Hello all,
Bryan and I have been talking a lot about write-ins for this year. Here's where we stand:
Week-day write-ins
We've always had our AL-No weekday write-ins at Atlanta Bread Co. on University Drive (across from the Super Wal-Mart at Enterprise and University and on the down side/street side of the large Target/Babies R Us shopping complex). In the past, we've always had these on Tuesday nights. I'm thinking of shifting to Thursday instead due to a scheduling conflict I have with both Tues. and Wed. evenings. So how about Thursday from 6PM-8PM at ABC with an optional come earlier or stay later? They close at 9 PM and B and I try to get there by 5:30 PM for dinner.
They've recently remodeled and there is a great large table close to the fireplace, plus lots of electircal outlets all over the restaurant. There's also free Wifi. Check it out and see what you think.
Week-end write-ins
Again, we're thinking about making a change. Barnes and Noble South (on Bailey Cove) has covered up their one power outlet and Barnes and Noble West (at Bridge St., off Old Madison Pike) has only one outlet. We tried the Coffee Tree further South on Bailey Cove and they were great. We're also trying out Books A Million on North Parkway at University with its huge cafe.
Chime in if you have thoughts on the subject. And we're also thinking about going for every Sat. in November this year (although only B will make Noember 14 as I'll be out-of-town). Would it be easier to have it all at one place? And should we start after lunch, perhaps 1 - 4PM?
Give me your input, guys. And welcome all the newbies. I've been reading the posts, but have had traffic problems in getting my answers out timely. Forgive me.
It's all good (IAG)!
----------
Amy
readfish_at_mchsi_dot_com
"Something good will come from the unpromising beginning . . .."
-- Soren Kierkegaard
22,051 / 50,000
Oct 19, 2009 - 17 29
I won't be able to make any of the weekday events! My only free day is Wednesday, and since that's a conflict it looks like I'll only be able to make the weekends.
Since the BNs are stingy with their precious power (I can't imagine what NaNoWriMo does to power bills everywhere), I'd say BAM! or that coffee spot was the best. (The G-ville team will need directions, of course!)
Is there a library or something of the sort that's open to the random-power-outlet-sucking, sleep-deprived novelist public?
------------ Caits
Yeah, I'm *that* girl....
I get up in the morning, torture a typewriter until it screams, then stop.
~ Clarence Budington Kelland
3,073 / 50,000
Oct 19, 2009 - 17 51
For the first time in forever, I won't have evening classes getting in the way of the ABC meetups! :)
----------Locket
-------------
I draw and paint stuff. http://thorntree.etsy.com
44,751 / 50,000
Oct 20, 2009 - 05 42
I love going to ABC, since it's really close to my place, and the Thursday meetings would be great since I also have scheduling conflicts on Tues. and Wed. evenings.
From what I remember, BAM usually doesn't mind how long you stay as long as you purchase something from the cafe. I think you have to have a discount card to get online, but I don't know if they've changed that recently. Hope that helps, coming from a newbie. ^_^
----------2009: Safehaven
20,299 / 50,000
Oct 21, 2009 - 12 15
BAM! does require a discount card to get online, but I'm up for sharing my card so more people can come.
Thursdays are okay with me, it'll be a strech since I have afternoon classes, but I'm hoping to make it to some of them. I've never heard of the ABC, but I have heard of University Drive. Can anyone give some better directions, please? I'm pretty hopless at finding new places without good directions, and road names generally don't help much.
Every Sat. would be awesome because that way it's more open and people can come when they can. After lunch is okay, as long as people from Guntersville can get there without getting mobbed by Huntsville traffic too badly.
----------That coffee shop sounds cool, but, again sadly, I've never heard of Bailey Cove.
“Ask and I can try to grant…take and I’ll smile…let me have the reins and it may be too much.” -Strailo
NaNo09: Technoxity (WT)
6,048 / 50,000
Oct 21, 2009 - 14 09
I'm very excited. Things in the southern end of Huntsville would be more convenient for me, but I know it won't be for everyone and it would be unfair for me to ask for it. So I'm up for anything! :D
SUPER EXCITED!!!
----------~~~Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you.~~~
17,893 / 50,000
Oct 25, 2009 - 18 07
All of the locations sound great to me. I will most likely do my writing early in the morning so I won't make many of the write-ins. What is wrong with the B&N people? why don't they want us there...I usually drink at least one venti an hour while writing not to mention cookies etc. Lost revenue for them. (Why would they want to discourage book lovers from coming to the store!)
Moving on....
ABC is a great location as they have remodeled and really did keep mobile workers (and writers) in mind with outlets etc.
There is also Panera Bread on Airport Road (off of Memorial Pkwy) that has a few outlets and free WIFI. The coffee is ok and they do have food to keep our strength up.
Psyched to get started!
53,029 / 50,000
Oct 28, 2009 - 21 29
I believe I can make the weekday meetings and definitely the weekend meetings. I'm new to huntsville and NaNoWrMo. I see a lot of people gearing up for it though so it should be fun!
0 / 50,000
Oct 29, 2009 - 03 51
I'm in Decatur but would drive to Huntsville. Any mornings would be best for me, but could probably make the Thursday evening one. Let me know when something is decided.
Kathy
34,526 / 50,000
Oct 29, 2009 - 11 51
I don't think I can make ABC, I'm allergic to wheat. But BAM on North Parkway sounds good. I can do that. Anyone have an idea when the google calendar will be ready?
----------2009: Call the Four Corners
2008: Cast the Circle Widdershins (Won)
http://inkinmysweettea.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/hhdavid65
50,205 / 50,000
Oct 30, 2009 - 18 05
I can probably make weekday and weekends except for November 14.
If some folks would like to do morning write-ins, I'm available for those as well. I live in Madison and there's the BAM on highway 72 plus a Starbucks across the street. Don't know about power outlets though.
----------Marilyn
www.writingplayground.com
2008 Winner with Direct Deposit
11,019 / 50,000
Oct 31, 2009 - 10 40
I may or may not be able to make the weekdays. I have a college class that lets out at 6:45 and my parents get paranoid about me being out to late, so I'll have to see how things work out with that. Weekends are a possibility though.
----------The only reason for being a professional writer is that you can't help it.
Leo Rosten (1908 - )
40,183 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2009 - 07 09
I'm good with either Thursdays or Saturdays altho, I too end up doing most of my writing in the morning while things are calmer. After school I end up bombarded with mommy things. ^.^
If there are enough of us that do morning things during the week, could we maybe get together then as well? Anyone else out there with little ones to watch during the day while they write? We could find a kid-friendly place too.
Chelle
----------~ Chelle
"Letting the crazies take over my brain one cell at a time."
13,043 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2009 - 20 10
I can only make one or two Sat. because I have some things for the kids that will take the time up, but am up for whatever y'all decide. I am just happy to get going and have the encouragement.
----------A writer is somebody for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people. ~Thomas Mann, Essays of Three Decades, 1947
36,280 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2009 - 21 37
I'm good for Saturday write ins, but I work Thursday nights. Can't wait :0)
----------2009: That's Where You'll Find Me (working title)
15,266 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2009 - 22 11
Any of the locations would be fine by me, as I'm smack dab in the middle of Huntsville. I like the Coffee Tree because the owner was as mad about the smoking laws when they changed as I was. BAM's coffee is only... eh... but it isn't as pricey as ABC (if memory serves, I normally avoid ABC like the plague.)
Power outlets aren't a problem for me: Have notebook - will travel.
I'm about as indecisive as they come.
Don't know that I can make every write-in, since it depends on my husband's schedule. I will, though, look forward to them.
1,047 / 50,000
Nov 3, 2009 - 10 48
Coffee Tree has also had to block their power outlets due to customers being rude to each other over rights to certain seating due to the location of such outlets, people stretching short cords across the floor in dangerous ways, et cetera. I don't know if they'd be willing to make an exception for a bunch of Wrimos working off of one surge protector in the back, however - probably depends on how busy they are when you talk to the manager, and how many of us happen to be there at the time.
I'll probably be splitting my writing betwixt Coffee Tree and Angel's Island this year. Angel's Island (bright orange building on South Parkway) has plenty of free outlets.
13,569 / 50,000
Nov 3, 2009 - 21 26
Write-ins are now posted on the Alabama North Forum home page in the Google Calendar. Hope to see everyone that can make at some of the write-ins.
Bryan
co-ML Alabama North
4,570 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 21 08
Both our Atlanta Bread Co. and Books A Million (N pkway at University) write-ins have been well-attended. If you're doing well at another locale, be sure to keep posting your plans here so that others conveniently located might join you. Can't have too much supportive writing community, right??
Write on!
----------Amy
readfish_at_mchsi_dot_com
"Something good will come from the unpromising beginning . . .."
-- Soren Kierkegaard
44,746 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 21 34
The BAM write in was fun, especially since I got to be outside. It was a beautiful day and the hot cider was nice. I'm not a coffee drinker. I ended up buying a BAM Club Card just so I could use the internet. I got a nice free tote bag and 10% off my cider with it.
My old Dell laptop has good battery life (two batteries) so I don't worry about power outlets.
I may take it to Bridge Street to do some writing tomorrow outside before going to see a movie (if it's still nice out).
I'm shooting for 10,000 works by Mid-night!
:-D
----------"Human's are media players for books." :-D
46,743 / 50,000
Nov 8, 2009 - 03 05
Ran Dyb if you're going to Bridge Street to write after noon today, I'd love to join you.
I am looking for writing buddies for this afternoon (Sunday, 11/8). Will anyone else be anywhere :))))
.
----------42,119 / 50,000
Nov 8, 2009 - 08 38
Ugh, we'll be out mattress shopping this afternoon. That'll be just as fun, right? Right?
Oh well, at least we may sleep better tonight. :)
Y'all have fun.
44,746 / 50,000
Nov 8, 2009 - 20 20
Sorry. I veged out. I read four "Bone" graphic novels and watched the halloween episode of "Castle" on Hulu.
----------Sigh, I'm a bad boy today, procrastinating when I should have been pounding the keyboard.
"Human's are media players for books." :-D
44,746 / 50,000
Nov 8, 2009 - 20 23
Plus you tempted me with Bandito Baritto food. :-D
----------At least I hit the 10,000 word mark today. Hopefully I'll pick up speed and catch up the needed average.
Good luck!
You should buy some sheets with fishes on them. That way you could be sleeping with the fishes (so Goth). Plus the cats might like them. ;-P
"Human's are media players for books." :-D
40,573 / 50,000
Nov 16, 2009 - 12 54
Hey guys- I am in need of some writerly inspiration and conversation (just a little) on Tuesday night... I have to make up some big wordcount so I can go salsa dancing on Wednesday! (Club Rush where Jazz Factory used to be)...
----------What is Angel's Island? I haven't been there before... coffee shop? do they have wifi? =)
tibi cogitate