USA :: New Jersey :: Central

To all those who are behind...

BillPatt — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:47:35 +0000

Everyone has been behind at some point during their NaNo quest. Sometimese seriously so. This is my third NaNo, So far, I am one for two, having killed off last year's novel.

For those I haven't bored senseless yet with my tale of 2007, it always seemed effortless to me. I would sit down to write, and words fell off my fingers onto the screen. It was easy! What was all the fuss about?

I must have early dementia. I went back to my spreadsheet, where I kept my daily production numbers. I was solidly behind for 25 out of 30 days, and that is with me being ahead the first three days. With four days left, I was 14,000 words behind. So, if you can get to 36k on the 26th, you'll be in the same spot I was. And I won. So you can too.

JUST WRITE!

I don't type as fast as most folks, but I average 1600 words an hour. When planning your writing, assume you can do at least 1500 per hour. You'd be surprised at your progress. In theory, you could get it done typing 10 hrs a day for three days. So, you are never really out of the running.

Man, I must sound like some chirpy Pollyanna, but dayam, just sit down, stop worrying about foreshadowing and plot development and setting and atmospherics, and character names (Hey, one of mine is Sister Elephant, for heavens sake)

JUST WRITE!

When your character is on the scene, ask him or her "What did you do next?" and write the answer. "And then what?" "And where's your buddy? And what's your enemy doing now? And what are the newspapers/internet/TV reporters saying about this?"

My major formula is to unhook the brain and let the characters out to play. Like now. I didn't plan this post. It's wandering all over the place. Let your novel do the same, for November at least. Editting comes later. For now, though,

JUST WRITE!

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Bill The Computer Guy
Scrivener ordinaire
Participant, 2008. Novel euthanized at 9.7k on Nov 15.
Winner, 2007, Earth is Hell!

USA :: New Jersey :: Central

Wondering . Do you read what you write? Do you complete scenes or move on? Curious and looking for friends to bounce ideas.

arions. — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:34:38 +0000

Hi I'm new at this - I'm a songwriter whose muse has been hijacked.
Things seem to be going well - lots of words and ideas but two things:
1. Do you guys read what you have written - I mean - are you going over your writing as you go, or do you just get it all out and then kind of pray that it's holding together? Just kind of scared to even look back at this point and was wondering if I should wait until December or just take a peek and see if I am even close to the right track.
2. I have a particular problem with time and was wondering if anyone out there has the same one.
I sit down and write - I have about 45 minutes to an hour - just about enough time to get the number of words I need.
The thing is, right when I have to stop is usually when I feel like something is going to be revealed, or things are about to get juicy. But - I'm out of time. I stop. Then, in my next session, I usually just go where I get an idea, not necessarily back to the previous scene. I can't decide if I am copping out and not following things through, or if that will eventually happen so - right - I should just go with the next/new idea that is leading me (hopefully in the right direction.)
In other words I feel like I am driving a very, very big car - but I haven't even taken a driving lesson yet.
Ideas anyone?
Thanks!
Best,
Arion
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http://www.mimicross.com

USA :: New Jersey :: Central

In need of much help.

caitly — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:12:19 +0000

Help.

I only have 10k words. I NEED to catch up, because I much finsih. Any ideas? Last night I gave my dad the router thingy for the internet and told him to not give it back to me under any conditions. I wrote quite a bit. However, he's not home know and I don't know what to do. How the heck am I supposed to catch up this late in the month? Is it even possible?!?
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USA :: New Jersey :: Central

Central Jersey 5K Challenge

Pat Marin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:30:53 +0000

Anyone up for a 5K challenge?

I am so far behind in word count that I have to try for it on Sunday. I hope to add 5K to my measly word count.

I'm going to a mystery writer conference next weekend so if I'm ever to get a head it has to be this week.

Anyone else need motivation? Anything extra you can write now will get you ahead and hopefully keep you ahead. I have nightmares about being behind and having to write the last three days or so without sleep. I did that one year so I know, for me, its not a good thing.

So who wants to join me? I’m starting now!

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Pat
NaNo 2009 Untitled
NaNo 2008 Witch Nightmare Winner
NaNo 2007 His Halloween Witches Winner
NaNo 2006 Witch in Flames Winner
NaNo 2005 What Witch? Not My Witch! Winner
NaNo 2004 The Odd Cops: Love Undercover Winner

USA :: New Jersey :: Central

Ocean County Write-In?

Unkindloving — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:09:41 +0000

I know Ocean County is smack dab in the middle of everything, but there are a few of us around here.
Is anyone fairly close or would be interested in heading down for a write-in every now and then?
I'm from the Toms River area with a friend in the Manchester area. We would absolutely love to get together to write with anyone willing :)

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.Breathe life in deeply - Exhale creativity.

USA :: New Jersey :: Central

Monmouth County Write-In

Katie C — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:09:19 +0000

I was serious when I said I wanted to try and visit each area at least once this year. :P

Anyone interested in putting something together? I know you're out there!
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Municipal Liaison for Central New Jersey

USA :: New Jersey :: Central

Question about cops

ecwordsmith — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:56:46 +0000

Does anyone know if cops carry their guns with them when they're off-duty? I would never have the nerve to ask one - talk about getting suspicious looks. One of my good guys is a cop, and he finds himself in a room with a bunch of innocent people while he is off-duty. I need one of the characters also in the room to kill the antagonist with a knife. I don't want the off-duty cop to intervene with his gun, as that would spoil the progression of the story.

Thanks!
ecwordsmith (missed you guys at B&N Wednesday - was working.)
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USA :: New Jersey :: Central

Jersey Dare?

Tatra — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 05:02:33 +0000

So, are we going to have a New Jersey Dare this year? Cause, that is kind of fun.

Though, I would maybe suggest that instead of one dare for the whole region, maybe we could have multiple dares that still relate to New Jersey?

Or, oooh, what if we use our State info? Like include Violets or the Eastern Goldfinch, trout or honey bees? The State dance, which is the Square Dance, or a Duck Billed dinosaur? Buff and Blue colors?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Jersey

So, what do you say?
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--
Nanowrimo 09: Rocks of Opportunity.
Won:
Screnzy: 07: The State of Orange; 08: The State of Green; 09: The State of Indigo.
NaNoWriMo: 06: Dragons in the Bathtub; 07: Sidhe PD; 08: Flabbergast!

USA :: New Jersey :: Central

Question: How do you fix...

Belle.Rose — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:55:13 +0000

a traumatically amputated arm? xD Just kidding.

How do you fix your plot when a character suddenly decides this not being there thing really doesn't work for them? The whole climax of my novel centered around a reunion of the two main characters in New York but now Mr. I-can't-wait-to-see-her has gone and shown up at her hotel room door in Vegas. Any suggestions?

~Bella

PS: This also applies to just fixing a broken plot in general
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My NaNo '09 Daily Blog: http://unbreakablebella.wordpress.com
"After all my erstwhile dear,
My no longer cherished;
Need we say it was not love,
Just because it perished?"
- Edna St. Vincent Millay

USA :: New Jersey :: Central

Bridgewater/Somerville/Raritan (heck...Somerset County) write in?

Katie C — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:00:25 +0000

Out of curiosity...are people going to be meeting at the Barnes & Noble on the Somerville circle again?
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Municipal Liaison for Central New Jersey

USA :: New Jersey :: Central

Question: How many bodies...

Buttercup42 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:15:26 +0000

How many bodies do you think will fit into the trunk of a one of those big, gas guzzling, Lincoln Contientals?

Yes, my novel has taken a strange and gruesome turn.

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USA :: New Jersey :: Central

A geeky way to write your novel and track your progress

bct — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:36:54 +0000

If you always write while connected to the Internet, and you want to experiment with a geeky way to write your novel and automatically track your progress, take a look at:

http://kibotzer.com/kibowrimo
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USA :: New Jersey :: Central

Weird happenings whilst writing

BillPatt — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:17:53 +0000

Starting a thread for all the funny, weird, strange thing that have been happening to you while doing NaNo. Here's one such:

After doing yardwork and assorted stuff all weekend, I finally got some writing time at 11pm. Ever fall asleep while typing? I almost did. THe third time I rested my eyes, I had this very strange feeling that the story had a hold of me. My hands were typing of their own accord. I had the distinct impression that I would have kept typing even if I fell asleep. Talk about multi-tasking!

Please add more stories as they occur.

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Bill The Computer Guy
Scrivener ordinaire
Participant, 2008. Novel euthanized at 9.7k on Nov 15.
Winner, 2007, Earth is Hell!

USA :: New Jersey :: Central

Suggestions/Encouragement/Help Please?

Belle.Rose — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:17:22 +0000

Alright, so I reached 25000 last week but...now I have hit this road block. I know I'm halfway there and I have less than 25000 words to go but my brain is like...STOP WRITING RIGHT NOW FOOL! If I don't write today, that will be three days with no addition to my word count. I know I'm ever so slightly ahead by I really want to get further ahead so I don't lose momentum. I've tried making my environment optimal but I always find some way to get distracted (children's television, hundreds of games of solitaire, staring blankly at a screen, TLC, talking to friends, etc.). Does anyone have any suggestions to help me break this mental block?

~Bella
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My NaNo '09 Daily Blog: http://unbreakablebella.wordpress.com
"After all my erstwhile dear,
My no longer cherished;
Need we say it was not love,
Just because it perished?"
- Edna St. Vincent Millay

USA :: New Jersey :: Central

Bridgewater Barnes & Nobel Monday Nights?

ecwordsmith — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:05:08 +0000

Hi fellow NaNo bots,

Monday nights are my only free nights the rest of November. I enjoyed the first two write-ins and hate to miss them. So...I will be at B&N the next two Mondays around 7-9 pm, if anyone else can make it, that would be cool!

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USA :: New Jersey :: Central

Rutgers Students Topic!

Nya-chan — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:58:45 +0000

Because I remember there being a thread like this last year, so I doubt all of you got up and stopped doing NaNo (oh like people STOP doing NaNo, amirite?), so since I'm not a Rutgers student myself, here's the topic for us. :3

First off, I'd like to have an on-campus location where we can have write-ins. Being a freshmen I'm not too sure of any of the good spots, so any upperclassmen know of good places we all can meet up? :3 Also days of the week and times best for you guys would be helpful as well.

And secondly, to get some convos rolling or something past the write-ins, what is you...
Class Year? Major/Intended Major? Are you on-campus/commuter? If on campus, what campus is your dorm on? And anything else you can think of.

I'm, as I said above, a freshmen, and currently undecided. I'm on campus at Cook/Douglass.

So let's get some talking going? x3
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NaNoBlog
My Twitter

USA :: New Jersey :: Central

How does your writing affect you during non-writing hours?

BillPatt — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:40:45 +0000

Here's an example: When I wrote the scene where protagonist's wife was burned to death, and he could not get her out, I was depressed for a few days. And I gave the wife more hugs.

Next data point: One character is having gf issues. There's this friend I know who got a new bf. I just saw his pic. He's a dirtbag. I felt unusually upset at her. The only thing I can figure is the character's sadness bleeding over to my real life.

1. Do any of you get the same kind of reactions?

2. How do you handle it?

3. How do the pros handle it?

I don't get badly affected. Just a bit, though. I'd be fascinated about how others handle it.

Sounds like a book plot - folks who become what they write about. You could really weird it out to be people who dream about writing, then wake to be that person. Feel free to steal it.
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Bill The Computer Guy
Scrivener ordinaire
Participant, 2008. Novel euthanized at 9.7k on Nov 15.
Winner, 2007, Earth is Hell!

USA :: New Jersey :: Central

MIDDLETOWN write-in plans!

rosyfury — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:11:21 +0000

Hi! I've gotten the green light to have a write-in at the Middletown Starbucks on Route 35. It will be on Friday November 13th. From 4-7 pm. Add this to the calender if you could!

RSVP IS REQUIRED. (I can only house up to ten people plus myself and my friend who are organizing this)
RSVP by email (ALDudzinski@yahoo.com)
RSVP by phone (7327785370)
RSVP by nanomail (rosyfury)

My Starbucks is not big and my boss is worried about overload! Please make sure you RSVP if you're interested!

There will be fun and games. I plan on having goodie bags, free drinks, and a couple of little competitions for all of you.

<3 always and hope to see you there!
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2008: Magnolia - won with 54,000 words three days early. Began again and finally finished it as a whole with 101,300 words this past August.
2009: Lapis Lazuli - on going

USA :: New Jersey :: Central

Mercer County Write-Ins

Katie C — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:14:35 +0000

I'm surprised a Mercer topic hasn't popped up sooner. Wasn't there a regularly meeting Mercer group?

I know there are a few of you out there. Who would like to meet up?
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Municipal Liaison for Central New Jersey

USA :: New Jersey :: Central

WordCount for 2009

BillPatt — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:08:22 +0000

http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/wordcount_stats

We're currently #48. Let's go!

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Bill The Computer Guy
Scrivener ordinaire
Participant, 2008. Novel euthanized at 9.7k on Nov 15.
Winner, 2007, Earth is Hell!

USA :: New Jersey :: Central

Where have YOU seen NaNo mentioned?

BillPatt — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:09:40 +0000

My latest sighting is in a blog for National Review.
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ZTIxZGZkZGMxMWQ3YTM0N2ZmMTE0MDI...

I'd love to see where else this event is being publicized.
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Bill The Computer Guy
Scrivener ordinaire
Participant, 2008. Novel euthanized at 9.7k on Nov 15.
Winner, 2007, Earth is Hell!

USA :: New Jersey :: Central

Horses?

ronarfel — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:58:29 +0000

Hey... I have a New Jersey fact question for my novel.

My story is set during a massive traffic jam that has afflicted most of the highways in the Tri-State area. Many people have just given up on the idea of getting to their destinations and are just exploring and enjoying the day, but some, for whatever reason, absolutely have to be somewhere. Some are walking, some have found motorcycles that can snake through the stopped cars, some have access to helicopters...

THERE NEEDS TO BE A HORSE. I cannot finish this story without someone riding a horse down the Jersey Turnpike or some similar highway. It simply has to happen.

I know there are horse farms across the state, but are any of them close enough to a highway that somebody could semi-plausibly get off the highway, steal, beg, or borrow a horse, and ride it down the highway? What kind of security would be in place to prevent such a theft?

Thanks for any help you can provide.
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Daring to live for the impossible.

USA :: New Jersey :: Central

Norh/East Brunswick Write Ins

word mage — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 20:51:20 +0000

Hello Everyone,
Is anyone interested in meeting during November around North and East Brunswick on the weekends? There is a Barnes and Noble off Rt 1 near the Rt 130 overpass and another one on Rt 18 in the Brunswick Square mall plus a 24 hour Starbucks also on Rt 18 just slightly north of the mall.
I work evening shifts so it is hard to meet during the week. So if anyone lives nearby, and is available Saturday afternoons or nights, and or Sundays post here and maybe we can get some writing done.
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Word Mage
Winner:
2006 - Sewer Run
2007 - Grey Currents- Euranthya Book 1
2008 - Chronicles Of The Banished

USA :: New Jersey :: Central

What support have YOU been getting during Wrimo?

BillPatt — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:15:43 +0000

How are you getting support from those close to you? I know my sons keep asking me when I am going to start writing. I tell them "after you are in bed."

I've avoided telling people what I am doing, since I had to euthanize my novel last year. It seems that jinxes it. So I am not only not getting support, they actively wonder what I am doing sitting away from them on the train, banging away on my laptop. if they only knew....

What kind of support are YOU getting during Wrimo?
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Bill The Computer Guy
Scrivener ordinaire
Participant, 2008. Novel euthanized at 9.7k on Nov 15.
Winner, 2007, Earth is Hell!

USA :: New Jersey :: Central

Any Bayshore area Nanos?

peacekeeper — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:24:14 +0000

I now live in land of cowpies and Bronco fans (same thing , actually) but I'm a New Jersey boy born and bred. I was wondering if there are any Nanos who lived on the Raritan Bay, from Fords all the way down to Atlantic Highlands and the Hook. Been a while since I lived there but just want to see the ol' stomping grounds represented :) Good luck and happy writing-Bob
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