USA :: New Jersey :: South

I Need A Boost

Ellfie — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:34:06 +0000

Preferably caffeine or chocolate... but I didn't manage to get my hands on either today. Dang it.

So I'm more than 10k behind, not to mention the extra 10k added to that if I want to catch up AND win, and I'm dragging. I've been behind almost all month, and have had days were I think I can do it and am happy to get out the words I do, and days were I'd rather sulk and bang my head against a wall for my lack of writing ability, wondering why I'm doing this anyway.

I'm trying to get to 30k, or at least in the 29k area tonight, and continue on a rampage this week. But I have so many things I need to do (like oh... homework? And finals? Nah, it's not like I'll use Chemistry anyway! *head/desk*) and there's times when I really think my story isn't worth it this year.

Help! D: I need encouragement! (And cookies! And caffeine! And someone to do my Chemistry homework for me!!) Part of my problem is not a lack of ideas; I have plenty of those, but for some reason when it comes to writing the actual scene, I blank, and can't figure out why. Tips for that?

What sucks more is that I see some of the stuff getting published now (and though I'm judging it by the cover info) and I think "My story is so much better than this crap!" Then I remember that most of my story doesn't even exist yet... after which I'm prone to either sulk or get more determined. Changes with my moods.

Blaaaaaaarrrrrggggg.

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USA :: New Jersey :: South

IMPORTANT NOTE About Voorhees Library Write In on November 27th

Circus — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:27:16 +0000

All right! I have a sudden thing that I have to do for school, but I desperately want to avoid canceling a write-in this far into the month. As such, I will not be canceling the write-in on Friday, but I will also NOT BE ATTENDING. So there will not be a guaranteed host. I know that Kim is planning on being there, as well as some possible others.

Good luck to everybody who attends! I am truly sorry that I can't be there.
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Municipal Liaison 2009
United States :: New Jersey :: South

USA :: New Jersey :: South

Write-In at Borders in Mt. Laurel on Tuesday 11/24

ladybard — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:58:36 +0000

I at least will be there. I'm planning to show up sometime before six, though I haven't decided yet how exactly I'm defining "before six" - I might show up at four something, I might show up at five forty-five... but I'll be there, even if it is raining (the dark and rain scared me off of going to the Treehouse tonight, because I don't really know those roads all that well, but I know the roads to get to Border's well enough that I would have braved those with tonight's weather).

Hopefully I'll see some of you guys there - I'll try and grab a couple tables near an outlet and put up a sign if I'm there first!
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USA :: New Jersey :: South

The Great South Jersey Dragon Challenge

amyhaha — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:15:53 +0000

So at the kickoff meeting (party!!!) the word dragon came up an extremely disproportionate number of times. So from that has our regional "dare," much like the trebuchet is the sort of unofficial "dare" for all of NaNoWriMo.

Work a dragon into your story somewhere, and post the excerpt here. (Give some kind of context, please!) Doesn't have to be a main character, or feature, but it should have a bit more than a casual mention. Dragon tattoos, metaphors for crazy drug trip, horrifying nightmare or dragons as the main form of transportation in your story all count!

Everyone who does will be awarded (by me) a prize at the closing party (hopefully we can plan it soon...!! :) The reward won't be much (think "sticker" as opposed to "trophy") but you'll get some kind of recognition that will remind you of your accomplishment for eons (or until you forget what it was for and throw it away). But even better, you'll have something that might at least give you the opportunity to write even more words!

Do it!!!!
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time for another misadventure

USA :: New Jersey :: South

T.G.I.O. Party

amyhaha — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:42:38 +0000

Where?? When??

Chinese Buffet in Hammonton? Or maybe somewhere like Lindenwold or Berlin?

Friday seemed to be a pretty good day...Friday, December 4? 7 pmish again?
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time for another misadventure

USA :: New Jersey :: South

Rough month -- need your support

bluestone — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:44:41 +0000

I don't usually come on the forums to throw myself a pity party, but this year will have to be the exception. I'm sending out a call for whatever spare encouragement you can lend in the face of some issues, as follows:

*Long, drawn-out coughing sickness (NOT swine flu thank goodness) now entering its fourth week
*Having to repeatedly call out sick from a job that pays by the hour (no workee, no money)
*Trying to offer emotional support to a dear friend with a family member in critical, worsening condition in the hospital
*Also trying to focus on my singing and dancing part in a community theater production this weekend
*Knowing I have to cram an entire week's work into two days next week to meet office schedule
*Fear that my novel is an overwrought jumble of drama with no defined story arc whatsoever
*Internal pessimist urging me to give up because I'm so far behind and the month is half over
*Mind goes blank whenever my story needs actual plot added instead of gentle padding

Despite all this, I do have the urge to see this through and WIN. I'm just terribly, terribly weak right now and the mounting real-life pressures are choking my creativity. I want this to be fun, but I also want it to be worth my while. In other words, I do not see the point of adding silly garble just for the sake of punching the keys. That would depress me more than failing. But I am reaching a breaking point.

To counter the above list, I have some points in my favor.

*I have upwards of 14,500 words at this point, and all the words are plot-related
*Even on my worst days, I've managed to crank out something small to add
*I like my story and don't really think it's junk
*One person has read my excerpt and posted that they liked specific things in it
*After the two-day crunch next week, I don't have to come in to work for five solid days
*Competition and praise are big motivators for me

So I have a game plan (part of which included me posting this so I can logically work through this mess). The most encouraging thing of all would be to read my excerpt and point out anything good you can find. Even if it's just that you like the way I used correct punctuation throughout... please tell me something nice. If I know people are interested and reading it, I will be motivated to write just for the sake of having more cool excerpts to post. But right now I am being my own worst critic and it's getting harder to tell my inner editor "Shut up, this stuff is dern good for a first draft."
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USA :: New Jersey :: South

when november is over.....

amyhaha — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:35:45 +0000

....has become my new catch phrase.

* I will clean by bathroom
* I will rake the yard
* I will take my poor dog for a walk every day for 10 days straight
* I will plan the end-of-the-year party for my outdoor group
* I will clean off my desk (again)

AND

* I will commit the month of December to getting the story finished, since I'm beginning to suspect that even if I do hit 50K i'm still going to have more to write...
* I will still hold a write-in at the Treehouse at least one Monday night a month. Hollah if you want to join in! :)

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time for another misadventure

USA :: New Jersey :: South

Write-In at Borders in Mt. Laurel on Tuesday 11/17

amyhaha — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:54:51 +0000

I'll be there, not sure who else will be but kindly post here so i can look for you :)

Can someone confirm that we are talking about the Borders in the shopping center by Cosi? If not I may need better directions....

see ya then!
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time for another misadventure

USA :: New Jersey :: South

Ocean County Write-In?

Unkindloving — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:11:19 +0000

(cross-posted)

I know Ocean County is smack dab in the middle of everything, but there are a few of us around here.
Is anyone fairly close or would be interested in heading down for a write-in every now and then?
I'm from the Toms River area with a friend in the Manchester area. We would absolutely love to get together with anyone willing :)
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.Breathe life in deeply - Exhale creativity.

USA :: New Jersey :: South

Silly Lyrics

ladybard — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:56:03 +0000

This started with a choir joke about pirate evensong and me writing silly lyrics to pirate songs as part of that, which got the pirate songs kind of in my ear, and since a lot of NaNoWriMo is craziness and silliness that popped into one of them, and here's the result. Feel free to ignore, share if you like it, add your own verses, or whatever.

When It's NaNoWriMo
(tune: What Do We Do With a Drunken Sailor)

What do we do when it turns November?
What do we do when it turns November?
What do we do when it turns November?
When it's NaNoWriMo?

Yo ho the word count rises!
Yo ho the word count rises!
Yo ho the word count rises
When it's NaNoWriMo!

Write page after page of filler,
Write page after page...
Write...
When it's NaNoWriMo!

Go to lots and lots of write-ins...

Keep the coffee shops in business....

Stay up long past midnight writing....

Add a couple of plot ninjas....

Lock away that inner critic...

Save the edits for December....

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USA :: New Jersey :: South

I've lost control of my story

chicarica — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:07:58 +0000

I am 27thousand words into this book and it hits me that this is not anything near the story I was planning to write. My original main character now has nothing more than a bit part and the real story is beginning to revolve around her mother. I have no idea what is going to happen next but it better be good because I'm boring myself with the whole thing. The novel has a mind of its own. Every time I start typing strange words appear on my screen and new characters appear out of nowhere. I don't know who is important and who is not because my novel won't let me in on the secret! Help! They say this is how it is in the middle but I feel like I'm stuck out in the ocean with no way back to shore to finish this thing.
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USA :: New Jersey :: South

Friday 11/20 Write-In

Saphira — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:52:20 +0000

A group of us will be meeting at Jersey Java and Tea in Haddonfield

They don't appear to have an official website yet since they are new but the address is

140N. Haddon Ave. Haddonfield NJ

The write-in will officially start at 7pm though I'll probably end up being there earlier than that. Also it was discovered that the Barnes and Noble not too far away in Cherry Hill doesn't close until 11pm so if we have to leave Jersey Java at some point we can still go there.

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USA :: New Jersey :: South

Just for laughs

Saphira — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:47:21 +0000

All of my friends always ask me during this month "so you workin' on that novel?"

this clip still makes me laugh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWsGvWwUctk

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USA :: New Jersey :: South

Noob Question - What's a write-in?

shard527 — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:28:51 +0000

Hi everyone! I'm Melissa and have been lurking on these boards all month. I'm from the Cherry Hill area and am doing Nano for the first time. On to my question - what's happens at a write-in? from what i've read, i gather you all meet and work on your novels - but how is that different from working at home?

sorry to be such a newbie!
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USA :: New Jersey :: South

So...I'm writing by hand...

jet_doyle — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:01:17 +0000

I've been writing by hand because I'm never near my computer. I have no idea what my word count is because I haven't checked it. Sorry for anyone who is my writing buddy, I've been working two jobs and trying to write whenever I have a chance.

If I don't finish, I won't be upset with myself, but my plot is so muddled right now, I have no idea where its going. ::shrugs:: I really really hate it. Oh well.

Anyone else writing by hand? Any advice?
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USA :: New Jersey :: South

Extra Friday Write-in?

Saphira — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:22:49 +0000

I know we discussed this a bit last night, but is anyone else up for an extra write-in on Friday? Maybe I have no life, or maybe I'm just stubborn and determined to get to 50,000, but I think adding an extra Friday write-in would be helpful.

Is anyone in agreement? Does anyone have any good suggestions for locations? Perhaps somewhere that doesn't close at the crack of 9pm?
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USA :: New Jersey :: South

Teens, Middle Schoolers, etc.

amyhaha — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 03:56:14 +0000

Hi. I'm wondering how you guys all heard about NaNoWriMo? I have this vague idea to do a fundraiser at the same time as the "Night of Writing Dangerously" with a focus on getting the word out in local schools/ libraries by way of the Young Writers' Program.

So...a little feedback, helpful? gracias party people....

How did you hear about NaNoWriMo? How many years ago? Have you won?

Are you participating with any classmates?

Do you plan on telling your teachers? If so, are you going to ask them for support? (i.e., Can I skip Algebra so I can make it to 2000 words for the day)

If you've participated before, when did you do the most writing? (i.e. After school, after midnight; during study hall or lunch, during Physics Lab when you should have been using the computer for something else)

Are you participating in the Young Writers' Program? If so, are you writing the full 50,000 words or are you going for a different goal?

Do you know of and/or have you ever used the Young Writers' Program materials?

If I was to write a press release, which I am not going to make any guarantee of, would you be interested in being interviewed? (over email)

Thanks, any other thoughts that you might have about writing while trying to participate in NaNoWriMo while being in school full time, managing friends, playing sports or participating in extra-curricular activities (not including detention, you can write during detention!) welcome and appreciated.

If you have ever participated in NaNoWriMo while a high school student, feel free to respond also about your experience. :) Thanks!
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time for another misadventure

USA :: New Jersey :: South

Write-In at Camden County College 11/18 CANCELLED

Circus — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:58:26 +0000

Guys, I am so incredibly sorry. This is the third write-in I've canceled in a row. I feel terrible about it, but it really can't be helped.

The Voorhees Library write-in this Thursday is definitely on, even if I have to walk there. I'm sorry again.
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------------------------------------
Municipal Liaison 2009
United States :: New Jersey :: South

USA :: New Jersey :: South

I bailed. =(

MissyP89 — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:53:47 +0000

For the first time ever, I had to back myself up and say that NaNo is not for me this year. That stings.

But school has gotten to be too much for me to juggle a novel on top of all of that. It got to a point where I was falling asleep in class and barely making my deadlines for articles.

My ex, a grad student doing his thesis, finished his novel in 5 days. I kinda hate him for that. ;)

It became a choice between my health/sanity and NaNo. I had to side with myself.

But I believe in you, Wrimos. You can go the distance in my place. In fact, I want you to do that for me. And when the TGIO party gets here, I'm going to weep with joy over how amazing you all are.

Strive on! You can do it!!

p.s. I'm still doing my NaNo article for class. (Amy, check your nanomail. :) )
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||Melissa||
2005: Silhouettes (35K)
2006: Halfway to Anywhere (WINNER!)
2007: Plot Twist (WINNER!)
2008: The Source (WINNER!)
2009: Burnout (Resigned @ 18K)

USA :: New Jersey :: South

Aha--it's week Three!

amyhaha — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:21:24 +0000

Two extremely motivating things I just saw, right in a row:

1. From Philadelphia ML ecoiter: "Week Three is here and it won't accept the whining and pouting that Week Two was such a sucker for. It might seem cruel now, but in a few days you will love this week. I promise."

2. The video on the NaNo home page today. LOVE IT: http://www.viddler.com/explore/NaNoWriMo/videos/15/20.077

Let's go! I'm still 5K behind halfway done!!! I DID NOT GET THIS FAR TO NOT FINISH THIS DAMN STORY!!!

And YOU didn't either!!!!

GOOOOO!!

Ok NOW, I'll stop talking and actually work on my story! Must get 1500 words before leaving for Borders!! #fail
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time for another misadventure

USA :: New Jersey :: South

farewell

Rosalieart — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:39:04 +0000

I'm going to de-affiliate myself with you guys simply because i know i have no chance ot finish nano this year. before i got sick i was just barely treading water anyway, but i ended up a week out 'cause of a rather bad sickness that i've still got, and needing rest + relentless school work = little time for writing. I may keep writing, but i'll be happy if i break 30k. Good luck to all of you!!
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Don't say goodbye; don't ever say goodbye, because goodbye means
going away, and going away means forgetting. Now go on
and put a grain of boldness into everything you do,
because the purpose of life is a life of purpose.

USA :: New Jersey :: South

Word War: Lets Make it a 5K weekend!!

amyhaha — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:03:04 +0000

5,000 words between Friday and Sunday!!! I will be on the road to DC for several hours tomorrow and will be writing!!!

Who's with me??
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time for another misadventure

USA :: New Jersey :: South

Write in Friday night?

cen0taph — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:30:43 +0000

Would anybody be interested in a Write-in either this Friday or next friday at Stir It Up coffeehouse in Mullica Hill? They have a private room with doors that close if we want to reserve it. It holds 8 to 10 people.

Their web site is currently down but it's a really cute independent coffee house in Historic Mullica Hill with private parking in the rear lot.

Please let me know :)
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...
In this blood of winter
You may crush my soul
For we can fall no further
The world is hell...
-Death In June-
http://blood-of-winter.livejournal.com/

USA :: New Jersey :: South

OMG South Jersey is getting is A$$ kicked!!!

amyhaha — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:13:03 +0000

By EVERY OTHER NEW JERSEY REGION!!!!!!!

AND by Philadelphia, Norristown, Bucks County AND Lehigh Valley too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AND probably a lot of other regions nearby that I couldn't find on the list!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Right Here, WRITE NOW!!!!

I challenge EACH AND EVERY SJ WriMo to write 2000 words a day three more times this week!!!!

Do not pass Go, do NOT collect $200, DO NOT post in this forum again until you have written 2000 words today!!!!!!!!
(ok that one is for me)

THAT IS AN ORDER!!!!!

DO IT!!!!
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time for another misadventure

USA :: New Jersey :: South

South Jersey Wrimos Unite!

topwriter — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:12:39 +0000

Hey, South Jersey Wrimos!

Don't let the numbers get you down! Many a character has lagged behind for most of the race, only to win in the end. Remember the tortoise?

We can win this thing and show that South Jersey has what it takes! Remember: the past does not equal the future.

Go, South Jersey! You can do it!

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