United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Meet-up! March 16, 2:00 PM

luckyjean — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 07:46:17 -0800

Again, time has slipped off behind my back. I have been so busy -- busier than I've been in years, actually. But, as Chris Baty has said in his NaNo pep talks, you carry on, even when you're busy -- especially when you're busy. You might surprise yourself and be more productive than if you're not busy.

Well, I'm looking at my calendar right now, and I see that I have only one Sunday in March free. Busy or not, I have to give my writing life priority, so I'm setting that lone Sunday aside for me and my fellow wrimos.

Come to my house on Sunday, March 16th at 2:00 PM! Bring a snack if you'd like; I'll provide sodas, waters, juices, cups and napkins, etc. and a cheese tray.

Bring some writing! I suggest three to ten pages printed out (the standard format: New Times 12 pt font, double-spaced), depending on how many people want to share, and bring multiple copies. If people want to bring their entire novel on a disc or flashdrive to find other people who might want to read it, by all means, do.

The loose structure of the meet-up: Spend some time chatting and catching up. Get to work by 3:00 at the latest. Excerpts read aloud (by author or volunteer); excerpt discussed (always lead off with the positive - be respectful - talk about the piece, not the author). Participate in discussion whether or not you share your own writing. Most of all have fun and learn. After everyone has shared who wants to, mingle and network with your fellow writers. Writers work alone, but they don't exist in a vacuum! They need a community, and this is a chance to find or make one.

Who's in?

(As I'm uncomfortable with posting my personal information on a public forum, please e-mail me directly for my address if you plan to attend. luckyjean@gmail.com)

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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Who Wants a Meet-Up?

luckyjean — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:52:17 -0800

I don't know about you, but the holidays and pretty much all of January has kept me running! That doesn't mean I forgot about writing, though, and I think it'd be great to get together. Let me toss out some random ideas, and you guys can tell me what you think:

How does the end of March sound?
I'm wiling to have a meet up at my house (it's plenty big enough, but it is on southside in Midlothian).
At this meet up, we could plan more meet-ups to talk about writing in general, our novels in particular, and even some workshopping.
If the meet-up is at my house, pot luck would be pretty awesome.
If the meet-up is somewhere else, do you have any suggestions? Library, eatery, coffeehouse, bookstore?
I would love to know more about your NaNo project and your NaNo experience. If we have a meet-up, can you bring a few pages, typed up and double-spaced? No more than five pages, I'm thinking, so people can check out lots of novels.
What did I forget? ; )

Stay warm, everybody! One way to beat the winter chill is to curl up with your laptop and edit, edit, edit! ; )
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Musicians for Mitochondrial Awareness

RexRacer — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:06:08 -0800

Hey Richmond!

An awesome local band called Moossa has begun a campaign for mitochondrial awareness. They are playing at the Capital Ale House on April 19th with Crucial Elements, William Walker, and Tucker Rogers. They are doing a fundraiser for the Richmond chapter of the United Midochondrial Disease Foundation. I think that it is great, especially since my cousin, Emmy, has the disorder. Mitochondiral disorder impairs the body's natural ability to create energy. Check them out at their myspace page, http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendi...
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NaNoWriMo '07 - The Gang Wars-33,083 words - Failed
Script Frenzy '08 - Untitled-101 pages - Won
NaNoWriMo '08 - Chaos-0 words so far - Will win

United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

TGIO Party -- RSVP and be counted!

luckyjean — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 13:36:59 -0800

December 1st: We've worked hard all month, and we're impatient to celebrate!

7:00 PM: Who knows when we'll get all the party out of our systems? The joint is open until 3:00 AM!

River City Diner: 7 North 17th St. Richmond, VA Phone - 644.9418.

It's downtown, it's family-friendly, it's hip, it's got booze! According to the nice young woman I spoke to, there is a raised area in the back that can accommodate our (approx) 20 wrimos. Here is the website: http://rivercitydiner.com/index.html. I should call her by mid-week with a number, so sound off!

Let me know if you're coming so I can give an accurate head count. It's not necessary, but I'm sure we'll get better service if they know how many they can expect.
Let me know if you can't come so I can read out your name and we'll raise a glass to you and your novel.

And hey -- let me know how your word count is coming along! I'm woefully behind, but I'm also determined. Vrroom, vrrooom!

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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

What is your plot?

RexRacer — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:28:40 -0800

I am wondering what everyone else's plot is.
Just curious.

I am also wondering if anyone is acctually a "bleary eyed, sleep deprived novelist". I know i'm not, but what do I know, i'm behind. I have no way to go to bed late because I go to school, and I have homework. But does an adult really not have enough time to write without staying up 'til 2 am? I know sometimes people have to cram, but every night? Personally, i think that this whole concept has gone way out of poportion. Writing a 50,000 word rough draft of a novel in a month is hard, but not so hard that it ruins your life. And if it did, it seems like common sense would tell you to let you go a few days over the deadline, don't you think?

Please comment
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NaNoWriMo '07 - The Gang Wars-33,083 words - Failed
Script Frenzy '08 - Untitled-101 pages - Won
NaNoWriMo '08 - Chaos-0 words so far - Will win

United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

I did it!!

QueenPix — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 20:24:03 -0800

Sorry to start a whole new topic here but I'm just so excited! I reached the 50,00 and still have more I can write. I was afraid I would never finish between my work and home life but I hit the 50,000 and that just amazes me! Its been alot of long nights but I finally can get some sleep before a long weekend of catching up at the office.

How about everyone else? Anyone else hit the goal yet?
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

TGIO Party -- Suggestions, please!

luckyjean — Mon, 5 Nov 2007 11:19:29 -0800

Thank God It's Over Party

When: Saturday or Sunday, December 1st or 2nd. Personally I prefer Saturday by far, but it's more important to get as many people to attend, so majority will determine which day. I won't even suggest Friday! *evil grin*

Time: 7:00 PM, unless there's a huge outcry or compelling reason to have it earlier or later

Where: Suggestions, please!! If enough people RSVP then having our own room is preferred; central location really preferred; full bar very much preferred (with ability for underage people to join the fun, but not the alcohol); cool atmosphere preferred!

What: A party of ginormous scope as only a bunch of over-tired, wild-eyed, jubilant writers can throw.

Who: NaNoWriMos and their loved ones.

Ideas? Suggestions? Little help? ; )

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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Who has a website? Blog? LiveJournal? Myspace? Twitter? Facebook?

luckyjean — Mon, 5 Nov 2007 11:39:57 -0800

Who wants to share the link? I'm curious about all you wrimos out there. Here's mine. I don't use it much, but I have dusted it off to post about writing this year.

http://luckyjean.blogspot.com/
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Reminder -- Saturday Nov 17 Meet-up. Head-count!

luckyjean — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 13:58:04 -0800

5:00 PM -- Saturday night -- November 17th

Meet at the Stony Point Panera, 9200 Stony Point Parkway, Richmond, VA 23235, Phone: (804) 560-9700.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I'm bringing stuff, so drop a comment here if you're coming. An RSVP isn't mandatory at all, but I want to try and have enough swag for everyone. Come to the meet-up! Bring a freind! Even late-comers have signed up for -- and won! -- NaNoWriMo in the past.

Boy, I'm looking forward to this! I need a break from the writing, but I want to talk about the writing. This meetup is just the thing, because this way I feel like I'm still working on my novel, but without the work part. And I'm curious about what you guys are writing, too.

See you Saturday --

Jean
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Anyone else really behind??

Flury-of-Dancng-Flames — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 19:55:52 -0800

Hi. I'm uberly behind. like at least four days worth. I have school off tomorrow, so i'll try to work on it then. But is anyone else in school? Cause with homework and not being able to do all nighters, i can get behind really easily.
IF anyone has some tips to help me catch up, please let me know!!!
Thankies
~Bec
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--
Forget Envy, or Pride, or Lust. In my book, Being Normal is one of the Seven Deadly Sins. So are cheerleaders....
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If you are what you eat.....Can you please tell me what ANNOYING and STUPID taste like?

United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Anyone Near Spotsylvania?

Keith M Shaw — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 08:12:08 -0800

I'm new to this NaNo thing. My wife talked me into doing this. She can't write(well!!!) but she likes to read so she makes me write! I didn't want to sign up for the Northern VA (I don't like DC!) so I signed up for Richmond area. Anyone as far north as Spotsylvania out there?
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Ashland, Glen Allen, Northside Wrimos?

shrinkwrap — Mon, 5 Nov 2007 13:19:57 -0800

Are there any besides me that want to meet up somewhere in the Northside up to Glen Allen? I can probably make it to other write ins if I really try, but I am a teenager and not confident in my cross-Richmond driving. Is there anyone else willing to meet up in the Northside/Glen Allen? :D
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Newport News Write-in?

MarthaBechtel — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 07:15:48 -0700

Would the folks further south be interested in a Newport News gathering location? There is a Panera Bread and a Barnes & Noble right up the street from me (Jefferson Commons and Patrick Henry Mall, respectively). I'd love to make the Richmond gatherings, but my schedule just can't cope with the travel time. *sighs*

Martha (and cat)

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Martha (and cat)
______________________________________
NaNoWriMo 2007: Dogs of the Never Never
NeverNeverDogs.Livejournal.com

United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Stuck in the middle with

kyates1963 — Tue, 6 Nov 2007 20:29:04 -0800

no this is worse than writers block. My characters are stuck and they are calling me all sorts of names because I can seem to find a logical way to get them together in other words I have no MIDDLE. I don't know what to do any suggestions.
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

VCU Writers?

rachzilla — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 06:18:27 -0700

Hey. I am a third year student at VCU. I was just wondering who else here is going to VCU and attempting NaNoWriMo this year? I've attempted before but never very successfully. Hopefully this year will be better. Maybe we VCU students can meet up around campus.
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

If you hate to write Alone

kyates1963 — Sun, 4 Nov 2007 21:58:27 -0800

I'm going to be fortunate enough to not be working this Friday or the following Monday. Unless I come up with a better idea I plan to ensconce myself at the Barnes and Noble on Huguenot Rd, It's either there or Panera Bread, depending on who has te best soup of the day. So if you want to join me feel free. I'm planning on being there from about 10am to 5pm.

Definite decision on my part will be Wednesday unless someone else comes up with a better idea
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Distractions

kyates1963 — Sat, 3 Nov 2007 00:08:44 -0700

I'm running away to France. Some nice little village near the coast. Where there aren't three cats, lots of book stores and no one reminding me of Thankgiving and Christmas. Where there are no collections of books to be organized, no everyday work to pay the bills kind of job and finally where there is no one who writes really hot dialogue better than me
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Middle of the Month Meet - Up: Suggestions?

luckyjean — Mon, 5 Nov 2007 11:09:01 -0800

Date: Either Saturday or Sunday, November 17 or 18 -- majority wins.

Time: 7:00 PM, unless there's an outcry for a different time.

Place: Suggestions wanted! If enough people, our own room preferred; central location really preferred; full bar preferred with ability for underage people to join the fun, but not the alcohol; cool atmostphere preferred!

What: Take a Break from Writing -- Meet Other Wrimos -- Play More of Those Goofy Games We Played at the Kick-Off -- Eat -- Drink -- Be Merry!

Who: Wrimos and their loved ones.

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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

One day down, twenty-nine to go...

afroquarian — Thu, 1 Nov 2007 19:46:37 -0700

So, I actually finished the first day of writing: 1670 words. And yes, I'm quite proud of myself for going over by 3 words. I feel I'm off to a good start. I'm interested in meeting some other nanos generally and to set up write-ins and get encouragement. I have nanomail but am not sure how to use it. Anyone?
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

First Time Wrimo

herndon99 — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 09:28:30 -0700

Alright, this is my first time. I'm nervous, scared, excited and clueless. Any advice on how to make this happen in 1 month?
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

I hate FedEx

smthngnbtwn — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 12:55:30 -0700

I was supposed to get my repaired laptop today, yet again FedEx fails to deliver. I had to take a late lunch just to be home between 2:30 and 3:30, knowing that there's no possible way they were coming any earlier. And then they say that no one was at my apt or downstairs in the office so they will try again tomorrow. Just grrrrr... I can never seem to get packages ontime from them and I wish HP would use another shipping service.
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Title of my Nano: Fried Oreos(tentative)
Words: 2548/50,000

United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Kick-Off Party - how does Olive Garden sound?

luckyjean — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 19:39:10 -0700

Hi, there!

I'm Jean, the ML for Richmond this year. At the parties and write-ins I'll be the one with blue-streaked hair. Other than my hair, I'm reasonably uncomplicated: I love to write; I live south of the James; I have a spouse, kids, cats, dog; I sling retail; I like hiking, reading, music, cheesy sci-fi, manga, knitting. What's really important to know is that I want to crank out my 50K words and have a blast doing it with all you guys. To that end, let's get this show on the road!

Kick-off Party

Last year's kick-off was held at the Olive Garden on 7113 W Broad St.
in Richmond (zip code 23294), and I remember having a great time. One caveat: Olive Garden will not back down from their "no reservations" policy. I asked, and was told that they could accommodate twenty to thirty people, but they couldn't guarantee that we will get the neat room we had last year, or that we won't have to wait to get seated. However, things did work out last year, and I suspect that if we showed up at the right time, we'll have no problems at all.
Sunday, October 28, is a great day to meet and get to know each other before the madness starts. I suggest early evening, say around 5:00 PM, to avoid the dinner rush at Olive Garden.
If Sunday can't work for most people, would Saturday, October 27 work better?

So! What say you all to the Olive Garden on W. Broad St on Sunday, October 28, say around 5:00 PM? Sound out here, and if the yeas outnumber the nays in the next couple days, then I'll see you at the Olive Garden on Sunday evening!

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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Sunday, October 28, 5:00 PM - The Kick-Off Party Begins!

luckyjean — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 14:06:29 -0700

Whew! I've finally got my recent time-eaters and distractions done with so now I can focus on NaNoWriMo. I cannot tell you how much I look forward to Sunday. I love a party! I'll be there, being nice (or pushy) with whomever it takes to get that back room, and I'll bring zopponde and two more high school kids, and maybe even Automotom (last year winner; too busy to NaNo this year). Who am I going to meet? I've got an informal list of people who indicated one way or the other on the Richmond forum:

joewrotehaikus - You're writing a prequel this year, right? I want to hear about it on Sunday.
afroquarian - You were at the kick-off last year, weren't you? See you again this Sunday.
Fekhten - See you Sunday. ; )
yukongold - Welcome to Richmond; I know you'll meet some cool people on Sunday. Have you been here long? And where did you move from?
Fbattle - Congrats on signing up for your first WriMo, and looking forward to meeting you.
Threelittlebirds - Sunday's almost here -- see you then.
ElaineG - I'm glad you can make the party! Regarding restaurant choice, I think the Olive Garden will serve well enough, and continuity from last year isn't a bad thing. However, I would really like a great place for the final party, after we've all written a zillion words. Someplace cool and local, with lots of character, good food and drink. If you've got some suggestions, I'd love to hear them!
herndon99 - See you on Sunday!
kareshi - So glad you can come -- and you're bringing a friend! Try to get them signed up before you come, and if that doesn't happen, maybe we can convince them at the party. ; )
kyates1963 - Oo, another newbie! We like newbies -- they're good eating!! (Ha ha!)
Siyaa - I'm putting you on the "will probably come the party list" because I'm hopeful. Remember, people who give rides to dedicated Wrimos will get a special prize, so tell your parental units that. Also -- PurpleKitta4 and Zopponde are 14 years old, and there'll be some other high school age kids there, too.
shrinkwrap - Hello, shrinkwrap! Love the username.
ElaineG - Looking forward to meeting you. ; )
SammyD - Too bad you missed last year's Kick-off; it was a blast. I'm gonna try hard to make this year's party as much fun. I'll be looking for you, and make sure you've got your three tagalongs, too. Are they signed up for NaNo yet? ; )
If we're lucky, then maybe you guys can make it to the Kick-off, too:
Lookability - I sure wish you could make the party, but if you can't, we'll see you at a Write-in.
PurpleKitta4 - Maybe you can find a ride for Sunday? I'll have a special treat for your taxi driver. And you won't be the only school-age person at the party. Zopponde is your age, for one. She's also in marching band -- clarinet -- what do you play?
Erikslilmuse - I know Saturday is better for you, but maybe you can show up on Sunday, even if only for a little while? I hope you can. ; )
Crazeelayd - I'm sorry you can't make the Kick-off party, but good luck with your show! Would you like to start an "Off-topic" post in our Richmond forum, and tell us about the play? I'd love to hear about it.
Smthngnbtwn - Too bad about your work schedule. Do you work late on Sunday? We might still be going strong past 7:00 PM. If that might be an option, Nano mail me.
AliyaNeferSekhmet - I'm sorry we'll miss you! As for Write-ins, it seems that the World Cup might not work. If it doesn't, I'll keep the bus line in mind when I go looking for a place.
MarthaBechtel - I hope work doesn't eat up your whole weekend and you can come to the Kick-off Party. And if you haven't seen it yet, I replied to your post about Newport News Wrimos. (I think you should get some weekly Write-ins going in NN!)
M.E.Gray - Newport News is along way, but it'd be cool if you could make the party. Also -- let's see if we can't get the Newport News Wrimos together for your own write-ins; you've got two already (you and MarthaBechtel). I'd be glad to help.
Wow. That's almost twenty-five people coming to the party. More would be great, so, what about you, Gemsong, tlareeves, JezBibi, joewrotehaikus, scdd, loralei, Tilleul, reflections, MoonbeamDreamer, herndon99, chief_fanatic, and ramblingjunebug? Any of you guys able to make the party?

Did I miss anyone?? Boy, I hope I got everyone in the right list. I'm dreadful with names…

See you all on Sunday!

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- United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Passing of the Torch

tokyopixie — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 04:51:30 -0700

Hey guys! I just wanted to pop in and say that Jean is doing a great job with the passing of the torch (i.e. ML Duties).

I also wanted to let you guys know about Marion and I, your humble, previous MLs. (Or the scary ladies lording over with authority! :D) Marion and I have both moved away from Richmond this year. Sad, I know. I graduated from VCU and now attend GMU for grad school. Marion is planning to go to Boston to work in a museum. In case you hadn't heard, Marion is wild about museums!!

If I get the chance in November, I would love to come down for a weekend and visit with you guys during a write-in at the old World Cup. But, if I don't, you guys have a great NaNo '07! I'm going to being participating with the NoVA group.

Keep it up, Jean! Being an ML is fantastic. (There are also a certain amount of rewards to being an ML for more than one year...like goodies in the mail!)

I miss you guys!

-Sarah S.
Richmond ML for 2004, 2005, 2006
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United States :: Virginia :: Richmond

Hello Shenandoah Valley Wrimos: New Region

Susieiz — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 03:26:40 -0700

You WriMos have an awesome ML! With her permission I am posting the following announcement:

We would like to announce a new region for those of you whose location doesn't quite fit into the Northern, Richmond and Elsewhere regions of Virginia. Shenandoah Valley welcomes anyone along the I-81 corridor from Winchester to Harrisonburg and beyond. Most of our scheduled weekly write-ins and meet-ups are in the Front Royal/Stephens City/Winchester areas. Our final event is tentatively set in Flint Hill. We would love to arrange more for those of you south of these areas and look at other options for additional meeting locations. Come on by and introduce yourselves! Take care and happy writing.

Thanks Jean!

Susan & LaMishia (Co-MLs - Shenandoah Valley Region)
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2006: The Scrapbook - I did it!
2007: Leaving Lucy (working title) - Success!