United States :: Virginia :: Northern

[STICKY] Annual Introductions and Contact Info Thread

Kamikaze Mission — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:12:48 +0000

Hello everyone! Here is a thread to post contact info and introductions, so we can all get to know each other a little better and have a reference for later down the line when write ins get into full swing.

As for my information, feel free to contact me about anything and everything -- NaNo questions, write in calendar requests, or just to say hi.

Name: Kristin
Location: Woodbridge
Email: kawaiiwrestler @gmail .com
IM: Kawaii Wrestler (AIM), KawaiiWrestler@gmail (googlechat)
Stuff about me and my novel:
This is my 6th year doing NaNo, 2nd year MLing, and hopefully it will be my 4th win. Maybe I'll even write an ending this time.

This year's novel is going to be a campy scifi about a group of rugged, out-cast vigilantes beating the crud out of space zombies. Probably. I guess we'll see once November actually rolls around.

Other things you don't need to know about me: My favorite color is red, I drink too many energy drinks and I'm addicted to NCIS and food shows on the Travel Channel.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now your turn! Share as much or as little about yourself as you'd like. The basic format to get you started:

Name: Location: Email: IM: Stuff about me and my novel:
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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

[STICKY] Guidelines for announcing Write-Ins

BeaJay — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:39:10 +0000

To All Y'All,

Over the last few years I have seen posted in another regional forum guidelines for announcing Write-Ins. This is kind of a distillation of that information.

1. Make sure that your SUBJECT line covers the location, time, date/days, and that it is a Write-In.

EXAMPLE:

Saturday Write-Ins at Ballston Mall Food Court from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm

2. Make sure that the content of your message gives the specific location, directions, details, &c about the Write-In.

EXAMPLE:

Hosted by: BeaJay

Located at: The tables next to the escalator directly across from Bloom's Grill on the Mickey Dee's side of the Food Court

What TIme: From approximately 7:30 AM until approximately 3:00 PM each Saturday in November

How to get there:
Drive to Ballston Mall on Wilson Boulevard between Glebe Road and Randolph Street or
ride the Orange Line Metro to the Ballston/MU stop. Get above ground. Go to the corner where the IHOP is located. Head down Stafford Street (South), along side the IHOP parking lot. Continue on to the end. Turn right (West) and go over to Stuart Street. Turn left (South) and proceed to the Mall.

Once in the MALL, proceed down to the lowest possible level (The Food Court). Go over to Mickey Dee's (a.k.a. Mc Donald's). Turn right (North) and proceed past Manch Wok on down to Bloom's Grill. Turn Right (East) and proceed over to the side of the escalator.

We should be right there. If not, sit down and write anyway. You need to increase your word count.

This post is courtesy of BeaJay -- The Wordsmith Wannabe
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BeaJay -- The WordSmith Wannabe
2006 - "The Vision of Second Samuel"
2007 - "Second Samuel's Vision Revealed"
2008 - "Perry Normel fun with Liu Syd Dreaming"
2009 - "Winning by Way of Losing"

United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Yay! I got to...

Liadona — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:04:34 +0000

With all the "What's that word?" and "Where do you live again?" posts, I haven't noticed many that celebrate the little/big steps in getting a novel done. So - here we go.

Post your daily/weekly successes here.
All Positive (whine at the end if you must - if something horrible happens do let us know!)
All Positive with a caveat of the line "and in despite all that I was able to still ______________"
How are you rewarding yourself.

I am sure this list will grow as we grow. But it comes from my reaching a goal and not having anyone to dance around a table with - so this will have to do. :-) Mine is next post.

Lisa
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Liadona
aka Liadona Rau (SL)
2007 - yeah, epic fail, not even a title
2008 - "NOLA Bound"
2009 - "Her Sister's Gem

United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Shirlington Write Ins

WittyandorIronic — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:43:16 +0000

Hello everyone!

At the kick off several people were interested in having a couple of write-ins in the Shirlington area. I did some research and we have to submit an application to schedule the meeting room at the Library and it is quite large (It would have comfortably fit the group we had at kick off), but available if we want it.

So here are our options:

1) Pick a convenient day and time ~10 of us want to meet up and schedule the room at the Shirlington Library (they can break it into halves which would still be spacious, but nice). This is the only option that will accommodate a large group of people.
Pros:
- Lots of private space to spread out. Very quiet.
Cons:
- We would have to make reservations in advance and it likely wouldn't be worth the hassle if there wasn't at least 10 people.

2) If there are less of us or we want to be more spontaneous, pick a convenient day and time and meet at the library and take over their cushy chairs that have cool pivoting laptop trays. There are 8 at the very front of the library against the windows and 5-10 more scattered throughout the library. There is also an area in back with tables and chairs.
Pros:
- We could meet early for a coffee at Caribou Coffee to get all the novel talk out of our systems, and/or afterwards at any of the local restaurants.
Cons:
- Shirlington Library is apparently a hip place to hang, so it gets busy. We likely wouldn't be able to sit together at first.

3) Meet up at Busboys and Poets right across the street. It looked like they could accommodate 8 (max) of us in the area that has plugins for laptops.
Pros:
- Informal, good food, comfortable area.
Cons:
- Smaller area that wouldn't hold many people. This would most likely be more social than writing, which isn't always a bad thing.

Some general info:
Shirlington Library Meeting Room: http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/Libraries/events/LibrariesEventsMe... (last room listed)

Library Hours:
Monday: 10:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday & Wednesday: 1:00pm - 9:00pm
Thursday: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday: 1:00pm - 5:00pm

So, please reply and let me know:
- if you are interested
- which option you like best (though if we get more than 10 we will likely go with option 1 automatically)
- what days/times work best

I am very flexible (Except Nov 12) and am available any workday after 3pm, and anytime on the weekends.

Thanks!

Lauran
(Wittyandorironic)
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W a/o I

United States :: Virginia :: Northern

You know you need a break from writing when...

ZenithOvershone — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:32:44 +0000

You can no longer remember how to spell the word "rock."
You can no longer focus on the far side of the room.
You haven't eaten since the night before and only notice because someone points out that your stomach is rumbling.

Any more?
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Zenith now has an excerpt. Check it out for a peak at "The End of Magic"

United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Teen/YA NaNo-ers

laci — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:39:56 +0000

Hey, guys! I know that NaNoWriMo is something that people of all ages participate in, and I completely admire and respect everyone who participate in the great race to 50k. I know that everyone faces their own challenges to complete their novel, but I think it's really awesome for young writers to do it, too.

:D If anyone wants to introduce themselves or try to organize a special just for teens write-in or anything, maybe you'd want to take some time to get to know some fellow teen NaNo participants.

I myself am 15 and this is my second year doing NaNo. I didn't finish last year because my old laptop died right in the middle of the month. :[

Anyone else who is trying to do this I really wish luck to! Another thing I learned was that everyone here is really nice, so don't be afraid to ask questions. ^_^ Have fun, guys.
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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Ode to our Municipal Liaisons

Liadona — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:17:24 +0000

OK - not really an ode. Don't have the brain power to wrap my head around that one today, but if anyone else does please post it here along with all your thanks and appreciation for our two awesome MLs - Jules & Kristin!

I would personally like to thank you both very much for being so welcoming even to those of us who seldom (cough never) make write-ins. For my first two NaNos I was rather housebound most of the time - except for doctors appointments and physical therapy/exercise. Between my newborn in 2007 (thus my FAIL) and my continuing fibromyalgia (yep - still got that one) it was very difficult to get out, but I still felt like I was part of a group who was crazy enough to do this and succeed.

So, when I made it to my first ever kick-off this year, albeit late - sorry!, I felt welcomed and right at home by our two organizers.

Thank you both for doing what you do!

Lisa
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Liadona
aka Liadona Rau (SL)
2007 - yeah, epic fail, not even a title
2008 - "NOLA Bound"
2009 - "Her Sister's Gem

United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Manassas Peeps

bookwrm — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:29:43 +0000

I know this seems a little late, but I thought we could get a time set up for a during the week write-in in the manassas area. I'm thinking early, like tuesday or Wednesday. What works best for the rest of you? And then of course we'll have at least Sundays at Panera on Sudley, and I might keep the saturday bit going too.

Jules

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NoVA ML

2009- Witching Time
2008-Phaedra's Light
2007-Dying to be Immortal (never move and try to start a book three days later)
2006-Thistles in Spring (worst title ever)

United States :: Virginia :: Northern

NaNo Kick Off - Panera Bread, Ashburn, VA

BrunoBoy — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:49:30 +0000

I am hosting a "Write Up" in the Ashburn area at Panera Bread (see below) on October 31st...wear a costume if you want! This is a NaNo Kick Off event with the objective of getting spun up about NaNoWriMo and jump in with both feet. More than likely, during the month of November, I will be hosting a few write ups as a way to keep the energy level up, visit, and have fun. During the write ups, we'll can discuss plots, collaborate, help each other out, and have fun. So, on Saturday I'll be at the Ashburn Panera Bread from 1100 - 1330. They have Wi-Fi, outlets, not sure about free coffee - but I'll ask, and lots of parking. Panera Bread is right off the Toll Road...first "Ashburn" exit...shopping center on right as you exit. Last year's NaNo was a lot of fun, but a lot of work - if it wasn't for the write ups I joined and my shere desire to finish, I would've not finished.

Please go to www.nanowrimo.org to sign up before November 1st!

NaNo Ashburn Kick Off 10/31/09 1100 - 1330
Ashburn Panera Bread, 43670 Greenway Corporate Drive
Ashburn, Virginia 20147
(703) 723-0771 | phone

Bring your laptops! Young NaNos and their parents are more than welcome!
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"Your mind and the creativity it produces has no barriers...."

United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Saturday Write-Ins at Ballston Common Mall in The Food COurt from approx 7:30 AM until 3:00 PM

BeaJay — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:07:33 +0000

To All Y'All,

I am announcing the Third Annual Ballston Mall Food Court Write-Ins sponsored by the quickly becoming Infamous BEAJAY -- The Wordsmith Wannabe.

These Write-Ins will be held every Saturday during the month of November in the Food Court of the Ballston Common Mall at the tables sandwiched in between the escalator and Bloom's Grill on the Mickey Dee's side of the Court.

I plan on being there every Saturday in November from approximately 7:30 - 8:00 AM until about 3:00 PM.

To get there go to Ballston Common Mall either by car (on Wilson Boulevard between Randolph Street and Glebe Road), bus (WMATA 22[A,B,&c] line, ART 42 line, WMATA 1[A,B,&c] line), or Metro Rail (Orange Line to the Ballston/MU Metro Stop).

There is a parking garage accessible from both the Randolph Street and the Glebe Road sides of the Mall. Parking costs $1.00 for all day.

If you take the Metro to the Ballston/MU stop, go above ground. Head over to the corner where the IHOP Restaurant is located. Proceed South down Stafford Street, along side the IHOP parking lot. At the end of Stafford Street turn right (West) and go over to Stuart Street. Then turn left (South) on Stuart Street and proceed straight to the Mall.

Once inside the Mall, go to the lowest possible level (The Food Court). Go over to Mickey Dee's (a.k.a. Mc Donald's) and turn right. Proceed down past The Manchu Wok to Bloom's Grill. Turn right, again, and proceed over to the side of the escalator.
We should be right there. If not, sit down and write anyway. You need to increase your word count.

The first year I hosted these Write-Ins, it was, for the most part, me writing my novel by myself. Last year we had about five to ten people per Saturday helping each other to write fantastic tales of great people doing magnificent things. This year we need you to help us do even better. Please, come and bring your family and friends. All Y'All are welcome.

BeaJay -- The Wordsmith Wannabe
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BeaJay -- The WordSmith Wannabe
2006 - "The Vision of Second Samuel"
2007 - "Second Samuel's Vision Revealed"
2008 - "Perry Normel fun with Liu Syd Dreaming"
2009 - "Winning by Way of Losing"

United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Isn't this supposed to happen in week 2?

burninglady — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:59:06 +0000

I'm at about 4500 words and my main character has started doing things. Doing things! Yesterday she named herself Sam. I don't even like the name Sam, but there it is on paper. Today she broke into her mother's house through a window, and when her mother came home and threatened to have her arrested, she didn't understand. It's her MOTHER's house, they're related, so how is that illegal? Obviously she's not very bright, and her name is SAM!

Isn't this supposed to happen in week 2?!?! Its way too early for this.
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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Donation Derby!!!!

fremount — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 03:36:59 +0000

http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/contest/donation_derby

Well y'all, in total donations we're ranked 11th, but if you take into account the number of people we have in our region, it averages out to $1.75 per person!

C'mon!!! If every one of us donated only $10 we could raise nearly $12,000 for the Young Writers Program!

Let's do it! Let's win the derby! Let's see HALOS!!!!!
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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Online Word War!

bookwrm — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:06:39 +0000

I heard a couple of people discussing doing a word war, over IM or Chat or something. So, if anyone is interested, post your medium of choice here and we'll all try and get together. It could be a fun way to get together and talk and such even though we don't have the time or inclination to make it to a write-in.

Jules

PS for those of you unfamiliar, a word war is where people (either live or in cyberspace) get together, chat for a bit, make a time designation (as in 'in the next ten minutes') and then write madly and try and beat each other.
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NoVA ML

2009- Witching Time
2008-Phaedra's Light
2007-Dying to be Immortal (never move and try to start a book three days later)
2006-Thistles in Spring (worst title ever)

United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Novelists Share Some of Their Secrets in 11/06 WSJ

thehungrywriter — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:48:04 +0000

Broke 10,000 today and took a breather to read Wall Street Journal. Found this article concerning the writing methods of some of today's greatest novelists particularly relevant. Gave me a second wind.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142405274870374000457451346310601210...

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thehungrywriter.org

United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Facing moral/ethical dilemmas in your writing

vitamin.kitten — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:18:39 +0000

Anyone come up against these yet? I've just run into an interesting one in my novel (and for anyone who read my into in the introductions post, you can scrap that because I ended up writing something entirely different XD). My main character has just woken up on a new body after having her personality and entire life copied and placed into a doll (this was a voluntary procedure). In the other room, her old body lies, under sedation and unconscious. She is given the choice to bid farewell to her old body before "natural life functioning is terminated." This made me realize that she is technically still alive in the other room. Her body is not just an empty shell but a living breathing human being who could theoretically go on with her life if the anesthetic was stopped. I've put myself in a very interesting ethical position, because I don't think I actually agree with this, but the concept is pivotal for the plot. It's just very strange to me; I don't think I've ever been in this position before.

Have any of you experienced anything like this in your writing before? Are you experiencing it in any of your novels right now? Is this question totally inappropriate for the "regional forums?"
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NaNo 2009 -- System Failur3

United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Examiner.com Piece on the NoVA Kickoff Meeting 11/1/09

wct_40 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:36:16 +0000

Hey, fellow Wrimos.

Here's a piece I wrote on the Northern Virginia region kickoff this past Sunday in Burke:

http://www.examiner.com/x-6658-DC-Publishing-Industry-Examiner~y2009m11d...

Wendy (aka WCT_40)
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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Veteran's Day Write-In at Barns and Noble in Clarendon from Noon to 7 p.m.

gag01001 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:16:54 +0000

Host: gag01001

Location: The food court in the Barns and Noble at Clarendon Market Commons, 2800 Clarendon Blvd. Suite 500, Arlington, VA. Located four blocks from the Clarendon Metro (or half a mile from Courthouse), there is also ample garage parking and limited street parking.

Time: From noon until we're finished, probably around 7 p.m. so people who don't have the day off can join us for a little while.

Directions: Located four blocks east of the Clarendon Metro (or half a mile west of Courthouse), there is ample garage parking and limited street parking. If you are coming from further out, take 66 East to Fairfax Drive. Fairfax Drive ends at Wilson Blvd, which branches off into Clarendon Blvd heading east. Across the street from the Whole Foods, there is a little alcove that pulls into the Commons, and Barns and Noble is at the apex of that alcove. It's really easier just to take the Metro.

Questions? Email Kathryn at gag01001@yahoo.com.
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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Not Writers Block, But Feels Similar

kerrnel — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:48:39 +0000

As I started writing on the weekend, it amazed me where my first problem would come from. Not plot, not characterization, but with perspective. I know it's a common sticking point, but I'd done my research, done my planning, and as I started writing I the classic left shoulder/right shoulder argument creating a din while I was trying to write.

The story is supposed to be third person, and I thought I'd sorted out if it was personal vs. omniscient, but it seemed every sentence I wrote I was analysing it. I'm more concerned that I'm thinking about it so much as opposed to which one should be the perspective I should use.

It's important that I get the words out, but I'm finding this more disruptive to the process than going back and re-reading and editing every paragraph because it's halting the flow of writing. Has anyone come up against this problem before (I'm sure there are some), and if so, how did you overcome or at least deal with or push aside the argument so you could at least get something down?

It's almost like I'm having the argument as I'm translating the words from one half of the brain to my fingers, and its just really frustrating. I just want the words to flow, not get analysed as I'm trying to type them.

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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Pan Am shopping center (near Vienna metro) meetup?

tiptoe39 — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:31:48 +0000

Hey,

I know at least two folks on this forum live near the Vienna metro, so I was wondering if anyone would want to meet at the Starbucks at the Pan Am Shopping Center (Lee & Nutley) and do some chatting/writing/whatever. If you could comment with preferred times/days maybe we could set something up informally. Thoughts?

Jen
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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Falls Church/Merrifield write-ins on Saturday afternoons

Dust Bunny — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:21:01 +0000

Hi all!

I found a terrific coffee shop earlier this year with wifi and tasty pastries and comfy chairs that screamed "Great write-in spot for November!" If anyone would like to join me, here's when and where:

Pastry Xpo
8190 Strawberry Lane
Falls Church, VA 22042

(At the southwest corner of Gallows Rd and Rt. 29 - there's a pair of condo complexes with a Panera in the bottom of one, and Pastry Xpo is in the bottom of the other. If you drive round the back there's a defunct movie theater and lots of parking, and you'll see a Noodles & Co and Coldstone Creamery - Pastry Xpo is in between).

I'll be there every Saturday between 4:30 and 6:30, and also most Wednesday evenings from 5 - 6:30. I can't promise I'll always remember to where a NaNo t-shirt but you'll be able to spot me as the one with some kind of chocolate pastry, a cute netbook and mad typing skills (ha, I wish).

Happy Writing!

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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

burninglady — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 22:45:50 +0000

6 1/2 hours, if you include the time change, and I can barely stand the anticipation!
COFFEE. check
HALLOWEEN CANDY. check
POWER CORDS. check
PLOT. crap
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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

falls church?

un_oiseau — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:05:48 +0000

is there a falls church write in? solidarity, people!!!
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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

anytime in Burke/Springfield

thelemur — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:20:27 +0000

I'd set up a formal meet up, but I'm open to do this 6 days a week and I want to be available to anytime.

The two places that come to mind to meet up the fastest are The Pohick Library and the Starbucks at Huntsman Square. Anyone near want to do that?
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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Word Count Scoreboard

stwong — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:27:34 +0000

I find myself feeling competitive with Maryland! What would really motivate me: a regional word war...
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United States :: Virginia :: Northern

Annandale/Falls Church Write-In

tokyopixie — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:19:28 +0000

Location: Barcroft Plaza 6365 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041
Day: Sundays
Time: 12:00PM - 3:00PM

I will be sitting at the Starbucks on Sunday afternoons and you are all welcome to join me! I'll be there with my laptop and notebooks. Please do stop by!
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