(Nancy stepping in to fill in the blank thread)
Write-ins are an integral part of NaNo. There's something about sitting down in a library or cafe with several other Wrimos that just gets the words flowing. Here's what to expect and look forward to:
1. Being away from home distractions. We all know how easy it is to get sidetracked when you're writing at home. There's the laundry to be done, dishes to be washed, the phone is ringing, the cat wants more food... Write-ins take you away from all of that for a few hours so you can just concentrate on writing.
2. Word wars. It sounds a bit scary, but when you challenge someone else to write more, you write more too. "Hey, the next person to write 1000 words gets a piece of chocolate," can be a pretty good motivation at a write-in.
3. Good coffee/tea/pastries. Write-ins are usually held at cafes, and we all know how yummy the goodies are there. In the past, the library write-ins had food as well. The library has changed some of its policies about serving food to patrons, so that's up in the air.
4. On the subject of the library... You're surrounded by reference material! If you have a question about anything, there's likely to be a book nearby that can help you. I'm planning to have a box full of things checked out from other branches as well, to supplement the supply.
5. New this year: The Plot Grab-bag. Lynds and I are working together to create color coded cards with plot ideas, character ideas, and setting ideas. If you get stuck, you can pull a card out of the bag and see if it un-sticks you.
So that's what a write-in does for your NaNovel. Since they're so helpful, we're hoping to have several a week, scattered across the county. I'll be keeping an up to date list of locations and times in this top post, so you can see at a glance where you can go.
If you decide to volunteer please reply via post here, and have the
following information included:
Date(s): (indicate if this will be a weekly or a one time thing)
Location: (address as well)
Who: (your first name)
Time:
Please also be aware that it is important to have at least one year of participation under your belt to participate. Age will not matter for a host, however commitment will. Please be willing to participate at the event you are requesting at least 1 time a week (with the exception of T-giving week).
We'll post this to our Google calendar within 1-2 days (if we're backlogged), but it will usually be on within a few hours of the volunteer's post.
Vancouver Write-ins
Click here to view Vancouver's calendar of Events
Panera on 164th. Mondays from 2:00-4:30. Led by Nancy
Cafe Sip-n-Play. 1:30-3:30 Mondays. Led by Ris.
Washougal Community Library. Saturday, 11/1 from 6:00 to midnight, Friday 11/7, 11/14, and 11/21 from 6-10, Saturday 11/29 from 6:00-midnight
Brewed Awakenings 164th Avenue. 5:00-9:30 or so on Fridays (except T-Giving Week). Led by Lyndsey
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To lose someone you love is to alter your life for ever. You don't get over it because 'it' is the person you loved. The pain stops, there are new people, but the gap never closes. How could it? The particularness of someone who mattered enough to grieve
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sept. 29, 2008 - 23 42
Also, when we have our calendar's up and running (we have everything current at the moment) when you log into your regional forums you'll see at the very top (a link for twitter -a nano based chat client, we will likely use these for at home word wars, as well as our Portland/SW Washington Battle of the Bridges) a calendar for your use. This will indicate any and all pre-planned NaNo gatherings. Nancy (chocolatequeen) will list everything here in this thread, and I will be updating the calendar. Though it's likely that we'll switch roles about seventy times in the duration of November.
We're so excited for November this year! We've been itching to get writing since last month... Why must time go by so slowly?
Until next time Vancouv-area!
Cheers,
Lyndsey
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oct. 2, 2008 - 22 11
I know at least one person had mentioned that they wanted to host a write-in (around Clark, I think). If you know what you want to do, repost and let us know. :)
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oct. 2, 2008 - 23 06
****Question by ninjangel
Is it possible to hold some at Clark College on some days? There's a
cafe on campus and the library is open to everyone. I think that would
be a boon to the students participating if they could meet up between
classes too.
Yes, I'm very pro-campus exploits. It takes a while getting from
Washougal to there on the bus.
********Response by Lollybob818 (before forum Crash)
It's very possible to have some of the write-ins (WI) at Clark. The only
thing this depends on is hosts.
Right now each write-in depends on needing someone to host it. There
are millions of possible places to have write-ins and we're definitely
supportive of those who want to volunteer. This year, for anyone who
volunteers to host a write-in we will be giving kits (we call them
"plot kits" ) for our hosts. The kits will include some tools to help
anyone who goes to said gathering.
So if you're volunteering that would be fantastic. We only ask that to
host a write in you have at least a year under your belt, for NaNo. It
looks like you've been doing it a while, so there's no real worry
there.
If you decide to volunteer please reply via post here, and have the
following information included:
Date(s): (indicate if this will be a weekly or a one time thing)
Location: (address as well) Clark's Address (which I think is 1800 E.
McGloughlin or something
Who: (your first name)
Time:
We'll post this to our google calendar (which I believe will be up and
running tomorrow) and everyone will be able to see the date and time of
the write-in.
Note: general gatherings are always accepted, but if you want to have a
write in posted on the calendar this is the way to go about it.
If you do not want to host, you can always announce that you're looking
for someone to do so. But, you do get fun stuff if you host, so...
There's some incentive there.
50,457 / 50,000
oct. 2, 2008 - 23 44
Let me do some checking and inquiring, before I say yea or nay to hosting. Perhaps Java Guys in Joan Stout Hall after about three or so- barely anyone is there after then and there's plenty of plug ins for laptops. Their coffee is a lot better than Starbucks (in my opinion) and cheaper.
Is afternoon a good time for meeting for everyone?
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oct. 3, 2008 - 15 22
Dates: Every Monday October thru November
Location: Cafe Sip N Play, 3000 SE 164th Avenue Suite #107, Vancouver, WA 98683, http://www.cafesipnplay.com/
Who: Carissa
Time: 1:30-3:30 or so
This is a child-friendly cafe with Wi-Fi and a large play area for the kids. There is a $3.85 fee for kids to use the play area (it is well worth it). They offer lots of different drinks and meals (including kids meals), and they have a fair amount of seating.
My daughter and I will be there every Monday afternoon starting October 6th until Nano ends. I'll be the one with the black Writer hat and the Nano tee shirt (from any of the years I've participated).
Hope to see some of you there!
Carissa
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oct. 4, 2008 - 15 14
Fridays at Brewed Awakenings 5:00-Till close. Brewed's address is on 164th and is set behind the Jack N the Box and just in front of the Cascade Movie Theater.
50,233 / 50,000
oct. 4, 2008 - 20 23
Hey Ris, we ought to have group word wars between my write-in and yours, since they're at the same time. Each Monday evening we could post the Panera total and the Sip-n-Play total and see which group managed to get more done.
50,201 / 50,000
oct. 6, 2008 - 07 11
CQ,
Great idea! You want to average the totals if we don't have the same amount of attendees? Then we can keep score!
50,233 / 50,000
oct. 6, 2008 - 10 28
Sure. :) I was planning to keep track of words written at the write-in anyway, so it would be quick math to average it if need be.
This reminds me... Does Cafe Sip-n-Play have gift cards?
50,233 / 50,000
oct. 8, 2008 - 22 06
So we're still looking for a few more NaNo vets to host write-ins. Any time, any place, though I would especially like to see something mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday evening) and not east side... But seriously, if you want to host a write in, name the place and time.
50,201 / 50,000
oct. 13, 2008 - 07 00
Just a note: I won't be at the Sip N Play today. My daughter has a cold and we don't want to share it with all the other kidlets.
Carissa, who is still hoping to get in some prep time today at home.
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oct. 13, 2008 - 18 36
Lynds,
How 'bout I act as your stand-in at the Friday Brewed Awakenings Write-ins? Just let me know if you aren't going to be there, and I'll be sure to come.
~Persephone_Rain (Cheri)
54,870 / 50,000
oct. 13, 2008 - 22 52
Nah. We already discussed this. I'm more than happy to hand over the reigns. Since I have a little more free time than you do, I'll try and do a Wednesday or Thursday gathering.
Is anyone available during those days and want to request a specific time? I'm available whenever.
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oct. 14, 2008 - 20 34
I was wondering which Shari's the October 31st write-in is at.
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oct. 14, 2008 - 20 58
The Oct 31st Write-In will be held at the Mill Plain (off of Cheklov) Shari's. It's across from the 24hr Starbucks, as well as Fred Meyer.
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oct. 16, 2008 - 08 48
Fantastic. Thanks for setting this one up, Lynds! :) I can't wait to see y'all there, ready to begin this NaNo season.
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oct. 18, 2008 - 08 12
Carissa,
Thanksf or setting up the cafe sip and play write-in!
My four year old is in preschool on Mondays from 12:30-3--it would be really great to write while my two year old played somewhere fun and new!
I'll drop in the first Mon in November. : )
Traci
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oct. 18, 2008 - 08 28
I look forward to seeing you there! I'll be there every Monday now through November.
Carissa
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oct. 18, 2008 - 20 44
If anyone's been pondering coming to the Monday afternoon write-in at Panera, I have news! I asked the manager if they would be willing to donate gift cards to us, and they said that as long as we have at least five paying customers, they'll give us a $10 gift card each week. That sounds like a pretty great prize for word wars, don't you think?
If the other write-in leaders want to ask for a similar deal at their sites, I can show you the letter I wrote for them and you can adjust it to meet your needs. It's really a win-win for both sides--they get customers each week, and we're motivated to write more.
50,201 / 50,000
oct. 20, 2008 - 08 30
I won't be at the Sip N Play today, as I have no child. I will be out there next Monday.
Nancy, will you be at Panera today? I thought I'd join you.
Carissa
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oct. 20, 2008 - 12 16
Shoot, I wish I was going to be there! Unfortunately, I can't make it today... no time and no money. I probably won't be there next week either, as I'll be frantically trying to get things in order for the Kick-off that evening.
I'm sorry I missed you!
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oct. 28, 2008 - 10 17
I briefly mentioned maybe being able to do this to Nancy last night and I think it will work out. So here is my info:
Date(s): November 5th and 19th
Location:
Salmon Creek Indoor Sports Arena
110 NW 139th St
Vancouver, WA 98685
Who: With me Lacie
Time: 3:30-6
SCISA has a large back room I have access to when necessary. It is fairly quiet and would be a good place for chats and work. I will be willing to provide coffee and pastries, they also have water, soda and confections for purchase.
Thanks Guys!
50,233 / 50,000
oct. 28, 2008 - 14 29
Thanks, Lacie! Look, we've got a mid-week write-in located in a different part of town! :D
After last night's turn-out, I'm really excited for all the write-ins.
50,201 / 50,000
oct. 29, 2008 - 06 50
The Washougal Library has more details about their write-ins on their website:
National Novel Writing Month Activities
Got a story to tell? Think you can write 50,000 words in a month? Join us in a congenial atmosphere. There will be a raffle every evening for fun prizes. Refreshments served.
Sat. 11/1 6 pm-midnight
Fri. 11/7 6-10 pm
Fri. 11/14 6-10 pm
Fri. 11/21 6-10 pm
Sat. 11/29 6 pm-midnight
Washougal Community Library
Here's the link: http://www.fvrl.org/events/wa.cfm
Sounds like a lot of fun!
Carissa
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nov. 1, 2008 - 08 24
Just a correction from the calendar: The Peet's Coffee meetings (the one by 164th and Mill Plain in East Vancouver) will be from 1-4pm. If people want to show up earlier, great, but I probably won't be there until noon at the earliest, more reliably at 1pm.
Also, it's only the first three Wednesdays. I can't be there on the 26th, and I definitely won't be there in December. :-)
Kami
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nov. 2, 2008 - 21 03
I think I can make it to the Monday write-in tomorrow at Panera, but I have a question. How do I know who all my fellow NaNoers there are? Is there a sign of some sort, or do I just judge who's who according to the degree of caffeinated insanity and frantic typing?
50,233 / 50,000
nov. 3, 2008 - 10 23
I'll have a sign on the table that says Write-In. Plus, the laptops and stuff. ;) I'm hoping to get the tables back in the corner, so if you don't see me on a quick pan of the room, stick your head back there.
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nov. 3, 2008 - 11 42
Okey-dokey. :) I was going to guess by all the laptops, but sometimes half of Starbucks is people stuck to their computers.
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nov. 3, 2008 - 13 46
Plan to meet some of you on Wed. at Peet's near Best Buy. Since day 1, I've learned some tricks! Awesome. I'm just sitting down to begin day 3 (had a critique group meeting this morning). Adrenalin is pumping..... Sandee B.
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nov. 3, 2008 - 14 27
If anyone's thinking about coming to a write-in this afternoon, the Panera write-in is one person short of the five people required to get the gift certificate. Come join us and get a chance to win a $10 gift card!!