USA :: Arkansas :: Conway

Status Update

W_G_Cowan — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:34:30 +0000

I just thought, "Well, since I haven't actually started a topic on here yet, why not do it now?"

So here I am. Being at a total loss of what to make the topic about, I'll just make it a status update where you can complain about anything NaNoWriMo related. Please, post with current story problems, post your feelings of despair at having lost a month of good sleep, post your best spelling mistakes!

And by the way, what is going to be waiting for us at the end? I hope there is going to be food...

See you guys (and gals, because we all know who shows up to the Write-Ins) later, and good luck!
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2009 - The Great Conflagration
"Reality leaves a lot to the imagination." - John Lennon
O o
/¯/___________________________
| BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH
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USA :: Arkansas :: Conway

Reminder: Come write with us tonight

FreshRibbon — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:35:12 +0000

Tonight's Write-in at from 6:00-8:00 at the UCA Writing Center, corner of Donaghey and Bruce Sts. I'll put the coffee pot on so feel free to drop when when you can, as you can.

Is everyone having a good time? At this point in the NaNo folks can get a little tense, so it's important to remember we should be having FUN! Behind or ahead in word count, I always get a kick out of the whole process. Where do these words come from? How did that detail or character seem to materialize out of thin air? Who knows and who cares. For me, the surprises are the best part of the writing experience.

Have you had any * "happy little accidents" in your writing?

See you tonight!

(*RIP, Bob Ross)

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Monda
ML :: Conway, Arkansas
2008 Winner
http://freshribbon.blogspot.com

USA :: Arkansas :: Conway

Weekend Challenge: Double your Fun!

FreshRibbon — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:55:09 +0000

Here's the weekend challenge to all ConwayNaNos: Double your daily word count on Saturday and Sunday.

Instead of 1,666 words each day, write 3,332. Two days, 6,664 words. This should give all of us the half-way push we need to hit the midpoint and slide victoriously into the finish. It's a lot. It's insane. There will be presents at Monday night's Write-In for those who meet the challenge and some gifts will be edible.

Push the envelope, fold it into an airplane, and sling it out the window. You can do this!
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Monda
ML :: Conway, Arkansas
2008 Winner
http://freshribbon.blogspot.com

USA :: Arkansas :: Conway

1, 2, 3... Head, Meet Desk

A.M.Mitchell — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:53:33 +0000

Okay, I've got a problem. I feel like I am so very, very far behind with my novel. I haven't worked on it much since I last updated my word count. I'm afraid that I might not be able to catch up, but school has been taking priority for me. Can anyone help me out with some advice? It's not that I'm stuck, I'm just really lagging behind right now. I wonder if there might be a way to do a sprint over the weekend, but then I always work at night/on the weekends.

Thanks, guys.
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USA :: Arkansas :: Conway

Umm...problem...

jmi85 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:10:56 +0000

Okay. So late last night/early morning (3:30am) I finished my story, but as you can see my wordcount to left there I am no where NEAR the 50,000 wordcount. I have no idea what to do. I've thought about going back and fleshing out every little scene and setting and character description, but even that won't get me to the final goal.

I didn't realize that when I started my story that it would end up being so short. I just wrote and here is where I have ended up. Bleh.

I forgot about the penguin so I can go back and add that in a few places and maybe rack up some more wordcount, but I really am freaking at this moment.

Any ideas?!

- Jessica
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USA :: Arkansas :: Conway

Next Writ-In: Monday, Nov. 16

FreshRibbon — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:44:22 +0000

Can you believe we're nearing the halfway mark? I hope everyone who can will come to the Write-In on Monday the 16th. We'll be at the UCA Writing Center from 6:00-8:00. Last Monday we wrote a 20-minute "sprint" that turned out a little magical. On the 16th we'll do two of those to get your word counts fat and happy.

I'm a smidge behind right now myself, but I feel a blast of creativity (and time) coming my way. How about you?

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Monda
ML :: Conway, Arkansas
2008 Winner
http://freshribbon.blogspot.com

USA :: Arkansas :: Conway

Penguins, anyone?

My Muse — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:56:20 +0000

For those of you who may have not been there, in the plot workshop we had a lot of fun talking about what we would and would not be including in our stories. The ideas ranged from the serious to the bizarre. By the end of the night, we had made an unofficial pact to find some way of including a penguin in our stories.

Well, I think I have finally found a way to include one in my story and hope to write the scene including my little friend this weekend. (He is going to be in a book my heroine picks up in a moment of panic in order to distract from the fact that she was snooping around my hero's house. Things get complicated though when he asks what she is reading about...should be fun.) I was wondering if anyone else has written and/or planned for their penguin yet.

For anyone willing to share, I'd love to hear the details. I hope you are all still plugging away. Happy writing!
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USA :: Arkansas :: Conway

Checking Everyone's NaNoTemperature

FreshRibbon — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:55:04 +0000

Right now and for next week is an iffy time for us. Some of us who ran headlong into a carefully constructed plot may find ourselves frozen solid. Some of us may be suffering from the sinister machinations of The Inner Editor. Some of us, in fact, may simply be worn out.

I'm here to tell you everything is salvageable. Everything is fine. You WILL make it.

For those frozen solid with What Comes Next, jump outside of the box. Make a list of scenes, chapter titles, anything. Then turn each one into a separate, empty document. There's no law that says we have to write this novel in order - I NEVER do. Siply dive into the scenes or chapters you feel good about. Don't worry about maintaining a perfect thread, because that's what rewrite is all about. As you write and other scenes come to you, make a blank document for those, too. It's relieving to open up the files and see choices - start anywhere and you'll still end up at the end. Last year this method saved me and made the book actually better. Try it.

That Inner Editor? Not your friend. In fact, that rascal's not anyone's friend. Some of you may have a whole dastardly jury box full of Inner Editors happily chipping away at your enthusiasm, your bravado, your talent. Don't give 'em an inch. Collectively and individually, those Inner Demons must be removed. If you can, come with us to tomorrow night's write-in - we'll physically take those badboys down. If not, I suggest you write a hateful note to your Inner Editor/Ugly Jury and hold nothing back. Make an effigy and do violence to it. Something. Whatever it takes to put that negativity where it belongs - far away from you and your gorgeous novel.

Are you simply worn out? Y'all, I'm a frazzle right now - don't think you're alone. The thing to remember is that this month, this novel, these words are all the best gift you'll ever give to yourself. No one else can give you this, it won't show up in your stocking next month and there's no cash equivalent. Does it feel selfish? Hell, yes. Are we all trained to be unselfish and put everyone else's needs ahead of our own? Absolutely. What you need to know is that you're worth every single minute you give to the novel. You deserve this and it might be the best present you ever receive. I know we're tired and frustrated, but the end is so beautiful that every last minute, every single word is worth it. I promise.

Go eat something healthy, grab a big cup of coffee, and let's do this thing.
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Monda
ML :: Conway, Arkansas
2008 Winner
http://freshribbon.blogspot.com

USA :: Arkansas :: Conway

Breathe In, Breathe Out

FreshRibbon — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:12:19 +0000

It's Day Three, ladies and gentlemen - don't you dare give up. Yes, there are heavenly rewards for the faithful, but beyond that I'll have prizes for those who stick it out week to week. At our next Write-In on Monday the 9th, you'll be glad you kept pushing on.

Besides, this is a ridiculous and miraculous undertaking. The fact that you saw the 50,000-word challenge and dove in anyway is a sure sign of your intestinal fortitude. Clearly, all the best and most prolific writers live in Conway.I'm just proud to know all of you, to write beside you.

If you feel the Quit Monster sliding his claws in your general direction, please don't hesitate to run up a flag right here on the forum. PM every one of your buddies. Do not go silently into that good night,

We're here, we're ragged, and we're writing.

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Monda
ML :: Conway, Arkansas
2008 Winner
http://freshribbon.blogspot.com

USA :: Arkansas :: Conway

Nov. 2 Write-In

FreshRibbon — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:10:16 +0000

Whew, I finally got in! The site was a little busy yesterday and I had a terrible time trying to post here. Al seems to be well this morning! Our mass mail system is more than a half-day behind, so I'm going to stick to the forum for a while. Notifications are spotty right now, but all this should be ironed out in a few days.

Yesterday's Kick-Off and Write-in was incredible - goodies, food, and the collective creative mojo made the words fly! Since the vote was almost unanimous for Monday night Write-Ins, we'll begin TONIGHT at the UCA Writing Center (corner of College and Donaghey Streets). The Write-In is from 6:00 - 8:00, but feel free to drop in when you can and leave as you must.

We'll have coffee and creative mojo waiting on you!

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Monda
ML :: Conway, Arkansas
2008 Winner
http://freshribbon.blogspot.com

USA :: Arkansas :: Conway

Nov. 1 Kick-Off and Write-In

FreshRibbon — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:06:05 +0000

I sent out an email to everyone yesterday, but it seems there may be a glitch or three with regional email. Word on the street is that we need to post on the forum just to be sure.

So here we are! It's November 1 and we've been given the gift of an extra hour (thanks, Daylight Savings Time). I don't know how many of you began at midnight, but I had to start fresh this morning.

Please don't forget that today is the Kick-Off Party and Write-In!

WHERE: UCA Writing Center, at the corner of Donaghey and Bruce Streets - it's the big building with columns across from Papa John's Pizza.

WHEN: Sunday, November 1 (today!) from 1:00 - 3:00

BRING: ...yourself, your laptop, and something for the potluck. It doesn't have to be much - leftover Halloween candy is always welcome.

I'll have coffee and NaNoGoodies on the ready. Hint: Stickers, baby. STICKERS.

Can't wait to see you all there!

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Monda
ML :: Conway, Arkansas
2008 Winner
http://freshribbon.blogspot.com

USA :: Arkansas :: Conway

Who's starting at Midnight?

My Muse — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:31:41 +0000

Less than twelve hours to go! And I suddenly feel underprepared and nervous. Who else will be staying up to midnight tonight to get a jump start?

Kari
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USA :: Arkansas :: Conway

Know your character

Voirey-Linger — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:17:55 +0000

Here's a list of things to help you get to know your characters. I skimmed through it last night and had some interesting revelations. I have no idea on the actal origins of this list. It was posted on http://www.romancedivas.com last night by someone who'd gotten it from another reposted source.

[Part I - Back to basics]
1. Where and when was your character born?
2. What is your character's name, as written on his/her birth certificate?
3. Is your character male or female (or something else)?
4. Was this character born before the story or during?
5. In November 2009, how old would your character be?
6. Is your character human? If not, what is it?
7. What role does this character play in the story (in relation to the main character)?

[Part II - A brief physical]
8. Describe your character's eyes.
9. Describe his/her hair.
10. Describe his/her predominant feature.
11. Does your character appear older or younger than his/her chronological age?
12. Does your character have any birthmarks or scars?
13. Tall or short?
14. Build?
15. If you got to pick the actor/actress to play your character in a movie, who would it be?
16. What's your character's physical health status?
17. Any physical particularities? Explain briefly.

[Part III - Personality and psyche]
18. Describe your character's personality in one word.
19. What does your character avoid at all costs?
20. Complete this sentence: "My character is most likely to..."
21. What's your character's favorite book/favorite color/favorite show/favorite expletive/favorite song/favorite food?
22. Who is your character's favorite person in the world - if they had to pick just one?
23. What are your character's hobbies?
24. What's your character's first memory?
25. Most vivid memory?
26. Your character's greatest fear?
27. Greatest regret?
28. Is your character bored easily?
29. What would he/she be most likely to do on a rainy day?
30. What would be your character's motto?
31. What would be the theme song of his/her life?
32. What is the single worst thing that could ever happen to your character?
33. How would your character describe him/herself?
34. Character's top five priorities (in order)?
35. How is your character's psychological health on a scale of one to ten?
36. Does your character get angry easily?
37. Talents and skills?
38. Greatest psychological flaw?
39. Character's darkest secret (I won't be surprised if people back out of this one XD)?
40. Optimist? Pessimist?
41. Introvert or extrovert?
42. Ultimate goal in life?
43. Tell me any additional information (related to personality and psyche) I should probably know about your character here.

[Part IV - Family and social]
44. What kind of childhood did your character have?
45. Your character's immediate family consists of:
46. What is your character's marital status for most of the story?
47. Is your character in a committed relationship for the greater part of the story?
48. Education?
49. Religion?
50. Social class?
51. Sexual orientation?

[Part V - Relationships]
52. How does the character relate to other characters?
53. Does your character have a major love interest, and if so, who is it? Are they/will they be in a relationship (if you can tell us)? What is your character's relationship with his/her love interest like?
54. What is your character's relationship with his/her best friend(s) like?
55. What was/is your character's popularity like in high school/middle school?
56. How's the relationship with the parents?
57. How about siblings?
58. Is there someone your character would die for, no questions asked?
59. What are other characters' general first impressions of your character?
60. What do others like most/least about your character?
61. What is a something your character cannot stand in other people?
62. What is a surefire relationship deal-breaker for your character?
[Part VI - Your character and you]
63. Give us a three-word description of your character.
64. Give us a paragraph description of your character.
65. Would you want to be friends with your character if they were real?
66. If you've ever talked to people in your life about the character, how did they react to him/her?
67. What genre is your story this year?
68. Do you enjoy/do you think you'll enjoy writing about this character nonstop for 30 days?

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Voirey Linger ~ http://www.voireylinger.com | Romance Divas ~ http://www.romancedivas.com

USA :: Arkansas :: Conway

Plotting Workshop Monday, October 26

FreshRibbon — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:31:17 +0000

WHERE: Thompson Hall at UCA. This is the lovely building with big pillars at the corner of Donaghey and Bruce Sts, across from Papa John's Pizza.

WHEN: Monday, October 26 (tomorrow!) from 6:00 - 8:00. Please don't worry about staying the whole two hours - drop in.

WHO: Any and all Conway WriMos. This is not a UCA thing, it's a an all-of-us event. Bring a friend!

Please RSVP so I'll know how many copies and such to have on hand. You can PM me here (FreshRibbon) or email me at freshribbon@gmail.com.

Let me know if you need more/better directions. See you tomorrow night!

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Monda
ML :: Conway, Arkansas
2008 Winner
http://freshribbon.blogspot.com

USA :: Arkansas :: Conway

Save the Dates: Plotting Workshop and Kick-Off Party/Write-In

FreshRibbon — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:16:26 +0000

Hello, Conway! I've just sent an email to everyone about a couple of scheduled events. I'll post those dates here as well.

Monday, October 26 - Plotting Workshop 6:00-8:00, UCA Writing Center, corner of Donaghey and College (across from Papa John's Pizza). Plenty of plots, character buckets, you name it. Let's get together and play a bit while we can! Coffee and tea on the ready, as well as comfy couches and plenty of desks. There's even one "old school" 40s model Remington typewriter for anyone so inclined. Come on by!

Sunday, November 1 - Kick-Off Party and Write-In, 1:00 - 3:00, also at the UCA Writing Center. This is a potluck event with NaNoGoodies for all. An excellent beginning to a perfect month of noveling. We'll also vote on weekly Write-In scheduling - looks like Sunday afternoons or Monday nights, so let me know what you prefer. I'll do my best to accommodate.

I'm so ready to begin. You?

Thanks,

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Monda
ML :: Conway, Arkansas
2008 Winner
http://freshribbon.blogspot.com

USA :: Arkansas :: Conway

Plot workshop and/or kickoff party

My Muse — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:05:29 +0000

I have always enjoyed our past plot workshops and wondered if we might be doing one of these again this year. It has always been nice to meet and get acquainted with your fellow writers before the pressure is offically on. Who knows, this year we might even get some actual plotting done! LOL!!
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USA :: Arkansas :: Conway

Scribbling at UCA

FreshRibbon — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:12:35 +0000

Just as we did last year, we'll be NaNo-ing every Monday night in Conway at the Writing Center on the UCA campus. We're in Thompson Hall (just across the street from Papa John's on Donaghey) and welcome everyone who wants to drop in.

What hours work best for everyone?

Monda

(FreshRibbon)
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Monda
ML :: Conway, Arkansas
2008 Winner
http://freshribbon.blogspot.com