USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

*** Save the Date: TGIO Party

sapphirestar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:35:10 +0000

Just wanted to let you all know the date and time for the TGIO Party (Thank God It's Over) so you can plan to attend.

Tuesday, Dec 1 (why not celebrate right after you've won and collapsed in a heap?)
6 - 9:00 pm
The Loft

All the details will follow... this is just to let you know the basics.

Now, keep on writing!
----------
Theresa, aka Sapphirestar
Twin Cities ML
http://sapphire.albatross.org
2003: Out of Houdini's Trunk
2004: Rita, Not the Hurricane
2005: Days of Confinement
2006: My Name Is Shay
2007: After 50 Years
2008: The Fat Lady Sings

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

Write-ins: set up information

nellmorningstar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 03:56:42 +0000

Welcome all Twin City Wrimos!
One of the best parts of our regions, is how many active participants we have, and it grows each year. With an area as large as ours, it is to be expected that we would have write-ins throughout the entire region, and the only way to do this is by asking all interested participants to consider hosting write-ins when and where convenient to them.

Write-ins are a useful way to get out of your ordinary environment full of distracting excuses not to write. Coffee shops, libraries, café areas in bookstores, and common study areas in colleges are all possibilities. Any public space, which provides tables, outlets, access to food and drink and doesn’t mind a group taking up space for a few hours can work. Other things to consider might be accessibility, parking etc.

At a write-in, primarily we write. The host will have an area marked with a sign so we know how to find each other, and after some initial introductions, silence falls (although some of us bring earphones in case conversations around us are too distracting) and we write. Most rimes bring laptops, but a few brave souls have pen to notebook. Word wars (short timed blocks of a few minutes for all out writing) and dares might be exchanged, and often yield large word increases for all involved.

So, the steps to hosting a successful write-in:

1 – choose a location.
2 – choose a date, just one day, or every Saturday.
3 – choose the time, both beginning and ending.
4 – post your write-in information here in this thread so one of the Mills can post it to our calendar.
5 – be there, a few minutes before your start time so you can be ready with signs etc.

A few niceties, call your location before the write-in to give them a heads up. Also, consider bringing a power strip, or asking someone else planning to join you to bring one. Also, check to see if another participant is hosting a write-in next door at the same time on the same day, team up and do it together.

Feel free to ask any questions here.

----------
"The afternoon knows what the morning never suspected." Swedish proverb

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

* Write-ins: Addendum *

sapphirestar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:16:51 +0000

Hi 'Wrimos--- now that we're really getting into the write-in season, I wanted to just put out there a few reminders. I know we have a lot of newbies, or even oldies who really haven't been out to write-ins before... but even some of us write-in veterans could use a reminder (even me!) since it's been like a Whole Year since we've done Nano!

If others have any reminders or helpful hints to add, please do!

-- If you're organizing a write-in, it helps to put out a sign, a table-tent, a sticker, a copy of "No Plot? No Problem!," or even a torn piece of paper with the words "Nano" scribbled on it--- somewhere on your table, just to let other 'Wrimos know you're there. Or wear a Nano t-shirt.

--If you go to a write-in, it also helps to have some little Nano hint like that, to make it easier to find others. In the way past, I've been to some write-ins where a lot of people were in a busy cafe, and none of us knew the others were doing Nano too until someone walked in and asked outright.

--When in doubt, ask! You can alwasy just ask someone, "Are you doing Nano?" And if they give you a strange look, you will be embarrassed for about 10 seconds and life goes on. Been there, done that! It's no big deal. And who knows, you might then tell the person what Nano is and convert them!

--Here's the deal: you may organize a write-in, or you may go to a write-in, and there's the possibliity that no one else will show. We have lots of write-ins in this region, people are busy, and it's nothing personal, but that's the way it works out sometimes. It reminds me of Natalie Goldberg (of "Writing Down the Bones"), who says that she'd often make writing dates with friends, "meet me at this cafe at such and such time." And she'd tell them not to tell her if they couldn't come--- because she'd made the date, she'd go to the cafe and write, whether or not the friend showed up. It was really a writiing date that she made with herself, and it was a bonus if the friend showed up. So make every write-in a writing date with yourself, and even if no one else shows up, you'll have a great time writing your novel, drinking a good cup of whatever, nibbling on a treat... make it your special time.

--Don't forget to be generous (if you can) to the cafe or restaurant, and the barrista/server. You're taking up space in their business, and getting to be out in some swell environments. Order something extra, leave a nice tip. They are helping to support us by letting us write for several hours.

--Don't be afraid to organize a write-in... it really doesn't have to be a big deal. It can be as simple as you wanting to write at a certain cafe at a certain time, and letting people know that they can join you by posting it on the write-ins set up topic. Nothing fancy has to occur. Just show up and write!

Anything else? I'm blanking out for now.

BTW, my apologies to anyone who showed up at The Bean Factory this morning and didn't "find" the write-in. I did organize that write-in and found out that I had another appointment, and told a few people I wouldn't show up until after 1pm. I should have posted that on the forums. I did walk in to find a nice little group writing away, but I think there may have been a few people who showed up earlier and left without writing.
----------
Theresa, aka Sapphirestar
Twin Cities ML
http://sapphire.albatross.org
2003: Out of Houdini's Trunk
2004: Rita, Not the Hurricane
2005: Days of Confinement
2006: My Name Is Shay
2007: After 50 Years
2008: The Fat Lady Sings

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

November 30th Countdown to the End Write-In Party - Muy Importante

SynapticJam — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:52:18 +0000

Alright everybody. Let's go ahead and recap, shall we?

We had the Countdown to Nov 1st party where I personally wracked up 2,072 words but I know some wrote thousands more.

We had the Great TC Writer's Tour! The grueling toure deforce spanning 28 hours and 8 stops! It's amazing what happens to your thought process when suffering from severe sleep deprivation.

Now it's time to turn our sights to the Countdown to the end write-in! NOTE: Not to be confused with teh TGIO party! This is a different function and in no way mitigates your requirement to attend that shindig!

My initial approach was to organize this bad boy, but as my wife informed me the other day November the 30th is daughter 2of4's 16th birthday. Ooops...

I therefore am looking for a hearty volunteer! The duties are actually quite lite. Simple help on deciding the site, swing by a wekk or so prior and glad hand with the proprietor, and then a simple followup closer to the day.

Requirements: wrote:

Requirements:
24 hour establishment - A must. If we can't count down to zero, it can't be a countdown write in.

Seating space - Or maybe a nice gyn with a mat that we can all sit on to sing kumbaya on.

Power - I would think this one would tip over into the requirements collumn although powerstrips will be brought by NaNoWriMos to be sure.

Wifi - At a normal write-in this one would be optional, but in this case, for those who are working desparately on crossing the finish line, the ability to update word count is paramount!

The organizer will use their cell phone or whatever method they deem best to do the countdown. Cris Baty willing, everyone there will be over the 50K mark and can simply take their fingers off the keys and raise their hands in celebration!

So who among you would like to take on this awesome responsibility? The requirements are quite simple.

As for location, I've actually grown quite partial to the IHOP. Either that or the Perkins. Although I wasn't there for the entire time on the writer's tour, the time I did spend there seemed extremely positive with a great creative vibe. Perhaps those brave ones who were there for the entire Perkins leg of the writer's tour could comment.

This grand and insane undertaking known as NaNoWriMo stands alone as one of this year's greatest achievements for me. I feel so honored that I was able to usher in this particular season of NaNo at the stroke of Midnight. I was also honored to accompany CallipygianKing on over 17 hours worth of the tour. I would desparately love to be there to count down to the end. Finish it write. haha.

It's an amazing journey everyone. Self discovery, heartache, suffering, and ultimately - victory.

Together, we are mighty!

----------
2008 - winner Compensating Control
Jim / SynapticJam - Hhhmmm... Tastes just like chicken!

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

Monday, Nov. 23 - The Home Stretch

BenPanced — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:03:04 +0000

Here we are, gang, about a week away from the end of another year at NaNo. I broke my 50,000 about 45 minutes ago (no, no, no! Stop typing out numbers just for the sake of making word count!), and I still feel like the story's only just getting started. I'll see what happens between now and Dec. 1; maybe I'll keep working through it until I end it or maybe I'll just quit and go back to the editing and rewrite I'd abandoned earlier.

Off for a shower and beddykins!
----------
2009 - Black Mirror Broken - ?

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

Week 4 Catch-Up

SweetUsagi — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:22:35 +0000

I need all the help I can get to make my next 4 days off count....I have a lot of writing to do. Anyone else in the same boat, either with a lot of catch-up to maintain word count or just has a lot of story left? Post where you are going to be if you want company. I seem to do better out of the house for some reason.
----------

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

45,000 words - this is where the cheering Parisian squirrels start showing up.

expatrie — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:14:06 +0000

So they told me.

Well, that's about the way it worked for two years for me. It's supposed to get easier once you hit 45,000.

This year I seem to have a certain cross-contamination, what with the Parisian squirrels being switched out for ahem-throwing screech monkeys, but you might get squirrels, I guess it depends on when you run through this area.

Maybe the Parisian squirrels have swine flue and they've sent the screech monkeys in as a "surrogate band." If you know what I mean.

- Brian.

----------
JanNoWriMo07 - Still Waters Run Deep - >70,000 won (didn't know there was a group!)
AugNoWriMo07 - The Wreck of the Day ->50,000 won (over on Proboards)
NaNoWriMo07 - Fever ->65,670 won.
NaNoWriMo08 - Abracadabra - >72,663 won

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

Sunday, November 22nd

ariake — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:44:15 +0000

I didn't see a thread for this, and I think its Sunday Minnesota time, yes? Definitely is Sunday here. I havent touched my novel in days, but I do have the excuse of two days in a row where i leave my house by 8/930 and get back around 1130 at night. But there were some days before that that I didnt get much done, but that will hopefully change today and tomorrow. My boyfriend is in Mongolia for the week so I cant talk to him, so that makes prime writing time. Hoping to be done by Tuesday. We'll see if I can make it. :)
----------
Working Title: Untitled
Stress Level: 10% (Why did I think this was going to be so hard?)

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

Thread for the pitifully behind

SweetUsagi — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:27:07 +0000

I don't need to keep up with quota! I keep telling myself I need to stay a certain amount behind so that I can justify going to all the stops on the 28 hour write-in so that I can catch up my word count.
----------

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

The coffee bar at 40,000 words

BenPanced — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:46:35 +0000

So far, we've had a traveling sandwich cart and the Mystery Object, so I'm here to announce the stop at 40,000 is a lot of peoples' favorite:

The coffee bar.

Stop in and get your caffeine fix. If you're not into it, don't worry. Plenty of decaf to go around, including your favorite herbal teas.

Not into coffee or tea? There's plenty of carbonated water, milk, and pop in the cooler.

Snickerdoodles abound, as well as other baked goods including biscotti, Rice Krispie treats, cake, and pie.

Don't worry about coffeehouse sandwiches and whatnot. It's all about the coffee and the cookies and the relaxing right now. You can get something to eat later.

Me? I'm having a large Kenya AA and a slice of banana cream pie.
----------
2009 - Black Mirror Broken - ?

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

Roll Call?

Dejana Talis — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:14:52 +0000

Write-ins and forum posts have seemed kind of skimpy lately... is it the approaching holiday? Winners bidding us farewell? Or have that many people thrown in the towel?

How many of the 1052 Wrimos the regional stats box says we have are still out there and writing? Raise your hand and be counted! Startin to feel kinda lonely here...
----------
"Ach, the muse is a terrible thing to have happen to ye."
-Rob Anybody, "The Wee Free Men" by Terry Pratchett

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

The scenic overlook at 35,000 words

expatrie — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:55:34 +0000

Well, here it is.

What do you see from here?

Can you see the end? Can you see the beginning of the end? What does the trail between 25,000 and 35,000 look like now that you're at a high enough point to see it from here?

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

IHOP tonight! (11/22)

Dejana Talis — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:45:15 +0000

I see the Blue Moon is trying to steal the crowd again :P

I'll be at the IHOP by 7, hope to see you there! :D
----------
"Ach, the muse is a terrible thing to have happen to ye."
-Rob Anybody, "The Wee Free Men" by Terry Pratchett

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

Continuity Problems!

JayceHunter — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:09:19 +0000

I just finished writing 2,624 words this morning, reaching my own personal goal of achieving 40,000 words by the end of the weekend (I have non-writing plans the rest of today).

The problem is...I think every single one of the words I wrote this morning created continuity problems in the rest of my story. Yes, I kept writing and resisted the urge to go back and fix things that are now inaccurate...but it was one heck of a challenge to keep writing, knowing I was causing editing nightmares as I typed.

Is anyone else finding themselves in this situation? I'd love to know I'm not alone. Misery loves company, and all that! :-)
----------

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

30th baton switched with my blessings, Kyteroo

kyteroo — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:02:00 +0000

I with blessings, have switched who is organizing the 30th alst time to write-in event to SynapticJam.

We both want to find a place that is open until midnight or past that would be good or close to a place where we can celebrate.
Being that I wasn't getting much help in the idea department as far as where else we can go that people can get too, and because I kept communicating too cryptically for my own tastes, and leaving off data I wanted people to know,
HE is taking it over and I am HAPPY!

We might be able to find a better spot than the Blue Moon.
I only chose that spot because I wasn't getting responses I needed except that Blue Moon is open until 11pm, and it was near Merlins, the place people like. :D

Hopefully, with Him behind the wheel, we will find a good wi-fi spot that works.

Thank you SynpaticJam!

Stephanie/ Kyteroo

----------

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

The travelling sandwich bar at 30,000

expatrie — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:51:15 +0000

I have no idea what this was last year. Maybe it was a train car with all kinds of free drinks and a jukebox.

Or maybe that was the writer's Lounge.

Anyway, here it is. Feel free to invent strange sandwiches.

Mine's got pepperoni, banana peppers, grilled onions and mushrooms, Italian sausage, prime rib, and oh, yeah, provolone and swiss and gorgonzola and roquefort and some kind of toasted bread. And lots of garlic. And forks to pick up all the good stuff that falls out of it. I hate those paper wrappers. And then there are the garlic and olive oil fries with the gravy or au jus dipping sauce.

Note: You're not behind on getting to the sandwich bar until the 18th or so, so there's plenty of time to get here in time to make your own sandwich on the grill.

- Brian

Not that I beat Andy here, but apparently he's too lazy to set up the sandwich bar for everyone else.

Now, last person through is responsible for cleaning the dishes and shutting off the fryers.
----------
JanNoWriMo07 - Still Waters Run Deep - >70,000 won (didn't know there was a group!)
AugNoWriMo07 - The Wreck of the Day ->50,000 won (over on Proboards)
NaNoWriMo07 - Fever ->65,670 won.
NaNoWriMo08 - Abracadabra - >72,663 won

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

The Bright Shiny Thing at 41,717

expatrie — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:25:04 +0000

Note: Due to construction on the path, the Bright Shiny Thing has been moved. And somebody forgot to turn it on.....

Point! cou-(andy)-gh!

Thanks for the reminder at the sandwich bar, Sherri.

I'm going to put on my Joo Janta Super Chromatic Peril Sensitive sunglasses first. And over that a pair of welder's goggles.

This thing's going to be bright, even though it's running on temporary power.

- Brian @ 41,727

Now, I just need to dust it off and it'll take a minute or two to warm up. Until then, it's the pale red glow at 41,717.

Anyway.....

Click!

(loud hummmmmmmm)

AAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Sh--! Run for it! I think she's gonna blow!
----------
JanNoWriMo07 - Still Waters Run Deep - >70,000 won (didn't know there was a group!)
AugNoWriMo07 - The Wreck of the Day ->50,000 won (over on Proboards)
NaNoWriMo07 - Fever ->65,670 won.
NaNoWriMo08 - Abracadabra - >72,663 won

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

Praise for The Bad Waitress

mercaptan — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 07:22:53 +0000

Attention food snobs, serious coffee drinkers and those who enjoy a tipple stronger than herbal tea!

I went to visit The Bad Waitress last night and fell in love. In fact, if they'd allow it, I'd happily camp out in one of their booths until December 1st.

It's a Diner and Coffee Shop. They serve beer and wine. They open at 7am and close at midnight. The have red walls. A jukebox and barstools. A shark on the wall. They serve breakfast. They have a cushy looking little Spanish section (with outlets!) including 2 chairs, a sofa and a black velvet painting of Don Quixote. They have daily specials (last night was ANY burger, ANY beer, $10!) The food is organic. Veggie options abound.

Did I mention they have wine?

The best part is how you order. Seat yourself. Fill out your order on the pad of paper. Bring it to the register and pay. THEY bring you the food. (Pssst. If there are four of us and we write our entire order on one sheet, they offer 10% off!)

The only negative (and this is a rumor) is that parking around 26th and Nicollet Ave is awkward.

Still need convincing?

www.thebadwaitress.com

I'm warning you. As soon as I figure out how to host a Write In, I'm there....

----------

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

Write-in "work-out"

evergreenthompson — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:53:20 +0000

Anyone else want to do a write-in at LTF Lakeville? Their LifeCafe actually looks fairly conducive to a write-in, most of the food is reasonably priced, and they've got wi-fi.

So why a health club of all places? OK, I admit it... to rack up my visit quota (12! ugh!!) for the $20 discount on my monthly club fees from my health insurance. Plus it might be a good change of pace from the usual write-in environment.

I'm thinking maybe this weekend. I NEED to catch up in a big way.
----------

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

Things you never thought you'd google....

Barnardine — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:56:12 +0000

As I sit here at IHOP surrounded by very diligent writers we've had a discussion. What have you googled for you novel, that you never thought you'd be googling?

I found myself googling pumpkin jokes. Never thought the day would come when I'd google pumpkin jokes!
----------
You fail only if you stop writing - Ray Bradbury
NaNoWriMo 2008: The Heir of Atlantis: WIN!
NaNoWriMo 2009: Cinderella: Vampire Slayer

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

Evergreen Restaurant Nicollet & 24th Mpls

b dacosta — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:22:57 +0000

I've been going there in the afternoon to work, after the lunch crowd. It's Chinese food (from Taiwan) and extremely reasonable prices; plus teas, bubble teas, fresh soymilk, etc. plus interesting appetizers.
They're very friendly, and the tables have plenty of room to spread stuff out.
It's open every day from 11 to 8:30, but closed Tuesdays.

Caravelle on 25th and Nicollet is another place like that (Vietnamese food) with space between lunch and dinner. Open all day every day.

I haven't tried to organize a write-in for these as my schedule is too unpredictable. But that's me, in the corner, scribbling away!

B DaCosta
----------
B DaCosta

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

The brief and tragic story of Saturday the 21st.

shuamort — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:37:50 +0000

To say it grew up an ugly and unwanted child would be unkind but also, it was only half the story.

Evn though it grew up in the land of Dairy Queen, it wasn't treated it right. It wasn't allowed to go down the hot fudge river nor was it permitted to lap up the Dilly Bar lake with the other happy days of the month. It was shunned, ostracized, and ignored.

November the 21st would sit in the living room by the big picture window and watch the other days playing games like "Ghost in the Graveyard" out in the middle of the street or they would turn their tree fort into a pirate ship that was always being attacked by ninjas for some odd reason or another.

One year, November the 21st opened up the 6 paneled front door and marched into the middle of WriMo Road. "I demand to be loved and paid attention to!" The day was overcome with emotion and tumbled over to the side of the road, sat down on the curb and sighed.

Two women walked by, one whispered to the other "He looks look like that Bill from Schoolhouse Rock." The other nodded as their eyes looked away as November the 21st moved his gaze up to meet theirs.

In the distance, the sound of an ice cream truck's gentle bells moved closer and closer. Nov the 21st stood up and dug a hand into his papery pockets, looking for change for a sweet.

The truck stopped in front of him as he felt a couple quarters. He started to look for the menu but only saw a weird crest and the words NaNoWriMo before it was too late. He looked down at his arms, his legs, his torso, soon, all over his entire body, words were being filled up. He could not stopped them, nor did he wanted to. This was what he always had dreamed of.

__________________________________________________________

In other words, it looks like there is a missing day on the write-in calendar for this upcoming Saturday afternoon. I'm open to wherever. (Last Saturday at Uncommon Grounds in Uptown seemed like a good place as we could gather upstairs and take it over as needed, lots of plug ins and space). Any other places?
----------

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

Saturday, November 21 Daily Thread

CallipygianKing — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:04:07 +0000

I really have nothing clever to say. I just wanted to post the daily thread.

All my creativity is being sucked into my novel. Honest.
----------

http://matthew.kilanowski.us

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

Write in at Lake/Bryant Dunn Bros. November 20th!

cassieness — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:47:44 +0000

I needed to kick myself and get writing, so I thought, "I'm going to get out of the house and go somewhere to write." My favorite coffee shop is the Lake/Bryant Dunn Bros in Uptown, Minneapolis, so I thought I'd go there. Then it struck me... why not make this a write-in?!

I'm not expecting anyone to show up, but you're welcome to join me tomorrow!

I'm thinking it'll be about 1:30pm to 5pm... I might leave earlier, it really depends on my dad's schedule. It's lucky he works in Uptown. But it'd be luckier if I had a car.

I hope someone comes! This Dunn Bros is awesome, free wi-fi and a fireplace surrounding by chairs. And lots of light.

I'll have a copy of No Plot, No Problem! because I still have someone's copy from the EP Dunn Bros write-in... woops!
----------
"I'm just a musical prostitute, my dear." -Freddie Mercury

USA :: Minnesota :: Twin Cities

"The OSHA of prostitution donned her bear suit and hopped on the train."

amritanandaanaconda — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:38:55 +0000

About a week ago I decided I was too far behind and would never meet the 50k deadline. I have travelled out of town every weekend this month; I decided to learn flamenco cante and have 3 performances; my wrist hurts; I should be writing a memoir...

I woke up this morning knowing that if I punk out now I'll hate myself. 5,ooo words a day for 10 days. Maybe. I'll try it. So I opened my wee NANO doc and this is the last line I'd written:

"Mindy paid no mind to the dildo’s owner, sitting in the corner, braiding her hair and looking murderous."

I feel a little encouraged.
----------