United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

Sticky: Introduction Thread

Tara — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:02 +0000

Hi everyone and welcome to another NaNo! :-)

I'm Tara, one of your MLs. This is my fifth year doing NaNo. I've "won" each of the last four years. This year is a little bit crazier for me than some, and I have no idea what I'm going to be writing, but I have faith that something will come to me before November 1st. :-)

I look forward to seeing some familiar faces again, and meeting some new ones. More details regarding the kickoff and write-ins and whatnot will come, but for now, please drop a line and say hello and tell us about yourself. :-)
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Tara ~ Co-ML, Indianapolis

United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

Sticky: Donating (even when you're broke)

Tara — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:23:55 +0000

Hi everyone,

If you haven't already done so, please consider giving a little bit back to the people who make all of this possible. You can read here on how to donate, even if you don't have money to give. Every little bit helps, so even if you can just give ten dollars, please do so. You can find out where your donations go here.

NaNoWriMo is a fantastic organization, and it's worth giving just a little back to help it continue to grow.

Thank you and happy writing! :-)
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Tara ~ Co-ML, Indianapolis

United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

What is the last sentence that you wrote?

gm9 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:05:22 +0000

Just asked some of the folks at the Broad Ripple write-in, and I liked what I heard. I apparently need to work somewhere without wireless access, because I am easily distracted. But here is the last sentence that I wrote:

"The growth of hair on her legs was gone."
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United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

Any writers in Carmel?

Anestel — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:21:37 +0000

Any writers in the Carmel/Westfield area?

I think it'd be super to have someone to meet up with at Starbucks once a week or so to talk about how Nano is going and everything.

Or even someone that would text me and go "Hey Kit, you working on your novel at all? GET CRACKING!"
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~*~Poetic Anarchy~*~

United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

IUPUI Monday Write In

Arilan — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:03:00 +0000

Okay, so I do not remember what we decided at all in the chatroom last night. What I do know is:

When: Monday, weekly
Time: from 2:30-3ish until around 5:45pm
Where: On campus at IUPUI

We're either going to meet on the second floor of the Campus Center over across from the Caribou Coffee and the Sub place where the plugs are(I'll bring a power strip) OR in a computer lab in ET. I have no preferences but since I can't remember the room number for that lab(sooo should've written it down) I would say we should meet in CE for this week at least and decide future meeting spots then.

If Phys or anyone else remembers and let's me know though the above suggestion can be nullified. If there are no new posts in this thread before midnight tonight assume that I'll be in CE. I have a black laptop with a white Nano sticker on the back and a bright yellow Write In sign from last year. It will be displayed prominently.
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Try to look unimportant. The enemy may be low on ammo.

United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

Up close and personal: WriMo in Washington State

gearhead — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:42:38 +0000

My friend sent me a Facebook message this morning, and I thought you all might get a kick out of what NaNo looks like to "normal people."

Here's what she saw:

"So i'm in DC for a conference and this morning I escaped the overpriced hotel breakfast and spotted a nice cafe across the street. I believe you'd appreciate this place! It's attached to a bookstore and he cafe is named Afterwords. There's a section reserved for people participating in NaNoWriMo... and it's packed.

So they don't want to be bothered with the normal hassles of having to speak to someone to order thir food, this place created a system of flags at each table to let the waitstaff know what sustenance the patrons prefer. One guy is wearing a big button that says, "Do NOT bother me! It's November." "

NaNo, driving up cafe business since...1999? Well, for a long time, anyway.

geerhedd
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"What could I do if I did not have to do it perfectly? A lot more than I am now."

United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

Southsider meet ups?

silverphoenix13 — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:15:04 +0000

It's not like I can't get downtown for a meet up, but I thought I'd see if anyone else on the south side would like to meet up somewhere down here sometime.

I can't write at the meet-ups (no laptop, alas,) but I figured we could get together for a bit of a whine over coffee, slouching around in our boho outfits and berets, looking like the tortured writers we are. Make for a good show, if nothing else!
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United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

Regretfully withdrawing

StrangeDavid — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:36:15 +0000

Well, I hate to do it, but I'm withdrawing from NaNo this year.

I've looked at everything I need to accomplish for work by the end of the month as well as inflexible plans I have in place for travel, and for a while I still thought that I could squeeze in NaNo out of desperation.

But when I woke up this morning and the cold I've been fighting off had won to the point where I'm just a wee bit dizzy, I had to face it -- I'll be lucky if I get all of my WORK done, let alone my NaNo. Plus I'm studying for a master's-level course with the test in early December.

So, yeah. I'm a little bummed out, but I will be back next year with a vengeance.
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United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

Progress

Linda Samaritoni — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:55:09 +0000

This is exhilarating! Since this is my first try, I didn't know how I would do sitting and sitting while I typed. Well the first two days have just kept the creative juices flowing. My story contains scenes that I did not realize would happen.

How is everyone else doing for first efforts?
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angelteach

United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

Downtown write-in at Mo'Joe Coffeehouse - Please RSVP

Tara — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:55:01 +0000

Since the Saturday afternoon Mo'Joe write-ins were by far our most heavily attended last year, and they have limited space, please let me know here if you plan to attend. The first one is this Saturday from 2:30 until whenever you want to stay. The writer's group (social group) technically begins at 5:30, but you're free to keep writing if you're so inspired.

Mo'Joe Coffeehouse
222 W. Michigan St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204

There is some parking in front, and ample parking behind the building (off of Senate).

Thank you, and happy writing :)
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Tara ~ Co-ML, Indianapolis

United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

Twitter Wrimos in Indy?

lafnlab — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:35:17 +0000

Are there any Indy Wrimos on Twitter? It seems like it might be a good way for people to get connect during the week, when the writing group isn't together.

I'm on there as @lafnlab.
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United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

November Write Ins?

bkwarner — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:03:40 +0000

Not counting doing NaNo, November is sort of crazy for me. I'm wondering if we can get some write-ins on the calendar early so that we can plan which one(s) we can attend.

Thanks.
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Word Nerd: No pocket protectors here; just don't break the spines on books. bkwriter.blogspot.com and @BKWordNerd

United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

A Tale of Two Tales

Terridactile — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:14:04 +0000

Okay, here is my issue. I started a story that I have really wanted to get down on paper for quite some time. The challenge is it's based on some personal experiences which are really fun, but also creating a bit of a struggle - last year's was completely fictionalized.

First plan, plow through it as quickly as possilble, then move on to another story I have in my head. Now, I am thinking about alternating between the two. Bear in mind, one is humorous, one is very serious. I am more of a humor writer, but I just must not be feeling that funny lately.

Thoughts about it being detrimental to alternate between the two - when I'm stumped on one, go to the other. I am currently at about 9,000 for the first one. The end goal would be to reach 50,000 between the two.
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Terridactile
2008 - St. Joseph's Table

United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

Chapters?

Raowenblackbird — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:25:49 +0000

Hi! Just curious about how you guys are running your stories, but I've got a few questions regarding Chapters in your NaNo-gold. First of all, are you using them, and secondly, about on average, how many words do you guys have in a chapter? I know they usually say "just start a new chapter when you feel like it needs one", but if I did that I would have a million and a half chapters that are all 300-1000 words long heh

Let's hear 'em, people! I'm curious!

~Rao
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United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

I'm just not there

Rough Draft — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:18:14 +0000

Hi everybody - I won't be writing with you this year. In February I moved to Hawaii. I thouht about Nano for months, but knew there was no way I could write this year. Last year my husband told me he didn't think I would have time because of the move, so I started writing and finished. This year I knew it would be impossible. I'll just pop in occasionally to see what's going on. I'm searching for Nanos in Maui. There have to be some.

Good luck everybody.

Rough Draft (aka Cathy)

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United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

Central Library Write-in tonight!

Alicia — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:43:55 +0000

As threatened, I am writing at Central Library tonight. I should be here until at least 8 PM. Anyone is welcome to join me. I am in Room 307 on the 3rd floor.

Alicia
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United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

More Broad Ripple Starbucks writing tonight

gearhead — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:19:37 +0000

For anyone who is tired of sitting at home, I'm heading over to the Starbucks again here in just a few minutes. I'll be there until at least 9pm, maybe 9:30pm.

For those that haven't met me: The crops are thin up top, glasses, black motorcycle jacket, Macbook with NaNo stickers, and there will likely be a really large harmonica sitting on the table next to me. Truth.

geirhedt
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"What could I do if I did not have to do it perfectly? A lot more than I am now."

United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

Broad Ripple Writers

gm9 — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:47:25 +0000

I've been skimming the messages and seeing there are a few writers in Broad Ripple. Anybody want to schedule a regular meetup in one of the coffee shops around here? I'm a fan of the Monon Coffee Co and also that place that is next to Moe & Johnny's (I forget the name). Would prefer to do weekday evenings, but I'm open to whatever people might suggest.

Greg
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United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

Tips

Terridactile — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:48:01 +0000

I don't want to keep starting threads, but thought one on tips for getting through the next month and beyond might be helpful (besides over-dosing on coffee, etc.).

Last year there were a few posts about making sure to back up your work. Save a copy to a thumb drive, on Google docs, etc. Computers crash, and at the worst times.

I thought of another today. Most of us are part time writers, so keep a notebook, scratch pad, or something handy along with a pen. I just had a full scenario about a character today and thought I would write it down when I got a chance. Now it's completely gone and I am not sure if it will come back to my memory. Even a few words can help jog ideas when you do sit down to write.

Also, make large quantities of food and freeze it for meals for the week : )
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Terridactile
2008 - St. Joseph's Table

United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

Music to Write By

hnwible — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 04:29:30 +0000

Alright, guys. What music, if any, do you choose to inspire those creative novelling juices? Rachmaninoff? Guster? Death Cab? Death metal? John Cage's 4'33? Stockhausen? Bach? Is there a NaNoWriMo station on Pandora Radio? Because there should be! Let's get on that!
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United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

Week 1 Write-ins

Ibibenibi — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:44:14 +0000

The calendar on our forum's main page shows every write-in that's confirmed for a specific place and time, and at least one writer in attendance for the duration. Not every NaNo gathering is planned well in advance, however, so if you have an impromptu writing place this week, post it here.

If you have a favorite writing spot and time that isn't listed, please let Tara and me know here. If it's a definite plan far enough in advance, we'll add it to the calendar.

We have a lot going on this month. Tara and I can't be all over the city every day of the week, so many, many thanks to everyone who's made the effort to help other participants by scheduling things closer to home.
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Ericka
Co-ML, Indianapolis
Inspired vessel of the Traveling Shovel of Death

United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

West side and Hendricks County Write-ins

Tara — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:12:18 +0000

I will be at the Starbucks at Lafayette Road and 56th Street on Wednesdays (except for the 18th) from 5:15 until around 7:30 if anyone wishes to join me.

My husband (HighlandScribe) and I will be at the Starbucks in Brownsburg Sunday mornings (except for the 1st) probably from around 9am until noon. Again, feel free to join us.

Please post if you'd like to offer your own venues and gatherings on the west side. :-)
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Tara ~ Co-ML, Indianapolis

United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

DST ended, check your time zone

Tara — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:17:43 +0000

Go to "My NaNoWriMo" (in the gray menu bar above) and click on "user settings" (in red along the left) and scroll down to adjust your time zone. In Central Indiana we're at " -0500 " now that we've rolled our clocks back. If you don't do this, November will end an our earlier than it should. ;-) Be sure to double check it on the 30th. ;-)
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Tara ~ Co-ML, Indianapolis

United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

Could this be my last NaNoWriMo?

ekrug — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:54:21 +0000

Friends,

This is my 3rd NaNoWriMo. The past two years, the first day was exhilarating because I had no idea where the month was going to take me. This year, I'm feeling pretty blah. I've written a couple thousand words. I think I have an okay story, and I like my characters. Still, I just sort of want the month to be over so I don't have to think about writing for awhile. I don't write any other time of year, so I shouldn't be burned out. Should this be my last NaNo? I'm starting grad school in January, so the next two Novembers will be much busier. More importantly, I seem to have lost the spark of magic that seemed to be part of past NaNos. Am I doing something wrong? Have any of you gone through this before? Help!
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I will not be declaring war on any regions...much like a flea won't declare war on the dog.
Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.
-J. Lennon

United States :: Indiana :: Indianapolis

Challenges? Word Wars?

Mendur — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:04:57 +0000

Hi.
I'm not sure how this "challenge/word war" thing works in general but I have an idea for one for us.

This year, we get 30 days plus one hour for our novels, thanks to Daylight Savings Time ending in November. (This is still a new thing for Indiana.) Since it ends in the early hours of November 1, is anyone up for a "lost hour" challenge?

The challenge is: write as much as you can from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. Then the clocks turn back from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m. and we get to do that whole hour over again. Two hours of writing, only one hour of November. Then we'll compare results to see who "won" and gets to set the next challenge.

Any takers?
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