So I'm sort of an unofficial ML for the area, I suppose. I was thinking of having write-ins at the auburn Starbucks on Saturday afternoons. There are a few downsides to Starbucks (nothing really in the way of food, you have to get a Starbucks card to get free wifi, cost) but I'm sort of at a loss for ideas of other places we could have them.
I would love to hear some feedback! See how many people are interested and if you have a better idea for a place to meet. I know that Willy Bean place closes rediculously early, which is why I've never been to check it out. Most of the other coffee shops in town have closed. Where could we go?
I was also interested in doing at least one all night write in! We wanted to do one at Denny's last year but the staff didn't really seem to understand our needs and were a bit on the rude side when they told us they would rather we not go there. If they don't want people with laptops and wont give a straight answer about outlets, why advertise wifi on the front door? Anyway, the only other all night place in the area is Tim Horton's. The one on Lisbon street has the Coldstone Creamery inside too. Anybody want to hang out writing, drinking coffee and chowing on ice cream until the wee hours of the morning with me?
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http://www.squirrel-girl.com/
http://squirrellylist.blogspot.com/
33,372 / 50,000
oct. 21, 2009 - 15 35
Oh and I meant to say that the downside to Tim Horton's is no wifi.
----------http://www.squirrel-girl.com/
http://squirrellylist.blogspot.com/
44,805 / 50,000
oct. 21, 2009 - 15 44
I would love to participate in some Lewiston/Auburn write-ins. I might be in town quite often, and I'm originally from Auburn.
I worked at Tim Horton's for two years. They SHOULD have wi-fi. They're just not allowed to promote the fact that they have it which I think is really dumb. At least, in Auburn, the one on Minot Ave should have it. You might wanna look into it. :]
Anyway, I'm definitely interested. Especially if it's the weekend after Thanksgiving. :]
----------783 / 50,000
oct. 21, 2009 - 15 46
I am definitely up for a Starbucks write-in. Since I will be mostly working on my AlphaSmart (gotta get rid of the distractions!), wi-fi will not be an issue. Do you think SB will be okay with us hanging out there for a few hours? As for all-nighters, I'm not sure. At 37, my body no longers loves the late nights like it used to. ;) This is a big maybe, but maybe I can host a late-night write-in at my house.
What about the Auburn Library? Don't they have a cafe downstairs? That could be an option for some Saturdays.
33,372 / 50,000
oct. 22, 2009 - 17 48
Well I directly asked the Tim Horton's that I called and they said they did not have wifi. Maybe they lied, I don't know.
I've never actually been to the cafe in the library! I keep forgetting that it's there. And every time I've been in Starbucks there have been several people who would diligently work for several hours. I stayed there for almost 5 hours the one time I went there. They even came around to make sure I had figured out how to get connected to their wifi, and they gave me a free sample of a new smoothie that they have. The staff seems really nice.
----------http://www.squirrel-girl.com/
http://squirrellylist.blogspot.com/
33,372 / 50,000
oct. 22, 2009 - 17 58
So I suppose the big question now is, what are you guys doing the day after tomorrow? Want to have a little mini kick-off party?
----------http://www.squirrel-girl.com/
http://squirrellylist.blogspot.com/
44,805 / 50,000
oct. 22, 2009 - 18 01
I do! I'm actually going to be in Auburn on Saturday! Haha. Maybe then I'll be able to see what a Kick-Off Party is like so I can make sure the one up here at UMaine is good. :)
Hmm, that's strange about Tim Horton's. Maybe some of them don't have wifi. That's actually really saddening, because I like being able to work there. The Library would be a good place too. I'm up for anywhere. :)
I'm excited for this.
----------33,372 / 50,000
oct. 22, 2009 - 18 06
Awesome! Now this isn't going to be much like the big Westbrook kickoff, with tons of games and stuff. But I will gladly let you know what it's like down there since I've been every year since before I actually participated in NaNo! Maybe we will fudge some of that stuff for fewer people, who knows. Just to warn you I can be kinda shy. Usually NaNo brings out my more talkative side though.
What sounds like a good start time to you? Noon?
----------http://www.squirrel-girl.com/
http://squirrellylist.blogspot.com/
33,372 / 50,000
oct. 22, 2009 - 18 12
I'm putting it on the calendar for 12 - 3 but that is definitely not set in stone. I will be there from noon until other people decide to leave me.
----------http://www.squirrel-girl.com/
http://squirrellylist.blogspot.com/
2,451 / 50,000
oct. 22, 2009 - 18 13
Hi!
I am also in the Auburn area and would like to get together and write with people at some point :) No idea what I am going to write though but having company would be fun ^_^.
44,805 / 50,000
oct. 22, 2009 - 19 04
Noon works for me! :) Where are we meeting? The library? I'm excited for this. I'm a little shy at first too, but hopefully there will be a nice little group of us, so we can all chat. :D
----------33,372 / 50,000
oct. 23, 2009 - 05 51
I figured we'd meet at Starbucks. It's usually pretty quiet in there and for me it's not a proper kick-off without coffee. And I'll see if I can find some of my old NaNo goodies from past years for everybody. I think I've got some stickers around here somewhere... oh yes and some lobster and moose group mascot buttons!
----------http://www.squirrel-girl.com/
http://squirrellylist.blogspot.com/
44,805 / 50,000
oct. 23, 2009 - 07 38
Yay! I'm rather excited. :] Mylinh and I will be there! And I might have another one tagging along. The only Starbucks in the area I know of is the one next to the Auburn Mall, is this the one we're talking about, or is there another one in the LA area I don't know about? Haha.
----------71,219 / 50,000
oct. 23, 2009 - 09 51
I'm in. Currently living in Lewiston and attending CMCC so it sounds good. my friend Breanna and I are doing NaNo together for the motovation factor, and we might have a former classmate participating as well. I'll see you all there!
----------Rebecca Susanne
Most Words in a Single Day - 8,335, Nov 1
# of Days with No Nanoing - 0
Body Count- 12
68,174 / 50,000
oct. 23, 2009 - 13 04
Yes, Ellie's talking about the Starbucks by the Auburn Mall.
Ellie got dragged into NaNo when she was in high school and living with me. She's been to so many NaNo events, even before joining NaNo that she's going to throw a wonderful Kick Off! I just know it. (Who? Me? Giving my girl a pep talk? Nevah!)
She claims she's shy, but there's a number of us who know the truth! She used to be shy and still has her moments, but she threw Bettchan's baby shower by herself when I had to flee for an emergency. When I got back she had the party hopping! So she might seem a little shy at first, but because it's a NaNo event, she'll relax pretty quickly.
I'd love to be a fly on the wall for this, but I have my own Kick Off to throw in Augusta!
Just don't get her talking about maths! She keeps teaching my teen math stuff that's way over my head, but that he's using to show off in school.
Have fun everybody!
Ken
----------ML - Maine: Portland to Augusta
"Writing is not necessarily something to be ashamed of, but do it in private and wash your hands afterwards." Heinlein
33,372 / 50,000
oct. 23, 2009 - 13 53
ZOMG! so many people! This is going to be awesome!
----------http://www.squirrel-girl.com/
http://squirrellylist.blogspot.com/
33,372 / 50,000
oct. 24, 2009 - 07 40
Alrighty people! I'm at Starbucks awaiting your arrival! I'm at the large table which is to your immediate right when you walk in the door, wearing my brown nano shirt and fingerless gloves with my laptop
----------http://www.squirrel-girl.com/
http://squirrellylist.blogspot.com/
33,372 / 50,000
oct. 24, 2009 - 07 50
And just for the record, yes, this is the only Starbucks around. I think the next closest one is the one in the Target in the Topsham Fair Mall.
----------http://www.squirrel-girl.com/
http://squirrellylist.blogspot.com/
18,104 / 50,000
oct. 24, 2009 - 14 04
This sounds great! The Auburn/Lewiston area is very reasonable for me as I live in Oxford county. I hope this comes together because I would love to participate!
Edit: Bluhh. It just occurred to me: I do not own a laptop and would feel pretty silly with my three notebooks in tow.
----------Fine Art
A horror, psychological thriller, romantic, surreal boat, taking a trip from an indie coffee house to a plastic box in an art gallery.
783 / 50,000
oct. 24, 2009 - 10 06
I can't make it today, but I'll definitely be there for some write-ins. Have fun!
33,372 / 50,000
oct. 24, 2009 - 13 24
Yay! It was great meeting everyone and I hope you all had a good time. And it sounds like i may see some of you tomorrow in Westbrook!
----------http://www.squirrel-girl.com/
http://squirrellylist.blogspot.com/
44,805 / 50,000
oct. 24, 2009 - 13 37
Today was so much fun. :] It was wonderful meeting everyone. I'm going to try to make it to Westbrook tomorrow, but it's looking like I won't be able to drive myself there. So if I can find a way to get there, I would love to be there. Amanda as well, but we'll see. :]
----------71,219 / 50,000
oct. 24, 2009 - 13 42
Today WAS a lot of fun! Thanks, Ellie, for putting that together. I won't be able to get to Westbrook, but I hope everyone has a great time!
Suzey
----------Rebecca Susanne
Most Words in a Single Day - 8,335, Nov 1
# of Days with No Nanoing - 0
Body Count- 12
40,778 / 50,000
oct. 24, 2009 - 14 28
Edit: Bluhh. It just occurred to me: I do not own a laptop and would feel pretty silly with my three notebooks in tow.
Try not to feel silly. You're not alone. The first 2 years I did NaNo I wrote in a notebook because that worked better for me. If I could do it, anyone can do it!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Municipal Liaison, Greater Portland Area
"If writers wrote as carelessly as some people talk, then adhasdh asdglaseuyt[bn[pasdlgkhasdfasdf."-- Lemony Snicket
----------~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Municipal Liaison, Greater Portland Area
"If writers wrote as carelessly as some people talk, then adhasdh asdglaseuyt[bn[pasdlgkhasdfasdf."-- Lemony Snicket
18,104 / 50,000
oct. 24, 2009 - 14 46
Thanks for the support. :) Maybe it's not as awkward as I thought. There is still hope!
----------Fine Art
A horror, psychological thriller, romantic, surreal boat, taking a trip from an indie coffee house to a plastic box in an art gallery.
68,174 / 50,000
oct. 24, 2009 - 15 07
Love - where do you live? I have to pick up Ellie on my way down. If you're on my way, I can grab you too.
Ken
----------ML - Maine: Portland to Augusta
"Writing is not necessarily something to be ashamed of, but do it in private and wash your hands afterwards." Heinlein
44,805 / 50,000
oct. 24, 2009 - 15 20
I actually live in Auburn! I know Ellie lives in Lewiston. If it's not too far out of your way, then that would be amazing. I would love that! If not, then I'm still asking around to see if anyone else wants to go. :] I can keep you updated.
----------71,219 / 50,000
oct. 24, 2009 - 15 51
Have fun ya'll!
----------Rebecca Susanne
Most Words in a Single Day - 8,335, Nov 1
# of Days with No Nanoing - 0
Body Count- 12
33,372 / 50,000
oct. 24, 2009 - 15 49
Yeah Ken I wanted to ask you about picking people up - didn't want to sign you up for anything without talking to you first, but I thought you might be asleep, considering how bad you were feeling earlier today.
Yeah, Love, if you need a ride send me and/or silvermander your address and phone number. She has a super nifty GPS thingy so you shouldn't have to give us directions. We'll call when we're close by.
----------http://www.squirrel-girl.com/
http://squirrellylist.blogspot.com/
44,805 / 50,000
oct. 24, 2009 - 15 52
Aww, Suzey, I wish you were going to! We could have just about the whole LA crew there. Haha. :D If I had the money, I'd be able to drive out there myself and I'd be able to bring whoever wanted to go too. But I have to drive to Orono, and my Dad said he'll only fill my tank once - therefore my car is out. (I really hate being a poor college student.)
----------71,219 / 50,000
oct. 24, 2009 - 16 07
My only problem is a ride. because I don't drive, and it's 35 miles, it's not something I can walk. my grandmother works full time so I'm not going to ask her to give me such a long ride for such a short period of time on her only day off. I wish I could but it doesn't seem possible. :(
----------Rebecca Susanne
Most Words in a Single Day - 8,335, Nov 1
# of Days with No Nanoing - 0
Body Count- 12