Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

The result of Dr. Horrible '08: My supervillains!

Aquadeo — Wed, 8 Oct 2008 17:07:08 -0700

I know this is blatant self-promotion, but a) I'm feeling pretty proud of this, b) it's a glimpse into the mind of your guest Head of House, and c) there's possibly something in here that someone can use as inspiration for their novel. If so, be my guest.

The challenge was this: Create five supervillains, put their videos on YouTube, and then make a mini-musical starring the most popular character.

The contenders:

Captain Shrovewreaker

After a few months, Captain Shrovewreaker was clearly the favourite, so he got a sequel:

Captain Shrovewreaker Strikes! (and Sings!)

I just finished that last one this morning, and I'm really happy with it. Now I can get back to concentrating on NaNoWriMo! Joy!
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Denton (a.k.a. Aquadeo)
ML for Alberta::Elsewhere
e-mail: south_alberta@nanowrimo.org
website: http://labville.blogspot.com

Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

Pre-November Plot Planning Party, October 20th

SarahJanet — Mon, 6 Oct 2008 00:26:27 -0700

What: The Pre-November Plot-Planning Party! After a hiatus of several years, we're bringing back this opportunity to start thinking about your novel without the distractions of a fun party. You'll hear how other people prepare for and work during NaNoWriMo, get a chance to do some brainstorming of your own with help from friendly fellow Edmowrimos, and do some awesome preparations for the insanity of November.

Who: Anyone participating in NaNoWriMo, and anyone thinking about doing so! This is your chance to suck in that friend who's always on the fence, your spouse who's not really convinced, or your coworker who keeps muttering about writing a novel some day.

When: Monday, October 20th, 6:30-9:00(ish)pm

Where: The Strathcona Library, 8331 104 Street. Note that this is after library hours, so if you're going to be late, let us know in advance so we can be sure to let you in. PM me if you want my cell phone number. PLEASE do not come early - you won't be able to get in, and the library closes at 6 so my co-workers will boot you out if you're trying to loiter around the library and wait, and then they will be mad at me.

Why: Because there's nothing like a little pre-November plot planning to get you in the mood for NaNo! This is a much more laid-back and less crazy atmosphere to think about your novel than the kick-off party, so bring a pen and paper or your preferred outlining and planning tools, and come on down for a few hours to give your novel a kick-start!

Are you coming? Please RSVP in this thread so we know how many people to expect! And if anyone wanted to bring cookies (*cough*Aubin*cough*) or anything else, that would be super! We will have water for you. :)
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Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

The result of ScriptFrenzy '07: my graphic novel!

Tiana Calthye — Wed, 8 Oct 2008 09:32:33 -0700

I've mentioned this offhand a couple of times. I've started to do something with my first script (well, I've been updating it three times a week since June), one of my Nano babies--as the script was basically a lead-in to my novel last year, my novel this year will likely come before this script.

Formerly Dreshae, now Between Places: a fantasy graphic novel. It's in full color, and updates Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Symphosis: The Order is an organization that defends dreamworld from E.L.F.s--extrodinary lifeforms--more simply known as elves. Elves, on the other hand, wreak havoc within dreamworlds for their own amusement. Dayun is summoned to a unique case: where the elves have captured the spirit of the planet. In defense, her last action was to seal the planet of magic. Now an unlikely group must band together if they are to defeat the ELFs and restore peace to the planet.

Between Places is rated PG for fantasy violence, occasional language and intense content.

And if you've ever wanted to see approximately what I churn out over Nanowrimo, well, it's something like this. ;-)

Art previews!
Chapter one, page one.
Chapter one, page eleven.
Chapter two, page three.

If you need something to waste your time on over November, or while you're outlining away, feel free to check it out. I thought I'd link it (a few of you have seen it already), as it was through the mutual suffering with fellow Edmowrimos that I wrote these stories. I never would have otherwise, without the crazy brainstorming writing frenzies of Nanowrimo and Scriptfrenzy, and I'm kind of glad to see something real come out of all those crazy writing months, beyond a few half-finished manuscripts!

So yeah. This is the first time I've done anything remotely big with a project. I'll probably be on it for a while yet, so wish me luck--I'm not going on hiatus over November! o_o
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---

SF 07 LIVES!
05: Through Silver Glass- 50k
06: The Legend of Scarecrow-76k
07: On The Edge-103k

Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

As if 50,000 isn't crazy enough...

SarahJanet — Wed, 8 Oct 2008 22:50:40 -0700

There are some of you every year. Those who decide that 50K just isn't enough of a challenge any more.

The rest of us know you're crazy. But here's the spot where those of you going for 75, 100, 200, 500 000 can check in and commiserate somewhere where you won't make the rest of us feel bad about ourselves.

(Just kidding. Mostly. New people, don't let these crazy people intimidate you!)
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Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

Welcome, Edmowrimos!

SarahJanet — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:38:53 -0700

Hello, Literary Ninjas, and welcome to another awesome year of NaNoWriMo here in Edmonton! This year is the TENTH anniversary of this literary mayhem and we have got some incredible things cooked up to celebrate. Welcome back to those of you who have gone down this crazy road before, and for those of you heading down it for the first time, we are thrilled to have you! You're in one of the most exciting regions in the world for NaNoWriMo and we'd love it if you'd come and join us at some of our events! So - introduce yourself, tell us a little bit about yourself, and get to know your fellow literary ninjas!
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Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

Chit chat chitty chat

SarahJanet — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:29:14 -0700

For all the idle conversations that don't fit anywhere else. This is where Arnold can tell us what he's eating, Patrick can use bizarre metaphors for things (oh wait, he does that everywhere), and we can all yell at Laura and Ben for moving to Vancouver.

How's it going?
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Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

An Important Assignment

SarahJanet — Wed, 8 Oct 2008 17:28:16 -0700

So, one of the most important weapons in your arsenal this NaNo is going to be your...Edmonton Public Library card. Why, you ask? Many reasons. First and foremost, if you want to write, you should read, and if you want to read, a library card will make that a lot easier. But, if you plan to attend our first day insanity write-in/overnight fiesta, you're going to need a library card in order to access the wireless internet so that you can enjoy the festivities in chat as well.

Plus, you'll get a punch on your punch card if you have a library card! How's that for incentive? We are hoping to get lots of you signed up for library cards so we can show the impressive stats to EPL and they can be super thrilled that they're working with us.

Now, I'm sure many of you have library cards already. But perhaps they have expired, or are embarrassingly overloaded with overdue charges, or you lost seventeen books and just found them last week in a colony of dust elephants. Don't despair. We can usually do something about that. Drop me a PM and I'll see if I can help. Above all, we want people to use the library. We don't like it when you're afraid to use your card because it's in bad shape. I am willing to bet that we've seen worse.

If you don't have a library card at all, try to get one before you come for the overnighter. You can go to any library in the city (list is here) with a piece of ID with your current address on it, or a piece of mail that's come to your current address and a piece of ID. That's all we need if you're over 18. There's a $12 fee per year, but if you're on a limited income, ask the staff member to waive it. We don't want it to be a hardship for you to use the library.

If you're under 18, you need a parent or guardian to come in with you, and they must have a piece of ID with their current address on it or a piece of mail and a piece of ID. They'll sign for your card, and you'll be all set.

Maybe you're new to Edmonton, and you don't have any ID with your correct address on it and you haven't gotten any mail. (This happens to students a lot.) Drop me a PM with your name and address, and I'll send you an EPL brochure in the mail. Once you get it, you can bring that envelope in along with a piece of ID, and we can set you up.

Even if you don't want to come to the overnighter, you'll still be able to access the wireless at all our other library events. Great for if you need a quick answer to a question, a definition of a word, or a distraction.

Any questions? Ask away. And feel free to PM me, even if you are horribly embarrassed about your library card. I promise you I have seen worse.
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Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

Your Glory Roadblocks

SarahJanet — Sun, 5 Oct 2008 01:34:52 -0700

Everyone's got them. Something that's going to interfere with your ability to hit that elusive 50k in November. Some are very small little hedges that you can climb over or push through, some are enormous tangles of brambles and vines and killer wrimo-eating-plants.

What's going to get in your way, and how are you going to overcome it?
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Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

Outlining and Planning

SarahJanet — Fri, 3 Oct 2008 00:43:40 -0700

We're going to talk about this a bit at our pre-November Plot Planning Party, which you should all attend, but I figure there are probably some of us who have already started planning.

In my new goal to write something decent this year (no, you shouldn't do this, yes, it is very against the spirit of NaNoWriMo, but I need a bigger challenge, having won six times, and am trying to make a go of this whole thing), I have made a vow to spend at least half an hour a day outlining throughout October. So far it's actually going really well and I have quite a bit done already. I need to spend a good solid few hours doing some outlining, but I've got an AWESOME new program that I love like Christmas (Scrivener, available for the Mac only) and it is proving to be incredibly useful for outlining purposes.

Are you planning? Got anything going? What's your outlining strategy? What do you do in advance? Anyone else want to join the half-hour-a-day vow?
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Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

What are you writing with?

SarahJanet — Sun, 5 Oct 2008 01:48:27 -0700

Pen? Semaphore flags? 10-year-old computer that runs DOS? Shiny speedy new laptop? Voice recognition software? Notepad?

Tell us about your hardware and your software, whether cutting edge or lowest tech. (Bonus if you've named it!)
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Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

Gauntlets

SarahJanet — Fri, 3 Oct 2008 00:38:45 -0700

Well, every year they seem to get more epic, so I am a bit terrified of what we'll see this year. Nonetheless, this is the place for the throwing of the gauntlets.

What's a gauntlet, you may be asking? Well, technically speaking, it's a sort of glove type thingy that knights used to throw at each other to challenge another to a duel. (Something like that, anyway. I write romantic comedy, people, what do I know about actual gauntlets?) Around here, it is a challenge to another Edmowrimo (or perhaps several other Edmowrimos!) to a certain point. Perhaps you are racing to 50k. Perhaps to 100k, if you are crazy. Perhaps you're setting your goals a little lower to start out, and are racing someone to 10k. Perhaps you're seeing who can incorporate the most exotic penguins into your novel.

The stakes can be anything: a drink, a dollar, a million dollars, a flamboyant reading of a romance novel using finger puppets while wearing the winner's undergarments. This year, we're really going to encourage you to put money on your gauntlets, because we're going to collect all that money and send it to the site. There's a fundraising competition this year and I think the Edmowrimos can win it!

But money isn't as hilarious as elaborate schemes, so make sure there are some of those too.

Who's got a gauntlet to throw? (You can also throw a gauntlet and see who picks it up, if you have a good idea for a challenge and nobody to challenge.)
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Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

What are you writing about?

SarahJanet — Thu, 2 Oct 2008 17:08:46 -0700

Well, we lost the thread in the database failure, so tell us again what your novel is about this year!
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Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

Where are you going to write?

SarahJanet — Sun, 5 Oct 2008 01:51:32 -0700

What's your favourite spot to write? Home in your bedroom? Hiding in a corner of the living room? At your desk with perfect posture?

Or are you an out and about writer? Coffee shops, bars, restaurants, parks (seriously, I was going to work on my novel outline OUTSIDE at lunch today, but then I hung out with Denton and Karen and Joe and Crystal instead), libraries?

Or maybe you don't know, because you're new and kind of terrified. What are you going to try out?
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Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

15-word Summary

ShirtNinja — Sun, 5 Oct 2008 21:44:36 -0700

I learned about this during last year's NaNo from Sarah, and I was instantly addicted.

Can you summarize your story in 15 words or less?

Here are some examples:
-2005 NaNo: "Two factions push the limits to win the war, and take possession of Planet Earth" - The Paradise War
-2006 NaNo: "A squad leader confronts the origins of a galaxy-spanning war now 3 centuries old" - The Prodigy
-2007 NaNo: "Challenging a powerful corporation, two friends fight to save the world from a soulless future" - Project MAI
-Alternate 2007 NaNo Idea: "Tark and Lenore return to Farslow to find the truth behind their prolonged cryostatis" - Heirs of the Stars
-Other Alternate 2007 NaNo Idea: "5 exiled Warriors of different heritages band together to kill a ruthless murderer" - Untitled

-2008 NaNo: "to be created when I finish my plot!" - Rising War
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Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

T-Minus...

SarahJanet — Sun, 5 Oct 2008 01:35:47 -0700

26.

How are you feeling about things? Panicked? Excited? Wishing time would slow down so you can get ready? Wishing it would speed up so you could just start already?

What's your state of mind as we creep ever closer to the start line?
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Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

A Civilized Night of Writing - an Extra-NaNo Write-in

wolfe_boy — Tue, 7 Oct 2008 09:25:27 -0700

In honor of Ben, who has left us for the rainy coast of British Columbia.

When: Friday, November 7th, 2008
Where: Steeps Old Glenora
Time: Anytime after 6PM. Writing to generally cease around 8:30.
Why: Let me tell you why.....

As I mentioned in an earlier post this morning, one of my best memories of NaNoWriMo was two years ago, when Ben and I were writing in Steeps (technically he was writing at a different table from me with his back to me, but we did at least acknowledge each other) and a girl came in with a guitar and starting singing. At first we both thought she was lost, but after an accompanist showed up and they started plugging into a speakers, it was obvious that this was supposed to be happening. I continued to write, but her gentle voice and calming songs spoke to my soul and was the perfect finale to a prodigious night of writing. I shut my laptop, leaned back, and relaxed. That night is very firmly impressed in my memory, quite vividly.

Well, the girl singing was Carrie Hryniw, and she's playing a show at Steeps Glenora starting at 8:30 PM on the 9th. I'm going to plan on being there, and if anyone else would like a civilized evening of some moderate writing mixed with good tea and excellent music, come on by!

Here's a link to Carrie Hryniw's website, if you want to sample her music.

RSVP, please, either in this thread or through email/NaNoMail, just so I can contact Steeps beforehand and let them know what's going on and how many people to expect. It's a public place so there's no need to RSVP, but it's also quite small, so a crush of 30 or more Wrimos would likely split the seams of the place. Wrimo-adjacent individuals would also be welcome, with the proviso that we devote some time to writing.
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Jayson Merryfield
Check out my blog.
Or find me on the Flickr.

Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

WFC

SarahJanet — Sun, 5 Oct 2008 16:09:23 -0700

There appear to be a bunch of you going to the World Fantasy Convention (Conference? I dunno. Sorry.), so here's the spot to plan for a party! Also, a ton of people in Calgary are going, so if you guys want, we can see if we can arrange something to happen there!
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Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

Your best advice

SarahJanet — Sun, 5 Oct 2008 01:52:47 -0700

What's your best, absolute guarantee piece of NaNo advice? Maybe it's a sneaky way to increase your word count. Maybe it's a way to knock out distractions while you're writing. Maybe it's a way to shut up your younger siblings and make your kids stop glaring resentfully at your computer.

What's the best advice you could pass on to another wrimo to help them with their success?
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Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

The Edmowrimo Chat Room!

SarahJanet — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 19:49:47 -0700

As per tradition, the Edmowrimo Chat Room is up and running and ready for your enjoyment! Many evenings even starting now and pretty much every night (and sometimes during the day) in late October and all of November, we'll have people hanging out, chatting, word warring, and encouraging each other on our path to novel victory! It's always a fun time, so come by and check it out!

I'm copying and pasting previous instructions for getting to the chat room because I'm lazy like that. Other suggestions for IRC clients are welcome - I've started using Colloquy for my Mac and it seems to be working well. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Once you're there, please listen to the Operators - that's me, ChloeKEvil, KibBen, Canoegirl, shaisukebe, and occasionally Pilpingto if we need to op him for whatever reason. (He's not around in chat much.) We try not to boss too much but do ask that you listen when you ask you to do something!

Basic rules of chat etiquette apply - don't yell ALL THE TIME (capital letters are yelling, and while it is acceptable for occasional emphasis please don't do it all the time). Don't dominate the conversation - if your username is showing up twice as often as anyone else's we might ask you to tone it down a bit. Soliloquies are for your novel, not the chat room. If a conversation ONLY involves you and one other person, please take it to PM - it can get quite busy and confusing in the chat room as is, so if you don't need to share a conversation with the whole room, please don't. Also, please use your NaNoWriMo name or something similar so people know who you are. (Variations on this are fine - for example, I quite often will change my name to SJ-tv or something if I'm in the room but not really paying attention, just so people know why I am ignoring them!) But when people use totally random names or all change to similar names it is confusing, especially for new folks, who we like to be welcoming towards! And, the most basic rule of all - don't be a jerk. If an operator tells you to stop something, stop it. If you have an issue with another user, please contact one of the ops - we are all very friendly and will work together to resolve any issues.

If you are repeatedly breaking these rules we will have to ask you to leave - there aren't a lot of rules and it's not hard to abide by them. That said, this is very rarely an issue and the chatroom is almost always a very fun and laid back place to hang out, so come by and say hi! It's great for your word count (no, really - we have a ton of word wars) and a nice way to get to know other local writers.

And, finally, we do have a bot. His name is BattleJesus and he keeps track of our word wars for us. You need to register with him if you want him to keep track of your count during word wars. I'll post a little blurb about that once I refresh myself on how to do it! (It's been a while.) Anyway, if you see BattleJesus, don't be offended if he doesn't talk to you. He isn't human, but he is very useful!

HOW TO GET INTO CHAT:

Chatroom: #edmontonwrimos on irc.goodchatting.com

Please download your own IRC (Internet Relay Chat) client:
Windows - mIRC http://www.mirc.com free program, with the option to
donate to the project.
Mac users - Snak (http://www.snak.com/Snak.html) or Colloquy
(http://colloquy.info/).
Firefox - ChatZilla! can be downloaded both from the Mozilla website,
or from http://chatzilla.hacksrus.com/.
To connect to the channel, go to the server list and select the server Goodchatting. If it's not there, then add a new server by selecting the appropriate option for your chosen client. The server address is irc.goodchatting.com, and the port can be anything between 6660-6669. Just allow the chosen port to access the internet when it asks, or add the port you chose to your firewall's allowed list. You're done!

Weblink (please use only if you can’t get IRC (on a public computer is the best example of this), is: http://www.goodchatting.com/rooms/edmontonwrimos.php

Crystal (Shaisukebe) made a pair of tutorials for chat use (she rocks!):
Chatzilla: http://totchipanda.livejournal.com/234805.html
mIRC: http://totchipanda.livejournal.com/235159.html
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Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

The Edmowrimo Store: UPDATED INFO

SarahJanet — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:57:43 -0700

After a minor technical difficulty, we have now got our new store (well, our old store, newly stocked!) up and running! We hope you guys will enjoy some of the awesome merchandise we've got lined up with Patrick's kick-ass school crest.

As explained in the "The 2008 Edmowrimo Theme" thread, we've got an awesome plan for this year's events. What great school would be complete without school uniforms? Show your Edmowrimo pride with something from our fantastic new store. The (very limited) proceeds from this year's store will go to support NaNoWriMo HQ, and will contribute to the Edmowrimo category in this year's fundraising contest!

Go here to check out the store! And our apologies for the inconvenience.
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Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

To-Do Lists

SarahJanet — Sun, 5 Oct 2008 01:47:19 -0700

So, what needs to get done before your calendar is clear for NaNo? I have a list of suggestions for things to do in October, but I'm sure you all have specific things that need to get finished before you'll have time to churn out a masterpiece.

1. Do all your laundry. Seriously, ALL of it. Do this as late in the month as you can. That will keep you going for the first week or two or three of NaNo, depending on how much underwear you own. In the later part of the month, laundry will be a welcome distraction, but while you're still motivated to keep writing, you don't want to be foiled by a total lack of respectable outerwear.

2. Get ahead on any reading, homework, papers, side-jobs, regular jobs, or anything else that tends to fill up your evenings. Ask for extensions on things due in November, start now on the stuff you can't get away with moving. Read ahead in your text books and work ahead in your math book.

3. Do some regular reading, too. Nothing gets the ol' creative juices flowing like reading a great novel that you want to emulate, but you tend to be short on time in November, so if there's something you've been meaning to read before you start your novel, now's your chance.

4. While you're looking for that book you want to read, weed out your books and set aside a boxful for the Edmowrimo booksale! We're hoping this is going to be a great fundraiser but if nobody brings any books it's going to be a total bust, and nobody has time for that in November! (Although it is a good procrastination tool.)

5. When we get a bit later in the month, go grocery shopping. Buy lots and lots of food. One hand snacks are ideal - get ones that don't stain your keyboard. Bananas are pretty much the perfect novel food; their only disadvantage is they can't be purchased in advance. Lay in a supply of caffeine, chocolate, and appealing snacks. Be sure to add some healthy stuff in there too! Get all your basic toiletries while you're there too - extra deodorant in case you're sweating it out at the deadline, shampoo, soap - the easier it is not to neglect your basic hygiene, the less likely you are to do so!

6. Hang out with your friends. If they're a bit sick of you by the end of October, they won't be so mad when you drop off the face of the earth in November. Tell them what you're doing, too - it'll make them less resentful about your disappearance and will also force you to be accountable to someone!

7. If you tend to be the main chef in your house, teach the rest of your family to cook now. Pre-make a ton of easy to heat up meals and freeze them. Put the pizza place on speed dial.

8. Clean the house. If it's messy in November you'll use it as an excuse to procrastinate. Plus, if it's clean, people can't nag you to clean it instead of writing. (If you are only responsible for your own bedroom, clean your room. No, seriously, your parents will be way less crabby about this weirdo idea of yours if it results in a tidy bedroom.)

What's on your list?

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Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

Your 2008 Goal

SarahJanet — Sun, 5 Oct 2008 01:57:40 -0700

While we're all shooting for that magic number, lots of us have more specific, personalized goals. Do you? What are they?

Chloe and I are working on our goals for our gauntlet and it's got me thinking about it. What are you setting yourself towards this year? Besting your number from last year? Just the 50K and God help you? Are you one of those crazies going for one of those insane numbers? (Seriously, I saw people in the main forums tossing around 500K. THAT IS INSANE. New people, do not listen to those people. They are crazy.) Going for a quick finish? A new genre? A different person? (I still think someone should do a Choose Your Own Adventure novel one of these years.)

Tell us about your own personal NaNoWriMo Tenth Anniversary Goal. It's the 10th anniversary! Shoot for the stars!
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Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

The 2008 Edmowrimo Schedule of Events

SarahJanet — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:08:06 -0700

We've got a handy dandy Google Calendar now (check out the link at the top of the forum! Add it to your own Google Calendar! Subscribe to it and get it in your iCal!) but we wanted to make sure you had a list of all the events here as well. So, without further ado, here is the 2008 Schedule of Events! (Pack a lunch, this is a LONG LIST!)

Event: Pre-November Plot-planning Party
Date: Monday, October 20th
Time: 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Strathcona Library 8331 104 Street
Who: Wrimos/Potentials only
What: An opportunity for you to hear how other writers prepare for NaNoWriMo, get some help with your plot, and meet other friendly local writers!

Event: Kickoff Party
Date: Saturday, October 25th
Time: 7:00- 11:00 pm
Location: Strathcona Library 8331 104 Street
Who: Wrimos and Novel-Adjacent Persons
What: Let's kick off this year's 10th anniversary of National Novel Writing Month with a BANG! This will be a pot-luck party so please bring a snack for everyone to share. (Check out the Kick-Off Party thread for some suggestions of things to bring.) We'll have games, activities, mingling, and yummy food to get you revved up and ready to go for November! Don't miss this chance to throw yourself headfirst into the Edmowrimo adventure!

Event: Countdown
Date: Friday, October 31st
Time: 10 p.m. to midnight
Location: Strathcona Library 8331 104 Street
Who: Wrimos only
What: We'll be whooping it up in person AND online as we wait for midnight to roll around and set us off down the road to noveling glory! Come by the library (be sure to check out the details for that event in its thread) to get yourself psyched up and ready to go, then once midnight rolls around join in the longest write-in Edmonton's ever seen! If you can't be there in person, we'll all be in the chatroom as well, where mass hysteria has never been such a good time.

Event: First Day Insanity Overnight Write-in (overnight – online participants welcome)
Date: Saturday, November 1st
Time: midnight to 5 pm
Location: Strathcona Library 8331 104 Street
Don't forget to get a library card first so you can access the wireless!
Who: Wrimos only
What: It's the longest write-in in Edmowrimo history! Join us for an all-nighter as we get our biggest jump ever on our word counts. Be sure to check all the details in the thread for this event - a few extra things are required for the overnight element, especially for those of you under the age of 18. We are SUPER excited about this really cool new event and we hope you'll come out and join us for some all night writing insanity!

Event: Writers on the Rails
Date: Sunday, November 2nd
Time: 2:00pm-approx 6:00pm (NOTE DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME CHANGE!!!)
Location: Edmonton LRT
Meet at ground level HUB University station at 2:00
(three flailing stations – University, Churchill, Clareview)
Who: Wrimos only
What: We're taking over the trains! The Edmowrimos will be writing in motion as we take over an LRT for the afternoon. Edmonton Transit has very generously donated 25 day passes, which means the first 25 people (without their own bus passes - if you have a pass please don't sign up for a freebie!) who sign up for this event will get to ride for free! We'll be meeting at the University station (at the ground floor part of the station closest to HUB mall) and hopping on the train - feel free to meet us along the way! We'll try to catch people at Churchill and Clareview stations by popping our heads out of the train at those stops, and we're looking into other ways of identifying our particular train. (Be sure to get someone's cell phone number if you're going to meet up with us!) It's a first time event for the Edmowrimos and we're looking forward to writing our novels and spreading the word about NaNoWriMo, all while enjoying the scenery of Edmonton! What better way to inspire creativity?

Event: Library Write-in
Date: Tuesday, November 4th
Time: 5:30-8:30pm
Location: Highlands Library 6710 - 118 Avenue
Who: Wrimos ONLY
What: Please note that this write-in is NOT Wheelchair Accessible. Sorry! Join us to get some serious word count lead going on. We'll have word wars, house challenges, and most importantly, a good time!

Event: Pub Write
Date: Monday, November 10th
Time: 7:30pm-till you’re too drunk to type more than BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB
Location: TBA
Who: Adult Wrimos (and their livers) ONLY
What: Over-18 wrimos and their livers are invited to come enjoy some writing and some adult beverages while we relax and get those word counts climbing! Further details as they become available.

Event: Holiday Write-in
Date: Tuesday, November 11th (Remembrance day)
Time: 1:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Students Union Building, University of Alberta Campus
Who: Wrimos ONLY
What: Most of us have the day off today, so let's take advantage of it! Conveniently, this is right across the way from where the Remembrance Day Ceremony takes place, so you can take in both in one easy trip. We'll be taking over a section of the Students' Union Building to settle in and knock out some words, so stop by for part or all of the afternoon!

Event: Laserquest
Date: Tuesday, November 11th
Time: 7:00-8:00pm
Location: Laser Quest 10829 105 Avenue NW
Who: Wrimos ONLY
What: Let's blow off some steam! We're hopefully making some good progress in our novels, so let's take a break and zap each other with lasers! Details for this will follow when we've confirmed with Laser Quest.

Event: Library Write-in
Date: Saturday, November 15th
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Stanley Milner Library, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Who: Wrimos ONLY
What: We've got a room booked in the basement of the Stanley Milner Library - the Centennial Room, which is in the lobby of the theatre. (Not the same room as we were in last year.) There will be word wars, house challenges, and the words will be flying off your fingers!

Event: Library Write-in
Date: Tuesday, November 18th
Time: 5:00-8:30pm
Location: Woodcroft Library, 13420 - 114 Avenue
Who: Wrimos ONLY
What: We're taking over the program room at the Woodcroft Library (by Westmount Mall)! We're on the downhill side of the month and we need to get those word counts rolling, so come on out to challenge yourself and your friends to some word wars, house challenges, and other exciting competitions! The end of the month is creeping closer to take a few hours to catch up or get ahead!

Event: Trip to Diagon Alley
Date: Saturday, November 22nd
Time: 6:30 – 11:30pm
Location: Strathcona
Who: Wrimos & Squibs (AKA Novel-Adjacent People)
What: We all need a break sometimes, so leave your writing homework behind and head to Diagon Alley for food, fun and fundraising!

First you can visit Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour for a sundae. Buy yourself a bowl and have unlimited ice-creamy goodness, with all the proceeds going to NaNoWriMo Headquarters. This year we're having a NaNo-wide fundraising contest to see which region can raise the most money, and we’re going to continue to prove the power of the mighty EdmoWrimos!

Down the way you can visit Flourish & Blotts for a book sale in support of NaNoWriMo. Everyone has some books that they aren’t ever going to read again; donate your books to our book sale and pick up a paperback for $1 or a hardcover for $2! It's a great way to clear some extra space on your bookshelves for all the bestsellers the Edmowrimos are sure to be writing, pick up some new favourites, and have it all go to a great cause!

Despite what they might say down at Gringotts Wizarding Bank, life isn’t all about money; so swing by Ollivander’s and wave a baton around. You can try your hand at Guitar Hero and Rock Band for free, and when you find the right match between writer and instrument, magic will happen (in the form of Star Power, of course)!

Visit The Leaky Cauldron for a bevarage and Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes for….well I’m not going to give it all away. Muggles (Novel-Adjacent Persons) are welcome at this event.

Event: Library Write-in
Date: Sunday, November 23rd
Time: TBA (afternoon)
Location: Strathcona Library
Who: Wrimos ONLY
What: Well, you had a great time last night, but it's time to get down to brass tacks. Join us for a writing spree with word wars aplenty and house challenges galore!

Event: Library Write-in
Date: Wednesday, November 26th
Time: 5:00-8:30pm
Location: Millwoods Library
Who: Wrimos ONLY
What: Time is ticking, so let's get things going. Hit the Mill Woods library and churn out some words! We'll be cracking the whip with word wars aplenty and the house challenges will be burning hot!

Event: Write-in of Impending Doom/Party of Avoided Calamity
Date: Saturday, November 29th
Time: 6:30 – 11:30pm
Location: Strathcona Library
Who: Wrimos ONLY
What: Finished your novel? Come join the first annual Edmowrimo Scrabble Tournament! Not done yet? Come write like a maniac as we crack the whip and nudge you over the finish line and celebrate like crazy when you make it! Even if you're nowhere near the end, every word will get your house closer to victory, so come out and write or party no matter where your word count is!

There will be lots of good times and fun whether you want to Scrabble, write, or just hang out and relax with your fellow Edmowrimos, so come on out!

Event: Finish Line (Chat)
Date: Sunday, November 30th
Time: 9:00 pm- midnight
Location: Chatroom
Who: Wrimos – finished and otherwise
What: It's your last chance! The word wars will be flying and the cheering will be epic. Every word gets your house closer to victory so get those fingers limbered up and get writing! Even if you're done, come by and crack the whip on the rest of your house so you can emerge victorious!

Event: Thank God It’s Over
Date: Sunday, December 7th
Time: 4:00pm- midnight
Location: BP’s
Who: Wrimos and maximum one Novel-Adjacent per Wrimo
What: Thank GOD It's Over! Celebrate your accomplishments and revel in the fact that you don't have to stay up late writing tonight and can come hang out with your Edmowrimo friends instead! Check out the TGIO thread for all the details!
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Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

How did you hear about NaNoWriMo?

SarahJanet — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:03:01 -0700

Notified by Owl Post? Read about it in the Daily Prophet? How did you hear about National Novel Writing Month? Just found out the other day? This is your tenth year participating? Tell us about how you got involved!
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Canada :: Alberta :: Edmonton

The 2008 Edmowrimo Theme

SarahJanet — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:55:20 -0700

We announced this in chat and on Facebook the other day, but here are all the details of the theme we've got planned for this year's Edmowrimo experience!

While contemplating themes for this year's Edmowrimo experience for the 10th anniversary of NaNoWriMo, we took a number of factors into consideration. First and foremost in our minds, however, was the idea of who the mighty Edmonton would challenge this year. While we have found, in the past, inter-region competition to be an effective motivation technique, the ease with which we've defeated our competition has made this somewhat less powerful as a motivation tool. Therefore, this year, we will be pitting the Edmowrimos...against each other!

Dun Dun DUN!

That's right. This year, for the first time ever, the Edmowrimos will be sorted into four Houses. (see here for information on the history of the House system.) This is a concept that was popularized by the Harry Potter series, but dates back much further than that in the British school system. The Houses of the Edmowrimos will compete against one another in word wars, fundraising challenges, and other exciting events throughout the month. If you're motivated by the idea of challenging a stranger in another city, imagine how motivating challenging someone sitting across the room from you will be! We'll have contests at each write-in to see which house can write the most, month-long challenges to see which house has the highest word count, and fundraising competitions to see which house can raise the most money for the Edmowrimos and NaNoWriMo Headquarters! This year HQ is debuting an inter-region challenge for fundraising, so we'll be competing as a group to prove the eminent worthiness of the Edmowrimos. After all, school pride is greater than House pride!

Each house will be led by an ML - Sarah, Karen, Patrick, and Denton, our special guest Head of House. You will be sorted in a special ceremony at the Kick-Off (or at subsequent events if you can't make the kick-off party) into one of our four houses: Exclamation Mark House, Question Mark House, Ellipsis House, or Parentheses House. Or, as we prefer to call it, House! House? House... and (House).

Like any good school, we have a school crest, featuring the logos of each house and complete with school motto, "Novelis Quantitus Maximus, Qualitus Minimus." You can admire Patrick's awesome handiwork here! We invite you to proudly display this noble motto on your official Edmowrimo House Merchandise, available in our brand new store. Check it out here!
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