United States :: Georgia :: Macon

<0> Write In Schedule

Dragonchilde — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 20:02:28 -0700

This is where we'll put our list of scheduled write-ins... you do not need to be an ML to request one! If you'd like to hold one on a day we haven't schedule one (or any meeting, for that matter) let us know, and we'll add it!

Our first Write-In will happen Wednesday, October 31... Writing to begin at midnight sharp. Start time, unsure. Bring your own refreshments; we'll probably wind up ordering a pizza or something, so if you can manage, you might want to bring enough cash to chip in for that.

As for the location, this is up in the air; use this thread to discuss where we would like this to be held, and when it will begin. Wireless internet access is pretty much a must, so that we frantic novelists may update our word counts, if the site behaves. Computers not necessary... ordinary pen and paper is welcome. :) That's what at least one of your MLs will be using. ;)

Our second Write-In will be held Saturday, November 3 at Joshua Cup in Macon, 2 PM until.

EDIT: Danielle brought up a fantastic idea, and given our reasons for choosing our co-MLs, I'm honestly chagrined that I didn't already think of it. With Violet being based in Warner Robins, and myself being in Macon, we can have simultaneous meetings in both locations. There's no need for WR folks to drive all the way to Macon, when there's several available locations in WR, and vice versa.

It was suggested at the meeting that Shane's house is one possible location (if he's okay with that... feel free to say no, Shane!) since he has plenty of floor space and wireless access. He's located in north Macon, near Riverside.

Would anyone be willing to volunteer a home or suggest a public place in Warner Robins for the first write-in? There's nothing like the charge of being surrounded by your fellow writers when the gun goes off!

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Heather
Forums Moderator

United States :: Georgia :: Macon

<0>Home Regions: Why should you, how can you?

Dragonchilde — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 11:30:05 -0700

http://www.geocities.com/tweetywill/affiliate07.html

If you haven't selected Macon as your home region, please consider doing so. :) Your word count will count for our region! This humorous site, created by some of NaNoWriMo's upstanding MLs, will tell you why you should, how you can, and gievs you pictures to walk you through the rather complex process!
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Heather
Forums Moderator

United States :: Georgia :: Macon

Chomping at the bit

meannah — Thu, 4 Sep 2008 14:58:27 -0700

Yes I know September (AND school) has barely begun, but I had the idea for my novel finally hit me today like a slap in the face, and I'm ready to go! Hopefully I can keep up the same enthusiasm when November comes. How is everyone else? Are there any ideas popping up for you guys yet? And I HAVE to get one of those T-shirts this year!

meannah
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meannah
~~~~~~~~~~
2005: Southern Storms~Won
2006: What's Done Is Done~ Won
2007: Good Little Girls Never Tell~32,053
2008: Tap On Me

United States :: Georgia :: Macon

Merry Christmas to Everyone!

meannah — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:01:44 -0800

Guess this will be my final post this year, especially since I didn't make the 50K. (sniffs and then shakes head in shame.) I wish everyone a wonderful holiday season that is filled with love, family and new traditions and memories that will last for years to come.

Meannah

P.S. I can't wait until NaNoWriMo next year!
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meannah
~~~~~~~~~~
2005: Southern Storms~Won
2006: What's Done Is Done~ Won
2007: Good Little Girls Never Tell~32,053
2008: Tap On Me

United States :: Georgia :: Macon

TGIO: Let's talk party!

Dragonchilde — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 08:50:06 -0800

Last year it was at O'Charley's. I'm thinking Saturday evening--- somewhere. I'm completely open for suggestions... we'll probably want something capable of accommodating quite a few people, with a good price range (we don't want anyone to be priced out of enjoyment!).Children friendly would be good, since both of your MLs are encumbered with toddlers and there are a few younger/older children floating around who may be coming. A bar in the place is a nice perk, but not a must.

Warner Robins or Macon is fine; Last year it was WR; I'll do my best to make it either way.
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Heather
Forums Moderator

United States :: Georgia :: Macon

My very first NaNoism

Dragonchilde — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 20:04:35 -0800

This one's just for you, Miri.

I've never been able to keep track of my nanoisms, so this is actually the first I've caught as I wrote it. :)

I had to share:

"Michael paused and looked at Auriel, unreally sure of how to describe it."

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Heather
Forums Moderator

United States :: Georgia :: Macon

FINISHED!!!!!

sophia0021 — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 11:51:48 -0800

*****dancing around my computer right now*****
I'm done, I'm done. I just uploaded to the bot to be counted and I'm at 59,00 and change! I'm not really done yet tho-so I'm keeping going until I really finish!

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United States :: Georgia :: Macon

Isn't anybody writing tonight?

Lanois — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:32:08 -0800

I was shocked to see that there is no write-in scheduled for tonight! I would have expected to see a bunch of panicky folks congregating around a source of caffeine and wireless connections...

If there is a write-in going on, and I've missed it, can somebody poke me and let me know?

Danielle
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United States :: Georgia :: Macon

Finished, and what I learned

limeylass — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 11:14:49 -0800

Well I finally finished, but it wasn't the masterpiece I thought it would be. I learned more writing it, and thrilled knowing I could actually finish on time. Really worn out from getting up at 4am this past week to get the typing quota for the day. Feel like my brain is drained. I had no notes, no outline, no research nothing, and that was a horrible way to try and get this thing done.
To anybody still working out there, just keep going, you'll get it done.
By the way I had to correct the word count, submitted my novel twice.
I am a luddite.
Josette
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United States :: Georgia :: Macon

Validation Problem

Elderac — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:07:17 -0800

Is anyone else having a problem with validating their manuscript? I have pasted mine there twice and it hasn't given me a purple bar. I even added some words in case it was a bit short, but still no purple bar. Nor has it told me I was short.

Help?
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United States :: Georgia :: Macon

grammar?

limeylass — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 02:00:09 -0800

Hello,
I'm still trying to finish, but have a question. I was trying to be careful about grammar rules, but it is becoming tiresome especially when it comes to dialogue between characters. Should I worry about it? Keeps slowing me up!
Josette
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United States :: Georgia :: Macon

Do you believe in a Muse?

gleefulpagan — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 04:14:26 -0800

I have to know if this has happened to anyone else.
I was slogging along, pretty sure I knew what I had to do to get my last chapter wrapped up and finished. I was down to 1,000 words to go (go me!) and suddenly, as my fingers were typing the words my sleep-fogged brain hadn't processed yet - I read back over the two sentences and almost dropped my coffee. I kid you not, I immediately went to my sidebar and typed "OH MY GOD I AM FARKING BRILLIANT!"
Just two sentences, small and seemingly insignificant, changed my entire book from "hmm, interesting" to "oh wow - that's awesome!" - in the last 1,000 words!!! I am SO glad I didn't give up when I got so lost there in the middle.
--gleep--
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-gleep-
"because how you get there is the worthier part"

United States :: Georgia :: Macon

For Mooselings that are behind but still determined!

Xandurh — Fri, 9 Nov 2007 04:58:00 -0800

Yes. I need one of these in my region forum, where I can whine and commiserate in the e-company of my fellow mooselings.

So! Yesterday was the first day I didn't write at all. And I would feel awful about it, but I know the weekend is pretty much here, which means I can certainly recover! I'm not even close to giving up, but I'm not-so-much in love with my story and hitting that 10k mark seems daunting still even though it's so close.

I over planned this year (a fact I was bemoaning to Cat last night!) and that was the risk I took with attempting a romance novel since you have to know the Happily-Ever-After. I am unwilling to veer from my plot of action, which is making me more and more nervous about getting stuck. Which means I have stuck myself, because I'm nervous about being stuck. LOL!

Earlier this week I started a back-up novel, one that involves two characters in an interesting situation. It's urban fantasy, something I'm very familiar with writing. I have 3k on that story so far, and because it's pretty much open ended I feel way more free to throw in plot-ninjas if it hits a slow spot. When I get bored on my main novel I switch to the back-up for a while, so that at least I'm writing something (yesterday was an exception though, just was too busy).

SO ANYWAY! Now that you know my writerly issues, tell me yours! And most importantly? Don't give up! Keep writing. We are mooselings, we are awesome, and we can do this! :D
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Violet

2004 // The Gemini Effect won!
2005 // Lilim's Gate 17,144
2006 // Into the Fire won!
2007 // A Prince's Ransom & The Demon Catharsis

United States :: Georgia :: Macon

Fill-In Winner's Certificates

Dragonchilde — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 13:50:23 -0800

When you win, if you would like a fill-in version of the winner's certificate, let me know; I whipped out my Adobe LiveCycle Designer, and converted it to a form where you can type your name and title in neatly. :) Winners only, though!

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Heather
Forums Moderator

United States :: Georgia :: Macon

WRITE IN PLANNING: Final mad rush to 50k!

Dragonchilde — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 09:04:05 -0800

Let's talk turkey...

Wait. We did that Thursday. Oops. Anyway, let's talk about our final, mad race to the finish line... this is the last weekend in NaNo. We haven't scheduled an official meeting for this weekend, so let's talk about dates and times. I'd like to do something tonight, presumably in WR, though I can be overruled if most people prefer Macon.

Since this IS rather last minute, we can also reschedule for tomorrow.

ABC in WR, or Joshua Cup in Macon - these seem pretty popular places, so we'll stick with one of these.

Would you like to get together tonight? What time would be best for all concerned? 4:00, 6:30, or something else?

We've only got six days left... let's make 'em count!
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Heather
Forums Moderator

United States :: Georgia :: Macon

I had to share ...

gleefulpagan — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 20:42:27 -0800

That's my cat. My miniature toy whatever-he-is. The little cat who can fit comfortably inside my fiance's ball cap with room to spare.
I got home tonight and wrote enough words to catch up, with him winding about my ankles and telling me in no uncertain terms how gruesomely unfair it was that I was touching my computer and not him.
I decided to bring my laptop back to the bedroom and get a few words ahead before the caffeine wore off, and he, of course, followed me.
There was much chasing of toes and stomping all over the keyboard, after which he decided he was done, that was enough, it was time to sleep.
Him walking up my arm and headbutting me in the chin was ineffective, and was his crawling under the covers and meowing pitifully.
As a last resort, he did what any self-respecting intelligent cat would do. Somehow he knows that the ribbon hanging from the ceiling fan controls the room light. So he walked down the bed, shot me a glare, and turned the light off on me.
So I guess I'm going to bed :)
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-gleep-
"because how you get there is the worthier part"

United States :: Georgia :: Macon

Question #2 (favorite line)

gleefulpagan — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:58:08 -0800

What is your favorite line from your work so far? You know, the sentence or phrase that makes you say "yeah. I wrote that. weep for my brilliance, peasant."

Here's mine:

"And even if she wasn’t completely insane, even if there was some sort of connection or chemistry between them - he was dead, and she was Death. It could never work."
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-gleep-
"because how you get there is the worthier part"

United States :: Georgia :: Macon

time zones ?

limeylass — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 09:40:55 -0800

Hello everyone,
Just got an email about time zones and settings? what? I have no idea what that means.
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Josette
It took me over a week to figure out how to designate what region I needed to be in, and how to do that. I don't even know how to send in the novel. I am not finished.
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United States :: Georgia :: Macon

catching up?

limeylass — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 18:17:23 -0800

Hello Everyone,
I am behind of course, but would like to ask a question of those of you who are veterans at this. Did you do a lot of research prior to writing? I did some, but to be honest, the book is coming straight out of my head! I know I can finish it, but it doesn't seem to interesting a story right now. I haven't even gone back to read over what I've already written. Well, actually I did, and then got stuck trying to change things. Noticed that one of my characters was stranded in chapter 2! Realized then that I would have to stop doing that before the whole novel went to..... I suppose its to late to actually think about having a plan, but anyway, just wondering if others are having to same experience.
Josette
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United States :: Georgia :: Macon

Question #1

gleefulpagan — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:56:05 -0800

What software is everyone using to craft their masterpieces? I'm just curious - are we a primarily Word-driven region, or are some of us still using NotePad or Works, or is there anyone else in the greater Macon/WR area with a Mac using one of their awesome word-processors?
I personally use Avenir, a mac only program that is designed for fiction writing - it acts as a database of chapters and characters and scenes and locations and research as well as a fully functional word processor and I lurve it more than almost anything ever.
How about y'all?
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-gleep-
"because how you get there is the worthier part"

United States :: Georgia :: Macon

Black Friday Write-In

Miri Mirror — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 16:34:12 -0800

The infamous Black Friday, also known as Sale Day and the Day After Thanksgiving (Dun dun dun - dramatic music included). The day when sane people don't leave the house.

However, we hardly qualify as sane, do we?

Thanks to a wedding that my family is filming on Saturday and a rehearsal dinner Friday night at six, regular meetings are kind of out of the question this weekend (though I wouldn't dare try and stop anyone who wants to meet up from doing so!). We tossed around the idea for a Black Friday Write-In at the meeting and people (such as they were - there were two non-Bakers, three counting Phoebe) seemed interested.

How's this: we set up shop at the Warner Robins Atlanta Bread Company that we had the last write-in at, because it has enough seating that I don't feel guilty about the space we're taking off and decent outlet availability, as early as people care to get there. I'd love to start around 10, because I'm always up and about by then (well, usually) and because ABC has some absolutely wonderful breakfasty-snacky stuff for writing munchies, but it depends, and I know that might be a tad bit early for the Macon people. Then we can go straight through lunch with word wars, chat and food breaks, and much caffination. Like I said, our rehearsal dinner is at 6. So we could easily stay until 4, though that might be a little long for anyone but a hardcore word warrior like me. ;) Seriously, I'm insane. We know this to be true.

Of course, on such a busy shopping day, we run the risk of being asked to leave, but there is quite a lot of seating in there and as long as we keep getting food and coffee, we should be fine. If we are kicked out, we can always relocate to Books-a-Million or somebody's house. :)

What do y'all think? Does this sound like an appropriately insane venture for the beginning of the home stretch of NaNo?
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'05 - Morbid astronomy with a touch of pirates. Winner.
'06 - Snarky royalty and secret meetings. Winner.
'07 - Assassinations, ghosts, and family issues. Winner.
'08 - A strange and sinister retelling of a classic tale. We'll see.

United States :: Georgia :: Macon

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

RobinBateman — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 09:40:21 -0800

Hope everyone enjoys food, fun, family, and fantastic word counts!

Robin
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United States :: Georgia :: Macon

Come Hang With Me!

gleefulpagan — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:51:22 -0800

I moved out of BAM (the one next to Michael's has no WiFi :() and into Atlanta Bread Company, and I'll be here til about 5pm, so come play! or write. or talk. or be social.
I'll just be chilling with Bianca The Cute Little White Laptop and Flarg (the ruler of the universe) and my bread bowl of french onion soup. mmmmm.

--gleep--
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-gleep-
"because how you get there is the worthier part"

United States :: Georgia :: Macon

AutoSummarize (Yoinked from the NaNoTobans)

Lanois — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 19:41:24 -0800

I had to bring a copy of this thread over here, because it's just hilarious. All you have to do is use Microsoft Word's 'AutoSummarize' tool - it's in the Tools menu in most versions of Word. Stick with the 10 line, 20 line or 100 word options for the best (read: funniest) summaries. If you don't have MS Word, try going to Natural Linguistics Online Summarizer ( http://www.nling.com/summarizer/ ).

Here's what Word offered me as a 100 word summary:

"Anna! Jen shrugged. “Bryan. Jen shook her head. "Right." “Anna!” “Anna?”
Bryan shook his head.
“Anna! “Anna!” Jen asked. “Bryan?” “Yeah. Bryan laughed. “Jon!” “Jon, not tonight.”
“No, Jon. “Anna!” “Has Jon?”
Jonathan Arthur Marks
Jon demanded.
“Right,” Jonathan snorted. Jon demanded. Jon shouted. “Yeah. “Yeah.” Jen smiled. Jen shook her head. Yeah. Jonathan. “Hey, Jen?” “Anna?” “Yeah? “Bryan? Bryan asked.
Jon.’
“Anna?” “Yeah… “Anna? “Anna? “Anna! “Yeah.”
Jen asked.
”Yeah. Jen?”
“Yeah?” Jen asked.
“Okay,” Jen replied. “Anna?” “Bryan!” Bryan laughed. “Yeah…” Bryan asked. “Relax, Bryan. Bryan sounded surprised. “Yeah…” Yeah! Bryan laughed. Bryan laughed.

Wow. Can't you just see the plot unfolding before your eyes??

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United States :: Georgia :: Macon

Meeting Tuesday or Wednesday?

Dragonchilde — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 17:09:19 -0800

I'd like to get together for a write in or social meeting either Tuesday or Wednesday. I'd prefer a macon meeting, since we're going to have another official meeting Saturday in Warner Robins (no details on that yet) but I'm willing to be overruled on that one.

Which day is better for you guys, for those of you not brave enough to attempt Miri's Black Friday Write-In (or who doesn't mind going to more than one? I'm all for a pure write in, or a combo social/write-in so we can be productive. :)
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Heather
Forums Moderator