Hello All,
If you are planning to attend the El Cerrito East Bay Launch Event, please write me at :wholygirl@gmail.com ASAP.
This party actually involves food (and expense). Given what I'd heard from other ML's around the world - I didn't expect the negativity I've received at suggesting one launch party.
In other states and countries people are driving long distances to create a group event. It's clear that the people in the East Bay aren't willing to to that - more's the pity.
One of the reasons that I suggest the venues I select is that they are independent women-owned business ventures. In the case ot the Central Perk it's one of the most unique places that I've ever seen. It'd decor is chock full of imagination - and the result of creative minds.
Also, because of the decor - it is an optimum photo-op moment. My dream was to create a big splash (in the region where NaNoWriMo began and is run from) so that the press would have something to photograph - and possibly make something more than the national news. If we don't have a big mass of people - this won't happen. Obviously the more press the org gets, the more people become involved - and donate.
Yes, this event is for writers everywhere to write. Yet is is also to promote literacy, free thinking and creativity to young people all over the globe. NaNoWriMo uses its funds to do AWESOME things such as build libraries, reach inner-city and rural kids all over the world and enroll them into an event where their participation can actually change their lives.
I feel this cause is critical to the world. I think Chris is frigging brilliant to have created it.
I believe that it's a cause to support - that's why I've approached this in the way that I have.
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On a personal note, last week I received the news that my father is critically ill. This is one of the main reasons that I cannot be the ML this year - although I was planning to, and looking forward to it. I need to be on call to fly to Southern California.
Still, until we have another ML - I'm all you've got for now. So I chose venues sort-of near my home so that I could work with the owners easily and fulfill my commitments to them.
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That said - if there seem to be enough people who want to make this event work - Great. If not - fine too. I'd just like to know so that I can plan my time accordingly. I like big events - but lots of small ones are fine too - they just don't receive much press.
So that's my thoughts on the matter. You can call me at (510) 559-8773 if you want to chat in person.
I wish you a wonderful novel-writing season.
Melissa
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Wishing you a potentiate plunge into your passionate psyche for a plethora of publication perfected into a parfait of purple prose; posted at the perimeter of peculiarity on the psaquinade of your Nanowrimo placard!
50,290 / 50,000
Okt 28, 2007 - 11 08
I think its a great idea, and I will be there. There are others for whom this is close to their homes, and they have mentioned coming.
Please keep in mind folks, this location is quite literally about 3-4 blocks from BART in a good neighborhood, and a bus stop literally lands just outside its front door. Plus, if you get there early, its a couple blocks from several restaurants and a bookstore, and if you want to leave a little early, the El Cerito Speakeasy theater is right next door.
Yes its in El Cerrito, but its easy to get to, has room for us all, and WholyGirl is not kidding about the decor.
They have retro everything (all of it for sale, for the collectors out there), and draped across every shelf and laying in every nook and cranny is everything from Nightmare Before Christmas to decade old bobble heads to games, toys, and odball paraphernalia that hasn't seen the light of day since the 1960's. I saw an old Monchichi doll there, I kid you not. (Extra points if you even know what that is. For those that don't: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monchhichis). Plus, you haven't lived until you've seen the life sized Sulley doll (from Monster, Inc, the blue one seen here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsters,_Inc.).
Its the beginning of NaNo, so why not get a little crazy? Especially when someone is working so hard on your behalf to wine and dine you. I didn't hear anyone complaining about the drive to the Olive that Chris Baty set up, even though it was in SF. Really, is El Cerrito that much harder?
4,205 / 50,000
Okt 28, 2007 - 11 44
Since I'm pretty sure it was my comment that was the "negativity" you mentioned, I wanted to publicly apologize if you felt like I was attacking you or this event. That was NOT the goal, and I'm sure the El Cerrito kick-off is going to be wonderful! It sounds like a great place, and I wish I could attend.
The point I was trying to get across was simply that I had concern over the event being advertised in too many threads (particularly "threadjacking" ones about an event that did not create a time conflict with any of yours). I'm thrilled that you are so excited about this event and I'm sure it will be a huge success! I had one piece of negative feedback, I stated it and attempted to clarify, and that was going to be the end of it. If I have a complaint that no one else is bothered by, I'm more than willing to shut up and ignore it! I mean it will all my heart when I say that it wasn't meant to be a personal criticism, or even a criticism of the event itself!
You (or the future ML) certainly aren't expected to attend all the events of the Bay Area, all I asked was that they be encouraged and cheered on in the same way I will be cheering for all the East Bay-ers I won't be able to meet because of timing and distance!!!
I'm so sorry about your father-- my thoughts and prayers are with him and your family!
90,859 / 50,000
Okt 29, 2007 - 20 54
I think the party in El Cerrito will be great, but I don't think that putting this much pressure on nervous writers is such a great idea. while Nano is also about promoting literacy, free thinking and all of that very wonderful stuff, it's also about personal goals for writing. Pressuring people with guilt about not being enough of a motivated community isn't the way to go about things!
If I can make the launch party, I'm going to go, because it sounds like a good time and I love to meet other nanoers, not because it's a world cause or because it's a woman-owned coffee shop. Honestly, I'd even consider not going at all if there was going to be a lot of press there, and I know I'm not alone in being nervous around cameras.
I think it is completely admirable that you are putting all this together (along with the several other events) and putting yourself out there with both time and money, but telling us just because one person said that you shouldn't hijack other threads is no reason to call the east bay negative or not putting in effort. Having done NaNo in the east bay since 2003, I can tell you that the east bay practically organizes itself into write-ins and groups and is lavish in its very close-knit support. But writers as a breed are shy and elusive, and it's honestly a difficult position to put yourself in to expect writers to be bold and brave, not to mention staying out late on a weeknight when most of us don't get halloween or the morning after off ;)
If you're going to organize a fundraiser and photo-op for Nano, that's a wonderful and completely admirable thing to do, and I support it wholeheartedly, but please don't pressure this sections members into going if you feel they aren't enthusiastic enough. We've all got a lot on our plates, I'm sure.
51,059 / 50,000
Okt 29, 2007 - 21 54
I wish I could attend, but my Linux class trumps any kickoff parties, unfortunately.
9,115 / 50,000
Okt 31, 2007 - 11 46
I move around so much with housesitting that I usually only go to events if I am housesitting nearby, which in this case I'm not. But don't take this personally as I've missed quite a few events this year because of my moving around.
13,509 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2007 - 00 03
SHORTEN THE HEADLINES! Website will not post if longer than 64.
I will not repost all that I commented on earlier, since time is short and this site deleted a post that took 5 minutes to write.
Paraphrased: Shoutouts to all who organize these events; stop bitching about driving 10 minutes to freaking El Cerrito; how did the launch party go?; I wanted to attend but got drunk, couldn't drive, and whatevs.
4,205 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2007 - 08 59
Who was complaining about a 10 minute drive? There was one comment about threadjacking, and one about not pressuring nervous writers into an event where the media was invited. Each of us spoke, and that was the end of it (several days ago, in fact).
Although, I'm really interested in what form of transportation could get me from Pleasant Hill to El Cerrito in ten minutes! That could come in handy!!
13,509 / 50,000
Nov 5, 2007 - 13 47
Although, I'm really interested in what form of transportation could get me from Pleasant Hill to El Cerrito in ten minutes! That could come in handy!!
If you drove like me you could accomplish that. LOL.