Hey everybody. Most of you don't know me, but that's because my wife and I just moved here in August.
This is our third season of NaNoWriMo and we're absolutely excited to get underway. Interesting tidbit: we met through NaNoWriMo. True story; check out the "True Life Tale" over at the NaNoWriMo blog.
Anyway, back on topic. I was the ML for Springfield last year (and I'm doing a distance-ML thing this year). But, seeing as how we're in Carbondale now, I figured we might as well take advantage of it and lend out a helping hand.
So, here's the deal: I don't want to set any locations in stone, yet, because we don't know all the places we could hold write-ins. However, I'm thinking either the SIUC Student Center or the SIUC Library. If there are other suggestions, though (preferably someplace FREE), let me know. And we'll definitely work something out. I'm here to help in whatever way I can.
Oh, and I've got some pretty stickers for you folks that show up. Hope to see you all in November!
(PS -- Those interested in a kick-off party in Carbondale, leave some comments and suggestions below.)
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2006: The Bloody Autumn (complete)
2007: Messenger of the Storm (incomplete)
0 / 50,000
Oct 10, 2008 - 13 51
Actually, I really like the SIU idea. For me, it would be much easier since I'm there every weekday for school. :)
50,739 / 50,000
Oct 12, 2008 - 19 18
I'm down. I think we should do a kick-off party, definitely. As for regular write-ins, I don't like writing at home so the more the better. I'll post where I'm writing if nothing official is going on, and anyone is always welcome to join me.
As for locations, there are two coffeehouses I know of in Carbondale - The Long Branch, downtown, and Common Grounds, which is by the Student Rec Center. Common Grounds is open til midnight every night, so it's a particularly good option, though it's a little small. Anyway, I'll meet wherever the party is.
8,787 / 50,000
Oct 13, 2008 - 09 35
Nice to meet you Jonathan. I don't care where we meet, I will make every effort to be there!
Deb
17,856 / 50,000
Oct 16, 2008 - 20 41
I highly recommend Common Grounds. Especially for weekend afternoon write in sessions. Saturday Afternoons from about 1 - 3PM the place is empty. Same thing with most friday evenings until about 9PM and Jason won't chase us off.
The other major factor is the fact that CG has plenty of outlets.
0 / 50,000
Oct 18, 2008 - 01 21
I second Common Grounds. :3 When is there a time that coffee shops shouldn't have crowds of writers with their laptops sitting at the tables? That and the Starbucks in the Student Center tends to be more crowded, and it's smaller.
17,856 / 50,000
Oct 18, 2008 - 09 06
Sun - Thurs evenings it is damn near impossible to find a table at Common Grounds. However, Friday nights and all day saturday are normally really slow. Sundays tend to be slow as well until about 4PM, then people start to come in to do homework, etc..
Jason doesn't mind hosting groups, so long as people buy drinks. Which, shouldn't be a problem.
2,118 / 50,000
Oct 20, 2008 - 19 40
Okay, so, Friday evenings (let's say, 6ish?) at Common Grounds is good for everyone?
I think we'll be rotating between there are maybe somewhere at the Student Center, just for those few that don't have a lot of money to spend at coffee shops every week. Maybe Student Center nights could be on Monday and we'd still keep our Friday evening at CG.
Yes?
8,787 / 50,000
Oct 21, 2008 - 07 42
Sounds good to me. I will try to make at least one a week. I have three of five boys playing basketball!
17,856 / 50,000
Oct 21, 2008 - 14 08
I'll be there at CG....of course, I'm always there at CG. And I mean always. In fact, if you've been to CG's you've likely seen me.
7,028 / 50,000
Oct 21, 2008 - 19 58
Sounds good to me. I should be able to make it to at least a few meetings. School can be pretty intense on schedules. The SIU student center is also a very good location. Almost always plenty of room, and it is pretty conducive to this sort of thing.
2,118 / 50,000
Nov 14, 2008 - 10 40
As the google calendar says, there is a write-in tonight at Common Grounds.
However, I have to apologize that I won't be able to make it and might not make it to any, after all.
I had real hopes for this year, but for once, I've met my academic match. I'm far behind in the NaNo, though I still hope to finish it. Anyway, I have a final paper due on Tuesday worth 60% of my final course grade in one of my classes and three upcoming weeks of final exams (worth 100% of my final course grade in five classes). Life is hectic, to say the least.
I encourage you all to go and I'll hopefully still be able to attend one or two (particularly the day after Thanksgiving). But I wanted to apologize to you all. I'm sorry. I wish you luck with your own novels. And I can't wait to meet you.