USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

A How-To Guide to Setting Up "Satellite" Write-ins

bschory — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:51:56 +0000

Hey Everybody!

So the MLs asked me to start a How-To thread about hosting satellite NaNoWriMo write-ins during the course of the event.

As busy as November can be with reckless writing abandon, a lot of Boston Wrimos have found that setting up community based NaNo events (which we like to call Satellite Write-Ins) can make the month a lot more fun and a lot more productive. I was involved last year in the Allston/Brighton neighborhoods, and we were able to pull together a really great group of people to get together once a week apart from the main NaNo events. In fact, a lot of those who attended these neighborhood events still remain good friends.

The Satellite write-ins become more and more important as the month progresses. While the first week of NaNo can be full of excitement and creative energy, as we get into weeks two and three of writing our NaNo novels, you'll notice that the insane word count can begin to become daunting, and it becomes more difficult to find the motivation to keep going. In those moments, having a close knit group of Wrimos to encourage you and draw creative energy from (or even just discuss plot frustrations with) can make a huge difference.

Since satellite write-ins can be so helpful, I'd like to do my best to make sure that the planning and execution of them go smoothly. In that spirit, I've put together a bunch of things I've learned in the course of planning satellite write-ins to help make sure you reach all the wonderful Wrimos in your area, and to make sure that things go well at the write-in itself.

When planning a write-in:

The best place to plan these satellite write-ins is at the NaNo forums. The forums are the most often visited part of the NaNo site once November rolls around, and posting information there opens it up to a wide range of people you might otherwise never meet. Here's some tips for planning when using the forum, and some general things to remember while planning your satellite write-in.

Before you start your own thread to plan an satellite neighborhood write-in, please look through the threads on the forum to see if there's already a thread for your neighborhood.
If you don't find a thread for your neighborhood, go ahead and start one. When starting the thread, consider including another neighborhood that's nearby in the thread as well. You want the area you choose to be large enough to draw in a good number of people, but not so huge as to make it inconvenient to choose a centrally located place. For instance, it would be better to start an MIT/Kendal Square thread than a Cambridge thread.
Be friendly and encouraging when starting a thread. Remember, you're talking to people you've never met on a medium that doesn't convey tone of voice or sarcasm well. If what you say can be construed as threatening or offensive, even if you mean it playfully, not only will you be unlikely to meet a lot of Wrimos or have someone attend your satellite write in, but you may draw the attention of the forum moderators. You'll likely get only one warning about this before being banned from the forum, so be careful.
Remember that not all Wrimos are over 21. Though holding write-ins at bars can be a lot of fun (writing and beer do go so very well together), choosing such a venue does automatically limit who can attend. It not only excludes those who cannot legally drink, but those who may be uncomfortable going to a bar for whatever reason. The best places to hold write-ins tend to be cafés, coffee shops, or any publically accessible place you can reserve a room (like a library).
Our MLs put a lot of work in to the official NaNoBoston write-ins and events. Please *do not* schedule an satellite write-in at the same time as an official NaNoBoston event. This year, these events will be held on Thursdays and Sundays, and it makes the whole region stronger and more fun if everyone comes out and attends these events instead of doing something in their own neighborhood. I know commuting to some of the chosen locations can be a pain (I live in Brighton, which is usually a good hours commute by T to where the official write-ins are happening), but it's definitely worth the trip, and you'll get the chance to meet a lot of exceptional and interesting people.

With these things in mind, feel free to launch a thread in the forum for your neighborhood and ask other Wrimos from your area for their input on when and where it will be best to meet. It might be good, in the starting post of your thread, to link to this thread or re-iterate some of these points, simply to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Once you've chosen a time and location for you satellite write-in:

So you've gotten a few people together and decided when and where you'd like to have an satellite write-in. That's awesome! However, in the days leading up to the write-in there are a few things you should do to make sure it's going to go smoothly.

The most important thing you should do is make sure the time and location are clearly visible in the forum. Be sure to clearly post the name and address of the location, and make note if your location is on a side-street or the entrance may be difficult to find. Posting directions on how to reach your location via public transportation can also be a huge help.
Let the MLs know when and where your satellite write-in is going to be held, so that they can add it to the regional calendar for all to see. E-mail Travis at letterslight@gmail.com with the time, date, and location of your write-in.
While smaller satellite write-ins (up to 4 or 5 people) shouldn't have any problem just showing up to a location and finding a place to settle in, larger groups should call ahead and let the store manager know you'd like to come by. While this isn't strictly required, and most places are very accommodating if you do just show up, it's a considerate thing to do. This way you can be sure no one is going out of their way to come to a write-in you won't be able to hold because there's nowhere for any of you to sit. Sometimes you may even be able to reserve a large table if you call ahead of time, so it's worth a try.
If someone lives really close to the location you've chosen, it might help for them to run by and look for things like tables large enough to accommodate the group (or which can be moved together for this purpose) and power outlets for laptops. Most Wrimos bring a laptop to write on, and there's nothing worse than a write-in that ends prematurely because someone's laptop battery runs out.

The day of your official write-in:

So you've settled on a time and place, and scouted the location of your satellite write-in. So far so good. However, when you're getting ready to head to it, there are a few things to remember:

Again, most Wrimos use laptops, and outlets are often at a premium, not only among Wrimos, but among other patrons who may be working on their laptops as well. While in the best of worlds there would always be an open outlet and hot cup of coffee waiting for you when you arrive, this is often not the reality of the situation. In this situation, bringing an extension cord to accommodate tables far away from outlets and a surge protector to accommodate the sheer volume of Wrimos can be a life saver. Feel free to suggest in your forum thread that someone else also bring some of these supplies.
Sometimes a Wrimo you haven't heard from on the forum may show up for the satellite write-in. Expect to have one or two more Wrimos than you've planned for, and also try to make it easy for them to find you, and for those you've confirmed are coming to find each other. There are some flyers you can print out on the site that you could hang up near where you're writing, or you could always wear a piece of easily identifiable clothing and mention it in your thread so Wrimos can look for it.
Don't be afraid to ask people who look like they might be doing NaNo if they are. It can be uncomfortable at times to approach a stranger and ask them seemingly out of nowhere if they're participating, but people are usually very gracious about it. In the past we've had times where Wrimos have shown up and not know where to find the other Wrimos, and been to shy to ask. Many have just left and not gotten to participate. By simply asking you may either find a lost and bewildered Wrimo, which will make their day, or maybe even get to tell a complete stranger about this crazy endeavor you're undertaking called NaNoWriMo and get them interested, which might make yours. So please, don't be afraid to ask.
If you're writing in a restaurant or any business, please support them by buying a little something while you're there. A lot of businesses in the Boston area have been incredibly accommodating to NaNo for a number of years, and we'd really like to show our appreciation by helping them out. Not only does this engender good will in the community about our event and the people involved, but it assures that we'll have places to keep holding NaNo at in years to come.

That should about cover the basics of setting up your satellite write-in. I'll now open this thread up to any questions or comments you might have. Feel free to point out satellite write-in threads in here, but please do not plan your write-ins here, as it will become too confusing and cluttered. If you have a question not answered above, please read through the other comments in the thread as it may have been answered already. If not, go ahead and post it, and I'll answer it as soon as I possibly can.

Thanks!

- Brandon

Edited 10/27 to change "unofficial write-ins," to "satellite write-ins," as decided by NaNoBoston09 participants.
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NaNo '08: Glitch (51,016)
=-------=
Brandon N. Schory
Extant Muser
Boston, MA
www.BrandonSchory.com

USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

NaNoBoston Events Listing: What, Where, and When (updated 11/19/09)

tkphotog — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 06:09:37 +0000

Click below for upcoming NaNoBoston events (or visit the NaNoBoston Calendar).

Sunday, November 01: Write in: Barnes and Noble / Boston University Bookstore (Kenmore Square) - 12:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Thursday, November 05: Write in: B.Good (Dartmouth St./Back Bay) - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Sunday, November 08: Write in: Watertown Free Library (Watertown Square) - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Thursday, November 12: Write in: Au Bon Pain (Central Square, Cambridge) - 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Sunday, November 15: B.Good (Dartmouth St./Back Bay) - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Thursday, November 19: Subway (near Fenway Park) - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Sunday, November 22: Juiceboxartists (Somerville)
Thursday, November 26: Thanksgiving Day! No write-in scheduled.
Sunday, November 29: Write in: Barnes and Noble / Boston University Bookstore (Kenmore Square) - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Sunday, December 06: The TGIO Party! - Subway (near Fenway Park) - 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Satellite write-ins:

These events are organized by wrimos; while not officially sponsored by your MLs, we encourage you to attend!

Monday, November 02: Back Bay/South End - B.Good, 131 Dartmouth St. Boston, MA 02116. - 6:30 pm - close. (organized by Kas)
Tuesday, November 03: Arlington - Starbucks, 327 Broadway Arlington, MA 02474-5303 - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Wednesday, November 04: Somerville - Bloc 11, 11 Bow St, Somerville, MA 02143 - 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm (organized by jhereg69)
Wednesday, November 04: Back Bay/South End - B.Good, 131 Dartmouth St. Boston, MA 02116. - 6:30 pm - close. (organized by SocioTom)
Thursday, November 05: Cambridge - Whole Foods, Whole Foods Market 340 River St Cambridge, MA 02139. - 11:30 am - 1:00 pm. (organized by Jude Griffin)
Friday, November 06: Burlington - Borders @ Wayside Commons, 6 Wayside Rd, Burlington MA 01803 - 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm(organized by Filaughn)
Saturday, November 07: Somerville - Sherman Cafe, 257 Washington St, Somerville, MA 02143 - 9:00 am - 11:00 am (organized by jhereg69)
Saturday, November 07: Arlington - Jam N Java, 594 Massachusetts Ave Arlington, MA 02476-5006 - 11:00 am - 1:00 pm (organized by kayliegh)
Saturday, November 07: Allston/Brighton/Brookline - Panera Bread, 299 Harvard Street, Brookline, Massachusetts 02446 - 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm (organized by bschory)
Saturday, November 07: MIT/Cambridge - MIT SFS, 84 Massachusetts Ave., Room W20-473, Cambridge, MA 02139 - 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm (organized by bookaholic)
Monday, November 09: Back Bay/South End - B.Good, 131 Dartmouth St. Boston, MA 02116. - 6:30 pm - close. (organized by Kas)
Tuesday, November 10: Somerville - Hub Comics, 19 Bow St., Somerville, MA 02143 - 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.
Tuesday, November 10: Arlington - Panera Bread, 1398 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, Massachusetts 02476 - 7:00 pm - close. (organized by filaughn)
Wednesday, November 11: Back Bay/South End - B.Good, 131 Dartmouth St. Boston, MA 02116. - 6:30 pm - close. (organized by SocioTom)
Wednesday, November 11: Somerville - Bloc 11 Cafe, 11 Bow St., Somerville, MA 02143. - 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. (organized by jhereg69)
Friday, November 13: South End/Back Bay - Barnes & Noble @ Prudential Center - 4:00 pm - close
Friday, November 13: Burlington - Borders @ Wayside Commons, 6 Wayside Rd, Burlington MA 01803 - 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm (organized by Filaughn)
Saturday, November 14: Somerville - Thirsty Scholar Pub, 70 Beacon St., Somerville, MA 02143 - 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm (organized by jhereg69)
Saturday, November 14: Allston/Brighton - Between Hours, 154 Harvard Ave., Allston, MA 02134 - 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm (organized by bschory)
Saturday, November 14: MIT/Cambridge - MIT SFS, 84 Massachusetts Ave., Room W20-473, Cambridge, MA 02139 - 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm (organized by bookaholic)
Monday, November 16: Back Bay/South End - B.Good, 131 Dartmouth St. Boston, MA 02116. - 6:30 pm - close. (organized by Kas)
Tuesday, November 17: Cambridge - Whole Foods, Whole Foods Market 340 River St Cambridge, MA 02139. - 8:00 am - 9:00 am.
Tuesday, November 17: Arlington - Panera Bread, 1398 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, Massachusetts 02476 - 7:00 pm - close. (organized by filaughn)
Wednesday, November 18: Cambridge - Whole Foods, Whole Foods Market 340 River St Cambridge, MA 02139. - 8:00 am - 9:00 am.
Wednesday, November 18: Somerville - Bloc 11 Cafe, 11 Bow St., Somerville, MA 02143. - 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.
Wednesday, November 18: Back Bay/South End - B.Good, 131 Dartmouth St. Boston, MA 02116. - 6:30 pm - close. (organized by SocioTom)
Thursday, November 19: Cambridge - Whole Foods, Whole Foods Market 340 River St Cambridge, MA 02139. - 8:00 am - 9:00 am.
Friday, November 20: Burlington - Borders @ Wayside Commons, 6 Wayside Rd, Burlington MA 01803 - 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm (organized by Filaughn)
Saturday, November 21: MIT/Cambridge - MIT SFS, 84 Massachusetts Ave., Room W20-473, Cambridge, MA 02139 - 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm (organized by bookaholic)
Saturday, November 21: Allston/Brighton - Between Hours, 154 Harvard Ave., Allston, MA 02134 - 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm (organized by bschory)
Monday, November 23: Back Bay/South End - B.Good, 131 Dartmouth St. Boston, MA 02116. - 6:30 pm - close. (organized by Kas)
Tuesday, November 24: Arlington - Panera Bread, 1398 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, Massachusetts 02476 - 7:00 pm - close. (organized by filaughn)
Wednesday, November 25: Back Bay/South End - B.Good, 131 Dartmouth St. Boston, MA 02116. - 6:30 pm - close. (organized by SocioTom)
Saturday, November 28: 24-hour write-in, details to be determined - 6:00 am Saturday - 6:00 am Sunday.

If you're interested in sponsoring an event, please e-mail Travis at letterslight@gmail.com with your name/username, date/time of your event, street address, and other pertinent information. I'll add it to this list and put it on the NaNoBoston Calendar.

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Travis (tkphotog)
Official Photographer and Control Freak
Municipal Liaison (with Anna/QueenOfTheUniverse)
NaNoWriMo :: Boston / NaNoBoston

USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

NaNoBoston 2009: An Overview

tkphotog — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:17:26 +0000

This is pretty much a reprint of the first big e-mail -- for reference and for folks who signed up after October 1st.

My dear Boston Wrimos!

Welcome! I’m Travis (tkphotog), and Anna (QueenOfTheUniverse) and I are pleased to be your Boston-region Municipal Liaisons (MLs), the folks who try to keep this thing rocking along smoothly. This is the 11th year of National Novel Writing Month, the unique and special writing competition with no prizes save the satisfaction of seeing your own accomplishment. Anna and I are fourth-year MLs, and thus far, every year has been better than the one before. We’re working hard behind the scenes to continue that winning streak.

What your MLs do and why (FAQs)
The Meet and Greet
Write-ins
The TGIO Party and awards (including the coveted ELMO)
The NaNoWriMo Forums (all-ages friendly)
What are Sweet Merciful Cupcakes? And who is Merlene?
Social Networking: Facebook and Twitter
The CafePress Store
Contacting your MLs

1. What we do

As Municipal Liaisons, Anna and I are here to keep things in the region on track. We’re both volunteers, doing this in our spare time, which is scarce in November, especially with “real life,” work, and trying to write 50,000 words ourselves. We act as points of contact for you, our precious wrimos, to answer questions and help take care of problems. If we don’t know the answer to your NaNo-related query, we can find out. We also find locations for the Meet and Greet and TGIO parties, find venues for write-ins, moderate the local forums, and take on other miscellaneous duties as needed.

2. The Meet-and-Greet

Every year, we hold a “Meet-and-Greet” event to let participants meet and get to know one another a little better before the writing madness begins. This year, the Meet and Greet (M&G) is tentatively scheduled to be held at the Subway sandwich shop on Boylston St. near Fenway Park (playoff schedule permitting). There will be more information as the date draws nearer. The M&G is always a lot of fun for our wrimos. We have goody bags with noveling supplies and other small items, there will be a door prize or two, and it’s a wonderful chance to mingle with people who understand why – sort of – you’re choosing to spend your month writing a novel. The M&G also marks the first appearance of the year of Merlene – more on this uniquely Boston-region phenomenon later.

This event is always a lot of fun. We will send out an announcement when the details are set, and request that you RSVP so we know how many goodie bags to make and bring.

3. Write-ins

Write-ins are the events where you get together with your fellow Wrimos to work on your books. Wrimos meet, writing implements (laptops, notebooks and pen, etc.) close at hand, and work on their novels for a couple of hours together. It sounds counterintuitive, but the creative energy generated by getting Wrimos together – even when working on your own projects – must be felt to be believed.

Prominent at write-ins are the Goal Board, where you write your word-count goal for the event. Folks who make this goal get to ring the goal bell – a great excuse to look up from your writing and clap and cheer for their accomplishment. Our regional mascot, Elmo, will be there to cheer us on.

These events are really a lot of fun: the more the merrier, as the cliché goes.

Most write-ins are two hours long. Our first write-in, though, in the finest regional tradition, will be an extended-length event on November 1st (tentatively five hours, subject to change). We’ll be meeting at the Barnes & Noble booksellers in Kenmore Square in a large room on the sixth floor.

This year, we’re following our weekly pattern of hosting one write-in on weekends (Sunday afternoons) and one during the work week (Thursday evenings). We’re working on scheduling these events as I type; they will be posted on the regional calendar as they are set.

One of the great things about this region is how well our wrimos work together. Sometimes, folks can’t make it to the official events, or enjoy the experience so much they decide to take the initiative and sponsor unofficial write-ins of their own. If that sounds like fun, please give it a whirl! All we ask is that you let us know, so we can add it to our Google Calendar (we’ll link to this on the forums before the month begins) and publicize it in our weekly e-mails. Oh, and please don't schedule your events on a Sunday afternoon or Thursday evening, when the official write-ins are scheduled.

4. TGIO and Awards
Every year, at the TGIO (Thank God It's Over) party, we present several awards to exceptional wrimos from our region. Our largest and most coveted award is the Excellence in Literary Monthly Overachievement (ELMO) award, which comes complete with an ELMO doll and a certificate. Other awards are given to wrimos who have done something exceptionally extraordinary over the course of the month -- so, do something amazing and we might reward you for it! Details on the TGIO will be posted during November.

5. The forums

The most active and frequently-visited part of the NaNoWriMo website is the forums. Here’s where you can post items of local interest, ask questions, boast about passing 50k (the Purple Bar club), etc. We do request that posters keep in mind that we have wrimos of all ages on our local forum, so please, keep the topics clean and don’t use profanity. Outside of the local forums, there are a multitude of forums about anything conceivable -- everything from alien sex (tentacle porn) to technology questions (MAC vs. PC) to bragging rights. But be careful: Forums are a marvelous way to waste time and forget what you’re here to do -- WRITE.

6. Sweet Merciful Cupcakes? Merlene?

What is a sweet merciful cupcake?

Two years ago, when confronted with several insurmountable obstacles to effective noveling, Irascible (who is really not) lamented to all who would listen: “Oh sweet merciful cupcakes, this is not going as planned!!!” The phrase caught the fancy of her fellow wrimos, so last year, it became our region’s unofficial motto. It also won her 2007’s coveted Excellence in Monthly Literary Overachievement (ELMO) award.

And then there is Merlene.

I’m a storyteller, and one of the stories that caught the imaginations – and tickled the funny bones – of the wrimos last year was the story of Merlene, the One-Heeled Drag Queen of Waxacatchie County. It’s a ghost story with a twist. It takes gentle persuasion to tease the story out of me, but it’s sort of a staple of Boston region events.

I’m pleased to announce that Merlene will make appearances periodically at the M&G, write-ins, and the TGIO party this year.

7. Social Networking: Twitter and Facebook

We now have a Facebook group and a Twitter account to keep you up-to-date on the day-to-day stuff without your having to go to the forums. I anticipate this will be helpful around the beginning and end of November, when the NaNoWriMo site usually is slowed down by the masses of Wrimos trying to get online simultaneously.

On Twitter, you can find us under the username NaNoBoston09 (http://twitter.com/NaNoBoston09). Twitter will mostly be used for announcements, upcoming events, and sending out daily writing prompts.

You can find our Facebook group at the following URL: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=136998819769 – or search for “NaNoBoston” in groups. Daily announcements might mirror those on Twitter, though the group page has a wall you can post on as well.

8. Our CafePress Store

Last year, we set up the NaNoBoston CafePress store to peddle “Sweet Merciful Cupcake” merchandise. This year, we’ve expanded our store to include both Merlene and NaNoBoston 2009 Logo gear as well. If you’ve ever wanted to buy a travel mug, messenger bag, and T-shirt proclaiming that you’re part of NaNoBoston 2009, here’s the place to get them.

All proceeds from sales go to defray costs associated with putting on events in the Boston region.

9. Contacting your Municipal Liaisons

For anything else, Anna and I are here to help. You can contact us through the NaNoWriMo website contact form or via NaNoMail. We always reply within 24 hours, and often, much sooner. If we don’t know the answer, we can find out, so please feel free to contact us.

Respectfully,

Travis (tkphotog)
Co-ML (with QueenOfTheUniverse)
United States :: Massachusetts :: Boston
Official Photographer and Control Freak
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Travis (tkphotog)
Official Photographer and Control Freak
Municipal Liaison (with Anna/QueenOfTheUniverse)
NaNoWriMo :: Boston / NaNoBoston

USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

Onion's contribution to novel publishing

igravina — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:43:20 +0000

The Onion has come up with a place for people to publish those novels "they write during the course of their day." Here's the link: http://www.theonion.com/content/news/new_noveller_allows_people_to_post

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2008: Three Days of Peace and Music

USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

Question: Using "Harvard Univ" OK?

ZenWitch — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:05:04 +0000

The first half of my novel takes place in Harvard Square where my protagonist goes to Rindge then gets into Harvard University. I know the area intimately, so there's a lot of detail.

My question is, Does anyone know whether there's any issue with using Harvard University's name in a novel? (I'll say here the way in which the character gets into Harvard makes the school look a little awkward but there's a goof played out by The Lampoon, but she's wants to go there and her father teaches there as well.)

It seems like it would be hard to prevent references to it but since it's fiction I'm just wondering is there's an issue. The main character often refers to Harvard as The Local College, since that's what it is for CRLS students, and oblique references to dropping the "h-bomb" in conversations, but it's gotten a little convoluted to use this second-hand nomenclature. So any thoughts or specific knowledge would be appreciated. Harvard's own policy on using its name doesn't mention fiction writing.

Also, any novels that are based in Harvard would be helpful too. (I know "Love Story" was based at Harvard but it was a book written to promote a movie that had already been produced.)
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USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

HERE IT IS!!! The schedule for the 2009 Boston 24-hour Noveling Marathon!

bandanna — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:40:34 +0000

6am: meet at Starbucks, 755 Boylston. Load up on coffee, set goals, and get a start on the day's WRITING!

8am: move on over to the Pour House, 907 Boylston, for some greasy, delicious, oversized American brunch. Bloody marys for the party animals. French toast for the worldly. They're keeping a table with a plug just for us!

11am: walk to the BPL at Copley and spend some time enjoying juice and bookiness in the Map Room Cafe, 700 Boylston.

2pm: do some jumping jacks, then cross the street to b.Good for burgers, milkshakes, free wifi, and WRITING!

6pm: be inspired by passers-by at the Prudential Mall's Food Court. The world and any type of fast food are at your speedily typing fingertips! (I propose we also drop in at the nearby candy store for reinforcements of all things gummy and chocolate.)

9pm: the Globe, 565 Boylston, welcomes us with open arms, plus tasty, affordable, high-concept comfort food and drink.

1am: take the 39 bus from Copley to the Museum School courtesy of lexie26, 160 St Alphonsus, for an all-night funfest of junk food, word games, slaps with cold fishes, propping eyes open with chopsticks, and WRITING!!!!!!

6am! Scream with delight at having finished your first 24-hour writing marathon! Marvel at the words you've written! Then go home and wash yourself. You're dirty. Then get thee to the official write-in, 12:30 at the BU Bookstore.

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USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

Hub Comics!

irascible — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:54:12 +0000

In the spirit of NaNoWriMo, this waited until the last possible effing second... ;)

We are a GO for writing during the evening at Hub Comics (Bow St in Union Square, Somerville), any Tuesday of this month that we so choose.

I am honestly probably too tired to make it out there tonight, though I might head over for a little while around 7:30 or 8.

However, everyone else should certainly feel free to go hang out!

I will bump this post again on weeks that I'll be going for sure. :)
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-Vivienne
The Great Geek American Novel 2009
Sponsor me as I run for charity! - Santa Speedo Run - Jolly Jaunt 5K

USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

Thanks to the organizers :)

waterborn — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:49:59 +0000

Hi everyone:

I've been to two write ins so far, the most recent on Sunday at Juicebox space, and really enjoyed the people and set up.

Thank you to the organizers for putting this on and putting up with our shenanigans :)

Mary aka waterborn
still typing...
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USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

back at Borders in Chestnut Hill

Pikagirl — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:38:24 +0000

It's Monday - so that means I'm back in the cafe at Borders in Chestnut Hill (on Rte 9) until at least 5 pm. Come look for me and Pika hiding behind a pillar in the cafe. :)

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Pika
"I can juggle verbs, adverbs and nouns, I can make them dance 'till they all fall down." - Jimmy Buffett

USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

Finally Finished!

Robotopian — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:27:59 +0000

Finally!

Using Dragon 10 (DNS)I and Liquid Story Binder, I finished dictating my novel, The Great Boston Molassacre, with 55,751 words on Friday, November 20, with 10 days to spare.

Took 18h12m during November, exclusive of outlines and dossiers which I previously developed in Liquid Story Binder.. Average for my text generation was a pathetic 51.05 GWPM. Contributing to my slowness was the fact that I edited structure, tone, dialogue, recognition errors, etc., as I went, so I now have very little polishing remaining.

Jim
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USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

Say Hello To My Little Friend: A Cautionary Tale

Pikagirl — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:00:01 +0000

Too bad this won't count for word count (unless I can work it into my novel ;) )

Ah Saturday dawns bright and happy after that Milky Way martini knocked me on my ass and severely hampered my writing the evening before. Turning on the Food Channel for a little inspiration, I watched Rachel Ray move in her natural fast forward motion and Paula Deen deep seemingly deep fry everything that wasn't rolled in butter and sugar - which were only fried in lard in a pan.

It was worth about 500 words and some interesting thoughts for character interactions, but things hadn't fully synthesized yet.

Taking a break to view some open studios for more inspiration, I finally settle into my chair ready to assume the keyboard warrior position until it was time to head into MIT for serious work. Computer in lap, I pressed the button and heard, "click, click, click...." The screen went white and a folder with a question mark appeared on my beloved MacBook's screen. Looking my first thought became, "I now know why it's called kernel PANIC."

While thinking the mouth moved on its own. "SHIT!" it declared.

Taking a deep breath and walking to my husband's computer, I logged onto the site of my local Apple Store in Chestnut Hill, made a genius bar appointment and in the box that asked, "What do you want us to know about your visit?" I felt the fingers flying with the same disconnect at the mouth a moment earlier. They tapped out "Clicking hard drive, white screen, kernel panic... help me Obi Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope."

My back up drive, Big Papi, lives on my desk. Because I have not been working at my desk, Big Papi had been as silent as his namesake's bat last June. A voice I now recognized as my guardian angel's had whispered in my ear Friday morning and I had plugged into Papi for a back up.

The Apple store was busy and confusing. A BC football game was on so there were people everywhere on top of the normal combination of holiday and Saturday shopping crowds. But I had an appointment, so I was OK. The entire time I stood there trying not to cry or vomit (or worse yet, both). I know the staff, I work with them. I don't know if they've ever seen me in that level of panic before, that very middle class trained smile and keep tap dancing mode that is part genetic, part training from a time when women were expected to be the guardian and hostess of the home. But it must have become apparent when the normal jovial jabs lead to a trembling lower lip and the declaration, "I'm about to cry..."

Then Jason calmly took my machine and my back up drive. First he plugged Big Papi into a working machine and established that indeed the Time Machine back up was a good one and they could indeed restore my machine from the back up. He checked and yes they had the drive in stock. They could easily replace it and restore my machine by the end of the day barring unforeseen acts of the Divine. That bloop single had turned into the game winning run.

In that moment, the skies opened and the sun shone through as the angels sang that beautiful harmonious chord indicating it would all be all right. Deus Ex Machina was more than one of the oldest literary devices, it was a reality and it existed at my local genius bar and was all covered by the Apple Care policy my husband made me purchase when I bought my MacBook a couple of years ago.

So kiddies, here's the point of my tale: apple care + back up = a relieved writer 3/5's into their novel. I have only lost a day of work, not weeks. As you scurry along trying to make your word count remember the old adage:

Save as often as you're willing to redo your work. Back up as often as you're willing to lose it.

I lost 500 words about turducken. They were still in my head, so I have since recaptured them, and they percolated with a direction for one of my characters (did you know you could order a Kosher Turducken and it costs $199 - $219 if you have them cook it for you?). I now own a portable back up drive, named Cap'n Tek, to travel with me while Big Papi still resides on my desk.

My cautionary tale has a happy ending. Let us all hope you don't have one of your own to tell but if you do, hopefully you have learned from me and yours has a happy ending rather than a tragic one.

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Pika
"I can juggle verbs, adverbs and nouns, I can make them dance 'till they all fall down." - Jimmy Buffett

USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

what happens when...

JulianneTK — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:47:39 +0000

Hi, all,

This is a question I haven't had to deal with before. What happens when you hit 50,000 words before the end of the month? And before the official counter is up. Do you just keep going? I mean, if the novel isn't finished yet. Does the website do anything strange if you go over 50,000?
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USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

Maybe this is crazy but is anyone interested in doing a writing marathon?

bandanna — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:02:40 +0000

Last year some cities successfully did 24-hour marathons (often changing venues every few hours).

I would be so down for this, but then again I don't really have any grown-up responsibilities. I would be happy to do all the planning. Is anyone else interested?
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USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

MIT WriMos

bookaholic — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 18:12:04 +0000

So, anyone else braving the firehose in search of literary glory? I tried to organize MIT write-ins lack year, but no one responded. This year I'm hoping that getting the word out earlier will help. I'd really like to have a midnight kickoff party (Halloween costumes optional), but even if you know you can't make that, please post here so I know you're out there.
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2005: Deathspell
2006: Out of Luck
2007: Ladies of the Court
2008: Teatro
2009: untitled

USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

Back Bay/ South End/ Theatre District wrimos?

kas — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:52:06 +0000

Anyone else live in the general area? I'm particularly interested in Tuesdays or Fridays for write-ins. I go to Emerson College, so I generally stick pretty close to a smaller area of city. Tuesdays and Fridays are the days I don't have class. Thursdays I have class till late-ish and won't make the official write-in.

The BPL might be a nice pre-five o'clock venue. Good cafe in there. Lots of other places would work as well. Thoughts? Suggestions? Interest?

-Kas
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"I never thought much of the courage of a lion tamer. Inside the cage he is at least safe from people" -G.B. Shaw

USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

Burlington Write In

aliciagregoire — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:34:38 +0000

I see that there's a write in on Friday at Borders. Does anyone have any additional information?

-Alicia
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USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

struggling

umeleni — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:22:45 +0000

any advice to one who is on the verge of a literary break down.....I am scrambling to write....
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" word power that inspires"

USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

Allston/Brighton Wrimos

bschory — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:23:57 +0000

Hey Everybody!

So last year we had a lot of success is setting up unofficial* (you're welcome Travis) write-ins out in the Allston/Brighton area. It was a nice way to add another day or so of the week where you can get together with other Wrimos, feed off of the creative energy, vent frustration about sticky plot points, and best of all boost your word count.

With the relaunch of the site, and another month of NaNo craziness fast approaching, let's try to figure out who's in the area and where and when we might be able to do some, again UNOFFICIAL*, write ins.

A couple things to keep in mind:

Our MLs put in a lot of time and effort to make November an amazing time for Wrimos in Boston. As such, we all should really put in the effort to attend the events they plan. The official NaNoBoston09 schedule should be along soon, and until we know what they have planned, let's just throw out ideas. After we know the official plans, we can choose a time that works for a bunch of people and doesn't conflict with the official events. :-)
Not all Wrimos are 21+. While I rather like writing at some of my neighborhood bars, I know it's not everyone's cup of tea (or pint of beer in this case), not to mention the age issue. If we do set up an unofficial* write-ins at a bar, we should also plan some unofficial* write-ins at places that anyone get in to.

So drop in here, say hi, and throw out some ideas for good times and places in Allston/Brighton you'd like to write at.

Cheers,

- B

=-----=

*Unofficial, as in not at all the responsibility or under the direction of our wonderful MLs. This is important. Again, these write-ins are not the responsibility of the MLs in any way. Let's face it, their life is crazy enough that month without having to facilitate a dozen or so neighborhood based write-ins on top of everything they do for the region as a whole.
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NaNo '08: Glitch (51,016)
=-------=
Brandon N. Schory
Extant Muser
Boston, MA
www.BrandonSchory.com

USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

Anyone in Medford/Malden contacted for an article?

jennshon — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:04:58 +0000

A guy who has indicated he is Matthew Reid in Medford who writes for the Transcript contacted me to do an article for Nano local authors and I was wondering if anyone else was in touch with this guy? What do you think? Does he seem legit?
Thanks & happy writing!
Jenn
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Follow me on Twitter

USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

Cambridge wrimos

judegriffin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:41:00 +0000

Any interest in meeting either at 8 am or around lunch time at the Whole Foods, River Street location for some quick writing (30-60 mins)?

jude
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USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

Arlington?

Filaughn — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:48:41 +0000

Anyone else from Arlington on here? I'm close enough to Cambridge I can get there pretty easily but was wondering if anyone else local was doing NaNo!
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USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

Back at Borders

Pikagirl — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:10:28 +0000

today (Wednesday) until at least 6pm... gotta get another 2k in the can before I'm distracted by Wednesday night trash TV (ah Tyra Banks, you may be the devil in human guise) so if you need someone to write with, Pika and I are hiding behind the pillar in the cafe per usual after consuming a yummy hot chocolate and suckling from the great Snickerdoodle of inspiration.

PS one of my math tutorees just said, "!600 words a day?! Really?! Is it hard?"

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Pika
"I can juggle verbs, adverbs and nouns, I can make them dance 'till they all fall down." - Jimmy Buffett

USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

Inman/Union Square peeps?

jhereg69 — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:15:56 +0000

I attribute part of my NaNoWriMo success last year (my first in 5 attempts) to actually attending Write-Ins, both unofficial and official. Hoping to continue this success, and shamelessly ripping off Brandon's post, I'm calling you out, people in Inman or Union Square.

Keeping in mind that the official Write-Ins are awesome, thanks to all the hard work Anna and Travis put in, we definitely don't want to have conflicting Write-Ins. This means we'll want to avoid the days of official Write-Ins (typically, Sundays and Thursdays, but we'll know for sure when the schedule comes out), but that leaves us 5 other days we can work with.

Last year, a few of us braved the weather to put some time aside toward writing. We mostly tried:
Bloc 11, in Union Square (power outlets and tables made this a pretty good place to write on a weeknight; I seem to recall that they closed earlier than I would have expected)
The Sherman Cafe, in Union Square (the power outlets can be tricky to get to, but we figured it out in the end; a Saturday morning Write-In here helped me engineer my most productive day)
1369 Coffee House in Inman Square (a bit cramped, the people- and firetruck- watching was a bit distracting, although that was probably just me)

Other places in the area that may work:

The Thirsty Scholar for a weekend morning write-in
The Biscuit, probably another for a weekend morning, since I seem to recall they close early-ish
Cambridge Public Library, Broadway satellite branch?
Darwin's Ltd.

Chime in with suggestions, and I hope to see you in November.

Jose
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USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

East Boston? (Or the area?)

leobrat — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:47:27 +0000

Hi guys! I've been fairly quiet with my own little NaNo, just plugging away, and trying to keep up with my word count, but I'd like to be a bit more social. Is anyone out in this area, or the blue line in general?
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Write down what it is you're thinking, take each day as it comes, you never know what's coming 'round the bend...

USA :: Massachusetts :: Boston

Character exchange

tkphotog — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:05:40 +0000

A friend who's also NaNo-ing and I just exchanged character associations and figured out that our characters know one another. I got about 1,000 words out of describing why, which is about 1/10 of my entire novel to date.

In the spirit of passing it on, I'm going to lend Michael, my MC's former roommate, to anybody who needs him. He works as an accountant, has a literary bent, and on weekends, performs in drag as Morgana Fe Lay, a blue-haired, magical short order cook who lives in a trailer on -- or in the lake -- whatever works for you.

All I ask is that, if you take on Michael/Morgana, you come here and offer up one of your characters for somebody else to play with.
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Travis (tkphotog)
Official Photographer and Control Freak
Municipal Liaison (with Anna/QueenOfTheUniverse)
NaNoWriMo :: Boston / NaNoBoston