(inter)National Novel Writing Month

Since we're all on different time frames here, I'm posting the Word Count post at 1:20 PM CST (UST+600). That way it's set up for everyone all over the world. Day 1 is still active, this is for Day 2.

Have at.

Jenn

NaNo has started for those in UTC+8 time zone. That's Australia, Russia, China, Mongolia, Brunei, Indonesia, Macao, Malaysia, Phillipines, Singapore, and Taiwan.

Let's cheer them on. Word counts posted here.

Jenn

So my lovelies, I know we're all trying to get a lot of last minute things taken care of within the next 24-hours. So this is my final check-in to make sure that you all have everything you need before we begin the next month of writing craziness that we all love. Also this is the last time you can ask me to search out info or request a wallpaper before I hermit myself away to work on plot details.

*looks around* You're all fine? Good. See you guys November 1.

Jenn

Got another set of questions asked last night, so I'm posting the answers here.

( On to the answers )

So in one week's time, NaNoWriMo officially starts. This is also your last chance to get everything set up the way you like it. A possible checklist is as follows (With my additions in parenthesis):

• Snacks (Pita and Hummus!)


• Plot (Shaky at best, but hey I got a premise)


• Characters (Do 3 count?)


• Coffee (Kona)


• Tea (Guayusa and Chocolate)


• Inflatable Mattress (if Necessary)


• Several Playlists (or Online Radio)


• Book Bible (Agatha Christie novel)


• Notebook


• Pens


• Writing Totem (Rainbow the Punk Rock Bear for me)


• Time for when I'm about to have a mental breakdown (Saturday @ 1PM to 4PM)

So ducks, what's your checklist contain?

Jenn

As promised, I'm posting the links to the posts from last year. Feel free to add in more links in the comments or send me a message on what to add.

Jenn

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10.1.09 - Fun Posts For NaNo - Generators
10.2.09 - Researching
10.3.09 - Playlists and Online Radio
10.4-09 - Character Building In Ten Days
10.5.09 - Twittering During NaNo
10.9.09 - Categories For NaNoWriMo Prize Give-a-way (Yearly Event, Categories stay the same)
10.15.09 - Wallpaper Templates (The Llama blanks)
10.24.09 - World building Articles and Tools
10.31.09 - How To Survive NaNoWriMo


Requests for Wallpapers can be made here also.

Starting tomorrow, I'm going to take requests for NaNoWriMo Calendars. If you have a picture or a concept you want, let me know.

Wallpaper requirements:
screen resolution size
picture or concept
at least 2 days to finish all pictures before the end of the month.

Also, I'll be posting up links to our previous posts from last year on everything from Character Creation to Plotting out the death of the llama. Reminder, if you want any specific information posts, just comment.

Jenn

*off to face the evils that are midterms with my trusty pen and blue book, scantron optional*

Since this is a question that's being asked on the main site, I'd thought I'd ask you all about your own NaNoWriMo survival kits. Mine include:

Padmini Dhoop incense sticks
Shoyeido Amethyst-Balance incense (catching a theme here for the house to smell good?)
Gatorade (Lemon-Lime or Orange)
Water
Dry Roasted Almonds
Cereal Bars (Granola)
Cereal (Bear Naked)
Dry Cake Mix (Just add the water, oil, and egg replacement, you've got cake batter)
Chanakara Blue Ginger tea
Stash Peach Ginger Green tea
Handy-dandy NaNo mug
Chex Mix (Honey Nut)
Oversized t-shirts (black and black)
Comfy pyjama/pajama pants (flannel or cotton)
Socks!
Rainbow the Tied-dyed Plushie Bear
Neil Gaiman NaNo poster
Music
Writer's gloves
Bengay
Therma Care heat wraps
and lots of easy to throw together food (stuff I can stick in the crockpot)

So my lovelies, what's in your Novelling survival kits?

I'd like to apologize from the start for the lack of posts. It's Midterms and I'm studying more. But, on to the creation and plotting.


What is Setting? Is it just the room your story takes place in or is it the city that evolves from your imagination? Your task is to think of your setting, then flesh it out. It doesn't matter if it's a state, a city, a town, a hamlet, a village, or the four walls of an apartment (flat). Describe in detail where you picture the action taking place, and if you want to share a bit, post in the comments.

Jenn

Lyric of the Week: Pagan Poetry by Bjork

I've sent out the first three USB drives and there's been an upgrade to the 8 gig versions. Yes, I know you all love me. *grins* Still need addresses from other 3 contestants. That means that 6 USB flash drives are accounted for. There's still 4 more to be sent, so if you have questions, refer to this post and ask.

Jenn

I need all those who sent in questions to send me their mailing addresses so that they can get their USBs. email is gwionfawyr at insanejournal dot com.

Tomorrow will have another mini offering ready for the community.

Jenn

I'll be breaking the questions into 3 posts. The first for any who asked before today and the next for those who ask afterward, The second post will be up on Friday, so you still have time to get your questions in.

Jenn

( On to the answers... )

I hope that answers your questions, to those who submitted them. If you haven't, there's still time.

Edited: 1:29 PM

Since I believe in the sanctity of the written word, I'm having a small giveaway for fellow Wrimos.

For the first 10 to reply to this post, with questions you want answered about noveling, you get an 2 gig usb stick.

Save your characters, plot, and notes on the drive. Back-up your novels too.

Jenn

I can admit when I'm drained of ideas. *grumbles about midterms* So, what do you guys want me to post next week?

Jenn

Lyric of the Day(s):

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What do you like the most about your story so far? Is it the flying trapeze artists or the solemn figure in black? Or is it the setting you have? The house that your characters live in? Or is it the plot? If you could write one thing, what would it be?

For me, it's the baby spider monkey that I've named Cheech. (Lack of coffee does weird things to my brain, we know this already.)

Song Lyric of the Day: A Loaded Smile by Adam Lambert

Everyone knows that a good story has a Beginning, Middle and Ending. A great story has all of that plus Plot. An epic story though, has plot points and subplot.

So our exercise for today? Plotting out our stories. At least the Beginning, Middle, and Ending.




For those who have trouble getting started, this is for you. Have fun with it. We can always expand later.

Jenn

Song Lyric of the Day: Only An Ocean Away by Sarah Brightman
Theme: Lovers or Family seperated. Epic swell of music. Have at.

And I thin I'm awake. No telling just yet.

Today's topic for discussion is Characters: As Freaky as You Can Make Them.

That's right Wrimos, your job, if you choose to accept it, is to create one (1) bizarre character. Go all out. If you want them to have Porcupine Spines, add'em. If you want them to stutter in a different language? Go for it.

Post up in the comments, also add if you plan to use them in your novel or not. They might turn out to be that elusive mystery man/woman that's dogging your hero's steps, or they could be the hero in question.

Have at. Need more coffee.

Also trying something new this year. Going to try and add a song lyric each day for inspiration. I love 30 Seconds to Mars, so let's begin with them.

Jenn


Song lyric of the Day:

Alrighty, here's a small poll, just reply in the comments.

Which path does your story follow? Plot-Driven or Character-Driven?

Jenn

The official has relaunched and hopefully the forums are open.

I'm your insane fellow Wrimo, Jenn. *waves* Let's get this party started.

Suggestions on what to post to the community are welcome and if I miss a day, feel free to post in my stead. The life of a college student is all about the insanity, and coffee. So welcome back and let's have a good time this year.

Jenn
4 Years in a Row and still going.

*waves* Just got home from taking my first final. So... for those who want a travel mug or a t-shirt, I'll need your email addresses so that I can contact you. Those who want admiration from the masses?

jljulian1 at gmail dot com

*throws roses at your feet and places a crown of laurels on your head* That's just the beginning.

Jenn