Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

Dear character

ahssakat — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:14:13 +0000

How 'bout a game to ease the frustrations?

For example:

Dear Main Character,

Why did you do that? I was hoping you'd manage to resolve that situation without resorting to insults.

Love, your writer.
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Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

Weekday Write-ins

kindergoth — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:01:58 +0000

Thread for weekday write-in venues. Will be moving around plenty - come say hi!

Monday November 2nd I will be in Hello Beans Cafe in Itaewon from about 5pm til close (about 9pm). Exit one, go straight, it's between the Nike and Adidas stores. If you hit Burger King you've gone too far. Call 010 2891 7170 if you need help finding it.
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Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

Last Minute 'Happy Theme' Write-In - November 22nd!

kindergoth — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:34:08 +0000

ARGH I wrote this post then the net here disconnected and I lost it. Grrrr.

Tomorrow! Happy themed write in at Can More in Myeong Dong, home of porch swings, rockers, amazingly happy decor (seriously - it reminds me of Martha Stewart and Carmen Miranda in one) and cream on toast for service. I totally recommend you come along for a change of scenery!

I will have the powerboard but if we run into non-functional powerboard issues please make sure your lappy is charged - we can move to a starbucks after a while if needed.

Either meet me at 12:45-1pm at Exit 6 Myeong Dong Station OR take exit 6 (NOT exit 5, look carefully at the signs as it can be confusing), turn left. Go straight until you get to the first intersection. Turn left. Go straight until you see an alleyway on the right - it will be after you pass the Mango and a couple of other big clothing stores on your left. Turn right down that alleyway and almost immediately on your right you'll see a flight of stairs going up. There is a sign which says 'Can More' in Korean, with lots of bright colors and a picture of some fruit. Go up to the 2nd floor. I'll be somewhere at the back =)

call if you need - 010 2891 7170.
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Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

I'm homesick and uninspired. Blah!

asongforOphelia — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:22:07 +0000

Noveling friends... my novel is frustrating me! I don't want to write because I'm uninspired. I'm uninspired because I'm exhausted! Korea is hard. I don't have a lot of friends, and I miss my MOM. (Who would have thought, huh?)

Any suggestions, writer to writer, novelmaniac to novelmaniac, about how to beat this homesickness and exhaustion? I'm hitting the three month mark soon, and I've noticed that that is when most people just get hung up.

Anyway, for those of you who have been here a bit longer, how do you beat this?
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Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

Back on track

buildbyflying — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:46:46 +0000

For the first time since the 5th, I'm actually ahead on my word count.
I'm at 30270, which according to nanostats, is a few words better than where I should be. Woot.

A round of automated machine coffee on the house. I'll give you your baek won next time I see you ;)

How is everyone doing on their word counts? Motivation? Inspiration?
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"The feathers come first / then flight" -WS Merwin

Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

Writing Dangerously - November 21st

kindergoth — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:48:50 +0000

Plans for the Night of Writing Dangerously have been altered a little as it is now masses too cold for our initial 'moving around' extravaganza. Instead, we'd like to propose a nice relaxed (warm!) option instead.

Location: Dragon Hill spa at Yongsan Station (also known as "Seven Floors of Jimjilbang Heaven" and "The Disneyland of Saunas".
Time: Meet at 2pm at the Baskin Robins for a guide to show you how to get there. Stay as long or as short as you like.
Cost: Roughly 10,000 won entry (it fluctuates from 8-12,000 depending on how long you're there for, not sure how much if you stay overnight), plus extra money for lunch or snacks or coffee or scrubbers and soap.
Agenda: Write, soak, write, heat, write, enjoy Korean food, a massage or a manicure if they're your 'thing'. And of course a little more writing just to even out the day.

Questions, comments, suggestions? Let me know!
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Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

Morale Check

aristotle91 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:01:33 +0000

Hey everyone,

How are you feeling about your NaNo novel? Are the words flying out of your brain as fast as you can type? Or are the dribbling out one dangling participle at a a time? Can you see the light at the end of the tunnel?

I'm pretty happy with the actual story I'm writing. It's not accurate at all - I have no real knowledge of police practices in Tulsa, Oklahoma, or the medicine involved in treating gun shot wounds - but I don't feel the plotting is nearly as tortured as some of my previous years' work here. My biggest challenge is time. I know no month is perfect, but good lord, November would be a busy month for me without NaNo.

So, please chime in with your experience thus far.
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Seoul Writers
Korea NaNo Group on Facebook

Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

Nov 15th Write In - Gangnam

kindergoth — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:37:07 +0000

Hi everyone.

A number of people have mentioned they can't make it to Busan next weekend, so we're organising a write-in for a little later than usual on the Sunday afternoon.

EDIT - TIME CHANGE 5-8pm, Namu Keuneul in Gangnam - I will be making a reservation so please please please RSVP if you are coming by Thursday lunchtime.

From Gangnam station, take exit 6, walk straight for about two to three blocks until you see Basic House on your left. Look up and you should see Namu Keuneul (Books and Spa Cafe) on the 2nd floor. Head on up! There are powerboards and internet, doctor fish for 2000 won extra and unlimited snacks (beer cracker things, toast and jam) with the purchase of beverages or waffles at the counter. Prices on the high side but not totally hideous.

This weekend went so well; it would be great to see lots of people out for Busan and Gangnam! Good luck for the week ahead and watch the daily write-in thread if you want to come participate!
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Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

Inspiration music

aristotle91 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:13:12 +0000

What are you guys listening to when you write? Do you have some special tracks that really get you going, or do you need silence to work?

My NaNo playlist:
I Stay Away - Alice in Chains
Ampersand - Amanda Palmer
Rehab - Amy Winehouse
Peacebone - The Animals
Sloop John B - The Beach Boys
I Am the Walrus - Beatles
Feed the Tree - Belly
Song for the Dumped - Ben Folds Five
Human Behavior - Bjork
Subterranean Homesick Blues - Bob Dylan
Bohemian Like You - Dandy Warhols
Carmensita - Devendra Banhart
Wild, Wild West - The Escape Club
Lust For Life - Iggy Pop
Breakable - Ingrid Micahelson
Just Like Honey - Jesus and Mary Chain
All My Friends - LCD Soundsystem
Leva's Polka - Loituma
Teardrop - Massive Attack
Mad World - Michael Andrews
Downloading Porn with Dave-o - The Moldy Peaches
Myriad Harbors - The New Pornographers
Fake Plastic Trees - Radiohead
O Death - Ralph Stanley
Reading Time with Pickle - Regina Spektor
I Am Stretched on Your Grave - Sinead O'Connor
Little Willy - The Sweet
and several songs from the Korean band Jaurim

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Seoul Writers
Korea NaNo Group on Facebook

Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

What is your MC doing right now?

Kokoba — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:03:47 +0000

What is your MC doing right at this moment?

As of now, mine's getting ready to club a zombie dog to death with a baseball bat. She's managed to get it trapped in her above-ground pool, but can't live with the thought of leaving it to drown or starve to death. Either way, she's not too happy about it. She's normally an animal-lover.
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Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

Busan Retreat - November 14-15 =)

kindergoth — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:41:52 +0000

To begin with, who is interested in going on retreat to Busan next weekend?

KTX = approximately 103,000 won. Departing Saturday morning, returning Sunday afternoon.
NOTE: Non-Seoulites! I will post details as to which train we are getting when we are booked; if you would like to join us, grab seats on the same train if you can =) We would love to meet you all!
Accommodation = either arrange your own, or we can try to arrange for a communal-style thing in an apartment or minbak.
That one depends on how many people are interested in coming.

Agenda: To word war with our brethren in Busan and prove ultimately which region's pen/keyboard is mightier! I will provide the word war prizes =) Also plans are to sample local specialties in food and beverage, do a spot of sightseeing (visit the aquarium etc).

So, rolecall! Who's in?
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Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

Where will you be writing?

ahssakat — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:32:09 +0000

Exempting your home and write-in locations, where will you be writing this year? Cafes, bars, in between classes?

I'm planning on scribbling away on buses around my city and on breaks between classes, then typing up when I get home. Last year I booked my classes into computer rooms to 'work on visual aids' for presentations and stood at the front and typed into my email account. Anyone got any other sneaky tricks for writing while apparently working?
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Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

Word war HIgh noon

buildbyflying — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:04:47 +0000

anyone up for a word war at noon? Perhaps eariler or later...
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"The feathers come first / then flight" -WS Merwin

Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

my novel sucks

buildbyflying — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:30:25 +0000

it doesn't make sense and there's nothing particularly compelling to carry the story forward. I'm not even fit to write for porn.
I imagine a monologue waxing on the complexities of the dewey decimal system would be less stilted than most of my dialog.
My novel sucks.

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"The feathers come first / then flight" -WS Merwin

Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

Hakwon student name help!

Sammo — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:50:57 +0000

Alright guys, here's my problem:

I need interesting English names given to children in your hakwons. my main character is going to be named Balthazar, not because I've had a Balt before, but because I could imagine it from some super Catholic family... searching for the most obscure name in the bible possible.

For example, I had a student years ago whose name was going to be Lindsy, but the Korean teacher that wrote down her name couldn't guess the correct pronunciation since everyone was using Konglish, and instead wrote Lingy. And from then on, Lingy was her name. (As a side note, I think the misspelling fit her unique personality perfectly).

Anyone else with interesting naming stories, please tell us here, and if I like it, it will be one of the forty or so students at my imaginary Hakwon.

Thanks for any help.
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Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

Nov 8th Write-in: Suwon

aristotle91 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:35:58 +0000

Ang and I decided to host this Sunday's Write-in down in sunny Suwon.

We will congregate at the T8 in Suwon Station at 1pm. If there are not enough seats or power outlets, we will strike out from the Station to other nearby locales. The general idea (subject to change) is to write from 1 - 6pm, have dinner and then go our separate ways.

If you plan to attend the Suwon Sunday Write-in, please post here, so we can have a rough head count. When you arrive at the Station, if you don't see myself or Ang, call me at 010-8877-6742.

Thanks!

Chris
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Seoul Writers
Korea NaNo Group on Facebook

Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

Weekend Write-ins!

kindergoth — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 04:52:09 +0000

Hi everyone! Again a big thank you to all those who came out last night for dinner and writing.

Weekend write-ins begin next weekend. Since we're quite a spread-out bunch, what I thought might be fair would be one write-in down south (we have wrimos from Osan/Suwon/Cheonan way, so somewhere down there would be good), one somewhere up north (we have wrimos in both Ilsan and Uijeongbu - looking at the subway map, Jongno 3-ga is the intersection between the two but that's still quite a trek) and maybe two more somewhere sort of central - one maybe in Gangnam (plenty of places with power points, and one particular starbucks with an awesome study table we can tape a powerboard to!).

Week One (November 8th) - Preferences? Discuss below!

Week Two (November 15th) - We will be in Busan for retreat but we will try to organise a write-in lateish in the afternoon? This one might be good for Gangnam?

Week Three (November 22nd) - We will have said goodbye to our Busan brethren in the afternoon and riding on our success from the night before keep typing! This one might also be a good idea to keep central, especially if outlying WriMos come to Seoul the night before. Preferences?

Week Four (November 28th) - Preferences? Discuss below!
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Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

Introducing Ourselves!

kindergoth — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 08:21:50 +0000

Hello everyone! Figured I'd get the ball rollin' on down through the ROK and chuck a thread up here for us to get to know each other. Can't believe it's NaNoWriMo time again already!

My name is Ang aka kindergoth and I live in Hae Bang Chon, Seoul. This will be my 4th NaNo (3rd in Korea and hopefully 3rd win!). Aims this year: finish the story, not just hit 50k, and raise a buttload of funds for the OLL as my class will be participating in the Young Writers' Program as well this year!

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Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

Day One Status Update

aristotle91 — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 03:15:09 +0000

Hey Seoul NaNo'ers, how's your first day going?

Thanks to the Night of 5000 Words, I actually banged out 6030 words before I hit the hay at 5:30am. I hope to get a few more in tonight as well. Of course, the story is pretty lame. I'm making plot choices for convenience, things I would never do in a more thoughtful writing process, and there are things I really need to research (police procedure, blood splatter patterns) but there's no way I'm going to take time to do that.

So, tell us about your first day experience? Are you on track? Is your story going well?
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Seoul Writers
Korea NaNo Group on Facebook

Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

Kick-Off Party/Night of 5000 Words!

kindergoth — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:01:35 +0000

Hello budding wrimos!

KICKOFF PARTY!
8:30pm, October 31st at Foreign Restaurant in Itaewon.
Meet at 8:15pm outside Coldstone/Quiznos (Exit three and do a 180) for guidance if you don't know where FR is =)

Otherwise, if you miss us there or are going to be late, take exit 3 from Itaewon Station. Walk straight til you get to the lights. Cross the road and turn right. Walk up the hill. Foreign Restaurant is on your left (impossible to miss, it's huge).

Dinner and introductions notwithstanding, there will be the provision of goody bags containing surprises and motivational goodies to keep you going for the first part of the month =) The dinner is a buffet of (mostly) Indian food, with a few other bits and pieces thrown in (french fries, for example).

Please RSVP so I can confirm our booking by Wednesday.

It is Halloween Night so those with party plans can depart after... the rest can join us for

NIGHT OF 5000 WORDS!
11:30ish til 6am, kindergoth's place in Hae Bang Chon (ten minutes' walk from Itaewon).

Post-Kick-Off, we will trundle our way down Itaewon's main strip, stopping somewhere for either alcoholic or caffeinated beverages and to watch the costumed madness for a bit. It is HBC fest that weekend too, so those attending that and then wishing to partake in NO5000W are welcome to join us at that point. Hit up my corner store (they are the greatest grey market of imported goods in the 'chon) for supplies though I will have some at 'home base' as well.

MIDNIGHT WE START WRITIN'! Six hours to hit 5000 words!
Word warring aplenty and challenges by the hour rewarded by lucky-dip prizes... plus the satisfaction of knocking out nearly a tenth of your word count in the first night!

Things to bring: laptops and power cables (don't worry about powerboards, I have stacks plus seven outlets in the kitchen alone). Cameras. The usual sleepover necessities (though how much sleeping will actually be done is anyone's guess!). Your sense of humour and a will to write.

GET YOUR WRITE ON! This year is going to be awesome. RSVP below!
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Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

2 Words and Counting!

Sammo — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:03:51 +0000

Anyone else? It's midnight!
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Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

Is Korea inspiring your novel?

asongforOphelia — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:53:37 +0000

Is Korea inspiring your novel in anyway? Is it set there? Are you writing about expats? Or does the cityscape influence your imaginary cityscapes? Or are you trying to go as far away from Korea as possible, and creating a world where cheese rains from the sky, and all the apartment buildings are required by law to look different from their neighbors? :D

I'm interested to know how Korea is making its way into your writing--especially for the new ones here, like me.

My novel is incorporating urban elements... but I have yet to discover exactly how it is going to work. Still, I think Korea will sneak its way in there.
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Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

Jeju

iphilgood — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 06:36:03 +0000

I know this is the Seoul group, but I'm just posting to see if anyone else lives on Jeju. Drop me a line if you wanna nano it up.
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Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

How are you preparing?

aristotle91 — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:02:03 +0000

It's still a few weeks before the kick-off, but I've been trying to get organized. What are you doing to prepare? Are you making an outline, detailing characters, or what?

I don't really like outlining, it's not how I usually write. But, this year I am trying to make some sort of outline so I don't have to waste so much time thinking about what's going to happen next when I should just be powering through.

Do you guys have any tips or strategies that work for you?
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Seoul Writers
Korea NaNo Group on Facebook

Asia :: South Korea :: Seoul

Donating

Incorporal — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:36:28 +0000

I asked this last year; for those of us who don't have Paypal or that type of thing, is there an easy way to get funds through to the donation station? I'd be good for up to 30,000 won, just wondering if anyone else feels the same way and if we could somehow pool our funds to one donator who could then make the transfer on behalf of more than one person.

I don't particularly care about halos, recognition, or goodies, but would like to help out financially since I've been doing this for so many years but have never donated.

Thoughts?
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There's always someone left to fight.