Greetings and OKC Area Check In!

Hi everyone! Jess here! Still out in North OKC- never did have the time to figure out our Yahoo! Groups website dealie, so I just lurked until it came time to use the NaNo boards again! For a recap; second year participating, hopefully second win! Looking forward to catching some meetings going here on out! Feel free to contact me, also, for any reason! Let's rock the count, ladies 'n gents!

Hey guys. My name's Jake, and while I haven't ever been to a meetup of any kind, this will be my sixth NaNo. I've only won last year's out of all of them, too. I love my awful track record. I'm looking forward to another month of crazy writing and little sleep.

I'm hoping to come out to a meeting, though I'm pretty shy around new people. We'll see what happens.

Has Tulsa always had a board up? Either way, we've got to smash 'em with our count. Go OKC!

Hi everyone, DJ here. 3rd or 4th time doing Nanowrimo, though I've never even come close to winning. I'd love to take part in meetups this year if possible. I've moved from Edmond to OKC, so I'm a bit more centrally located.

Hey everyone!
So glad to discover there is an active group in OKC...not sure why I missed this in past years (this will be my 3rd time around, won once)...probably busy wearing the letters off my keyboard. Looking forward to the kickoff party!

I was iffy about whether I would participate this year (I was planning to focus on editing one of the FOUR novels I've already written this year), but I decided the insanity is too fun to pass up. So I am here! Good luck to everyone else out there in the state! I'm probably not going to be able to make any of the meetings, but I will be there in spirit. I'm coming into NaNo this year with one book published, one on the way very soon, and two more in the pipeline with the publishers. Two of those novels, by the way, were written for NaNo in 2005 and 2006 (I think... it's hard for me to keep track of what I write and when I write it ;-D).

My hopes are to spend October revising two novels, and then getting to work on a brand-new one come November. Wish me luck! ~fingers crossed and starts stretching at the starting line~

Geonn
www.geonncannon.com

Hi, my name's Mandy. This is my third attempt at NaNo and maybe my first win. I sure hope so even though I enjoy the craziness of trying each year it sure would be nice to actually win once. I've been lurking around the forums for the most part but am hoping to do a little more gabbing this year. Maybe that will actually keep me focused. Not sure how that logic works but I'll go with it. lol I'm planning something with a crazy projectionist, a random mansion in the middle of nowhere, and a lake with a lot of experience with homicides. This will be my first attempt at something that's not family oriented or romantic so we'll see how it goes.

Hi, I'm Carolyn and this will be my fifth NaNo attempt, and hopefully my fifth win.

I live in Midwest City, but seem to do better getting to online meetings of any sort rather than "in-person" ones. Maybe that can change this year. We'll see.

Onward!

Hi, my name is Smunkee.....(or Joey, either way). This is my 4th year to Nano, I actually won last year! (yay!) I'm going to use the same strategy this year and hope for another win.

My oldest daughter (7) got to about 10K last year and is planning on a goal of 15K this year.

Hi, I'm Patty and this is my fourth NaNo (won two so far). I live in Moore. Usually during the day is good, but I have kiddos to pick up so I prefer mornings and weekends.

I'm so thrilled to hear from you guys! I'll try to get a post out to everyone, but right now I just want to say:

Woo-hoo! OKC's got its own region now! Head over to your regions and be sure to add OKC today, and if you call this region your home, be sure to change it over to your home region!

Hey everyone. My name is Paula and this is my 2nd attempt at nanowrimo. The first was in 2003, but I dropped it about 1/4 of the way through. I've got ideas kicking around in my head on what I want to write about. I'm in Midwest City, but being a single mom keeps me tethered to the house more often than not so I may not be able to hit the meet-ups.

I would like to add that I work some wacky hours. I can say for certain that weekends will not work for me because of my work schedule. I am off on Wednesdays and either Tuesday or Monday it varies from week to week. I usually work nights though so I might be able to make it to a daytime meet up sometime.

Hi -- checking in under our 'new' regional heading!

Last year was my first NaNo and somehow or another, I finished. I'm going to try again this year, but last year was easier as hubby was out of town most of the month -- ha, ha!

-- Clem

Bonjour! I am the resident lurker from Choctaw/ Nicoma Park. I like fantasy and Panera Bread Plain Bagles with Rasberry Cream Cheese Spread. ^_____^

I'm interested in meetings for people in the Midwest City area, mostly because I'm a Rose Student and work at Hancock Fabrics so I'm usually in the area around 29th st.

Ok, let's see if I can catch up with everyone here—

Jess! I'm so glad to see you back. I'm looking forward to seeing you sometime in the coming month. Do you have any ideas for places to meet in the northerly part of the city?

Jake, one of the great things about writers is that we're all a little shy around strangers, but since writers tend to be a mouthy lot, we aren't strangers for long. We don't bite (unless you ask really nicely), and we've always been welcoming to new folks. Just keep an eye out for the cauldron in the middle of the table (although if that fails, the raucous laughter should guide you right to us).

Oh, and the Tulsa board actually débuted last year, and this year (as you've obviously noticed) OKC got a board, too. I'm still giddy.

DJ, it's great to have you back. I'd love to see you at some of the meetings. And remember—out of everyone who signs up for NaNo, less than half ever post a word count at all. If you've so much as opened a file or turned to a fresh page and written or typed "Chapter One," you are ahead of most people. And that's pretty awesome by itself.

Shannon—I'm glad I'm not the only one with that 'letters wearing off the keyboard' problem. I'm also glad you've found your way to us. If you can't make it to the kick-off party planning, then I'll look forward to seeing you at the party. Details should be posted on either Saturday or Sunday.

Geonn, it's great to see you back for another year. Congrats on the novels, and if you get a chance to pop by one of the meetings, we'd love to see you.

Mandy, I'm thrilled you aren't lurking anymore. As I mentioned to DJ, if you've just started, you're ahead of most people. But there's something else amazing—people who participate in the forums are actually more likely to win than people who lurk or never visit the forums at all. Here's hoping a little of that magic gets to you this time around.

Carolyn, if you can make it to any of the meetings, we'd be glad to have you. Pretty much all of us are a little shy about in person meetings—honestly, the reason why I started organizing at all was because I've always been too shy and talked myself out of going anywhere. If I was in charge, I'd have to be there, and it worked great! Whatever you decide to do, I'm cheering you on to that fifth win.

Joey, you're still totally my hero. And your oldest daughter rocks (actually, so does your youngest).

Patty, I'm glad to see you back again. I can't organize any morning meets, but maybe there are some other folks out there who'd like to get together early.

Paula, I'm glad you're back. NaNo is a great place to get those ideas out, and a start is always better than just having them simmering in the back of your head. It seems like we have several people in Midwest City this year, so maybe something could be arranged close to home. And if you'd like, don't worry about bringing your kids along. We're friendly folks, and others have brought theirs along without any problems in the past.

Oh, and Mandy, about the odd hours: in previous years, we've had our meetings on Saturdays in the afternoon and in the evening on Wednesdays. We might stick with that and we might not, but it looks like the Wednesday ones might be right up your alley.

Clem, it's great to have you back. Having your hubby around will just make for an extra challenge. Everyone's family gets a little neglected around NaNo.

NightShadow, I'm happy to make the acquaintance of a fellow fantasy lover. It looks like we've got a lot of folks out in Midwest City this year, so I'll try to hold at least one meeting in that area. Any ideas for good places to meet over there?

So...uhm...like..I should read all the threads before posting. LOL. Repeating a bit from the "Intros" thread, I'm PJ in real life and I hail from Bethany. Unfortunately, I have a prior commitment Saturday so I'll miss the meet-n-plan. :-( I hope to make it to at least one meeting during the month, though.

This is my third NaNo, plus one year of ScriptFrenzy. I've won all previous and have every intention of adding this year to the list. Good luck, everyone!

Virginia, here in Norman. I would really love to meet up with other NaNoWriMo folks. I don't leave Norman much, so if there is anyone that is interested in meeting in Norman that would be great. Gas and time are so very expensive. I would love to participate in write-ins, as well. Also, anyone in the area from an older crowd of about 50, give or take a few years?

I'm well over 50. Have you checked out the Age Group - Over 50, especially the Smoking Pen Bar and Grill?

So...here we go again.

I'm Nikki, and I'm returning for my third year of this crazy ride. I've never been able to make it past 20k, but I'm going to this year, if it's the last thing I do. I hope to be more involved this time around, as I think it may help me to stop watching reruns of Jon and Kate Plus 8(my favorite show, sadly), and do some writing.

*Nikki*

I squealed when I saw that OKC had it's own region now :D!

I'm Sphynx, but some of you know me as Erin. I'm returning for my third year of NaNo (and dragging in a friend along for the ride this time), and hopefully will be an easy win this year. I have a new job this year, which allows me hours at the computer (and a 13 hour shift on Saturday!), so there's really no reason I should be complaining of having no time this year around. I'm also juggling with wedding plans - I'm getting married in January!

This years NaNo will be a AU story that kinda sorta follows the events of the 18th dynasty kings in Ancient Egypt. Don't ask - I'm really not even sure yet.

I won't be able to attend meetings this year - excpet for the third Saturday in November. It's the only one I have off. That's if wedding plans don't get in the way!

Howdy. :D I just moved to the OKC area from a rural town in Arkansas, and I'm psyched about this year. I tried last year (with an account whose name I totally forgot until I made this one), and failed utterly. I didn't even make it to 3k words. That's not going to be the case this year, though. I got to meet Richard Trout today... (yesterday now, technically) and it was really encouraging for me to get to speak with him this close to the beginning of NaNoWriMo. I also learned a few students at my new school are participating, but I didn't think to try grabbing their usernames. :D I truly think I can do it this year, and I wish a good luck to everyone else, too!

Oh, and I tend to go by Jenkies, as that is a nickname I was given back home. Hee.

This will be my first year of actually attempting it. I've considered it for years but November is usually a crazy month and I never thought I could write that much. This past June I wrote 30,000 words in 15 days, so I think I could do it, so I'm gonna do it this year. I haven't figured out yet what I want to write, I have three story ideas in my head but I'm not sure if I should pick one of those or just wing it. I'm looking forward to the challenge though!

Hi everyone! My name is Jan, and I live in Norman. I have a crazy schedule, because I work night shift on the weekends. During the week, I follow a normal human schedule because I have a toddler to tend to. I would love to meetup with some fallow Nano'ers :)

I live in Choctaw. I go to the OKC group meetings. It's not that far from MWC. It's a fun group. If you ever need a ride let me know and I can pick you up.

Trying to catch up. I guess I should have read through these before my earlier post. I'm getting some notices and not others. Not sure why.

I noticed we have a few new people, new to our group, not necessarily to NaNo, that live in MWC and Choctaw. If any of you need rides, let me know. I'm driving this way anyway and it's no trouble to pick y'all up.

I'm a harmless middle age lady who doesn't bite. I'm not posting my phone number on here, but send me a message and I will be glad to give it to you. I think Jasmine has it too.

I'd rather not start a new group in MWC or Choctaw. OKC has much better meeting places, plus the more the merrier.

Peace and happy writing. :o)

Hello, everyone. I'm PChuu22, better know as 'Erynne' in the real world, a NaNoer in her third year. I've never done any meet-ups, although I wouldn't be opposed, especially if it's somewhere with good hot tea and pastries! (the pregnant lady never stops being hungry)

I'm 26, which puts me towards the top end of the young group, I suppose. At least that's what I keep telling myself. "Young, damnit, I'm YOUNG."

It looks like I'll be devoting my time to a YA novel focusing on a teenage witch who communicates with animals, and is now hearing the thoughts of a muderous werewolf - who, unfortuantely, can hear her thoughts, too, and is therefore hunting her down.

I won't post my number, since I guard that kind of stuff with bared teeth and sticks (it ain't easy being short and easily intimidated, so I pretend to be scarier than I am). But if you want to reach me through email, I'm at pchuu22@gmail.com, and I check pretty much every day without fail.

I live in the Midwest City/Del City area, but the commute to Norman, Moore, or OKC is not one that would fuss me. I'd love to be included in meetups that happen on days I can make it! I'm a dog trainer, so my schedule is wonky... Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings are out, and I can't do anything earlier than 6pm on Saturday or Sunday.

Wow, you know way more about me now than I'm sure you cared to. :)

- E

Hello! My name is Bailey and I'm a first-time NaNoer. I'm a college student double majoring in Writing and Accounting and double minoring in Spanish and International Studies. I'm in the Honors program and am directing the alumni homecoming event for Honors on Nov. 8th. I'm also the secretary of the English honor society.

I'm from Edmond and stayed here for school at Oklahoma Christian University, so I have a pretty good grasp of the metro area and would love to be involved in writings and meet-ups.

In the middle of all this craziness, I somehow stumbled upon NaNoWriMo and decided it sounded like a fun challenge. I'm a first-year and I'm pretty nervous. I'm excited, but I know it's going to be hard for me. I'm sure it'll fun, and I'm glad to have other people around to give myself confidence in this venture.

There's all of that, and I'm excited about my first NaNoWriMo!

It looks like this year is following the traditions--we've got the servers slowing down as November creeps every closer. Everyone keep your fingers crossed that the servers make it through the launch--I know we've got some truly awesome people working their butts off to keep us going, and I know they'll be thrilled if everything goes smoothly this year. If we do get the big yearly crash, just bear with us--the miracle workers behind the scenes are always on top of it.

I want to see if I can catch up with everyone again, so here goes...

PJ--Hope to see you at some of the meetings!

Virginia--Always a pleasure. I hope to run into you again this year.

Nikki--You need any encouragement, you can always come here.

Erin--Pleasure, as always. I tried to schedule the meetings so you'd be able to get to a few of them. We'll see--and congratulations again about the wedding!

Jenkies--Glad to have you in OKC this year. I know you'll nail it this time around.

Tina--The challenge is the best part. I'm still floored about last year--I squealed over the finish line with 50,030 words right after 11:30 pm on November 30th. I've finished a lot earlier and with a lot more words, but I'm definitely most proud of that win.

Jan--I hope you can make it to some of the meetings! Your toddler is welcome to come with you, and I know I'd love to meet you.

Erynne--You'll probably love Cafe Bella if you're looking for good tea and pastries. The Red Cup has good tea and a variety of other lovely treats, too. And I'm also 26 and insisting I'm still young. :)

Bailey--I'm glad to have you here! If you can, come by any of the meet ups you can make. We specialize in encouraging each other.

I'm the dyslexic version of 26 (that's 62 for those of you who aren't dyslexic) but I'm still young, hale, and hearty!

We're meeting this Sturday at 3:00 p.m. at the City Bites on N. MacArthur just a bit south of the turnpike (Memorial Road). It's in the Legacy Bank on the west side of hte street. Those who NaNoed with us last year will remember it as the Red Moon - they kept all the outlets and the long booth where we all fit. I'll be there with the Plot Pot (a plastic cauldron full of NaNo swag) and wearing a silly hat.

You're more than welcome to join us, we usually hang out until they kick us out - which, at City Bites, is 8:00 p.m. That gives you an hour or two....

Hey everyone! I'm Lizzi, and this is my first year doing this NaNoWriMo thing. I was "greatly encouraged" to write this month, but now that it's actually happening, I think it will go well. I will try to come to the get-togethers if I have time.