Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

Sudbury Treasure Chest 2009

Rintaran — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:10:58 +0000

This year, your word count can earn you more than mere bragging rights!

Presenting the Sudury NaNoWriMo Treasure Chest. Every time you come to write-in or win a writing sprint, you’ll earn a gold coin to write your name on and toss in the Treasure Chest. At the Thank Goodness It’s Over party (date TBD - watch the calendar!), we’ll use the coins to draw winners for several spiffy prizes.

Here’s how it works:

First, Sprints -

At random times throughout the write-in, Shawn will call for a sprint and set a 10 minute countdown on her watch. Sprinters check their word count, make a note of the number, and wait for the start. Shawn will yell “Go”, and sprinters write like the wind - shutting off all doubts and inner editors - for the next 10 minutes. When the watch beeps, everyone stops and tallies their new word counts. The person with the highest word count per sprint will earn a gold coin. To keep things fair, you may only win one gold coin per write-in. If you happen to win two in a row, the runner-up will win the coin for that sprint.

It’s win-win. Not only do you increase your word exponentially, you’ll also earn entries into the Thank Goodness It’s Over (TGIO) prize drawing.

Secondly, Word Count Winners -
At every official write-in we will have a box of index cards.

1. Take a card, write your first name and NaNoWriMo username on the top, and then the date on the first available line.
2. Log your starting word count for the write-in*.
3. Keep track of your sprint word counts during the write-in (good for gold coins, as noted above).
4. Before you leave, tally your new total word count for the write-in
5. Give your card to Shawn so he can tabulate results.

*If you’re writing by hand, approximate word counts are ok.

The person with the highest word gain at each write-in will win a 2-GB USB Thumb-Drive and an extra gold coin.

Prizes include $5 Tim Cards, $10 Chapters Gift Cards, $25 A&W Card and some novels. Plus whatever anyone else chooses to donate!

Participation is completely optional, but if you want to be included in the drawings, you must make sure you have Sudbury set as your Home Region on the NaNoWriMo web site.

Other than that, sit back, write copiously, and HAVE FUN!

----------
Shawn Gray, OCT
Sudbury Municipal Liason
http://www.shawngray.ca

Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

Overnight Write In- Success!

K.L Rose — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:01:59 +0000

The Sudbury 'Night of Writing Dangerously' held at Laurentian University (from 12pm on Saturday the 21st to 12pm on Sunday the 22nd) was a hectic, tiring night filled with rising word count bars, four large pizzas, chunky milk and around 17 to 18 writers in totals to show. I kind of forgot my camera (stupid me) but managed to gather a good handful of quotes that entertained and kept us motivated to continue.

So without further ado, here are some interesting moments relived!

“Somewhere in the transition of getting here and getting drunk I lost my shirt. Too bad you couldn’t come. By the way, how was the raid?” - (On men and their World of War craft obsession, and their pissed off girlfriends). – Kris (K.L Rose)

“You want my grape? It’s nice and firm.” (Every guy in the room looks up). – Mariah

www.rinkworks.com/bookaminute ( seriously, look this up).

“Did your phone just moo?” – Heidi. (Pyrasaur) (On Shawn’s (Rintarin) cell phone vibrate).

“Whose responsible for the charmander drawing?” “It’s not charmander. It’s a homer simpson t-rex.” – Heidi and Mariah.

Angela (Mecomptane) – “I’m really enjoying these bendy giraffes.”

“I just found a NaNo post where the persons main character got attacked by a hippocrocopig.” – Heidi

“You look really small in the sweater. Like a sweater with legs.” – Mike (MG Knife)

“I just wrote more than I wrote in my entire life!” “Congratulations!” … “Now double that.” – Mariah and Shawn.

“Our opponents kind of suck.” *mutual room agreement. * - Kris

“If you’re not home to Sudbury, your words don’t count in kicking the crap out of them.” – Shawn (about our opponents)

“Cést quoi le Temps?” (What is time) - R Salazar (Rebecca)

“It’s hard to explain this word....” “The word is shnazzlepuss.” “That is not the word.” – Shawn and Sylvie

“Is it bad that I can smell that energy drink from here?” “I think you have a super power.” – Heidi and Mariah

“My second novel is turning out to be romantic crap. I guess because my first novel is more serious my second has to be pretty much shit.” - Kris

“Timmy’s always in the well.” – Shawn

“Don’t worry, you won’t be attacked by a Nanosoraus.” – Also Shawn.

“My brain is so scarred. I will send you my therapy bill.” – Sylvie

“That is such an algebra X it hurts.” – Katie (Zeldalynn) (On Shawn’s writing)

(This isn’t a quote, but props to PerfectFallacy for her awesome Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Repertoire!)

* Camera Flash * … *Everyone looks up, searching for the culprit.*

Terrible Chuck Norris Jokes. What write in is complete without them?

“Chuck Norris’s hair is always in place. It’s too scared to do otherwise.” – Heidi

“Chuck Norris doesn’t sleep. He waits.” – Heidi

“Chuck Norris doesn’t check his closet for the boogeyman. The boogeyman checks his closet for Chuck Norris.” – Shawn

“Chuck Norris CAN slam revolving doors.” – Shawn

“Chuck Norris doesn’t go on the internet. He has every internet page in his mind. He blinks to refresh the page.” – Shawn

“The great wall of China was originally constructed to keep Chuck Norris out. It failed terribly.” – Angela.

And the best- “Chuck Norris is so intense he has beaten all twelve NaNoWriMo’s. This is the eleventh one.” – Shawn. ( He said this with a straight face).

- Back to quotes non-related to Chuck Norris. –

“Okay, honestly. Take his pants off.” – Kris (On the Lance Bass Action Figure)

“What are these strawberries doing on my nipples? I need them for my fruit salad.” – Andrew (Dashnir)

Okay, a few more from Chuck. “Noah- the only one notified when Chuck Norris relieved himself in the Atlantic Ocean.” – Shawn

“Chuck Norris CAN touch MC Hammer.” - Mariah

* entire room * “Aura!” … “Daaaave!” (creepy salutation to oncoming writers).

“If I have really bad characters that I don’t like, I name them after people at work. I just killed my boss- whoops!” – Julia (Pisces Muse)

“Stupid child locks!” “Dude, you have to push the lid down and turn it. What does it say for you to do?” “It says to ‘close tightly.’” – Kris, trying to open the mouthwash.

* End of quotes accumulated *

By the time the sun had risen above the horizon and lightened the sky there were 10 Wrimo's in the room, six winners, 7 pots of tea made, and six pots of coffee. Only two took power naps before heading back into writing (myself being one of them) and a good time was had by all. If you remember anything specifically awesome about this write in, post here! I had a lot of fun, guys, and congrats to the winners who have finished NaNo. Hopefully next year we can do this again.
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Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

TGIO Party

PiscesMuse — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:20:13 +0000

I just had some plans altered (again) and will unfortunately be unable to attend the TGIO party. I hope you all have a great time.

Also I won't be at tonights write in either (Monday, 23), as Cowboy needs the car.

Thanks guys for an amazing November.

- Julia
----------
Book Minstrel: Books and Writing Aspirations Blog.
Pisces Muse: Personal Blog.
Pisces Muse: Twitter

Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

November 21st - Overnight Preparation

Rintaran — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:04:52 +0000

Quote:

Nov 21st, 2009 -- Noon - Nov 22nd Noon
Laurentian University, Parker Builder, Room L239

Alright folks, here's the official commitment thread. Here's what I want you to answer:

Are you coming?
Are you staying all night, or just a while? (If just a while, approx times)
Will you be bringing an appetizer, main course, or dessert to share?
Will you be bringing money to order pizza?

For the overnight write-in, you are responsible for bringing your own utensils, plates, coffee cups, and any beverages. I will be providing coffee and a coffee pot. Bring any writing implements and aids that you may think you require. No alcohol will be permitted.

The chart:

Rintaran
All Night
Dessert - PIE
Pizza Money

PiscesMuse
All Night
Appetizer - Bacon Buns
Pizza Money

SooGuy
6p-1a
Dessert
Pizza Money

Pyrasaur
All Night
Appetizer - Veggie/Fruit Tray
Pizza Money

mythheart
All Night
Dessert - Cookies
Pizza Money

Dashnir
10p-1a
---
Pizza Money

AuraBeth
1a-12p
Milk, Cereal, Oatmeal
No Pizza

mecomptane
All Night
Pop & Chips
Pizza Money

sinful_ciannamon
All Night
-----
Pizza Money

PerfectFallacy
?
Macaroni Salad
?

K.L. Rose
12a-9a
---
Pizza Money

Wolfgirl15
12a-9a
----
Pizza Money

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Shawn Gray, OCT
Sudbury Municipal Liason
http://www.shawngray.ca

Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

NaNo Sprints on Twitter. Eastern Time Zone

PiscesMuse — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:14:32 +0000

Okay. So for the past couple of nights I have been participating on the sprints held by @NaNoWriMo now to be held by @nanowordsprints to keep the main NaNo twitter feed open for other things.

The problem is for me anyways, that it's held from 8 to 10 pacific time. That's like a three hour time difference for me. So I have been hoping on board for the first go of night, but still that is way late for me.

Alternatively, the @NaNoWriMo has mention this wrote:

@alaininthesky We're working on getting earlier Twitter sprints going for folks in other time zones. I know it's tough to be up so late!

However, I am unsure when this will be implemented, of I am taking the initiative. If anyone was interested in the Eastern Standard Time Zone I will be hosting Word Wars from 8:00 to 10:00 Monday to Thursday.

Twitter: PiscesMuse

I really find that I can up my word count by a lot when doing this. I will be hosting some shorter ones (Fifteen minutes) and some longer ones (half hour), with at least five minute breaks in between.

If you interested, by all means follow along. Just thought I would offer up the alternative.
----------
Book Minstrel: Books and Writing Aspirations Blog.
Pisces Muse: Personal Blog.
Pisces Muse: Twitter

Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

A quick comic distraction

AuraBeth — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:32:20 +0000

Just something I read while totally not procrastinating.
Because we're all living the dream right?

http://www.twolumps.net/d/20091104.html
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One of the joys of travel is visiting new towns and meeting new people. -G. Khan

Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

Day 14 ML E-mail

Rintaran — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:46:24 +0000

Hello Sudbury!

In this e-mail:

1. Pep Talk
2. Next 3 Events

---

1. Pep Talk

Today is the longest we've been since we had an official write-in. The last one was way back on Tuesday in Chapters. Hard to believe. I mean, it feels just like yesterday that we took up six tables and basically blocked off the section for our own use. There were eight of us there, plus a couple of friends, plenty of coffee, and I managed to get through a scene that I never thought would make it into my novel. It was a nice, loose meeting and the growing friendships that I'm seeing between other wrimos, when I procrastinate from my writing, has been heartwarming.

But it's almost here folks. Tomorrow, that's right, tomorrow is the half-way mark. If you're on pace, or ahead of pace, you're looking at being at 25,005 words by the end of the day tomorrow. Those of you in that situation, I want you to do something. Pat yourself on the back and take a few hours off. Read a few chapters of a book, brave the growing chill of winter and go for a walk or a bike ride, spend some time playing Rockband with a few friends. I want everyone that's ahead to do something with the people that you've been trying hard to ignore all month. Maybe clean up that pile of dishes, and wipe the mold off the bathroom tub. Y'know, that spot right where the sealant didn't quite connect properly? Yeah, wipe that with some disinfectant, it's really gross.

For those of you who find yourselves lagging a little, don't worry. There's alot of time left. We're halfway through the month, and the pressure is building like we're blowing up a balloon. If you blow it up too fast, it pops. But if you're steady, you get it to the right size and it looks fun. Then you can hit it at people and play balloon volleyball... But we're not blowing up a balloon here, we're writing the first draft of a novel! So here's two categories for those of you that are a little behind:

Above average: For those of you averaging above 650 words per day (so you'd be at 9,750 words or more by tomorrow's end). Give yourselves a pat on the back, take a little bit of time off to do something relaxing, and then get back at it. The average American author only writes about 650/day. You're writing more than them. Go you! By my count, even a day early, that leaves only 9 authors under than point. That's right, of the 52 authors in the Sudbury area that have recorded a word count, only 9 are below the average of professional American authors. Holy crap! You guys are good!

The others: For those few of you under 650/day, don't beat yourselves up. NaNoWriMo is challenging. It's supposed to be, that's why we embarked on this madness in the first place! I'm not going to tell you to give up, there's still a lot of time to catch up and crank out the words you need to get it done. Here's what I want you folk to do. Sit down for 30 minutes, write furiously, take a break, repeat until you hit 2000 words (or more if you wish). Don't worry about grammar or spelling, or even if it sounds particularly good. This is a DRAFT, that means it isn't supposed to be "good".

The other thing I'd like you to do is commit, right now, to attending one of the next few write-ins. Put it in your blackberry, on your calendar, or shave it into your dog... Well not the latter. Wherever you need to mark it, do so. We've had absolutely fantastic turn-outs this year, and we've been pumping out words at the write-ins. We want that to catch on to you too!

---

2. Next 3 Events

Nov 16th, 2009 -- 6:00pm - 8:00pm
New Sudbury Library
Come on out and join us. There's ample seating (though we won't all fit at a single table), its a good quiet atmosphere, and there will be a 20 minute and a 10 minute sprint to try to push those words out.

Nov 18th, 2009 -- 6:00pm - 9:00pm
The Fromagerie
It's located right across from the Market downtown. The Fromagerie offers a wondrous collection of cheeses, tea, coffee and pastries. All are welcome. For those over 19, they also have some wine and beer, but try to drink modestly. There are no electrical outlets, so come fully charged. The tables are nice, long wood ones, so it's easy to be elbow to elbow with other writers and still have plenty of room. Make sure you bring a CD filled with a handful of your favourite MP3s to swap. Minimum 21 songs, more if you like!

Nov 21st, 2009 -- Noon - Nov 22nd Noon
Laurentian University, Parker Builder, Room L239

This is an overnight write-in. Bring lots of snacks, caffeine, a coffee mug, and some extra cash for ordering pizza. This is our biggest chance to make it over the hurdles and toward our victories. All night long we'll be pushing dangerously along the rim of sanity, trying to find our way to the novelling mecca. We will be looking at pot-luck possibilities. Look for the new topic on the forums to commit to your attendance and what you'll be bringing. I'll be updating the top of the topic as people commit so we don't have too much overlap.

---

That's it from me for now. I've got words to write. Best of luck everyone.

-Shawn "Rintaran" Gray, OCT
Sudbury Municipal Liaison
----------
Shawn Gray, OCT
Sudbury Municipal Liason
http://www.shawngray.ca

Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

Challenge - who is top of the Sudbury heap

PiscesMuse — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:06:12 +0000

Dear Rintaran,

You are currently top of the heap. I think I am in second. Really I can only see 11 people who I have buddied , even though I have budied more than that(I have tried to buddy all the people who had intro-ed themselves on the forum, but I may have missed a few). I wish that they would sort that by who has written the most words to show you. Maybe they do. Anyways, I am out to kick your ass. I have set my goal to beat whoever of my buddies is above me. From what I can tell it is you and I wrangling for top spot.

Be warned. I am coming to get you. It may not be quick, but slowly but surely, I will be on top of the heap. *Cackles evily*

Smiles

- Julia

P.S. Anyone else feel free to jump in and correct me if I am wrong about who is at the top of the heap and how we all place against each other. Or jump in with your own challenge. It’s a great way to push up your word count, especially if you make it public. That way you have witnesses and are forced to commit.

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Book Minstrel: Books and Writing Aspirations Blog.
Pisces Muse: Personal Blog.
Pisces Muse: Twitter

Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

NaNo Tech Scrivener Vs. Jers Vs MS Word

PiscesMuse — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 13:58:49 +0000

I spent yesterday evening getting to know Scrivener and Jers with there free download trials.

I started with Jers and was immediately impressed with the ability to organize notes on characters because I always wondered how people kept that organized. I also really like the column notes function.

I then checked out Scrivener and the whole time I spend in comparing to Jers. I wanted to know how I could emulate the column notes and how I could keep a database of my characters. Slowly and subconsciously the interface (wich is of so pretty and friendly) grew on me. I went back to Jers to do a direct compare and contrast and was struck by it simplicity. I realized at that point I could build my own database in Scrivener for character and I could use the footnotes/comments feature like column notes. Everything I like about Jers I could get done in Scrivener plus Scrivener has more and is prettier.

And then I sat back and considered my finances. Christmas was coming. I didn't want to be that far in the hole. I need groceries. And I thought maybe I could kind of manipulate Microsoft word to do the same thing. But then I would have quite a few different files I would have to switch between and notebooks and it really isn't very appealing and probably more work than its worth. I know understand the appeal of having a word processor for novel witting and just using MS Word for the formating at the end.

I am limited by what is available for the Mac. I do have a desktop PC but to be perfectly honest I do not use it any longer except to print stuff up.

Do any of you have any suggestions? What do you write with? What have you tried? What do you like?

Yes I have also haunted the NaNo tech form. That is were this kind of all got started. But I sort of wanted to poll a much smaller group to get a feel for what they liked best. More direct input.

Thanks.
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Book Minstrel: Books and Writing Aspirations Blog.
Pisces Muse: Personal Blog.
Pisces Muse: Twitter

Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

Early Starters - Midnight write-ins

AuraBeth — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:35:46 +0000

Hey there everybody. because of my job it looks like I'm not going to make it to many of the regular write ins.

Is there any interest in doing some in the middle of the night?
Specifically I'm thinking downtown Tim Hortons from Midnight to something like 3 or 4am.

Cons - no buses, probably no plug ins, not the most comfortable seats.
Pros - uh me? :) , feeding your coffee addictions, communing with other night owls, enjoying the Sudbury night life.

Anyone able and willing to try this?

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One of the joys of travel is visiting new towns and meeting new people. -G. Khan

Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

Werewolf Challenge Time!!

AuraBeth — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:04:21 +0000

Back in October I mentioned I was going to do a challenge for anyone who was writing about werewolves and here it is.

First: Who's stuck with their Werewolf idea?

Second: Does anyone else have a supernatural character they might like to cameo in someone's book in exchange for a canine cameo in their own? (Jesus counts)

I've got a big party scene to write which will feature most of a small town and a dramatic event so I'm happy to give page space to several characters as they "react".

I'll offer up the first character for swap.

Jonas (Secondary character): a tall thin blond, light gray when he goes all wolf man, intelligent and arrogant. Loyal until things get difficult, then he's kind of a coward. Fun at a party but don't ask him to hold your hair if you get sick. Feel free to mess with him.

It's meant to be simplistic so don't feel bad if your complex character looks a little flat, it's not likely these swaps will survive the first edit anyway.

Any takers?
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One of the joys of travel is visiting new towns and meeting new people. -G. Khan

Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

Word War: NY Southern Tier

Rintaran — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:09:45 +0000

Getting a few challenges out for this year's word war. Including copy of letters here:

Quote:

Hey coderster, I noticed you were looking for a word war with a similarly matched region. Well, I'm thinking we just might be the right size for a head-to-head. Last year it was all-new for the Canada::Ontario::Sudbury region, so it's about the same for experience too. Here's what I'm thinking:

Possible terms:

Winner is the team with two of three of the following:

* Most words as a region
* Most words per member
* Most words top 10 members

Winning team chooses a song for the losing team's ML (and any volunteers) to sing & record for the viewing of the winning team.

Let me know if you have a counter-offer, or if you'd like to do any other sort of challenge.

-Shawn "Rintaran" Gray, OCT
Sudbury Municipal Liason

----------
Shawn Gray, OCT
Sudbury Municipal Liason
http://www.shawngray.ca

Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

Word War: North Bay

Rintaran — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:11:10 +0000

Getting the word war challenges out. This one's going to our arch nemesis: North Bay.

Quote:

Hey Sparky, I know its been a while since I organized all those events your first year as North Bay ML, but I still have some fond memories of that event. From what I'm seeing, you're up to be their ML again this year (which puts you at year 4 I think). Well, I'm the ML over in Sudbury for my 2nd year now, and I'm thinking the unofficial race we had last year should become an official head to head this year. Let's have ourselves a little word war, Sudbury vs North Bay. Possible terms: Winner is the team with two of three of the following:

* Most words as a region
* Most words per member
* Most words top 10 members

Winning team chooses a song for the losing team's ML (and any volunteers) to sing & record for the viewing of the winning team.

Let me know if you have a counter-offer, or if you'd like to do any other sort of challenge. I know it really spurred my region on last year, so I'm sure it'll help us both reach new heights.

-Shawn "Rintaran" Gray, OCT
Sudbury Municipal Liason

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Shawn Gray, OCT
Sudbury Municipal Liason
http://www.shawngray.ca

Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

Live from williams!

Dashnir — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:49:00 +0000

Hey everyone getting a little head start at williams to make up some ground compared to everyone else. Hope to see you here soon!
----------
Your furry friend
Dashnir

Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

It's All About Who You Know

Rintaran — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 02:39:14 +0000

Pisces had it right when they mentioned keeping connected. A great way to check in and keep everyone going on their word count comes in the form of Twitter. I know a number of writers have been using Twitter to keep track of their word counts, so I'd like a list of everyone that uses the micro-blogging site. That way, I can cheer you on when you're doing well, give you a push when you're feeling behind, and maybe even send out a quick little idea or challenge to move you along when you get stuck. I'll expect the same of course. We're all in this together, so we'll need to push each other across the finish line!

My twitter: Rintaran
My facebook: Shawn Richard Gray
My personal website: http://www.shawngray.ca

Please, share any online info you'd like below. It truly is all about who you know.
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Shawn Gray, OCT
Sudbury Municipal Liason
http://www.shawngray.ca

Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

William's Write in!

PerfectFallacy — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:24:43 +0000

Guys, can't make it.. D; my ride decided to bail out at the last second, soo. I can't go to my friend's party either, which was today as well.. *sighs* Just have fun, you charging writters! Oh yeah, just remember me tenderly! XD <3 I'll be at home moping, and trying to get a lot done here on my own. So have fun you silly people! XD
----------
Angélique Nolin ~
First year participating. ~
Wanna be Author/Musician!

Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

Hey! The group hit 50,000 words on Day One!!

scribofelidae — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:18:26 +0000

Not a bad way to start off NaNoWriMo, methinks.

Keep at it! Rar Rar Rar! And don't forget to update your word count! :D
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Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

Writerly Diversions - Links and Posts

SooGuy — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:37:55 +0000

I recently started following @inkyelbows on Twitter - she's a freelance writer and illustrator based in Toronto. She posts a lot of good writing related links and information for writers and of course some NaNo stuff.

Her website inkygirl.com has a lot of comics she draws including this one from today about not getting Word Envy one week into the challenge.

http://www.inkygirl.com/nanowrimo-day-6-dont-forget-to-have-fun/

And for the record I don't have word envy yet.

If you have other links or Twitter feeds you think might be of interest to the group feel free to share them here.
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Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

Overnight Write-In

Rintaran — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:03:02 +0000

Inspired by the Night of Writing Dangerously, we're able to do something similar here in Sudbury this year. Sylvie has been able to procure us a room at Laurentian University from 12:00pm on Saturday November 21st until 12:00pm on Sunday November 22nd. Everyone is invited to come on out and write all night long!

Everyone is responsible for their own beverages and snacks. Kitchen facilities are available to us, so you can actually cook a middle of the night meal if you wanted.

Of those planning to attend, did we want to pitch in and maybe get some pizza for supper on the 21st?

Let me know if you can make it! This should be awesome.

Edit: The event is in Room L-239. In the student centre, close to the book store.
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Shawn Gray, OCT
Sudbury Municipal Liason
http://www.shawngray.ca

Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

Northernlife.ca Article

Rhennaya — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:35:24 +0000

Hi guys,
First off, I am terribly sorry I never made it to the kick off party. I expect those of you who went will be glad, because I ended up having the H1N1 "pig plague" as my friends call it. The last thing you wanted was to catch this nasty bug, trust me.

That said, I did need to finish the article, so I snagged a quote or two out of one of Rintaran's posts to flesh out the article. If anyone has pictures from the kick off party though, could you e-mail them to me? stacey@northernlife.ca

http://www.northernlife.ca/news/lifestyle/2009/nov/nanowrimo-031109.aspx

Here is the link to the story.
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Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

How goes the battle?

SooGuy — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:21:23 +0000

Nearing the end of Day 1 and I am still feeling motivated. That's always a good sign - right?

Wrote a few hundred words last night after midnight before rolling the clocks back and going to bed. Didn't get any words in today until this afternoon when I could get away from my loving and supportive family. I think I managed another 1000+ words this afternoon.

I had hoped to get more done this afternoon, but circumstances didn't allow it and now I am typing frantically that the kids are sleeping hoping to surpass my daily minimum.

I know its going to be a challenge for me to find the time daily to keep at this. For the short term I am going to try a combination of writing in the morning before work and sometime after the kids go to bed. If I can squeeze any more time in there at write-ins and what have you I will be grateful for the extra word count.

What's your biggest challenge juggling you schedule this month to find the time and energy to write?

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Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

NaNoWriMo anywhere anytime(Literally)

uncannytruth — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:16:45 +0000

i'm really excited this is my first offial year doing a NaNoWriMo, last year our teacher tried to get the class to do them but it's just not as fun when it's for school.
And always the procrastinator, i did not start until today EEK!
But what i'm really excited about is where im doing my novel from drum roll please, Zimbabwe Africa. Im going to be in Zimbabwe until the 27th which will explain my absence at write-ins. I'm going to complete my novel regardless. I think it will add a little flair finding time and place to write while in the middle of a vacation in an exotic country. Along with my novel i will keep a journal about what it's like trying to find time and inspiration wile writing on my trip I think it's going to be really interesting. For anyone who's interested i will bring the Journal to the TOIF party and maybe the write-in on the 28th if i can make it. NaNoWriMo it always an adventure, but this will b my best one ever
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Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

Total Word Count - UPDATE IT!

SooGuy — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:46:25 +0000

In addition to Shawn's reminder to back up your work (which I have yet to do), don't forget to update your total word count in the little widget thing when you log in.

Shawn doesn't want to have to sing and we are doing a good job of staying out in the lead right now. Stats matter almost as much as getting the words down on the page.

I return you to regularly scheduled post.
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Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

Write-in! Wait, wut?

PerfectFallacy — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:53:12 +0000

Ohhai. pre-emptive topic for tonight's write-in! I guess I'm an early bird, because I'm here just about two hours ahead of time. I have no clue where all of you are going to be, but I am at a compy at the back.. like it'll be head to miss me. There's a post and class frame.. one of youse is going to have to come talk to me first, but I found a desk top, so it's all good! I'm fighting the impulse to write without you guys, because I only brought music for chapters 4 and five.. xD Doh right? Gosh, I feel weird starting this topic. .. anyways, I'll chew on one of you, probably. XD Kidding.. I think. Oh, look a bee.. OMIGOSH A BEE AAAAH.

.. inner comedian, I can't stop. XD rofl. I was desperate enough to ask the librairian if she knew about NaNoWriMo. XD Confused the poor dear.

Come soon guys. XD
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Angélique Nolin ~
First year participating. ~
Wanna be Author/Musician!

Canada :: Ontario :: Sudbury

Welcome & Introductions

Rintaran — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:07:02 +0000

Welcome New & Old!

We have another exciting year of writing sneaking up on us, and I'm sure we're going to have a blast. For those of you that are new this year, or who didn't come out to events last year, I'm Shawn "Rintaran" Gray, your Municipal Liason. It being my 2nd year, they've granted me the power of the highlighter yellow shirt, which means it'll be easy to find me at any write-ins you attend. I can be excitable and energetic, but generally I'm just a really hard worker that likes to make sure everyone is moving ahead and excited about their projects.

Last year we managed a lot of wonderful things. 13 of us beat the November 30th deadline, every write-in was attended by at least 5 people, two distinct (but overlapping) writing groups were formed, and we kicked our neighbouring North Bay's butt in word count. Everyone that made it out to the events ended up having a good time, and from what I've seen since then, almost all of them have since submitted stuff for publication somewhere. I'd call that a fantastic literary push for the Sudbury area, and I'd love to see it continue this year!

For those of you who are new, or who couldn't make it out this year, I highly recommend checking out the events calendar and setting aside a few nights to make it out. Writing in a pack is a great push for getting projects running, and if you get stuck, there's always someone to turn to and say "my character's currently boiling dinosaur eggs, what should I have happen next?" and find a strange answer that'll push your 50,000 word sprint along. Remember, the goal is a 50,000 word first draft of a novel. Like with most first drafts, it isn't all going to be good, and that's alright!

With the new forum headers, we can compare our combined progress with that of 4 other regions. I've picked the three regions I've been a member of over the years, North Bay, Ottawa, and Ontario:Elsewhere. For the fourth, I'm open to suggestions!

Finally, I've managed to secure a handful of stickers, and a very special something for people that make it out to the write-ins this year. It may not seem like much, but when it comes to writing, it helps to have the right tools. During the month of November, anyone with one of the ID cards I'll be printing up will get a 10% discount at The Source in the Southridge Mall (excluding Ipods, Zunes, gaming hardware and software, prepaid airtime cards, televisions, laptop and desktop computers). Sure, the netbook you were looking for isn't getting discounted, but using the discount on the carrying case, cooling pad, extra battery, and USB thumb drive will save a bundle!

Feel free to introduce yourself below. I'm looking forward to meeting every one of you this year. As for myself, I've got a B.Ed. and a B.A. in English. I spend most of my free time writing, editing, or enjoying my wonderful fiance. I have a great background knowledge in computers and electronics, and can usually take any challenge and turn it into a half-decent story. If there's more you want to know, just ask!

Please feel free to e-mail me any ideas or questions directly if you don't feel comfortable posting on the boards.

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Shawn Gray, OCT
Sudbury Municipal Liason
http://www.shawngray.ca