USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

Are you finished???

Analee1-1 — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:59:02 +0000

Alright. All of you over achievers like myself :) post here if you have finished and are just waiting for the 25th to come around so you can publish your book.
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~Analee~

USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

Post here if you're purple?

Matt Mesnard — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:29:12 +0000

I posted. So nice to get the early validation (unless the did it because the east coasters got to ).

Congrats if you made it this far; and there is still hope for the bluies. You can do it!
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"Bucket of criminy!"
-Tad Ghostal

USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

Tuesday Nov. 24

AnikaArrington — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:46:35 +0000

I will be at the San Tan Village Paradise Bakery(Williamsfield Rd. off the loop 202) writing my brains out from 7-9pm tomorrow. Anyone on the Southeast side who would like to join me is welcome to do so. Happy typing!
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Anika

USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

Perpetual write-in! (sort of) (with a few restrictions)

kingcoras — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 20:12:49 +0000

Where: Xtreme bean
When: During nonworking hours (known as not 8A-5P Mon-Fri) and possibly sleeping hours (Xtreme Bean does close, after all)
For what: catching up on that word count that we will all be behind in

assuming no other NaNo events, and no other obligations, and not working (I posted my working hours above), and not sleeping, I will be at Xtreme Bean. I unfortunately have a very bad habit of writing with extreme... slowness.

So if anyone wants to completely trash me at a word war, you know where to find me. Maybe during this month I might actually increase my typing speed!

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USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

Writing Excuses Podcast - Check It Out!

nekowriternyan — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:36:04 +0000

(I told some of you about this podcast at the Plot Session.)

This is the best writing podcast I’ve found, so I wanted to share it with everyone.

Writing Excuses (http://www.writingexcuses.com) covers all areas of writing. Each episode is only 15-ish minutes long. They’ve been going for 3 seasons now, and it is totally worth listening to the archives.

I especially want to suggest you listen to this week’s episode: Idea to Story (http://www.writingexcuses.com/2009/10/25/writing-excuses-season-3-episod...). They go over what to do with a story idea, how to begin plotting it out and come up with characters. It’s the perfect Nano podcast!

The podcast authors are funny and very easy to follow, and they have all sorts of special guests join them. The regular authors are:
Brandon Sanderson, Fantasy (Elantris, Mistborn series, Wheel of Time) & Young Adult (his Alcatraz series rocks!!!) Novelist
Dan Wells, Horror (Young Adult) Novelist (I Am Not a Serial Killer)
Howard Tayler, Online Comic Cartoonist (Schlock Mercenary)

It's totally worth the 15 minutes, so give it a try!

Skye
EV co-ML
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Nano 06: The Clan of Havenmore Lane (win!)
Nano 07: Kissing Aliens (win!)
Nano 08: Substitute Superhero (win!)
Nano 09: Party Magic

USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

EVal Movie Night

Katantion — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:27:43 +0000

I found a semi-decent version. When does everyone want to have a night of open mockery?
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-Amber is ML: East Valley

USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

Here Be A Place For Yer Word Count Bragging

Katantion — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:43:26 +0000

'Cause you know you want to.
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-Amber is ML: East Valley

USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

Tuesdays with Morrie

seldon — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:31:29 +0000

So, I work from home, and work nights, so I'm going to be missing a lot of the nano fun this year. However, my place is comfy, despite being small, and I have lots of couch space and free wifi. As such, I'm going to invite anyone who wants to to come crash at my place on tuesdays for word wars, plot help, etc. I live in central mesa, and welcome any and all who would like to hang out.

So, anytime after 6pm on Tuesdays, starting this week, I will be hanging out.

My address is:

601 S Alma School Rd. #335
Mesa, AZ, 85210

and my cell is 724-712-4318 if you get lost.

Hope to see you guys around!
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It took me fifteen years to discover I had no talent for writing, but I couldn't give it up because by that time I was too famous.
- Robert Benchley

USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

A writers group?

mrmikelawson — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:59:37 +0000

This might be premature, but are there any NaNos that will be interested in forming a writer's group? We can help one another edit.

I was in a pretty good writer's group when I lived in California, and I miss that support. If you're interested, email me: MikeLawson@gmail.com

After we get four or five people interested, we can decide on times/locations.
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Mike Lawson
Twitter: @MrMikeLawson
Blog: WhatSomeWouldCallLies.com

USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

Whoo-Hoo!!!

isrlvr1 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:59:24 +0000

Whoo-hoo, I did it! I've never sustained a plot this long before in my life! I hit the goal, and I'm so happy (but now what am I going to do for the rest of the month?). The story isn't finished, but it shouldn't take more than another couple of days to wrap up all the loose ends, capture the killer, and have a *relatively* happy ending. YES! This was a great experience!

Thanks, Matt, for the inspiration and for goading me into writing faster!

DocB
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USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

Awesome Essay

bwaichu — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:55:03 +0000

Check this one out:

http://www.themorningnews.org/archives/personal_essays/annie_dillard_and...

I especially enjoy the part about verbs. I can use a lot of work with picking the right verbs. This is one of those things that I will have to do during my re-write. While I don't think I am using the passive voice much, I am using way too many gerunds.
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USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

Like Twilight but...

madhatter198 — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:34:47 +0000

People should describe their novels with the sentence "Like Twilight but..."

For example:

My novel is like Twilight, but with gay love, time travel, and werewolves.
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USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

East Valley Sound-Off: Introduce Yourselves!

nekowriternyan — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:04:42 +0000

Hello East Valley! This is the place where you introduce yourself to everyone. Tell us a little about yourself and your Nano experience/expectations! We can’t wait to “meet” you!

--- --- --- --- --- --- ---

I am nekowriternyan, also known as Skye, one of your wonderful Municipal Liaisons.

I am a 22 year-old Tempe resident – legal secretary by day (no, I do not want to be a lawyer), daydreamer by night (actually, by day too – constantly, really). I suffer from chronic TMIS (Too Many Ideas Syndrome) – it’s real, I read an article. I love cats (for those who can’t translate my handle) and well-written books (so scarce these days, like African penguins). When I grow up I want to be a bestselling author, work in a New York publishing house, or become a criminologist. I’m aiming for bestselling author, but one never knows.

I am a 3-time participant/3-time winner of Nano, and plan to make it 4-for-4. I refuse NOT to finish things like Nano (just don’t ask me about the Screnzy incident, *coughcough*). I will be writing my 4th Child/Young Adult novel – I don’t plan them that way, they just happen. It’s been planning itself for several months now, and I am SO ready to get it written already (waiting is the ultimate torture)!

I look forward to seeing everyone around the EVal events!

Your PaWMLoG,

Skye
EV co-ML
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Nano 06: The Clan of Havenmore Lane (win!)
Nano 07: Kissing Aliens (win!)
Nano 08: Substitute Superhero (win!)
Nano 09: Party Magic

USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

Am I The Only Slow One????

sleepyfrog76 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:58:13 +0000

This is my third year doing NaNoWriMo and I am just bound and determined to win this year. However... here I am writing really slowly and I am way behind in my word count. Anyone in the same boat as I am? Is there still hope????? Someone tell me I can still do this!! :) Someone tell me I'm not alone!!

--sariah
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USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

NaNoWriMo name check on io9!

Matt Mesnard — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:47:48 +0000

I was peeking at something on the site and found this article. Seems in conjunction with the viking helmet video on NaNo's front page, this article is rather timely.

What Do You Do When Your Novel Goes Off Course?
http://io9.com/5406901/what-do-you-do-when-your-novel-goes-off-course

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"Bucket of criminy!"
-Tad Ghostal

USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

ASU Students!

GaussianNewt — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:57:59 +0000

Hello!

I'm a grad student at ASU - anyone want to meet up on/near campus for a write-a-thon? I'm not sure of where, though - there's a coffee/smoothie place off College and University that's very relaxed!
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USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

Inspirational

bwaichu — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:03:08 +0000

For those that like the Wheel of Time series, this blog post is really interesting:

http://editorialass.blogspot.com/2009/11/fangirling-wheel-of-time.html

I found it inspiring.
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USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

Procrastination Challenge

bwaichu — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:26:59 +0000

Recently, I have seen the Bronte sisters referred to in a lot of interviews and literature reviews. I even saw a comparison between the Bronte sisters and Twilight. I just finished reading "Shutter Island," and interviews with that author brought up the Bronte sisters. I think these sisters are new vogue. Remember all those Jane Austin movies. Well, step aside Jane, the sisters are going to usurp you now.

If you want to listen and not read their stuff, here's a link:

http://librivox.org/newcatalog/search.php?title=&author=bronte&status=al...

I started with "Agnes Gray," and I found the character Tom to be very disturbing, but the reader is very, very good with different voices for the different characters, and notice how the writer doesn't use a lot of he said and she said. It's all most as if the book was written to be read aloud.

So I'm not saying they are good or bad, but I just find all these comparisons odd.

Enough yapping, here's the challenge:

* post links to any literary related blog or book review that compares the book being talked about to the Bronte sisters

I want to confirm whether it's just me that sees these comparisons way too often. I'll be sure to pick up "The Catcher and Rye" next. Nah, I'll read "In Pale Battalions" for now. So far, I'm through part one, and it feels like Bronte to me. You know, the grandmama thing. But this is from the 80's so.

Now, I'm back to writing.

Good luck!
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USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

Saturday [11/14]

Katantion — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:12:08 +0000

Tomorrow is a day chock-full of activities!

In the morning, we have our light-rail write-in with phoenix- they'll be riding here and we'll meet up with their train to ride back with them. We're meeting around 11 am and catching their train when it glides into the station. Make sure your laptop is charged. A day pass will cost you around 3.50. You can bring bottled water with you. I'll be hanging around in my NaNo shirt from 11 on. We are meeting at the beginning of the line, at Main and Longmore.

In the evening, we'll be having our midway party at Skateland. It's on Southern between Mesa Dr and Country Club. We will be there from 7:30 to Midnight, and admission will be 8$, for entrance and skate rental. Bring a couple extra bucks for the snack bar if you want. Coincidentally, they are having a New Moon release party the same night. THE TWILIGHT IS UNESCAPABLE.

Anyone with questions or whatevs can call/email/text me. (6029307581)
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-Amber is ML: East Valley

USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

White Flag

AnikaArrington — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:21:18 +0000

Between undeveloped characters, a plot that was just way too weird, a head cold, and my son I am still at 1859. So I think I am calling this one a surrender, and I will do some serious prewriting and try again next year. In the meantime, I think I will go back to rewriting an existing rough draft. I wish you all the best of luck and hope to see you next year. Here's to 30 days of literary abandon! I look forward to trying again next year.
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Anika

USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

Take Pictures Today...

mrmikelawson — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:24:19 +0000

Today is the 12th of the month, and each month a bunch of bloggers take 12 photographs on the 12th day and post them to their blogs. I've already started mine for today.

Are you in?

Once you post your 12 photographs, go to Chad's page and give him your link. The 12th & 13th are the biggest traffic days on my blog because a lot of 12of12 folks stop by to see.

Here's a link: http://whatsomewouldcalllies.com/category/12-of-12/
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Mike Lawson
Twitter: @MrMikeLawson
Blog: WhatSomeWouldCallLies.com

USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

Are you really a writer?

mrmikelawson — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:02:42 +0000

This is a tiny excerpt from Monica Wood's book The Pocket Muse:

Quote:

I once heard a college student in Waterville, Maine, ask visiting writer Ron Carlson how one knows if one is really a writer. Ever the showman, Carlson delivered an entertaining riff about the distractions writers put in their own way, all day, all the time: leaving the room to get coffee, check the mail, get coffee, walk the dogs, go to the bathroom, get coffee, look something up, get coffee. Then, dead serious, he summed up the whole enterprise in a line I have never forgotten: "The writer is the one who stays in the room."

Be The One That Stays In The Room!
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Mike Lawson
Twitter: @MrMikeLawson
Blog: WhatSomeWouldCallLies.com

USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

E Valley Standing 80/484!

MsScript — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:31:14 +0000

I'm pretty impressed with our standing http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/wordcount_stats - our average word count is higher than Albuquerque who is above us but barely. Great job East Valley Nanos!
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~trying to create images with words~
'09 ScriptFrenzy winner
Author of Death of a Fisherman - a Play
Author of A Need for Speed - a Script
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MsScript

USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

Twitter, anyone?

Katen — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:06:57 +0000

Speaking of chats and Facebook pages, anyone on Twitter? Any thoughts on an "official" hashtag (though sometimes I end up with more hash-taggery than message) or list? My Twitter user name is...well...Katen.
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Lucinda at the Window by Katherine Nabity
Available from Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com. (Just search for Nabity!)
Journal: http://katen.livejournal.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Katen

USA :: Arizona :: East Valley

Lying

bwaichu — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:15:57 +0000

Do your characters lie? And when your characters do lie, what do let the reader know?
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