United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

Your promised lolzcat war

Matt Mesnard — Mon, 1 Dec 2008 01:40:33 -0800

Now the NaNoWriMos have ended and FiMos may be beginning, it's time to have the lolzcat showcase.
Your contenders are...

A) Kitty stalking the camera but stays all motionless and such.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx5Zzh5V33Q

B) Kitty Fixing the printer (with captions for those too lazy to make their own up).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvBiSW5QFKY

C) Kitty cat realsies ninjas in a Toyota commercial.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZBOJ25e7GQ

Now these next two are only for exhibition and out of the competition. So *please* no wagering...

- Glow in the dark kitties which totally need a Nobel prize or something:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upQ_a-ch-pU
[real article about it below]
http://inventorspot.com/articles/scientists_create_glowinthedark__9191

- The original Laser Cats
(Some will use the cats for good, others for evil.)
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/081d1c5cfe/laser-cats-1-from-kavorka

And if Amber wants to post that particular lolz warning towards parents about their children, feel free PLEASE. But it will have to sit on the sidelines and watch this kitty drama unfold.

LET THE VOTING BEGIN!
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"This is for all of the little children looking out at the tv sets tonight...
Hey kids."
-David Letterman

United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

Monthy Meet-Ups?

Katantion — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 10:10:53 -0800

Hey guys!

As we all previously talked about, I would really like to do monthly or bi-monthly meet-ups, so we don't see each other only once a year! Anyone interested? We can meet at a coffee shop, or my house is always open.

I'm also going to be at Inside The Bungalow every Wednesday evening from now until whenever I finish editing my gorram '07 novel..... (I won't be there tonight, however. Or next week. So I guess the from now really meant from two weeks from now.)
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-Amber is ML: East Valley

United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

Project 365

nekowriternyan — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:43:53 -0800

So I was looking around the BFSA forums and found this!

It's a project of sorts where you take a picture every day for an entire year. Check out the string and then follow the link to the website page that explains.

http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/3146258#comment-3483502

It looks like a lot of fun! I'm going to try and do it, and I thought I would put it out there for the rest of you! See what you think!
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United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

Holiday Party Reminder!

Katantion — Tue, 9 Dec 2008 14:20:24 -0800

Hey guys- Just a friendly reminder that my holiday party is this saturday, and you're all invited (including those who weren't there when I made the first invitation at the TGIO.)

Bring an appetizer, dessert, or beverage, and a wrapped ornament.

Hope to see you there!
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-Amber is ML: East Valley

United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

Script Frenzy - Interested?

nekowriternyan — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:50:49 -0800

Hello Wrimos!

I was wondering... Script Frenzy - is anyone interested in participating in April? If we have enough maybe we'll see about starting a Region for us - and getting some funding. ;-)

I, personally, would be interested, though I have no clue how to write a screenplay. But there's no time like April to try!

Skye
EV co-ML
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United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

Bowling - BAEPOD Unite!

nekowriternyan — Tue, 2 Dec 2008 15:54:57 -0800

Bowlers Against Evil Pins Of Doom (BAEPOD):

The EPOD schemes against us! I have discovered that, at Brunswick Zone Mesa, leagues take up 5:30-9:30p.m. Friday evening, filling all lanes! And every weekday night at that time, for that matter!

Now, at AMF Tempe Village, they have lanes open, but it is much more expensive, they don't have hourly deals (except "party" ones, which are really expensive), and are usually extremely busy during this time. Their prices are: $4.75 per game, $4.25 shoe rental.

We might want to accept defeat this week and try again another day. :-(

How about Saturday, December 13th at Brunswick Zone Mesa? We can go cosmic bowling! Either 11:30-1:30 p.m. or 2-4 p.m. The deals are:
1 hr. $24.99 (game+shoes), 1 lane up to 6 people (this would be $4 per person if we have all 6)
$4.49 game/$3.95 shoes ($8.44 each)

If you like this date, my suggestion:
Saturday, December 13th, from 2-4p.m. We can get a 1 hour and add games ($9.50ish) or two 1-hours ($8ish).

What say you, BAEPODs? Can you make it? Or should we just wait?

Let me know below!

We shall defeat the EPODs yet!

Skye
EV co-ML
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United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

TGIO Post-Game Thread

nekowriternyan — Sun, 7 Dec 2008 07:45:33 -0800

WE HAD A BLAST! Well, at least I did, but I think as your wonderful co-ML I can speak for everyone present. ;-)

We ate, we drank (only over 21), we sang to Sweeney Todd (well, I did) and talked about our novels. We filled out questionnaires and handed out the First EaVa Awards and watched a movie (and talked through most of it). We played 1,000 Blank White Cards (even me! And it's not so bad!). Amber learned how to use a grill and set up a projector. Good times, good times.

Thanks for coming to everyone who did (and for bringing yummy food!), and shame on you for not to everyone who didn't! But to all, we hope to see everyone next year! (Or at bowling, whichever comes first ;-)

Skye
EV co-ML

P.S. Amber: There is no way that extremely mushy movie did not have the words "I love you" spoken in it at least once. Besides, I did not specify the "movie," and I checked the last page of the book and she totally says it (probably along with sixteen other times throughout the single book). So he earned the points fair and square. :-p

Did my other drinking card come up? ;-)
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United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

12/6- TGIO Info/Signups

Katantion — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:42:43 -0800

Who: You and anyone you feel like bringing.
What: The TGIO- Thank GOD It's Over- celebrating the end of the insanity that is NaNoWriMo. Winners and Non-Winners alike are invited!
Why: To pat ourselves on the back for attempting to pull of the not-so-impossible-but-still-insane goal of participating (and in most cases, completing) National Novel Writing Month
When: Saturday, December 6th, 2008. 3:00 pm. The calendar has an end time of six, but we'll keep on going till everyone is sick of each other.
Where: Amber's house/backyard. (Please don't stalk me!)
Park on the street, avoid blocking driveways and such.
The cross-streets are Alma School and Main.
1339 W 1st St
Mesa AZ 85201

We're going to have the grill up and running with brats and hot dogs, and we'll do this potluck style. I'm putting this here so you guys can let me know what you're bringing, so we don't end up with nothing but desserts.

Scroll on through here to make sure there isn't already someone else bringing the same thing!

Think outside the potluck box! Bring an entree, bring a side dish, bring a salad, bring something to drink!
You don't have to bring much- one .99 2-Liter works wonders!

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-Amber is ML: East Valley

United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

Finished! The novel is complete!

Midnight Lightning — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 15:18:35 -0800

All righty. This is for those of you who have finished your novel! Even if your word count hasn't reached 50,000 yet, you have completed what you wanted to write!

(I managed this at about 4:00 this afternoon, after consuming mass amounts of pie and forgetting 2 major scenes.)

Hopefully you'll reach 50K, but there's no shame in novellas! For the winners of the greater war with your novel, congratulations! Now we only have to edit for about two years. Whoo-hoo, edit time!

Novel name: Hollow Worlds (or Home.)

Expected final length: 80K words.

Things you have to edit: Add a death scene and a strange I-love-you-oh-noes-danger-time scene.

Excitement level? Through the metaphorical roof! Though I did recently break the ceiling.

Your turn!
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United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

Questions about YOU in NaNo '08

Matt Mesnard — Tue, 2 Dec 2008 07:24:47 -0800

I asked some questions in the past about things inside your novel. This time I am asking about things (in no particular order) specific to YOU as far as NaNo and your novels: as a novel more than the universe and story. As usual, I'll let someone else boast "first" :)

Question #1
How did you think this NaNo went writing-wise compared to

Question #2
On a scale of 1-10, how much of a word padder did you feel you were?
(scale being in quantity let's say)

Question #3
What is one example of word padding you employed
(we all do for NaNo SOMEHOW, don't we?)

Question #4
Was there anything you did which you didn't think you would ever stoop so low to?
(whether you retracted it or left it in, or even pondered it.)

Question #5
Did you use any prompts or dares in your story?
(if so, do tell what they were)

Question #6
How far into your story do you think you got when WriMo ended?
(a percentage will do)

Question #7
Will you finish your story before NaNo '09?

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"This is for all of the little children looking out at the tv sets tonight...
Hey kids."
-David Letterman

United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

Random Question: Why Do Some People Write Nothing?

kayinay — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 12:54:57 -0800

It's been bothering me for a while. Why is it that some people sign up for NaNo and write nothing? I mean, I can understand starting it and not managing to finish (though I will, just watch!), but to sign up, join the forums, etc. etc. and then end the month without even one word registered?

If anyone could explain, please. :)
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United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

The Official Word Count Thread

Katantion — Sat, 1 Nov 2008 01:31:28 -0700

Get your brag on here, suckers.
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-Amber is ML: East Valley

United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

Prompts and Dares Threads

crboivin — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 14:46:22 -0800

I know this is a little late, but this is for anyone who wants to write something anytime for the remainder of the year.

If you have a dare or prompts, try to use this setup:

Type (Prompt or Dare)
The prompt or dare itself
Difficulty (1 for easiest, 5 for hardest)

Example:
Prompt
An evil creature rampages in a major city, and the characters must escape the city while dodging strange monsters.
Difficulty 2

I know I just used the plot for Cloverfield, but like I said, it's just an example.
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United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

Winner's Circle! (winners encouraged)

Matt Mesnard — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 06:22:12 -0800

Your bar must be *this* purple to enter.

If you are blue, come on - you can do it!
If you are green, go under My NaNo and verify.

Congratulations to all who discovered the pirate ship while sailing so far. Now just wrap it up, or edit it, or anything else of your choosing. Just don't touch One-Eyed Willy's stash: that's his.

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"This is for all of the little children looking out at the tv sets tonight...
Hey kids."
-David Letterman

United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

Stroke of midnight NaNoWriMo patter

Matt Mesnard — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:58:01 -0800

"I must admit, without the East Valley region, NaNoWriMo would not have been a victory."

"Victory? Victory, you say? Not a victory. Becoming unreliable, this novel has.
Word padding, failure of resolution, creating open tangents are its ways now.
The shroud of NaNoWriMo has fallen. Begun, the editing has."
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"This is for all of the little children looking out at the tv sets tonight...
Hey kids."
-David Letterman

United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

Write-Ins: Sat 11/29 & Sun 11/30

nekowriternyan — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:26:41 -0800

EVWrimos:

It is upon us: the last weekend before the end of Nano as we know it! For those who need that last great push (or for those who wish to hang out and gloat), here's the info for the last weekend's write-ins! So fill up on turkey and stuffing (and candied yams - YUM!) and waddle down and join us for either or both! We'll see you there!

SATURDAY

WHERE: Tempe Public Library: Youth Meeting Room (check calendar for details). Head downstairs and into the children's area (left off the stairs if memory serves). When you hit the kid's info desk head right all the way back (past the bathrooms). We're in the far back right corner, behind the single door. I'll put up a sign. We may be hidden, but as we all know: hidden things are always the best!

WHEN: 1-5 p.m.

WHAT TO BRING: You know the drill - yourself, your laptop/writing instrument, jacket, etc. Bring snacks for yourself and to share if you've got'em! The cafe won't be open, to my knowledge. As always: charge up the laptop if possible - there won't be many plugs, if there's even more than one.

SUNDAY

WHERE: Bookmans (check calendar for details)

WHEN: 1-4 p.m.

WHAT TO BRING: see above.

You don't have to make the whole time - we'd love to see you however long you can make it! Hope everyone has a great thanksgiving weekend!

Skye
EV co-ML

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United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

Black Friday Writing Cram

Katantion — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 19:11:38 -0800

For those of you at Bookmans last Sunday, and for those of you who weren't-

I am very serious about the fact that I will be slaving away at the laptop all day tomorrow, and anyone who wants to join me is more than welcome as long as they come with a serious-business attitude. ;P

I'm going to be at my house all day and I have a lot of leftovers/pie, so either call/text, email (eavawrimo@gmail.com), or respond here. 6029307581.

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-Amber is ML: East Valley

United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

Award Nominations!

Katantion — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:49:01 -0800

At the TGIO, we're going to be handing out awards to our fellow wrimo's, so nominations can be done in advance, or at the event.

Feel free to nominate whoever you like for whatever you like.....just don't do it here.

Send them to eavawrimo@gmail.com.

These can be as silly and nonsensical as you want. They can be inappropriate (as long as the nominator and the nominee are both over 18). Get crazy, wrimo's- I want to see what you come up with.

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-Amber is ML: East Valley

United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

Who else has caught a cold?

smashinator — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:44:04 -0800

Wouldn't you know I'd catch a darn cold over the weekend this year when I meant to be catching up... well, getting ahead. It knocked me down hard enough that I actually had to spend today catching up and getting the tiniest bit ahead. Argh.

It took me most of the afternoon today (I called in sick) to force out a little under 2,000 words, and another couple hours tonight to get out another 1600-ish.

Anyone else contending with illness interfering with the creative process?
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"If you wish to be a writer, write." - Epictetus

United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

Two more questions about your novel:

Matt Mesnard — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:02:57 -0800

Since people seemed to love the original post - here are more random-ish things to ask you authors.
[Just as last time, I'll let someone else claim "first" and I'll answer later. Ain't I a philanthropist?]

Question 4:
What is one location your story takes place; especially if you can cite a location outside the USA?
(whether fictitious or really-dealie)

Question 5:
Name one vehicle which is in your story
(or any one other mode of transportation - especially if someone named the vehicle)
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"This is for all of the little children looking out at the tv sets tonight...
Hey kids."
-David Letterman

United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

11/22- Xtreme Bean OVERNIGHTER

Katantion — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:29:25 -0800

Yes, yes. You read that right. Overnighter.

We'll be kicking it off at 6 pm, and the few of us brave enough to make it all the way through will be signing out at 6 am. Are you ready for the best twelve hours ever? (Aside from watching LOTR back to back, IDK?)

WHERE: Xtreme Bean ((Here Be A Map))

WHEN: 6 pm to 6 am

WHAT TO BRING: Yourself, something to write with, a can-do attitude, monies for coffee to help push you through the twelve hours, a willingness to play 1000 Blank White Cards, and an acceptance for doing crazy things. (Like spending twelve hours with fellow wrimo's.)

Don't forget that we're doing this with the Phoenix region!

Also, you don't have to stay the whole time, you can come late and leave early. (But I'll judge you. ;P)

Hope to see you all there!

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-Amber is ML: East Valley

United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

Queen Creek NaNos?

literatewriter — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:36:16 -0800

Are there any other NaNo participants in Queen Creek, or around Queen Creek? Better yet, are there any people here who know where Queen Creek is? ;)
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United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

Two Questions about your novel

Matt Mesnard — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:05:29 -0800

I felt I would try to do something which all can contribute to and which nobody would have to feel self conscious about. So I decided to ask these questions just to have a little fun - since it's halfway through in theory and there is probably some sort of universe which has started gelling together.

Hope you all enjoy it!

Question 1:
What time/period is your novel set?

Question 2:
What thing have you created especially for this novel?
(it could be a name of something, a city, anything which didn't exist until you wrote it)
Please choose only one

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"This is for all of the little children looking out at the tv sets tonight...
Hey kids."
-David Letterman

United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

Write-ins this weekend? (11/22 & 11/23)

rachiez — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:43:02 -0800

I've been wanting to get involved and come to the write-ins but things just kept coming up. Anyone planning one for this weekend? Anyone up for doing one in Tempe again? I have some major catching up to do! And I promised myself I would go to at least one this year and meet some of my fellow WriMos.
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"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Check out my blog Book 'N' a Mug

United States :: Arizona :: East Valley

11/19 Write-In: Solo Cafe/Inside The Bungalow

Katantion — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:29:29 -0800

WHERE: Solo Cafe (check calendar for details)

WHEN: 6-8:30 p.m.

WHAT TO BRING: Yourself, your laptop/writing instrument, money for coffee, jacket, etc. As always: charge up the laptop if possible -we don't know the plug count.

Remember that neither Skye nor I will be at the Wednesday events; they are just times set up for Wrimo's to meet if it is convenient for them. I will be at Inside The Bungalow again tonight, for those of us with transportation issues. Here' s hoping you can make it to either place, and remember- keep on writing!
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-Amber is ML: East Valley