KICKOFF EVENTS
Main Kickoff event - "How to Write a Novel in 30 Days"
7-8 pm, Monday, October 27
Marvin Room 101BC, Topeka Public Library, 10th and Washburn
Kickoff Social (for some Day 1 encouragement)
2-3 pm, Saturday, November 1
Hastings Hardback Café, 21st and Fairlawn
WRITING SESSIONS
16 computers available, or bring your laptop!
Drinks with lids okay, bring your own.
Sunday, November 9, 1-5 pm
Sunday, November 16, 1-5 pm
SBC Computer Training Center, Topeka Public Library, 10th and Washburn
CAFFEINATE AND CHAT
6-8 pm, Wednesday, November 5
6-8 pm, Wednesday, November 12
6-8 pm, Wednesday, November 19
Classic Bean, 21st and Fairlawn
FINISH LINE CELEBRATION
Thank God It’s Over!
7-8 pm, Monday, December 1
Classic Bean, 21st and Fairlawn
Other news:
The goody bags for our kickoff event are jam-packed with fun stuff, and I can't wait to see everyone again, meet and encourage new writers, and (most importantly!) start writing my novel!!
Also, (personal news) I have a new baby girl (Kivrin Anne, born August 23) so I'm looking for a few people to help at Nano events this year. My maternity leave will run out in the middle of November. If you would be willing to co-host any of our events this year, especially the Caffeinate and Chats, please email me!
Join me in welcoming Maidenfine, who has come on board as our Topeka co-ML this year - Hooray!
Email me for more information on how to be involved in Nanowrimo events this year, or with your ideas of how we can encourage more local writers to join us! I have flyers printed with our events listed, if anyone wants some to distribute around town or to interested groups. I can leave them for you to pickup at the library, mail some to you, or send you the file so you can print your own.
Lissa Staley
Topeka co-ML
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Hooray! It's (almost) time to write!
37,227 / 50,000
Oct 2, 2008 - 18 13
On the caffiene and chats? Does the place have free electricity or wifi? Laptop only lasts an hour, on a day, so I hope so ;)
50,881 / 50,000
Oct 4, 2008 - 17 01
Usually at the caffeinate and chats people just come to eat a snack, talk about how it is going and where they are stuck, and then we all go home again to write.
That said, I was at the Classic Bean this morning and I scouted it out -- there is a sign that says "free wireless with purchase" so I think as long as you are a paying customer of some kind it should be okay. And there are outlets along the walls.
I think it would still be a great event if people came to write as well, just please don't be upset if other nano people keep bugging you with encouraging conversation!
37,227 / 50,000
Oct 4, 2008 - 17 03
That said, I was at the Classic Bean this morning and I scouted it out -- there is a sign that says "free wireless with purchase" so I think as long as you are a paying customer of some kind it should be okay. And there are outlets along the walls.
I think it would still be a great event if people came to write as well, just please don't be upset if other nano people keep bugging you with encouraging conversation!
Thanks!! I'll chat, but if I get bored (I'll be using it as a "get away from the kids escape"), I like the ability to write :)
50,881 / 50,000
Oct 12, 2008 - 13 09
It looks like we already have a great group forming for this year's nano - I know that as our Municipal Liaison I am biased about the value of our in-person events, but I do think that having other people hold you accountable helps you stay on track. Whether you gloat to all of your coworkers that you can do this, announce it on your blog, or make a bet with someone based on your weekly word count goal, having social consequences can be a powerful motivator.
A few years ago, I made a deal with another Nano person's children that if I didn't make my word count goal by the next Nano event, I would have to buy them ice cream. I lost the bet -- but only by a few words :) --because I was very grateful for the accountability that it gave me that week.
Even though social outings can seem unproductive while writing, make sure you don't isolate yourself, especially if you are getting discouraged or behind on your word count! Whether you leave with a new idea, a little motivation or an increased caffeine level, you will benefit!
50,334 / 50,000
Oct 12, 2008 - 18 18
I completely agree that the events are important. My first year participating, I only went to one write-in, and when I got blocked, I didn't finish. But last year, I went to pretty much every event and even having a newborn couldn't keep me from winning.
I also find word wars to be really helpful. I did a lot of them over MSN (people are already starting pre-NaNo word war chats to make sure everyone's ready when the month starts). I also have a general word war competition with my best friend, who lives in Arizona. We use one of the cool word war widgets and race to 50,000. This year, we're also writing linked novels. Our two novels will share a character and the events will be interrelated. It should keep us both writing, since if one of us stops, it'll stop the other. I'm very responsible when other people are counting on me, so it should be great motivation.
0 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2008 - 11 55
Hello all!
I am a late starter of Nanowrimo. Just signed up today and haven't written word one yet, except on forums. Glad I found the regional hookup, tho - and I love the Classic Bean! Looking forward to the Nov 12th Caffeine and Chat. Will be attending with a close friend and writing buddy, and we are planning (hoping) to get some writing in as well.
Just wondered how it went on the 5th? Are there actually available outlets? I usually sit along the south wall, and haven't found any yet. Am I missing something?
We are also planning to attend the library writing sessions on the 9th and 16th. Won't be there for the whole time - maybe from 2-4 pm. Is that acceptable?
Happy writing!
50,334 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2008 - 14 52
Welcome, latecomer! You brave soul, you.
We generally don't write at the Caffeinate and Chats. So I don't think we've looked for outlets, but I can't imagine a coffee shop without them, so they must be somewhere.
Being at a write-in for only part of the time is totally cool. 1-5 is a pretty big time frame that not everyone can block out in their schedule. And we're not really big on mandatory whatsits. So show up when you want and leave when you want. We have the write-ins for you. It's inspiring, energizing, and focusing to write with others, but there are some people that do better without. It's all up to you.
50,334 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2008 - 20 00
I just want to let everyone know that I'll be bringing some 12 oz bottles of Sunkist to the write-in on Sunday. So anyone that forgets to bring a drink can buy one off of me for 50 cents. At the end of the month, whatever soda money I have will be donated to the Office of Letters and Light. I know in previous years we always ended up with Lissa making vending machine runs for everyone, but I think she mentioned a broken machine this year, so I figured I'd come up with an alternative.
53,092 / 50,000
Nov 13, 2008 - 06 24
Great time at the Bean last night - the smoked turkey sandwich alone was worth the trip across town (yeah, life in the ghetto area of Highland Park is quite inspiring, let me tell you!). Thanks to Lissa and the little one for being charming hosts. Maybe next time I'll work up the nerve to hold her for you, Lissa. But don't hold your breath, okay?
FYI I plan to make a flying trip to Overland Park Monday evening, November 17, to attend YA writer John Green's get-together. If anyone else wants to ride along and then endure what promises to be 500 or so sedate teenagers - okay, that's a complete fabrication,as they'll probably need sedation, from what I read about his other stops on his current tour - send me a PM and we'll work out something. More info is on his web site: www.nerdfighters.ning.com in case you want to attend and would rather not be seen in public with me, lol.