Happy October, everyone!
Are we all gearing up for November, getting ready for 30 days of lovely, happy insanity?
For an introduction, I'm WitchyRobyn or Robyn. I live in Natchitoches attending NSU. I'm in my final year as a literature major with a specialty in Native American lit. I'm married, no kids, but one cat that thinks he's a kid. I have no idea what I'm writing this year, but I've got a cople of plot bunnies floating around. I've been doing NaNo for five years and have won the past two.
Anyone else?
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2009: Revolution: Countdown
When the world is tumbling down around you, the only people you can trust are those long thought to be enemies.
0 / 50,000
Oct 3, 2009 - 11 14
Hi Robyn,
Kerry here, 1st time NaNo here...trying to get into a writer's mindset, although I have no idea what that is
38,354 / 50,000
Oct 3, 2009 - 11 42
Hi, Kerry! The first time is always the most difficult, but also the most fun. Play around the forums a bit, talk with people, and get your ideas plotted out. The "writer's mindset" will come to you as we get closer and closer to starting, trust me.
----------2009: Revolution: Countdown
When the world is tumbling down around you, the only people you can trust are those long thought to be enemies.
0 / 50,000
Oct 3, 2009 - 12 00
Cool deal, looking forward to trying! Have taken a couple beginner courses, but haven't been able to really put things down on paper. Hoping the time crunch will be a KITA
15,934 / 50,000
Oct 3, 2009 - 13 34
This will be my first year here. I heard about this a couple of years ago, but have never tried it. This may take a lot of creativity since I'll be juggling a full time, demanding job, but I'm going for it!
Anyone else from the Shreveport/Bossier area?
----------Katy
Daring to dream!
38,354 / 50,000
Oct 3, 2009 - 14 12
Hi Katy and welcome to the insanity! I fully understand having a busy demanding schedule and doing NaNo, but that's what the fun is all about. You gotta find every little spare second and write something but in the end, even if you don't finish 50K, you've written more than you would have otherwise.
I know there are a few in Shreveport/Bossier, but they haven't shown up yet. It's early still.
----------2009: Revolution: Countdown
When the world is tumbling down around you, the only people you can trust are those long thought to be enemies.
0 / 50,000
Oct 3, 2009 - 15 05
Hi Katy, Shreveport here...Good to have some "nearbies"...
How much of a "cold-dunk" do you expect this to feel like on Nov. 1st? Any pre-planning (or pre-writing?)..? I'm trying to get into a daily writing habit, jotting down completely unrelated thought/ideas/dialogue...mainly just to get a feel for NaNo routine.
Any feedback?
15,092 / 50,000
Oct 3, 2009 - 15 18
Ah! It's good to be back. We'll have at BR again and WIN! Buahahahaha.
Yes, I'm still insane.
Vi here, Monroe. I got my art degree, going back for a degree in physics. I have more books than I should. I'm learning Japanese, and it's my first step for learning a lot of languages. My boyfriend wants to open a bookstore, which I'm all for.
I won last year, hoping to do so again. I have NO CLUE what I'm going to write about. And I didn't last year until like a week before. I really, really hope I get some inspiration before then.
Looking forward to this year!
38,354 / 50,000
Oct 3, 2009 - 16 57
Yes, I'm still insane.
Vi here, Monroe. I got my art degree, going back for a degree in physics. I have more books than I should. I'm learning Japanese, and it's my first step for learning a lot of languages. My boyfriend wants to open a bookstore, which I'm all for.
I won last year, hoping to do so again. I have NO CLUE what I'm going to write about. And I didn't last year until like a week before. I really, really hope I get some inspiration before then.
Looking forward to this year!
Hi, Vi, welcome back1 Yep, we'll have it at BR again, LOL. I'm very much looking forward to it.
Robyn
----------2009: Revolution: Countdown
When the world is tumbling down around you, the only people you can trust are those long thought to be enemies.
38,354 / 50,000
Oct 3, 2009 - 15 52
How much of a "cold-dunk" do you expect this to feel like on Nov. 1st? Any pre-planning (or pre-writing?)..? I'm trying to get into a daily writing habit, jotting down completely unrelated thought/ideas/dialogue...mainly just to get a feel for NaNo routine.
Any feedback?
What you do to prepare totally depends on the type of writer you are. I need to have a general idea of who my characters are and what their motivations are before I can begin. Generally I'll have "conversations" with my characters prior to starting a new project to get to know them.
Writing a little bit every day is a good start. It gets you in the habit for writing every day during November. The important thing to remember is it doesn't matter how much you write, just that you write.
Robyn
2009: Family Loyalty, the sequel to Family Lies
----------2009: Revolution: Countdown
When the world is tumbling down around you, the only people you can trust are those long thought to be enemies.
5,064 / 50,000
Oct 4, 2009 - 09 00
Hi Robyn!
Yep! It's that time again isn't it? I saw all the emails in my inbox yesterday and told my husband "Oooooh... it's starting!" LOL! I'm Beth. I live in Bossier. My kids are grown but I have four animals (2 dogs, 2 cats) who think they are kids. I started Nano in 2004 and have won every year with the exception of 2007, when I was a primary caretaker for my mother and didn't participate. I think I'm going to go for something a little more serious this year. I need to write about my mother's last year and what it was like being her caretaker since time has already started whittling on the memories since I lost her July 1, 2008. I'm still playing around with "how" I want to write it. I haven't decided yet if it'll be a memoir, biography, totally fact, a bit of fiction; may just be nothing but a catharsis of spewed pent up emotions when I'm done. I don't know yet but that's the direction I'm leaning right now.
5,064 / 50,000
Oct 4, 2009 - 09 08
Anyone else from the Shreveport/Bossier area?
Welcome Katy! This can be hard but it is soooo much fun! You'll be amazed at all the little moments you'll find to snag a paragraph or two. Early morning, lunchs, plotting in the car going to and from work, late nights. Ah, we come up with time we never knew we had during this incredible whirlwind month!
There are at least a handfull of us from the Shreveport/Bossier area. We usually get together on Saturdays for an hour or two for a write-in at Barnes and Noble on Youree Drive. Sometimes a few of us met at the coffee shop by Michael's because they had wifi there. If you have a favorite spot just throw it out there and I'm sure you'll get a nibble or two. Welcome aboard!!!
5,064 / 50,000
Oct 4, 2009 - 09 20
How much of a "cold-dunk" do you expect this to feel like on Nov. 1st? Any pre-planning (or pre-writing?)..? I'm trying to get into a daily writing habit, jotting down completely unrelated thought/ideas/dialogue...mainly just to get a feel for NaNo routine.
Any feedback?
Hi Kerry! Another nearbie here. Think I met you last year but my memory is so bad you'll have to tell me if we met or not. Last year was the first year I actually got to go to the write-ins. No matter how much I prepare myself I'm always in for a cold dunk come Nov. 1st. Maybe that's because I never have been much for the pre-planning and pre-writing. My mind wanders hither and yon and then I jump off the bridge Nov. 1st. LOL! I think you have a much better system. Think I'll try to join you in jotting down thoughts and ideas. That may get me off to a smoother start this November.
5,064 / 50,000
Oct 4, 2009 - 09 24
Yes, I'm still insane.
Vi here, Monroe. I got my art degree, going back for a degree in physics. I have more books than I should. I'm learning Japanese, and it's my first step for learning a lot of languages. My boyfriend wants to open a bookstore, which I'm all for.
I won last year, hoping to do so again. I have NO CLUE what I'm going to write about. And I didn't last year until like a week before. I really, really hope I get some inspiration before then.
Looking forward to this year!
LOL Vi! That sounds soooo familiar! The books are taking over my house. I probably have thousands. We also have talked about opening a bookstore. Just don't know if used books would be profitable in this economy. I have been saying I really, really should be getting rid of some of them.
0 / 50,000
Oct 4, 2009 - 09 50
Hello all! I'm Kysra from Houma and back again to try for a win this year. I last participated in 2007 but didn't get quite to the finish line and last year I had planned to participate but my house was flooded by Ike and I kind of needed to get it all cleaned out and fixed up to live in again! This year I'm raring to go! I don't have a plan yet, but I think that might actually be a GOOD thing! Anyway, I'm glad to be back and wish everyone GOOD LUCK on their novels ^_^
- Kysra
----------Our Louisiana Elsewhere Region lost a Word War to the Louisiana Baton Rouge Region.
16,342 / 50,000
Oct 4, 2009 - 13 37
Hi! I'm Eroslykos from the Hammond, LA area! I'm a full-time student at SELU majoring in English Education. I'm doing my methods class (the semester before student teaching) this fall, and I will actually be teaching the first three weeks of November at a local high school!! My husband and I are also Sunday School teachers for fifth and sixth graders. This is my second time doing NaNoWriMo, so it's going to be interesting with my full plate. ^_^
If anyone is going to be hosting a write-in in the Hammond area, please let me know! I would love to come.
Good luck, everyone!
----------Vampires killed: 3
Times I've wante
50,190 / 50,000
Oct 4, 2009 - 14 30
Hello, I'm Stormshine (or Jess), and I recently moved to Leesville. I've done nano several times, but only ever won once.
----------NaNo 2005: "Untitled" - 957 words (uh, yeah)
NaNo 2006: "Too Far Gone" - 50003 words (Won!)
NaNo 2007: "Crumbs in the Forest" - Didn't even start
NaNo 2008: "Jane" - 2001 words
NaNo 2009: "Hostages to Fortune" - Still going strong!
29,800 / 50,000
Oct 4, 2009 - 15 09
Hello to all! I'm Alex, in Cenla (near Alexandria) and this is my first year, though not my first time writing by far. I think I'm the youngest one here yet, as a high schooler. Nice to meet you!
----------46,827 / 50,000
Oct 4, 2009 - 17 56
Hello everyone,
I am ready to jump into the fray this year. This time I will plan out more of my project before hand so I can just jump in and write between 2,000 to 2,500 words a day. As for what I am going to write about, I have yet to determine that. I will spend the next week searching through my notes to see if anything jumps out at me. I will then grab it and toss it around a bit until I get something to sink my teeth into. Big Grin
I am from Natchitoches and have been doing this since 2003. I have won every year except 2005. I like Sci Fi, Mystery, Humor - a little of everything so-to-speak.
Hello WitchyRobyn. How has your year been? Glad to see you back.
Clark Stone
----------Clark Stone
Narval's Folly - Blog.varnarkgonewild.com
22,397 / 50,000
Oct 4, 2009 - 18 31
I am Sam Dollar from West Monroe. I like to write a bunch and I'm eager for my first Nanowrimo. It's good to meet y'all.
15,092 / 50,000
Oct 4, 2009 - 18 41
I bought my boyfriend a librarything account and we put all our books on it. We're a little behind, but right now we're at 2000 and something. XD Just went to the bookfair (still going on next weekend if anyone is interested) and we have so many to add!
If you want to get rid of some books I would be happy to take some! *Grins* I should know when to stop getting books, but I can't say no.
38,354 / 50,000
Oct 5, 2009 - 12 07
Hello WitchyRobyn. How has your year been? Glad to see you back.
Clark Stone
Hi, glad to see you back as well. I've been doing good; busy with classes mostly. How have you been?
Robyn
----------2009: Revolution: Countdown
When the world is tumbling down around you, the only people you can trust are those long thought to be enemies.
2,761 / 50,000
Oct 5, 2009 - 18 24
Hi! I'm a newbie also. My name's Michelle and I'm a former English major. I love books and writing! Last year, I wanted to join but I waited too late and registration had closed, so I was excited to get another chance! I'm a little nervous about this whole thing and would appreciate any advice given.
59,772 / 50,000
Oct 6, 2009 - 05 36
Just wanting to wave to everyone in Elsewhere! The still fledling Lake Charles group misses everyone here! Lol...we were in Elsewhere for so long that it still feels like home to us!
Glad to see so many people back for another round of NaNoWriMo! I wish everyone the best and hope no one minds me popping in from time to time to say 'hi' and get updates from everyone!
----------Leader of the Lake Charles Writing Warriors! Be afraid, be very afraid.
36,200 / 50,000
Oct 6, 2009 - 11 28
Yet another newbie here! I was going to do NaNo last year but chickened out 2 months prior. *blush*
I'm 17, homeschooled and over in the Washington Parish area. I've spent the past two months working on planning for NaNo. I'm nervous as all get out! =)
----------Mireyah
http://m-wolfe.blogspot.com/
5,006 / 50,000
Oct 6, 2009 - 17 37
Yep! It's that time again isn't it? I saw all the emails in my inbox yesterday and told my husband "Oooooh... it's starting!" LOL! I'm Beth. I live in Bossier. My kids are grown but I have four animals (2 dogs, 2 cats) who think they are kids. I started Nano in 2004 and have won every year with the exception of 2007, when I was a primary caretaker for my mother and didn't participate. I think I'm going to go for something a little more serious this year. I need to write about my mother's last year and what it was like being her caretaker since time has already started whittling on the memories since I lost her July 1, 2008. I'm still playing around with "how" I want to write it. I haven't decided yet if it'll be a memoir, biography, totally fact, a bit of fiction; may just be nothing but a catharsis of spewed pent up emotions when I'm done. I don't know yet but that's the direction I'm leaning right now.
I'm in a sort-of-almost-similar situation. I'm writing about my dad and completely agree with your last two sentences.
Also, I live in the Natchitoches area and spend some weekends in the Shreveport area.
52,102 / 50,000
Oct 8, 2009 - 10 17
i'm here in shreveport...this is my first time...interested in writing together some for a little group energy...at the moment i don't know much else
----------Laura Flett
38,354 / 50,000
Oct 8, 2009 - 14 57
Well, last year there was a writing group from here that met at B&N on Saturdays; I think we're doing that again. I'm thinking about putting together a few more little things, too, if anyone is interested. ----------
2009: Revolution: Countdown
When the world is tumbling down around you, the only people you can trust are those long thought to be enemies.
12,670 / 50,000
Oct 8, 2009 - 19 20
I'm Rae, in Shreveport. This is my second year doing NaNo-- I only got to about 30k last year before school work from my last semester of undergrad work in English got in the way of more fun writing projects. I'm in my second semester of Library Science grad school and working pretty much full time, and I'm hoping the same thing won't happen this year! I am def interested in a group write in the SB area, and am def looking forward to crushing the BR group. I'm thinking of dusting off an old plot bunny from high school this year and seeing where it takes me.
----------2008: Breton and Mim, 30,256 (but I had to stop 10 days early because schoolwork was at critical mass)
2009: Caster
0 / 50,000
Oct 10, 2009 - 05 22
Another Newbie here. I had never heard of NaNo, but was excited to read about it and sign up. I'm Elise, and am a former English Major! I'm in Mandeville now, and working full time with furry babies at home, so it will be interesting to see how far I get with this! I'm so excited to get started.
15,092 / 50,000
Oct 10, 2009 - 08 22
"I am Sam Dollar from West Monroe. I like to write a bunch and I'm eager for my first Nanowrimo. It's good to meet y'all."
Hey Sam. Have you figured out what you're going to write about?? I haven't at all. We should find people to do a write in with. Think Cedar Creek would want to know about the young writers program? Probably not if all they were worried about was doughnuts.
I'm going to print off some flyers and post them around Tech and see about starting some writing groups. No one at Tech knows what I'm talking about when I say "Nanowrimo" and that's just sad for a college. I'll pick you up from school and let you come to a write in if I ever get it started if you're interested. And whoever else wants to join us.
Oh, and this is my brother, everyone ^_^.