with a knife.

I was sawing away with a serrated blade at a chunk of rock-hard fudge. The batch was bad; we took it off the stove too late, and it settled in the pan like cement. But it melts on the tongue anyways, so no big deal right? It's just a matter of breaking off a piece, and I figured a nice big blade with nice big teeth would do the trick...

I was sawing hard and fast, as if the fudge was wood, when the knife popped out of the groove I'd made -- out and up and over the tips of my fingers. It sliced the nails in two. There was fingernail dust and blood on my fudge. My delicious fudge...

Have you ever had a good look at the skin beneath your fingernail? It's really weird. My fingers are hurting me. A lot. They're all wrapped up in bandages. They're bulky, and I keep hitting the wrong keys on my keyboard. It's like that episode of The Simpson's where Homer finds his fingers are too fat to dial numbers on the telephone, so he has to order a special dialing wand. But still, I'm trying. I notice that I'm actually bleeding on the keyboard right now. I'll get some tissues.

There. I've wiped it up. I'm still going on, shooting for another 4,000 words before midnight. I've got a bunch of papers to write over this Thanksgiving break. There are tests to study for. There are little children to entertain. But I'm not going to stop. And I guess at least I'll be able to say I wrote until my fingertips bled. Even if I don't finish, that's something.

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United States :: New York :: Buffalo

HELP!!!! WORD COUNT VALIDATOR IS MISSING FROM MY NANOWRIMO

drumdiva — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 09:19:51 -0800

Hi,

I went to my pate and the word count is missing. I did not put anything in today so what happened? What can I do about this.
I am 40,000 words and I test it but that was before it was official.

Carole
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United States :: New York :: Buffalo

There is still hope.

drumdiva — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:01:57 -0800

Well I've made 39,000 so I think I'm gonna make it to 50,000 by the 30th. Not that's its easy and really some of the writing is pretty good and frankly some of it stinks. Oh well if writing a sh*t first draft is okay for Hemingway it's good enough for me.

Ya hoo!!!!

Carole
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United States :: New York :: Buffalo

WNY NaNo 2008... the Movie?

myla fantastik — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:58:40 -0700

Hey all! It's me, Madeline, again!

Last year, for my basic video class, I made a documentary about the local folks who were doing NaNoWriMo. This Fall, with a whole year's worth of experience in video-making under my belt, I'd like to give it another go, this time without the constraints of classroom requirements. With any luck, I'll be able to send it to the Office of Letters and Light, and maybe they'll find a use for it.

Or not.

Either way, I think it'll be a fun way to introduce people to NaNo!

So! The purpose of the post is this: I will probably be bringing a camera around during write-ins (I won't film you without permission, don't worry) but I would like to get some private interviews as well. This might require an hour or two of your (precious!) time in November, but anyone who would like to let me ask them a few questions about their NaNo history and experiences, please let me know!

One of your humble MLs,

Madeline
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There is a word for each leaf, and each wall, and there is a word for nothing.
madelineclairefranklin.com

United States :: New York :: Buffalo

My Last Sunday @ cafe aroma

James.andrix — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 16:49:56 -0800

I'll be writing at Cafe Aroma, Sunday (23rd) afternoon (starting around 12). At Elmwood and Bidwell.
I currently have 45,000 and will be writing till I win.

-James

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United States :: New York :: Buffalo

Thursday - Friday Write ins?

James.andrix — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 07:42:22 -0800

Ok, I'm STILL not at 40k :-(
And I need by on Saturday (anniversary)
So I need some serious word challenges.

Who's up for where?

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United States :: New York :: Buffalo

Aren't we garrulous!

n_taber — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:03:16 -0800

I'm coming down from my own, lonely, non-caffeinated write-in at the Kenmore Public Library....sigh, not nearly as fun.

But I'm stuffing my face with sour worms, updating my wordount, waiting for Myla Fantastik to update hers--ahem!--and wondering just why it is that we Buffalonians don't speak to one another.

It's me, isn't it? Do I smell?

So here's a spot to be wordy, after you're done being wordy, which is, after all, the purpose of November.

I'm going upstairs now to introduce myself to my husband again.

Sour worms!!
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Sing the Song of the Skittles Rabbit.
watch

United States :: New York :: Buffalo

Half Way Party Debacle

myla fantastik — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 21:16:19 -0800

So... sorry about that.

For those of you who made it out to Transit Lanes tonight (Saturday) and discovered that we weren't there, there was *supposed* to be a note for you at the desk, pointing you to Pizza Plant in the next plaza. Unfortunately, by the time open bowling started all the lanes were booked till midnight already :( I have a feeling, however, that the note was "lost" because we ditched the bar at Transit Lanes for a better one.

Next time, we'll make sure to get reservations...

Sorry again :(

(n_taber, I still owe you a drink!)
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There is a word for each leaf, and each wall, and there is a word for nothing.
madelineclairefranklin.com

United States :: New York :: Buffalo

Lewiston or Niagara Falls

Robert Kerins — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 07:54:03 -0700

Do we have any interest in Lewiston or Niagara Falls? I'd like to meet some really local writers. I don't know of any cafe's with Wi-Fi, but there are sever coffee shops that would most likely tolerate a small group with laptops.
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United States :: New York :: Buffalo

Obsession with Word Count

jaz1181 — Tue, 4 Nov 2008 13:04:00 -0800

Anyone else not only have to read the posts, but see where people's word count is at?

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United States :: New York :: Buffalo

ML Appreciation Days

n_taber — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 03:48:32 -0800

Madeline and Joseph:

Thank you both for making me laugh, snork coffee out of my nose, and--above all--making me write. Last year I didn't go to write-ins but this year I have, and it has been (and will continue to be) a blast!

I dedicate 15,000 of my 30,000 wordcount to you guys. No, I'm not going to give you the words....It's largely ceremonial. It's figurative...No!

Give them back, Joseph!!!

Anyway, thank you guys for organizing, keeping us on task, and herding us along the route to Nano victory.
-Jen

PS. Non-ML people: post with me here. Let's say "Thank you", or at least, "I don't know you, but you sound like fun people and if I don't say thanks, this crazy lady won't get off the hood of my car."
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Sing the Song of the Skittles Rabbit.
watch

United States :: New York :: Buffalo

UB Writers

Rordan — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 06:46:16 -0700

Hey, this thread is to get to know people who are also at UB and who are doing NaNo. I am trying to organize some mini-write ins on campus since I, for one, won't be able to get to many of the regular ones. So, fellow students/novelists, say hi and let me know when you're free and all.
-Mike
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United States :: New York :: Buffalo

Cheektowaga!

James.andrix — Fri, 7 Nov 2008 21:45:04 -0800

It looks like I'll have to go out to cheektowaga on Sunday.
I'm thinking of doing a write in at the Galleria Mall Food Court, of all places.
I'm not sure of the exact time, but I'll definitely be sleeping in, so it won't be too early.

-James
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United States :: New York :: Buffalo

Friday nite write

James.andrix — Thu, 6 Nov 2008 12:04:12 -0800

I'll be at Cafe Aroma again on Friday the 7th starting around 6.

957 Elmwood at Bidwell
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=957+elmwood+ave,+buffal...

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United States :: New York :: Buffalo