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Svenja
Superlative Writer
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NaNoWriMo
I participated in National Novel Writing Month last year, for the first time, and really enjoyed it. It was mad, and I got sooo behind on college stuff, but I had
so much fun as well.
So, I was just wondering if anyone here is planning on doing it this year? Has anyone done it before, how did it go? etc.
(If this isn't allowed or whatever, just let me know; I'm still learning around here!)
"Write who you are."
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Sylvie Mac
New Member (Welcome me!)
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I'm planning to do it, still shaking my head over why. It will be my third or fourth try. I'm not really concerned with reaching 50,000 words because
I know that my concentration on any major project will inevitably flag, sooner rather than later. But the novel I started last year has stuck with me
as something that has to be done. So I'm starting from scratch after some nine months of working on plot (my weakness) and characters. NaNo is a good
way to force myself to prioritize and get the job underway.
I've learned a huge amount about my writing abilities and weaknesses from doing NaNo, so it's always been worthwhile.
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Melanie
Founding Member
Posts: 4762
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This will be my fourth year and my fourth win. 
I love NaNoWriMo. It always gets me back into the habit of BIC (butt in chair) that I desperately need if I'm going to get any fiction writing
done.
I already have my story unfolding in my head too.
Melanie 
"Go forth boldly in the direction of your dreams." Thoreau
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Going Forth Boldly -- The Chronicle of Becoming a Professional Fiction Writer
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Nancy G.
Literary Master
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I'm not going to participate. I have a noverl started and I will spend what time I have working on it instead of starting a new one.
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itzrissa2u
Literary Master
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If you look at the subsections you will see one for NaNo. In fact our lovely leader Michy has written articles on how to win at NaNo and has a Mahalo
page about it.
I doubt I will participate since I am writing for a living now. Hard to spend so much time writing fiction at the same time.
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Melanie
Founding Member
Posts: 4762
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It's only about 2,400 words per day.
Melanie
"Go forth boldly in the direction of your dreams." Thoreau
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Going Forth Boldly -- The Chronicle of Becoming a Professional Fiction Writer
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Svenja
Superlative Writer
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I can't decide on a story yet. I have about four ideas in two languages... decisions decisions! But I have time until November. I'll make up my mind
by then.
I love NaNo because firstly, it gets me writing, and secondly, even if I rarely speak to any of the others, it's such a great feeling to know that
thousands of other people are in the same boat as me and doing the same crazy thing. 
"Write who you are."
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Skwerly
Literary Master
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I “won” it last year, meaning I completed 50,000 words in 30 days. It was an experience I’ll never forget, that’s for sure! 50k doesn’t necessarily
sound like much, until you have to bang it out in a month! *Whew*!
As for this year, I’m honestly not sure. On the one hand, I’d feel like a n00b if I didn’t at least give it a shot, but on the other hand, I am
really trying to concentrate on my short stories and I am also trying to earn more moola by writing articles. Of course, I was doing both of these
last year, too. I don’t know... we’ll see.
If you have never participated, I *highly* recommend doing so. It’s an awesome free-for-all. NO worries about plot, correct character development,
or even making total sense. Just... write. Write your tail off. And then write some more. Flowing like liquid, your thoughts appear on the paper,
and before you know it you don’t even have to try. After about the ½ way mark, something remarkable happens. You just sit down and write. Period!
Sure, your brain still wants to think about the story; that is bound to happen. But not near as much as the beginning.
Give it a shot – you never know! 
I seemed to be looking down from an immense height upon a twilit grotto, knee-deep with filth, where a white-bearded daemon swineherd drove about
with his staff a flock of fungous, flabby beasts whose appearance filled me with unutterable loathing.
My AC page:
Derek's Junk
My Horror Writing Forum: http://writersofhorror.myfreeforum.org/index.php
I **love** creepy trees!
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Heather
Accentuate Writer!
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I had so much fun writing my NaNo novel in '07. I won, I'm still so proud! Last year I was too busy breastfeeding. (Sorry, boys. Don't mean to gross
you out.) Maybe I'll try again this year, I haven't thought much about it yet.
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Amber
Accentuate Writer!
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I've been thinking about participating in it for the last two years, but always forgot until about mid-november because of all the semester test prep
work the teachers here start piling on at about that time. Maybe I'll remember this year and jump in.
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Kess
Accentuate Writer!
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I've taken part in and won the last two NaNos, and I've MLed for them both years. That means organising local events, parties, and competitions, and
generally chivvying my Wrimos on to the 50k finish line. Last year, I wound up doing it all on my own for a city I'd just moved to. Talk about a trial
by fire. 
This year, I'm lining up to do the same again. I have a few friends roped in to help out and we met up last night to start organising stuff for
November. Can't wait to kick it off again! Gonna be awesome.
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Michy
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Quote: Originally posted by itzrissa2u  |
I doubt I will participate since I am writing for a living now. Hard to spend so much time writing fiction at the same time. |
Bullshit.
Love and stuff,
Michy
~~Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations~~
Do just once what others say you can't do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again." James R. Cook
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Michy
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Moving this to the NaNoWriMo discussion area.
Love and stuff,
Michy
~~Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations~~
Do just once what others say you can't do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again." James R. Cook
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Michy
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| Quote: Originally posted by Nancy G. | | I'm not going to participate. I have a noverl started and I will spend what time I have working on it instead of starting a new one.
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That's okay, Nancy - while the rules do say to start with a fresh novel, that doesn't mean you can't do the challenge along with us here on the board
and just not validate as a 'winner' on NaNoWriMo.
Perhaps do the personal challenge with us to finish the novel you ARE working on and we'll all do it together.
Love and stuff,
Michy
~~Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations~~
Do just once what others say you can't do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again." James R. Cook
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Michy
Boss(y) Lady / Site Owner / Admin
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| Quote: Originally posted by Amber | | I've been thinking about participating in it for the last two years, but always forgot until about mid-november because of all the semester test prep
work the teachers here start piling on at about that time. Maybe I'll remember this year and jump in. |
We'll remind you!
Love and stuff,
Michy
~~Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations~~
Do just once what others say you can't do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again." James R. Cook
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itzrissa2u
Literary Master
Posts: 3543
Registered: 2/19/2008
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Mood: Procrastinatable...wha? it's a word because I say it is
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LMAo not for you Michy, but I can't crank out articles now without doing NaNo. If I was doing NaNo I would totally slack. I know it.
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Skwerly
Literary Master
Posts: 3475
Registered: 5/17/2008
Location: Yucaipa, California
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Mood: Determined.
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I seemed to be looking down from an immense height upon a twilit grotto, knee-deep with filth, where a white-bearded daemon swineherd drove about
with his staff a flock of fungous, flabby beasts whose appearance filled me with unutterable loathing.
My AC page:
Derek's Junk
My Horror Writing Forum: http://writersofhorror.myfreeforum.org/index.php
I **love** creepy trees!
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twnkltoz
Founding Member/Moderator
Posts: 2032
Registered: 1/17/2008
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Mood: Optimistic
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I love NaNoWriMo! I did it the last two years and won...and last year I was supporting myself by writing, so :P to Rissa! I love the camaraderie of the group effort, how much it forces me to get organized,
and the fact that I'm sort of forced to write another book.
However, this year I have a job that has me working 10 to 11 hours a day plus an hour of drive time...plus I still have article assignments from
magazines and websites I'm working on. There's just no way...there isn't enough time in the day and I'm stressed enough as it is. I may, however, use
the time to finish a work in progress or finally edit my 2007 NaNo.
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Michy
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| Quote: Originally posted by itzrissa2u | | LMAo not for you Michy, but I can't crank out articles now without doing NaNo. If I was doing NaNo I would totally slack. I know it.
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(ahem)
Bullshit.
Love and stuff,
Michy
~~Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations~~
Do just once what others say you can't do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again." James R. Cook
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twnkltoz
Founding Member/Moderator
Posts: 2032
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The thing is, Riss, writing fiction is a break from articles. If you schedule a specific time and make a goal of at least 2000 words during that time,
you'd be surprised at how well it works out. It's also good if you can go to write-ins in your area so you're getting out of the house (obviously, you
have to have someone watch the boy)...it gives you something to look forward to. It's a very good exercise in organization...you can force yourself to
finish so many articles before you're allowed to do NaNo, etc.
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itzrissa2u
Literary Master
Posts: 3543
Registered: 2/19/2008
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Mood: Procrastinatable...wha? it's a word because I say it is
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(kicks Michy) leave me alone.
I want to wallow in my excuses!
You know Jenn, if i took on NaNo it would take away from our scrabble games on facebook!
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twnkltoz
Founding Member/Moderator
Posts: 2032
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Oh, true. definitely don't do it, then. I need to play Scrabble.
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Michy
Boss(y) Lady / Site Owner / Admin
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Location: Texas
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(ahem)
Love and stuff,
Michy
~~Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations~~
Do just once what others say you can't do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again." James R. Cook
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itzrissa2u
Literary Master
Posts: 3543
Registered: 2/19/2008
Member Is Offline
Mood: Procrastinatable...wha? it's a word because I say it is
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Hehehe, I love being a bad influence. I brought Jenn over to the dark side.
woo hoo!
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Michy
Boss(y) Lady / Site Owner / Admin
Posts: 7403
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Location: Texas
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Enjoy it for the brief moment it lasts... the force is strong in me, it is!
Love and stuff,
Michy
~~Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations~~
Do just once what others say you can't do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again." James R. Cook
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twnkltoz
Founding Member/Moderator
Posts: 2032
Registered: 1/17/2008
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Damn it, Michy!!!!
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Michy
Boss(y) Lady / Site Owner / Admin
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(grin) I win, I win, I win!
It's always good for you though.... you'll be glad you did it!
Plus, now that you are self publishing your tween stories, you can't disappoint your fanbase by not publishing regularly.
Love and stuff,
Michy
~~Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations~~
Do just once what others say you can't do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again." James R. Cook
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itzrissa2u
Literary Master
Posts: 3543
Registered: 2/19/2008
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Mood: Procrastinatable...wha? it's a word because I say it is
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Hey Jenn, it's your turn in scrabble. Our score is soooo clooooseee. I might win this one. You know you wanna play.
Forget NaNo. Scrabble is so much more fun. Besides, what if I play with Susan and end up bumping you out of second place!
Muuuwwwaaahhh ahhhh ahhhh ahhhhh!
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Michy
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Then she will be laughing all the way to the bank when she finishes her NaNo novel and it hits the best seller's list and you still only have a
partially finished manuscript but a high score on Scrabble.
Love and stuff,
Michy
~~Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations~~
Do just once what others say you can't do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again." James R. Cook
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twnkltoz
Founding Member/Moderator
Posts: 2032
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Yeah.
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Sylvie Mac
New Member (Welcome me!)
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| Quote: Originally posted by Skwerly | SNIP
If you have never participated, I *highly* recommend doing so. It’s an awesome free-for-all. NO worries about plot, correct character development,
or even making total sense. Just... write. Write your tail off. And then write some more. Flowing like liquid, your thoughts appear on the paper,
and before you know it you don’t even have to try. After about the ½ way mark, something remarkable happens. You just sit down and write. Period!
Sure, your brain still wants to think about the story; that is bound to happen. But not near as much as the beginning.
Give it a shot – you never know!
|
I wish that "no plot, no problem" worked for me, but it doesn't. I can write dialogue and description for pages and pages, but it doesn't go anywhere.
I have to know where I'm going before I can figure out how to get there. That's probably the most important thing that NaNo has taught me.
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Melanie
Founding Member
Posts: 4762
Registered: 1/17/2008
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Mood: At the cusp of my new writing life.
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Ya know what? NaNoWriMo is inspiring!
I work better during NaNo time than at other times of the year. The whole atmosphere of the thing is motivating, and not just in writing that 50k
first draft.
And really... no excuses. If a divorced, homeschooling, full-time work at home, caring for aging parent Mom of two including one disabled son can do
NaNo, so can everyone else.
Melanie
"Go forth boldly in the direction of your dreams." Thoreau
----------------------------
Going Forth Boldly -- The Chronicle of Becoming a Professional Fiction Writer
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Svenja
Superlative Writer
Posts: 297
Registered: 7/14/2009
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Thanks for moving the thread, Michy! I didn't even realise that this forum existed, eep.
| Quote: Originally posted by Sylvie Mac | | I wish that "no plot, no problem" worked for me, but it doesn't. I can write dialogue and description for pages and pages, but it doesn't go anywhere.
I have to know where I'm going before I can figure out how to get there. That's probably the most important thing that NaNo has taught me.
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I'm the same! I need to have the plot roughly written out, as well. I really struggle with plot, though, so it takes me forever to sort that out. And
when I think I have it sorted, I get edgy and start worrying that it's not good enough, so I re-do bits of it and end up changing the whole thing.
NaNo is good for that though. When you only have 30 days, you don't have time to keep changing the plot!
"Write who you are."
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Susan S.
Master Writer
Posts: 1148
Registered: 2/9/2008
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Mood: Successful
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| Quote: Originally posted by itzrissa2u | Hey Jenn, it's your turn in scrabble. Our score is soooo clooooseee. I might win this one. You know you wanna play.
Forget NaNo. Scrabble is so much more fun. Besides, what if I play with Susan and end up bumping you out of second place!
Muuuwwwaaahhh ahhhh ahhhh ahhhhh! |
Sorry, mah sweet, I'm planning on doing NaNoWriMo. That bestseller idea sounds better than a high score in Scrabble.
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Susan S.
Master Writer
Posts: 1148
Registered: 2/9/2008
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Mood: Successful
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| Quote: Originally posted by Michelle L Devon (Michy) | Then she will be laughing all the way to the bank when she finishes her NaNo novel and it hits the best seller's list and you still only have a
partially finished manuscript but a high score on Scrabble.
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Ouch.
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Michy
Boss(y) Lady / Site Owner / Admin
Posts: 7403
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Made its point though, eh?
Love and stuff,
Michy
~~Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations~~
Do just once what others say you can't do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again." James R. Cook
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Susan S.
Master Writer
Posts: 1148
Registered: 2/9/2008
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Mood: Successful
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Yep...worked for me.
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isle.sam
Jr. Member Writer
Posts: 22
Registered: 9/8/2009
Location: Houston
Member Is Offline
Mood: Enthused.
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i'm doing it this year! i stumbled across it in 2007, but just have never committed. i'm really, really excited about it
"I always keep a lighter in my back pocket. I'm not a smoker, I just really really like certain songs..."
- Demetri Martin
Blame it on the Weatherman |
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itzrissa2u
Literary Master
Posts: 3543
Registered: 2/19/2008
Member Is Offline
Mood: Procrastinatable...wha? it's a word because I say it is
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(kicks Svenja) see what you started?
Not gonna do it. (pouts) stop aiming your Jedi mind tricks at me Michy!
(whines) knock it off.
dammit.
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Melanie
Founding Member
Posts: 4762
Registered: 1/17/2008
Member Is Offline
Mood: At the cusp of my new writing life.
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Melanie
"Go forth boldly in the direction of your dreams." Thoreau
----------------------------
Going Forth Boldly -- The Chronicle of Becoming a Professional Fiction Writer
----------------------------
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Svenja
Superlative Writer
Posts: 297
Registered: 7/14/2009
Member Is Offline
Mood: Shiny!
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| Quote: Originally posted by itzrissa2u | (kicks Svenja) see what you started?
Not gonna do it. (pouts) stop aiming your Jedi mind tricks at me Michy!
(whines) knock it off.
dammit. |
*kicks right back* I do see what I started, and I like it!
You will do NaNo. You will do NaNo. You will do NaNo. These aren't the excuses you're looking for. Write along...
"Write who you are."
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boatkicker
Accentuate Writer!
Posts: 847
Registered: 6/27/2009
Location: Dennis, Massachusetts!
Member Is Offline
Mood: sick of the hiccups!
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I've been considering it. I'm not really sure if I have the time, but I also think that I would really enjoy it. I've gone back and forth thinking
about it.
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Michy
Boss(y) Lady / Site Owner / Admin
Posts: 7403
Registered: 1/15/2008
Location: Texas
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Erin, no back and forth - you'll do it. Period.
Love and stuff,
Michy
~~Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations~~
Do just once what others say you can't do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again." James R. Cook
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boatkicker
Accentuate Writer!
Posts: 847
Registered: 6/27/2009
Location: Dennis, Massachusetts!
Member Is Offline
Mood: sick of the hiccups!
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I wish it were that easy, but it's going to be a busy month for me anyways, between school, and trying to find a job (or hopefully working by that
point) and visiting my family back home, and what not. Until I get this organized I'm afraid to make that commitment.
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isle.sam
Jr. Member Writer
Posts: 22
Registered: 9/8/2009
Location: Houston
Member Is Offline
Mood: Enthused.
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I didn't do it in 2007 or 2008 because of scheduling. I was either moving, or just had a baby and didn't think there was any way I could do it. Kinda
bummed I didn't, though. Could at least stack up those years of participation
Just a bummer it's so far away. "So far away." I'm starting my character outlines now, but I'm sure it'll be PROCRASTINATE PROCRASTINATE PROCRASTINATE
until then & I'll be totally overwhelmed.
"I always keep a lighter in my back pocket. I'm not a smoker, I just really really like certain songs..."
- Demetri Martin
Blame it on the Weatherman |
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lydya
Accentuate Writer!
Posts: 728
Registered: 7/31/2009
Location: Indonesia
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I signed up! You guys are really a good (ehm... or bad,) influence for me. Can I start the novel now and finish it later or should I start and finish
the novel on November?
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Michy
Boss(y) Lady / Site Owner / Admin
Posts: 7403
Registered: 1/15/2008
Location: Texas
Member Is Offline
Mood: Peaceful
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The rules say you can't start writing until November 1 at midnight... you can do an outline and character sketches, but no writing until that day.
Love and stuff,
Michy
~~Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations~~
Do just once what others say you can't do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again." James R. Cook
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Morecoffee
Literary Master
Posts: 4622
Registered: 2/7/2008
Location: New York
Member Is Offline
Mood: Is suppose to be working but is hanging out here instead!
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Geez, Michy. You're scary! I think we're witnessing 'tough love' in action here.
I'm in. I participated in NaNo for the first time last year. I wasn't able to finish due to an illness and death in my family towards the end of the
month. I did, however, manage to write over 38,000 words on a novel. That's more than I've ever written on a story before. I need that kind of
motivational factor to get me moving again. This year, I will win NaNo!
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isle.sam
Jr. Member Writer
Posts: 22
Registered: 9/8/2009
Location: Houston
Member Is Offline
Mood: Enthused.
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38,000 is still an impressive number. I don't think I've ever churned out that much. I'm incredibly intimidated by the numbers, but really, very
excited at the same time. Makes me feel like a total dork, but I embrace it.
The only thing now is that I've got the bug to write a book again & FINALLY have several plot ideas rolling around. I have no idea which one I want to
start now & which I want to save for November!
"I always keep a lighter in my back pocket. I'm not a smoker, I just really really like certain songs..."
- Demetri Martin
Blame it on the Weatherman |
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Sevastian Winters
Superlative Writer
Posts: 412
Registered: 6/29/2009
Member Is Offline
Mood: Hopeful
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I think for my NanoWrimo challenge, I am going to ask my fanclub to devise a topic... but I am going to wait until Halloween to ask for the help. I am
going to challenge myself to start from a blank slate and still complete it. lol
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Don't make me go all Ninja on yo ass! 
