United States :: Florida :: Orlando

Week Three Blues

siobhann_grey — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 20:02:54 -0800

Hey Orlando! It’s your friendly neighborhood ML, Jenn here. Week Two is over & Week Three is upon us.

To the few people who have already finished, congratulations on a job well done. You are truly amazing WriMos! Pat yourself on the back, take a breather & share some of the magic. How in the world did you do it?

The rest of you are still plugging away, trying to make the plot lines work, the characters talk & the scenery come to life. Don’t stop!

Many of you are, still thrilled by the prospect of winning your 1st, 2nd, or even 3rd NaNo. Keep going! You’re almost there! Just remember how good the thrill of victory tastes. It tastes even better when you can rub it into the faces of all the people who told you you were insane (the bad kind) for doing this.

Some of you are wondering what possessed you to think it was possible to write a 50K novel in 30 days. That thought is natural, just don’t wallow in it. It’s very easy to get down on yourself for not being on target (your goal or the NaNo goal) with your word count. Spit happens, and everyone has to deal with it, but what makes you different is that you’re a writer. While everyone moves through life comfortably wrapped in mediocrity, you’re not complete until you bare your soul, put your craziest thoughts and wildest dreams on paper for all to see. You know all about spit. You’re not going to let spit get you down. You eat spit for breakfast. Wait, that’s kind of gross. You laugh at spit. Spit’s not gonna keep you from finishing NaNo, which for many of you is just a stepping stone towards accomplishing your dream. Hold on tight to that thought for that will keep you going when you want to throw your computer out the window, toss your journal into the garbage, or play in oncoming traffic. You’re trying to accomplish something great. Keep going. You have more than 600 people rooting for you. Now that’s a cheering section.

Right now, Orlando is the top region in Florida right now (we rock!) & #56 in the world. There are 445 regions competing in NaNo this year, so #56 is pretty freakin’ awesome. I am so proud you all! Your hard work is really paying off. If you feel like you’re faltering, or you want to quit, come to the meetings for support.

Speaking of crazy, tomorrow is the Orlando Day of Danger, the 12-hour write-a-thon at the Barnie’s on the corner of Sand Lake and OBT in Orlando Square. We’ll be there from 9am to until they kick us out at 9pm. It’s the perfect chance to catch up on your word count while making new friends. Even if you’ve never been to a write-in before, it’s not too late to join the fun. Now get back to work & I’ll see you tomorrow!

Jenn

----------
-----
Life's a laugh and death's a joke it's true,
You'll see it's all a show,
Keep 'em laughing as you go,
Remember that the last laugh is on you.
Always look on the bright side of life.
--Monty Python

United States :: Florida :: Orlando

Official NaNo Meeting Schedule

siobhann_grey — Thu, 9 Oct 2008 17:46:08 -0700

All of the official meetings will take place at Barnie's Coffee Shop on the corner of OBT & Sand Lake.

Barnie’s
Orlando Square
1790 Sandlake Rd
Orlando, FL 32809
Tel: (407) 857-3933

The schedule is as follows:

Kick-Off Party: 11/1 - 12-5 PM

Tuesdays: 6-9 PM

Saturdays: 2-5 PM

There will be a Saturday meeting during Thanksgiving weekend.

If anyone has questions please let Elizabeth or me know!

Jenn

United States :: Florida :: Orlando

Tuesday 11/18-- Did someone lose this?

DreamsAreSacred — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:10:02 -0800

Hey NaNOrlando,

One of the WriMos sent me a message saying they picked up an important object that someone left at the meeting tonight. If you think you left something at Barnie's, send me a message so we can get this back to its rightful owner.

Happy writing wishes from your ML,
Elizabeth
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United States :: Florida :: Orlando

Cast Members?

noplacespecial — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:32:52 -0700

In search of other Disney cast members! Orlando is the closest region listed, but I'm doing the Disney College Program without a car, so getting out of Disney and the surrounding areas is pretty difficult. Anyone else in the same boat?
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when all you've gotta keep is strong/move along, move along/like i know you do/and even when your hope is gone/move along, move along/just to make it through/move along...
move along

United States :: Florida :: Orlando

Write or Die

HonorAlexandria — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:49:15 -0800

I found this website earlier this week and while some of you may know it already, I thought it might be nice for others just in case:

Write or Die: Dr Wicked's Writing Lab

It's a little webdevice/flash program to entice one to write. You tell it your word goal, or time goal, the level of retribution and grace period, and depending on those variables it will give you a bit of a "jolt" when you stop writing short of goal. It can be anything from a pop up to actually erasing your work until you start writing again.

It's more encouraging than you might think!
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United States :: Florida :: Orlando

UCF NaNoers

TessenInTheSand — Sun, 5 Oct 2008 11:51:28 -0700

I noticed a couple people in the intro post mentioned they're attending UCF! So where do you all plan on writing? Last year I did a lot of writing in Java City, but this year I might move to Knigthro's, or try out Volcano's.

Furthermore, is anyone interested in having a mini-meet-up, come November? It doesn't have to be a write-in (unless we want it to be?) but hey, it might be fun!
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United States :: Florida :: Orlando

Day of Danger Results

DreamsAreSacred — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 11:52:54 -0800

Hello Orlando,

I would first like to thank everyone who attended the Day of Danger. We had a remarkable turnout, and I am very pleased at the great success yesterday turned out to be. To the new people who showed up: It was really great getting to meet all of you, and I do hope that you continue coming out to the meetings. To those of you who have been coming to the meetings: I am always pleased to see you all return. To everyone: It was really lovely hearing just how much all of you enjoyed coming out yesterday, and to hear about so many remarkable word count climbs! We had people set some pretty steep goals for themselves, and I loved hearing when you all reached them.

Yesterday would not have been nearly as fun if it weren't for all of you lovely participants who showed up, so I can not stress enough how pleased I am that a) people actually showed up at 9 in the morning and b) that there were people --and so many of you!-- all throughout the day! All of you are the reason Jenn and I love doing the write-ins so much! =)

We hope to see everyone back at Barnie's this upcoming Tuesday at 6pm, and/or next Saturday at 2pm -- no, we don't always get there at 9am. ;)

And now, to everyone who was there yesterday, reply to this post and tell us how long you were there and how many words you wrote during your time at the Day of Danger so we can all celebrate your successes with you! :)

Best writing wishes from your ML,
Elizabeth
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United States :: Florida :: Orlando

Ranking Update

siobhann_grey — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:57:51 -0800

We went from #56 to #53! Great job everyone! Tampa is the second highest ranking FL region at #99. We will crush them all!
----------
-----
Life's a laugh and death's a joke it's true,
You'll see it's all a show,
Keep 'em laughing as you go,
Remember that the last laugh is on you.
Always look on the bright side of life.
--Monty Python

United States :: Florida :: Orlando

Orlando Day of Danger: November 15

DreamsAreSacred — Sun, 2 Nov 2008 21:35:13 -0800

Hello NaNOrlando!

I have an exciting event to tell you all about. You may have seen the information about NaNo HQ’s November 15 write-a-thon called the Night of Writing Dangerously, but we’re stepping it up a notch. That same day we will be doing our own all day event (from 9am-9pm) called Orlando Day of Danger, filled with writing, word wars, and prizes at the Barnie’s Coffee & Tea on the corner of Sand Lake Rd and Orange Blossom Trail.

Barnie’s
Orlando Square
1790 Sandlake Rd
Orlando, FL 32809
Tel: (407) 857-3933

Now, about the event: I would like to encourage anyone who can to come out and write all day long (I know I’ll be there, rain or shine). But even if you can only make it out for a couple of hours, you are still welcome and encouraged to join us on this momentous occasion. There will be goody bags for everyone who attends, so please RSVP in the forum post if you plan on showing up. There will also be contests and cool prizes.

If you are planning on coming out for the entire day, feel free to bring a packed lunch. Barnie’s only serves an assortment of pastries, so they don’t mind if we bring in outside food if we need sustenance. Just remember to support our hosts and buy some of their delicious beverages if you can afford it. They could choose to stop allowing mass amounts of writers take over their facility at any time, so let’s stay on their good side!

So mark your calendars for November 15 to come out that day for however long you can! Anyone who stays until 9pm is welcome to join Jenn and me afterward when we go to a nearby restaurant where we’ll be resting our wrists and enjoying the chance to socialize.

I hope to see you all out there!
Elizabeth
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United States :: Florida :: Orlando

Stardust Wednesday

siobhann_grey — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:58:44 -0800

Hey Everyone!

I’m heading out to Stardust tomorrow w/ some other brave WriMos. If anyone’s interested, we’ll be there at 5pm. http://orlando.citysearch.com/profile/2370284

Jenn

United States :: Florida :: Orlando

Low and Slow

Dotman — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 20:46:44 -0800

Word count, that is. Anyone else? I'm not too concerned, I always start slowly, but, still, we seem to have quite a few people already over the 10k hump.

I'm still eyeing up the 4k hump. I guess I urge anyone else there who is woefully behind, maybe even only at 1k or 2k, not to give up yet-- there's still a lot of month left. I remember two years ago, when I last won, I only had 10k or so 10 days in... I had a good 2nd weekend though, a 15-18k weekend, to get me back in the game. Maybe I need one of those this Saturday. And Sunday. We'll see.

Anyways, you know you're behind when your NaNo forum surfing habits move away from the regional forum and the genre forum (sci-fi for me), and over into the Ate my Soul forum, and the Procrastination (games) forum. Even the Ate my Soul forum is terrible this year, full of go-getters way ahead on word count, complaining that their 'plots' aren't working.

Bah.

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United States :: Florida :: Orlando

twitter anyone?

MarieDees — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:08:53 -0700

I've signed up for a Twitter account and figure I can twitter my Nano pain as well as some other writing-related events I'll be going to. Is anyone else interesting in twittering Nano? If you aren't familiar with twitter it's a free site that let's you post short updates. Sort of a mini-blog. You can sign up to follow people you're interested in and see what they're posting each day. Nanowrimo has a twitter account where they posted updates this year when the server went down.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/
Nanowrimo Twitter: http://twitter.com/NaNoWriMo
MarieDees (me): http://twitter.com/MarieDees

Anyone want to join me in twittering our way through Nano?

Tina Marie

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United States :: Florida :: Orlando

Week 2 has started: guilt time!

DreamsAreSacred — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 15:49:13 -0800

Hello NaNOrlando,

It is officially the start of week two! How does everyone feel right now? Are you right on target? Do you feel like you're lagging behind? Do you need a kick in the rear, or are you so far ahead that you want to volunteer your services to kick others in the rear? By this point you should be well on your way to crafting the next great American novel! :D

Today we had an awesome write-in at Barnie's from 2pm and ended about 5:30. We hold write-ins twice a week: Tuesday from 6-9pm, and Saturday from 2-5pm. All of them are held at the Barnie's at the corner of Sand Lake Rd. and Orange Blossom Trail in the shopping center behind the Friday's Restaurant.

There are also a variety of unofficial write-ins being held in and around Orlando. Check out the forums to see where the events take place.

On Saturday the 15th (next Saturday!) there will be a special all-day writing event. It is called the Orlando Day of Danger, and is also at the Barnie's on Sand Lake and OBT, from 9am-9pm. The day will be filled with word wars, contests, and prizes. Everyone who attends will also be given a goodie bag, which will be your survival kit for the rest of the month. ;) Afterwards we will go to the Friday's and have some dinner and socializing time.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE about the Day of Danger: If you are planning to attend, no matter how long you can stay (whether for an hour or all day) RSVP in the forum post about the Day of Danger (stickied at the top of the page) by Tuesday, Novermber 11 by 12:00pm/noon. You will only receive a goodie bag if you RSVP.

More information about the Day of Danger: If you can bring power strips, throw pillows for people to sit on, portable writing desks, or anything else that will enable a large crowd of people to sit all day and write, it would be very much appreciated if you bring them with you. Since it is an all day event and Barnie's only serves pastry items, they do allow us to bring in outside food if we need proper nourishment. You are more than welcome to bring your own packed lunch, or in the shopping center there is a Firehouse Subs, Panda Express, and Chipotle.

Hope everyone is having fun with NaNo so far!

Your evil ML,
Elizabeth
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United States :: Florida :: Orlando

Hello (Anyone in Lake County?)

ami-chan — Mon, 3 Nov 2008 07:12:28 -0800

Hi all,

I'm Cat, 28, work from home Mom, and rabid NaNo-er (that ones kind of a duh huh? Why else would I be here?). I've failed somewhat miserably most years since 2004. That year I didn't even break 10'000, but that's what I get for trying to start NaNo while working 40 hours a week and doing grad school. 2005 I actually got to over 20'000 which was some great head way. 2006 I won! Yay! I figure it was the fact that I was staying home, looking after my then 7 month old son, so while he was napping or feeding I could type away.
Last year I abdicated after the 11th (and 16'000 words) because I found out we had to be out of our apartment by December 11th.
This year I'm still staying home, and my son's a little more able to self-entertain, so I can rattle off a few hundred words here and there, throughout the day and a good chunk after he goes to bed while I'm winding down, so I'm actually making pretty good headway. Plus, it's amazing what planning properly will do for you, isn't it? Here's hoping I can keep up the good work. I have a handfasting to do on November 23rd so I'm hoping to stay ahead of the game so that missing a day or two isn't going to affect things too much.

I'm working on a fantasy, set primarily in England and Scotland. I grew up in the UK so I like writing about things over there, makes me less homesick.

I live in Lake County, hence the asking. Orlando's a bit of a ways to go for meet-ups which I find unfortunate, but I'm curious about others around and about (other than my room mate, who is on the fence at the moment, and debating just trying for 500 words per day).

Looking forward to getting to know you guys. Best of luck with your own writing. Carpal tunnel be damned!
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~Cat
-------------
http://ami-chan.net/
http://beyondmirrors.net/
Participant since 2004. Looking for first win since 2006.

United States :: Florida :: Orlando

Character Graveyard

siobhann_grey — Sun, 9 Nov 2008 07:31:21 -0800

For all of you who have offed a character (or several) , I encourage you to visit the character graveyard in the horror/thriller forum & lay your character(s) to rest.

http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/3060771
----------
-----
Life's a laugh and death's a joke it's true,
You'll see it's all a show,
Keep 'em laughing as you go,
Remember that the last laugh is on you.
Always look on the bright side of life.
--Monty Python

United States :: Florida :: Orlando

Anyone up for meetings in Seminole County?

JCompton — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:39:41 -0700

Hello fellow Central Florida writers!

I'm wondering if there might be others who want to attend the Orlando region NanoWrimo meetings but find it difficult because of the distance from their homes? Would anyone be interested in some meetings in Seminole County? If there's enough interest, I'd be willing to organize these.

Reply to this posting, or feel free to email me directly at julie@julie-compton.com.

Good luck everyone!
Julie

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United States :: Florida :: Orlando

Avalon Park

NicolePalmby — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 19:43:40 -0700

I'll be writing at the Starbucks in Avalon Park (east Orlando) frequently. If anyone wants to join me, let me know and we'll arrange time(s) to meet up!

Happy scribbling!
----------
Blessed Be!
Nicole Palmby
npalmbyauthor@gmail.com
http://coffee-stainedwriter.blogspot.com
ScriptFrenzy 2008: Do You Remember? (winner)
NaNoWriMo 2007: Untitled (winner)
NaNoWriMo 2006: A Portrait of the Author in November (approx. 45,000 words)

United States :: Florida :: Orlando

Other Meetings Around the Area

siobhann_grey — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 14:18:21 -0800

Hey everyone! I know making it out to all of the official meetings can be difficult, so here’s a list of some of the other meetings happening in the area. If you have a scheduled meeting & it’s not listed here, feel free to mention it.

Barnie’s Coffee in the Lake Mary/Heathrow area

Sundays, November 2, 9, and 23, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Thursdays, November 6 and 13, from 9 to noon
Wednesdays, November 19 and 26, from 9 to noon

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Borders in Oviedo by the Oviedo Marketplace

Sundays, 10pm-2pm
Wednesdays, 6pm-10pm

----------------------------------------------------

Starbucks on Avalon Park Blvd.

Tuesdays, 1pm-5pm

These aren't official NaNo meetings, so there won't be prizes or contests, but there will be lots of fun & writing!

United States :: Florida :: Orlando

Thank You!

siobhann_grey — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 14:17:40 -0800

Thanks to everyone who showed up to the KO Party & to everyone who showed up last night even though we were in the midst of Election Night turmoil.

You guys rock!

Jenn
----------
-----
Life's a laugh and death's a joke it's true,
You'll see it's all a show,
Keep 'em laughing as you go,
Remember that the last laugh is on you.
Always look on the bright side of life.
--Monty Python

United States :: Florida :: Orlando

Meeting Reminder

DreamsAreSacred — Tue, 4 Nov 2008 08:24:06 -0800

Hello all! How is the writing going? I hope the words are starting to flow out with ease now as your brain shuts off and plot ideas insist on being written. :D

This is just a friendly reminder that tonight there is an official write-in at Barnie's. It will go from 6-9pm at which time Barnie's will kick us out so they can close. ;) Word wars, contests, and chocolate awaits.
Barnie's is located at....
Orlando Square
1790 Sandlake Rd
Orlando, FL 32809
Tel: (407) 857-3933

If for some reason you already feel overwhelmed or like your daily word count goal is not happening make sure you come out tonight! You will get insane amounts of writing done at this meeting, and find yourself feeling extremely motivated being around so many other crazy writers. If you feel like you're right on target or ahead of where you need to be we still want to see you out there to motivate those feeling overwhelmed, and to just enjoy the fun and good times that come from write ins.

I look forward to seeing all your bright and shining faces!

And now for a short public service announcement: Today is also election day, and if you have not voted already and you are 18 years or older: VOTE! Lines may seem long, but if that discourages you take a lawn chair and a pad of paper and work on your novel. That way you'll be annoyed that you didn't have time to write more novel during the line rather than be annoyed that you waited in line. Tonight I expect to see "I Voted" stickers on each and every one of you! :D

MLfully yours,
Elizabeth
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United States :: Florida :: Orlando

Spread the Word!

siobhann_grey — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:53:08 -0700

Hey all!

I need everyone to spread the word about NaNo. We want to get as many people to sign up this year & participate, so Orlando can once again be the greatest NaNo city in the state of Florida. All you have to do is go to the Fun Stuff section and download the fliers. Badger your friends & bribe your enemies! I don't want to have to resort to kidnapping, so get to it! Spread the word!

United States :: Florida :: Orlando

This year, I'm writing a Young Adult book. How about you?

brainflow — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 07:08:09 -0700

I'm spending the month of October researching and putting lots of notes together about the book I'm going to write. In the past, I've completed two manuscripts, neither of which have sold, but I've learned from both of them. There's about ten unfinished manuscripts from the last time I completed one, but I've not had the energy or commitment to finish those.

If you guys are out there in Orlando, what are you doing now?

Do you need help getting motivated?

What groups are you set into and when and where are you meeting?
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United States :: Florida :: Orlando

Anybody live in Kissimmee?

Birdman — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:38:25 -0700

I'm setting my novel in Kissimmee, but there are a few things I'm unsure of.

First of all, my main character has a rather wealthy family. With that in mind, where might they live? Are there any areas in Kissimmee where there are noticeable class distinctions like in Orlando?

Also, where might teenagers go to (such as a cemetery or woods) to hang out/drink/smoke?

...If I can think of any more questions, I'll add them, but these are the most important ones at the moment.

Thanks in advance!

Birdman
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United States :: Florida :: Orlando

Wordcount Scoreboard

NicolePalmby — Sun, 2 Nov 2008 04:14:55 -0800

I just checked the big scoreboard, and Orlando is listed as 47th. That's pretty good, but...come on. I know we can creep up there a bit more!

I'll be scribbling all day today in the hopes of breaking 10,000 words. Think we can get up to 40th this week?

And don't forget to vote!
----------
Blessed Be!
Nicole Palmby
npalmbyauthor@gmail.com
http://coffee-stainedwriter.blogspot.com
ScriptFrenzy 2008: Do You Remember? (winner)
NaNoWriMo 2007: Untitled (winner)
NaNoWriMo 2006: A Portrait of the Author in November (approx. 45,000 words)

United States :: Florida :: Orlando

Happy Halloween Everyone!

siobhann_grey — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 20:41:09 -0700

November 1st is almost upon us. Finally! How many of you have been dying for the1st to start? Practically boiling over with ideas, but not allowed to set them free? Well get ready because in just a under one hour you can. Soon you will be a part of the world’s largest writing contests. More than 120,000 people from around the world are participating in NaNo this year.

I hope that you’re ready. Caffeinated, sugared up, intoxicated, whatever floats your boat, it’s almost time to dive in. Have you completed all of your notes? Warned family & friends that you’re disappearing & won’t reappear until Thanksgiving? Are your fingers ready to take the pain of pounding on your keyboard or gripping your pen as it flies across the page? Do you have your gear? Have you made your playlists? If you haven’t done any of these, well you’re screwed. Well, maybe not yet, but you don’t have much time to get them done.

Don’t forget, tomorrow is the NaNo Orlando Kick-Off Party at the Barnie’s Coffee & Tea Co. on the corner Sand Lake Rd. & OBT. It starts at 12pm & runs until 5pm (or whenever our fingers fall off). There will be a Q&A session, so if you have a question, write it down & bring it w/ you. There will also be some chances for you to write, so definitely your weapon of choice (laptops, journals, monkeys). We will have candy, games, & prizes! We also have special treats & NaNo Swag for everyone who signs up.

Also, if anyone has an extra surge protector, I’d appreciate it if you could bring it to the meeting. Thanks!

I’ve spoken to some of the other MLs in Florida & a few out of state who are interesting in a friendly competition. Friendly competition, eh? We’ll kick their butts! Two years ago we were #49 in the world & the top city in Florida. Come on Orlando! We can do it again. Come on out to the writing meetings every Tuesday & Saturday & join your fellow writers, support them in their time of need, share in their triumphs & steal their candy when they’re not looking. If you can’t make it out to the official meetings, that’s ok. There’s something going on everywhere in Orlando. A few industrious WriMos have arranged some meetings around the area. I will post a main list for everyone tomorrow. If those still aren’t doable, keep an eye on the forms for the random write-in. The most important thing is to get out & write!

It’s almost that time. Grab your pens & paper or set up your computer & get ready. Good luck to you all!

Jenn

Orlando Forums: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/227