United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

Write-in this Saturday?

kaylamds — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:38:12 -0800

There's this nice cafe in Conway called the San Francisco Bread Company. It's a bit like Starbucks except, in my opinion, better. It's a perfect place for a write-in because it has a nice lounge area with plugs for laptops, wi-fi (I'm pretty sure), and four computers, should anyone need them.

Would anyone be interested in having a write-in there this Saturday? For those who don't know, Conway is about 25-30 minutes outside of Little Rock.
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United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

Anyone from the Ark-La-Tex?

free_pirate — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:28:26 -0800

I'm down here in Ashdown, and I was wondering if there was anyone else NaNo-ing in the surrounding areas? I don't know if there are enough of us to do write-ins or anything like that, but it'd be nice to know I'm not the only one. :)
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United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

Little Rock meetings?

Gammy-the-slug — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:17:40 -0700

I am too dense to figure out who is the ML for the Little Rock area, but it seems here in early October we already have interest in a meeting, or (as I think of them) write-ins. So when NaNovember rolls around, I do hope we can have an event.

Was wondering (and I hope I'm not stepping on ML toes) if people preferred a "snacky" location, like B&N, or if a library meeting room might be considered. I'll try to attend either way (schedule & health permitting), but to me, it's difficult to hear in a bookstore/coffee shop environment. Some people don't like meeting in a library b/c the munchy options are limited, and you must bring your own.

Thought I'd toss it out and see what people thought.

Cheers!

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^o^ ^o^ ^o^
Reality is for people who can't handle writing fiction.

United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

Anyone from Searcy here?

the_mystical_moose — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:25:01 -0800

I used to live in Searcy, so I decided to join this region.

And Searcians? Hardingers?

--The Mystical Moose
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United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

Little Rock Saturday 15th, 2-4:30 PM, Java Roasting Co. on Chenal

Gammy-the-slug — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 05:10:30 -0800

Let's try another meeting. I will do my level best, health and family life allowing, to be there and stake out tables. I hope to call today and tell the mgr what we'd like to do.

According to James (razorback-roadhog) they have plenty of outlets for laptops. Here are some directions he posted in the "Little Rock Meetings?" thread:

If you are coming east on I-30, then you would take the I-430 cutoff going North from I-30 (about Mabelvale, plus or minus several miles) up to the I-630 intersection. Go west on I-630.

Immediately west of the cloverleaf you will cross cross Shackleford, where I-630 changes into Chenal Parkway (like some metaphorical werewolf ;)

Chenal continues west past the traffic lights at Autumn Drive (Barnes and Noble), Bowman Road, then the intersection of Chenal Parkway and Markham.

Just past the Target Store on the right is a strip mall. Java Roasting Co is about in the middle of the strip mall.

Not sure how to approach coming westward on Chenal (eg from Roland etc) because am not sure where the breaks in the parkway are located, but one would imagine (if one lived in a city better planned than LR) there would be a turn lane to get into the shopping center; if not, boogie down to Target and turn the correct direction.

Even if you are far, far behind, come and get energized by discussing your noveling woes with other Wrimos. Imbibe large amounts of caffeine if your health and budget permit. Or sit there clacking away at your laptop and shame the rest of us into achieving higher word counts. Give yourself permission to take a break from end-of-summer chores and/or Xmas shopping because your fellow writers need the fellowship and support.

If possible I will send nanomail to everyone I can think of regarding this write-in (or in my case, chatter-in).

As Cap'n Nesmith says in "Galaxy Quest": "Never give up; never surrender!"

~ gammy-the-slug (earning my name with slipping word count, but undeterred)
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^o^ ^o^ ^o^
Reality is for people who can't handle writing fiction.

United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

Down around Hot Springs

fendley — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 04:33:44 -0700

I thought I would give this a shot. maybe I can get past the first 3 chapters....lol. Good Luck to everyone.
Have Fun!
Amy
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United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

Write-In Tonight at UCA in Conway

FreshRibbon — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 03:50:25 -0800

When: 6:00-8:00 (drop in or out at your whim)

Where: UCA, Thompson Hall, Writing Center (1st floor)

Who: Sponsored by the Writing Center and Vortex Literary Magazine staff

Invited: Anyone and everyone who wants to come, student or non-student

We had about ten people come for the write-in last Monday and we'd love to see you there. It's a good mix of people young and old, students and civilians. The whole thing is a drop-in affair and terribly casual. The Writing Center is full of couches and desks and plenty of plug-ins, and we'll make coffee.

Thompson Hall is at the corner of Donaghey and Bruce ( I may have said College St. before), right across the street from Papa John's Pizza. Plenty of parking.

We'd love for you to join us tonight and every Monday night. If you have any questions, just slip me a NaNo mail. I've finally got it turned on.

See you there!

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United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

Just Keep Writing

shay85 — Fri, 7 Nov 2008 05:57:34 -0800

Man, is it quiet in here! I am taking this as a good sign that everyone is hard at work on their novels. (or maybe you're all shy)

The first week of NaNoWriMo is coming to a close. How are you doing? Are you hitting your daily word counts? Has frustration hit yet?

The first thing to remember is to just keep writing, even when the words ring hollow and the characters don't behave. Just keep writing. Words can be changed and characters can be molded. The important thing is to get the story down. Your novel isn't going to be pretty and you aren't going to find agents falling at your feet to sign you up. You are working on your first draft. First drafts suck. There isn't a nice way to say it and if anyone tells you any different they are lying.

Don't become discouraged! Sometimes it's hard to remain on task. If you start to have those terrible negative thoughts, tell yourself, "I am not alone! Millions of people are writing with me." A novel isn't written in a day and novel'ing is hard work. Give yourself a pat on the back for making it this far.

YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Just keep Writing!

P.S. Anyone in need of inspiration or a cheerleader, please feel free to PM me.
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Co-ML Fort Smith and Surrounding Areas
http://shay-writes.livejournal.com/

United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

A Belated Hello From Conway!

kariliv — Sun, 5 Oct 2008 17:21:04 -0700

As usual, I'm late to the party! Between real-life drama and the annual Nanowrimo web site crash, it's been hard for me to post- but I made it!

I know we have some returning Wrimos from last year and I hope we get some new ones. I'm planning a kick-off party and several write-ins, and like last year, I hope to stagger the write-in locations between the library, Something Brewing and San Fransisco Bread Company. If there are any other places that people would like to see added, please let me know.

One thing I did want to get out of the way is an October Plot Workshop. We did one last year and it went really well. Is anyone interested in doing another one this year?

I hope everyone is bursting with plot ideas!
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Kari
Municipal Liaison,
Conway, Arkansas

United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

Ft. Smith and Surrounding Areas Local Write-in

shay85 — Tue, 4 Nov 2008 13:50:06 -0800

Don't forget!

Tonight is one of the Official Write-ins for Fort Smith and Surrounding areas!

You missed the Kick Off Party! Awww! But never fear! It's not too late to pick up your official NaNoWriMo sticker and meet some of your fellow NaNoers!

Tonight's Write In will be held at the Sweet Bay Coffee Shop on Rogers Ave. (the one across from Lowe's NOT the one by the park) We will be writing from roughly 6:30 pm till close. There will be fun and prizes galore so be sure to attend.

Please come!

Behind in your word count?

I promise you will write if you come to the write in! ;)

Newbies don't be afraid. We don't bite!

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Co-ML Fort Smith and Surrounding Areas
http://shay-writes.livejournal.com/

United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

Mystery writer Radine Trees Nehring in Fayetteville

Longhand — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:46:40 -0700

UA Special Collections is hosting the second of its three Arkansas fiction writers in a talk and Q-and-A on Wednesday afternoon, the 22nd. Info here. There's a lot of tasty finger food, too, going by the first presentation, by Laura Parker Castoro.

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Longhand (Ben), NWArkansas municipal liaison
Fayetteville, Arkansas

United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

Howdy To All Returning WriMos and Newcomers!

shay85 — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:35:55 -0700

Welcome one and all!

The count down to November has officially begun.

The closer we get, the more excited I get. Plot lines are tumbling through my brain a mile a minute. At the moment, I don't have a clue which story line I'll be exploring this year. Last year I embraced Chris' "No Plot, No Problem" motto. I began the month without a clue and bravely forged ahead. If I can do it and survive...

I look forward to getting to know everyone better. (besides our tight Ft.Smith/Fayetteville group) and reading your posts. If anyone, regardless of region, has any questions feel free to send me a PM or email. I'll do my best to answer your query. If I don't know the answer, I'll direct you to someone who can.

Welcome back! I have a feeling this is going to be a banner year!
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Co-ML Fort Smith and Surrounding Areas
http://shay-writes.livejournal.com/

United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

Kick Off Party a Success!

shay85 — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:58:27 -0700

Thanks to everyone who made last night's Kick Off party a success! We had a fabulous time! My Co-ML, Laura, will be posting pictures of the event soon.

Don't worry if you weren't able to attend. There will be many more activities scheduled as the month progresses, both on-line and off. Check our region calendar for times and locations.
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Co-ML Fort Smith and Surrounding Areas
http://shay-writes.livejournal.com/

United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

Are You Ready...

shay85 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:25:39 -0700

TO NOVEL???

The closer the day gets, the more excited I become! Am I the only one? Come on guys, it's awfully quiet in here!

Don't forget tomorrow night is the Official Fort Smith and Surrounding Areas Kick Off Party. We're holding it at Sweet Bay on Rogers Ave. Across from Lowes (NOT THE ONE BY THE PARK) Come for the swag, stay for the fun!

There will be food, games, and tons of fun. The Kick Off is being hosted by The Yetis, my writing group and a terrific group of talented writers. The festivities begin around 6:30 PM and continue till they kick is out or 10 PM, which ever comes first.

Don't be shy. We don't bite! (well, not that hard anyway)
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Co-ML Fort Smith and Surrounding Areas
http://shay-writes.livejournal.com/

United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

Fort Smith and Surrounding Areas!

riverchic1998 — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:35:28 -0700

Surprise! And welcome to the first thread, of many I'm sure, for the Fort Smith region! I'm Laura, one of the co-ML's! Soon to post will probably be my lovely, fantabulous co-ML, Shay. Say hi, Shay!

Now, when I say Fort Smith and surrounding areas, it's a general area! We have people from Alma, Van Buren, Fayetteville, and even Oklahoma! We don't care where you're from, you can definitely meet with us and write with us! There are eleven of us right now (and we call ourselves the Yetis, so don't be confused if that's referenced) but we'd love to add to the number!

So! Let's get right into it, shall we? The Fort Smith kick off party will be on October 28th at 7 pm. It's held at the Sweet Bay on Rogers. NOT THE ONE BY CREEKMORE PARK. There are two Sweet Bay coffee houses on Rogers Avenue, but we meet at the one by Lowes, Taco Bell, and Geno's pizza. If you'd like directions, just email me at riverchic1998@gmail.com and I'll send them your way.

Now, if you'd like to come to the kick-off party, we just ask that you bring some cheap writer-ly things to go in gift bags that will be provided for everyone. Don't delve into your savings account to get them, though! I mean things like pens, post it notes, small notebooks, stickers, or even just little inspirational messages! Bring enough to give to around 15 people!

If you'd like to meet us before the kick off party, come on over! Our group meets every Tuesday at the same Sweet Bay I mentioned above. Our group arrives anywhere between 6 and 7 (I get there around 8 because of night class *shakes fist at the university*) and we're there until close.

We try to write 30 minute random challenges from the Box-O-Doom. It's not that scary, and it's a lot of fun. I'm not going to spoil anyone on the inner works of BOD, so you'll just have to come and see what all the fun is about! Honestly, we'd love to have you and hear all about your writing projects and NaNo!

If you have any other questions or comments, email me!

Laura
Fort Smith, AR Municipal Liason
NaNo Writer 2004-2007
NaNo Winner 2004-2007
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~Laura
NaNo Winner 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
NaNo Writer 2008
Fort Smith ML

United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

What Are You Writing?

shay85 — Tue, 7 Oct 2008 11:18:33 -0700

Do you have an idea?

A story that is begging to be written during the month of November?

Please share in the comments below.

I am currently torn between two stories. Do I write about the reluctant super hero or the boy who is allergic to girls?

My first idea is about a woman who has developed an unusual super power. She is learning how to deal with being "special" when she is asked to help save the world.

The second is a weird coming of age/road trip story about a young man who is allergic to females. He is drug from his safe haven by a girl who just happens to be a demon. She thrusts him in a new, strange world where they are forced to save the world.

(save the world is code for I have no idea what might end up happening)

What are you writing? Inquiring minds want to know!
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Co-ML Fort Smith and Surrounding Areas
http://shay-writes.livejournal.com/

United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

NWA's 1st meeting

Longhand — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:12:32 -0700

The first 2008 NWA NaNoWriMo meeting will be 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at Arsaga's on Crossover, 1852 N. Crossover Road in Fayetteville. Here is a Google map. Bring pen-and-paper and/or a laptop. We'll do one brief writing exercise, to get acquainted, really. Some people there will be NaNo novices and others have done it a time or three. At this meeting, we'll share and explain what's to come. I do have the official NaNo stickers to hand out. It should not take the full two hours. Feel free to bring others who might be interested. At the next meeting, Sunday the 26th, we'll focus more on nitty gritty tips etc.

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Longhand (Ben), NWArkansas municipal liaison
Fayetteville, Arkansas

United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

Northeast Arkansas?

AstronomyLover07 — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 06:38:15 -0700

Oo, shiny new forums! xD
Anyway, I'm all the way over here in NE Arkansas-too far away from the NW meetings-and I was wondering if we had a ML. I remember someone thinking about being the ML, but nothing was decided.
Anyone else from NE Arkansas?
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~Anna
NaNo Novel 2007:
A work in the Key of Fantasy WON!
Adopted: Kore-of-Myth (You can do it! xD)

United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

Anyone in Boone or Newton County?

Blue_Rose — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:15:44 -0700

Is there anyone else in the Boone or Newton County area? I'm in Newton county and find it difficult to go to meetings in Fort Smith or Fayetteville or even Eureka Springs. Would love to talk to other NaNoWriMoes in Boone or Newton County.
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2007 - I'll See You In Forever - 50,111
2006 - Lily's Crhistmas Wish - 57,064 words

United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

The Official Kick Off Party for Ft. Smith and Surrounding Areas

shay85 — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:53:23 -0700

The Official NaNoWriMo Kick Off Party for the Ft. Smith Region will be held at 7 pm at Sweet Bay Coffee on Rogers Ave., across from Lowe's.

This is the official RSVP thread, so if you plan on attending the Kick Off Party, I need you to leave a comment to this post. The purpose of the RSVP is for a head count. I want to have enough goodie bags for everyone.

Mark your calendars and make a point to attend. This is your chance to meet your fellow NaNoWriMos and your lovely region Co-MLs. Plus you will snag some sweet swag in the process.

RSVP TODAY!
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Co-ML Fort Smith and Surrounding Areas
http://shay-writes.livejournal.com/

United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

Calendar of events for Jonesboro

elspark — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 06:14:36 -0700

Okay! We have a fairly stable calendar of events now, so I'm going to go ahead and list 'em here. Remember that they're also on the Google Groups Calendar listed in the header.

October 30th, 6:30 PM: The kick-off party! It will be held at Cici's Pizza, back behind the Mongolian Grill in the mall on the corner of Caraway and Highland in Jonesboro (Not the Indian mall...the other one). This is just a meet-and-greet, and will be held in the back meeting room (as far as I know).

November 4th, 7:00 PM: Our first write-in. It'll be early on in the NaNo season, so we'll all be fresh and incredibly strong! We'll meet in the Round Room of the library and see how things are going, and then we'll adjourn to the computer area and write for the rest of the hour (including a couple of word-wars!).

November 15th, 5:00 PM: Halfway There party. That's right, we're already halfway there! This will be held at The Edge Coffeehouse, just off the ASU campus and across the street from the ROTC armory. This is an opportunity to just sit and relax and chat about how the books are going. The manager wants me to remind everyone that The Edge is a nice place to sit and write at any time during the week.

November 17th, 6:00 PM: Our second write-in. This one's longer, running from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. We'll do the same thing as the last one: meet and talk about the books and then do some writing. This time we'll have a break for snacks a while in, and we'll have a chance to visit a little more and support each other down the home stretch.

December 1st, 6:30 PM: Thank Goodness It's Over party. We'll laugh, we'll cry (okay, probably not, but you never know) and we'll hold a drawing for the NaNoWriMo 2008 poster.
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I'm not the droid I'm looking for.
NaNo 2007: Heart of a Hero. (Finished!)
NaNo 2008: No Place In The Story (In progress!)
http://groups.google.com/group/ne-arkansas-nano

United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

NWA: 2nd (and last) pre-November mtg

Longhand — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:54:24 -0700

Last Sunday's crew wanted "Same Bat Time! Same Bat Place!" Newcomers encouraged; we'll answer questions and stuff. Bring a laptop or pen-and-paper for a couple of short fiction exercises. Sure, bring a friend.

That's 3-5 p.m. Sunday 26 October at Arsaga's on Crossover in Fayetteville. Here is a Google map.

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Longhand (Ben), NWArkansas municipal liaison
Fayetteville, Arkansas

United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

Where do I fit in?

Word_Weaver — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 11:46:27 -0700

Hey guys, I'm a Texan in Arkansas--just moved to Searcy in order to attend Harding University. Since I'm absolutely hopeless at geography, I was wondering if someone could tell me where I should go. It appears to be split between NW and NE?
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United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

It's Not Too Late

shay85 — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:36:51 -0700

It's not too late to make plans to attend the informal plotting party being held tonight in Ft. Smith. We're meeting at Sweet Bay Coffee on Rogers Ave. across from Lowe's. (NOT THE ONE BY CREEKMORE PARK) The actual capturing of plot bunnies will commence around 6:30 pm. But feel free to arrive earlier and meet the members of The Yetis writing group.

You know you wanna come!

If you need directions or have questions feel free to email me at cricketshay at gmail dot com.
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Co-ML Fort Smith and Surrounding Areas
http://shay-writes.livejournal.com/

United States :: Arkansas :: Elsewhere

NW Arkansas has own region

Longhand — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 17:53:14 -0700

Fayetteville -- Northwest Arkansas' Washington and Benton counties -- now has its own designation.

If you're located here, make it your home region. You can join other regions as well, for sharing and information. Click on Regions, type Arkansas in the search field and Submit, then Join on the line for the community (-ies) of your choice.
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Longhand (Ben), NWArkansas municipal liaison
Fayetteville, Arkansas