2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations! 1

Ok, so I've unstickied some of last year's threads, and added '2008' to others that I think are still useful. If you are new to NaNoWriMo, do read them.

I will add a 2009 user names thread as perhaps we should start fresh on this even though some of us will have the same user name I'm sure. Is there anything else we need?

Lets have this thread as a kind of preparation thread:

Ideas, plans, worries, questions, ramblings etc before we start.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

I'm not ready yet.

:)

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Easy peasy, you still got two whole weeks dear!

I think that I will try on my angle with a story/plot idea I posted here… it was called “Some dialogue on a bench”. I think that smaller stories inside a bigger one is a lot easier to manage than one long, therefore I can both start and end many little stories.

I got to go and activate my profile as well… now what the heck was my login there…

Oh, and I actually think that we should send a letter to all DD:ers in case they don't look down here.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

ok… so NaNo as been the little carrot for me, dangling, egging me on, waiting for me like a light at the end of a dark dark tunnel. I can't fonting wait. I have been getting a barrage of emails from my local NaNo group in London, and even some interested folks in my hometown of St. Thomas, which I may or may not get involved in.. my time seems to be stretched and every precious free moment will be spent writing not eating cookies… but we'll see.

This year again, I am going in without any preconcieved ideas of how this story (whatever it might be) will come out. For me, because I am not planning (as others in other writing groups are - I have been reading their notes that come to my inbox…) the anticipation and excitement is growing. Last year - I had no idea what to expect, and what happened was shocking, awesome and well awesome. I didn't know I had it in me. Now, I have done very little with the book that I wrote. Everyone (and I mean every single person - 7 different people) I sent it to read and review did not do it. Not one person - and I got NO feedback on it. So - it was shit, but that's ok. I will not let that hold me back. I'm just going to write. That's it. Font it.

Yeah that's it - Font it. Even writing now about it I am getting more and more courage to let everything else fall away and just immerse myself into this again. I have shivers now thinking about the month to come.

My daughters are both going to do the Young Writers version this year, with their best friend. They have been thinking about their story more - my oldest, Gabrielle, has been drawing story boards for her story - the concept for hers blows me away already. I can't wait to read what she writes. The drawings are great - I will ask her permission to scan a couple of them to share with you. They both are inspiring me to just go for it again….

is it November yet??

*drumming fingers on the desk*

xo
la

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

I will be your cheer leader.. I won't be doing NaNo this year.. boo hoo.
It would be too overwhelming to add it to my Creativity Coaching program.  I
have a lot I have to give to it to become certified.
It was a hard decision to make as the bonding of this experience with all of you last year was so incredible.  I miss that kind of intensity in the presence of others (in a healthy way).
I'll keep my eye and heart on you all and live vicariously thru your experiences.
xoxo jeanne/breath

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Gosh, I feel the excitement of it rising in me… feeling that my writer pals are sharpening their “pens” already, pulling toghether their minds and starting to spread the vibe of huge creation at comming.

Yammy… it waters in my mounth - we will font it! Just like la said.

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Hey gang, I'm in. This is exciting. Already know I'm writing 'The Story of Story', a gypsy storyteller mouse. That's all I know so far. Need to bone up on gypsy stuff before we start.

La, I can't wait to see your daughter's storyboards. Whoo-hoo!

Here comes November!

Love to you all,

Tom

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

I have no idea and it makes me nauseous but kind of excited also and what the hey. I will give it the old college try.
I am not so good with fiction. I will try and have the writer or some writer come through me. Maybe I will be channeled.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

awesome awesome.. yay Tom, Jenni, Nono… I feel GLEEFUL. it's not really a word but oh man I am feeling it. I have permission from my girls to take photos of their story boards - I will do that this afternoon when they are home again…. they carry their stories around with them everywhere they go, it's very sweet.

I have reclaimed (for a fourth time) my studio as of last night, and now have a SPACE to write in this year. Last year, I wrote the whole time in my living room, with my laptop perched on a small end table and with everything else going on around me. I am wondering actually if I am even going to be able to work in a room that is just mine. I have been so used to having 'chaos' around me while I am writing… what if I go to start and nothing comes? Well, can't dwell on that thought, but hopefully that won't be the case!

so - I just want to say that I hope that everyone else - everyone new for example will maybe take the plunge and jump in too. It's going to be fun… !

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

that is so neat about your daughters? how old are they. I have two sons. I think this would be a great experience for them but they are in college and too busy, but I might suggest it anyway. maybe send a link. you have inspired me.
I have been writing in my younger son's old room recently. I love the light in here, so I guess this where I will be.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Whoo hoo to seeing Tom here. Yay!

I have not decided if I am going to do Nanowrimo this year or not. In a way, it brings back so many memories of my operation last year, that I don't like thinking about it. Also, starting this nonprofit is very time consuming, and I don't want to set myself up to not succeed. Plus, if I were to do it, I would want to finish what I didn't finish last year, and being that I had one computer crash and die after another, I don't even know if I have the files. I will check. Maybe I will find them, and maybe I won't. I hope I do.

Leigh-Anne, I had an office set up in an upstairs bedroom, and I found myself too lonely and bored writing in there, so I would always come downstairs and write in the first parlor (living room.) That way the dogs were always climbing on top of me and the kids were screaming outside and the sounds of CNN were blaring from my mom's bedroom. So, it could be that you are right. Writing in solitude may be hard, but I suppose you will get used to it. Maybe even grow to love it.

Well, best of luck to everyone who participates. I will decide soon.

Andrea

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Woohoo! Sandra, Gabriele, Nono, Leigh-Anne, Tom, Jenni! And breathh, to breathe us through it!

I know, I know, I'm all exclamation marks, but I'm excited! And wondering what it will be like this year when family matters that were at a boiling point a year ago are sitting, if still smoldering, more on the back burner. Last November was hell and I did it! Couldn'ta happened without the rest of you guys.

And, this year my best friend from up Island is in—she's already registered and excited about it too. Could life get much better?

Nono, I loved your “dialogue on a bench” that you posted here; sounds great, you could end up with your own book of short stories, ala Sandra. :)

Tom, another mouse story—a gypsyteller mouse this time. I love that title “The Story of Story.” (Wish I'd thought of it.)

Jenni, remember that it doesn't actually have to be fiction. As far as having the writer come through you, well, I can't even imagine you writing any other way.

Me, I have only vague ideas about what I'm going to write about, but it was the same last year and I came through okay. All I have to remember is: Sit down and write ~1666.6667… words the first day. Repeat the next day, and every day till the 30 days are up.

I say, it is still 50,000 words, right? They haven't upped it when I wasn't looking?

:)

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Oh, and Andrea, a definite maybe. I wasn't ignoring you, Andrea, but you posted while I was still writing. This keeps happening to me. I think it means I'm a slow writer…

Hope you find those files!

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Oh wow, hell-loh there everybody!  :) 

I started getting ecxited already after reading la's post yesterday, then Tom showed up (HEY there, Tom! :) and everybody is getting into the vibe… how could I not be excited now?!!?

I'm with la, there's no preparation going on here, though I thought this time I would really go for a novel and maybe know at least a theme and a character in advance.

I can't say I know anything but there are a few things floating around, possibilities. A lot is going on around what my writing tends to be about, what moves me, what are my issues, what do I find interesting, touching and so on.

So I'm preparing, I suppose, it just looks very different from what I thought it would be like. More active and visible instead of this passive and internal.

Oooooohhhh, first of November is a Sunday, so tomorrow the 14-days countdown is on! 2 weeks until NaNoWriMo!

YAY!

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

This is so intriguing.  Part of me wants to join in so much, but the other part doesn't know how to even fit in yet another commitment.  But how exciting that you are all doing this!  Will ponder doing this with you…but, if not, good luck everyone!

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

so how many words a day is it again?

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

thee hee jens, just a few

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

ha!!
is that all. well then okay.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Come and join us Centria, it is a lot fun and such an ride. Go on their site and sign in and let us know what your username there will be.
Last years nano experience was so intensive we are like junkies comming back for more. And don't you worry, you will fit right in.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Yes, Kathy, join us NaNo junkies, won't you? :)

Honestly, last year so much was happening in my usually fairly dull and predictable (on the outside anyway) life and yet I made it through the 50000, even a few days ahead of schedule. And it felt awesome! Would I have been able to do it without the wonderful support of other DD'ers who put themselves in the same boat? Chances are, not.

Anyway, hope you decide yes. And if you start and don't finish because of other time commitments or whatever, there's no shame in that at all. Nothing lost, ever.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

OK, you guys, I've had a glass of wine with dinner but I am SO excited about this!  Haven't been this pumped since starting the outdoor commitment last December.  Really feel a strong pull to write a story that was thought about when I was 20-some years old.  Am feeling SO excited I can't calm down.  My name is…go figure…centria on NaNo…whatever it's called.  Seriously I am way excited.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Oh, excellent! I just went and buddied you on the site.

Will you add your username to the list here on this other thread too, with a link to your NaNo profile?

This is beginning to feel like Christmas—and it we haven't even got to Hallowe'en yet…

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

It doesn't say we're buddies yet.  :(  Maybe I better calm down and take three deep breaths.  Lovin' this already!

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you are pretty funny. a glass of wine. good to see you Centria.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Kathy, the buddy thing is funny on NaNo. I invite you and you show up immediately on my buddy list (even before you accept the invitation). But unless you invite me back, I won't show up on your buddy list.

Unlike Gaia, NaNo allows for one-way friendships with someone else. ;o)

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

trying to behave, jenni.  feeling way too excited.  :) 

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

OK, you're my buddy now, Ruth!  But jenni…sorry…haven't yet figured out who you are.  :(  Or some of these other people.  OK I am practically dancing on the ceiling!  Remind me of this moment in the middle of November, ok?

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Hey, buddy!

Oh, and the other list (the one you just added your name to) has everybody's linked name who has declared so far… so you can go and buddy them too.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

centria!!!! you used to know me. maybe you just don't recognize me. not from here but you knew me otherwise.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

ok, have to go write the outdoor blog now so will quit hyperventilating.  This will be so much fun!!!  Love and words to all of you!

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Jenni, i know who you are on Gaia…just couldn't figure out your name over on the other site.  Perhaps you could buddy me?  Then would know who you were over there.  Sorry, maybe a bit too excited…

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

are you centria over there? I will buddy you.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

yes!  thank you!

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Great to have you here Centria, I have buddied you as well now.

Preparations? Well, I concider all this as prepartions, it is menatal for me, getting ready. I am not going to plan any plots, I know what it will be about; a wise old lady on a bench meeting various people and living through various life stories.

But this thime I think that I will not rush myself to write so speedy as I did last year, allthough I am often referred to the weekends. Last year I wrote the main part of my NaNo during 3 weekends, it was crazy. But then again, how wonderfult to understand that despite life happening around me and with me I still was able to pull out a BOOK!!! In a month!!!

Centria, there will be moments when you become frustrated or even start to question your mission, then this loving group is the palm you need and you will get their unconditional support. We are going to share laughter, lots of it, but also sweat and perhaps tears. There will be unforgettable words spoken and we all will fall in love with each other.

Last year gave result in form of some coined meanings like: “What the Font?” and “Fontastic” (Leigh-Anne). Then there was Tom… ah his “Font You and the Typewriter You Roden In On!” ha ha.

so oh yes - love is in the air

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

ha ha Nono…I am already questioning my mission!  Crazy thoughts telling me why this is NOT going to work and how crazy is this.  (OK thoughts, have your say.  We're still gonna write.)    :)

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

ahem_ingway
Hi Tom!

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Goodie goodie, rubbing my hands together in pure joy!

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Of course *after* I post my Nano username here, I see it should be in the other thread.   ack!

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

rubbing hands rubbing hands.
oh and hey Tom.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Well, you can always add it there as well.

I Iove your NaNo name, I'm rereading Hemingway these days. Never liked him all that much when I first read him, in my 20's. For years I told people I liked him better in translation (having read a German translation of For Whom the Bell Tolls around that same time) than in the flesh. Ah, the fatuity of youth.

So glad you've joined the ranks…

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

nice to see everyone getting excited!!

Me, well, I am a little more low key. I have to say I probably wouldn't be doing it if it weren't for you lot.  I've decided to 'use' the time to do some writing I've been avoiding because it hasn't felt that challenging. I need stress-free this time;-) So. A bit like you Nono, a series of stories/pieces higgledy piggeldy perhaps around my time as a teenager in Donegal ( the First Kiss/ Romeo and the Lonely Girl piece). I've had so many people want me to write this stuff down - it's light, there are funny and mad scenes. So I'll just 'write' it, badly and with an eye on quantity, and maybe there will be something there for me to one day use. I know I know, I 'should' be doing pure freefall stare at the blank page thing, and it will be that, but with a kind of structure or at least a 'theme'.

'Easy' is what I feel I need right now.

As preparation I'll do the Ray Bradbury thing and jot down one-liners / one - two word titles as triggers/prompts for when I sit down, I suppose I better have quite a few.. and then as each day happens, I'll choose whatever feels most fun, has the most energy, or see what happens, continue on from the day before or whatever.

I've actually been wanting to cover this material for ages, but haven't gotten round to it so it feels like perfect timing.

However, I encourage all of you to  be far more fearless/fearward than me, don't plan, don't think, just write!!

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

oh and ps. We won't have Monthy Mods for November as we will be mostly focussed here, I'll do the daily thread thing etc;  but if anyone wants to sign up as MM for December, I'm all ears.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Good, good… I was a bit concerned since you don't feel that good at the moment if you was able to join us Sandra. I'm so happy that you will be with us.

Hali hali hali

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Yeah! You're still SandraJ, right?

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Thx roo-
It's suitably quirky for me. (the name)  I had a similar experience with A Tale of Two Cities.  I was rapt as a child.  I re-read it about ten years ago and found the writing stilted and annoying.  A measure of how we change I guess.
I've been quietly excited about Nano for some months now, dithering over what to write about, and how to get there.  The big thing for me is that I'm not prolific in any sense.  November is going to seem like a lifetime.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Well, after searching through various thumb drives, I found my file from last year. I am going to join in, too, with the clear expectation of not finishing. I know that it's not good timing right now, so I can admit that. At least, I will get more done on this story that I have had in my mind for so many years.

If I don't join, I will be on the other boards saying where is everybody? So, why not. And if I should happen to get done, then whoohoo!

Happy nanowing!

Andrea

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Woohoo, Andrea! Wonderful that you found the files and are joining us again. You're drechanteuse there too, right?

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Sandra said: So I'll just 'write' it, badly and with an eye on quantity, and maybe there will be something there for me to one day use.

That's how I approached it last year; not only did it get me through, but I amazed myself with the unexpected quality of my writing when the editor is left to pout in the corner. Not that the 'manuscript' is sitting in any publisher's office (or even close to being), but the experience really turned a big page for me, writing-wise. I'm planning to use the same approach again, but this year I'll have Hemingway's words on a sticky (alongside the one with Sandra's DD writing guidelines), just in case I get stuck at any point in the writing.

Sticky 1 (Sandra on how to approach writing):
Show up, write what occurs.
Don't edit, don't go back.
Go fearward, go where the energy is.
Give all the sensuous detail.

Sticky 2 (Hemingway on writing when stuck):
Do not worry. You have always written before and you will write now. All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.

Two weeks today, is it?

Ruth

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

don't think, just write!!

all my thumbs, fingers, toes up for this one ;-)

…. bought red curtains for my new writing room… :-) can't wait !

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

new curtains?
I didn't know we were re- decorating as well. 
I love the stickies.
I will have to copy and paste.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

I didn't know we were re- decorating as well.

Jenni, you crack me up!

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Countdown to NaNoWriMo: 14 days

:)

Getting excited with all the excitement. I don't have much time today, will take some time tomorrow morning, when everybody is out of the house and I can use the computer in the living room. My notebook blacks out constantly.

Looks like NaNoWriMo has started it's magic already. Hard to resist, isn't it? It's not the outcome that counts, it really is important to remember. Being part of it and doing my very own process is what it's about for me. There have been some very good suggestions and thoughts here already. See y'all tomorrow!

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

hehehe well yes, I decided that is how I am preparing - making my room more comfortable. I even have a folding desk to work on now too that i have set up in front of the window in the room…..

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

I still haven't been able to figure out how to find other people and add them as buddies. Like I typed Jenni's (jensiper) name in the “search/author” place and it says unknown.  The only folks I've been able to add are on other people's buddy lists.  Anyone know how?

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Hmm, Kathy, I just tried it and it worked. When you go to the Search page, it has those two tabs: Authors, and Content/Forums. As a default, it's the second of those that comes up (white) and the Authors tab is blue. If you click on the Authors tab it turns white and you'll get a screen with 2 search boxes; the first is for Username. Type the name into that box and you should get the results below.

Hope that helps?

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

I haven't even looked into the buddy thing yet. I am not sure why I am not there. better go take a look see.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

hmm, Kathy, I seem to remember it was tricky - I think you can't search at the moment for authors, but we can post links to our profiles and you then  buddy us there. Does anyone remember how it worked last time?  I am SandraJ. 
ah, I just found this: During times of high site traffic, NaNo HQ will disable the “Authors Search” in order to speed up the site. Have no fear, you will be able to search for your favorite Wrimo authors shortly.

but it doesn't explain your problem really - I found ahem_ingway but not jenisper, is that the right spelling?

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

ah it's jensiper

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I am glad someone found me.

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Oh I'm starting to grind my teeth. Do I write about the bench talks or would I go for more exciting fantasy thing I got going on with my Mist of Avalon piece. It's talking in my ear saying I have to let Mastema hunt me down. Raah raah raah, yeah, the NaNo-magic is on already. Tension, tension.
God it's good to see all this excitement again. I hope we'll get a lot more people into this.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

well great that you have TWO ideas to thrash about, nono! Why not wait and see what comes ???

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yeah, you know me, need to be trashy. Wait n see? Ha… I can just imagine November the 1st in the middle of the night sitting there in my sofa with my laptop on knee and hammering in the first word, anxious to see which one it will be: a date with a demon or an old lady?

HA HA HA HA HA

God I'm predictable - I already smell which one I will pick.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

I thought I smelled it too. ;o)

Or, you could write about both: How about a date with a demon and an old lady?

:)

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hmmm… I think Ruth's got something here, Nono…

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Thank you!  :)

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Centria, it is really nice to have you along for this ride with us this year. It's pretty exciting, actually.

On the NaNo site, I noticed all of my buddies from last year were still listed. My name is still drechanteuse and my icon was still there. That's great! Author info was gone, which is good because who is the exact same person as they were a year ago?
I'd like to think I've grown somehow, hopefully not in gerth.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Hi all –

I was looking so forward to doing this NaNo thing, after perusing last year's thread on it. I was anticipating that “group synergy” thing that often happens when people work on their own individual projects collectively.

Then I went to the NaNo website, and came across warnings to NOT work on a book that you've already started. That one would have a terrible month if that's what they ended up doing, because with a work in progress you already care too much about plot, characters, & etc., and you will not be able to draw on the kind of whimsical energy that NaNo generates.

Damn and double damn. I am smack in the middle of a novel, and this is what I MUST work on right now …. so I guess I cannot do NaNo!   :(

I suppose I could perhaps at least aim for a certain word count each day?

Or just wait to hang out with y'all at the next NaNo.

Onward, at any rate. Grand wishes to you all, and may the muse be with you !!!

Mary

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Mary, you are certainly welcome to partake of any energy you may find here (and I can pretty well guarantee you we'll be sizzling with it come November), whether or not you participate in NaNo. I envy you your half-written novel, and I wish you all the best in finishing it.

Ruth

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I'm selfish too, please join in, please. Don't listen to anyone, do your thing, spread your wings. We will be there for you and we want you to be part of us in this. More is merrier in this case.
Take the muse with you when you join, okey?

Sandras suggestions are really good.

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Hi Mary,
My theory is screw the rules. Nano is about writing 50,000 words in November. If they don't like you working on a novel in progress heck with 'em. Ideally it might be better to work on a freshie, but if you're already deep into something, why not use the group energy to help you with what you're already working on?
Two cents,
Tom

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Mary - well, that is what they say, and in some ways they might be 'right' but perhaps you can work on the novel in a way that is more a freefall /blank page approach, thus sort of following nano principles? And thus getting the support and energy you need here?

By freefall/blank page I mean this - I don't know if you are using a structure or plan or index cards or whatever for your novel – but if you are, you could 'let this go' for November, and each day, just see what 'arises' – staying within the theme of your novel. You might find yourself writing bits and pieces that get put in a different order, or that open out already written pieces, or some stuff that you'll never use, or new ideas that come to you and change the course of the story etc, but if you have a 'hands off' approach, i.e. not directing traffic, you might avoid the pitfalls they indicate.

I think you have this in you - and indeed it's how many people (including my ff teacher) suggest a novel is written – ie. allowing it to unfold so you discover as you go along. Start your word count with your NaNo start, and perhaps another 50,000 words is all you need?

I'd say make it work for you, rather than trying to fit into what they say. And if it really doesn't work, I think you'll know after a week, and that will be no great loss?

It would be just great to have you join us! I want you here for selfish reasons!

Love,
Sandra

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Thank you Ruth, Nono, and Sandra!

I really like your freefall suggestions, Sandra. Certainly I could try it at least for a week and see what happens. Because I occasionally work as an editor I do find myself unwittingly “directing traffic” sometimes … would be wonderful to jump into the challenge of letting go of that …

Selfish or not, I really appreciate your lovely, encouraging invitation! I will join you.  :)

Love,

Mary

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Great news, Mary! Will you add your NaNo username to the list here so we can buddy you?

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Yay!!!! Mary! That's great news.

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and I was just thinking that for those of you who haven't read Brenda Ueland's 'If you want to write', now would be the time. Perfect preparation for NaNo.

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I seem to have a name for my NaNo:

Seagull Pie

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nice name sandra.
I forgot about that whole thing quantity versus quality. that makes me feel better.
thanks for the links.

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oh, you guys!  I have been such a slacker for the last year writing… and now I am on the northern California coast taking a raw food culinary arts course…it is awesome, and I have not ever had so much fun at school, or worked so hard either, for that matter…. 


So I am going to have to focus on the food novel this year, and hopefully, I will get past day five unlike like last year, or day 12 on the previous attempt…. half way through the month, I am travelling to do a week of emergency work in Northern Ontario…..so between it all, I am sure the world will present me with at few characters to blend into my story, if my imagination fails me.  


Thank you Sandra for doing this! I am going to try to stay with the program this year…. do people actually post all the crap writing on the site? 
lots of love 
Jane

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 a food novel. wow. I like the sound of that. good to see you Jane!!!!

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

yay Jane!
nah, people don't post everything they write, in fact some don't post anything there. but you do have 'validate' at the end, I can't remember if this process posts it all as well, I don't think so.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

A food novel! Some of my favourite reads (and movies) have been about food. Great topic…

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Hi Jane,

do people actually post all the crap writing on the site?

Oh boy, I'd rather go see my dentist or my gynecologist then post my writing on the site!  ;)  But I did translate a little bit of it (I'm writing in German) and posted it on the NaNo thread here on DD last year, that was good.

when you send the whole thing in in the end to have it validated you can code it so nobody will be able to read it. all the information is on the website. No worries. Lovely to have you with us!

It's a great idea to use what you're doing when you're in the middle of some project or other… I keep taking in all the little fabulous inspirations that are posted here.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

there's a way that is explained on the Nano site - to scramble the novel so that you don't have to worry about someone taking your work:

from the site:
To become a winner, first make sure that you have written a manuscript that is 50,000 words or longer. Then sign in to the site, click on Edit Profile, then scroll down to the area labeled Word Count Validator. Copy and paste your entire novel into this box. Then hit the “Submit” button, and prepare for your accolades.
We understand that you may be reluctant to upload your novel to a random website, even to one as winsome as ours. If you are using Microsoft Word it is very easy to completely scramble your novel before uploading it in a way that will not affect its word count.
1. Open the file and make a new copy of your novel using 'Save As…'
2. Open the Find and Replace dialog box (Edit -> Replace).
3. Click the “More” button to expand the box.
4. Check the “Use Wildcards” checkbox.
5. In the “Find What” field, put this: [a-zA-Z0-9] (include the square brackets, no spaces before or after)
6. In the “Replace With” field, put this: a
7. Click “Replace All”
8. Select All (Ctrl+A) and Copy & Paste into the validator!

:-)

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

oh dear. I some how did it last year.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

…and you'll do it again, jen, no worries.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

yeah jenni. Join me in the easy-no-pressure approach. I'd expire if I felt pressured.
We are just going to do some typing, ok?
xo

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

that's right we will just be typing.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

hello all you nanowrimos!
i just wanted to opffer my support and encouragement to all of you. Last year it was a powerful experience for me. There is a part of me that wants to stop my journey to join the mess, not this year, maybe next.

Enjoy the journey!

Peace,
michael

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Hey Michael, good to see you! Too bad you can't join us, but we'll be feeling your support and encouragement all right. Thanks!

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Michael, too bad to not have you with us this year… but you'll stop by whenever you can? You enjoy your journey too!

Jane, have you signed up yet? If so, please post your NaNo name together with a link to your NaNo profile on this thread, would you? In no time at all you're going to have plenty of writing buddies there!

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

I have gone through this entire thread this morning to collect inspirational thoughts and suggestions for my NaNo preparation. My motto this year is Slowing Down. I know it must be possible to write enthusiastically and be committed without stressing myself out. So this NaNoWriMo I will find the way to do it.

Here's my list of findings. Some may seem to contradict themselves. Font it. There's no limit to the writing process, I can easily focus on contradicting guidelines and find the perfect path into my process.  :)

Inspired by posts from some here in particular.

- Writing without preconceived ideas. Going fearward, whatever occurs. (Leigh-Anne)

- Letting the writer come through, doesn't neccessarily have to be in form of a novel (Jenni)

- No rush! Smaller stories inside a bigger one (structure!). (Nono)

- Stress-free. A series of stories around a theme (structure!). Freefall, staring at the blank page, but with some kind of structure or theme to freefall into. (Sandra)

- Vague ideas about what the writing will be. Mainly: sit down and write. All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know. (Ruth, channeling Mr. Hemingway)

- Finish Brenda Ueland's If You Want To Write (Sandra)

And finally a basic idea and a title. My story might be based on my years as a singer in a ballroom dance band. Pure fiction, but based on real life experience.

A possible title, untranslatable. Somethin llike: “Basic Bird Steps”, which is what  us 'girls' in the band used to call our dance moves… you know… bird as in broad or bimbo, as my dictionnary tells me, offensive if used by anybody but ourselves.

Oooooohhhh, so many possibilitie to go with this, so much promising drama and hilarity and heartache and passion… big dreams, harsh realities, fateful encounters…

As Leigh-Anne said in the beginning of the thread: is it November yet??

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

gg - what about “Bird Steps” as a draft title for the English version? I like it a lot!

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Sandra, 'Bird Steps' sounds very good… would that include the band singer's bird steps? I suppose so, otherwise you wouldn't have suggested it..? It has a different vibe then the German expression, actually I almost like it better in English. Damn.

:)

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

would that include the band singer's bird steps?

yes…. :-)

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

oh my gosh,

i love reading you all… just what i needed as i 'catch' up
i think i been away from the computer since last week. had family and friends and been baking a cake like a mad woman possessed. for some reason i had to get it right… and now that i did i am not so sure i like it any more LOL

my daughter gave me this line when i told her that i was writing about identity this year - “am i who i am?”

that is my title

another thing that popped up was talking about goldilocks and how ever did she wind up in a state to break in on bears to eat their food? kinda like a prequel idea like “Wicked”. I will see ”Wicked” on 7th November with my friend, her mom and my oldest daughter. (my oldest said she wont do NaNo this year… shame cause she is sooooo good with her ideas)

so not sure what is going to seep out, only that i will be showing up to write.

i am feeling flat with a cold coming back, but strangely i have a butterfly tummy when i think about NaNoWriMo…

so glad you are all here :)

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Azyh, good to have you back! Will tell the search party to come home and have a cup of tea…

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Oh Azyh, I was just thinking earlier today (before I came here), where is she? and is she doing NaNo or not? But of course you had committed to it long ago, and even told us what you were writing about… your title sounds great, by the way. And that is an interesting thought Goldilocks…

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Azyh, there's a YA book by Francesca Lia Block, and I'm sorry because I don't remeber the title off hand, but it reexamines all of the fairy tales, and sets them in modern L.A. life. The reason I mention this is because you can get a lot of mileage from your Goldilocks musings…just check out our porridge thread in the Tree House.

So glad to see you back. How exciting to go see Wicked!

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

 I'll do it. 

I've got no idea, no story waiting to be told, no plan. I won't even devote any extra time to it, I can just use the time I would otherwise sit and do nothing. I won't even try to write something good, my goal is to write something bad because you can't be good until you've been bad. I'll write in google docs so I can't use not being at the same computer as an excuse. I'll put a notebook in my purse so I can start a new bit when I'm not at a computer.

There, I said it. I'll go post my username now.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

what is google docs? I will have to check that out.
jen

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

It's an online word processor…not super fancy schmancy, but has everything I need!

edit cuz the link didn't work - docs.google.com

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Hi Deleen!

That Google doc thig is just fantastic! Great tip, thanks.
And good to have you along. We will have a great dive!

Love,
Nono

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Hey Deleen, good to see you back, and I think it's awesome that you're wading into the NaNo waters with us.

I didn't know about google docs either—think I'll go check it out now. (fixed the link by the way)

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Well, I've just signed up. There are several stories inside me screaming to get out but two are warring for my attention upper most at the moment. One is based on escape and the other on healthy-selfishness. I'm a bit of a perfectionist but I'm going to try (hard) to set all of that aside and just write whatever comes to mind in the moment.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Great to have you with us Solitaire!

Everyone..
I was just musing on 'tips' in general, I've not re-read the 2008 NaNo Tips thread, I'm sure I've mentioned this there - the Freefall '10 year' rule. The suggestion that if what comes up to write about is inspired by very recent personal events, it might be difficult material to work with as it's still 'composting'. I've found this a very useful rule actually.

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Dearest Sandra and Friends ~

I did NaNoWriMo - and won - in 2006 and 2007. The books are one and two of a trilogy that already has a prequel and book three in progress. I’m not writing book three this year, I’m going in another direction and am going to try to FINISH the book - maybe not at 50,000 words and in November, but within the year.

I spent much of November 2008 in the hospital. I tried to write, but couldn’t. I mourned it all year. November has come to be my favorite month. I look forward to it all year. I’ll be back in the hospital the first of December, but, by damn, they are not taking November away from me again this year!

I have always written solo, though I kept updates at my Zaadz~Gaia Blog and got a lot of support from people at Zaadz - that first year - and at Gaia in 2007.

I have always wanted to be more “with” other writers, but have never found a place that it happened. We have an active local group, but I can’t make myself do the face to face thing.  I am ecstatic about the possibility of combining two things I love so much - NaNaWriMo and Gaia. I am a member of Diving Deeper, but have never managed to participate, though I have always wanted to. I have, in fact, been more absent from Gaia than not in the last year. I would so like that to change - and I would love this to be the vehicle for it. I’m having a hard time tracking and keeping up with the functional part of life, but I am going to try. I am also going to, humbly, ask for help. This means so much to me. Gaia has given me so much. I suppose the thing to do when someone gives you so much, is to ask for more. :-) Here I am doing that - though it may be a first for me.

I’m signed up - I am EP Cross. I will now go try and put that in the correct place at Diving Deeper.

Blessings ~ Dryad

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

so glad to hear that you are going to be able to continue to write this year Dryad! you will definitely get all the help and support that you need from us here :-) I think sometimes that if we all took into account what we wrote to each other last November, and added it to our novels - we'd have doubled our word count. No doubt about it.

sending big hugs to you (and I buddied you)

xo Leigh-Anne

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Welcome, Solitaire and Dryad. So good you're joining us!

Ruth

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Hi gang. I've been signed up with Diving Deeper for a few months but haven't quite gotten in the swing of things yet. It seems there's always too much going on, or by the end of the day I'm just too brain-clouded to think & participate.

I've never done the NaNoWriMo before but had heard of it, and with the email from this group sneaking into my inbox at just the right moment (awful strange how that happens!), I have decided to give it a go. I've never written anything remotely close to 50k words, but since I have all these half-formed stories running hilly-nilly round my brain, and the fact that I'd actually like to be a novelist, this is my opportunity to see what I'm made of. (shaking in my boots!)

My goal is not necessarily to finish but to give it a good ol' consistent try. I usually run into issues with the actual sitting down and writing part of it, so this obviously is the direction that I need to follow. Since deciding to sign up 2 days ago, I already have 8 pages of character notes to begin with. Wow! There is some strange freedom in starting story ideas that absolutley don't have to go anywhere, don't have to make complete sense, and that my inner-editor would just cringe about. My goal is to have fun with this and just see where the heck it takes me.

So, thank you Sandra & everyone in the group for putting the word out, offering support, and giving us newbies a chance to see what we could do.

My NaNoWriMo username is sherart, for those who are looking for writing buddies.

Off to the races!  Sherrie

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Hi Sherrie,

Wow, cool that you've decided to do NaNo, and already have all those character notes.

There is some strange freedom in starting story ideas that absolutley don't have to go anywhere, don't have to make complete sense, and that my inner-editor would just cringe about.

That's the attitude that helped me get through last year. And it really was a lot of fun too.

Will you post a link to your NaNo username over on our official NaNo user names thread, to make it easy for others to buddy you on NaNo?

Ruth

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Just posted over there, with my link, so anyone here can add me. :)

Re: 2009 NANOWRIMO -- preparations!

Welcome Sherrie!!
And, everyone: this thread is now continued here