United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Calendar!

soaringdragon42 — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 21:29:21 -0700

Ladies and Gentleman, we have a Calendar!

http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/og_calendar/82

Give me your dates and times folks, so I can put your events up!
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NoVA ML

United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Welcome to NaNo 2007!

soaringdragon42 — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 18:42:42 -0700

Welcome to NaNo 2007! If you've been here before, welcome back, and if you're new (to NaNo or the area) welcome to our little slice of life! We're a pretty relaxed and spread out bunch so find a little circle of people near you and get cozy!

How do you find that local circle of yours? well....

As we all know, Northern VA is a huge area and with traffic being the way it is, not all of us can get to all of the meetups. Attendance is NOT required to any of the meets and this does include me (your ML!). It's perfectly fine to set up meets without the ML's approval or attendance.

Since this seemed to work so well last year, I'm setting up point of contacts again for certain areas, so if you would like to be the one to help arrange meets closer to your own home or work, let me know and I'll make it known!

Areas:
Arlington
Fairfax/Chantilly (PoC: Dust Bunny)
Alexandria
Woodbridge (PoC: Kamikaze Mission)
Centresville/Manassas/Gainesville (PoC: pcurran001)
Herndon/Reston
Sterling/Dulles (PoC: Soaringdragon42)
Leesburg
Vienna/Merrifield (PoC: Lcubed)
Winchester/Front Royal (PoC: Suiseiz)
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NoVA ML

United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Where do I put my novel/word count?

kaykane — Thu, 1 Nov 2007 03:49:01 -0700

Yes, I can write, but I am a bit computer challenged! Where the heck do I type my novel or add to my word count? On my profile page, nothing seems to be there for me to "click" and go into? Thanks, Karen
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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

How NaNoWriMo Changed My Life

Susieiz — Wed, 2 Jul 2008 04:46:35 -0700

So did all you WriMos out there get Chris Baty's latest email? They are now accepting stories about how NaNoWriMo has impacted your life for the good or the bad. They want to know all the crazy details in a short 100 to 1000 word essay to be published on the NaNoBlog.

How has NaNoWriMo changed my life? I have met a few wonderful people that have become good friends and companions. People who I would not have met otherwise. My Co-ML LaMishia and I chat pretty much daily through email about writing, photography, the quest for men, books and so much more. She is awesome! Our writing styles are very different and yet we compliment each other so well. We are constantly helping each other out and talking our way through writer's block and dead plots. Although it is difficult to get together due to our schedules and commitments we make sure to meet up at least once a month to write. I am truly blessed to have her in my life right now.

Then there is Stacey. We are completely different and and yet so strangely similar. She is a true hippie and me, well I have no idea what I am. But through our conversations over the past eight months we have discovered some similarities that have given us a lot to talk about. We both grew up in Portland, Oregon. We frequented the same pubs and hangouts. We both made the move East to Virginia at roughly the same time. We both remodeled our kitchens recently. Not so strange you say? Well let's see. We both started the projects before we met and neither one of us are finished. We both decided to do the work ourselves rather than hire someone. (We would rather spend the money on books.) We chose the same cabinets. Not similar. The same. Identical. Sink? Same! Stainless steel appliances, huge islands, hardwood floors and oh don't forget the plywood counters we lived with for over a year because we couldn't make up our minds about we wanted. I finally settled on butcher block. Can you guess what she she is getting? So today I find out that she is on the verge of purchasing an existing bookshop not far from where we live. I myself have been considering the purchase of a local bookshop for the past year. Strange huh? I can't help but think that perhaps all these similarities have been building up for a reason and that reason has just been revealed. Maybe we were meant to go into business together. Rather than two struggling bookshops we should pool our efforts into one struggling bookshop?

Then of course there is W.E.E. Ghosties. A fun little venture that started with a writing challenge. The Shenandoah Valley 2007 NaNoWriMo challenge was created when a small group of us discovered that we all shared a common interest...ghosts. So at one our write-ins we decided that each of us had to incorporate a ghost into our novel. Seattle has their duck so we thought hey we can have a ghost. It was an easy challenge for Stacey as she was actually writing a ghost story. I was experimenting with magical realism so it was an easy leap. Emily's main characters were a stripper, a fireman and two fencers so with that combination she was fairly confident she could throw in a ghost and no one would be surprised. LaMishia, on the other hand, writes erotica. But even she was up for the challenge. So where was I? Oh yes, W.E.E. Ghosties. We had a lot of conversations about our own "paranormal" experiences and ghost hunting groups and such and eventually we decided we wanted to go on a ghost hunt together. Stacey was our experienced ghost hunter having been involved with ghost hunting and the paranormal for years. She's rubbed shoulders with the best of them but I am not going to do any name dropping here. Anyway, we scheduled our first ghost hunt at West Virginia Penitentiary and during the month of planning for our investigation Stacey's existing Wee Ghosties blog evolved into Winchester Entity Experts or W.E.E. Ghosties. We have conducted several investigations that have produced some interesting results. We have an exciting three day hunt scheduled a week from now in Virginia Beach. We even have business cards and T-shirts! (You know the black ones with the big white block letters!) Pretty cool huh?

So that is how NaNoWriMo has changed my life. Oh yeah and I have written two novels. So that's a plus! How has NaNoWriMo changed your life? Tell us all about it.

Take care WriMos. I can't wait for November!
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2006: The Scrapbook - I did it!
2007: Leaving Lucy (working title) - Success!

United States :: Virginia :: Elsewhere

Anyone in Falls Church?

walking satellite — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 02:10:34 -0700

Are there any writers in Falls Church who would like to meet occasionally or more often at Panera's or Starbucks or wherever?
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http://www.walkingsatellite.blogspot.com
http://www.cafepress.com/nancyvala

United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Anbody know what happened to Bad Ass coffee in Manassas?

bookwrm — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 07:14:20 -0700

I went by this weekend to do a little writing, and it was closed up. The sign was still there, but no tables, no machines, nothing.

After wasting copious amounts of gas trying to find a place, I settled on Jesspresso. Good coffee thats not 4$ a cup, comfortable chairs, and free wifi. two outa three aint bad.

Incase someone else is roaming around the ghost town.

Jules
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2007- Dying to be Immortal
2006- Thistles in Spring (yuck. Horrid title.)
2005- Chance at Marriage
When life hands you lemons, throw them back. You wanted Limes. :pint: *
* I miss my pint smiley :(

United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Anybody there?

bookwrm — Sun, 6 Apr 2008 08:49:47 -0700

This forumn is depressingly inactive, so I thought I'd drop a note to see if anyone was around, and still interested in chatting with other nanoers.

I did depressingly bad last year- mostly due to illness- and failed to finish for the first time since my first attempt. I'm hoping to get back on the wagon for next november, but I could use support from friendly fellow nanoers. I moved here from Minnesota last October, and the group there was very outgoing and talkative so I've sort of gotten used to that.

Anyway, enough of me feeling a bit homesick. What's everyone else up to, in our lovely weather (blah)

United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Carbon Leaf!

Jeremiah Wanderer — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:47:09 -0800

Carbon leaf is playing at the 9:30 club tomorrow night. I have an extra ticket and decided to see if anyone in NoVA was interested in joining me. I had a great time with folks at the Reston meet ups (I'm David), and don't know many other folks in the area. If you're up for it, drop me a line. Either nanomail or murphy (dot) davidj (at) gmail.com
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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

No nanowrimo party tonight at Busboys and Poets

gaylefleming — Fri, 7 Dec 2007 09:45:08 -0800

Not enough response. Too bad.
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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Fairfax City TGIO Party-Monday, 10 am

fairfaxme — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 12:16:11 -0800

There are five of us who have been writing on weekday mornings at the Starbucks in Fairfax City (Main St. and Old Lee Hwy.)

We'll be celebrating on Monday, Dec. 3rd at 10 am at the very same Starbucks.

We invite everyone to join us!

Fairfaxme
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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

TGIO party at Busboys and Poets

gaylefleming — Sun, 2 Dec 2007 04:05:32 -0800

Are there any nanowrimo-ers out there who didn't go to Sterling last night still want to have a party. I suggest Busboys and Poets in Shirlington. It's the coolest restaurant-bookstore-bar-coffee house you will ever find. I did some of my novel writing there.

Possible dates: Tonight Dec. 2nd at 7pm or Friday, Dec.7th. at 7pm. Friday is really busy and we would need to make reservations, I think.

I would really like to meet some other people who took this challenge. There were 7 of us in my writing group who started and three of us actually finished.

Please respond so I know if anyone wants to do this.
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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

ML Hosted TGIO Party

soaringdragon42 — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 19:21:54 -0800

Hey guys!

Current plans for this year's TGIO party are starting to form. I'm looking at having it on the 1st of December at the Friday's in Sterling, starting at 7:30pm and lasting till we leave.

If you wish to attend, send me a NaNo mail and give me the number you're bringing, so I can give an accurate number for the reservation.

There is also talk of hosting on at the Tyson's Corner Friday's on the 2nd of December. If you wish to attend that one instead, please let me know!
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NoVA ML

United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Fairfax City write-ins

fairfaxme — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 19:17:09 -0700

Fremount and I meet most mornings after our kids are off to school. Last year we alternated between Starbucks and Borders.

We'll post here regularly and invite anyone else who is available weekday mornings.

We're starting this Monday (Oct. 29th) at 9:00 am at Starbucks (Main St and Old Lee Hwy) to do some planning.

Marianne (fairfaxme)
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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Fauquier County Post NaNo Writer's of Speculative Fiction Group

bdwolfe — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 09:13:28 -0800

I'm tired of going to Maryland Writers Conferences. I'm begining to get fed up with some of the online crit groups I subscribe too. Are you?
Looking for like minded souls (Genre Hacks) to meet up occasionally in the Warrenton area on a regular (monthly, bi-weekly) basis. Trade crits, compare rejection slips or just discuss ideas that significant others or friends and family just don't understand.

Interested?
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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

word count glaring at you

druidrebel — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 18:15:01 -0800

IS ANYONE ELSE TYPING DESPERATELY WHILE THEIR WORD COUNT STARES THEM MALEVOLENTLY IN THE FACE AND DARES THEM TO TRY WRITING MORE???

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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Regional Rankings

fremount — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 05:29:10 -0800

Guys, we're in the top ten! (As of 8:30am on Wed, 11/14, anyway)

Let's keep it up!
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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Arlington

rachlyon — Sat, 3 Nov 2007 10:45:00 -0700

So I'm sitting in Murky Coffee with Casey and Eric. And we're all wondering if more people in Arlington are looking for writing groups. We're thinking of coming here [Murky Coffee; 3211 Wilson Blvd; 2 blocks from Clarendon Metro] on Saturdays. Free parking at the 12-hour meters on weekends! Look for a book standing on end surrounded by people typing furiously. Hope to see you soon!

Rachael aka rachlyon
Casey aka chukshorse
Eric aka EricH

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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Arlington Writers Group from Clarendon B&N

jbhensley — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 20:05:56 -0700

This thread is for people from the Arlington Writers Group. The author search function is down so I thought if people post here we can add each other to our buddy list.

If you post, your username will reaveal your profile. If you want it more private, you can PM me. But, I'm a very public person, so I am lettin myself hang out.

I hope everyone else takes the plunge.

Also, we should post our signatures, that function is down too. But aparently, mine will show up because this is the first post.

Wierd.

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You'll knock on my door and up we'll go In white light, I don't think so,But what do I know? What do I know? I know.

United States :: Virginia :: Northern

US vs Canada

EricH — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:57:39 -0800

As some of you may know, our nation's capital has issued a challenge to Canada's capital, and DC is not doing well in that. I have no idea, with DC's famed public school system, efficient local government, 10 percent sales tax, and excellent infrastucture, how it could possibly be falling behind, but it is. The wager is based on overall wordcount and average wordcount. The stakes are a videofile of all the Ottawa people doing the chicken dance upon losing against an MP3 of all the DC people singing a bilingual version of the Canadian national anthem.

Currently, DC is 70th ranked in wordcount. Ottawa is 54th. NoVa is 12th. Ottawa's average wordcount is higher than in DC or NoVa.

The question is what we NoVa people are to do about this. The way I see it, we have three options: ally with DC by adding them to our region lists and writing like hell, ignore the whole thing, or pile on by challenging DC.

Many of us spend as much time in DC as in VA. We work in DC. We pay DC sales taxes and parking tickets. Those of us who live in Arlington are within the original DC grid. I think it's fair game.

My question is which role we should take: no role, an antagonistic role, or a cooperative role.

Those suggesting an antagonistic role should suggest the stakes.

Erich

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Everything I write is genious. (Note: When you're really rolling, genius has an o in it. That should be a Nano rule or scripture or something, maybe just my new signature.)

United States :: Virginia :: Northern

TGIO planning time - I did a pre-kick-off (that apparently bombed) some one else do this one

BeaJay — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 17:02:01 -0800

To Whomever,

I planned a pre-kick-off at Ballston Mall - Food Court. The only others that came over and talked with me was a couple that I already knew from a Starbucks that I frequent.

Since my pre-kick-off was such a blecherous event, someone else do the T-G-I-O gathering. Now is the time to start planning. So get on it, gang.

BeaJay
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BeaJay -- The WordSmith Wannabee
2006 - "The Vision of Second Samuel"
2007 - "Second Samuel's Vision Revealed"

United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Saturday Morning Write-ins at Ballston Common Mall ?

BeaJay — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 14:41:34 -0700

I am planning to go to Ballston Common Mall each Saturday in November from approx 7:30 AM untill approx 3:00 PM, hopefully in the Food Court if I can find a place to plug a power strip in. If not in the Food Court, then I will probably be in the Panera Bread on the 1st Level, or perhaps the Starbucks across from the Panera Bread. I will have a binder with NaNo flyers on the cover standing up on the table.

Caffeine will be readily available at the Starbucks on the 1st Level. Food is readily available from a multitude of sources. Parking is $1.00 for all day. The Mall is two blocks south on Stuart Street from the Ballston / Marymount Metro Stop.

I will be there to write, but if others of you show up, I will appreciate the company.

BeaJay
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BeaJay -- The WordSmith Wannabee
2006 - "The Vision of Second Samuel"
2007 - "Second Samuel's Vision Revealed"

United States :: Virginia :: Northern

tuesday in crystal city?

Kymera — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 20:59:05 -0800

Anyone up for tuesday near the pentagon. or monday. I am in Arlington, Near crystal city. The are tons of places around there for coffe and typing noises.
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wordcount widgets

United States :: Virginia :: Northern

In the Springfield/Burke area...looking to do write-ins in the evenings.

ali_marea — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 08:04:48 -0700

Anyone here up for a few write-ins in the Springfield/Burke area? Not sure where, exactly...I know there are some Starbucks nearby, but if there's something better I'd be open to it.

We seem to have a lack of local bars in the area. (I'm sort of new to the area, so if we live in a dry county it's news to me. *grin*)

Here's my deal...if this fits with any of your schedules, please let me know. I've never done a write-in and I'd really like to give it a go.

I work until 4-4:30. I am home by 5:30 or so. I can be somewhere else by 6pm easy.

Anywhere near Springfield and Burke is great for me.

Any takers?
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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Del Ray Monday (19th)

meanlouise — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 14:59:41 -0800

I know there's a meetup on the calender and the forum is extra-pokey so maybe no one is checking it, but just in case...

I'll be at St. Elmo's Monday afternoon from 1p.m. until whenever my brain melts. I'd imagine at least 5.

If you want to find me/us send nanomail to me and it will let me know right away via my blackberry, so you don't have to feel anxious about not finding me. I'm going to remind myself to bring my knitting so I can take better breaks this time, so I can hang out longer if anyone needs moral support. Last time it seemed like Laulen had just found me and then I had to head home (sorry!)

happy writing,
rebecca

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http://meanlouise.com

United States :: Virginia :: Northern

del ray/st. elmo's wednesday (really!)

meanlouise — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 08:24:35 -0800

*knock on wood* all of our family chaos and crises seem to be receding into the background, so I'm definitely heading to St. Elmo's today around 1 if anyone wants to join me for a write-in. (send me nano mail if you want to make sure we find each other). I'm waaaay behind in my wordcount (but my sock drawer sure is well-organized. ha) so I'll most certainly be there at least a three hours because I've GOT to get a change of environment.

happy writing!
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http://meanlouise.com