Greetings!
Are you all starting to gear up for this year? We are!
Last year we had a number of people who hosted weekly Write-Ins in their local area. Those who did - you did a great job! We'd love to have you back this year!
We hope to have regularly scheduled Write-Ins at least five nights a week again this year. It would be great if they were sacttered all over our region. Ours is a very large area.
Tentatively, I'll be hosting a weekly Write-In at Starbucks, 7:00 pm in Old Towne Orange, and an early evening one, 5:30pm - probably at Borders - in Brea. I haven't decided for sure which evenings those will be.
Anyone interested in talking on any other cities and evenings? If you are, please post it here, or send me a NaNo mail, and we'll get it added to the calendar.
If you have a preference for a night and time for a Write-In to be held in your area (even if you are not hosting), post it here quick. Early posts, get first choices.
----------
Happy Writing!
Katz >^. .^<
North Orange County ML
2,586 / 50,000
Okt 4, 2009 - 16 04
I can do one, probably Friday nights. I can do it either at the Starbucks off Chapman (I'm not sure off the top of my head if the city is Orange or Tustin right now), which is my preferable location, or the Starbucks off 17th and Grand in Santa Ana.
30,344 / 50,000
Okt 5, 2009 - 11 19
Thanks for offering, nyxgoldstone.
Fridays would be great. I'm thinking the Santa Ana location might be the better choice. We had a weekly Write-In there last year, and it was well attended. We also already have a weekly Write-In scheduled for the Starbucks in Orange at Chapman and Glassell. Having one in Santa Ana will spread the wealth a bit.
Thanks again!
----------Happy Writing!
Katz >^. .^<
North Orange County ML
46,593 / 50,000
Okt 5, 2009 - 12 47
Doublepost. sorry.
----------_________________
Lona Nicholle
http://www.facebook.com/trinitylast
http://twitter.com/trinitylast
http://www.trinitylast.com
46,593 / 50,000
Okt 5, 2009 - 12 45
Last year the write in at 17th had to be moved to one on Chapman in Orange, though not the one off Glassell, because the one on 17th st. was too small for our needs.
It was Nyx who moved us, in fact, as the person who was hosting got too busy to attend. The two locations are only about ten minutes apart - are there enough people in our area for two write-ins so close together?
----------_________________
Lona Nicholle
http://www.facebook.com/trinitylast
http://twitter.com/trinitylast
http://www.trinitylast.com
2,586 / 50,000
Okt 5, 2009 - 13 02
I didn't move the write in until after NaNo was done (didn't want to step on any toes, y'know?). The staff kept brushing us off when we asked them to turn down the music a smidge, which we had to sit under if we wanted the ONLY large table in the place for our group.
Either way, the Starbucks off Chapman I was talking about is further east than the one off Glassell. It's closer to Orange Hill Restaurant and RSCC. It has many larger tables. Either way, if you prefer I hold it on the one off 17th, I will. I'll just have to get meaner with the staff if the issue with the speakers start up again. :D LoL
46,593 / 50,000
Okt 5, 2009 - 17 36
The smaller one will also be an issue because there's a guest lined up for the write-ins - Claudia Suzanne is coming to all the write-ins, and is going to do a free talk on Elements of Fiction the first meet, which will be difficult under those speakers :p On the other hand, in that case, I will simply walk over to the counter and PAY them to turn the freakin' speakers off.
----------_________________
Lona Nicholle
http://www.facebook.com/trinitylast
http://twitter.com/trinitylast
http://www.trinitylast.com
30,344 / 50,000
Okt 7, 2009 - 09 18
Hi nyx and Trin,
You have good reasons so the Starbucks near the Orange Hill Restaurant is fine. Unless I hear differently we will schedule that Write-In on Friday nights.
Marvelous that you have a guest signed up. When we get started, please post a notice in the forum so lots of folks can come!
Since we are trying to be sure there is a Write-In available every week night. I'll schedule the one in the Orange Plaza Starbucks (it's usually, fairly small) for early in the week. With different nights, several days apart, I don't think the proximity will be a problem. If it, is we can always shift the small one to another location.
Thanks for your excitement and hard work!
----------Happy Writing!
Katz >^. .^<
North Orange County ML
33,167 / 50,000
Okt 7, 2009 - 09 32
The Brea Borders has limited outlets, if I remember properly. Is there a place in the brea/fullerton area that might be more laptop-powering-friendly?
--finny
------------girl with a puck
www.christyfinn.com
aim: girlwithapuck
30,344 / 50,000
Okt 7, 2009 - 09 39
I'll check it out!
Thanks for the Heads-Up, Finny!
----------Happy Writing!
Katz >^. .^<
North Orange County ML
33,167 / 50,000
Okt 7, 2009 - 09 45
No prob. I've gone there a few times and there was just one (maybe two) outlet/s that I can remember, and after a while, they would stack up their displays against the pillar that had an outlet! :(
I've complained about it more than once, but it doesn't seem to make a difference. I just too my laptop elsewhere. As of late, I'm favoring Barnes & Noble (though the nearest one is in Orange at the Block, I believe) since they're now offering free Wi-Fi. I know that free Wi-Fi might be a no-no for some, but I think it might be neat to be able to update your word count after each word war and see how far along we're progressing.
Other places with free Wi-Fi I've seen/frequented w/ a laptop-friendly atmosphere:
- it's a grind (the one in Diamond Bar, technically LA county, has a strip of outlets running along the wall. i don't know if other locations provide that or not, but it's worth checking out)
- peet's coffee & tea
- panera (there's one on state college/chapman)
- corner bakery (not sure about the outlets though... but there's one in Downtown Brea).
Just various ideas to throw out there!
--Finny
------------girl with a puck
www.christyfinn.com
aim: girlwithapuck
1,961 / 50,000
Okt 7, 2009 - 16 50
Hi gang,
There's an It's A Grind in Anaheim on Tustin/La Palma as well.
Also a big Barnes & Noble across from MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana... on Main Street.
There's a good-sized Starbucks in Anaheim on Anaheim Blvd & Lincoln Ave. Not sure the outlet situation though.
As the countdown continues, I am getting more & more excited!
See you all soon,
----------Brian
46,593 / 50,000
Okt 7, 2009 - 20 49
The Border's books off at Imperial on Associated in Brea has no outlets for use at all, actually, and it's kind of cramped. :p I just did a writing class there last semester, and it was always impossible to find a table. The Starbucks next door is just a stop-in type place and only has tables outside.
If you're looking for a Brea location, I'd definitely suggest a stand-alone Starbucks, or a Coffee Bean Tea Leaf. There's a Starbucks in Brea at 101 W Imperial Hwy, in the parking log with Blockbuster that would probably work better for a write-in. There's also one on Valencia Ave, but I've never been to that one so I can't say for sure. However, it's at least freestanding, so it's likely to work better than a bookstore - in my experience, there are rarely power outlets in bookstore coffee houses in the SoCal area.
Sorry. Don't mean to butt in :p Just my two cents :D
----------_________________
Lona Nicholle
http://www.facebook.com/trinitylast
http://twitter.com/trinitylast
http://www.trinitylast.com
158,091 / 50,000
Okt 8, 2009 - 08 23
Yeah, I don't recommend that Borders. There's a Starbucks at State College and Chapman that has lots of outlets, provided you can get a table. That might be a good location.
----------33,167 / 50,000
Okt 8, 2009 - 09 11
Because of that Starbucks' proximity to CSUF, it is often pretty packed with students too. =/
Just something to consider.
------------girl with a puck
www.christyfinn.com
aim: girlwithapuck
30,344 / 50,000
Okt 8, 2009 - 10 46
Hi All!
It's great to see everyone jumping in, and getting so excited. Here is what I can comment on so far:
* The Barnes and Noble in Santa Ana won't let us use their tables for more than the time it takes to consume food and drink. I tried there last year, so that one is out.
* The Brea/Fullerton Write-In, unless someone else is willing to step up and host, will be held at 5:30. (I work in Brea, and get off at 5:00) I drive by the Starbucks at Chapman and State College every day. It doesn't look too busy at that time. A successful series of Write-Ins were held there last year, with no real problem. This one is tentatively scheduled for Thursday evenings. Of course, if someone else wants to step in and host, you can change the time and the night to suit your sechdule. You may also select the location you prefer.
* We have several locations suggested for Anaheim. Anyone willing to host a weekly Write-In in the Anaheim area? For now, the open nights are Monday and Wednesday. We can have more than on Write-In on a night if the locations are far enough apart. You are also welcome to schedule on Saturday or Sunday if you'd like.
Keep those suggestions coming! 2009 is going to be a great NaNo year for OC!
----------Happy Writing!
Katz >^. .^<
North Orange County ML
14,592 / 50,000
Okt 9, 2009 - 18 21
I can't host one, but I am putting in a vote for the State College/Chapman Starbucks as a location this year; it's the only place I can conceiveably get to, and I'm familiar with the area. Of course, seeing how this year will be the first time I'll have ever gone to a write-in, I can understand if regulars would prefer to move it...but a girl can hope, right?
33,167 / 50,000
Okt 15, 2009 - 21 23
Per my latest Borders email.... THEY WILL BE OFFERING FREE WI-FI! It says "coming this month" so I haven't yet figured out if they mean now, October, or in November, for one month only or what. But... I guess they're now trying to compete with B&N's offer of free Wi-Fi... now the only thing left to conquer is the issue of available power outlets! :)
------------girl with a puck
www.christyfinn.com
aim: girlwithapuck
30,344 / 50,000
Okt 16, 2009 - 08 23
If we can get to one outlet in Borders, all we need to do is plug in a power strip. That will take care of quite a few people. When I'm out and about, I usually run my unit on batteries, so I don't need an outlet.
I'll check it out and find out what month(s) they are offering the free Wi-Fi.
----------Happy Writing!
Katz >^. .^<
North Orange County ML
101,352 / 50,000
Okt 16, 2009 - 21 25
Funny that Brea Borders is mentioned. My writing group has met there every first Saturday of the month for the last eight years now. We read our writing to each other for critque, so we don't type and use our laptops. Free Wi-Fi actually was turned on at the end of September and it is there now.
----------http://www.breaborderswritersgroup.info/
7,538 / 50,000
Okt 18, 2009 - 08 04
Hey there. second year here- I am looking forward to the whole thing again this year but I want to do it a little more 'by the book' this time. Is there a format that is best to use?- that is a specific page set-upor template you use for translating pages of text into 'real' book pages to send to publishers so I don't have to re organise it after I am done? I know about the edit, edit , edit process, but if its already in the proper format, it would be one less step at the end. What do you guys suggest?
----------Author and Balloon Artist
http://airborncreations.net
You'll love what we do with thin air
0 / 50,000
Okt 18, 2009 - 11 04
Each publisher has guidelines for submissions, but the standard is Times New Roman 12 point type, 1.5 or double spaced, one inch margins. Never, ever use TAB, (set up paragraphs to indent first line .5). There are all kinds of websites for formatting submissions and query letters. Here's one with a quick overview on how to:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2225342_format-novel-manuscript-submission.html
ZAM
----------Z.A. Maxfield
7,538 / 50,000
Okt 18, 2009 - 20 14
zamaxfield, thanks for the tips. I'll be ready now. Seems like a simpple thing, but I like to start it out on the right foot.
----------Author and Balloon Artist
http://airborncreations.net
You'll love what we do with thin air
57,022 / 50,000
Okt 19, 2009 - 20 34
Hey everyone!! I've been a busy bee, but I'm glad to see everyone really interested in Write-Ins!! I'd be happy to do a Monday Write-In somewhere in Anaheim - I live near Disneyland, but I know there aren't a lot of locations nearby that are conducive to a weekly Write-In - so if I hear where it's wanted, I'll be there =)
-TS
----------========================
TSEdiot
anaheim_ca(at)nanowrimo(dot)org
tsediot(at)gmail(dot)com
Orange County ML
Proud H.A.C.K. since 2007
43,323 / 50,000
Okt 19, 2009 - 20 39
I'm at Euclid & Katella, so I'd certainly go to anything in Anaheim.
57,022 / 50,000
Okt 20, 2009 - 05 39
Oh, brill =) i'm very close to you - i'm at orangewood and west. any suggestions for locations?
----------========================
TSEdiot
anaheim_ca(at)nanowrimo(dot)org
tsediot(at)gmail(dot)com
Orange County ML
Proud H.A.C.K. since 2007
30,344 / 50,000
Okt 20, 2009 - 07 54
Hi everyone!
Proposed Write-In are posted on the calendar. There is still a night or two open to fill in, if you want to host. Plans are firming up, and the locations will be posted as soon as we decide for sure.
So warm up those computers and save those quarters for lots of caffinated goodies.
Don't forget our Loose Change for Nano promotion from last year to raise money for NaNoWriMo and the Office of Letters and Light. The fish bowl will be back! (If we can find it!)
See you at a Write-In!
----------Happy Writing!
Katz >^. .^<
North Orange County ML
43,323 / 50,000
Okt 20, 2009 - 10 41
It's hard. Most of the local coffee places are tiny or always busy or both. The Starbucks near the stadium on Katella has a fair amount of outside seating, but probably no power accessible there; fine for me, because my laptop can do 4 or more hours on a charge, but not so fine for others.
I'll have a think about this.
It also depends on how many we expect for something like that ... never been to one, so I don't know how many people we normally have attend.
24,016 / 50,000
Okt 21, 2009 - 19 28
I'm in Anaheim near Orangewood and Harbor.
I can host a write-in or two at my place. We have wireless internet (which isn't always the most conducive to writing, but it's nice to be able to update word counts). I have non-participant but super supportive roommates, but I don't have any dates yet since I have to check their plans first.
----------"This must be what going mad feels like."--Dr. Simon Tam, Firefly
43,537 / 50,000
Okt 22, 2009 - 17 59
Also in Anaheim, up by Knott and Lincoln. There's a stand-alone Starbucks not far from here on Lincoln - I could walk to it, which would be extra-swell for me. Close to Cypress College. (There's also an It's A Grind across from the college, but I think it's smaller.)
43,323 / 50,000
Okt 22, 2009 - 22 09
Hi, Estara! Yes, I know that one -- it's not small, though it is fairly busy at times (but aren't they all). Probably one of the better ones in Anaheim to have one at, though it's the far West end of the city. Oh, and if you ever need a ride to a more distant write-in, let me know.
The Starbucks in Fullerton at Harbor & Orangethorpe is huge, though a little further afield.