USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

Greetings from ML-land!

Toggy — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:06:18 +0000

Hello Insano-wrimo-ers. It is your ML here, Tiffany, Tiff, Tiffy, Toggy. Call me what you will. Sorry that this is late in coming. I have been moving, and work was crazy busy, and I have only just now enough time to site down and do this. But I have been planning. The calendar will be up on the site with the socials and write ins and the like by the meet and greet – which I will get to in my next post.

Today is a special day. It is the first weekend of October, and the first of three full weekends that we will have before the fun begins! I will shortly have in my possession fantastic new stickers for everyone, as well as score-cards, prizes and some secrets in a bag of tricks. I hope that this will be a fantastic year! I am certain that we can all do this. And that we will have more winners than ever. Why? Because you all are awesome. And something would nano, and the thirty days and thirty nights of literary abandon that brings out the potential that you did not even know that you had.

A bit of my history, and some encouragement. I know that this will not work for everyone. But this is what works for me. We each have to find out own groove. And run with it.

I have won twice. I have epic failed once. Year one, 22k. Year two 75k. Year 3 50k and some change. Life happens. We cant all do 200K. Some of us might only manage 10K. But you know what. That is alright. You tried. Which is more than most can say. I think, personally, that Nano will be difficult if this is your first adventure into writing. Or if you write a lot of drabbles and short stories. But here are my tips.

1) OUTLINE. And outline more than you think you will need. I ran out of outline about 10 days into nano one year and nearly panicked. What – how did I write to much already??!?!? It was a bit of a predicament. So outline more than you think you will need if it is a multi part story, or outline the entire novel. You don’t want to break stride and have to pause to plan things. I know everyone’s writing is different, but I don’t profile my characters. They seem to develop well enough on their own. Outline what you need, but really, outline. 

2) The alternative to outlining. Have one fantastic character whose story is ready to burst forth. And so with it. I cannot work like that, but I know that others do. 

3) Nano is a wonderful time to see what you are capable of, but don’t try and change genres. I did that the first year. And that is why I got stuck. If you write fantasy, don’t try to switch to horror, or scifi or romance. It probably wont work. Maybe fantasy to urban fantasy, but write what you know. This is about producing many many words in a short amount of time. It is easier if you stick with the familiar.

 4) Own your idea. If you are wishy washy about the idea, it will be harder to live and breath it for 30 days and 30 nights of literary abandon

5) Try to stay ahead of the curve. Maybe not on the daily word count, but at least for the end of week goals. If you get behind, it just seems to be insurmountable. If you are even, or ahead, nano is a lot more fun.  I tend to sprint ahead in the beginning, so that when life happens I can not end up behind. And I like to be done by Thanksgiving. That is always my goal.

6) Come to events. We are nice people. Some people can win at nano as a lone solitary island of nano participantship, but what fun is that? We are a support group, and a brainstorming group, and just cool people. And really, it was due to a group of nanoers that I got some of the names for my nano last year. And some of the names I even kept. Asligarh is such a good name  

7) Writeordie. http://lab.drwicked.com/writeordie.html
It is a fantastic motivational tool. use it. Come to writein’s. We will word war. And there might even be prizes. :ninja:

8) Routines are your friend. Or at least my friend. Try to write at the same time each day. That way you know that it is always nano time during those times. 

9) have fun. this is about having fun, challenging yourself, and creating something in a month that most people never create ever. So enjoy yourself. We are all winners here, cause we rock for trying this, but some of us just get completion certificates at the end. 

10) Remember that your muse has a pet plot bunny. Embrace where they lead. The road that your characters try to take will probably deviate from the outline, but that will lead to some unexpected awesomeness.

I think that is about it for now. Let me know if you need anything. Contact me any way you need to. PM me. Email me. tiffany.noel.jones@gmail.com. I am here to help you. Use me.

~Toggy
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USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

Opening Weekend Events!

Toggy — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:32:41 +0000

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, guys and gals:

Sorry for the delay. i know that the anticipation is rising, and we are all quite anxious for November first.

The kick off will be at Jims. Located at Jims #40 - 11803 Bandera Rd.

Bandera & 1604
Helotes, TX 78023
Ph: 210-695-5519

We will gather at 10:45PM halloween night for festivities, to eat, caffeinated, and ready ourselves for the moment of greatness (midnight!) I know that i will be there until at least 2AM. The second 2AM, since we have the joy of daylight savings time happening the night of the kick off. Please come join us. I will be in costume. Since it is halloween. So feel free to come dressed up. As a character from your novel. As a character that you would like to be. As something that has nothing to do with writing. Anything goes.

Stickers and score cards will be handed out. PLEASE PLEASE RSVP on the thread in the forum so I know how many people to expect, and we can let them know how many people will be taking over.

That evening at 7pm will also be out first social event. We will be having a nice, relaxing OMG what have i gotten myself into I should be writing not socializing, are you crazy for making us do this lady dinner at Chilis at I-10 and De Zavala.

I look forward to seeing everything.

Get ready, it will be a fun ride!
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USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

I have returned

Toggy — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 07:04:46 +0000

I am exhausted. I think I am getting ill. And I just not dragged my word count across 30K. This is so hard this year. For many reasons that i will not get into here. But I am reading all the threads. And I am so proud of all of you who have won so far! And all those whom I know will win still! Sorry for being such a space case of an ML. Massive life crisis in the middle of november are not good things.

I am so happy that ya'll managed things while I am gone, and have even picked a location for the next social. WOOT! Thanks for taking care of things while I was MIA on vacation!

I was unsure if ya'll would want one, as some of us will be scrambling across the finish line with our novels. I am sure I will be one of them.

I have had a suggestion for bowling at the TGIO. Something fun and different. Let me know what you think.

I will be at Barnes and Noble for the write in at 9AM sharp. Unless they open early for sale shopping madness. GAH!

You exhausted ML.
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USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

Forum Folkses, check in!

AnnieColleen — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 04:51:32 +0000

I'd like to do something on this side of town again. Yea, nay? NaNo goodness without the crazy amounts of driving.

What times would work for people:
Monday/Tuesday/Thursday evening?
Friday afternoon/evening?
Saturday afternoon?
(some other time I can't do?)
** I'd like not to conflict with the other scheduled events, in case people want to do both.

Places:
Semmes library -- plenty of space, plug-ins, handy research. Less craziness than usual write-ins, so possibly more words happening?
**or, how far north are we all? brand-new Schertz library, maybe?

Hearthstone -- plenty of seats, plenty of plug-ins, not particularly crowded when I went, coffee & munchies handy, ok with more goofiness
** I think we should at least try for the Thursday fundraiser, if we can get the official-type paperwork done**

Borders -- some space, coffee/munchies, a few plug-ins. Lots of distractions!

Other? Plenty of options; these are just the obvious.

Also, how about car-pooling to some of the other events? Somewhere at the Forum might make a good meeting spot.

What say ye?
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USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

SUCCESS!

Liokae — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:48:34 +0000

As of 11:47, November the 13th, 2009: I have reached and passed 50k for the first time in my NaNo history.
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Resistance is futile. Prepare to be huggled.
<( ~_~ )>

USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

Week 4 social, Sunday 29: Chili's at the Quarry

Liokae — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:36:05 +0000

Well, we thought it'd be nice to put things a little closer to central of the town for our end of the month stressbusting social! After looking around the area for what could fit us best, it looks like our best bet is the Chili's down at the Quarry. If you're going to be making it down, please let us know here- the further ahead we get our numbers, the better we can schedule things with the restraunt!
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Resistance is futile. Prepare to be huggled.
<( ~_~ )>

USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

Younger peoples in the area? Possible meet-up/write in?

mildlypoetic — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:59:57 +0000

Are there any other non-adults in SA doing Nano? I was thinking maybe we could meet up somewhere and do a sort of a get-together. There's a lovely bakery with nice coffee (at least, I liked it) and wi-fi. It's got a load of windows, so it's nice and well-lit. I'll probably go by to take a look about the electric socket situation sometime soon, but it sounds like a good idea.

Is anyone interested? I know there are going to be parents a little uneasy with the idea.

Oh, location: it's pretty close to the Costco by 1604 and 281. There's a sign that says 'finally open' hanging over the door. No light-up letters, but the place is called Rise Bakery.
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USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

Week 3 Sunday Social RSVP

the_lights_aurora — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:53:18 +0000

Hey everyone! With Toggy enjoying a much needed vacation this week, Liokae (Ryan) and I have scouted out a yummy place for the Sunday Social on Nov 22nd.

Chuy's on 1604 & 281 from 7pm to whenever. Great mexican food, friends, and a bunch of laughs!

Please RSVP on this thread so we can call ahead and let them know how many to expect. Hope everyone can make it!
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USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

Nano song

jamileigh17 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:00:44 +0000

Found this randomly in my google feeds today, thought you all could use a laugh by now:

http://scifisongs.blogspot.com/2009/11/sci-fi-song-23-nanowrimo.html

Go. Listen. Laugh. XD
See ya'll at the social Sunday, definitely making!
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~Jami~
Unless absolutely necessary, make characters talk at cross-purposes. How many of us actually listen to other people? We don't. We're always thinking about what to say next, when they shut up.

USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

Week 3 Events!

Toggy — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:48:46 +0000

Alright my lovelies. I am going on a vacation. First one in a long time. So that leaves you on your own for the write ins and socials this week. I will have internets, but will be in Dallas, so I will be MIA.

Write in Thursday at Hearthstone. No fundraising but still fun.
Saturday at Barnes and Noble at La Cantera.

Social Sunday, which I might make. Depends when I get back from Dallas. but you all are capable peoples. So plan away.

I shall return with stickers Thanksgiving week!

Your ML, burnt out and struggling with her nano,

Toggy

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USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

OLL Fundraiser and Thursday Write-ins x2

AnnieColleen — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:23:26 +0000

So this is why everybody should come to the Thursday write-ins at Hearthstone Bakery at the Forum:

Thursday, November 5 *and* Thursday, November 12 will be not only the planned write-ins, but also fundraisers for OLL!

Hearthstone will send OLL a check for 10% of their proceeds from 5-8 PM on those evenings. So, the more of us show up (or the more people we drag along :) ), the more we can donate.

For those not familiar with Hearthstone: http://www.hearthstonebakerycafe.com/find_us.asp
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USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

Anyone in Seguin/New Braunfels?

sherlock_moles — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 09:25:23 +0000

I really want to do better than my two previous miserable failures, and I have been told that it is easier if you engage in the community events. Problem being, I'm not going to have the energy or gas money to get into SA more than once or twice a week [especially considering my frustrating and embarrassing tendency to get horribly lost when I drive there]. Anyone in and around Seguin and New Braunfels? Interested in mid-week write-ins in the evenings? If not, I'll [hopefully] use the online forums and such, but it is much nicer to be around actual people [especially ones who are middle school and high school students that I'm subbing for].
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***Kimberly***
****************
Nerd
Hates Naming Characters and Places
Gets Lost

USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

Excerpts, People, Excerpts!

tygertyger — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:39:20 +0000

C'mon, y'all, I wanna see what people are writing! I showed you mine, it's only fair! Good on ya' Jay and Mary Kate, for getting your excerpts up.
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A little knowledge is a dangerous thing... if you use it right.

USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

Halfway point social?

Liokae — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:05:12 +0000

Where is it going to be? All I can find here on the forums, calendar, or in email is "1604/281 area".
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Resistance is futile. Prepare to be huggled.
<( ~_~ )>

USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

Any daytime write-ins? Maybe around the Quarry?

yduck — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:50:18 +0000

I'm a work at home mom and would love to attend a write-in during the day. I live in central SA, not too far from the Quarry. Any others in a similar situation, either geographically or time wise? I'm going to try and go the the Forum write in on Thursday evening, but that is dependent on getting after school care for the kids until hubby gets home later.
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USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

If your novel was a movie --

Toggy — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 02:40:49 +0000

What would it be rated? I am curious.

Mine is a YA epic fantasy. So we are in PG13ish range. So far at least.
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USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

Barnes and Noble Write In

Toggy — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:40:25 +0000

Hey Guys, sorry for the late notice. I woke up with a migraine and wont be attending today. SORRY!!!! I have been trying to get rid of it and it isn't working.
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USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

To help those who are stuck or have writer's block

keijikunoichi — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:51:40 +0000

Today we reached a point in my class where we are spending a day on storytelling (we get the Story telling class this time next year) and we covered dealing with writer's block or getting stuck. My teacher has taught storytelling and helped with the stories in several animated films from my own youth (and helped animate them!) and I though the methods might be useful for those of us doing NaNo.

The following are my class notes, only the last method actually has examples since its more work than the other three

○ Overcoming writer block
§ Four techniques
□ The Tagline
® A catch phrase that sums up idea
◊ Then use it to figure out
► Who
► What
► When
► Where
► How
► Why
□ What if or can
® Take any statement, put What if or can in front of it= instant tag line
◊ Follow guidelines from "The Tagline"
□ One to two sentence scenario
® You have to know your story pretty well (only down side)-- more than anything you need to know your ending
® A good story can be told in two sentences or less regardless of the complexity
® Escapulate Idea, synopsis/teaser-- don't include the ending!
□ The Dartboard
® Random events/situations put together
® At random, 5 factors needed (examples included)
► Emotional state
} Crazy, depressed, excited, drunk
► Names
} Marshall, Conner, Richard, Billy Bob
► Occupation
} Assassin, exterminator, land lord, architect
► Situation
} Fight, paying rent, eminent death, terminal illness
► Situation/location
} Mars, Chicago's West Side, Spring Hill LA, Shanghai
◊ Use reason and logic to make the factors come together
► Connections (connect into a single story, make the plot line make some sense)
} Conner the Depressed Assassin has to pay rent on Mars (for a loved one)
– Gunning for Richard because he designed the really messed up building he lives in
} Marshall the Drunk Land lord
– A slum lord living in Shanghai
– Leads to the fight in Shanghai
– Sends him after Richard
} Richard the Crazy Architect faces his imminent death (by assassination) on the west side of Chicago
– Convinces Conner to take out Marshall instead
} Billy Bob the Excited Exterminator
– responsible for terminal illness in Spring Hill LA
– Conner's hired to kill Billy Bob… does he go after Billy Bob or Richard first?
} Order of events (base skeleton)
– Begins with fight in Shanghai (Connor trying to kill Marshall)
– (Flashback) Conner's original hit on Billy Bob
w Spring Hill LA, show Billy bob using chemicals
w Add in additional character as needed
w Third party that contacted Connor
w Does he complete the hit?
w Billy Bob eludes him a bit
w Adds additional pressure
w Successful
– Pays rent… but the building collapses
w Loses loved one, can’t get money back
w Goes after Marshall his land lord in Shanghai
w Cut back to battle
– Marshall sends Connor after Richard
w Richard moves into a crazyily designed building and sets traps when he finds out some one is out to kill him

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"Secrets are our greatest lies.... This Paradise is simply an illusion."
~Tori
2006 Legacy of the Blade (17k), 2007 When a Thousand Petals Fall (75k), 2008 All in the Family (82k), 2009? All in the Family (Part Two)

USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

Scrivener Special Offer - YAY!

the_lights_aurora — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:03:43 +0000

If any Mac users haven't checked out the Special Offers from NaNo Sponsors, you really should because Scrivener has become a sponsor and has a great deal for us! Scrivener is an AWESOME novel writing program that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE. You can split up your chapters and/or scenes any way you choose, you can add research within the nav on the left, keep track of your characters, your plot - basically, its a one stop shop for all your first draft needs, and beyond if you choose. Also, its good for term papers, book reports, scripts... its made of WIN.

Even better, this year they've given us NaNoers some discounts! If you follow the link below, it will lead you to a trial download for NaNoers. Unlike the normal trial, it doesn't end in 30 days, but a week after December, and it starts as soon as you download it, so you play with it and feel it out to see if this is really the novel writing program you want. After NaNoWriMo, if you win you and you want to keep Scrivener forever and every, you can get buy it for 50% off, which means you'll get it for less than $20. If you don't win, don't sweat, because any NaNoWriMo participant can get it for 20% off with the coupon code NaNoWriMo.

http://www.literatureandlatte.com/nanowrimo.html

If you'd love to test out a program that make it easy to keep track of all your work without having to switch from post its to textedit to Pages or any other doc then Scrivener is something you should really look into.

Unfortunately there isn't currently a compatible version for Linux or Windows users, but I've heard good things about Ywriter. I suggest looking at the thread for Scrivener, a lot of people have made suggestions about programs like Scrivener for Windows. Also, the first post gives more details on why Mac users should try out Scrivener.

http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/3263767
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USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

Write In's!

Toggy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:02:29 +0000

Tomorrow we have a write in at Heathstone at 5pm. It is the second of the fundraisers that they are helping us with. Everyone try to go.

Saturday we meet again at the Barnes and Noble at La Cantera. 9AM

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USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

HELP?!?!?!

Zaramora_Gladen — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:54:20 +0000

hey. i think i am probably the youngest out here in SA doing this and its my first time so, yeah.
i need help on deciding which story i want to use. one is about a demon child, her sister, and a gifted boarding school where kids like her can live in peace (but the school just wants to turn them into an army and brainwashes them) or one where a young girl is trying to fight against all evil almost alone (with no army or anything. its a fantasy whereas the other is sci-fi/horror) to save her country.
the second one has more words than the first too but i hate the beginning of it. meh. help please from my elders?
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USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

Sunday, Nov 8th Social

elledeegee — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:04:40 +0000

Uhm calendar doesn't say where... any ideas?
I might be able to make it depending when I do laundry today.
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===
Blue Girl Graphics
http://www.elledeegee.net
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USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

Carpools

AnnieColleen — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 03:17:19 +0000

Anyone wanting to offer or catch a ride to any of the regular events, post here!

I'm currently planning on going to the Meet'n'Greet & would be up for sharing a ride to that. I have no problem driving, but I don't know that anyone wants to depend on me for a ride this weekend, as my grandma's in the hospital (looks like a TIA/mini-stroke) and there's always the chance I'll have to be there instead. So if someone else wants to drive to this one, I'm good with that too.

It sounds like the Forum is probably a good central meeting place? Or someplace else if anyone has a suggestion, or people can work out their own.
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USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

Westside/Southside, Represent!

mno_pq — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:23:20 +0000

Anyone on the Westside or Southside? I'd like to write-in at Guadalupe St. Coffee or Dunkin Donuts on Military.... mmmmm!
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USA :: Texas :: San Antonio

Any daytime write-ins? Maybe around the Quarry?

yduck — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:50:20 +0000