United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

So it's official!

Caitie Jo — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:21:32 -0800

So it's official... Not only is my novel dangerously running out of steam, but I fear that the universe is against me. Maybe I'm just paranoid. I'm in need of new plot ideas without going over the edge, becoming cliche, or becoming like any of my other novels (someone gets deathly ill, someone dies, someone gets pregnant, etc.).
Please tell me I'm not alone! *will sob and cry if I am alone*

Caitie Jo
----------
“And what do zombies eat?” “Well I hear they eat grits.”
...it's a love story; it always is...

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

Daily regional word war counts

elysabeth42 — Sat, 1 Nov 2008 09:04:26 -0700

I don't know about the rest of you all but NaNo is mucking up big time. I can't get anywhere. But I keep trying. So I hope this works and if anyone wants other regions posted to compare us to, let me know by email. Hopefully this will work - I have my fingers crossed, frozen as they are right now, but crossed nonetheless.

----------
Elysabeth Eldering
Official US-SC-Grvl Word Keeper
STATE OF WILDERNESS, Book 1 of the Junior Geography Detective Squad 50-state mystery trivia series, now available.
STATE OF QUARRIES, book 2 of the JGDS, 50-state, mystery, trivia series coming soon.

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

clemson area write-ins

dh4276 — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:51:12 -0700

I have seen some interest in the clemson area for a write in, anyone who is interested let me know and I will see what I can work out. I have a friend who owns Spill The Beans in Clemson and might be able to set up something there.
----------

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

A challenge for you all...

Tikatu — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:14:04 -0800

Something to honor a fallen soldier.

http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/3129303

I didn't know where to put this fallen hero at first. Now I do. Whether or not you can fit this gent into your stories, please keep his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.
----------
Save the Earth! It's the only planet with chocolate!
"Nothing corrupts a man so deeply as writing a book." Nero Wolfe in The Mother Hunt by Rex Stout.

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

So, how's it going?

Tikatu — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:05:14 -0800

Do you hate your novel? Love it? Are your characters taking over? Is your inner editor complaining too much? Has your plot taken an unexpected twist?

I'm having too much fun world building and introducing the characters, so much so that I'm nearly halfway through the 50K and am just finishing the first twenty-four hours! My plot looks pretty skimpy from here, should I even get to it before reaching the goal! I have so much dialog, exposition, and tiny, enlightening vignettes that I feel my story is mostly talking heads. I have one character that is trying to tell me that he's not a telepath, but talks to animals instead (I'm putting my foot down; I need him to be a telepath!), and another, supposedly temporary character, telling me that the area they're in really needs to rebuild the burned out Catholic church and he's just the priest to do it!

So, how's it going for the rest of you? Vent here and tell us what's up!
----------
Save the Earth! It's the only planet with chocolate!
"Nothing corrupts a man so deeply as writing a book." Nero Wolfe in The Mother Hunt by Rex Stout.

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

Downtown Greenville Write-ins

Tikatu — Sat, 1 Nov 2008 05:47:45 -0700

I stopped by Spill The Beans in downtown Greenville to set up some weeknight write-ins for those who can't make Saturdays (and even for those who can). She suggested Monday nights, as she has groups coming in on Tuesdays already. We set up dates for the 10 and the 17th, and I've also asked for the 24th in an email. I haven't set a time yet as I wanted an idea of who would be able to make it, and what time is best.

So, what do you think? They're open until 10:30, I believe, so a later night could work. Let me know.
----------
Save the Earth! It's the only planet with chocolate!
"Nothing corrupts a man so deeply as writing a book." Nero Wolfe in The Mother Hunt by Rex Stout.

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

25k by the end of the day?

gnosis — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:51:32 -0800

It's the 15th which means those rare few that manage to keep their word count consistent throughout the month should have 25k by the end of the day. I doubt I'll get there, but I'm shooting for at least 5k today. Hang in there everybody, we're at the halfway point.

-gnosis
----------

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

Just an FYI

Tikatu — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:48:32 -0800

I got a spam email at the address I've been using for Nanowrimo, addressed to me as if it was NaNo mail to the ML. So, I've changed my email address for the site.

So, beware of emails that look like they're coming from me. This particular piece of spam was about the "ebay ca$h machine" - whatever that is - and had an attachment. I'm trying hard not to use the NaNo mail much at all; the next email you should get from me will be about the TGIO party.

Sorry about any inconvenience, folks.
----------
Save the Earth! It's the only planet with chocolate!
"Nothing corrupts a man so deeply as writing a book." Nero Wolfe in The Mother Hunt by Rex Stout.

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

Just wondering

June Baswell — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:56:08 -0800

Wondering if there are NaNoWriMo writers in my age group--I'm sixty--in the Greenville region. I feel so all alone and elderly.
June

----------

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

Furman Area Write-Ins

sh1mm3r — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 08:19:20 -0700

I have my eye on Thursday evenings. What time would be best for people on the north side of town? I was thinking 7-9 but would be equally open to 6-8.

This would be November 6, 13, and 20 in the music library.

(Please let me know if you'd be interested. Are there enough of us in the north?)
----------
2007: Her Favorite Wine
2006: Variables
"Writing is one act of boldness after another." - Sue Monk Kidd

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

We have a new region in contention this year....

Tikatu — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:31:17 -0700

Just checked out the listings and found out that not only are we dealing with Columbia, Charleston, and Elsewhere, but we're also contending with... Spartanburg!

Here that, Elysabeth? Add another region to the region word wars!!
----------
Save the Earth! It's the only planet with chocolate!
"Nothing corrupts a man so deeply as writing a book." Nero Wolfe in The Mother Hunt by Rex Stout.

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

A prize!!

Tikatu — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 11:55:17 -0800

Just to spice things up this year, and put a little more internecine competition in our group, there is a prize for the highest word count.

Generously donated by sh1mm3r, we have a copy of Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, by Renni Brown and Dave King. This book will help you in December and beyond as you whip your novel into shape.

Also, for word sprints or wars done at selected write-ins, I have the prize of handmade bead keychains for the winners! If you win two word sprints/wars during the month, your second prize will be a custom made keychain.

So, do your best, limber up your fingers, and keep writing!
----------
Save the Earth! It's the only planet with chocolate!
"Nothing corrupts a man so deeply as writing a book." Nero Wolfe in The Mother Hunt by Rex Stout.

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

Write-ins!

Tikatu — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:15:57 -0700

Now that we have the kick-off party set, let's talk about write-ins.

We have some set up at The Silver Chair in Greer for Saturday mornings, and I've reserved the Open Book for early Saturday afternoons (1-3 p.m.) starting on the 8th.

I'd like to have a few weeknight write-ins sprinkled throughout the month as well. sh1mm3r, holding one at Furman would be great. And Kestrel, an Eastside write-in would be helpful, too. How about something toward Simpsonville, too? I'm going to try and get Spill The Beans downtown for one or two weeknight ones (their new digs are really nice!). How do Tuesdays and/or Thursdays sound?

I want to make it clear that I realize not everyone can make all the write-ins. But I want to give people the opportunity to attend at least one during the month, without distance being a huge factor. Getting together with other writers is really helpful during NaNo; it spreads the energy and enthusiasm and gives a boost when you sometimes need it most.

Also, I'm not at all adverse to people meeting in smaller groups when they can. I just want to have times and places available (with wifi!) to gather and challenge each other.

So, again, any suggestions you might have on the subject are welcome.
----------
Save the Earth! It's the only planet with chocolate!
"Nothing corrupts a man so deeply as writing a book." Nero Wolfe in The Mother Hunt by Rex Stout.

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

Facebook Group for Greenville Nano'ers!

Cometnatia — Thu, 6 Nov 2008 20:08:20 -0800

Now I know some of us check our facebooks a tad religiously, so my friend and I created a group (albeit a little late), and I didn't know who to invite so here is the link to the website. :) Enjoy!

Hopefully this works, be sure you're logged in first!

-Erika aka Comet

----------

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

I'm writing a novel

castlecarver — Sun, 2 Nov 2008 07:05:31 -0800

I too just joined a few days ago. October 29th to be exact. To make matters more interesting, I have NEVER written anything like a story since I left school about 20 years ago. A few reports for work are the extent of my literary prowess.

I did NOT tell anyone I know that I am doing this challenge. I don't like being ridiculed and so avoid it. by not sharing lofty goals with people who I know would discourage me.

The funniest thing happened though. I just downloaded open office yesterday. While I was downloading it, I was so excited that I was just sort of grinning and staring at the screen watching the download bar go blue. I must have looked pretty silly. My husband stuck his head in the door and asked what I was doing.

"Um... downloading a program." I am so seriously not good at being deceptive.
"What program?"
"It's called Open Office."
"What's it do?"
"It has a word processor program sort of like Microsoft Office but it's free."
"Oh OK. What do you need that for?"
"I'm writing a novel this month." I was preparing myself for some sort of smart comment. His answer was a surprise.
"Well if you don't want to tell me what your doing, just tell me that you don't want to tell me." And he huffs off mad.

So much for being honest.

I began yesterday with no idea what I am going to write about. My thought is that if I make the goal of 50,000 words I need to write about 1700 words a day. And I am forcing myself not to worry much about quality or plot. I intend to just concentrate on the number of words in my novel.

I started writing about a woman with a husband and a son and how her day begins each morning. I got in 1738 words according to the word counter tool in Open Office. I have introduced 3 characters but no plot has emerged as of yet... So far, they woke up and had breakfast with small talk and got dressed to go somewhere together... I have no idea where I'm going with this.

I spent about 2 hours writing that many words. Every 30 minutes or so my husband stuck his head in the door and asked what I was doing. Every time I answered with "I'm writing a novel."

----------

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

OMG! Local Yokles!

MooreSpino — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 15:49:02 -0700

*squee!* People in SC who aren't rednecks! I'm so excited!

My name's Amanda and I was introduced to the NaNoWriMo by a friend in England. Its looks like a wonderful organization and I am ready to write!

Feel free to chat with me!

~MS
----------

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

Late starter needs starting advice

pixie117 — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 20:34:19 -0800

So I got a late start to being out of town all last week and until last night. I am not too worried. It is my first year and I am going to do the best I can. I have a lot of free time. I have class only 2 days a week, so that leaves 5 days off each week, so I should be able to get something done, right?

But I am having huge trouble starting the story. I have had this idea forever. I have been wanting to get it out there and had huge hopes for it and now that I am writing it, it sounds so corny. I have barely gotten into it even and having trouble with getting it moving. Any tips or advice? I know I am late in the game, but perhaps even first timers can now give me advice on how they got started.

Thanks!
----------

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

Upstate NaNo

Tikatu — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 08:37:57 -0800

Just to let everyone know, we do have a Yahoo group that functions year-round, and is a good place to go for information if/when the NaNo site is down.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/upstatenano/

C'mon and join us!
----------
Save the Earth! It's the only planet with chocolate!
"Nothing corrupts a man so deeply as writing a book." Nero Wolfe in The Mother Hunt by Rex Stout.

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

First time Nanowrimo'er!

sophia-ford — Sun, 2 Nov 2008 08:17:30 -0800

Hello everyone, this is my first year to do NaNo as well. I do have to admit however that I write all the time, so hopefully I will be able to do this, one can hope at least.

I am a 27 year old mother of one. I want to be able to come to the meet and greets and get to know my fellow writers in the area, but sometimes its hard for me to get out simply because of childcare issues. But I will, at one of them I don’t know when and where but I will show my bright and shiny face around and meet everyone.

Great job I think so far on the start off! I look forward to talking to everyone.

Sophia

(PS – if anyone wants to add me as a writing buddy, please do, or if you ever want to just talk shoot me a message and I will let you know how to reach me in instant messenger land.)

----------
Sophia

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

Election Day Challenge!

Hippos-for-Christmas — Tue, 4 Nov 2008 03:11:45 -0800

It's a simple one. Work the word "vote" or "election" into your novel today.

--Kirsten
----------
Kirsten
"There is no agony like bearing an untold story inside you." Zora Neal Hurston

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

genre?... I don't need no stinking genre

gnosis — Sun, 2 Nov 2008 08:19:58 -0800

So, I've got my genre listed as Satire/Humor or somesuch... Well, in the execution of this novel (to be read as either writing it or killing it, your choice)... My deliver is coming out very matter-of-fact and dark... It is still a series of tall tales that get more and more bizarre the further you get into it, ending where Genesis takes over, but it is coming out much darker and more persuasive than I had aimed for.... who knows... still 44 chapters to go...

-gnosis
----------

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

5k in one day... or bust

gnosis — Sat, 1 Nov 2008 08:16:04 -0700

So... I'm shooting for 5000 words today (and coincidentally 5 chapters, since I set up 50 of those)... anyone want to join me... or set up a word war with me? If you need an example of the unedited crap you should be putting out I've posted my first chapter as an excerpt on my profile...

I won't be making it to any meetings today... just writing

-gnosis
----------

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

Go Greenville

hopewashere04 — Sun, 2 Nov 2008 01:15:49 -0700

So, I know I'm late with introductions, but my inspiration just ran dry and I don't want to be anti-social. This is my first time doing NaNo, and not only that, but I agreed to join two days before it began. That decision will probably come back to bite me, but it helps that I'm working with my best friend/fellow writer AND I've joined this community of sorts. The fact that there are other NaNo writers, just as crazy as I am, possibly in my neighborhood is a cool (if not frightening) thought and I just wanted to say that I'm glad to be here.

I've found my people.

Also -- I love the header picture. That spot downtown is one of my favorites.
----------
"This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

When you hate your novel

sh1mm3r — Sun, 2 Nov 2008 06:52:00 -0800

I always get to the stage of sheer hatred for my novel, every word I've written, and any thought that comes out of my head.

It happened a lot sooner this year, and this is my third year doing NaNoWriMo!

I thought maybe we could make a list of what to do when this happens. It won't be my only journey through threats of abandonment.

1. Taking a new approach - I keep changing point of views in this novel, because I'm not happy with how any one person is telling the story. When one frustrates me, I switch back.

2. Write it out. You hate it? Write it down. Put asterisks around it if you want, but leave it in the wordcount. You're still writing. And sometimes in writing WHY you hate what you've done so far, you will come across the solution. I can't tell you how many times this has happened to me. My latest rant was about why in the world I was writing about middle aged men who hate their boring lives when I HATE this type of character in books I read. As I wrote I decided that mine didn't have to be as one-sided. He might actually have interesting parts in his life. And as I thought about what those could be, it was clear he would have a good sense of humor and have silly rituals with his daughter. That gave me enough for 1500 words.

3. Creative procrastination. This morning I was reading NYT book reviews and looking at summer beach rentals, both of which end up being related to my novel in ways I can't even explain.

4. Get out of the house. Last year I suffered multiple false starts and it wasn't until I went to a recital where I was given my first line from the universe.

What do you do?
----------
2007: Her Favorite Wine
2006: Variables
"Writing is one act of boldness after another." - Sue Monk Kidd

United States :: South Carolina :: Greenville

I HAVE A TITLE!

arronrod — Sun, 2 Nov 2008 09:24:09 -0800

Ok so not as great as last year's "Harriet Pinkerton's Encyclopedia of Very Bad Dates" but still....

May I present:
"A Life Without Chocolate"

Suffice to say it will not be written with chocolate that's fore sure. If so I'd better scrap that one and start with something new.

----------