Okay, we can't start "writing" yet, but we can start planning!
So one week from today, on Sunday, October 18th, I intend to host an informal plot-in at the Living Room Cafe at 5900 El Cajon Blvd. at 1:00 pm. The goal will be to leave the plot-in with the following:
A BEGINNING
A MIDDLE; and
AN END
In particular, I have found that my easiest nano occurred when I knew what the final scene would be from the beginning. So the goal will be not to just have a vague idea of a beginning, a middle and an end, but to have an idea for:
1. The critical scene that initiates the conflict
2. A scene in the middle that is one of the following:
(a) a substantial hurdle
(b) a false victory
(c) a false defeat
(d) a point of rising tension; or
(e) something else appropriate to the middle of your story; and
3. THE FINAL SCENE (in terms of dramatic resolution).
At this write in, you'll have the chance to work towards those plot points on your own, or bounce your ideas off others. It will force us to think about our characters and our story, and get our mind churning.
Special Note for Chargers Fans: you wouldn't be missing a game. They play that Monday night.
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43,208 / 50,000
Oct 12, 2009 - 13 27
I like this idea very much. I have learned through my past two NaNo's that planning is absolutely essential, despite the fact that I do very little of it. Kept meaning to start an outline this month, but I have very little to base one upon yet. Just a flurry of disjointed ideas. Hope to see a bunch of fellow WriMo's there and get some productive planning taken care of!
16,455 / 50,000
Oct 13, 2009 - 07 52
I agree - planning is essential. I like to go into NaNo with at least a rough outline, one or two sentences describing each chapter or scene in the book. This provides a basic roadmap and an assurance that even if the story takes on a life of its own, leading me down unforeseen paths, I know where things will end up.
It's not fun to "win" NaNo but be left with an unfinished story that you have no idea how to bring to a satisfying conclusion. Believe me, I know this from personal experience. I still haven't figured out how to finish my 2005 NaNovel... sigh.
----------Looking for the perfect NaNoWriMo writing app? Try My Writing Nook. Great for netbooks!
50,098 / 50,000
Oct 13, 2009 - 12 55
Unfortunately, I can't make it that day (especially since I'm asking for a few days off in the next couple weeks), but I will be there in spirit! And I'll also add it to the calendar. And Mike, is there anything particular that people should look for when they go? I'm figuring that since it's near SDSU, and on a Sunday too, there might a few groups studying or something.
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San Diego NaNoWriMo ML: 2007-2009
11,924 / 50,000
Oct 13, 2009 - 13 20
I am Cokkii, and I approve this idea. I know that I have only some of my story very loosly planned out but I have no frickin' clue to what my ending is gunna be. As excitied as I am to recieve help I can't wait to see what everyone else has come up with. Though I think I should come up with some ideas for those bullets before the write-in so I have something to share for critque. (Please also note that my spelling is absolutly horrible and blame my fingers for typing too quickly.)
----------47,118 / 50,000
Oct 13, 2009 - 13 53
I'll swing by. I have the skeleton of my story fleshed out, but I could use more details.
----------2005 The Life and Times of an Evil Henchman - 35,615 words
2006 Daybreak - 50,068 words - WINNER!
32,289 / 50,000
Oct 14, 2009 - 12 46
This sounds like a great idea. I've gone into NaNo both ways - with nothing outlined and with a really good outline. Having a few things worked out up front makes for an easier month and, for me, a more satisfying story. I'm not sure if I can make it, but I will absolutely try.
-Laurie
0 / 50,000
Oct 17, 2009 - 16 39
I'm completely new to this. And by new, I mean that a few months ago I had never heard of NaNoWriMo, and really haven't thought much about doing it until today. I'm not at all sure if I actually want to do this or not. Should I come to this? It's so close to where I live that I feel I should, but since I'm not even sure about participating, I'm not sure I should should.
I also have little to nothing thought up yet, and don't want to be the annoying newbie to you more seasoned/serious people. Or maybe you guys will sell me on this the rest of the way...I don't know.
50,098 / 50,000
Oct 17, 2009 - 18 15
I fully encourage you to come. I think many of the people who show will have little to nothing. The point of this event is to get a head start. Plus, I think it's generally a good idea for newbies to talk with people who have done this before. I very much doubt anyone would mind.
21,064 / 50,000
Oct 17, 2009 - 20 37
I'm going to try my best to be there tomorrow! I participated last year, but didn't win. I, like many others, just have a vague idea of what I'm going to do, with a few little bright spots here and there.
----------43,208 / 50,000
Oct 17, 2009 - 21 16
I fully encourage you to come. I think many of the people who show will have little to nothing. The point of this event is to get a head start. Plus, I think it's generally a good idea for newbies to talk with people who have done this before. I very much doubt anyone would mind.
Show up! When I was a newbie I was really nervous about intruding in the space of seasoned nano-ers, but they're all really friendly and can offer words of wisdom! :)
50,098 / 50,000
Oct 18, 2009 - 07 22
Okay, nano-folk.
I will set up a few minutes early, probably outside near the entrance (depending on available space). I have two print-outs with 'Nano Plot-in' in size -175 font, which I will put on the table(s). If you show up after 1, we may have moved inside but you can still look for the signs with the giant fonts.
I will be wearing black shorts, flip flops, and a green shirt.
40,036 / 50,000
Oct 18, 2009 - 07 42
Wow, it really happening. I've been meaning to do NaNoWriMo for the last couple of years it just always slipped through the cracks. But this year I'm gonna jump in and do it. I'm thrilled I joined in time to see this planning meeting. I have never been good at outlining and have a bunch of questions about the simple logistics (writing software, organization etc). It sounds like this meeting would be perfect for us newbies even if all we do is listen and absorb knowledge from the veterans.
Thank you to the organizers for taking the time to put together our local meetings. There is nothing as motivating as the supportive group dynamic. Its even better when its live and in person!
40,036 / 50,000
Oct 20, 2009 - 08 15
It was great to meet everyone at the Living Room (the one by SDSU, not Point Loma :-) ) hee hee little private joke there. I found it very motivating to meet in person, some of my fellow Wrimos. I went there with a bunch of loose character ideas, worlds and plots floating around in my head and I left with a narrowed down bunch of tighter character ideas, a vague plot and a theme! Yay. Now I have 13 days to do some research and create some outlines. Easy-schmeasy, right?
Here is the list I promised:
Suzi - Perpetual_Tourist
Gaelyn-Cokkii
Liz- i-think-i-can
Peter-thepeteris
Laurie-Ischultz
Mike-alchemi
Doug-DP_Lathrop
Indy-Spirithawk
Amanda-Languagepirate
Leslie-Tshaya
Mollie-NibblesMD
Heather-Sweetbird
Ninjas- as themselves (yes, you had to be there)
Hope to see y'all at the next write-in.
21,064 / 50,000
Oct 18, 2009 - 17 24
Great to meet you all, and I'm looking forward to the next meet-up. I did make a trip to the grocery store afterwards, but those stealthy ninjas must have been in hiding.
----------8,400 / 50,000
Oct 18, 2009 - 19 13
Great to meet everyone. You all have permission to kick my ass if I fall behind! Liz
50,098 / 50,000
Oct 19, 2009 - 11 53
It was nice to see so many new faces and I think just about everyone left with a little bit of plot - or at least an idea or two.
Not just you Liz. Now we all have each other's names and user IDs, so we can watch each other's word count. After all, public shaming is a useful motivator.
11,924 / 50,000
Oct 19, 2009 - 20 19
I too had a great time and am super anxious to get started. Or maybe that's for Halloween? Whatever. Anyways, I expect to see ya'll at write-ins and all the fun stuff.
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Oct 21, 2009 - 20 03
That sounded really productive! I wish I could have gone. Hope I can make it through without the help!
----------If DANCE were any easier, it'd be FOOTBALL!
2008-Ashes (50k)
2009-The Price of Love (working title)