United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

Welcome! [Introductions]

Sandtiger — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 03:05:47 -0700

Since the other thread got pretty long, here is a new one ... Please introduce yourself here [including the regular members], note a bit about yourself, what you write, how many years you've done NaNo, whateveryou want! - in a single post.

*Do not reply to anyone's post in this thread - that's what the others are for!*

This is only so we can keep one place to easily view each other, and new-comers won't have to be overwhelmed by longer, crazier posts when trying to learn about us and how we work. *grins* ^_^

So, about me:

Age: 25 [I think... I'd have to count to be sure]

Genre: Romance [male/female] and Erotic Fiction [male/male], both with a paranormal slant. My style is typically detailed; I love weaving words and - in editing - get obsessive about the 'flow.' I also have a bad habit of using the same descriptive words over and over, which I am trying to keep an eye on. =/

Open for Edits: YES! I am always desperate to have someone willing to read my stuff and edit it/let me know what they think. As long as it's done with good humor and genuine interest, I'd be happy to let you rip it apart. ^__^

Current # of stories in progress: Over 50 [I counted yesterday ... actually, I think it's closer to 60, but oh well...]. # of Novels Completed: 3. One needs passive revision, and 2 need MAJOR revision [as in, no one is going to read until I re-write them first ... lol]

Other details: I have a husband, married almost five years now, a 3-yr son and an almost-8 yr old step-son. I work at a local hospital, and that's where I get most of my character names from. =D

Well, that's about it for me to start with ... ^_~
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United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

so ....

Sandtiger — Wed, 7 Jan 2009 14:28:56 -0800

.... who is actually WORKING on their challenge??

Hm, hm? Fess up.
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United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

Sunday, January 4th

Sandtiger — Fri, 2 Jan 2009 15:47:56 -0800

I'll be there, right around 9am. ^_^

Anyone else?
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United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

I Finally Fell to the Terrible Online Gaming Gods

Stravos — Thu, 1 Jan 2009 21:51:45 -0800

Yep, I finally gave in.....but before you Warcrack Babies start screaming, it wasn't WoW. Hmmmm, let's see. I have a tattoo on my arm written in Elvish script and I probably have forgotten more stuff about middle earth than most of you know...so what could it be.

That's right, I joined Lord of the Rings Online. I have a 10th level hobbit guardian and a 12th level elven champion right now. It's fun and I have a friend that I pal with so its not a lone ranger thing.

I can't believe I finally fell for it. But it took Arwen to woo me over.
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Stravos
Semper Scriptum
(Always Writing)
Yeah, I know its wrong

United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

Challenge #1

Sandtiger — Thu, 1 Jan 2009 10:15:39 -0800

I'm going to steal a page from Stravos' book for this one, since it's the beginning of the year, some of us might be rusty [me], and I was interested enough the first time to want to do it again.

The challenge: You must choose one item from each of the headings, and all must be in a single short story. No less than 5K words, no more than 12K. Plot and general ideas are due in one week [Jan. 11], and complete story due in 3 weeks [Jan.25th]

Heading #1: Affliction
* Blind
* Claustrophobic
* Horribly Burned
* Starving

Heading #2: Protagonist
* Werewolf
* Vampire
* Ballet Dancer
* Wraith [demon-type creature]

Heading #3: Setting
* Wild West
* Victorian England
* Frugal back-woods [Arthurian time frame]
* Future Outer Space

Heading #4: Antagonist
* Female Warrior
* Psychotic child
* Catholic Priest
* Virgin

................. okay, okay, so I changed a few to make it a bit different. Sue me.

Reply back if you want to participate! Trading stories at the end for editing and comment are not mandatory, but GREATLY GREATLY encouraged.

^_^
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United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

Challenges

Sandtiger — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 20:10:11 -0800

Anyone up for the Challenges to begin again, or shall we wait until February? [Not sure about anyone else ... but I am itching to write again! Having a Challenge to plan over the next two weeks will help get the juices flowing again...]

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United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

Happy Holidays!

silvergenji — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 11:56:01 -0800

Merry Christmas everyone, or Hanukah, or whatever it is that you celebrate! Hope this season is filled with blessings for all of you!
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Jen AKA Genji
~Nanowrimo is all about preventing the creative process from getting in the way of the creative process. ~

United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

Update on My Wife

Stravos — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:47:56 -0800

Just wanted to let everyone know that I had to take my wife up to Emory Wednesday for a procedure called a Heart Cath Thursday. We were told to expect the worst because of the way she was reacting to medications and her current energy levels. Well....the test proved otherwise. Her heart is functioning better now than it was in May when they put the pacemaker in. The problem turned out to be medication she is on to limit absorption of water. It was extremely dehydrating her, making her blood too thick to move through her body. They've made changes and have high hopes for continuing on the treatment plan they have her on now.

That is fantastic news. The longer her heart stays in her body the better. We are jumping for joy here. Christmas has definitely come early here.
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Stravos
Semper Scriptum
(Always Writing)
Yeah, I know its wrong

United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

Anyone Meeting at BaM in the Morning?

Stravos — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 20:37:49 -0800

Just checking.....

I'll drop by and check in person just in case no one reads the forums.
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Stravos
Semper Scriptum
(Always Writing)
Yeah, I know its wrong

United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

Things I Have Learned From NaNoWriMo '08

flip_mustang — Mon, 1 Dec 2008 17:53:16 -0800

1. I am not alone. There are people out there who are suffering just as much as I am, ither with their story ideas, stubborn characters, or a burning desire to write and no inspiration to do so.

2. Never quit. Never quit smoking, drinking coffee, staying up late writing. Words will come, even if they make no sense afterward.

3. Internet access, video games, or that series of books you're dying to finish are not good ideas for killing time whie waiting for an idea to come to you.

4. Learn from failure. This is my second consecutive year trying, and the second time I have failed to reach so much as 5k words. Now I know that I cannot just try to 'shoot this one from the hip' as I do so many other stories. This endeavor might take some prior planning, which may help my other ideas.

5. Shoot for the attainable before you go for the big prize. I think it would be more realistic if I set myself a goal to work up to, say 1-3k words weekly before next year when I have to try 1-3k words daily.

6. There are support groups, even if all they do is sit around in a Books-A-Million Sunday mornings and drink coffee and scare away customers.
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Sincerely,
Flip, the terrible tiger
Prayer can only take you so far - you have to put forth the effort if you want to reach your dreams.

United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

Thanks to Sandtiger!

Stravos — Mon, 1 Dec 2008 18:37:44 -0800

I'm saying it here and now....Sandtiger kept it going this year for us all. I kept the writing spirit up, but it took all my focus with so many depressing sidelines throwing horrible things at me. From sickness to spouse health issues, I ran the gambit and folded under the pressure. I wasn't there for you guys.

But Sandtiger was and I think we should all collectively bow in her general direction. She shouldered the majority of the umph this year and earned her volunteer lack of pay for the title of ML.

We love ya, lady!
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Stravos
Semper Scriptum
(Always Writing)
Yeah, I know its wrong

United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

It's Over!!!!!!

Stravos — Mon, 1 Dec 2008 05:51:24 -0800

Can you hear the coffee shops screaming?!

It's almost a daze. Shockingly enough, we almost hit a million words written! Can you believe that?! Congrats to all that attempted it this year. Make it or not, you tried and that's to be commended. For those that did make it......WHOO-HOO!!!!!

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Stravos
Semper Scriptum
(Always Writing)
Yeah, I know its wrong

United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

Holy cow, I did it.

silvergenji — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:45:09 -0800

And I know I'm not the only one who's feeling this way!

8,886 words since 8:30 this morning. My brain hurts.
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Jen AKA Genji
~Nanowrimo is all about preventing the creative process from getting in the way of the creative process. ~

United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

With barely less than 17,000 words to go...

bloodshed012 — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 14:30:58 -0800

Me thinks I'm a bit screwed.
:3

Any advice on a way to get done in time?
Btw, I'll barely have any time tomorrow to write because of church.
(Ugh. D:)
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United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

My computer DIED. 0_0

Casseh Valentine — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 06:36:28 -0800

Okay. So my computer is dead. I go to open up a website and the website I open (say I type in NaNoWriMo.org) and then a completely different website than what I typed in will appear, plus a few extras. I can't open Microsoft Word, it freezes up. I can't even bring up Ctrl+Alt+Del! *dies* Kaspersky won't run. I would get my dad to look at it...but he doesn't get home until the 14th. Until this is fixed, there is no way in the world I can finish my NaNo. I'm on my sister's computer, but she's only letting me on for a moment to type this up.

I'm completely at my wits end...I'm about to say to heck with all of it. I really thought I could push to win this year...but with problem after problem arising, I don't see how it's possible unless I can get someone to look at it. *DIESDIESDIES* I'm at a complete loss...I don't know what to do...

- Cassidy
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Shadow of the Millennium - '07 NaNoWriMo Winner

United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

Congrats, Warbric! And Stravos, I'm gonna hurt you.

amiko_16 — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:14:52 -0800

w00t I just noticed you hit 50k+, Warbric!
As for you, Stravos, good god. I fart in your general direction.
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Now hiring minions.

United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

I give up.

Kinneko — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:22:10 -0800

That's right, I'm getting out of the fire before I get stuck in the oven. My muse has up and left again, I have zero motivation, and my self-esteem has been utterly shot. Writing normally isn't a problem for me, but this year, I just can't do it. Not this November. Maybe December, but not November. Too much to do, not enough time. I tried working on NaNo, and I ended up almost failing an essay in composition because I couldn't focus on finishing it.

Cheers.
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United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

To Everyone ...

Sandtiger — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:49:45 -0800

I know it may be a little too late to say this, but I would like to go ahead and say it, for my own piece of mind if no one else's.

I apologize.

For anything I may have said or done within the past few weeks that startled, offended, upset, or antagonized anyone, I apologize. Things have not been very good lately - "upstairs" - and I've been prevented from following up with the appropriate people as I should have been because of my boss at work. Because of that, and normal stressors, I've not really been myself much lately.

For those who've been around me longer, you know I'm usually better than this [calmer, quieter, more mature, more patient ... the list goes on]. For those who are new, you have nothing to compare my actions to and that's entirely my own fault. I'm kind of afraid that I've hindered some from doing the best they can, and irritated others to the point of dislike. That was never my intention, and I'm sorry.

As the '07 NaNo's have noticed [and don't say you haven't, because I know you have!], I can be uncannily like a certain someone else who won't be named. I try to keep it in check but when things aren't going well "upstairs" I don't have much choice in the matter.

I skipped the last meeting to kind of give everyone a breather from my presence, and will sit out the next one, too, if everyone would like. I will in no way take it in an offensive way if everyone does. I'd also like to say that if I ever make anyone mad, upset anyone or offend them, please please PLEASE take me aside and let me know. Or if you are uneasy about that, shoot me a NaNo Mail. I promise, I will not snap or freak out; if I upset someone I want to know, and I want to know what I did so that I can try not to do it in the future.

Anyway, this is not a pity-fest or anything ... I just wanted to put it out there because I've kind of been coming to my senses a little bit and realized how much of a tee-total @$$ I may have been these past few weeks. =/
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United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

small voice Eep. hides under a rock

Casseh Valentine — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:48:56 -0800

Okay...

*deep breath*

I hate my story. My story hates me. It had very good potential...had some amazing twists and turns that I loved to death...but...I managed to butcher it. As of now, there are ten contridicting plot lines in the story...and it just flat out hates me. I also didn't write for four days...was pretty much a walking zombie since Tuesday night until Sunday morning. So I'm stuck at 28,000 words. NaNoWriMo ends this Sunday. No one will be quiet: my brother. Although, I've tried to escape back to my room to write, but my room...I absolutely hate it. Not a good area to write at. Neither is my desk.

*exhales*

Alright. *dies* SO....I've hit a HUGE road block and I can't get past it. I really want to keep going...but I'm not going anywhere. How in the world do you keep moving forward on such a time crunch and you're so far behind? I didn't have half the distractions that I had last year...

- Cassidy
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Shadow of the Millennium - '07 NaNoWriMo Winner

United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

Crap

amiko_16 — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 19:22:34 -0800

Shed got burned down in a fire on Friday, so several days are going to be needed to clean it up.
Don't know if my sister and I will be at the Sunday meeting.

Also, my muses are completely evil. Haven't written SQUAT in weeks, and NOW they suddenly go "Ohh, try this".
ARRGH.
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Now hiring minions.

United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

"Mid-Month" Write-In

Sandtiger — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:40:42 -0800

When: November 22nd, 2pm to whenever!
Where: Books-A-Million, off Washington Rd.
*note* we'll be meeting in the back, as opposed to the Joe Muggs coffee area like usual.

Let us know if you'll be there! ^_^

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United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

Hump Week Blues

Stravos — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:33:06 -0800

Yep, we all have it...don't even try to deny it. Can't figure out where to go from here....calculated out just how much you'll have to write per day and realized its more than you ever imagined....or just wondered what the heck happened to your muse....it's all there.

So what do you do?

You suck it up...you throw in the towel...you smile and flush your muse down the toilet...you continue to write. The answer is as myriad as the problems that have come up. So here's the thread to blow off steam and let it out. Let us all know where you are and what you plan to do about it!

We'll support you if you want or just give you a shoulder to lean on....
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Stravos
Semper Scriptum
(Always Writing)
Yeah, I know its wrong

United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

Sat 22 Nov Write In at Middle School Canceled

Stravos — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:37:38 -0800

Sorry guys, but the rec department for Columbia County has asked for the gym. There isn't really any place for us to spread out otherwise. That does not mean that we have to throw in the towel. A write in...understandably less ostentacious....is still doable.

For those that wish to get together on Saturday let us know here. We can whip something up somewhere.....

One thing, though, this is not to be a hang out. Only commit if you really, really want to write. This will be the end of hump week and the start of the worst week yet...thanksgiving....so this will be the best opportunity for some to get t hose words in.

Let us know.
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Stravos
Semper Scriptum
(Always Writing)
Yeah, I know its wrong

United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

MC Surprises

Sandtiger — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:45:52 -0800

Another random blurb post ....

What has your MC [Main Character] done that has completely taken you by surprise, or was totally frustrating [not anything of what you planned]?
I guess this could also go for minor characters, too ... just blurb about whatever you want with your NaNos, hopefully centered around chara instead of plot. ^_~

My MC was supposed to be the opposite of who he was in his first life, but still similar enough that converging them would be odd but not completely impossible. Instead of being a white guy who was calm but had different preferrences in hobbies and friends and family, he all of a sudden turned into being Hispanic, an alcohol and a drug addict, who has a nasty attitude, a screwed sense of loyalty, and a sister who practically runs him over while he hisses and spits. Totally didn't mean to do that .... ^^;;;;

I also had a minor character show her face - one unlike any I've ever done before. I'm still not sure whether I want to keep her or not, because I have no idea where having her comes in or what part she'll have in even being relevent.

......... also just noticed that my NaNo last year and this year both have a theme of the main chara dying and being reincarnated. Trust, peeps - that's not ALL I write .... *nervous laughs - runs back to hurriedly check other fics for similar themes*
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United States :: Georgia :: Augusta

Denny's, Nov. 14th

Sandtiger — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:32:45 -0800

Okay. By unanimous vote, Denny's off of Washington Rd. Since most said it would be easier on the weekend, we'll go for this Friday, Nov. 14th.

What time would be good for everyone? ^_^
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