Hey!
I saw a bunch of us in the "New Year, New Nano" thread so I figured we could centralize ourselves here. It appears that there's a fairly large showing of students which is great to see.
So come on, introduce yourselves... what school are you at, what are you writing, how are you planning to manage school, nano and work (if you work)? I figure maybe veterans can share with the new about writing as a student and maintaining vestiges of sanity at the same time haha.
My piece... I'm a second year communications student at uottawa. This is either my fourth or fifth year doing Nano... I can't remember lol. So I'd say I'm fairly experienced at the whole writing-as-a-student thing. I'd love to get a group of fellow uottawa-ites together for some writing parties this year, meet new people and writers... win! lol. Other students also welcome of course, if you're in the area. :)
I'm actually a Nano rebel this year... I'm continuing on last year's Nano. I am planning on writing 50K new words, but technically since it's a continuation it's not nano-kosher. lol. But that doesn't bother me and I'm still excited. The novel's a YA fantasy fiction.
What is everybody else up to?
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35,017 / 50,000
Oct 20, 2009 - 16 25
Ah, good thread!
I'm a first year at Carleton, going for my Bachelor of Humanities.
I'm writing a novel that is a little ridiculous (but I figured I might as well have fun) about a Time god who falls in love with a human, but gets rejected. He rewinds time to try to win her over again and again until he succeeds. Well... there's more plot to it. It sounds a bit stupid, but it's the plot that won't get out of my head! Haha.
This is my second Nano. I've done Screnzy too. I've won both of them. I'm a little nervous, my program is quite a bit of work and I'm not sure how much time I'm going to have. I'm trying to get ahead on my reading, as I've been behind the last month and a half, so I don't want that to happen during nano...
Write-ins sound good. :) Maybe even an end-of-Nano party? Haha. Celebrate the (in)completion of our novels!
YA sounds interesting. What's it about?
2,029 / 50,000
Oct 20, 2009 - 19 08
Hey!
I'm a student at UOttawa. 3rd year Commerce student (option in marketing). I tried doing the Nanowrimo thing last year but pressures of school and work hit me too hard. But I love writing so I hope I can get it done this year! I've been writing since I was very young so I hope to actually finish something eventually lol.
The novel is one I have been thinking of for years. Its hard to explain briefly but its essentially focusing around a civil war of sorts within a fairly isolated country and the mysterious circumstances surrounding it. It certainly can't be told within 50,000 words but I hope this will act as a stepping stone at least.
I would definitely be interested in swapping tips for managing time and beating writers block though!
3,120 / 50,000
Oct 20, 2009 - 19 49
Hey!
Im a first year student at Ottawa U doing a major in classical studies. This is my first time doing Nanowrimo, but I think Ill be able to balance school and writing (if theres one thing I can handle, its school pressure). I love writing so I really hope i manage to get this finished.
My novel is gonna be a mismash of ideas ive had swirling around for the past 2 years or so. The only thing thats set in stone is that its fantasy and the main character is a vampire (not of that twilight stuff though:P). Hopefully I get to meet some of you!
3,120 / 50,000
Oct 20, 2009 - 19 52
Hey!
Im a first year student at Ottawa U doing a major in classical studies. This is my first time doing Nanowrimo, but I think Ill be able to balance school and writing (if theres one thing I can handle, its school pressure). I love writing so I really hope i manage to get this finished.
My novel is gonna be a mismash of ideas ive had swirling around for the past 2 years or so. The only thing thats set in stone is that its fantasy and the main character is a vampire (not of that twilight stuff though:P). Hopefully I get to meet some of you!
35,017 / 50,000
Oct 20, 2009 - 19 55
Why are you all at Ottawa U? Where are all the Carleton Wrimos? Haha.
47,309 / 50,000
Oct 21, 2009 - 00 11
I'm kinda a student at Algonquin; but I'm taking this semester off because of NaNo. I'm taking the Creative Writing Certificate through correspondence. I've finished the first three (of five) courses and will be back at it in the new year. I also own a business and work about 45 hours a week at it. I've convinced hubby to take on NaNo too, so it should be interesting this year. He is my business partner; but he works about 51 hours a week. I guess I cheated on the managing school and NaNo thing; but hey, I've already got a college diploma (earned full time while working part time) and a university degree (earned by correspondence while working full time), so I think I've earned a bit of a break. I just can't seem to break the habit of school. I love learning, so even though I will turn 46 part way through NaNo this year, I keep going back for more lessons.
My advice: If something has to slide, let it be NaNo and not your school work. You can do NaNo next year, or you can set one of your non-school months to do your own NaNo until you finish school.
----------An author spends months writing a book, and maybe puts his heart's blood into it, and then it lies about unread till the reader has nothing else in the world to do. -- W. Somerset Maugham
40,477 / 50,000
Oct 21, 2009 - 18 10
Still in high school here. Senior at Bell, and currently enjoying getting to have a spare, during which I'll hopefully get some writing done this November.
5,354 / 50,000
Oct 21, 2009 - 18 28
Another high schooler here. Specifically, a grade twelve Lisgarite.
I'm (pleasantly) surprised to see some Classics and Humanities students here. I've been eyeing both programs. I was almost sold on classics 'till Monday, when a Carleton professor gave a short presentation on the humanities degree. Both sound awesome for improving one's writing (at least to me).
I took writer's craft last year. I'm hoping that will help my story a bit. As for actual story... I'm still debating. I have two sets of characters. One has a weak plot, decent characters. The otehr has strong characters but only a few subplots. Both can be cast in their own story, or one can be used as supporting cast in the other. I think I've overcomplicated it; nonetheless, there will definitely be a mystery/thriller element to 'it'.
This is my first NaNo. I've never finished anything longer than five or six thousand words before, but I'm hoping to change that.
Or, you know, just write a buttload of words :3
----------Random plot devices: one.
Cups of tea: four.
0 / 50,000
Oct 21, 2009 - 18 33
I`m a massage therapy student at Everest College. I have no story line and plot but at least I will give it a try.
0 / 50,000
Oct 22, 2009 - 03 10
Fourth year Art History major at Carleton here, though I was cajoled into doing this by a good friend halfway across the continent.
Unsure of the plot but I have solid characters built up, and this is my first time doing this, officially!
21,000 / 50,000
Oct 22, 2009 - 16 48
I’m a medical student at U of O (Where are all the science and health science majors? I know that there has got to be some of us out there who write more than just lab reports and patient charts). I’ve participated in Nanowrimo an embarrassing number of times without winning. However, I’m optimistic – this is going to be THE year I finally finish a novel.
3,410 / 50,000
Oct 22, 2009 - 19 03
First year International Studies and Modern Language (I know, obnoxious program title) uOttawa student here trying to juggle the demands of a first semester and Nano.
As if my sanity hasn't been challenged enough.
Last time I completed this was way back in Grade 10. But then again, in high school I wasn't allowed on the computer past 10pm. But now that I'm officially emancipated and what not I can stay awake as long as the the caffeine lets me (;.
----------Skull Digger (2006) - 50K/50K
The Writing's on the Wall in Berlin (2007) - 13K/50K
Evil and a Heathen (2009) - 0K/50K
25,000 / 50,000
Oct 23, 2009 - 14 29
I'm a second year BIT student at Carleton studying game design.
I have absolutely NO time to do nano, but I'm doing it anyways! yay!
I'll celebrate my (in)completeness of my novel at the end of nano party if I make it! ^_^
----------*sigh* I suppose this year I won't write PWP...... that often.
0 / 50,000
Oct 23, 2009 - 21 20
Algonquin Game Dev first year checking in!
I've tried two years in a row and failed horribly both times because of epic writers block...
Actually, scratch that, it was more like epic writers pyramid... it was made of millions and millions of writer's blocks :P
Not a clue what I'm going to write about this time around, but I think it should be sufficiently random and awesome if I really give it my all :) I'll be in school full time and working at least 24 hours a week the whole time so it's going to be a challenge to say the least :)
Good luck all you NaNos!
drop me a pm if you're another Quin kid and wanna say hi :)
7,314 / 50,000
Oct 25, 2009 - 13 26
Second year joint honour kid in eco/poli sci at Uottawa! This is my third year nano-ing, I completed one in my first year of CEGEP and none since...
This year I'm determined and excited.
My only advice is to cut out sleep, up the caffeine intake and find people to drag through it with you... people you meet here or RL friends will work.
If anyone wants to, I'm more than willing to be your writing buddy... though if you say yes, I will not let you fail, so be prepared for that.
MSN: canadianreflection@hotmail.com or nanomail me!
Anne-Marie xoxoxx
15,130 / 50,000
Oct 25, 2009 - 20 55
I'm a second year Music student at uOttawa. This is my seventh year doing NaNo; I've made it to 50k for the past four or five. My advice would just be to make sure you budget your time wisely. Seriously. I know everyone says it, but that's actually all it takes. :P
As for my novel...all I can tell you about my novel is that it's going to have something to do with angels.
Edit: Because I know some people are going to look at my "joined" date and be confused, I had another account for the first couple years.
----------"Rest not! Life is racing by;
Go and dare before you die."
Years doing NaNo: 7. Sanity left: Very little.
40,046 / 50,000
Oct 26, 2009 - 15 19
I find it comforting to see that university students are continuing doing NaNoWriMo. I hope to be one of you when I get there. Right now I am a grade 12 student at Canterbury HS, and I am also enjoying a spare this semester. I am planning on dedicating the full length of this time to NaNo for the month of November, so it'll be easier for me to finish this year than it was last year.
----------Right now I still have not thought up a brilliant idea, but I intend to by November 1st. I guess that is how this year differs a lot from last year. At least I had an idea last year.
It'll be cool writing with all of you, and I hope to come to some of the write ins when I can make it.
http://masqueradelover.deviantart.com/
20,000 / 50,000
Oct 30, 2009 - 06 40
I'm another Algonquin student! *waves at others*
Last year of a Library Tech course, and crossing my fingers when it comes to this coming month and juggling school. My problem is that I'm a HORRIBLE procrastinator, and school must take priority. I shall endeavour to get ahead in my assignments though, so that I don't have to think of them, and can spend more time on what really matters; my novel!
Of course, before I can concentrate on said novel, I ought to think of what said novel will be. I have absolutely ZERO ideas this year. My characters refuse to talk to me, I keep switching around in terms of genre, and plot? I know not what the word means.
Nevertheless, I will be writing come November first, and hope that the rest will follow.
----------I am a panther. There will be blood.
40,097 / 50,000
Oct 30, 2009 - 13 33
Grade 12 at Sacred. This is my second year with Nano. Last year I failed so this year I'm gonna try to complete it. I've got a spare this semester so hopefully I'll succeed. :D
1,549 / 50,000
Oct 31, 2009 - 22 34
Hello everybody!
I'm a second year Game Dev student at Algonquin. This is my second time doing NaNo... last year I didn't finish because I got swamped with things to do for a week, then forgot about it until the night of the 29th. :P
I hope I can finish this year, but so far this semester has been a bit more difficult than last year... well, this is why they made caffeine, right?
My novel is (hopefully) going to be a sort of comedy about a realistic situation, with some very wacky things happening... I don't know quite what to call it, although if you have read books by Gordon Korman, then that's kind of what I'm going for.
(Of course, the last time I tried something realistic, I had about five pages, when I suddenly realised my main character was in a gunfight with aliens.... reality is not my strong suit.)
So that's my introduction.
Only one more thing to say:
Good luck to everyone, and have fun!
2,328 / 50,000
Nov 1, 2009 - 20 10
I'm in gr 11 at South Carleton HS. This is my first year doing NaNo, though I've known about it since 2007. This year I actually came up with a semi-decent plot in my opinion, so I've decided to give it a go.
6,874 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2009 - 06 21
St. Peter CHS Nanos here?
----------Nanowrimo 2008: double life
Nanowrimo 2009: TBA
18,617 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2009 - 07 02
I'm another high school student. From St. Joseph's in Barrhaven.
It's my first year and I have no clue how I'm gonna get this done, but I will try to my best. Unlike some of you, I don't have a spare. So, I guess I'll just be skipping lunch :P
45,390 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2009 - 11 04
High School student, grade 11, Earl of March
My second year. My advice is to try to get all your homework done at school, then focus on NaNo at home. Also, all of that Halloween Candy helps keep you awake.
----------Endless Chronicles - '08 (WON!)
Pretending to Fly - '09
18,644 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 15 09
I am another OttawaU student, and I'm in music (just look at my username) :)
This is my first year doing Nanowrimo, and I hope I can finish it as I've realized it takes a lot of discipline and creativity to write a 50 000 word novel in a month.
So far I'm a tad behind on my writing because I decided to start writing on the 3rd of November... If only I had decided to participate sooner... Oh well. :)
Happy writing everyone!
50,017 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 17 12
hey Cherry_Chain!
Do you know Mr. Prest? I think he went to work at your school... I used to go to North Dundas District High School and he was the music teacher for us.....
Anyway, I'm also a student working towards my Web Design degree. Two years ago I was also in college working towards my E.C.E but eventually that did not work out for me... I like this course better....
I have always prefered correspondence studies, which I'm doing now, compared to in class ones. More flexibility then.
I am writing two novels in a month this year for a challenge as the usual one was becoming too easy for me the past few years.
Happy Nanoing!
----------Check out my blog for my progress with this years NaNoWriMo:
http://mindys-writing-life.blogspot.com/
www.twitter.com/wrestlingchick
48,164 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 19 30
Grade 10 Lycee Cladel [that frenchy school by Riverside] student. =p
I seem to be the youngest one here.
36,708 / 50,000
Nov 12, 2009 - 18 58
Grade 11 Lisgarite here. I'm writing a story about some business guy who hates his life. I can't really manage time at all, so it's been and will be very interesting balancing it all. School isn't so bad, because I a) don't get a lot of homework and b) don't really do much of it anyway. It's the other stuff. Big drama production is coming up the second last weekend, for example. That takes away most of that week and weekend. Anyway, I will probably try to write the last 15000 words on November 29th, actually. I'm that awful.
38,591 / 50,000
Nov 16, 2009 - 22 54
Add me on Twitter you guys :D
http://twitter.com/memorexia
I love hearing from you guys. So inspirational. 2nd year student studying Mass Communication and Sociology at Carleton. I've had success every other year (so far). This year, I'm telling everyone I know, I'm doing National Novel Writing Month so it's that much harder to quit. Likewise, I'm doing a hourly word warring to get my word count back up to where it should be. Today from 4PM-2AM, so if you guys want to join in on the shenanigans: follow me on twitter, join in on the word warring, spread the encouragement because we all need it.
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