A plot ninja is:
1. An idea for a plot (character, setting, etc) element that bursts into your novel and wreaks havoc, like a ninja. But in a good way that increases your word count!
2. A colorful plastic ninja figurine that you can claim from your MLs at a write-in. Caution: plot ninjas resemble gummy candy, but resist being eaten.
At the meet-and-greet, we started gathering plot ninjas of the first type to release throughout the month. These ninja ideas can be applied to NaNo novels as needed whenever the author runs out of steam or gets bored.
Throughout the month, I'll be collecting plot ninja ideas on sticky notes at write-ins, and you can also send suggestions by NaNoMail. Contribute ideas for crazy characters, silly settings, preposterous plot twists, dangerous diversions, extreme episodes, and wacky words that can be throw into a NaNo novel when authors run short on ideas. Please keep your contributions sticky-sized: a phrase or short sentence.
To celebrate the first day of NaNoWriMo, I'll be releasing a few plot ninjas every hour until 5:00, both on this thread and in person at the First Day Write-in. The rest of the month, ninjas will be released daily. Watch out!
Lisa
South Bay co-ML
Not actually a ninja... as far as you know!
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45,139 / 50,000
nov. 1, 2009 - 11 01
I was *so* bored I had a staring contest with my pet chameleon.
protagonist's evil steampunk twin/clone shows up
NaNoer gets homicidal -- there were no plot ninjas at meet-and-greet!
45,139 / 50,000
nov. 1, 2009 - 12 05
"Hand me the ointment."
a man walks in with a gnu
It was about the worst possible time to be selected for an IRS audit.
45,139 / 50,000
nov. 1, 2009 - 12 58
"You just bought a house; you can't afford my services!"
a lonely strip of bacon is found on the floor
the gorilla escapes
45,139 / 50,000
nov. 1, 2009 - 16 06
Pottery Barn manager invades Switzerland and totally conquers
Katie pondered duct tape and children.
Someone has a gamboling problem. "...don't you mean 'gambling'?" "No."
45,139 / 50,000
nov. 1, 2009 - 14 58
the underwater lair of the evil Dr. What
a ninja gets a manicure
"Where the hell are my pants?!?"
45,139 / 50,000
nov. 1, 2009 - 16 05
A dog walks into a room...
Suddenly, the car crashed into a dinosaur cloning lab.
"Your phone's been disconnected? Does your toilet still flush?"
45,139 / 50,000
nov. 1, 2009 - 16 55
new highway off-ramp leads to village of stranded aliens
main character has out-of-body experiences at random times of the day
a priest with a machine gun riding a motorcycle
This is the last set of plot ninjas for today. I'll release them in packs on a daily basis as long as the supply continues, so send in your suggestions!