USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

For what it's worth (Donating to OLL)

Chocolatequeen — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 05:48:43 +0000

NaNo/OLL staff work hard for us all year long, and that's never more obvious than during Launch Week. Look at all the cool new features we have!! The forums are stable, there's a spiffy new regional forum header, and tons of other stuff that is just lurking around, waiting for us to find it.

All of that costs money. If you have the cash to go donate, please do. You'll get a little halo over your name, some nice donor goodies, and the warm fuzzies from doing something good for an organization that gives you a whole month of fun each year.

If you don't have the cash, there are still options! Please check out the Donating When Broke page. There are several cool ways you can help out OLL without spending a dime of your own money.

I'm particularly excited about getting sponsored. This was something I wanted to set up for Vancouver last year, and it thrills me to see that OLL has done it for me. I just signed up, and I can't wait to email everyone I know, asking them if they'd be willing to donate just $10 to NaNo. If 25 people donate $10, I'll meet my goal.

So come on, Vancouver--how much can you raise?
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Name my novel!

USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

Year-round events?

Chocolatequeen — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:56:06 +0000

There are regions out there that keep in touch and have events year 'round. Historically, these are some of the stronger regions, because the ramp up time back into NaNo is easier for them. Plus... well, you people are fun so I'd like to keep in touch with you for more than two months out of the year.

Is this something you would be interested in? I know there's NaNoFiMo next month, NaNoEdMo in March, and Script Frenzy in April. There's also NaNoWriJu in June, which is a very informal "practice run" for NaNo. We could easily have a thread in here for each of those events, so Vancouverites participating could chat with other locals about their progress. Is there anything more you would want to do as a group? What kind of gatherings would get you to come out?

I'm also seriously interested in doing a series of NaNo prep meetings next October. There are some fun plotting things we could do to get ourselves ready for month long craziness. My supervisor at the library wants to make "a bigger splash" with NaNo next year, so I'm hoping I could weasel the use of the meeting room for 3 of the 4 Wednesday evenings. Before I talk to him, I'd like to gauge interest.

So... extra events: Yay or Nay?
October planning sessions: Yay or Nay?
Nancy is crazy: Yay or Nay?
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Name my novel!

USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

Day 24-Day 28 40,008 words and up.

lollybob818 — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:02:51 +0000

Sorry to put a bulk-day post up again, but this week is going to be a week of frantic preparations (as it is for most of you), trying to find alone time and very few moments of actual sit-down-and-write time. I'm trying to head off any distractions I might have ahead of time. Don't worry about posting here during your chaotic week, but know that we're here for you and will do our best to help out where we can.

Just a reminder for those of you trying to force out some fast typing, or just need a group environment for it, we have 1 more evening Virtual Write-In this Wednesday. This coming Sunday will be the last day of the month and we've also got a great Write-In event scheduled then as well. I believe you'll be getting an email about this from Master of Disaster ChocolateQueen (if you haven't already) pretty soon, giving all of the particulars. There's also a post about this in the main Vancouver forum, which spells out all of the greatness you can expect that day, if you are able to participate.

I'm still contemplating hosting a final Virtual Write-In that day, in order to type until midnight. If you're interested, and would like me to encourage ya'll I'll make sure to be there.

Also, if you still haven't stopped by ChatNaNo, our Virtual Write-In website, the link can be found on our calendar on the main page. Just click the link to any date that has a Virtual Write-In scheduled on it.

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Write all day, write all night, write write write, just don't turn out the light!

USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

Fundraiser - Character Drawings

foxplushie — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:49:28 +0000

How's it going, Wrimos? Has 2009 been kind to you so far?

For those of you who don't know me, I'm Foxplushie (aka Amanda) and I drew people's characters last year to help fundraise for this yearly tribute to literary abandon. This year, I'm back to do the same.

For a donation of just $10 to the Office of Letters and Light, I will be happy to sketch and ink a black&white line-art picture of one character of your choosing.

The first twenty to sign up and donate will receive a picture by the end of November.

Here's how we do it:

Make your donation on the official NaNo website.
Fill out the questionnaire in the second post to request your picture on this thread. Step 1 and step 2 are interchangeable; however...
...your picture won't be started until proof of your donation can be seen (I'm talking about that little halo on your profile).
People who already have halos can sign up, too. You don't have to donate again.
I'll contact you at least once during the sketching process to make sure the picture is to your liking.
Upon completing the picture, I'll be happy to arrange to give the original to you at a write-in, snail-mail it to you, or just scan you a copy and e-mail it, depending on your preference.

Here's a sample of my line-art:

Sample 1
Sample 2
Sample 3
Sample 4
Sample 5
Sample 6
Sample 7
Sample 8

All characters are © their respective owners.

If you require specific examples, please feel free to let me know and I shall sketch up something real quick to post here.

Disclaimer: I don't profit from this at all, except for the chance to hone my drawing skills.

Technical Babble: These pictures will be on 9"x12", acid free, smooth bristol paper. I sketch with a 2H pencil to eliminate stray lines on erasing and I ink with a 005 Micron pen.
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USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

Day 23 - 38,341 Seven days left and counting...

lollybob818 — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:32:18 +0000

It just occurred to me how little time is actually left of this month! Wow!

As we wind up these last few days of massive word writing, keep in mind. There's a week left, you can do this! Don't stress the little things like laundry, eating, or even sleeping for that matter. Feel free to put in the extra effort to make those last few thousand words appear.

Suggestion of the day: Give your character aaah ah ahn...an un... un... un...explainable st...st...studder. Gives you many more words!

Total word count:
Daily:
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Write all day, write all night, write write write, just don't turn out the light!

USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

Day 22- 36,674 words or greater

lollybob818 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:59:08 +0000

With all of the things that we have to do this week, and next week here's one suggestion I have to help you get to the finish line.

Try your best to either write in the quiet hours of the early morning, or the late hours of the evening. The reason for this is, at those times less things will compete for your attention. I've been having to wake up a half-hour earlier in order to get my words in (speaking of, I should update my count), but that may not be something you can do. If your writing schedule is based around things like work, school, kids, spouse or friends, the good thing is that there is usually a quiet time at some point during the day. If you can find this (during this crazed holiday) try and take advantage of it and get as many words as you can written.

Total Word Count:
Daily:

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Write all day, write all night, write write write, just don't turn out the light!

USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

Write In Motion

Chocolatequeen — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:47:40 +0000

The Write In Motion is coming up! It will be Saturday, November 28 from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM. This was a genius idea your MLs came up with over the summer. We will be starting at one end of town and moving through multiple locations to the other end of town. It gives everyone a chance to come to what's most convenient for them, or to join the caravan and Write In Motion!

Leg One will be at the Three Creeks Community Library from 12:00-3:00. I will provide a snack for this location. We've got the meeting room booked, and there are also several comfy chairs scattered throughout the building. Take advantage of the library's free wi-fi and the multiple sources for last minute research.

Leg Two will be at the Vancouver Community Library from 3:30 to 5:30. The downtown branch has a completely different feel to it. Come hang out with us at the main study tables by the non-fiction, or use one of the few outlets available in this building. If you need to stretch your legs a bit, we can take a walk along Officer's Row before it gets dark.

Leg Three will be at the Washougal Community Library from 6:00 to 12:00. Once again, there will be food and drink available, plenty of outlets, and a chance to sit down and cross the finish line with several of your fellow Wrimos. There's nothing like the rush you will feel when you check your word count at 11:15 and realize you've finally made it.

This is no ordinary write-in, people. In addition to the obvious factors of length and location change, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve.

The Box-o-Doom (tm) This box will be filled with word count goals, ranging from easy to you've got to be kidding me. Challenge a Wrimo to a word war, and they will pull a number out of the Box-o-Doom (tm). Then you both sit down to write, and whoever reaches the goal first wins.

Last Weekend Survival Kits There will be three backpacks filled with various supplies you might need to get you through the last 48 hours of NaNo. I will give out one at each location as a door prize.

Pizza The Washougal Library Friends are providing pizza at the last location. Yay, dinner!

Also important:
Plenty of outlets
Free wi-fi
Access to tons of research materials if you just have to look something up
The chance to race to the finish line with your fellow Wrimos

I'm really looking forward to this event, and I'm hoping for a really good turn out. Let me know if you're planning to be there.
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Name my novel!

USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

Day 21: 35,000

Chocolatequeen — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:50:12 +0000

Today's goal was the magic 35K. Remember what I said about it in the pep talk? It's the point where your NaNo experience turns the corner and you can finally see The End in sight--whether that end is really The End, or just 50K. There's something about being within spitting distance of 40K, which is only 10K from the end... it's all mind games, really.

So, how are you doing? Are you close? Not quite there yet? Only dreaming of 35K?

Today: 2039
Total: 52,171

I made my goal of 2K today, after taking yesterday off. This makes me happy.
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Name my novel!

USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

Write-ins

Chocolatequeen — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:01:59 +0000

Write-ins are one of the mainstays of NaNoWriMo. If NaNo is all about a bunch of slightly crazy people writing novels, write-ins are where they come together to do it. So far, we've got three write-ins scheduled each week, plus a few Special Events. They're all on the regional calendar, but for clarity I'll list them here too.

Sundays at Di Tazza from 1:00-4:00 Di Tazza is a quiet little coffee shop on the east side of Vancouver that also sells absolutely divine Italian pastries. Since finding it in August, I've indulged in their sweetness many times--perhaps a few too many times. They also have a few remaining flavors of gelato left, but that will be gone before long. Led by Nancy

Sunday and Wednesday from 6:00-9:00 in your living room Yay for virtual write-ins! It's hard to find a location that works for everyone, but it doesn't get much better than, "On my own couch in my fuzzy slippers." A chat room is in the works and will be ready in time for the first write-in on November 1. Led by Lyndsey

Midnight Write at Shari's by the mall from 12:00 AM to 2:00 AM on November 1 Join us to start the month off strong! This is the first of three write-ins scheduled for the 1st, so our region should get out the gate with a bang. Shari's has wi-fi but no outlets, hence the short duration. There's an outside possibility that I can negotiate for power once we get there, but don't count on it. Led by Nancy and Lyndsey

Saturday, November 7 at the Washougal Library from 6:00-12:00 The library's writing group is once again hosting write-ins for the region. There will be food and beverage for those who attend, plus a nice quiet atmosphere to get some serious writing done. Led by the branch supervisor.

Write In Motion from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM November 28 This was a genius idea your MLs came up with over the summer. We will be starting at one end of town and moving through multiple locations to the other end of town. It gives everyone a chance to come to what's most convenient for them, or to join the caravan and Write In Motion!

Leg One will be at the Three Creeks Community Library from 12:00-3:00. I will provide beverages for this location. We've got the meeting room booked, and there are also several comfy chairs scattered throughout the building. Take advantage of the library's free wi-fi and the multiple sources for last minute research.

It promises to be a great, great day for Vancouver to log a massive collective word count. I've taken the day off from work to lead and organize it, and it's the event I'm most looking forward to this year.

Those are the "official" write-ins for the year. If you're interested in leading a write-in, drop us a line--we'd love to add your event to the region calendar. I see the Cougs are trying to get something organized on campus, and I know a few others had a location in mind where they'd like to come write. All we really ask is that you make a commitment to be there. You don't need special training or to do anything weird or bizarre--show up, and invite others to show up with you.
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Name my novel!

USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

Day 20- 33340 words because we gotta

lollybob818 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:39:42 +0000

Did you know that you can call yourself and leave a message with story ideas? I just realized this today. You can call yourself, leave a message when you get a plot idea, and then later recover it. It's the most amazing thing. Aside from voice recorders, or hand held mechanisms made for that sole purpose, this is my newest most awesome thing.
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Write all day, write all night, write write write, just don't turn out the light!

USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

Regional Word War: Vancouver WA VS Hawaii--Friendly Taunts

Chocolatequeen — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:03:31 +0000

Hello!

Vancouver has thrown down the gauntlet and challenged Hawaii to a Regional Word War, and Hawaii has picked it up. (It might have been the other way around, but there was definitely gauntlet throwing and picking up.) Thanks to the wonders of the Regional Info tab, we will be able to tell on December 1st which region wrote the most words, and which wrote the most per Wrimo with a word count. To that region will go a year's worth of bragging rights and endless amounts of taunting.

But why should the taunting be reserved for after the party's over? After all, what would a challenge be without some friendly ribbing and trash talking? Therefore, I declare this to be open season between Vancouver and Hawaii. Let the games begin!

This thread is posted in both Vancouver and Hawaii, so that you may join in the taunting from both sides without having to affiliate with the enemy.
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Name my novel!

USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

Are writers a little sadisitc?

Chocolatequeen — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:13:34 +0000

My boss asked me what the premise of my story was today. I work at the library, so I knew he basically wanted me to book talk it. I was about halfway through when I realized--the purpose behind my story is to take two well-known characters and put through in a very painful situation and have fun watching them work their way out of it. I'm putting Aragorn and Arwen through additional angst for no reason beyond my own desire to do so.

This made me wonder... Are all writers all little sadistic? We create these characters that we grow to love, and then we put them through some pretty tough things, all under the guise of "advancing the plot." At least with original fiction you can claim that everyone in life has trials they go through, so you're simply being realistic. With fanfiction, you're actually creating additional trials for people who most likely had plenty already.

What is it about writers that makes us enjoy watching our characters squirm?
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Name my novel!

USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

Day 19 - 31673 words or better

lollybob818 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:29:01 +0000

By now you should have enough of the story fleshed out that you can really see how its going to end. Keep the end in sight, and stay focused.

I myself am still a little behind, but I am making progress. I'm no longer 8k behind like I was a few days ago. And sure as snot, I'm going to make the word count tomorrow plus the make up and be caught up.

Are any of you finding that you're really in love with one of your characters than the others, and is it an unexpected turn of events?
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Write all day, write all night, write write write, just don't turn out the light!

USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

Day 18- 30,006 or better word coun

lollybob818 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:55:52 +0000

Today you should be 3/5ths of the way through your novel. The best suggestion I have for you today is to try and think through your plot when you're not able to write, and then come back to it during your designated write time. Doing this will help you to approach your novel in a somewhat organized (who says?) manner. You are more than capable of making this word count. Lets just find a way to help you through it.

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Write all day, write all night, write write write, just don't turn out the light!

USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

Raffle update

Chocolatequeen — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:47:56 +0000

I said I'd let you know how much we made on raffle tickets tonight, so here I am. I'll update this every time we have an event so there's a running total going.

October 26: $49!!

We're already almost halfway to the $100 mark, which is how much we need to donate to receive the poster. I'll be selling tickets at all the events between now and November 18--that's 6 more chances to purchase a ticket.
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Name my novel!

USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

Mid-term Game Night (head count)

Chocolatequeen — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:31:39 +0000

NaNo is a lot of fun, but it's also a lot of work. (Can I get an "amen"?) We tend to develop tunnel vision, unable to see or do anything that isn't related to our novels. That's true even of our events--write-ins and more write-ins. All the fun social events are reserved for October and December.

Well, no more! This year we will have our first even Mid-term Party. This event may change form over the years, but the 2009 edition will be a game night. We'll be playing games like Apples to Apples and Taboo. This is a No Novel Event, so leave your laptop and other portable writing devices at home and just come hang out for a good time.

Where: Three Creeks Community Library
When: Wednesday, November 18 from 7:00-9:00 However, the library doors will be looked at 8:00, so come before then!
What should I bring? Totally optional, but it would be fantastic if you brought your favorite game and/or your favorite goodie. I will provide soda.
Anything else I should know? This will be your last chance to buy a raffle ticket, so bring along a few dollars if you're interested.

I'm looking forward to seeing you all there; I know I could use a nice break. Let me know if you plan to be there so I know how much soda to buy.

Eta: Please reply with an RSVP, what game you're bringing, and what goodie. No need to bring anything, but that way we won't end up with five copies of the same game.
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Name my novel!

USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

Day 17- 28,339 words or better

lollybob818 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:23:48 +0000

We're soo close to the end of NaNo we can smell it's perspiration, and it smells funky. Earn your right to tell NaNo off this year and put in a little extra effort to beat those bad smells back. I can see it now: crossing the finish line and reaching your word count! Hear that sound? Thats the masses cheering for you!

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Write all day, write all night, write write write, just don't turn out the light!

USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

Day 16- Word count 26,672 word count or better, if you're behind...

lollybob818 — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:53:12 +0000

If you're behind in word count and can spare even an hour on Sundays the Write In's at di Tazza coffee bar, on 164th is the best environment to be in. Nancy is a terrific host and is of the highly motivational (kick you in the pants) sort, so you can actually get some work done without the yucky distractions of home or work.

Also, just a reminder for those of you who are trying to reach your word count (everyone), we do have Virtual Write-Ins on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. With the exception of Saturday, the time these start is 6:00 pm. They will last until at least 9:00pm, though I try and stay until 9:30. On Saturdays please show up online for a 2 hr write in and word war at noon.

Daily Word Count:
Total Word Count:

I hope to see you all on Wednesday evening in Salmon Creek!
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Write all day, write all night, write write write, just don't turn out the light!

USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

Day 13-15 Word counts 21671 to 25005

lollybob818 — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:51:32 +0000

Heya guys, sorry to lump today through Sunday like this, but I've been really lax on my word count and I need to start whipping it out. I wanted to make sure I covered the days, in case someone wanted to post their word count.

You can bet I'll be here to update my word count as it goes up.

After Sunday I'll be back in full fledged updating wowness.

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Write all day, write all night, write write write, just don't turn out the light!

USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

Serenade your novel!

mizushimo — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:56:20 +0000

What songs describe your current relationship with your novel?

Is it a loving, mutually respectful relationship? Does your novel take advantage of your kindly nature? Is it faithful? Co-dependant? An evil temptress? Does it stay out late drinking in bars with its friends, while you stay at home and worry?

Sing your heart out!

My pick (all I can think of right now:)
"Time is on my Side" - Rollling Stones
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"But there's no sense crying over every mistake.
You just keep on trying till you run out of cake."

USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

Writing in Second voice?

LLL — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:59:19 +0000

I think I am, here's a piece of my writing:

He seemed normal enough. Just like any other person in the park that morning. Normally Andrew would not have met in the park, but it was on his way to work and the potential patient, Ecanus, seemed safe enough, so he had no fear of Ecanus trying to kidnap him. So, after getting a cup of coffee from the neighboring stands, he met him. They met at the Arthur Ross Pinetum, a strange place to meet in Andrew’s opinion but then again Andrew enjoyed being in crowds and Ecanus did not. Andrew arrived first, and chose a bench out in the open. He feared that he would not be able to recognize Ecanus but within five minutes his fears were mollified. A young man walked up, looked him over once and sat down.
“Hello Doctor,” he said. He looked straight down, making intense eye contact.
“Hello,” Andrew said back, turning his head to look at him. Andrew extended a hand, “I’m doctor Andrew, you must be Ecanus,” he nodded and shook my hand with a firm grip.
“What times do you have available?” he asked. Andrew blinked, not expecting him to be so to the point. He quickly flipped through his calendar.
“Well, I have many, is their any particular day that works best for you?”
“Monday’s,”
“I have a One O’ clock and a five O’ clock slot open.”
“Five,”
“Alright,” Andrew jotted him down. “I assume we’ll meet in my office next time,” he nodded.
“See you then doctor,” he said as he stood up and left.
Andrew, baffled, sat there for a few more minutes finishing his coffee and then headed home.

Is writing in second voice, okay? I didn't mean to start it like this, I just did.
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USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

Day 12 - 20,004 or better

lollybob818 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:49:46 +0000

I've been having a terrible time getting my word count in for the day. As I'm sure some of you have, I've been finding that it seems to help if you have people around who can help you to keep accountable for that daily word count. I've told my Grandmother. While we don't live together, she's been calling me every day, or every other day to encourage me, and suggest different plot pieces I could add.

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Write all day, write all night, write write write, just don't turn out the light!

USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

Day 11 - 18337 or better... wait... that's a lot!

lollybob818 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:43:18 +0000

I can't believe we're almost to the halfway mark! Keep up the writing guys, and don't forget to give yourself a few minutes of clear-your-head time each day. Now more than ever, you'll start feeling the stress of the month. Try not to overload yourself if possible.

Total:
Daily:
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Write all day, write all night, write write write, just don't turn out the light!

USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

YAY 4 GRAMER!!

Dreygan — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:50:02 +0000

So i was reading the last couple paragraphs to get back in the flow of my story and came across this gem:

"Otherwise they are going to get more crushed and starting put more pressure on your body."

You guys finding some quality bits like this?
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USA :: Washington :: Vancouver

Day 10 - 1/3 the way through 16670 words or greater

lollybob818 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:52:22 +0000

Here are some general tips that I've found online that may have some general appeal to the populous. I've combined the online tips with my own, in order to add and personalize the bits here and there to cater to NaNoWriMo. I've just re-read this post, and I want to say, if you can spot the overuse of the word "situation" in a paragraph below, then you're mind is still accute, and you have not completely bankrupted your ability to think whilst writing an astronomical amount of words. I figured I'd leave this unedited for your amusement.

First of all, find someone you can talk to about your novel. This someone can be your husband, your 2 year old, your neighbor, or a person you've become friends with through the NaNo site (there are threads simply meant for creating friends to help encourage you). Talking about your novel helps you to see it in perspective. For example, while telling a friend about my novel today, I found out that I had only developed the MC as a character. Every other character had either no development, or simply had no purpose. I also apparently had a lot of secondary characters, who could be combined into one person. I won't be doing the combining just now, but it opened my eyes to some of my plot issues. This also made me see that I needed to develop a bad guy. So far, my characters have simply been wandering around trying to figure out exactly why they are in their present situation. There has been no great reveal, and they really are walking blind into every situation. In my particular situation, my characters would likely never go into a situation that they had no intelligence on. They'd do some reconnaissance work, and try to expect the unexpected. All that was figured out, just by telling my story.

Find a place where you cannot be interrupted, and try and write there. Distractions are the bane of any writer's existence. But in a time when you have a deadline, they're especially terrible. If you can't find a place where you can be alone with your computer, try taking a bath and taking a pencil and paper with you. You'd be surprised at how well the quiet can help you focus.

Take care of all of your basic needs BEFORE you sit down to write. This means, use the restroom, take a shower, put on your make up, do whatever it is that helps you to feel like you're ready for the day. Often even this small tool can help motivate you into writing thousands in one sitting.

Create a reward for yourself each day. Lets say this Friday you have plans to go see a movie. Try and make a deal with yourself, or with the people you're going with. "If I don't make 1667 words today, before the movie, then I will not go." Then your reward for completing your daily word count becomes so much sweeter because you won't be stressing about your novel the whole time you're at the movie. A reward can be something as simple as giving yourself an hour or two to watch your favorite shows, to something as simple as a glass of tea and a book. You know yourself, and only you know what will work for you.

Be sure and take breaks. This is the same idea that all test-takers, and scholars abide by. You can get to the point where your mind goes numb and you loose the ability to recall or produce. When writing it's helpful to take a minute or two every hour to get up and move, to check your email, to get up and go to the bathroom, and most of all get your blood moving a little. When you have a specific goal in mind try to include a bit of break time in this estimate as well. Your brain will thank you later and not burn out as easily.

When you first sit down to write, take a few minutes to recap on what you've previously written, and what your next intended path will be. I usually read the last 3-5 paragraphs written to try and remind myself where I ended the scene. Or, if I stopped in the middle of one, it helps me to close the scene up without too much issue. Be careful, however, when you do this. You may be tempted to edit. Remember, editing is not something we're doing this month. Editing is for next month, or for the future.

As for now, it's time for me to get back to writing. I wonder if I can talk my roommate into taking over my novel. I'll just steal his word count. :)

Edit: For the record, I would never steal someone else's words.

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Write all day, write all night, write write write, just don't turn out the light!