United States :: Oregon :: Salem

the bragging thread

Coryashire — Mon, 3 Nov 2008 19:38:03 -0800

Yes, a bragging thread. for those who are doing well, why dont you post to let others know, and give tips for how you find time to squeeze in a good hearty writing session so we can help others maximise their chances for sucess.

Currently, I am on the fourth chapter of my story, and just crossed 10k words. This book has for the most part been in my head for 3 years. I have added to the plan for the fourth book in my series over the years, further improving upon my plan, and outlining it in more detail, and so I am now simply writing scenes that have been in my head for ages.

I was a little under the weather yesterday, so I didnt get much writing done. but my goal is to do at least a chapter a day. my plan currently has me with 27 chapters, which is a general guideline for what I thought it would take to tell the story. who knows, I might be writing 25 chapters, or maybe 30 by the time I finish it.

I might try to finish it all during november, but who knows if I will be able to keep up the pace. so far, what I have written has made me very happy, and I think I am keeping both quantity, but also quality in my writing this year for nano.

my biggest tip, find someone comfortable to write. if you have a laptop, you could find a comfy chair. I write on my bed, which is nice and soft, and gives me privacy with my bedroom door closed. I can watch tv while I write, and take nice lie down breaks when I feel like it.
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United States :: Oregon :: Salem

[From Salem MLs] All State Write-In This Weekend

Brighterskyte — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:07:03 -0800

It's time for the second annual All State Write-In, and this year Salem is going to be hosting it. We're very excited to have all the other fantastic Regions in Oregon joining us for a day of writing madness. Are you excited? We're excited!

The All State is Saturday, November 15th. From 11:00 to 1:00 we will be hosting an Ice Breaker Brunch at Pietro's Pizza (1637 Hawthorne NE in Salem) in the back curtained meeting room with ice breakers and mini golf for those who want to play. From 1:30 to 6:00 we will have the All State Write-In at the Salem Public Library in Anderson B. Please bring a snack to share if you can! MLs will be providing drinks.

We're going to be having some fun games, word wars, some mini-workshops and lots and lots of writing with our fellow Oregon Wrimos.

We hope to see everyone there!

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- Jamie
Co-ML Salem, Oregon
2006/2007 Capitol Wordwar Smackdown Champions!
Proud member and founder of the Cardboard Box Wrimos
2008 Novel - Untitled

United States :: Oregon :: Salem

Wordstock Photos

JayelGibson — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:03:06 -0800

...of me, of course *grin*, and some dedicated Salem Wrimos wracking up the word count in the space provided by Wordstock. Oh, and me modeling this year's 10th anniversary NaNoWriMo tee. Anyone else get pics?

Wordstock '08 Photos

It was super to see Jamie and Hannah strategically positioned across from my booth. What a great event; I'm already looking forward to next year!
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Always with a Touch of Magick

United States :: Oregon :: Salem

Report Card Link

hysterium — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 20:28:20 -0800

Everyone-

At today's write-in FutureGal and I were trying to find the link for the updated NaNoWriMo Report Card. This is an Excel spreadsheet that tracks your progress and projects your ending date. It's pretty nifty.

I found the link. Here it is...NaNoWriMo Report Card.
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We will, we will... write you!

United States :: Oregon :: Salem

I think I left my glasses...

WritingLife — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 16:56:22 -0800

...at the library today (11/15). Did anyone see a black glasses case where I was sitting, at the far table nearest the snacks? Purplish wire on the frames? Two Chinese fortune cookie fortunes in the case along with the glasses? Please? I hope?

If so, Jamie can bring them to me at school on Monday. She knows where my office is.

Karen
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The Writing for Children Resource Site

United States :: Oregon :: Salem

NaNoWriMo Challenge #3: Naughty, naughty

hysterium — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 15:26:27 -0800

So, this is how the challenges work...

1. read the challenge carefully. there may be certain criteria that must be met.
2. be creative! let your mind wander and make a colorful trail over whatever media you prefer.
3. bring your entry to a weekly write-in for acknowledgement.
4. winners will receive a chocolate reward. (For those with chocolate allergies, an alternative will be found.)

So, are you ready? Here's your challenge...

Challenge #3:

Last week, as I was leaving the Salem Write-in, I noticed someone sitting in the car next to mine surfing the internet. Not a strange occurance mind you. The library's signal extends well past its walls. But what I came to notice, once I was in my car, was that this person was viewing naughty videos on his computer! Even as I started my car, the voyeur did not flinch, nor did they stop their viewing. My only thought was... THAT HAS TO BE A CHALLENGE!

Your challenge this week is drawing on this experience. You are challenged to add a character (or use an existing one) who is doing something naughty while in a vehicle or while traveling by some mode of transportation.

For those who will ask:

something nuaghty is hereby described as - some action that is morally, spiritually, socially or otherwise deemed as inappropriate by society.

vehicle and traveling by some mode of transportation is hereby described as - a car, boat, ship, rocket, subway, carriage, pumpkin with wheels, bicycle, walking, running, sliding, etc.

This challenge is open to everyone. This challenge is open all month.
__________

so, there you have it. are you up for the challenge? remember these key items:

* add or use a character who is doing something naughty
* have them travel or use a mode of transportation
* bring your entry to get your reward
* collect your reward

i look forward to seeing your ideas!

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We will, we will... write you!

United States :: Oregon :: Salem

Event Photos

microkat2004 — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:56:41 -0800

For all who don't know we have photos of write-ins and the kick off party on Flickr.

You can go to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/salem_writerazzi/

I just downloaded some pictures from the kick off party.

And for more pictures you can go here:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/salem_nanowrimo/

I have pictures of past years write-ins and other fun activities!

^Kat^
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^Kat^
Here we go again!

United States :: Oregon :: Salem

million word march

hysterium — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:00:24 -0800

as os this posting, on November 12th around a quarter til 9pm, we as a region are less than 3000 words shy of 1,000,000 words. i'm sure that we have those words out there in someone's unposted word count.

but that's not my point. if we can reach 1,000,000 words in 12 days, let's try to get 1,000,000 words in the next 12 days too! we can do it! so, here's what i am going to do...

tonight at midnight, i will check the official regional word count. over the next 12 days, i will post daily word count totals as we make our way to the next 1,000,000 words.

we can do this, Salem Wrimos! let's do the million word march all the way to December 1st!
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We will, we will... write you!

United States :: Oregon :: Salem

Car Pool Thread

Brighterskyte — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:06:55 -0700

Hi Wrimos,

Use this thread if you need a ride to an event, or if you can give a fellow Wrimo a ride to an event.

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- Jamie
Co-ML Salem, Oregon
2006/2007 Capitol Wordwar Smackdown Champions!
Proud member and founder of the Cardboard Box Wrimos
2008 Novel - Untitled

United States :: Oregon :: Salem

NaNoWriMo Challenge #2: Homophones and Palindromes

hysterium — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 15:52:22 -0800

So, this is how the challenges work...

So, are you ready? Here's your challenge, and it's a bit harder...

Challenge #2:

hom⋅o⋅phone: –noun. a word pronounced the same as another but differing in meaning, whether spelled the same way or not.

pal⋅in⋅drome: –noun. a word, line, verse, number, sentence, etc., reading the same backward as forward.

Your challenge this week has two parts- one is easier; one is quite hard.

Easy: add two (2) sets of homophone or four (4) palindromes into your novel over the course of not longer than a half page.
Hard: add a palindrome sentence of not less than six (6) words into your novel.

This challenge is open to everyone. This challenge is open all month.
__________

so, there you have it. are you up for the challenge? remember these key items:

* use homophones and palindromes
* don't go over half a page
* bring your entry to get your reward
* if you choose to go for the hard challenge, I will have special rewards for you.

i look forward to seeing your ideas!

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We will, we will... write you!

United States :: Oregon :: Salem

Happy ML Appreciation Day!

microkat2004 — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 20:47:46 -0800

To Jamie, Savvy, and Hannah:

Today is ML Appreciation Day! You guys are so great! Let me count the ways of your awesomeness:

1) You guys rock.
2)You are our best cheerleaders.
3) You work so hard to make November great for us all.

I just wanted to let you guys know how totally awesome you are (and no I am not sucking up for more stickers!) So three cheers for our MLs!

Now get back to work on those novels!

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^Kat^
Here we go again!

United States :: Oregon :: Salem

Capital Wordwar Smackdown

Brighterskyte — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:44:47 -0700

Salem Wrimos!

The challenge has been issued to Olympia to once again participate in the Capital Wordwar Smackdown, our competition between capitals to see which can write the most words during November.

Olympia gave us a run last year, and we won by a hair. They are great sports and we've really enjoyed this event the last couple of years. I'll let you know if they accept the challenge.

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- Jamie
Co-ML Salem, Oregon
2006/2007 Capitol Wordwar Smackdown Champions!
Proud member and founder of the Cardboard Box Wrimos
2008 Novel - Untitled

United States :: Oregon :: Salem

[From Salem MLs] Pep-Talk November 10th

Brighterskyte — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 07:58:40 -0800

Hi Salem Wrimos,

We just got back from Wordstock, Portland's Book Festival where we had a booth, and let me tell you, NaNo was the talk of the place. It was a lot of fun! The turn out from other Wrimos that were participating was astounding. We can't wait to go back again next year. Thanks again to Jayel Gibson for sponsoring our booth! You are AMAZING!

Here's your pep talk this week from Cory Warren. We hope that you enjoy it, and that your novels are rockin' their way to 50,000. A big heap congrats to Eric Witchy who's already hit 50k! Way to go!

Have a great week, you guys rock!

---

While traveling through the dense and dangerous forest on the edge of a vast alkaline lake in the middle of the Sahara desert after being chased through the polar ice caps of the south Florida beaches, we were accosted by a group of cowboy alien vampire werewolves who challenged us to a game of Quidditch at the Circus Maximus under the watchful eyes of Empress Strawberry Shortcake. We were only able to escape by a combination of sheer cunning, fleet feet, and Felix Felicius. Most of us were able to escape with our lives, except Kenny, but come on, how many people honestly expected Kenny to survive?

So Crazy Writers of the Salem Region, how are we all doing along the path of novel madness? Have you lost your trains of thought and found your Science Fiction novels turned into Westerns? How many of your desks have dent marks from headdesking as you try to wring ideas out of your fried brain like a sponge? Let us hope by this point into November, you have not turned your childrenʼs book into something tawdry and cheap that would make your typical harlequin writer blush in shame by adding lurid sex scenes that would make Stephenie Meyer proud. Well, I guess it could be worse, and now that Midnight Sun has been cancelled, I heard her publisher is looking for a replacement, so there might be hope for your book about three frisky bears and a bowl of porridge.

Either way, if your book has run off the rails, taken a life of its own, and is terrorizing you with random outburst of genre switching. Or if your books are still on track, know this; the first week is finally over, and only three more weeks await you. No matter what problems have reared their ugly head, you are a fourth of the way through NaNo this year. Sure, it is not as nice as having three weeks behind you, but still, one week down, and the clock is ticking ever forward, even if slowly. Just remember, pulling out your hair is bad, so is going on a broccoli binge, and donʼt hesitate to put in a dirty sounding name for a character, just as long as you let Robert read it at the next write-in.

So just keep at it. Before you know it, it will be November 29th, and you still got 15k words to go. So just remember to have fun, and if something goes wrong, the Butler did it!

Sincerely,

Cory

Bio:

Beloved for his witty naughty sounding character names by everyone but the poor person who gets roped into reading the Continual story, Cory, or Coryashire as he is known on the NaNo forums, has done NaNoWriMo three times, and is hoping for his second consecutive win. When he is not torturing Robert with names worthy of prank calls to Moeʼs Tavern, he can be found lurking in the NaNo Forums looking for names to steal and put away in his notebook of horrors for future use.

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- Jamie
Co-ML Salem, Oregon
2006/2007 Capitol Wordwar Smackdown Champions!
Proud member and founder of the Cardboard Box Wrimos
2008 Novel - Untitled

United States :: Oregon :: Salem

[From Salem MLs] Pep-Talk November 12th

Brighterskyte — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 07:58:07 -0800

Hi Salem Wrimos,

Here we are, at the 12th already. Can you believe how quickly time flies when we're furiously typing away at our novels? Have you made it to 20,000? If you have (and many, many of you have) then pat yourself on the back and treat yourself to something nice today.

If you haven't, don't worry! We still have plenty of time, and I know you can do it! It's raining outside, and rainy weather can bring on the best inspiration. Step outside on your porch and listen to the rain for a while with a nice warm cup of tea or coco, and then get back to your novel. You never know, it could do wonders.

Don't forget the Virtual Write-In tomorrow, the Novelist Debut on Friday (more info here http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/3121974) and the All State Write-In on Saturday!

Here's your newest Pep Talk, it comes from Bethany, who teaches writing at Chemeketa Community College. It's a good one on Romance writing. Not just for Romance writers, but also for those of you looking to squeeze a bit of love into your zombie Apocalypse novels.

Enjoy it, and keep writing! You guys ROCK!
------------------------------

I'm Bethany and I'm delighted to be a part of MWVRWA. I teach writing at Chemeketa. I also write contemporary romance and YA. I've finished 3 manuscripts to date. One of the neatest parts of the writing journey is how it introduces you to other writers and the writing community. I undertook NaNoWriMo for the first time in 2005, and I wrote about 30,000 words on my second manuscript during last November. I didn't make it to 50,000. In 2006, I made it just shy of 50,000 words, and continued on my pace into December (Bonus!) I took 2007 off to deal with my newborn, and this year I'm re-evaluating what I want out of NaNoWriMo and re-committing to the process.

A pep talk for the Romance Writers among us!

Why pledge to write 50,000 words in one month? The answer lies in knowing yourself as a writer. I write in fits and starts and starting is my greatest challenge. If I leave something too long, the procrastination devil takes over and I find it nearly impossible to get my momentum back. Committing to a month of intensive writing means little to no time off, and the procrastination devil doesn't have a chance to take hold.

Others may not have to battle quite so intensely with the procrastination devil, but may instead fight the battle of the dreaded white space daily. NaNoWriMo doesn't let you sit and stare into the white obilvion. Many writers find the process intensely freeing as they "just write" without limitations or restrictions, writing without editing or self-censoring. Many writers who consider themselves "pantsers" (otherwise known as those who hate to plot) love the process because it allows them to write in the most free-form method possible. (See No Plot, No Problem for more ideas) These writers accept the process and their end goal is simply to get words on paper during NaNoWriMo.

While I see the benefit in this free-flowing writing, I have come to accept that I am an absolute die-hard plotter. Four years ago, I knew this, but I didn't embrace it fully and I think this contributed to my running out of steam. For a plotter, the battle is waged in preparation. While the writing begins on November 1st, the plotting needs to begin far sooner.

My preparation thus far has consisted of first picking the idea I wanted to develop (I keep an idea file in my journals for future stories). Next, I brainstormed possible story arcs using the story magic techinque. Then, I "interviewed" my characters using a technique picked up at another RWA meeting. This allowed me to further flesh out my story arc notes. As part of the character interviews, I fleshed out the hero and heroine's goals, character flaws, black moments, and barriers to a relationship. I used these charts to do the story board, using post-it notes for each POV. Now, what I am doing is transforming my story board, which is mass of sticky brain dumping into an easy to use outline. This way, on Nov. 1st, I can follow my outline and move quickly.

A big bonus to using an outline to achieve a set word count goal like NaNoWriMo is that you have writer's block insurance. You know what is coming next. You know your characters and can anticipate their reactions. Further, if a particular scene is bogging you down, you can simply skip further down your outline to a scene that speaks to you more, then return to the problem scene later.

Whether you are a plotter or a pantser, NaNoWriMo is uniquely suited to romance writers. Even if you sit down with nothing more than a single sentence in mind: Woman travels to Europe for first time and meets mysterious ex-pat or Victorian Duke finds himself in American frontier town, you know the driving force of your story: Two people fall in love and overcome an obstacle to achieve their happy ending. Knowing this major story arc, writers can use the NaNoWriMo process to get the main story down on paper, then spend the revision process adding in details, doing necessary research, layering in subplots. Knowing WHAT you are writing is a huge part of the battle to conquer all that white space, and if you know that you are writing a romance, you have already passed the first hurdle.

No matter what genre you end up in, best of luck!
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- Jamie
Co-ML Salem, Oregon
2006/2007 Capitol Wordwar Smackdown Champions!
Proud member and founder of the Cardboard Box Wrimos
2008 Novel - Untitled

United States :: Oregon :: Salem

New Novelist Debut in Salem at Tea Party Books Nov. 14th, 6:30-9:00

Eric Witchey — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:02:15 -0800

A long time friend and wonderful writer, Devon Monk, will debut her first nationally published novel, Magic To The Bone, at Tea Party Books on Liberty St. downtown. November 14th from 6:30-9:00. I hope all the Salem WriMos can come and support this local author's first book launch.

Devon has been publishing short contemporary and urban fantasy for over ten years, but this is her first novel. It is the beginning of a three book series that includes two more books coming out in the spring and then again in the fall of '09. She's a kind, gracious woman who has worked long and hard for many years to get to this moment.

If you are already published, then you know what it means to an author to see that her community supports her work. If you are not already published but hope to be, then this is your chance to demonstrate your support for what you would like to happen to you someday. It's also a chance to rub elbows with selling authors who will be attending from Portland, Salem, and Eugene. Devon is a much-loved member of the Northwest writing community.

Keep the words flowing! NaNo-on!

Eric Witchey
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Eric M. Witchey has sold over 50 short stories and a novel into national and international markets. His stories have appeared in multiple genres under several names. His How-to articles have appeared in The Writer Magazine, Writer's Digest Magazine, and o

United States :: Oregon :: Salem

[From Salem MLs] Wordstock - Nov. 8th and 9th

Brighterskyte — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 12:27:37 -0800

NaNoWriMo Salem Region will be at Wordstock, Portland's Festival of the Book on November 8th and 9th from 10 am to 6 pm at the Oregon Convention Center.

Wordstock has donated us a very huge space to have writers come and go from the festival and write their NaNoWriMo novels. We are so amazingly excited about this! We've sent information to the other Regions in Oregon but we really need Salem to make a huge turn out at this event, since Wordstock was so amazingly awesome to donate this Write-In space at a Book Festival.

Here's the skinny, our Booth will be located in spot 346, our Write-In area will be spaces 1043 1142 1041, and 1140. We will be there from 10 am to 6 pm on both Saturday November 8th and Sunday November 9th.

You can come, hang out, check out the other booths, the speakers and more. Hang out in our Write-In area and get some writing done with fellow Wrimos. We'll play games, we'll have some Word Wars, we'll rock. It's $5.00 to get in, and if you can't do the $5.00 please let an ML know via E-mail and we'll see if we can work something out to get you in.

We recommend using the Car Pool Thread, or reply to this thread, to assemble a ride up to Wordstock so you guys can car pool.

We really need everyone to come up and support this awesome event, so please make it if you can! You'll get a special sticker...you want a sticker don't you?

C'mon Salem, let's show them how amazing our Region is!

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- Jamie
Co-ML Salem, Oregon
2006/2007 Capitol Wordwar Smackdown Champions!
Proud member and founder of the Cardboard Box Wrimos
2008 Novel - Untitled

United States :: Oregon :: Salem

[From Salem MLs] Regional Stats Thread

Brighterskyte — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 12:55:49 -0800

Hi Wrimos,

Well it's the 5th day, which means NaNoWriMo is in full swing. Which means one of our favorite things: statistics!

That's right, and here it is, your current statistics for 12:43 pm on November 5th 2008.

Our total current word count is 346,606 words. Salem is currently ranked Region number 143 out of 445 Regions for total word count. Not shabby Salem!

Our current average of words per person is 6,189. Ranking us 334th.

Our current total for donations to HQ is $60.00. Ranking us 236th.

Our current total for donations to Regional (Monetary, gifts-in-kind, and donations made on our Regions behalf to other or by other organizations) is $700.00. Way to go Salem for supporting your Region!

Not bad stats for only day 5! Let's pump it up and see if we can beat last years totals. You guys rock!
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- Jamie
Co-ML Salem, Oregon
2006/2007 Capitol Wordwar Smackdown Champions!
Proud member and founder of the Cardboard Box Wrimos
2008 Novel - Untitled

United States :: Oregon :: Salem

Pimp Those Covers!!!

Coryashire — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 20:46:00 -0700

Okay, this is for people who have made covers for their books and uploaded them to their NaNo profiles. For those who didnt know you could, it seems to be a new function added in time for the 10 year anniversary. I showed my cover off at Robert's workshop on writing dialogue *which was alot of fun, for anyone who didnt get a chance to go, you missed out on a good, informative discussion*

If anyone has uploaded a cover, or might be looking for someone who is good at drawing or graphic design *I wish I could be more help, I drew my cover, but it was fairly simple, and I am not a artist who deals in finite detail* then maybe we can find people in the reigon who are good drawers and might be willing to help with covers.

Mine can be found under my profile under "Novel Info" if anyone is interested in seeng it. it is fairly basic, and I know what it all means *and no savvy, it isn't a stargate :0)* and I actually did one for the first book in my series which is currently on my book "the transit" at authonomy.com
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United States :: Oregon :: Salem

Salem NaNo event - Midnight Twilight showing

Fyredancer — Fri, 7 Nov 2008 17:42:37 -0800

Hi gang,

I mentioned this on the PBoD forum earlier this week - I checked Fandango for the midnight showings in Salem and the Santiam one looked sold out. When I stopped by to pick up Zack and Miri tickets today, the box office confirmed that Santiam was sold out and he told me that Movieland is "almost" sold out. So I picked up my Twilight ticket. (I can't believe I publicly admitted that.)

So if you're planning on attending the midnight Twilight show, I'd pick up tickets at the box office or on Fandango some time this weekend if I were you.

PLEASE GOD DON'T LET ME BE AT THE MIDNIGHT SHOW ALONE.
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United States :: Oregon :: Salem

Books you recommend.

WK — Thu, 6 Nov 2008 09:24:29 -0800

I have two requests. I have not written a story/book since I was in high school (grad 1986) so I have forgotten so much of what I have learned. Doing NaNo has helped me remember why I loved writting, but I need something to help me with some of the details of writing. I need to remember the basics.

1. Can you recommend at book on writing.

I am also part of a book club that meets monthly. I am always at a loss for a book recommendation.

2. Can you recommend a good sci-fiction book.

Thanks,
Wendy
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United States :: Oregon :: Salem

[From Salem MLs] Pep-Talk November 5th

Brighterskyte — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 11:28:48 -0800

Hi Salem Wrimos,

I hope everyone is plunking away at their novels and that words entwined with brilliance are flowing from your fingers into your keyboard, pen, stylus, stick in the dirt, or other preferred writing apparatus.

Here we are at day 5 already. Where did those five days go? It's amazing how quickly times slips by when you're on a deadline. Never fear if you're struggling through, you still have 25 days, which is plenty of time to meet your word count goals.

I bring you todays Pep-Talk, it comes from Eric Witchey, local Wrimo and published author. It's a great one, and I really hope you all enjoy it. Good luck and keep writing!

Hi Salem Wrimos,

I bring you todays Pep-Talk, it comes from Eric Witchey, local Wrimo and published author. It's a great one, and I really hope you all enjoy it. Good luck and keep writing!

The NaNoWriMo Hero's Journey

Eric Witchey

I wake in the world of the everyday, dissatisfied with myself and my life. It's NaNoWriMo month, and I haven't hit my quota. It's a rainy, Oregon day, and daylight savings has fallen back. The cat thinks I'm a pillow, and the Labrador thinks it is his right to hunt squirrels at oh-dark-thirty AM. I pull the covers over my head, afraid to look at the clock because it will tell me how much precious morning time I've already lost.

The call to action comes. The preset timer beeps on my oh-so-cool coffee pot. I hear the water pop, spit and steam. Then the aroma comes.

I have to decide to accept the call or give up and return to my indolent submersion in half-dream worlds where I can accept my Pulitzer and dine with J. K. Rowling and Stephanie Meyers. But I've read the sacred texts of Christopher Vogler and Joeseph Campbell, so I know to refuse the call is to deteriorate, and isn't that what I did yesterday? Today, I try something new. I get up.

My shower isn't quite the baptismal rebirth I hoped for, but it does propel me along toward the coffee pot, and there I experience my first encounter with the wise one. She reminds me that I need to pick up orange juice, frozen piecrusts, and some sweet potatoes for the dinner we'll be making later. She also pours and hands me a cup of magic elixir. I have trouble reconciling her gift with her sage words, but I am no fool. I accept the gift and store the words away for later. I'm sure they will have great import, for all words of the wise one are powerful and best heeded.

Hesitantly, I put the given cup to my lips. I sip. The elixir within soothes and restores, and I begin to believe I have the skills and desire to face the blank screen and bleed my heart into a file.

I smile and nod to the wise one, then I turn toward the study, a mere twenty feet away.
But at the threshold to the hallway, I encounter a guardian. He is dark in aspect and bright in eye, and he challenges with his lolling Labrador tongue, huge canines, and curved, swooping tail. He warns that no good smells or tastes will come from entry into the dark hallway. He demands tribute, and I must obey if I am to enter the dark hallway and continue my quest. With some trepidation, I return to the kitchen. I seek the wise one, but she is gone. I search for some gift to placate the threshold guardian.

Within the cupboards, I find treats carefully stored by the wise one. She will not see my theft of them, so I take them to the guardian. He is pleased, and while he quivers in ecstasy, I open the back door. He is sucked out into the world beyond where squirrels will torment him for the rest of the day.

Pleased with my cleverness, I enter the dark hallway. Something grabs at my ankles, tugs, pulls, tangles. I trip, nearly spilling the sacred contents of my cup. Looking down, I see a minion of evil, a Brindle Cat, who has clearly been sent to keep me from my quest. Unlike the guardian, this new obstacle is much more difficult to vanquish. I have heard of it, and I know that it will follow me on the quest, that it will walk on my keyboard, that it will play with my power cords and tear at pages. It will try to sit on my lap while I type. It will do anything to shake my resolve in my quest.

Treats will not entice it away. It is not so foolish as to submit itself to the land of tormenting squirrels on a rainy day.

Again, I retreat from the dark hallway. I cross the house to the threshold to the inner sanctum of the wise one. There, I pause and pray I do not evoke the anger of so powerful a sorceress. I knock.

She answers, "I'm working."

"I have a present for you, wondrous one."

"You may enter."

Cleverly, I open the door and pretend I will enter. The Brindle Cat bolts ahead and I close the door and run, taking care to preserve the elixir in my cup. Some may call me coward, but the quest is more important than my pride.

Once more in the dark hall, I am pleased with myself. Ah, but pride commeth before a great fall.

I sip at the rejuvenating elixir while I stride toward the chamber wherein I shall fulfill my quest. At the very mouth of the Cavern of Composition, I feel some dark spell attack my belly. What was food yesterday is now a curse that once more drives me away from my goal. Wretched with self-doubt, with the fear that I will let the moments slip away and add no words to my tome, I backtrack in the dark hallway and take refuge in an antechamber where I can relieve the inner pressures of the dark spell. I even wonder for a moment if the wise one is my ally or if she has somehow poisoned me with the elixir of rejuvenation.

Even so, I know I must trust her of all people. So, I wash my hands to cleanse myself of any dark spirits, then I turn once more to my magic cup. It is drained, and I know if I am to succeed I will need a full cup.

To the kitchen again. I fill my cup. To the dark hall again, and there, as if by some magic I cannot know, the Labraguardian waits once more, wagging, lolling, returned by some magic from the land of rain and squirrels. Time is short, and the pages are blank. I have no time for games of tricks and treats. With harsh words, I weave a short spell and dismiss the dark guardian to his comfy pillow in the living room.

Purposefully, I stride along the path I know so well. I reach the entrance to the cavern. I push forward into the belly of the beast, the dark lair. With a clap of my hands, I bring light to the darkness. There, across the room, is the grail – the screen and keyboard. I need merely sit, boot, and type. Elation fills me, for I am triumphant. Today, I shall have my quota.
All goes well, but the Dark Lord of the nation Procrasti is not yet vanquished. My magic is strong, and the mystic tools respond to my touch, but it is not enough. With the boot's new light and digital life comes a mystic chime and uttered spell, "You have mail."

Taken by the spell, my hands move of their own accord. Messages from all over the world appear, promising me wonders and joys tenfold if I will only send them on to ten of my friends, promising me purest bliss if I will only buy blue pills from Canada, promising me kind words and erotic pleasures is I will only hit reply. As if to draw me deeper into the spell, there are even magiked missives from allies and family.

I am undone. My hands are taken in vile, dark urgency, ensorcelled and lost. I despair. I die a thousand deaths, for even as my hands do the will of evil, my heart knows that I am lost and that the page remains blank and my blue bar of joy grows no more in the land of NaNoWriMo.

A missive appears. "We'll need more butter, too. Why aren't you writing? I love you."

The spell is broken. I am saved by the wise one, reborn, and my gratitude is boundless. Though I still do not understand fully her arcane words, I am not fool enough to waste her gift.

With a single click, I vanquish the dark spell of EE-Mallé. Quickly, then, to a new file -- to the blank page. Before thought or minion can stop me, I sip at my elixir, place my hands on the keys, and begin. In beginning, I can feel my triumph. In beginning, I can see my path to my quota. In beginning, there is pride and joy and I let myself fall into the magic of mind and heart. I let the words appear before me, a line of rhythmic effort that adds up to glorious victory and my triumphant return with the grail!

-End-

Eric Witchey has sold over 50 short stories and a novel into national and international markets. His stories have appeared in multiple genres under several names. His How-to articles have appeared in The Writer Magazine, Writer's Digest Magazine, and other print and on-line magazines. He has won awards and recognition from a number of organizations, including Writers of the Future, Writer's Digest, New Century Writers, and ralan.com. When not writing or teaching, he restores antique, model locomotives or tosses small bits of feather and pointy wire at laughing trout.

Upcoming:

"Mirages." Polyphony 7. On-line November, 2008. Print volume February, 2009
The Writer Magazine: "How To Obtain Sharp, Useful Critiques." Jan. 2009
The Writer Magazine Web Site: "The Care and Feeding of High-functioning Critique Groups." December, 2008
Orycon Panels. November, 2008
TripleTree Press Seminars. March, 2009
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- Jamie
Co-ML Salem, Oregon
2006/2007 Capitol Wordwar Smackdown Champions!
Proud member and founder of the Cardboard Box Wrimos
2008 Novel - Untitled

United States :: Oregon :: Salem

NaNoWriMo Challenge #1: Color Your World

hysterium — Sat, 1 Nov 2008 22:51:00 -0700

so, this is how the challenges work...

so, are you ready? here's your challenge...

Challenge #1: Color Your World
Red, green, yellow, blue,
Black, white, others too!
Don't forget orange,
Color your world! Wooo!

Your challenge is to add four (4) colors into your novel over the course of not longer than a half page.

This challenge is open to everyone. This challenge is open all month.
__________

so, there you have it. are you up for the challenge? remember these key items:

* use color
* don't go over half a page
* bring your entry to get your reward

i look forward to seeing your ideas!

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We will, we will... write you!

United States :: Oregon :: Salem

Welcome to NaNoWriMo 2008 :) Intro Thread!

Brighterskyte — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:59:06 -0700

Hi Wrimos!

Welcome to another happy, shiny, crazy year in NaNoWriMo land. We're glad to have you back (if you're an oldie) and glad you're here (if you're a newbie).

We've got insane amounts of events planned for this year, and some fun surprises that will hopefully make this the best NaNoWriMo ever, and properly celebrate our 10th Anniversary of being insane.

If you don't know who I am, my name is Jamie, and I'm one of three Municipal Liaisons for the Salem Region. Our job is to organize meetings, keep you guys pumped up and inspired, and bribe...I mean, encourage you during the year of November to finish those novels.

I've been at this for a long time, and I'm so excited to see how our Region has grown and developed over the years. I can't wait to see how this year goes, and I hope you are all just as excited as I am. :)

If if you're a Newbie or an Oldie throw a post up to let us know you're here, and introduce yourselves.

I look forward to seeing you all on and off the Forums this November!

- Jamie
Co-ML Salem, Oregon
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- Jamie
Co-ML Salem, Oregon
2006/2007 Capitol Wordwar Smackdown Champions!
Proud member and founder of the Cardboard Box Wrimos
2008 Novel - Untitled

United States :: Oregon :: Salem

[From Salem MLs] This Weeks Write-Ins

Brighterskyte — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 12:30:52 -0800

Hi Wrimos,

Aside from Wordstock on the 8th and 9th (which I really hope you guys can come out and support us) we will also be having two other Write-Ins this week.

General Write-In
If you can't make Wordstock on Saturday (but let's be honest, you will, and if you can't on Saturday come Sunday!) we will be holding a normal Write-In in Salem at 1:30 to 5:30 on Saturday, November 8th.

This will be at the Salem Public Library in Anderson Room B. It'll be a potluck meeting so bring a goodie to share if you can. Word wars, games, and lots and lots of writing will be had. This Write-In will be headed up by ML Savanna, so don't miss it!

Virtual Write-In

What's better then a Write-In with your fellow Salem Wrimos? A Write-In with fellow Wrimos in your Pjs! Join us for the first Virtual Write-In of the year this Thursday (November 6th) from 6:00 to 9:00 in our chat room located here:

http://www.plotboxofdoom.com/chat.html

Don't miss out, we've got some awesome Word Wars planned, and don't forget, we're keeping score this year with Word War totals, and the one with the highest total at the end of November wins a spiffy prize!

Hope to see you all at something this week, it's going to be a great one!
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- Jamie
Co-ML Salem, Oregon
2006/2007 Capitol Wordwar Smackdown Champions!
Proud member and founder of the Cardboard Box Wrimos
2008 Novel - Untitled

United States :: Oregon :: Salem

Willamette University

snwbrdr642 — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 03:37:15 -0700

Does anyone at WU do this, I have yet to complete nano after my first and only real attempt in 05. It is just very hard to make myself sit down and do this with all the other stuff I have going on. If there was someone here who could help hold me to it, I may be down. Otherwise it looks like I'll have to wait till I graduate.

-Searcher
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