Hey, all! It's your ML, Junglemonkey. Who's here? Even as I write this, I'm hard at work putting together a write-in schedule, thinking up ways to get the word out, etc. Besides introducing yourself to your fellow Nanos, I'd love it if you'd weigh in on the following:
1. Where/when would you like to do a kick-off? My default is Thursday, October 29, at the Ugly Mug in Soquel, from 5-7pm.
2. What venues look good for write-ins? Remember, a lot of places are shutting off their wifi, and some are restricting access to power, so places like coffee shops get less attractive while the library and people's houses look better and better. Let's come up with some choices that will suit everyone.
3. Last year, we seemed to be split into two factions with very different desires, students and 9-5ers. Which group are you, and what can I/we do to accomodate you?
It's great to see you all, and I'm really looking forward to November!
Junglemonkey, Your Santa Cruz ML
----------
Junglemonkey
Santa Cruz Co-ML
Nanowrimo Winner '03, '04, '05, '06, '07, '08
Future Winner 2009
Wearer of the Eyebrow Dots of Power
36,833 / 50,000
Oct 4, 2009 - 18 34
I had a great reply, but it got eaten by Drupal demons. Anyway, I'm here, and I am so gonna win this year. I can feel it. But on to your questions:
1. I'm unavailable on Thursdays, as I do fun and geeky things with friends every Thursday night. I'd much prefer a Friday or Tuesday, but if Thursday is the only day that works out then I suppose I'll just have to phone in or something.
2. I like the library idea, but it doesn't seem like a good place to socialize (and with many of them having to cut hours and staff, they may not be a reliable place to hang out). My question is, do we absolutely need wifi? I know it's fun to update your word count on the spot or procrastinate on the forums, but can't we do that after the fact just as well? With so many phones (including mine!) having internet access now, I don't see the absolute need for wifi...though I haven't tested the nano site on my phone either.
3. My one complaint from last year's schedule was that nearly all of the write-ins were A) waaaaay too early in the morning or midday during peak "working, studying, otherwise not available" time, or B) no one showed up. I'd like to see more mid-late afternoon/night meet-ups, and more on the weekends instead of during the week.
My school schedule is pretty wonky this year; I'm free on Monday and Wednesday between 3 and 6 (otherwise indisposed until 9), Tuesdays are free after 2, Thursdays are right out (unless I switch to working on Fridays, in which case I'm free until 1:30). Fridays and weekends are totally free.
That's about all I can remember from my original post. Hope more people show up! I know at least a *few* people were supposed to be back . . .
I'm looking at you, Spades.
----------Commissions! Night of Writing Dangerously! HUGS. Click the banner for more info.
27,627 / 50,000
Oct 5, 2009 - 01 44
1. Any day of the week is fine, but I'm working during standard working hours during the week, and am out of commission Sunday afternoons. I'd just as soon bump times later that 5-7, because by the time I get out of work in Watsonville and to Soquel, it'll probably be 6 easily, maybe later. I might be able to get out a bit early, but it's hit or miss.
2. I'm easy to satisfy...occasional access to an outlet and somewhere to sit is all I ask for. I agree with tickyhead that WiFi is nice but not a necessity. If anything it's probably a distraction. I had my most productive night in last year's Nano sitting on a sidewalk.
3. I am, as you might guess from #1, very much in the 9-5er category. I agree with tickyhead's complaints about last year's. Most of the write-ins weren't even possibilities, and of the two later ones I went to, I met exactly one and zero other participants. (I also got the time wrong for a third one on the weekend and had a pleasant afternoon of writing by myself at Coffee Cat in Scotts Valley). For the last two years I've wound up mostly going to the Monterey events, even though it's further away, just because I can make them and there seems to be people at them semi-consistently. (I understand that with a big population of students in Santa Cruz, I may be in the minority in my scheduling needs for this group...just putting in my two cents).
23,463 / 50,000
Oct 5, 2009 - 14 36
I'm in Soquel during the day for work but have to head to Watsonville to take my mom home. I would be totally game if there was something in Watsonville since I'm very rarely anywhere but anymore. I also agree that the WiFi can be a distraction and like many my phone is internet capable...I think I can even write on it but I think my hands would cramp up pretty quick. lol
----------~*~Jenn~*~
32,951 / 50,000
Oct 7, 2009 - 23 17
I'm the co-ML, Celebel (prounounced like KELL-uh-BELL, since people always get confused) - I've usually been part of the student "faction" of the Santa Cruz region, so maybe we can actually use that to our advantage in order to best arrange events for the two groups. (I'll PM you about figuring out how we want to do this - maybe we could get the groups together for kick-off and TGIO, and otherwise you run one set of write-ins that works for 9-5ers, and I can work stuff out for the students? Just a thought, I need to think about possibilities a bit more.)
Anyway, I personally was thinking that an afternoon thing on Halloween might be a good idea for a kick-off, since it's right before NaNo actually starts so the energy from it spills over more smoothly (and my academic schedule this year makes it difficult to do things on weeknights, particularly if they aren't actually *in* the city of Santa Cruz - morning classes, they're evil). Also, that way people would still have the night free to do whatever they might have planned for the evening (including go home and write like maniacs - my personal choice).
As for venues, I was definitely thinking of talking to the library on Church Street (I think) in downtown Santa Cruz to see if they have an events room, or if something could be arranged. Other than that, I second that input from other people would be appreciated. :)
--Sara, Santa Cruz's co-ML
52,486 / 50,000
Oct 8, 2009 - 17 21
Ah, we're splitting into factions already, are we? That's okay - we can totally take ya! Age and treachery will overcome youth and skill every time! Mwahahahahahahaha!
----------Junglemonkey
Santa Cruz Co-ML
Nanowrimo Winner '03, '04, '05, '06, '07, '08
Future Winner 2009
Wearer of the Eyebrow Dots of Power
52,486 / 50,000
Oct 8, 2009 - 17 23
I'm okay with later - I, too, have a 9-5 job, and it's in Mountain View. Getting over the hill for early events is a challenge. If you have any suggestions for venues, I'd be thrilled to hear them.
----------Junglemonkey
Santa Cruz Co-ML
Nanowrimo Winner '03, '04, '05, '06, '07, '08
Future Winner 2009
Wearer of the Eyebrow Dots of Power
11,032 / 50,000
Oct 11, 2009 - 10 54
As for venues, I was definitely thinking of talking to the library on Church Street (I think) in downtown Santa Cruz to see if they have an events room, or if something could be arranged. Other than that, I second that input from other people would be appreciated. :)
--Sara, Santa Cruz's co-ML[/quote]
Central Branch?
32,951 / 50,000
Oct 11, 2009 - 11 25
I would imagine so. I'll double-check this week when I go talk to them.
33,290 / 50,000
Oct 18, 2009 - 00 10
Hi!
Thursday 5-7 doesn't work for me (Class), but I like the Halloween idea (also Friday is good too..Thursday is crap day for me).
Last year I didn't get active with the group and I regretted it. That (and this whole not winning thing) is going to change. :)
52,486 / 50,000
Oct 18, 2009 - 09 32
Hooray!! Welcome - we're looking forward to seeing you! And we'll get you across that finish line if we have to pick you up and carry you!
----------Junglemonkey
Santa Cruz Co-ML
Nanowrimo Winner '03, '04, '05, '06, '07, '08
Future Winner 2009
Wearer of the Eyebrow Dots of Power
33,290 / 50,000
Oct 18, 2009 - 11 50
Haha, thanks. :)
25,042 / 50,000
Oct 20, 2009 - 20 08
Hey, I'm Charlie, returned again to write another novel that (hopefully) won't contain zombies as a solution for writer's block this time.
1. Could we perhaps bump the party time up some? I'll be at another event until seven, and then I'd have to bus it from downtown Santa Cruz to Soquel, which would get me there roughly the time everyone will leave. If not, that's cool, and I'll try to make it to the first night write-in, but I'd like to make the kickoff party if I can.
2. Asana Teas on Lincoln St has free wifi for customers, and Borders on Pacific has free wifi, period. Cabrillo students get free wifi on campus, and I think the coffee shop at Aptos Centre has free wifi as well. And there's the Ugly Mug, which I'd love any excuse to spend all my time in. But the way I see it, all we really need are power outlets and a word counter.
3. I'm a Cabrillo student. Monday afternoons between two and five are good if it's in Aptos or Soquel. Tuesdays I'm completely free, same for Fridays (though I like to go rollerskating on Friday nights. We ought to have a skate-in! We could go to Santa Cruz Diner afterwards and write there) and weekends. Wednesdays I have class in the morning, and Thursdays I have class at night. Basically, as long as there are write-ins on different days and at different times, I'll be able to make some. Also, hopefully I'll be finally getting my licence, which would make it that much easier. (and I can potentially give people rides!)
42,070 / 50,000
Oct 20, 2009 - 21 59
Hi, this is my first year. I'd prefer events that were at least close to the SLV area, but I can probably manage places further out. I should be able to make the kick off at the Ugly Mug, but I'll have kids in tow. Due to the kids I probably won't be making many writing events... :( However my 1st grader is going to participate in the Young Writers Program so we'll see what happens.
This sounds like so much fun! I've been working on a novel for years now and NEED a reason to just write and let it all out without worrying about the finished project as much.
25,042 / 50,000
Oct 21, 2009 - 00 48
I dunno about SLV, but would Scotts Valley work for you? I spend a lot of time there on weekends, and if there are other people who want to do write-ins up north, we might as well get some going.
Also, your first-grader sounds like the coolest kid ever.
52,486 / 50,000
Oct 21, 2009 - 07 59
Charlie, old thing! Good to see you here! While the kickoff has been decided (and although we'd love to see you there, if you can't make it, we know you're with us in spirit), it's great to hear about places that have wifi. My bigger concern is power. Lulu's at the Octagon has covered all its outlets, and that's a growing trend. :-(
Hope to see you at a write-in or two!
----------Junglemonkey
Santa Cruz Co-ML
Nanowrimo Winner '03, '04, '05, '06, '07, '08
Future Winner 2009
Wearer of the Eyebrow Dots of Power
52,486 / 50,000
Oct 21, 2009 - 08 15
I'm up in Boulder Creek myself, and the problem with doing anything in the valley is that I don't know of anyplace open past 7. I work over the hill and don't even make it home until after 6, and I have kids of my own to feed and tend before taking off for write-ins.
If you find a place that works for you and would like to put write-ins up on the schedule, by all means - shoot me a PM to let me know the when & where and I'd be THRILLED to put them up! You don't need to have an ML with you to make it a write-in!
----------Junglemonkey
Santa Cruz Co-ML
Nanowrimo Winner '03, '04, '05, '06, '07, '08
Future Winner 2009
Wearer of the Eyebrow Dots of Power
42,070 / 50,000
Oct 21, 2009 - 18 41
Actually my husband owns Epic Adventure Games in Scotts Valley. We stay open till 8 most nights and I could turn of the open sign and close late once o twice in November. We also have tons of table space and I think there are accessible plugs...
And whoever mentioned it, I think he's the coolest first grader ever also! LOL
25,042 / 50,000
Oct 21, 2009 - 19 00
Oh, like I'd ever miss NaNo! Good to see you here, too. I'm fairly certain that all the places I mentioned also have available power outlets, though the ones at Cabrillo are singularly difficult to find.
I'm bummed I'll miss the kickoff, but ah well, can't win 'em all. I'll try to be there on Nov 1st. And every write-in I can possibly make. =D
21,258 / 50,000
Oct 21, 2009 - 20 44
Hello everybody! My name is Jen, and this is my 3rd year participating in NaNoWriMo, however it is my first year actually having reliable transportation (a car that hopefully won't fall apart on the highway), so I do hope I can go to an event or two. I'm a senior at Bethany University (bonus points if you've ever even heard of it) and so I guess that places my comfortably in the student faction. My school and work schedule is so erratic that I can't really tell until the day before if I can make it to anything, so I'll be there if I can, if not I won't. ;)
On a somewhat contradictory note, since I'll be commuting from Scotts Valley, I'd be willing to cram up to three SV females in my vehicle for one of those lovely "awkward carpools" for major events. Oh, and a local Scotts Valley write in or two would be neat as well. =)
-----------Plot Bunny on Board-
52,486 / 50,000
Oct 22, 2009 - 10 23
Things are IN THE WORKS for at least one Scott's Valley write-in, so we'll expect to see you there!!
----------Junglemonkey
Santa Cruz Co-ML
Nanowrimo Winner '03, '04, '05, '06, '07, '08
Future Winner 2009
Wearer of the Eyebrow Dots of Power
29,001 / 50,000
Oct 27, 2009 - 19 26
Ack! I missed the kick-off?! Already?! Oh, please don't let this be a sign of my organizational skills for the month to come. :)
Sorry I missed the party.
I'm Deborah, this is my 5th nano.
Hopefully I'll get to meet a lot more people than I did last year.
----------"Said Hamlet to Ophelia,
I'll draw a sketch of thee,
What kind of pencil shall I use?
2B or not 2B?"
47,734 / 50,000
Oct 28, 2009 - 07 18
Is it mandatory to go to ANY meeting??? I am housebound, I don't drive and I don't like to go to social events because of my disability...does that matter? If so...I guess I'm already done!
2,199 / 50,000
Oct 28, 2009 - 07 55
How did you manage to get Epic Adventure Games on Sundays?!
52,486 / 50,000
Oct 28, 2009 - 08 11
Don't panic! You did miss the kick-off, but we're having a First Night Write-In this Saturday (you can check out our Google Calendar for details). There will still be stickers and chocolate and the love and support of your fellow writers available at each and every meeting from now until the end of November! We're looking forward to seeing you!
----------Junglemonkey
Santa Cruz Co-ML
Nanowrimo Winner '03, '04, '05, '06, '07, '08
Future Winner 2009
Wearer of the Eyebrow Dots of Power
52,486 / 50,000
Oct 28, 2009 - 08 15
It is not mandatory to go to any meetings - in fact, the majority of people don't. For some folks, writing is a solitary challenge for which big social gatherings would be more a hindrance than a help. The more important thing is that you're writing and that you feel like you're supported. If what you need for support is to be utterly left alone, we'll do that. We won't like it, but we'll do it.
If you're active in the forums, that can be just as good in terms of feeling the Nano love as coming to write-ins. The only difference is that we won't be able to shower you with Nano swag and tiny chocolate bars.
But we're 100% behind you, and we're cheering for you!
----------Junglemonkey
Santa Cruz Co-ML
Nanowrimo Winner '03, '04, '05, '06, '07, '08
Future Winner 2009
Wearer of the Eyebrow Dots of Power
52,486 / 50,000
Oct 28, 2009 - 08 16
My awesome powers of begging and schmoozery!
----------Junglemonkey
Santa Cruz Co-ML
Nanowrimo Winner '03, '04, '05, '06, '07, '08
Future Winner 2009
Wearer of the Eyebrow Dots of Power
8,711 / 50,000
Oct 29, 2009 - 20 31
andrea is here! now. finally.
i actually *forgot* that i'd signed up for nanowrimo and then you sent me a cute little email that sounded like some silly bad-movie-spam...but i opened it anyway. and within it i found a really cute synchronicity: Just Today i was walking home to my new house by the beach (we just moved to SC) and i got this HUGE wave of inspiration to write. what to write? i had no idea, but i didn't care! i sat down with a book that has handy writing lessons in it, and lots to read {procrastinate with} about how to start....and i had my computer and my cushion all prepped and ready, and water to drink, and everything!!
and then i didn't write.
but....now i will write because of all of you! and because of the {hmph} commitment my other self made while the other's back was turned.
to answer your questions: i suppose 1. is now irrelevant. 2. also seems like this is covered? 3. i am neither! flexible schedule, work from home. all the dates/times look legit!
i hope to see you all on saturday night, if i can stay up that late (i am only 31. don't laugh.).
52,486 / 50,000
Oct 29, 2009 - 20 37
Bad movie spam? *I've* never gotten bad movie spam! Never once have I received anything with a subject line that said "Event Horizon," or "Plan 9 From Outer Space." But now that you mention it....there are lessons with each of those titles!! You've utterly inspired me. Even as we speak, I'm getting my infinite number of relatives to bang out bad-movie spam titles for all my emails!
You're a GENIUS!
I can hardly wait to see you Saturday. Or Sunday. Or Tuesday, Thursday, whenever! It's gonna be great!
----------Junglemonkey
Santa Cruz Co-ML
Nanowrimo Winner '03, '04, '05, '06, '07, '08
Future Winner 2009
Wearer of the Eyebrow Dots of Power
13,139 / 50,000
Oct 31, 2009 - 12 15
Hi everyone...
I decided to do this at the last minute. Got all enthused and set up a Scrivener file.
Not sure how many write-ins I can get to. I drive from a wheelchair.
This is my 3rd or 4th year. I "won" twice. One year I got signed up unintentionally. Last year a bunch of crises--"life" intervened. I did get some done though.
Looking forward to another time.
----------Camarec - Fantasy is the only truth.
1,255 / 50,000
Oct 31, 2009 - 12 29
WiFi would actually be good for me because i might use the internet to find reference material. I like the Santa Cruz Diner and have eaten there many times, but wish it had WiFi and are there outlets at the Diner? I'm an older participant, first year Wrimo by the way.
----------Robyn M