So I'm completely new to this whole thing. I just signed up not too long ago, and I'm so ready for this to start. I'm excited about being able to just write and write and write, and I'm nervous because I know that I'm going to want to win but very possibly might not. Either way, I'm happy to be able to join this community of like-minded people. I posted a few things about myself in the introduction thread, but if anyone wants to know more, please feel free to ask. :)
Would anyone care to describe a "Write-In" to me? I get that it's where we all come together and work on our novels, but I'm sure it's more than, "Hi. kbaigoingtostareatmylaptopforthenextfourhours." Hahaha. I also saw something mentioned about "The Game" and cards in the email. What is that exactly? In addition, what have everyone's experiences with NaNoWriMo been like? Fun? Boring? Stressful? Relaxing? I'd like to know!
Thanks for taking the time to read/answer my questions in advance! I'm totally stoked about joining everyone in "thirty days and nights of literary abandon!" :D
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42,023 / 50,000
Oct 26, 2009 - 20 38
Oh... The game.. Such a wonderful invention. Sadly I can't take credit. Other ML's use it as an icebreaker. Brian (Asterisk) is a particular fan of the game. It's rather simple yet insanely complicated at the same time. The game consists of index cards. Most of them blank. You play the cards, handing them to each other, filling them out, performing the tasks written on them. For points. Points win you shiny, shiny NaNo stickers.However the Never Ending Song card will soon be set on fire.
Write-Ins are wonderful. Sugary substances tend to be heavily ingested and things get slightly insane. Bicycle policemen are fair game. There's a lot of laughter and jokes and weird stories about cat skeletons. Writing DOES get done. Sometimes. The nice thing about the Write-Ins is more that you can be surrounded by fellow writers. If you're in the zone, they'll give you your space to bang on your keyboard. IF you're stuck there's bound to be at least one person willing to chatter about your character development and why he seems to have such an aversion to white kittens. ^_^
Hope that helps!
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Oct 27, 2009 - 04 44
My first nano was a disappointment. I was a great cheerleader for D but I fell short of the line myself. I think I just got to tied up in it ya know? Last year was a blast, I loved every word of it. I started writing in June and finished a book each month. I finished last years book a week and a half early and did another 75K words before nano finished.
I love nano. I love the goal setting and the word wars and the way writers (an otherwise reclusive bunch) come together to socialize. There are times when its stressful like when I haven't met my personal word count for the day and I know the next day is going to be a busy one and I'll have to make it up. But then, its relaxing because I know that with one good write in with D, I'll be back on track and cranking out the words. This year, nano seems to be a bit more fun, maybe because we're being a bit more social?
D and I start talking about what we're planning to do for nano in June, no lie. Of course we plan out a lot of stuff we want to write...
----------I love talking book.
Damn I'm blathering again. Why didn't someone stop me?
The Red Guard - 2007
Precurser to Hell - 2008
Finding Glory - 2009
Do not mess in the affairs of dragons for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup...
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Oct 27, 2009 - 05 12
I think the "Song That Never Ends" card, in all its six-minute, me-singing-in-the-library-conference-room glory, set the tone for Jax NaNoWriMo 2009.
Two things that I think are indispensable are Write-or-Die (http://writeordie.drwicked.com) and the Plot Snake model of a narrative (http://www.unf.edu/~atilley/documents.htm -- read the sample analysis of "Hansel and Gretel" and the "Introduction to the Plot Snake"). The first item, Write-or-Die will help you crunch out words at a blinding speed. The Plot Snake is a bit more esoteric, but worth taking a look at to help you plan your plot. Most writer's resources--including a seminar I went to earlier this month--will try to tell you that plots look like pyramids or have a three-act structure, but I've found the snake model to be much more accurate and helpful.
[Edited to make sense.]
----------Now brian.never.ends
69,584 / 50,000
Oct 27, 2009 - 06 02
Two things that I think are indispensable are Write-or-Die (http://writeordie.drwicked.com) and the Plot Snake model of a narrative (http://www.unf.edu/~atilley/documents.htm -- read the sample analysis of "Hansel and Gretel" and the "Introduction to the Plot Snake"). The first item, Write-or-Die will help you crunch out words at a blinding speed. The Plot Snake is a bit more esoteric, but worth taking a look at to help you plan your plot. Most writer's resources--including a seminar I went to earlier this month--will try to tell you that plots look like pyramids or have a three-act structure, but I've found the snake model to be much more accurate and helpful.
I am a major fan of write-or-die. I utilised it mainly when I was not region bound with individuals online to crank out some major wordage. I definitely think there should be more of that and less of other things, but I am weird like that.
When Capable, Appear Incapable
----------When Capable, Appear Incapable
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Oct 27, 2009 - 09 24
I just bought the shiny new desktop addition of Write-or-Die--well worth the $10 to avoid the additional distractions of the internets.
----------Now brian.never.ends
42,023 / 50,000
Oct 27, 2009 - 13 04
It was a very shiny six minutes.
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Oct 27, 2009 - 13 26
That's what she said.
[::Goes to sit in the corner::]
----------Now brian.never.ends
40,912 / 50,000
Oct 27, 2009 - 13 46
I'm not sure about the Plot Snake as I haven't had time to wrap my brain around it yet, but I swear by Write-or-Die. I credit it with getting me out of some major writing slumps last year. And Dr. Wicked isn't bad on the eyes either. ; )
Camilla
aka SmartestMonkey
2008 The Incredible Melding of Meteorites, Monkeys and Humans (win!)
2009 Title to be Announced at a Later Date
42,023 / 50,000
Oct 27, 2009 - 18 57
Just no singing, Brian!
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