USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

[Sticky] Sunday Challenge

Trilli — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:16:52 +0000

I am so proud of all of you out there! I'm seeing words counts rise and as they do I'm seeing spirits lifting too. We're almost at week 4. On the eve of this challenge, I dare you to get to 3500 words if you're not there already. And if you are there, set a challenging yet attainable goal for yourself. And I dare you to reach it by Sunday midnight.
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Trilli
ML for Tacoma/Pierce County Region
Forums Moderator: Plot Doctoring

USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

40,000 Shout-Out

R.Whitacre — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:36:25 +0000

Hazzah for 40,000 words. The sights and sounds of the tunnel exit are in sight. Wish my ending were as close
（待っている　木剣を　振り被って、待っている鬼は）　ジロジロと（見やった。待って、見詰めるだけ。）
(I held the waiting bokken [wooden practice sword] aloft while the waiting demon) scrutinizingly (stared at me. Just waiting and staring [intently].)
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“I love acting. It is so much more real than life.”
-Oscar Wilde

USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

25,000 words Half way there

angitiger — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:12:24 +0000

Wooooohooooo I made it past the half way point in 10 days P.S. The word that put me over the half way point was "need" LOL
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USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

20,000 word shoutout!

Trilli — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:37:23 +0000

Post it here if you've completed 20,000 words. Go you!
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Trilli
ML for Tacoma/Pierce County Region
Forums Moderator: Plot Doctoring

USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

My Own Challenge

JJessie — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:31:12 +0000

Well, considering that I was given 6 days off pretty much from work that was unexpected, I am challenging myself. I currently have 17,194 words completed. That leaves 32,806 words left to write. In 6 days that leaves me with a daily word romp of 5,467 words a day. I have figured that if I devote atleast 3 hours a day to NaNo I can finish the story in time. I will have to write 1,822 words each hour, which is basically a chapter an hour. Which figured out mathmatically ends up being roughly 31 words per minute of each hour. I plan to split the hours up so that I don't drain myself trying to push 3 hours straight and lose my mind. I am eager to start my self-challenge and can't wait to start today at the write-in. Figure I can dedicate 2 hours there before I have to head home to spend time with family. My support group thinks I am crazy but I know you all will understand.

Sincerely,

Losing His Mind in 6 days.

JJessie
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USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

Write-In Lakewood Library

JJessie — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:47:13 +0000

I was just wondering who all would be there at the write-in. I am planning to attend and it will be my first one and was just wondering who all would be there. I might not be there right as it starts but a little after. We shall see, I tend to sleep in when i don't have to work. Eager to meet you guys and gals.

JJessie
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USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

35,000 word Shout-out

CMStultz — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:21:39 +0000

Does anyone care? I mean, it's not half-way, like 25K, and it doesn't end in a "0", but...

My 35K word was "them", as in "...until the camps were abandoned for the realtive safety of the wooded land behind them."

Just in case anyone cared. Next stop: 40,000.
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-CMS

USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

30,000 word shout out!

Trilli — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:46:30 +0000

Have you hit 30K? You lucky duck. Post it here!
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Trilli
ML for Tacoma/Pierce County Region
Forums Moderator: Plot Doctoring

USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

Pep Talk #4

Trilli — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:08:40 +0000

Dear Writers,

36,674 words. That’s where we should be at midnight. Twenty-one days gone and only nine are left in this year’s NaNo. I say this not to make you concerned, but to motivate you into action. Nine days. Amazing things can happen in nine little days.

You’ve fought a noble battle. And once you hit 35K it’s all downhill from there. Hopefully by now you’ve achieved novel takeoff. Your characters are driving the story now, and telling you what to do. If you feel like you’re on a runaway train and have no idea what’s at the end, awesome. That’s where you want to be. From 35K it’s a short little run to the happy 40K, and just a little jog over to 50K. Ah, 50K. That’s where we want to be at the end of the month.

The zombies have taken on a life of their own, you’re doing the best battle you can, you know who your friends are and who your enemies are in your novel, and now’s the time to bring it to a happy, or not so happy, conclusion.

I don’t know about you, but my characters aren’t letting me in on the ending until we get there. And it better happen soon, I’m on the edge of my seat.

Profound words to inspire you to action? Duct tape. It’s a magic little tool. Can fix almost anything, comes in a variety of shades, and even skull and crossbones. Which is the one that I ordered online to get myself to stick in the chair that I’m in and not move anywhere. Except for a few transgressions I haven’t left my computer alone for very long. And when I do I hear it’s sirens call to come back and sit down and write some more.

There’s another benefit to duct tape. A little known one. You can make a wallet out of it. There’s actually a whole calendar on what you can make out of duct tape. But I suggest if you need it you get some and glue yourself down. Or have it hanging over your computer like I do on a peg…as a threat if you move away from the computer for very long. And please, hold off on making any wallets until December.

I read somewhere that the difference between a recreational writer and a professional writer is that one has the ability to keep their bottom in the chair. To keep going, no matter what the obstacles are that stands in their way.

I challenge you, Dear Writer, to be the latter. You’ve come so far. And I am very proud of you. You’re almost to the end, in your novel and in the month.

And if you have the tenacity, the perseverance, and the courage to get to where you want to be in your novel, those two little words, The End, are the most bittersweet in the English language.

Stay the course. You’re almost home.

There are two awesome write-ins planned for this week, and I have next Monday here as well, because the next letter you’ll be getting from me will hopefully be a congratulations letter.

And I hope to see you at each of them. We have 30 chairs to fill in both meeting rooms and I hope that we fill each one. Because I believe in you. And I hope you come. The write-ins are fun, and you’re going to find inspiration from unlikely sources.

I also have a little bit of mystery to add to this coming write-in. It’s called the Box Of Doom. And to find out what’s in the box you must show up at the write-ins.

Lakewood Write-In

Monday, November 23, 2009 at the Lakewood Library. We’ve got the room from 11-6:30. I ask to please come and help me set up at 11. Writing will begin as soon as we’re ready. And if you can bring a power strip I ask that you do, they have a few plugs there but not too many. Extension cord would also be appreciated. 30 seats available and there is a lot of inspiration in that library. It’s one of my favorites.

Puyallup Write-In

Saturday, November 28, 2009 at the Puyallup Library. We’ve got their North Room from 10 AM to 1 PM. 30 seats available and there is a lot of inspiration there. Also some really cool artwork, and Forza is right around the corner if you need to take a break. Please come at 10 to set up and if you can bring a power strip please do so.

Tacoma Write-In

Monday, November 30, 2009 at the Pierce County Library Processing and Administration Center. Room A. From 10 AM – 4 PM. 30 Seats to fill, and please bring a power strip/extension cord. Set up will begin at 10.

The TGIO Party will be at Old Country Buffet on Saturday, December 5 at 6 PM. This is a tentative time so please keep an eye on the calendar for the most up-to-date details. Please come early and help me save seats. Dutch, of course.

It’s been an amazing journey so far, but we’re not done yet. Stay the course, and get to your goal. You can do it.

Darlene, aka Trilli
ML for Tacoma / Pierce County

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Trilli
ML for Tacoma/Pierce County Region
Forums Moderator: Plot Doctoring

USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

Great Accomplishment

JJessie — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:52:21 +0000

Well, even though I could not fit enough time into completing NaNo this year, something good did come out of it. I had written enough words for a novella and have submmitted to a publisher and will be working through editing and revising in December and January with a hopeful publication date of April 2010. I am so excited, never thought it would happen to me but glad I joined in this year as it brought me to this point. Thanks to all who gave me motivation to keep writing and best of luck to those still writing.

SO HAPPY,

JJessie
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USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

Half Way Challenge

Trilli — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:47:08 +0000

So I'm thinking about how we can enourage people to write more and get their word count boosted. And here's what I've come up with. Half Way Challenge. I dare you to write 10,000 words by Saturday, Midnight. Post your current word count here, and then come back on Saturday and post your word count then. Share your victory with your writing friends.

I dare you.

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Trilli
ML for Tacoma/Pierce County Region
Forums Moderator: Plot Doctoring

USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

write or die

angitiger — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:37:17 +0000

Oh that program rocks. I just added 2000 words in like less than an hour thanks to that. best ten bucks I ever spent. There is a free online version too I guess. But this way I do not have to be online to use it. Anyway I am going back to writing......
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USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

50,000 Word Shout Out!

NovelistByNight — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:44:51 +0000

*does the happy dance*

Hit the goal today at 4:55p with 50,025 (and with only one zombie reference). Woohoo! Word # 50,000 was 'time'. <-- In reference to a bomb exploding. The story still isn't done, but I need to change gears for a while.

Now that my brain is fried and my wrists are begging for mercy....yes, my friends...it's time for...editing what I was working on prior to Nov 1!

Hey, I never claimed to be fully sane. ;)

~NovelistByNight
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USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

Bonney Lake - Buckley Writers

BrotherAndreRaven — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:47:56 +0000

How's it going? Really. That's all I made this topic about; to see where people are in their process of writing.

Whether your mind is as dry as the desert, or simply bursting with ideas, I wish you all the best of luck.

This being my first time attempting NaNoWriMo, I'm quite a bit worried about meeting my goal. Mind you, school is troublesome enough without worrying about writing a book or two. Still...cigarettes and coffee / energy drinks seem to help keep me chugging along.

Again, best of luck to you all.
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USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

Mandolin Write-in

samiunderwood — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:03:44 +0000

Was anyone there? I was there for two hours and never met up with anyone. How do we know who the NaNos are?
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USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

Taking Care of Yourself During Nano

Trilli — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:29:58 +0000

Hi! Just wanted to say a little something in case you're working on four cups of coffee and a fanta right now like I am...and the coolaid I just drank isn't helping the situation. A few of these notes are taken direcly from the ML handbook which I re-read in the last two hours...I know, too much sugar. But, well, here we are. Thanks to Lauren Ayer, fomer ML Headmisress who gives us this advice...with my own little twist of course.

Please take care of yourself. Get your water, your vitamins, and your exercise.

Pace yourself. Don't overdo.

Listen to your body. When you need to sleep, please do so

Keep writing. There are lots of ways to do this. Most effectively are encouragements, treats, or just simply glue. (Kidding...only kidding.)

Keep writing. (Almost kidding)

Keep writing. (Now I'm not, get back to writing!)

Did I mention keep writing? (LOL)

Get help when you need it. Stuck? Get on the forums and get some advice. Take a poll of the people around you. Seriously, the people at my work are used to me asking them weird questions out of the blue. And they've heard it all.

It's okay to take the time you need to breathe and just chill. Realize that a movie night may be just what you need to figure out the next scene, and it doesn't have to take place in a theater. Many good movie nights are spent at home. If you need suggestions, I've seen a lot of them. My most favorite movies for writing inspiration: Dawn of the Dead, Armageddon, Contact, When Harry met Sally, and Scream.

Whatever it takes to get the words in and makes you feel like you're accomplishing what you intended to do. Now's the time to reformulate your attack strategy for your novel and see what it's going to take to get you across th 50K line. And a write-in or two helps. Just ask the folks who've been coming.

Best writing,

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Trilli
ML for Tacoma/Pierce County Region
Forums Moderator: Plot Doctoring

USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

Half Way Celebration

Trilli — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:21:17 +0000

Please RSVP here if you will be attending our Half Way Celebration! Please bring your support (your family and/or friends) to show them how you appreciate their support. (Also so they don't think you've fallen off the face of the planet.)

11/18/2009 at 6 PM
Old Country Buffet in South Hill
3500 S. Meridian
Puyallup, WA

Please RSVP on this thread with the number of people you will be bringing so Zabrina and I know how many people to expect. No computers please as we don't want any accidents. There will be one door prize for a writer. Dutch.

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Trilli
ML for Tacoma/Pierce County Region
Forums Moderator: Plot Doctoring

USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

[Official] Roving Write-Ins

Trilli — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:18:02 +0000

We have three large meeting rooms scheduled for us. Because of the availability and locations it's an odd day, but I'm hoping we can get enough people to come so it's worth it! We've got 30 chairs to fill! Details are on the calendar link.

November 23 (Monday) We have Lakewood Library meeting room #1 (on the right side) from 11:30 AM - 6. If you can arrive early and help me set up please show up at 11. Same with tearing down after.

November 28 (Saturday) We have Puyallup Library's North meeting room from 10:15 AM to 1 PM. If you can arrive early and help me set up please come at 10. Same with tearing down after.

November 30 (Monday) We have PAC Administration Room from 10:30 AM-3:30 PM. Same goes, if you can arrive early and help me set up please show up at 10. Same with tearing down later.

If anyone would like to schedule a roving write-in please contact Trilli. Add to the thread hear and meet other writers closer to your area!

Let's make this a great opporotunity to increase our writing count!

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Trilli
ML for Tacoma/Pierce County Region
Forums Moderator: Plot Doctoring

USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

Bowing out.

JJessie — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:22:48 +0000

I had a fire burning as I started Nano this year for the first time, but I was not fully prepared for the journey at hand and unfortunately will be forced to stomp out that fire early. I got a good start on a great story so I am pleased with the progress I did make so far. Too much going on with work and making plans for a seperation from family for a bit and just don't have the time to spare for writing at the moment. I will continue to work on the story i started and will hopefully come back to NaNo next year with more time and a better plan and focus for the competition. If you are interested you can follow me on Webook.com as I will be posting any new writing and progress there. Link is as follows

http://www.webook.com/project/From-Memory-Comes-Revenge
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USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

Double your word count day

Trilli — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:21:52 +0000

Not quite to 13,336 words yet? That’s okay. You have time and space for this catch-up. And a challenge. I think tomorrow, Sunday November 8, needs to be Double Your Word Count Day.

What is Double Your Word Count Day, you ask? It’s a new regional holiday that a fellow ML Jesso invented and we’re borrowing for the day. It’s a day where you write at least double your average word count, and give yourself a boost to prepare for week two.

Whatever you end-of-day word count is tonight (Saturday night) you divide that number by 6. The result is your average daily word count, and your goal on Sunday is to write twice that many words. If your average is less than 1,667, and you are behind, then I challenge you to get to a grand total of at least 13,336 words. That’s where you should be by Sunday. If you make it there, you will have accomplished a very awesome challenge.

Add your magic number here in the forum, the number of words you will be writing on Sunday. Then, when you are finished writing those words, post again to let everyone know that you are victorious. (Go you!)

I dare you.

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Trilli
ML for Tacoma/Pierce County Region
Forums Moderator: Plot Doctoring

USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

25K shout out

Jennifer_Schaible — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:38:11 +0000

So I've been trailing behind the past several days, but today I pounded out over 5000 words to make todays goal of 25k. The word was 'Tasard', one of my characters names. +dances+ finally! Over half way there! (at 25, 021). The end is so much closer!
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I can do this, I know I can, I know I can, I know I can!

USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

Favorite Writing Quotes / Advice

Trilli — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:22:29 +0000

Hi. Collecting favorite writing quotes and advice for a handout at the TGIO. Please post here or email them to me, I appreciate all of you and your help!
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Trilli
ML for Tacoma/Pierce County Region
Forums Moderator: Plot Doctoring

USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

Movie Break!

Trilli — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 03:34:55 +0000

We are working hard. Between work, writing, and the rest of life it's hard to find time to just sit back and chill. So I think we should reward ourselves with a night out to watch a movie. New Moon (Twilight) is on the 20th, so what about that? Maybe an afternoon show. Let me know here who wants to come.

South Hills Cinema 6
3500 Meridian
Puyallup, WA

253-445-9770

2 PM showing

Please get your tickets early! We're going dutch.

(And hopefully avoid the teen crowd by going early.)
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Trilli
ML for Tacoma/Pierce County Region
Forums Moderator: Plot Doctoring

USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

Pep Talk #3

Trilli — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:00:03 +0000

Dear Writers,

You’ve made it through the choppy waters of the ocean and the land of safety is within sight. The long and arduous trip to the safe zone is almost finished. You are almost at a zombie-free enclave. We hope.

You’ve worked long and hard on your novel. Fingers typing away, writing with scrawling hands. You’ve drank water and caffeine, tea and loads of chocolate. Your family is wondering what you’re up to. You’re probably getting strange glances from people as you work on your novel, hands in the air, reaching for the weapon or grabbing a pen that looks like a injection syringe. You’ve done what you can to make sure you’re book has the best opportunity, the best fighting chance you can give it.

And the effort is paying off. You’re seeing the word counts climb as I am. Everything between purple dragons and wrimo rocks are helping you, coming to you. Advice is heading your way. Good thoughts are heading your way. You are seeing the world from an entirely new perspective. The perspective of a working writer.

You’re putting your heart and soul into what’s before you. And there’s light at the end of the tunnel. You’ve made it through the zombie-infested zone, and you’re almost there. It’s week three. Safety is in sight. Not quite here yet, but the largest chunk of the work is over with. You are almost ready for a break. Not quite…but almost.

As I sit here in our Saturday write-in I’m thinking I should be writing on my book. My characters are calling to me. But what better place to gain encouragement for you, who haven’t came to a write-in yet? The energy in this room is amazing. Between the music that I hear, the smell of caffeine, and the pitter-patter of little fingers pounding away at the keys. It’s a interesting mix of authors, of stories, of fun. And we’re all in this novel-writing journey together.

If you haven’t come to one of the write-ins yet I encourage you to come to one or all of the ones that are coming up. It’s an amazing energy. You will gain ideas that will help you, encourage you, and inspire you to heights you haven’t imagined yet.

Just being in a room with other writers, who have the same goal as me is helping me to see that being an author isn’t some strange thing that other people outside my world do. Writing is not only for those with a MFA. It’s not only for those who have something amazing to say. It’s for anyone who has the passion, the purpose, and the feeling that it’s absolutely RIGHT. And I feel in the pit of my stomach that you are just that person.

I’m proud of you. I’m proud of the words that you’ve accumulated. The hours you’ve spent worrying over your novel. Of all the choices you’ve made this far. I hope that you are pleased with your novel’s progress. Because every step towards completion is a step in the right direction.

You had this idea. Now it’s time to get that zombie slayer to her private enclave and secure it so humanity will live on. And like the zombie slayer you are the only one who can do this. This is a special journey, and it’s set out for you.

There are some really cool things coming up this week. And I hope that if you are willing and able to participate, you will. As always, there is a lot of action going on in the forum. Check in. Participate. But only after you get your word count up!

The world needs more people like you. People with imagination and the determination to complete what you start. Because this is your story and you are the only one who can tell it. You are the zombie slayer. And as you pound your words out on your computer keys or as you write in your novel with your number two pencil be aware that this story is important. It’s a step on the path that you have laid out for your life. And this one creative act can change your life.

Here are the details for the week’s entertainment. If you can please join us. We’re a lively bunch. And even if you can’t, know that we’re right there with you, typing alone in spirit. As always the details are on the calendar.

Sunday
Double your word count challenge

Monday
4 PM Write-In South Hill area at the Starbucks on Meridian.
4 PM Write-In Federal Way at the Starbucks in the Commons.

Wednesday
6 PM Half-Way Celebration at Old Country Buffet

Thursday
4 PM Write-In Tacoma at the Mandolin

Friday
2 PM Movie Break!

Saturday
5 PM Write-In South Hill area at the Starbucks on Meridian.

Please keep in mind the upcoming large Write-Ins! We’ve got meeting rooms at the end of the month, and I hope we fill them.

Thanks for sharing your journey with me.

Trilli

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Trilli
ML for Tacoma/Pierce County Region
Forums Moderator: Plot Doctoring

USA :: Washington :: Tacoma/Pierce County

an idea for increasing word count

lenalynx — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:15:07 +0000

i was thinking something i have been doing without realizing it. is trying to hit the daily goal each timei write during the day. so i try for 1670 each time i get online instead of just once a day. it has beeen pretty simple so far, hope i can keep it up :)
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