United States :: California :: SF Peninsula

Read your work on the radio!

idunno — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:41:01 -0800

If the pride and joy of winning nanowrimo isn't enough motivation to cross 50k (though frankly, I can't imagine that it isn't), how does this sound? If you write 50k or more, you have the opportunity to read an excerpt of your novel on the radio!

Ann Arbor has a radio program on KFJC called Dancin' In The Fast Lane that is broadcast on Wednesday mornings (http://www.kfjc.org/programming/program_info.php?houroftheweek=54&info_i...). During one of the segments on that show, Unbedtime Stories, she reads excerpts from books. For the last few years, she has offered that reading slot to nano participants who have successfully crossed the 50k line.

So, if you want to read part of your glorious novel on the radio, cross that finish line and contact Ann Arbor! Her email is AArborKFJC@aol.com.
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idunno, co-ML for California :: South Bay

United States :: California :: East Bay

Stanford Wrimos?

captainhook — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 17:33:24 -0700

Any Cardinal novelists out there? A couple of us are talking about having weekly write-ins on campus for anyone who doesn't want to go it alone but also feels that leaving the Stanford bubble for even one evening might result in irreparable damage to one's grades, among other such dire consequences (as if participating in NaNoWriMo at all isn't bad enough). Hey, we're all allowed to be a little crazy sometimes, right? Anyway. If you exist, give a shout out, and we will rock this November like no other.
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Hari Rai

United States :: California :: SF Peninsula

Peninsula TGIO Party?

lindac — Sun, 2 Dec 2007 14:35:51 -0800

Last year we had a TGIO party at my house on the Coast (n. of Half Moon Bay) and only about three people showed up, so I didn't say anything this year. But it looks like there's more interest this year, so let's see if we can come up with something. The 8th is the Young Writer's Program TGIO, so I will be there, but perhaps we want to meet during the week? Thursday? or on a Sunday? What do you think? Anyone interested?

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~Linda/ lindac
linano@mac.com
co-ML, San Francisco Peninsula PeNaNos -Quack!
2006 - Cat Tales
2005 - Food and Shelter
2004 - The Raven's Globe
2003 - Trusong

United States :: California :: SF Peninsula

talking about writing in a friendly sort of way

Megs K — Mon, 3 Dec 2007 14:51:22 -0800

Hullo,

I wasn't exactly a full participant in the NaNo madness, having only gone to one write-in and rather than finishing 50,000 words of anything, got distracted by a short story (finished), a novella (writing), and two longer things (writing). But, I'm really glad I signed up for NaNo because it made me sit down and write, which is something I haven't done for a while, and reminded me that doing so can be fun (and frustrating/infuriating/boring/thrilling/etc).

So, thanks!

Also, I was wondering if there is anyone in the Peninsula area interested in getting together every now and again to chat about projects and whatnot. I love that there are so many other people who enjoy writing (and who no doubt had much more focus than myself!) in the area.

Best,
M.
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United States :: California :: SF Peninsula

Join young writers for a NaNoWriMo launch party at Black Oak Books!

geography — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:26:54 -0800

They came. They wrote. Soon they will have conquered — and you are invited to their literary debuts!

Join us at Black Oak Books for this stupendous launch party for young local winners of National Novel Writing Month.

Not only will we hear a dozen brand new young novelists read from their just-completed first works, but as a very special treat they will share the stage with six published children’s authors! Acclaimed writers Daniel San Souci, Ruthanne Lum McCunn, Ji-Li Jang, Mary Jo See, Deborah Davis and Nydia Nicholl will read stories and share insights about the writer’s life.

Kids of all ages are invited to the celebration and can show off their own writing, poetry and art by bringing a page of their creative work to be displayed in the store. Adults are invited too! We’ll have winners’ crowns and author photos, plus raffle prizes, interactive art and science projects, snacks and tons of fun.

Everyone is a winner, and everyone is welcome! For more information, visit www.blackoakbooks.com.

Sunday, December 9
5:30 pm
Black Oak Books
1491 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 486-0698
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United States :: California :: East Bay

Bacio Cafe (Downtown San Mateo) - Burn the midnight oil!

rebel4ce — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 13:41:58 -0800

Hey all,

If you still need to abuse your laptops and keyboards like me and are looking for a spot in the mid-peninsula, give thought to try out this cafe called Bacio Cafe.

It is technically on Main Street, but the main driving intersection will be B Street and 2nd Avenue right next to the Century Theatres Box Office.

It is open until Midnight tonight. There is free wifi. Great owners (truthfully, they're my friends first, but they are wonderful with their customers). Oh, and there are A LOT of outlets to plug into.

Most importantly, the coffee and espresso is good and there are lots of areas for you to get your Wrimo on.

Free parking on the streets and city garages after 6pm. The City garage on 2nd Ave is only 25 cents per hour until 6pm. Then you're scott free til you decide to leave.

You can celebrate your triumph afterwards with desert, beer/wine (if you so choose), and also a live DJ from 9-12. No worries, you'll be able to type with your own headphones and not be disturbed in case you want to create your own special place.

For more info, check out their webpage:

http://www.baciocafe.com

In all honesty, I've logged almost 20 hours here this month, and I'm really thankful for spots like this. In this past week, since Sunday, I've run uphill (to the tally of 16,000 words all in this week. Wow. And just a little less than 6000 to go!)

Keep pushing y'all! This is my first year doing this and it's been a strange and wonderful struggle. Keep imagining!

John
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United States :: California :: SF Peninsula

TGIO Carpools for December 1 (Saturday)

gallifreyan — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 21:04:50 -0800

If anyone wants to share their vehicle or borrow a seat in someone else's vehicle to get to the TGIO party this Saturday, here's a place to mention it.

I should be able to take at least one person from Mountain View, although I'm likely to arrive early and leave late.
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Rob/Gallifreyan * Mountain View/San Francisco, California
ML for San Francisco and Peninsula Regions
Keeper Emeritus of the South Bay Bars of Power

United States :: California :: SF Peninsula

Final Week Write-Ins!

gallifreyan — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 11:54:45 -0800

Here's a thread/topic to discuss final week write-ins. Need an extra boost? Coordinate something here, or see what others have coordinated.

The "official" PeNaNos write-ins are:

* Wednesday night, November 28, from 7-10pm at the Books Inc in Mountain View (upstairs, in the cafe)

* Thursday night, November 29, from 7-10pm at the Peets in San Mateo.

Each is about 4 blocks from a Caltrain stop, and may be served by other transit. Parking is probably easier at MV than SM, but some patience can get you a reasonable spot.

Internet access is quirky at Peets so you may not want to count on validating your winning novel from there. Books Inc Cafe is about 30 feet from a Google WiFi access point so the odds are better there. I will see if I can figure out an alternative way to let people validate.

If you'd like to offer another location/time/date, feel free to post here.
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Rob/Gallifreyan * Mountain View/San Francisco, California
ML for San Francisco and Peninsula Regions
Keeper Emeritus of the South Bay Bars of Power

United States :: California :: SF Peninsula

Anyone celebrating on the 30th?

Digby — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 12:33:38 -0800

Will there be any gatherings in the Mountain View/Palo Alto area on Friday night? I'm up for meeting at Books Inc or somewhere to talk about how we survived - and won!
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United States :: California :: SF Peninsula

Turkey Weekend Write-Ins?

gallifreyan — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 15:40:14 -0800

Hey folks,

Is anybody looking for write-ins this weekend?

I believe Peets is open tonight if anyone wants to hit there. I'd be willing to meet up with folks in Mountain View tomorrow afternoon if we can work something out. And the weekend is wide open so far.

Speak up if you'd like to meet up. Otherwise, we'll just aim for Thursday?

Rob
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Rob/Gallifreyan * Mountain View/San Francisco, California
ML for San Francisco and Peninsula Regions
Keeper Emeritus of the South Bay Bars of Power

United States :: California :: SF Peninsula

San Bruno Starbucks Write-In?

sootandstars — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:43:13 -0800

It's open 24 hours, and right near me. If anyone is interested in pulling one or two last long nights before this accursed month is over with, please let me know, my imagination is wilted from only being able to write in my apartment and the break room at work.
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United States :: California :: SF Peninsula

Redwood City Writers? Math teachers?

cherry144 — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 21:21:49 -0800

I don't know if there's a thread like this one already or not, but I want to know if there are any people doing this in Redwood City. It would be so funny if I knew you! But, Redwood City has a population of over 70,000, so the chances a verrrrry slim of anyone I know participating in NaNoWriMo. My math teacher siad it was national Novel Writing Month when I asked her if I could use her in my novel....Or was that another teacher? I have no idea anymore...

Anyway, if you're our there, Ms. Kotts...

HI!

PS I started six days ago, and I'm already at...over 16,000 words! Sure, I have to write 3,000 words every day if I want to stand a chance, but I manage!

Anyone else cramping?
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United States :: California :: SF Peninsula

The Auto Summary Thread

herenthere — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 15:21:31 -0800

Shamelessly borrowing from the San Jose forum. Thanks to skneal for the directions:

"O.K. so if you are writing on word, there is a feature called Auto Summarize, under the tools tab.
If you click on it, a menu will pop up. Click on create new document, and make sure to click on the percentage box. (I chose ten sentences), then click ok."

Here's mine:

"Yeah. Glen. Worked hard. Bruce smiled. Sam. Bruce nodded.
Right. Sam nodded. Sam nodded. Bruce laughed.

Lots of smiling and nodding in my NaNo.

What can we extrapolate from YOUR auto summary?
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Karen
“My motto was always to keep swinging. Whether I was in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the field, the only thing to do was keep swinging.” - Hank Aaron

United States :: California :: SF Peninsula

Please do pardon me while I gloat

herenthere — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:49:40 -0800

Oh man, I did it. I've been on a freaking word frenzy over the weekend and today. And I did it!

<----look!
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Karen
“My motto was always to keep swinging. Whether I was in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the field, the only thing to do was keep swinging.” - Hank Aaron

United States :: California :: SF Peninsula

Peet's Write-In: Still Happening Tonight As Scheduled?

run747 — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:03:43 -0800

Just wanted to make sure the Peet's Write-In tonight was still happening. I plan on being there, but I missed last week and I just wanted to make sure. See you all there!

~Todd
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United States :: California :: SF Peninsula

25,000th word post

herenthere — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 15:14:51 -0800

It's always fun when we do this (I see it in other forums).

So, it being the 15th and all, some folks should be nearing that halfway mark. I made it last night (yay). Others will make it past the halfway mark soon enough.

So. What was the 25,000th word to flow from your overtired fingers?

Mine is "recovering"...as in "Sam never told them he was recovering"

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Karen
“My motto was always to keep swinging. Whether I was in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the field, the only thing to do was keep swinging.” - Hank Aaron

United States :: California :: SF Peninsula

Mountain View Area Write-ins

misspatti23 — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 14:09:07 -0700

I believe there was a write-in at Books, Inc last year. Will that happen again this year? What about Red Rocks? Their coffee is decent and I believe they have wi-fi. I like those two locations because they are close to home, and I lack transportation.
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United States :: California :: SF Peninsula

Battling insomnia

Digby — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:07:49 -0800

Whew! I'm cranking out the words, which is amazing because my writing is usually sparse. But I'm having a hard time getting to sleep at night! I try to contain my writing to the morning hours, or at least no later than eight o'clock in the evening, but even so I can't seem to let go at night. Any tips? (Other than the lack of sleep, I'm loving this!)
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United States :: California :: SF Peninsula

help! when do you find the time!

umbell — Fri, 9 Nov 2007 20:56:32 -0800

please help! any advice is welcome! the whole story's there, but i dont' have any time to get it out! what's your advice on time management?
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United States :: California :: SF Peninsula

Coastal Write-Ins

lindac — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 23:16:06 -0700

I know that last year we had several NaNo writers that lived on the coast - anyone interested in getting together one night/afternoon a week? Or even if you don't live Coastside but just want to get away from it all here. I'm easy. The new Peet's in HMB has a nice long booth-like seat and a bunch of tables. Half Moon Bay Coffee Co. has more food but less space. We might also consider the Half Moon Bay Inn (free wifi, I do believe, but we'd probably have to sit outside by the fireplaces). Or if more people are a bit north, Cafe Lucca can be a good choice. What do people think? Any takers?
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~Linda/ lindac
linano@mac.com
co-ML, San Francisco Peninsula PeNaNos -Quack!
2006 - Cat Tales
2005 - Food and Shelter
2004 - The Raven's Globe
2003 - Trusong

United States :: California :: SF Peninsula

Palo Alto Folks?

jonesabi — Thu, 1 Nov 2007 13:21:31 -0700

I seem to be halfway between the meetups for the Peninsula and South Bay. Is there anyone else in Palo Alto that's interested in getting together during the week to do some writing?
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HeatEatReview.com: Because November is no time for cooking!

United States :: California :: SF Peninsula

Talking About the Writing

DeviledEggs — Thu, 8 Nov 2007 19:25:59 -0800

I drove over an hour to a write-in last Sunday in San Francisco. My intention was to connect with other writers. However, when I walked into the coffee shop everyone was already hunched over their laptops. I faced two challenges:

Short of shouting out, "Who among you is NANO?" and throwing my hands up in a dramatic gesture, I had no way of differentiating the civilians from nano participants.

Secondly, if someone was writing, and on a roll, the last thing I wanted to do is interrupt them. "HEY WHAT ARE YOU DRINKING? IS THAT A MOCHA? HOW GREAT! IS IT YUMMY? IS THIS SEAT TAKEN? MIND IF I SIT HERE? I LIKE YOUR SHIRT. IT'S PURPLE."

Instead, I quietly sat down on a tattered couch, wiped away a single hot tear, and typed a little. After a while, I got up and left.

I realized that I didn't drive an hour to type next to someone who also happened to be typing. What I wanted was to meet a few writers, add a couple of buddies to my page (preferably ones with, "words so far" progress bars that actually progress) and talk about the process of writing. Throw in a delicious pumpkin muffin; I'm gold.

If you are up for leaving your laptop and/or notebook at home and going to a cafe or wine bar to talk nano, I am here for you. I want to hear about some of the stuff that is coming up for you as you attempt to spew out fifty thousand words. Is there a secret to the days where everything flows? More importantly, what is going on with you, on the sad sad days where no writing happens? And how do we all keep motivated for... what is it again? Oh yeah, three more weeks.

I'm a working gal, so weekends are it for me. Bonus: I can meet in the South Bay, Penninsula, or San Francisco. Yes. I am that flexible. If it's a weekend.

If you are interested, please send me day/time/geographical preference and whether you would prefer a coffee shop or wine bar. Majority rules.

Happy writing!

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United States :: California :: SF Peninsula

11/10 - If you happen to be heading towards SF today, a couple of events!

DeviledEggs — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 09:38:57 -0800

Hello!

If anyone wants to come by to talk about their writing, I will be at The Revolution Cafe tonight at 5:30pm. This is not a write-in, this is a discuss-i(o)n.

See this thread for more info:
http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/1056618

Around 7ish, I am going to cross the street to attend Writers With Drinks at The Make-Out Room. It sounds like the kind of event that could be great fun or could be just awful. If you are feeling adventurous, come along!

http://www.writerswithdrinks.com/

I'll be the one wearing a pink scarf!

Happy Writing,
Joanne.

The Revolution Cafe
3248 22nd Street
(between Bartlett St & Mission St)
San Francisco, CA 94110

The Make-Out Room
3225 22nd Street
San Francisco, CA, 94110

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United States :: California :: SF Peninsula

The Liberation of NaNoWriMo

Christy Bill — Thu, 8 Nov 2007 13:58:33 -0800

I can't believe it! This is my first NaNoWriMo and I have accomplished more in twenty four hours than I had over the last five years when I initially decided to write this novel. The concept of not being critical of ones self is the most freeing of getting my story out! Thank you so much for creating the greatest community and sharing with people!
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United States :: California :: SF Peninsula

Advice for the young at pen

gallifreyan — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 21:54:58 -0700

I found a new Tears For Fears live album on eMusic this weekend, so I'm in a TFF mood.

Anyway, here's a topic for people who've been through this before to make their suggestions, and for people who need advice to ask questions.

I'll start with a quick bit of advice that you can start planning for now.

BACK UP YOUR NOVEL!

The easiest way to get your hard drive or laptop to die is to count on it not doing so.

There are a lot of ways to effectively back up your work.

Send your document via email to a special backup account (gmail is good for this).
Burn it to a CD or copy it to a USB flash drive if your computer supports it.
Upload from your PDA or Alphasmart to a computer. Or two.
Sync your novel to your PDA or cell phone if they support this.
Hit the office photocopier if your laptop is made of dead trees.

Don't count on a backup copy on your laptop or desktop.

And as paranoid as this sounds... don't count on your USB flash drive working forever.

I made the mistake of checking my laptop as baggage on a puddlejumper flight in 2002, and my hard drive was never the same. A few years later (2004 maybe), I had to replace my laptop on October 30, and the drive didn't quite make it and I had to reinstall my OS. Both times I had backups of important stuff, but I did lose some work.

And yeah, I had a USB drive die in mid November once. I'd been using two different computers and shuffling the novel between them on this pen drive. And the pen drive died. Luckily I'd stored a copy of the USB key on each computer, and emailed myself the novel each day when I updated my word count for the tenth time that day.

So don't be surprised at write-ins if Linda or I tell you to back up your work regularly. Or if we send you emails during the month to remind you. Or if we hand out PeNaNos CDs for you to back up your work to.

So what do you want to know? And what do you want to share?
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Rob/Gallifreyan * Mountain View/San Francisco, California
ML for San Francisco and Peninsula Regions
Keeper Emeritus of the South Bay Bars of Power