Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

10 reasons why just because you didn’t finish Nano 07 you’re not a total loser!

Diane — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 21:56:22 -0800

10. Just by trying you got your creative juices working.
9. You know what NaNoWriMo means – whereas 99.99 percent of the world is clueless to it’s meaning.
8. Your dog probably still thinks you’re great.
7. Perhaps you have learned that your life is just too busy doing things you would rather not be doing and this disappointment will be a catalyst for change.
6. Maybe the Nano winners will be awarded the cute little “Nano Winner” sticker – but hey – you can always peel a sticker off of a banana.
5. Maybe your novel is just too darn good to be rushed in 30 days! Yes, that’s it – you will take a whole year and get your novel published and made into a movie – yes that’s it for sure! Oprah book club here we come!
4. You proudly kept up with laundry and dishes!
3. You had the fun of telling people you were writing a novel, which was reward enough in of itself.
2. Your fingers aren’t worn to the nub.

And the number one reason you’re not a total loser is…

1. There’s always NANO 2008 to try again!

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Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

Alberta vs. B.C.: Write-off in the Rockies!

Aquadeo — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:29:23 -0700

Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention please:

This following contest is scheduled for 30 rounds, and shall determine the Championship of the West!

On the plains and the patch, we have the challenger, weighing in at 1 million residents and represented by 161 affiliated writers. They've got the imagination that fuels the nation, and they're the home of the mighty Wrimosaurs! Ladies and gentlemen, it's the Wild Rose Province.... ALBERRRRRTA!

And in the west coast, the contender boasts a population of 2 million people, 434 of those writing on behalf of their region this month. They're the Supernatural Scribes, the November Reign, the Office of Lotus and Light... let's hear it for BRRRRRITISH COLUMBIA!

The rules are simple -- when the bell rings, start writing! The winner will be chosen through two statistics: the highest percentage of writers which surpass 50,000 words, and the largest average wordcount per writer. The respective liaisons will provide weekly updates, but the show's not over until the calendar says December.

All right, then: Shake hands, go over to the BC::Elsewhere forum to say hello, and let's have a good clean rivalry here.

After that... get ready to write!
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Denton (a.k.a. Aquadeo)
ML for Alberta::Elsewhere
e-mail: south_alberta@nanowrimo.org
website: http://labville.blogspot.com

Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

50,000!!!

Aquadeo — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 12:11:25 -0800

Wow.

I don't think I've ever cleared 50,000 this early in November. Now, the job's not done yet -- I still have a happy ending that needs to be written, but just maybe I'll treat myself to a Grey Cup party this Sunday. : )

So, if anyone else hits that golden number and wants to celebrate, here's the thread! Step up onto the podium, and take a bow!
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Denton (a.k.a. Aquadeo)
ML for Alberta::Elsewhere
e-mail: south_alberta@nanowrimo.org
website: http://labville.blogspot.com

Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

Red Deer meetings

Aquadeo — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:18:23 -0800

After the kick-off, there were a few people who expressed a desire to attend the next one, and those who did attend were planning to meet again. So -- where's the next one going to be?

And can I come?
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Denton (a.k.a. Aquadeo)
ML for Alberta::Elsewhere
e-mail: south_alberta@nanowrimo.org
website: http://labville.blogspot.com

Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

Writers Block

ScarlettD. — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 19:54:02 -0800

Well, I got it. Dreaded writers block. I'm just not feeling the story like I was before. I know where it needs to go and it came here so well and it will continue so well, but there is a block to start it. GRRRR. Any advice?
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Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

Wrimosaurs: Status Report!

Aquadeo — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 22:49:13 -0800

We've come a long way so far, haven't we? So, how's it been going so far? Has your novel turned into something unexpected? Have you introduced a dashing new character that's more interesting than your original ones? Have you been venting all of your troubles and worries at work into the misfortunes which befall people in your story?

Did you start late, and are still picking up steam? Or, are you just getting tired, and need a suggestion or two?

Oh, and venting is perfectly acceptable in this thread -- it's inspiration for the rest of us!
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Denton (a.k.a. Aquadeo)
ML for Alberta::Elsewhere
e-mail: south_alberta@nanowrimo.org
website: http://labville.blogspot.com

Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

Grande Prairie meetings

Aquadeo — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:14:41 -0800

The kick-off's over, November's in full swing, and having a few writing buddies can keep you aloft in these Week 2 doldrums. So, I'm going to tentatively suggest another meeting for this weekend...

We'll try the same location -- the west Esquire's, 7:00 PM, this Saturday (the 17th) and the next one (the 24th). RSVPs in this thread are appreciated, but not necessary.

Have fun, and let me know how it goes!
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Denton (a.k.a. Aquadeo)
ML for Alberta::Elsewhere
e-mail: south_alberta@nanowrimo.org
website: http://labville.blogspot.com

Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

Valleyview meeting of Nov 16 canceled due to freezing rain

Diane — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:00:38 -0800

sorry :-(
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Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

Medicine Hat meeting thread

Aquadeo — Mon, 5 Nov 2007 15:23:00 -0800

Well, it's a happy day for me, knowing that I'm not the only Wrimosaur in the Hat this year!

So, does anybody in the area want to meet up for a meet-up/writing session? If so, just reply in this thread, and let me know which days/places work best. I'll go first:

Hi! I'm available for a meeting any time on Friday or Sunday, and during the evenings on Mondays and Wednesdays. Saturdays are usually good, too, but this weekend I'll be checking out the Lethbridge meeting.

As for places: If it's during the day, then the Mad Hatters Roastery or Zucchini Blossom are obvious choices. If it's during the evening, I'd suggest either the Starbucks, the Cypress Club, or the Medicine Hat Curling Club (after all, how many other novels in the world have been written in a curling club?).

Does anything on that list sound good?
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Denton (a.k.a. Aquadeo)
ML for Alberta::Elsewhere
e-mail: south_alberta@nanowrimo.org
website: http://labville.blogspot.com

Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

Welcome to Alberta::Elsewhere! (Introduce yourself here!)

Aquadeo — Tue, 2 Oct 2007 22:11:39 -0700

Hi, everyone! I'm Denton, one of your MLs this year, and it's my distinct pleasure to welcome you to NaNoWriMo 2007! Those of you returning from last year might remember the selfless contributions of Diane, and I'm delighted to say she'll be the other ML for the region. Feel free to contact either of us if you have any questions or concerns.

Or, just throw your questions onto these forums, and watch in amazement as everyone scrambles to help you! We're a friendly bunch here, and it only gets better for everyone when you join in. So please, introduce yourself here -- we'd love to meet you!
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Denton (a.k.a. Aquadeo)
ML for Alberta::Elsewhere
e-mail: south_alberta@nanowrimo.org
website: http://labville.blogspot.com

Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

Kick-off Grande Prairie

Kuro Ketsukei — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 08:36:50 -0700

So I've decided to host a little kick off way up here in grande prairie and wondering if there is anyone in the area that would like to attend and where and when we would meet. I haven't attended a kick off since 2005 so Im very excited about this and I would love to meet other writer from around the area. If anyone is interested please let me know ^_^
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Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed

Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

Facebook

ScarlettD. — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 08:03:59 -0700

Anyone a member? They have a word counter for your facebook profile. How cool! I also started a group ...

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5771391729

if anyone is interested. So far it's pretty exclusive (just me!)
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Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

Quiet in here

galaglow — Tue, 6 Nov 2007 20:41:59 -0800

I'm taking the lack of posts in here this year to mean that everyone except me is writing non-stop. I seem to be finding every excuse in the book this year not to write my novel. I've re-started already - decided I hated my first idea and now I sit and stare at my screen, mind completely devoid of ideas. Guess I'll have to continue using Facebook as a diversion, since the forums are so quiet.

Happy writing everyone!
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Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

Wrimosaur Adventures!

Aquadeo — Tue, 6 Nov 2007 22:58:04 -0800

In the "mascot" thread, I posted some pictures of Tyrrell and Rosie, the Alberta Wrimosaurs. I encourage anyone so inclined to use those photos as you'd like, and have some fun writing your own captions. A few examples:

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Denton (a.k.a. Aquadeo)
ML for Alberta::Elsewhere
e-mail: south_alberta@nanowrimo.org
website: http://labville.blogspot.com

Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

Meeting in Lethbridge (NEW! Saturday, Nov. 10! 6:00PM!)

Aquadeo — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 21:18:59 -0700

Hello! We seem to have a few new additions to this forum from the wind tunnels of Lethbridge and area. So, if anyone wants to start with an opening suggestion for a preferred restaurant/coffee shop and a meeting time, this is the thread to do it!
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Denton (a.k.a. Aquadeo)
ML for Alberta::Elsewhere
e-mail: south_alberta@nanowrimo.org
website: http://labville.blogspot.com

Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

Where two or three are gathered in Nano’s name…

Diane — Thu, 1 Nov 2007 21:09:08 -0700

Where two or three are gathered in Nano’s name…

Hi everyone.

I received an envelope of official NaNoWriMo booty. This year they are assorted witty stickers and may be of interest to scrapbookers or collectors of fabulous sticky bits of paper.

Denton and I are splitting the booty boundary of Alberta::Elsewhere up. Anyone whose groups are meeting in Red Deer or north send me a private message letting me know how many people attend your gatherings and I will try to send a sticker for each person. I have a limited amount, so depending on the requests I receive, I may have to divvy up the fabulous stickers accordingly. Please have your requests in to me by November 11th and I will get them in the mail on Monday the 12th.

NB: No, I won’t send them out to individuals because I am too cheap to pay the postage costs by the ones. Plus you should be getting together to coffee and such.

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Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

Kick-off Red Deer: Confirmed time! Saturday at 2PM!

Aquadeo — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 06:49:25 -0700

Like I said on the Grande Prairie thread, writer's meetings are fun, friendly, and inspiring... you'll meet people from different backgrounds that all have something in common, which is the perfect way to break the ice. Gee, it sure would be nice if I could attend one... and maybe I can! Through an unexpected plot development (what? already?), it appears that I'll be in Red Deer on the first of November, and I'd love to meet some more of you fine people.

Would anyone care to join me there that evening? It's a chance to share your ideas and bask in the warm glow of unconditional approval, get inspired with a few ideas, and if you bring a laptop and/or notebook, you can get a good start on the first day of writing while we cheer each other on. (I'll bring a power bar, and ask for a table by an electrical outlet, just in case.) Naturally, it's open to anyone in the general area who can make it -- not just those inside city limits.

Saturday, November 03 in Red Deer, then. I have a friend who says Glenn's Restaurant and Tea Room would be ideal for this sort of thing, but I'm open to suggestions. Let me know in this thread if you're coming, and what time would work for you. Oh, and bring a friend/family member if you'd like.

See you there!

EDIT: Glenn's is too far out of town for some people, so the locale's officially moving to Denny's. Hope to see you there!
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Denton (a.k.a. Aquadeo)
ML for Alberta::Elsewhere
e-mail: south_alberta@nanowrimo.org
website: http://labville.blogspot.com

Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

Happy Birthday Aquadeo!

SarahJanet — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 11:53:01 -0700

It's your ML's birthday today! Everyone gather round and we'll sing.

Happy Birthday, Denton!
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Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

The Alberta::Elsewhere Mascots

Aquadeo — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:51:58 -0700

As you might have noticed in the announcement of our rivalry with BC::Elsewhere, I've been thinking for some time about what to call our merry band of writers. We should have a name that incorporates NaNoWriMo, of course, but there should also be something Albertan about it. And more than just that, something that isn't too closely mirrored in Calgary and Edmonton. We need something that conveys our geography, our history, and our natural resources. Oh, and if it sounds impressive, that's a bonus.

My suggestion for our group name: The Alberta Wrimosaurs!

So, what do you think?
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Denton (a.k.a. Aquadeo)
ML for Alberta::Elsewhere
e-mail: south_alberta@nanowrimo.org
website: http://labville.blogspot.com

Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

A quick and easy "Who is Where" in AB::Elsewhere

Diane — Fri, 2 Nov 2007 15:34:06 -0700

Updated: November 10/07

I took these from the last post on the introduction thread on November 2nd and worked backwards to the top of the list and remembered a few others. I hope I have everyone but I am on dial up and this site is slow for me; if I missed you it was not intentional. If you are missing and would like to add yourself just cut and paste and add your name to the list. This may be a quicker way to see who you could join up with to make up some Nano events and gatherings.

Coffee shops in Alberta look out!

Medicine Hat
Thecapillary (Christina)
Aquadea (Denton)

Red Deer
Pononano
Timewalker
Asrai
JennyJakins
Zweee (Zoe)
Skelectica (sandra)
BFeltmate (Brandy)

Lacombe
MaikiJ (Anna)

Valleyview
Diane
Galaglow (Kerri)

Nanton
Greysenink (Michelle Greysen)

Fort McMurray
The_Newfie_Haystack
Wahoo (Suzanne)

Fort Saskatchewan
HawkOwl (Elise Marie)

Pincher Creek
Tashas granny (Barb) – not participating in Nano 2007 – but who knows may go for coffee if asked?

High Prairie
Paleorat (Angie)
daybird (Loni)

Brooks
Mini_luv (Maren)

Cold Lake
Rayen (Melissa)
Diabeditor (Chris)

Grande Prairie
Kuro Ketsukei
Naiya Azurewater (Candice)
Diz00

Vegreville
Tiana Calthye
eldaner (Dane)

Canmore
.d.o.t.s.
xmarauderxforeverx (Chandler)

Vauxhall
DaniRae

Wetaskiwin
Just.a.d0rk (Michelle)

Lethbridge
Make a Little Noise (Meghan)
Gémeaux (Cassandra)
Siathryn (Katrina)

Jasper
Ssilissuu (Jeremy)
Cassiby (Cassidy)

Black Diamond
Swat (Kathleen)

Lloydminster
The_Lone_Dragon

Wainwright
ScarlettD

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Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

Free Nanowrimo Stickers!

Diane — Tue, 6 Nov 2007 07:13:31 -0800

Just in case you missed this thread and the deadline for the request:

http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/1038283

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Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

Where do I upload my word count?

Arianimal — Fri, 2 Nov 2007 09:19:02 -0700

Hey everybody,

This is my first year actually doing this, forgive me for being slow. So, where exactly do I upload my word count? I know I'm going to feel like a nob when you tell me. I usually figure things out for myself, but this time, I am lost. :(
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Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

The First Day

Aquadeo — Thu, 1 Nov 2007 23:53:01 -0700

So? How was it? Feeling good? Feeling overwhelmed? Most likely, it's a combination of the two.

Personally, I learned a valuable lesson yesterday: Never challenge an entire classroom of sixth-graders to a one-day word war. I salvaged my dignity, but UGH. Still, I'm glad I took on (and survived) the challenge -- those sixth graders can tear you apart if they sense a weakness, you know.

And how'd it go for everyone else? Any interesting stories or big revelations?
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Denton (a.k.a. Aquadeo)
ML for Alberta::Elsewhere
e-mail: south_alberta@nanowrimo.org
website: http://labville.blogspot.com

Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

that first time you sit at the chair...

The_Lone_Dragon — Thu, 1 Nov 2007 09:37:41 -0700

That first moment of "this is it". What did you think when you finally sat down and looked at your computer, typewriter,paper? Was it fear? Was it a odd slightly plesureable feeling of finally november has come? were you sweating even though it was a cool afternoon? Did you have goose bumps across your arms? What truely whent through your mind just before you wrote that first word?

I for one felt very refreshed for i had taking some well not self perscribed but mother perscribed sleeping pills last night and slept like a log. Oh i still see the darkness under my eyes but it was slightly lessened at least a tiny bit. I took the week off work due to well other reasons but i thought it best to keep my mind ocupied so i sat at my desk. rolled my keyboard towards me (on one of those under desk roller things for keyboards...???) and places my left hand upon it as my right clicked the webpage for my website click up a new blog... and then placing my hand back to the right side of the keyboard i faces the monitor looking at that small blinking line. That horible evil line that aways comes back even if you prase it when it disapears.... blinking on and off over and over... ahem sorry

anyways i started to write and after about 600 words my computer crashed.

clawing at the screen yelling cheap insults i screamed "NOOOO" but it was all for naught. turning my computer on once more.. needing to type no i dont want safe mode on then finally i was back once more staring at the webpage...

1762 or some odd words later i feel good about myself.

I may or may not write more today but so far im happy with my effort. I truely didn't know how hard or easy 1667 words was but im done it. and it feels good to have done it.
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I plan to write big. 50 point font big!

Canada :: Alberta :: Elsewhere

how to continue on...(whats the answer?

The_Lone_Dragon — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:07:38 -0700

(Warning after writing this mess I have come to understand it's a wall of text and you may not want to read it. All I'm asking really after the hundred of words is... what do i do now?)

I don't really know what i will be writing in this thread. Part I belive will be ranting, other parts may be crying with words. I had totally set myself up for defeat even before the starting bell. I was so blind sided that it just didn't make sense to me. If anyone has read the few forum posts i have in the fantasy forum, the edmonton/elsewhere forums of alberta and a few other places I may of come off as haughty or maybe full of pride, well I hoped was pride maybe it was just stupidity.

I have alot of knowledge of my short comings in spelling and grammer. I try to remember to capitalize and re read before posting but most of the time I don't. To me nanowrimo was about word count nothing else mattered. I was ready for that word count. I had the plot in my head and the points on paper. i had fully fleshed out characters and a plot that made me shake I thought it was so good. In my head i saw a flowing plot of interconnected character pasts and goals..

Not anymore.

The one part of me that I had no control over left me. my muse is gone. She is my Love, before her I wrote childishly, no description, no plot. I wrote essays nothing more. I had no use for fiction in my life. I had no reason to read for fun or pleasure, she showed me a world full of wonder and epic scale. there was no limit in my fantasies once she held my hand. I wrote every day when she was with me her presence made my mind explode with thoughts and ideas. it was heaven on earth.

now shes gone and I have nothing. I try to remember my plot my idea my core to my story and nothing comes. I read my plot points and see nothing. I look at my scetches and see lines, I see the tree not the forest, where did my forest go?

I was sure I could write 50 000 words in a week, no problem. I was sure I'd beat anyone who chalendged me to a word war, that thier defeat would just spur me forward ever more faster and to greater heights. I'd drag them along for the fun of it and hopefully they would enjoy the ride.

I joked about what my story was about. such a simple idea. but now i look on that idea the words on the page for my plot my starting word and it doesn't make any sense.

One day and my life has changed for the worse.

Where do I go from here? How do I survive the darkness alone?

how does one write when on the first day of the novel i have to read out a eulige for the woman i loved. go to a funeral...

one ml joked i was a secret weapon. it made me laugh earier... now it sadens me that I may not be so helpful.

I will be writing on november 1st.. but the keys will be piles of dirt on my hearts grave, each click a spade biting into the world and throwing its contents onto me burying me alive, or really dead man walking.

I'm from ontario. my parents live there my grandmother lives there, my brother lives there all my extended family lives there. I live in alberta (heh elsewhere sounds so right when describing where i am im elsewhere...)I'm now 100% phisically alone. I have no good emotions only fear, sadness an overwheling giult that if I hadn't been so focused on this damn novel i may have seen signs.. may have saved her.

I have thousands of words left but I'm boring you I am sorry.

I come here every couple hours so more then likely I'll be back soon but i dont know what my state of mind will be. i haven't slept well last night and I dont think I'll be sleeping till friday or later... the wrimo-bunnies will be large in my mind very soon.

so how do you go on?
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I plan to write big. 50 point font big!