Actually, a very good question. I often forget to explain things I already know. Oops!
A write-in is a specified time and place for anyone who wants to to get together and work, individually, on their novels. It sounds like a strange thing - going out of your way to work independently in a group, but it's a powerful tool. When you're stuck for an idea, you can ask for one. When you need a break, someone else probably does, too. There are mini-challenges (who can write the most words in the next 15 minutes?, etc.). Mostly, though, it's a way to really connect with other people who have taken on this crazy challenge. And that, on its own, is amazing. The camaraderie that builds out of write-ins, the extra drive to finish and not let down the others with whom you've been communing, it all pushes you to the finish line. Write-ins are a big part of why the Fort Collins region has such an amazing finish rate.
I'd love to have other folks sound off here about what write-ins are, and how they've helped them. Thanks!
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~shmoo
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Municipal Liaison, Fort Collins, 2007, 2008
NaNoWriMo winner, 2005, 2006, 2007
0 / 50,000
Oct 10, 2008 - 22 39
90% of my current friends in Fort Collins (I lived in Stenchburg until 3 years ago) come from my write in experiences last year. They're awesome and very helpful.
70,060 / 50,000
Oct 11, 2008 - 14 53
There are tons of things I get out of write-in's, on top of (like Crash said) meeting lots of great people who like to write stories.
When I am writing on my own, it is easier for me to call it quits for the evening. When I am at a write-in and someone sees me getting ready to pack it in, they might ask whether I met my goal for the night. If I haven't, I am going to have to fess up. Not that anyone will be mean about it, but I will feel bad. Guilt is powerful.
Word wars. Those are those 15 minute writing challenges that Tam/Shmoo mentioned. Sometimes I get stuck. Writing all out for 15 minutes is a great way to chip away another 500 or 1000 words at that 50,000 I am shooting for. Some might be able to do that alone, but being in a group where everyone is doing it, where all you can hear is clickity-clack, makes it easier.
Getting out of the house. Writing is a solitary pursuit. And sitting home, trying to avoid the call of the television, family, friends is tough. Getting together and writing with others fulfills some social needs while making progress on my novel.
Commiserating. It is easy to imagine that all of the amazing word counts that you see on the NaNoWriMo website are coming easy. And here I am banging my head against the wall, trying to get through some awkward bit that is driving me crazy. Hearing other people talk about the writer's block that they are struggling with or how they finally overcame it, after sitting and staring at the screen for an hour encourages me to keep plugging away.
Tschuess - drew...who is trying to think about all of the other things that need done before November starts...