Elsewhere :: Micronesia

[sticky] Introduce Yourself

Saipanwriter — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:48:59 +0000

Saipan is a small place, but I'm sure each of us has a much richer, deeper life that others may not know about. So please introduce yourself--with a short ordinary bit, and then add something unusual that we're not likely to know.

I'm Saipanwriter, your ML. I'll be celebrating 25 years on Saipan during this year's NaNoWrimo. Most of my adult life has been in the legal profession. And I have a drama queen daughter. Lesser known facts--I grew up on a small farm in Ohio, nearly cut off my foot when I was 3 by tripping over a scythe ( still have the scar), and went white-water rafting on the Cheat River as a young adult. :-)

Your turn!
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Saipanwriter
http://saipanwriter.blogspot.com

Elsewhere :: Micronesia

[Sticky] Giving a Little Back

Saipanwriter — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:03:31 +0000

Let's give a great big regional Dangkolo Si Yuus Maase to the NaNoWriMo team who bring us this great writing opportunity each year. (Feel free to post your special thanks in the response comments!)

And after we've said our thanks, let's see if we can give something back.

Ways to contribute:
If you've got nothing, don't worry. Just do all of your research at www.goodsearch.com and before you start, select the "Office of Letters and Light" as your charity. When you verify, it will tell you the OLL is in Oakland, California--and you'll know you've got the right place. That's the umbrella organization for NaNoWriMo (and Script Frenzy, too). Every search will donate one cent; and that seems small. But we're all familiar with the effect of small actions by a large group of people.

If you're coming to the Kick-Off, any Write-In, or the TGIO. I'll have a jar, bucket or piggy bank--something--to collect loose change at each of these. All proceeds will be donated to NaNoWriMo in the name of our region! Yay! So pennies, nickles, dimes, quarters (or dollars) are appreciated. And you can unload that heavy annoyance, doing good at the same time!

If you like goodies. Shop at the NaNoWriMo store. Each purchase kicks some dollars into the coffers, and you can have some lovely tee-shirts, hats, posters, merit badges, and other goodies to mark your place among the ranks of the noble and brave!

If you have a credit card--just kidding! If you're looking for a halo . Donate $10 or more. You can do this through the site, but be sure to include your username in all the appropriate fields, including the "username" field--or else you won't get the halo and our region won't get the little tick for your contribution.

We're a small region, but we rock NaNoWriMo!

Thanks, again, to the nano ninjas who make this happen.

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Saipanwriter
http://saipanwriter.blogspot.com

Elsewhere :: Micronesia

Time to Talk TGIO!

Saipanwriter — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:22:18 +0000

It's time to start planning the TGIO parties.

Saipan will just have a sunset get-together at PIC on 12/1. Wrimos--print out your novels and bring them. Part of the fun will be reading from the script.

Guam--do you want to have a TGIO? If yes, Sea Phoenix, can I send the awards to you to distribute? (Yes! I have a few awards-maybe not enough for everyone, but maybe yes...)

Post ideas and planning here!
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Saipanwriter
http://saipanwriter.blogspot.com

Elsewhere :: Micronesia

Non-writing interests?

leobabauta — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:57:50 +0000

Just curious to know more about all of you.

To give you some background on me:

* I'm a blogger, full-time, at zenhabits.net and mnmlist.com, and author of a published non-fiction book.
* I'm a father of 6 kids, husband to Eva.
* Into simplifying my life, minimalism.
* Die-hard Mac fan.
* Kind of a tech geek.
* Dislike Facebook but use Twitter daily (@zen_habits).
* Soccer dad.
* Runner, and a newbie cyclist. Have run 3 marathons.
* Vegan, and into my health.
* Goes without saying, but I love to read.
* Favorite TV shows: Mad Men, The Office, How I Met Your Mother, 30 Rock, Lost.

I'd love to hear more about the rest of you!

Leo
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Elsewhere :: Micronesia

Dare Me!

Saipanwriter — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:26:25 +0000

This is a dares thread. I'm starting it from purely selfish motives. I'm writing a dare novel.

But of course, with dares, anyone can take them.

So I'll start by leaving a dare.
I dare you to use the CHURCH OF SCOTLAND in your novel. (I got that by opening my handy-dandy dictionary at random.)
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Saipanwriter
http://saipanwriter.blogspot.com

Elsewhere :: Micronesia

A Quick Look at the Elsewhere::Micronesia Scoreboard

Saipanwriter — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:28:22 +0000

Things change quickly, especially with prolific writers like ours!

But I've posted a quick summary of wordcounts of the writers in our region on my blog here, if you're interested in seeing it (as of the close of 11/15/2009).
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Saipanwriter
http://saipanwriter.blogspot.com

Elsewhere :: Micronesia

Word count buddies?

lisswain — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:42:07 +0000

So I've started an interesting pattern. I slack off for a few days, then get back on track and crank out 3-4,000 words a night for a few days then lay off again. I'm at 28,700 something at the moment and I would like to get back on track within the next four days. Which means writing 4,300 a night between now and Thanksgiving. I know I'll have time over the long weekend to write, but I don't want to leave it until the last minute. Is there anyone else setting some firm goals for this week? Want to buddy up for support?
Let me know!
Lis

Jane - I'd be up for a long writing session sometime next weekend if you're around... Maybe an afternoon/evening of writing dangerously? My brain turns off after a certain point!
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Elsewhere :: Micronesia

guam write-in, nov. 22

lickmydisaster — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:06:45 +0000

at outrigger, i think 1-3pm, unless folks decide to go on their hike that day.

i'd like to propose a writing soundtrack swap, too. if people want to bring a few c.d. copies of what they're writing to, it could be cool. or, at least, something new to listen to.
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Elsewhere :: Micronesia

You know you're reaching when...

SeaPhoenix — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:19:56 +0000

So - thought I'd start this one up. You know you're reaching for word count when your villain has just been thwarted by something truly fiendish... rush hour traffic - more specifically - he does not wish to go out in rush hour traffic, so is postponing his nefarious plans till it does down. And to further stretch out the words... you add in the following:

Annoyed, he sat back down, this time on the bed. The remote control lay on the nightstand, beckoning. Rueful, he reached over and clicked the power button, aiming it at the t.v. set. The screen flickered to life, and when he saw what was on, he grinned - a look of pure boyish joy. He loved Jerry Springer.

Yes folks... that's my subtly sinister villain. I feel so ashamed.

:-) Anyone else noticing something similar?

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Elsewhere :: Micronesia

Cancelling the Night of Writing Dangerously

Saipanwriter — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:19:31 +0000

I had the Night of Writing Dangerously on our Saipan calendar. It was a toss-up between writing at PIC (in a hotel room) or at Shirley's. I didn't get much interest for either.

And now there is a candlelight vigil that's been scheduled for Sunday evening and night for the victims of the shooting here. So I am taking a unilateral action here. Sorry.

No NoWD in Saipan this year.

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Saipanwriter
http://saipanwriter.blogspot.com

Elsewhere :: Micronesia

In shock over here

Saipanwriter — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:22:14 +0000

Just thought I'd post this to say we're in shock here in Saipan.

I've posted a bit on my blog about the shooting spree today. In reality, there was quite a bit of panic as word spread about the shootings and the schools went into lockdown. The protection plan was precautionary, but it totally amped up our adrenaline.

We've gotten the "all clear" as the shooter has killed himself. But now I have a massive headache and some tears for those who died. It's a small enough island that I know at least one of the families, whose 5 year old only son was killed.

It's so very sad.

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Saipanwriter
http://saipanwriter.blogspot.com

Elsewhere :: Micronesia

Regional CHALLENGE #3-Auto Summarize

Saipanwriter — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:47:48 +0000

In my last pep talk, I suggested that for laughs, you try auto-summarizing your novel. So this thread is to post those lovely summaries. (Please use the 100 word summary.)

To start off, I'll offer two. One from my 15 year daughter (who now has about 22,000 words). And one from me (but on my saved copy, which does not include my latest progress).

Mine first--ugh bad. (headdesk)

Quote:

Jules smiled broadly. Jules said. “Thanks,” Jules said. “What’s up, Jules? Jules smiled. “Sorry,” said Jules. Jules said.
Jules asked.
“Agreed,” said Jules. “Yeah!” said Jules. Jules said.
“Oh, Jules! Jules said. Jules said. Jules laughed. “George. “Hi Fe Bon,” Jules said. Jules said.
“Jules,” Fe Bon began. Honestly, Fe Bon,” said Jules. Fe Bon giggled. Jules nodded. Jules said. Jules eyed Binky again. “Fe Bon,” Jules said. Really, Fe Bon.”
Fe Bon said.
Fe Bon asked.
Fe Bon asked.
Jules asked.
Jules asked. “Binky?” Jules asked.
Jules smiled. Jules smiled. Jules smiled.

And now my daughter's--hilarious.

Quote:

“Christine, loser. “Christine?” It’s Christine! Christine smiled. Lana shrugged. BAD Christine! Christine smirked. Lana smiled. Christine blinked. “Lana?! LANA! Lana!” Christine asked.
Thought Lana. Christine hissed. Christine blinked.
Lana giggled.
Lana smiled.
Christine sighed.
Lana looked at Christine. “Lana? “Lana? Christine asked. Christine frowned. “Lana… no.” pleaded Christine. “Christine! Christine blinked.
Lana blinked.
Lana smiled. Christine looked at Lana. Lana nodded.
Christine shouted. Christine laughed. Lana smiled. Christine stared. Christine turned.
Christine chuckled. Christine grimaced.
Christine smiled. Christine smiled. Said Christine. Christine nodded. Thought Christine. “Ok, Christine? Christine’s eyes widened.
Said Christine. Christine chuckled.
Christine continued. Christine smiled sadly.

share yours?
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Saipanwriter
http://saipanwriter.blogspot.com

Elsewhere :: Micronesia

Speed tricks?

cjcarino — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:10:48 +0000

After thousands of words, has anybody discovered any speed tricks in the course of their writing?
I'd be interested to know how some of you have boosted your output.

One thing that seems to have helped me, though I don't know why, is speaking the words aloud as I type. It helped me breeze through what I thought was going to be a difficult chapter in about half the time.

Anybody else find a technique to getting the words out of your head and on to the page with more efficiency?
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Elsewhere :: Micronesia

Regional Winners Lounge!

Saipanwriter — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:27:21 +0000

Since I noticed that Leo is now over 50,000 words--way to go! Congrats!--I thought I'd create this little regional winners lounge where you can kick back, chat, enjoy your bragging rights and all once you've crossed the threshold.

Of course, right now, Leo, you'll be quite lonely, but I don't expect that to last long.
And besides, you might enjoy the peace and quiet.
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Saipanwriter
http://saipanwriter.blogspot.com

Elsewhere :: Micronesia

Writing Software (including Scrivener for PCs)

leobabauta — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:56:09 +0000

We discussed writing software a little in another thread, but I thought I'd create this one so people could chime in with their favorite software.

As I mentioned in the other thread (I think it was on writing speed), I use:

* WriteRoom (distraction-free writing for the Mac)
* Scrivener - great for its cork-board organizer and other cool features
* Freedom - for blocking your Internet connection to kill distractions

Root mentioned he might be interested in a Scrivener-like program for the PC ... here's an article on that:

http://planetpooks.wordpress.com/category/scrivener/

The article mentioned Writer's Cafe (http://www.writerscafe.co.uk/) which looks cool.

Leo
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Elsewhere :: Micronesia

Guam Write in on this Sunday

roott — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:14:14 +0000

How many people are showing up?
If there are alot of people we might have to move it or call Booksellers to let them know we are coming.

ROOTT
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Elsewhere :: Micronesia

Favorite writing blogs?

leobabauta — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:15:27 +0000

Not that we need any more distraction than we already have, but ... I like to read good blogs on writing, or by good writers, from time to time. It's inspiration and good advice all in one.

Anyone have any favorites?

Leo
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Elsewhere :: Micronesia

30% --Time to Back Up!

Saipanwriter — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:31:45 +0000

Day Nine. At the end of today, we'll be 30% of the way finished with the month. Target for today is 15,000 words. (Go Leo, who has enough words to share!)

Now, my friendly advice and the voice of experience.

BACK-UP. No don't go back and re-read, re-do your writing. Writing is forward motion. But "back-up" in the sense of protect your writing.

Every year, and I mean every year, there are wrimos who complain that they have lost everything. Their words are gone.

Technology is imperfect. Whether you write with paper and pen, typewriter, or computer, there exists a potential threat to the continuing life of your WIP.

So be redundant.
1. Make another hard copy, if you're writing in real space. Duplicate and duplicate. If you're writing in virtual space, print out your e-file. Put these copies in a different place. One in your car? One in your home? One in your office? (Don't forget to date the version, or put a word count on it so you can identify a later version.)

2. For e-files, send a copy to your e-mail address. Virtual storage.

3. Save an e-file on your flash drive.

Whatever you do, make sure you BACK-UP.

Hope you are all having fun!
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Saipanwriter
http://saipanwriter.blogspot.com

Elsewhere :: Micronesia

best predictors of successful completion

lickmydisaster — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:18:02 +0000

this one is targeted for past nanowrimers, and those who might be interested in statistics.

i imagine there are at least two strong predictors for determining who out of all participants will complete the 50,000 words: consistency in time allocation towards writing and an adherence to a certain threshold of daily word counts.

do you think there might be a magical word count that once writers hit is a strong indicator for that person's likelihood of successfully putting together the 50,000 words? for example, it might be that for a totally new writer the difference between 30,000 and 50,000 words is incrementally smaller than the first 30,000, thereby making the writer's initial goal of 30,000 therefore more significant (and, it goes without saying, a bigger pain in the butt to do than the last 20,000). basically, i wonder where most people lost it.

or do you think that the discipline in writing everyday (and potentially being more forgiving in daily word quotas) is more important?

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Elsewhere :: Micronesia

Genre Anyone?

Saipanwriter — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:24:53 +0000

I tend to think it's not really a good idea to talk too much ahead of time about the novel you're hoping to write. So no lengthy descriptions here! But a little bit of information sharing might help us generate some enthusiasm and help us get psyched!

So what genre(s) are you going to explore this Nano 2009?

I'm back for historical fiction combined with mystery--a sequel to last year's novel.
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Saipanwriter
http://saipanwriter.blogspot.com

Elsewhere :: Micronesia

Guam Address?

Saipanwriter — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:43:24 +0000

I am so excited that there will be a Guam Write-In--thanks to Sea Phoenix and Roott taking the initiative.

If you want official swag--that is, nanowrimo stickers-- I'll need an address where I can send them. Anyone going to the write-in willing to do this? Just nanomail me and I'll get stickers in the mail, and possibly something else to win or raffle off as a prize.
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Saipanwriter
http://saipanwriter.blogspot.com

Elsewhere :: Micronesia

REGIONAL CHALLENGE # 1 The Double Day Challenge

Saipanwriter — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:25:26 +0000

I'm borrowing this challenge from synthetic_jesso, another ML.

We're heading into the treachorous territory of WEEK 2. So now is the time to get prepared. It's time for Double Your Daily Word Count Day.

What is "Double Your Daily Word Count Day", you ask? It's a new regional holiday that Jess just invented. It's a day where you write at least double your average daily word count, and thus give yourself a hefty boost at the start of week two.

It works like this: Whatever your end-of-day word count is tonight (Saturday night), you divide that number by 7. The result is your average daily word count, and your goal on Sunday is to write twice that many words. If your average is less than 1,667, then you are behind. You need to write double-double the daily goal, meaning 6668 words. :-)

Use this thread to post your magic number, the number of words you'll be writing tomorrow. Then, when you finish writing those words, post again to let everyone know that you are victorious.

There are no prizes for winning this challenge other than a virtual high-five, because this is a shoe-string operation after all. But you will have bragging rights, and you will get that warm fuzzy "Yeah I totally won that challenge" feeling.

And if you don't get that feeling, then just keep writing until you triple your daily word count. Or quadruple it. Or catch up to the word count. Or get to 50,000 words! or whatever!

ENJOY THE CHALLENGE!

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Saipanwriter
http://saipanwriter.blogspot.com

Elsewhere :: Micronesia

Music to write to?

cjcarino — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:10:42 +0000

What's playing on your iPods while you write? Does it need to fit the tone of the work, informing your writing? Or do you just need something loud to but a barrier between your brain and the outside world?

I know Stephen King writes best to Heavy Metal. I've tried writing to more mellow stuff, but my energy falls quickly.
I think peppy, without being overpowering is the way to go. So far, the Talking Heads, seems to work,

How about the rest of you? What music keeps your fingers moving?
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Elsewhere :: Micronesia

Write-in hitchhiking?

lisswain — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:16:00 +0000

Hi all!
I was sad to miss the Kick off party earlier, but will definitely be at the write in on Saturday. That said, my husband and I have only one car between us at the moment and so I was wondering if anyone was headed back toward Capitol Hill after we're done? I'd love to hitch a ride (I live just past Sara Market ) and will happily buy the coffee or provide the Expressions chocolate of choice for the driver!
Let me know!
Thanks,
Lis
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