United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

need a ride to the TGIO party

crazeelayd — Mon, 1 Dec 2008 20:28:22 -0800

hey everybody,
i'm a college student without a car.. but i am a real person, you can ask sammyD, we met a few times at write-ins at Crossroads downtown.
anyway, i need a ride to the TGIO party. i live near Boulevard, so it anyone would be so kind and generous, let me know. i could even compensate for gas :)

thanks,
Sara
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Write-In Marathon - Southside at Colony Coffee - 7am to 5pm

SammyD — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 22:29:23 -0800

Hello Authors,

Even though I have finished and have had some personal family problems this week, I have decided to hold a marathon Write-In at Colony Coffee on the Southside on Saturday morning at 7am until 5pm that evening (open to close). There will be at least three of us there at all times. If you can make it, or want to have someone around while you hammer out the final words to your novel, come and join us. We'll have a great time and maybe some of you will even sail across the finish line while there.
If you have already finished your novel and would like to join us in cheering on our fellow writers, please do, we will have a great time.

Southside:
Colony Coffee 2425 Colony Crossing Pl Midlothian, Saturday November 29, 7am to 5pm.

As always, check the Calendar for future events. Please note that the calendar shows we were going to hold the regular Write-In on this Saturday, but decided at the last minute we would hold the marathon event which encompasses the regular Write-In as well. So come one, come all and have a great time finishing your novel.

(I flew in from Chicago late Friday night and decided to still hold this Write-In, because I believe all of you can cross that 50,000 word finish line.)

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"May blessings be upon the head of Cadmus,
the Phoenicians, or whoever it was that invented books."
Quote: Thomas Carlyle. 1795 - 1881. Scottish essayist

United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Scheduled Write-Ins for the Next Three Days. November 21 through 23

SammyD — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:58:08 -0800

We had a wonderful time tonight at Colony Coffee on the southside. Ratlan and I were joined by a local middle school English teacher. She is awesome. She is having her class do the Young Writers NaNoWriMo this year. I applaud her and her efforts to teach these kids and to let them explore their abilities through NaNoWriMo. I would love to see more of this next year.

Luckyjean came by for a quick visit. It is always a delight to see her. She's always smiling and encouraging us to keep writing.
---

We will be at Colony Coffee again this coming Saturday, at noon until they close at 5pm. Please come by and write to your hearts content. We would love to see you there.

We chat for a few minutes here and there, but there is always at least one long stretch of serious writing. I made it over the 36,000 word mark today because of this evenings Write-In. The Write-Ins have really made this whole experience easier for me.
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Current Write-Ins for the next three or four days that I personally know of:

Southside:
Colony Coffee 2425 Colony Crossing Pl Midlothian, Saturday November 22, noon to 5pm.

West end:
Short Pump Barnes&Noble 11640 West Broad Street Richmond, Saturday November 22nd, 3pm to 6pm.

Downtown:
Crossroads Coffee 26 N Morris Richmond, down near VCU on Sunday, November 23, noon to 3pm.

East end:
Panera Bread 7225 Bell Creek Rd, Mechanicsville, Sunday November 23, 2pm to 5pm

If I am missing any Write-Ins that are happening this weekend, I apologize. Please feel free to add them here in a reply to this post.

And as always, please refer to the calendar for any up and coming NaNoWriMo local events.

Ciao4noW,

SammyD
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"May blessings be upon the head of Cadmus,
the Phoenicians, or whoever it was that invented books."
Quote: Thomas Carlyle. 1795 - 1881. Scottish essayist

United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Mechanicsville anyone?

muzical — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:09:33 -0800

I can never make it to Sunday write-ins so I'm going to try to be at the Panera in Mechanicsville tomorrow from 2:30-5ish. I'll be the one in a corner, staring out the windows and procrastinating.

Feel free to join me! I don't know too many people out here yet (just moved here last year) and would love to chat with some fellow writers!

~muzical
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Crash @ Crossroads

valbornoz — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:42:36 -0800

Did you guys hear about that car that crashed into "Crossroads"? Is that where some of the write-ins were being held?
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

A link to Heinlein's Rules for Writing

joewrotehaikus — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:11:39 -0800

http://www.sfwriter.com/ow05.htm

This is a link to one of Robert J. Sawyer's writing advice pages. Sawyer is a science fiction author and has published numerous books.

On this page, he lists the 5 rules Robert A. Heinlein gave for becoming a writer. They're great, and I recommend you check them out. Sawyer's website has a few good bits of advice I like to read.

By the way, if you make goal this November, you have already completed rules 1 and 2, which, according to Sawyer, makes you among the top 25%. If you're way way behind, don't give up and don't stop. I wish I were as good as Chris Baty at giving a pep talk, but hopefully my "don't stop" helps some. Richmond's NaNo chapter is depending on you to succeed. Yes, you. Now get to typing!
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Write-Ins: An Explanation

joewrotehaikus — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:04:45 -0800

We've gotten a few questions about what write-ins are and how they work, so I'm going to explain it some, then ask people to reiterate the write-in schedules they know about, as I think the schedules have gotten lost in the enormous number of forum posts (which, I am very happy to see, by the way, as it shows that our chapter has plenty of enthusiasm).

A write-in is simply when participants in NaNoWriMo meet together and write their individual novels. The purpose, I think, is to develop community around the event, so it's not just something you do through the internet. It's something you do literally with other people. Write-ins rarely go without conversation, and that distracts a little from the actual writing, but it's all good. People should talk to each other, maybe even about what they're writing.

At the Richmond chapter, we've gotten into giving little prizes rewarding exceptional participation. This is usually done as a contest for whoever gets the highest word count from the write-in. My write-ins in Mechanicsville have a few people who don't have working laptops and no reasonable way to count words, so I'm pretty much just happy if you come, and if I can, I'll get you a prize. These prizes are not breathtaking, but they're fun.

You don't have to have a laptop to go to a write-in. I don't, and I oversee a write-in. I used a notebook a few times, and I think I'm going to switch over to just using my Blackberry. No reason not to. There are writers in Japan who write entire novels on their cell phones. So don't be afraid to come with just pen and paper.

And that's all a write-in really is. We take writing, which should be mostly an individual task, and turn it into a social event.
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Southside Write-In at Colony Coffee - Saturday November 15th - Noon to 5pm

SammyD — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:58:26 -0800

Once again I am sorry this is such short notice, but we're holding another Write-In at the Colony Coffee on the Southside of Richmond, between noon and 5pm when they close. For some reason it's not coming up on the calender.

Everyone is welcome to join us for the whole five hours (I call them catch up hours) or for just a few hours. The place has great liquid refreshments as well as soups and pastries. Hope to see you there.

Colony Coffee
2425 Colony Crossing Place
Midlothian, VA

(Colony Coffee #: 804-639-9953 call for directions if you get lost)

SammyD
(cell #: 804-239-5435)
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"May blessings be upon the head of Cadmus,
the Phoenicians, or whoever it was that invented books."
Quote: Thomas Carlyle. 1795 - 1881. Scottish essayist

United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

I know I've been MIA...

QueenPix — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 11:06:11 -0800

...But I told myself no internet and that I could only write, and look at my word count! I am super excited and I still have a ton of the story in my head! I only gave myself a 30 min. break today to hop on for a few but I just wanted to share my success. I hope everyone else is doing as well. This has been a much more productive year for me than last year.

Good luck and cheers to all!!
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Barnes and Noble Short Pump

ciniron — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:15:47 -0700

Would anybody be interested in attending write-ins located at the Short Pump Barnes and Noble? Several members of the staff including myself are participating this year, and the community relations manager has agreed to help us out as well.

How does bi-weekly sound? One could be during the week and the other could be on the weekend.
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Word War at Crossroads

kyates1963 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:15:43 -0800

Do to Life, I won't be able to make the write-in at Crossroads. but I want to be sure everyone writes. Soooo in that vein, I will bring back an extra special prize for whoever has the largest word count on Sunday.

You are on your honor guys, send me your word counts and I promise to find something a writer would love.
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Buffalo Wild Wings, Thursday, West End

inl0ve — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:27:26 -0800

BW3's has boneless wing nights on Thursdays. They have boneless wings in any amount (over 6) for I think $.59 each, though it used to be $.49/each. They have free 'net there and don't mind if you sit there forever as long as you eat food and tip your waiter/waitress.

I am formally suggesting a write in there. Just a couple of hours, whenever anyone would be available.

I just moved into my apt and I don't have internet yet so I'm more inclined to do write ins at places that offer free internet (as opposed to BN which rapes your wallet for internet).

So if anyone is interested, just reply. I can check my email on my phone, so I'll hear ya.

Debbie
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After years of wanting to, a whole nano dedicated to porn. Sweet.

United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Qdoba _right now_

inl0ve — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:09:14 -0800

Hi everyone. I'm at the Qdoba in front of Kroger on Broad street. It's like one light up from Pemberton. By Sam's Club.

I don't expect anyone to show up, and I'm only going to stay as long as my battery holds up (Unless i can find a plug), but if anyone wants to come join me, that'd be great.

I'm wearing a green sweatshirt and a blue shirt...and I'm the only one here typing away on a laptop while nomming a burrito.

If anyone's crazy like me, come join me!

Debbie
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After years of wanting to, a whole nano dedicated to porn. Sweet.

United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Short Pump, I'm finally in town.

inl0ve — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:45:28 -0800

Hi. I don't remember who in here really was going to the Short Pump BN Write Ins on Tuesdays... I'm going to be there as long as possible, I just moved here literally yesterday. I haven't been able to actively write for days now and I'm antsy. I want word wars and I want them now!

If anyone wants to meet before the scheduled write in (I don't have internet at my apt right now) I'm thinking of getting there at like 5ish.

I'll be there with my computer and I'll have a nano sticker out on the table or somewhere near me. Kind of like a nice red rose in a book but without the blind-date aspect. <3

Look forward to seeing some excited writers!

Debbie
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After years of wanting to, a whole nano dedicated to porn. Sweet.

United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

BIG KITTY!!

Inverted_Quest — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:03:55 -0800

Quote:

Chesterfield Animal Control put lion sightings on priority call list

CHESTERFIELD, VA (NBC12) - Chesterfield Animal Control has now put county lion sightings on it's priority call list. For nearly three weeks residents in Bon Air and Salisbury have claimed they've seen a lioness wandering around the area.

http://www.nbc12.com/Global/story.asp?S=9327999

Gotta be a story here, somewhere.
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Just throwing this out there...

headlesssamurai — Tue, 4 Nov 2008 11:12:42 -0800

I am going to be at the Barnes and Noble at Libbie and Broad today, from around 4 til 5. If anyone else is around, come by the cafe and say hello; I'd love to meet you. I'll be the guy with the shaved head and the beard, perpetually alternating between manic laughter of success and quietly weeping hot tears of frustration over my notebook.

And, on a similar but not-quite-related note... Would anyone be interested in getting together for an unofficial write-in sometime? No moderator or prizes or anything; I just figure, I like the Willow Lawn B&N, so if I'm going to be there (or elsewheres) anyway, perhaps folks would want to swing by and exchange ideas, encouragement, what-have-you...

Or not. I'm going to try to make the official Write-in at Crossroads this weekend, so you know, whatev.

Happy writing, all

Dave
3760 words
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"Most men flying seem to understand that a man hasn't technically flown until he lands..."
- Todd Snider

United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

So when are the write-ins?

valbornoz — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 16:30:38 -0800

Sorry, the replies were hard to follow...When are the write-ins @ Short Pump? The Mechanicsville/Panera write-in is on Sunday @ 2pm, right? Help a newbie out!
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Hey, Kyates1963!

valbornoz — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:59:30 -0800

I will be at Barnes and Noble (Libbie) tomorrow afternoon with another Nano buddie. Will this be cool with you?
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Sandston/New Kent/Mechanicsville

Violinisthamel — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:42:59 -0700

Any Sandston/New Kent or Mechanicsville writers? I noticed people gathering up somewhere, I'm moving back to Richmond this Sunday and wanted to know if there were any Nano writers in these areas. Mainly because I have no idea where or how to get to VCU and the other area's are way too far for me.

I was thinking we could meet up and have our own write in days or times of the week. I know some places in Mechanicsville that have wi-fi and food we all could hang out at. Like Panera Bread or Star Bucks, though if I remember right, I think that Star Bucks is pretty small....
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"I don't care about breeding. A sword doesn't need a fine lineage, it just needs to be sharp" ~ Luca Blight

United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Southside Write-In - Saturday November 8th - 1pm to 5pm

SammyD — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 10:45:30 -0800

Sorry this is such short notice, but we're holding another Write-In at the Colony Coffee
between 1pm and 5pm when they close.
There are already 5 of us here, hope more can show.

Colony Coffee
2425 Colony Crossing Place
Midlothian, VA

(Colony Coffee #: 804-639-9953 call for directions if you get lost)

SammyD
(cell #: 804-239-5435)

United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Site navigation - Finding other Richmond NaNoWriMos (e.g. folks one already knows)

vmarinelli — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 02:32:19 -0800

First timer here - ugh. Looking at the main FAQ page, there is an item, "What happened to the "Authors Search" function?" - the answer for which is "During times of high site traffic, NaNo HQ will disable the "Authors Search" in order to speed up the site. Have no fear, you will be able to search for your favorite Wrimo authors shortly."

Thing is, to save my life I haven't been able to find any such function (whether it's working right now or not). I'm kind of a hermit so I may or may not be up to joining in any of the open-to-everyone RVA write-ins, but if I could figure out how to look up people in the area who I already KNOW are participating, that'd be cool. (Lots of sites have "import your contacts and see who you know is a participant here" sorts of options (from Facebook to Twitter to Flickr, etc.), but if such an option exists, I'm too bleary-eyed from writing to find it at this moment.

Of course I might just email the persons directly and ask "Hey, what's the URL to your NaNoWriMo page so we can be suffer together as buddies?" but it seems like it could be a lot simpler - even a local membership directory (all registered NaNoWriMo members' names within a certain distance of one's zip codes, for instance) would be helpful. All I can see through the boards of RVA people who are, you know, posting on the boards and I have to assume not all of this are actively doing that. Can anyone point me in the right direction(s)?

TIA... :)
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Writing Help

kyates1963 — Thu, 2 Oct 2008 20:14:44 -0700

I wanted to suggest a help post. Some place that we can post questions and get some ideas.

So I will start. I have two stories that I am thinking about working on for Nano. I'm just not sure which one to work with. There is also the fact that I am supposed to be working on a screenplay and Nano would be a perfect time to work on the treatment.

So my question is how do I decide what to work on?
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

So when are the write-ins?

valbornoz — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 16:30:04 -0800

Sorry, the replies were hard to follow...When are the write-ins @ Short Pump? The Mechanicsville/Panera write-in is on Sunday @ 2pm, right? Help a newbie out!
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Anyone else in the Richmond area a first-timer, like me?

Slowpoke — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:36:12 -0700

Hi, I am interested in attending a write-in and am hoping to find one where some other newbies might be. Anyone going to the Short Pump Barnes & Noble a nervous newbie? And have the times/days been decided on? Thanks!
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Near Courthouse and 360(Hull) (For Various Values of "Near")

Inverted_Quest — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 10:42:28 -0700

Anybody near here? Maybe we could hit the Starbuck's, or Shoney's or Subway.
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