USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

Lost Words

wraithshade — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:54:56 +0000

So, I grabbed my USB flash drive this morning to pop a file on to it before work, and my Windows 7 machine came back and said, "E: Removable Drive: Drive must be formatted before use, format now?" At which point I promptly pressed NO.

Moving to my XP machine, I found that the drive still had that problem. Every machine in my house said the same thing. My flash drive was dead.

Well, I have a backup of my story. But the last two days I wrote 5k words, and because I didn't write last night at home, I didn't pull up my laptop to back anything up. So the 38k that I had as of last night is officially gone. I'm back to 33k. Five days left, one of which is Thanksgiving.

*sigh* however, there is a chance I can recover the file off of my drive. It will take about three hours to go through every sector on my 16GB drive, but there is no guarantee.
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USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

Validation is now open!

Past_Midnight — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:05:02 +0000

You may have noticed the first few purple "winner" bars popping up on the forums. As of midnight, the official word count validator is open for business.

If you've hit your 50k or just want to get an official check of your word count, here's what you need to do:

- Go to "My NaNoWriMo"
- Click on "Verify and Win"
- On your document, select all, copy and then paste into the box you find on the "Verify and Win" page
- Click "Submit"

Once your words are counted, your document is deleted. None of the NaNo Powers That Be save your novel or read it or rush off to the nearest printing shop with it gleefully tucked in their greedy hands. But, if you are still worried about pasting your work of genius onto a website, see the instructions for how to scramble your novel before submitting: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/402670

If you are handwriting rather than typing, you can still validate your word count on the website

- Have a trusted person verify that you did indeed scribble out more than 50k
- Paste any 50k words (or whatever number you made it to during the month) into the box on the "Verify and Win" page.
(Check out the FAQ on validating a handwritten novel: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/3002156)

Now is also the time to be sure that your time zone is set correctly. What would suck more than getting to 11pm on the 30th, submitting the masterpiece you've slaved over all month, only to find that the deadline has passed because of an incorrect time zone setting?

To check your time zone:

- Go to "My NaNoWriMo"
- Click on "Edit User Settings"
- Scroll down to Locale settings: Time zone (above the Terms and Conditions).
- From the drop down menu, select the correct day, date, and time for where you are. (Please note that the time format is military time!)
- Once you have selected your correct time settings, be sure to hit 'Submit' at the bottom of the page.

And, lastly, for the love of all that is literary, make sure that precious work of art is backed up. In as many places as you can think of. External hard drives, flash drives, CDs, printed copies, emails to yourself, your grandmother, your neighbor's dog. You've worked too hard all month to have your masterpiece lost for all ages because Uncle Mike accidentally set your laptop on fire in a deep-fried turkey incident. Back that novel up!

And, with that, I'm off to try out the validator myself!
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USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

Word Count Scoreboard

startracer — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:51:46 +0000

If you hit the "Regional Info" tab at the top of these forums, it will tell us the number of active Wrimos who call this region home, the percent who have donated money to the cause (you guys rock!), and, come November, the average word count. Yessss.

There's also a slot for comparing to other regions, though I imagine it will be in terms of total word count (but who can know until we start). For now, I've put the five Indiana "city" regions that we compared ourselves to last year, when we were better than all of them in the end (Bloomington and Indy give us the stiffest competition).

I'll keep our daily word count progress noted in this thread once NaNo kicks off, and note where our competition lies.

It's updated at some weird time overnight, probably to be synced up with Australia or something. So the "dates" will never be perfect, until the very end, but since everyone's synced at once, we'll at least get a good idea of where we stand.

As of November 1st, we are in a zillion-way tie for 209th with 0 words per person.
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USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

Those extra words!

Past_Midnight — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:55:09 +0000

We all do it. No matter how noble our intentions towards producing great literature during NaNo (ha!), we can't resist sneaking extra words in, even knowing full well that they'll be axed come revision time.

What are some of your favorite ways to pad your word count?

I like to:

- Use ridiculously long chapter titles. Seriously, like chapter titles that run to several lines at times.

- Give characters long nicknames. They're all thieves, so I can do that. But it's always "Reuben the Bear" rather than simply "Reuben".

- Refusing to use contractions. This is often a last resort.

- When I get really desperate in getting more words for the day, I go through and eliminate hyphens. Yeah.

What do you do to add those extra words?
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USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

Heh, ya know....

Angelfowl — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:34:21 +0000

(Sorry for yet another topic here but I bet some of you guys are feeling this too)

So, I'm closing in on 50k, and tonight, I'm getting ready to write for the evening. And... I feel like crying.

I know my climax scene is almost... inevitable soon... that the book is almost... over. Once I start the climax scenes, it's a whirlwind until the end, then it's just... Good bye to my characters.

These characters I've been working with this entire month, that there existence is finally coming to a close.

I don't wanna let go.

Maybe this is why I never finish a draft, cause I hate endings. I hate having to say good bye to the characters, even if I'll have to continue working with them into the next couple drafts. Still... It's like saying good bye. Books over, you don't have the fun of continuing the story, because it just... is over.

I find myself hesitating tonight, and almost literally in tears. Because I don't want to finish my novel. I know I'll feel over the moon when I do. But I don't want it to be -- over. I want to continue writing about Rose, Calvin, Izelia, Heck even the Ice She-Demon. But I know that all good things have to come to an end.

I just don't want it too.

This next scene I write, to hit the 50k will be the one that initiates the climax, starts the fire that will start low and burn into a wild fire consuming the entire story until the end.

Heh, I probably sound really weird to you all. But I swear, I am having so much difficulty, I keep trying to push the climax scene back, to add more stuff before it so I don't have to start it so I don't have to finish the Novel....

Ya know what. It does have to end at some point, it can't wander around forever.

Maybe this is why I've never finished a novel or story in my life. Because I hate endings. I hate good byes.

Sorry for the rant.

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2007: Lonely Nomad (2k) Fail
2008: Wolf Princess (56k) Win!
2009: The Doorway (?) ?

USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

49,733

Mr.Mirage — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:49:43 +0000

AAARRGHHH!! (inarticulate words of frustrated rage to follow)

I AM NOT GOING TO WRITE MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB SEVENTY DAMNED TIMES!

What a freakin' lousy point to hit a writer's block.

Shoot me. In the head. With a large caliber weapon.

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USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

Reminder: Sunday Evening Meet-up at B&N

Past_Midnight — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:29:05 +0000

Just a reminder that tonight we're meeting up at the Barnes & Noble at University Park Mall at 7pm. Just an informal chat and a chance to relax our fingers! Come and hear how the past week has gone for everyone else.

A few folks have asked if there would be a chance to do writing today. My suggestion is to do what we did last Sunday. Those who wanted to get writing in before the evening meet-up can show up at B&N anytime before 7 and get some words down. Last Sunday we started showing up as early as 3pm, but you can drop in whenever.

Hope to see you all there! We took over three tables last Sunday.
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USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

One Million Words!

startracer — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:56:39 +0000

Hi folks! It's the weekend, which hopefully means some hefty word count boosts. But, we're also reaching a milestone that comes earlier with every year I'm involved in the Notre Dame region - writing, cumulatively, our first million words!

As of last night, our region had about 853,000 words combined. If we keep going at our current pace, we'll hit a million words Monday night. But my challenge to you is to get a million words this weekend. What do you say? Can we reach this milestone before our weekly hangout at Barnes and Noble?

With 71 people writing in this region, that breaks down to just 2,000 words and some change by Sunday night. I'd guess some people have already fallen out of the game, and now we have to carry their limping 2,000 word totals with us to November 30. So, my challenge is to write enough for you and one other person - that's 4,100 words - between now and tomorrow night.

We can do it!

Anyone have any personal milestones they've celebrated or will celebrate soon? I'm hoping to hit halfway today...
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USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

Reminder: Saturday Write-ins

Past_Midnight — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:29:54 +0000

We have two write-ins scheduled (still working on getting both on the calender) for tomorrow. For those out Nappanee way, there'll be one at the Main Street Coffee House starting at 8am. A few closer to South Bend have expressed interest in a parallel write-in (not as much fun as a parallel universe but, hey, what can you do?), so those over this way are meeting at Jumpin' Juice and Java in Granger at 8am.

There's a map for Main Street Coffee House in Nappanee on our calender. Still trying to get a map up there for Jumpin' Juice and Java.

As always, if you need a ride or can give a ride for this event, please post here!
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USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

Fav cafe, places to hang out.

erthian — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:33:09 +0000

So where are peoples favourite places to hang out and write, read, or just loiter around and why? I mostly go to chocolate cafe because of lack of a better place, but I prefer small cozy cafe type places. The library is always good, but the wifi sucks and not much for coffee or food.
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USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

Donations, Donating When Broke, and Other Thank-Yous

startracer — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:10:15 +0000

I'm obliged to hit you with this at least once per NaNo season: the appeal for donations. This is all me talking here, not another else involved in NaNo, so bear with me.

This institution doesn't run on pixie dust and magic (much as we try) - the website, the swag, the Young Writers' Program, and the charities all require some overhead to operate. If NaNo affects your life in a good way, I invite you to consider affecting NaNo in a good way... financially.

I understand that we can't all just empty our pockets for the love of NaNo, and some of us can't donate at all (in which case you should check out this page!). And just buying anything from the site helps, too! But there are always special incentives for donors.

Donors get some pretty awesome swag. Donating $10 gets you the spiffy halo next to your username in the forums. A cool $25 lands you the same, and some special-edition stuff: a NaNo postcard and "all-star" sticker, plus coupons for bookly-related things. Fifty bucks nets you the above and a listing on the site and a totally cool window cling (and not the one for sale in the store!), but those who manage to double that get all of the above AND a sweet, sweet NaNo poster that will later retail for $25-$35 itself on the site!

But really, the reason I donate, and the reason I invite you to donate, is because NaNoWriMo has literally changed my life. Sure, I finally wrote a novel that I said I'd write one day. And then I did it two more times. But more important than all that, I have made some lasting friendships through local NaNo events, and I wouldn't even have half the close friends I do now if not for this program. So donating annually is my "thank you" to the folks who organize this year to year.

Anyway, I won't press the issue, of course, but I certainly invite you to consider how much NaNo is worth to you, and give maybe at least a fraction of that to those who made it possible.

(Also, how cool is it to say that we're currently in the top 20% of most generous NaNo regions IN THE WORLD.)

Questions about donating? Want to sing the praises of NaNo? Share your thoughts here.
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USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

Library -Friday Write-in-

Angelfowl — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:43:40 +0000

Just so we aren't all wandering around again and not find each other.

How about we all meet (Mishawaka Library on Lincoln Way) in front of the large print/Reference section? There is like two tables there, and it's easy to find from coming in the front.

??
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2007: Lonely Nomad (2k) Fail
2008: Wolf Princess (56k) Win!
2009: The Doorway (?) ?

USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

WHOO!

Angelfowl — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:47:21 +0000

Okay, I decided we needed our own shoutout thread... for when you get to a number you are REALLY excited about....

Mine is 40k... I have been working towards it for the last 4 days, and I FINALLY PASSED THE LINE!

*does a happy dance*
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2007: Lonely Nomad (2k) Fail
2008: Wolf Princess (56k) Win!
2009: The Doorway (?) ?

USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

ACK! Robinson Caurso moment!!

Mr.Mirage — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:56:38 +0000

We all know the issue with Mr. Caruso, getting stark naked, swimming out to the ship and somehow filling POCKETS with goods.

So, where did the pockets come from??

I had a Robinson Caruso moment! Thinking about what has gone on, I noticed that much (as in WAY too much) was missing and my story was faltering.

I am now going back to correct this today. That means... more words. LOTS and LOTS more!

Anyone else having this issue?
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USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

Favorite Line

Angelfowl — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:19:35 +0000

Okay, because it's in week two, why not point out a good line from your novel.

I mean your characters have got to say SOMETHING you think is funny...

My favorite line from my novel so far is what one of my Main girls says to this guy who is forcing her to wear a dress...

*~*~*~*
"You are an evil man," she said grumbling making Nanth laugh.

"So, say you milady," he said smiling.
*~*~*~*

;)
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2007: Lonely Nomad (2k) Fail
2008: Wolf Princess (56k) Win!
2009: The Doorway (?) ?

USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

Chapter Thirteen....

Angelfowl — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:45:51 +0000

I swear I've been staring at this freakin' chapter for the last 2 hours... it's mocking me.

I know about what I want to happen... but I can't start it...

*glares at the blinking cursor mocking her*

*headdesk*
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2007: Lonely Nomad (2k) Fail
2008: Wolf Princess (56k) Win!
2009: The Doorway (?) ?

USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

Write Or Die (Choose wisely!)

Angelfowl — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:38:27 +0000

Heya everyone!

Jessica (yes, I think that's Past_Midnights name... I'm horrible with names -_-) told me I should post the Write or Die link up so everyone could save their novels ;)

http://writeordie.drwicked.com/

Great for writing a bunch and hopefully pushing out of your mind how dreadfully horrible it is... cause well... it'll either play a REALLY annoying song clip, pop open a window that gentle urges you to keep writing... OR..... DELETES YOUR WORDS... ONE BY ONE!!! *laughs evilly*

Enjoy! ^^
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2007: Lonely Nomad (2k) Fail
2008: Wolf Princess (56k) Win!
2009: The Doorway (?) ?

USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

Incentive... or better known as... Blackmail!

Angelfowl — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:53:52 +0000

okay, just so I have some incentive to do this.

I need to be at 37,500 by the time I go to bed in... 3 hours...

....

This is my ... blackmailing myself to do it I guess xD

So it's a .. Do this or be ridiculed ;)
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2007: Lonely Nomad (2k) Fail
2008: Wolf Princess (56k) Win!
2009: The Doorway (?) ?

USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

The Obligatory Introductions Thread

startracer — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:36:54 +0000

I suppose we should get the ball rolling by having a space to introduce ourselves, as much or as little as we want. Feel free to steal my list here, or make your own.

Name:
Age:
Occupation:
Location:
Favorite restaurant/cafe in the area:
Hobbies:
What brought you to NaNoWriMo:
Anything else you want to say:

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USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

Jumpin' Juice and Java in Granger

david.blair.nsi@gmail.com — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:12:58 +0000

I really really liked the atmosphere of this place when I was there Saturday morning with Jeanine, Jessica and Chawny (sp)

...and their delicious cocoa! As good as Bellavita, dare I say!

Is there anyone else that wants to do a write-in there that needs a different timeslot then the current write-ins? I'm an 8-5 M-F workslave, so any other times are good with me.

DB
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USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

Reminder: Saturday Write-in at Indulgence

Past_Midnight — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:58:25 +0000

Just a reminder that tomorrow's write-in is at Indulgence in South Bend, starting around 8am until whenever. Map is attached to our calendar. I'm planning to be there bright and early!

As always, if you need or can give a ride, please post here!

Hope to see you there!
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USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

WHOOO~~~

Angelfowl — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:12:06 +0000

I gotta share...

My dad just bought me the NaNo Travel mug!!!

I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited.... he also toying with the idea of getting me a Halo ^^

I'm happy!!

Couple weeks and that Mug will be MINE, .... HOT CHOCOLATE GALORE!

*wanders back to her novel skipping*
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2007: Lonely Nomad (2k) Fail
2008: Wolf Princess (56k) Win!
2009: The Doorway (?) ?

USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

NaNo in the News

startracer — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:42:09 +0000

In previous years, our NaNo region has turned up in a handful of media (the South Bend Tribune, the ND Observer, etc). This year, the first article spotted is in IN Michiana magazine - check out page 17 in this month's issue! Yay! Props to Carrie for not making me sound like a moron in the article.

Any other NaNo sightings? Opinions on what is published? Share your thoughts!
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USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

Anyone in Niles?

julesgarden — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:18:30 +0000

Hi, I just joined, so am new to all of this.~Jules
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USA :: Indiana :: Notre Dame

Opening sentence?

pawli — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:36:20 +0000

In the same vein as "favorite line", here's a fun 30 seconds of procrastination for everyone before putting your noses back to the grindstone.

Anyone care to share the all-important opening line to their current muss-terpiece?

Mine would be:

You can’t pedal backwards in time, but still Newton tried.

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