Hello!

I'm Tim, aka NewMexicoKid, one of the three MLs for the Naperville region along with Katherine (KatherineWriting) and Frank (fdahlman). We're volunteers who are here to help you succeed in your NaNoWriMo adventure.

Welcome! We have a full slate of events planned for this NaNoWriMo season, starting with four preparatory workshops (the first of which Kaden (silverwolf) and I are giving October 2nd at the Aurora Public Library). We will be handing out this year's version of the hipster PDA at the preparatory workshops.

I typically write fantasy or science fiction (though for NaNo, because of the complexity of SF, I have mostly stuck with fantasy). My novel this fall is currently planned to be an exploration of what happens to a group of fourth grader friends who wander through an interdimensional doorway to a magic realm, where they spend years of their lives. When they return through the door, they find only minutes have passed from when they left--and they themselves are returned to their recess-aged selves.

Feel free to post questions in this forum or send NaNoMail to any of us MLs.

I'm Katherine Lato, also known as KatherineWriting and KatWrite.

I typically write mainstream fiction, but have dabbled in SF. Several of my novels are available at:

http://www.katherinelato.com

I like to outline, and love to edit, and write year-round, both fiction and technical writing (at Fermilab.)

I'm 90% sure I'm writing another novel in my Edinburgh Fringe series since I recently spent a week in Scotland 'gathering material.' But I haven't jumped into it too far yet, so ...

Hello all, it's treg again.

The days are getting shorter and cooler, the leaves are turning red and gold, my NaNo characters are whispering in my ear. It must be September. I'm looking forward to another month of writing with my goofy adventure characters and lurking on the forums, posting only to beg Tim to remember to make a word count graph to motivate us.

Looking forward to writing with you all. Best wishes to everyone for a fun and productive NaNo2014.

-falls in from the sky-

Hello, friends. It is I. The frightening Squid of the sea. (Not so frightening, mostly just cuddly.) I've not extensively thought abuot whether or not I would do NaNo this year, and I'm quite certain reaching 50k isn't going to happen. But I have been wanting to start a recent book idea of mine. So who knows! I've been working six days a week so my free time is limited, especially as far as word wars and meetings go. (Pretty much completely flaked out of the Journey mid way through the year... my bad.)

But I'll be around as much as I can, and if I happen to make it to any of the sessions or get togethers, I'll do my best to bring tasty little treats!

Good luck, fellow writers! Good luck!

~Squid

Hello, fellow NaNo-ers! It's your friendly neighborhood TeenWriter, who is no longer a teen. When we that cold snap a few weeks back, it was like my NaNo muscles were all awakened at once. I've started plotting my story for November and I'm really looking forward to all the prep sessions and write-ins. This year will be slightly different for me...I've moved out of my parents' house to a place that is 20 extra minutes further from Naperville than I already was. But I still planto attend as many write-ins as I can. I've purchased a new iPass for the expressway traveling and will be listening to lots of podcasts to get me up north!

Looking forward to November! :D

Hello Naper Wrimos!

I am Lisa and this is my second attempt. In 2012, I started something and about halfway through I became overwhelmed by family obligations and kinda gave up. I did eventually finish my novel, which I'm currently editing/revising,and this yearI plan to write the sequel. I tend to write YA either contemporary or something with sci-fi or fantasy elements, and at least some type of romantic theme.

In 2012, I was officially a member of the Chicago group since I'm kinda in-between, but I think this time I will have better luck with all you cool Napervillians.I am planning on coming to the workshop on Saturday so just let me know if I need to bring anything.

Looking forward to meeting you all and having a fun and successful NaNoWriMo!

In the meantime, I would loveto connect on twitter @runawaytale

Hi, I'm Elaine Fisher, or fishmama. So excited that NaNoWriMo is starting up again. Its too bad that I have to miss the first two workshops, because last year, I was so impressed with them. Hopefully I will be at the last two and ofcourse the Kick-Off Party. But I'm glad I attended the last Journey meeting because thanks to Tim for his great note-taking and those who attended, I have some great ideas for this year's Nano novel. ( We did a story wall on it!) It's a murder mystery set in the Burgundy region of France. (Using ideas from my trip there, this past June.)

See everyone, soon!

Hey all!
I'm Paige - PBJ63010. This is my 3rd year doing NaNo and I'm more nervous about this year than any of the others. I will be out of town from Nov. 3rd - 16th and I do not have a working laptop. EEEKKK! I'm in a crunch to see if I can get something that will work because I would rather not handwrite but will if I have to. When I'm around I'm for sure going to try to make some of the write ins.

I have 2 story ideas floating around in my brain for this year and I NEED to sit down and start plotting them to see which I can flesh out better. One will require quite a bit more world building/plotting than the other so if I go that route I really need to get my but in gear!

Good luck to all of you!!

Hello, I'm Dan. I met some cool people at the NaNoWriMo prep workshop Thursday. I look forward to getting to know everyone better as we take the plunge in November.

Hey! I'm Paula! I will hopefully be at some events this year (But can not attend the kick off or the TGIO party this year due to rehearsals for my new orchestra job). I do hope to attend somethings and get to know everyone, and get to know people I already do better.

I write a lot of Fantasy and "Urban" Fantasy. Last year I did general fiction and kinda hated it. I have a couple of ideas for novels and hopefully I'll pick one and flesh it out to start writing in November!

This is my fifth NaNoWriMo. I have nailed down my idea for a "cozy" mystery series with a recurring character. It should be good for at least three Novembers. I had to work at my running club's 5 K this past Saturday and have to work the next 2. I will, however, make the kick off luncheon.

Look for a "write-in" hosted by me at the Corner House coffee shop in Lombard come mid-November. I'll get some of their good baked goods for fuel and a few prizes for word wars.

Carol or CJ from Elk Grove Village (CJEGV)

Bob here (wordrebel). This will be my...um...not first Nano. I think it'll be my 7th but I have totally lost track. I'm looking forward to being able to finish the novel I began last year. Once again my wife and I thought it'd be a GREAT idea to have another baby right in time for November 1 - the last time we did this I won, so I'm hoping this is good Juju!!

I'm going to try to get out to some write-ins this year as I've been unable to attend in the last couple of years and really miss the fun and creative atmosphere.

And of course I'm looking forward most to doing ALL my writing on one of my many typewriters! I'm a proud member of the Typewriter Brigade - a group of us who will always choose the clack of keys over the hum of processors!

Happy writing, all!!

Hi! I'm Brian. I've apparently been doing this for nine years now, and I've won six times. Twice I tried something different from fiction - once I wrote a book putting down some thoughts from mytime in the video game industry, and last yearI decided to edit 50k words from my first manuscript instead of writing 50k words. I've been tweaking it even more over this past year with some input from the Editing Path in The Journey, and it should be ready for beta readers pretty soon (trying to get it done before Nano. If anyone is interested in reading it after Nanowrimo is over, let me know).

I recently took a job in central illinois, so I won't be going to any write-ins during the week, but I still ive in Naperville and drive back up here for the weekends, and will try to go to at least one write-in each weekend. I'm also considering hosting one or two of the weekend library crawl events. Looking forward to seeing some new faces and challenging old friends to some crazy word wars!

Hello, I'm Reed, I've lived inNaperville my whole life, and I go to college part time. This is my first year doing this, and my first time in months I've been unemployed. So luckily for me that means plenty of free time and that I'll probably be able to attend whatever "get togethers" or "meetings" that this experience entails.

I'm Becky!

According to NaNo's website, I've been a member for eleven years. Holy crap! I did take a break in the middle there, so I think officially this is either my 9th or 10th year participating. I'm currently a Downers Grove resident. My write-ins this year will be a little limited due to work as well as the tabletop RPG group I participate in on Wednesdays and Thursdays, but I plan on making it to them when I can.

I always try and challenge myself year-to-year to do something a little "different," and this year I am going to try a third-person limited story with a perspective that shifts between two main characters. I'm also going to be posting, raw and unedited, my novel up at http://30shadows.tumblr.com throughout the month of November as I write it. A Game of Cat and Mouse is set with all original characters in Seattle in 2075, in the FASA/Catalyst-owned Shadowrun universe.

It's also going to be my first NaNoWriMo written on a tablet! I've been doing a lot of writing exercises and RP prompts over the past few months via my tablet and Google Docs (which now allows on-device storage) and it's been working really well for me.

HI HI HI HI!!!!

I'm Ky, and I haven't lived in the Naperville region for... 3 years now? I stay with Naperville, though, because first, my local area sucks and I don't have the energy or ability to create a great group here, and second, because Naperville is, like, the very BEST region EVER. That's totally a huge credit to our MLs and our highly active rabid members!

I won't be able to attend any events, but I will be here cheering everyone on. Tim will be happy to hear I have a new laptop on the way that can support our Pigeon software, so I hope to be online for word wars, etc. Everyone, especially you newbies, avail yourself to the many and often provided events, and the infectious members - this is truly a group that wraps writers in a cocoon of tender support. However, they are NOT gentle when you need a review or have questions - they are doggedly willing to give you the critique you need to push to your better self. Take advantage {but do not take anything personally, it's all done with loving support!}

Ok... enough about all that. I have not plot, but lots of bunnehs. I'll be seeing you in the ethernet!

~ky (if you like it, put a squid and a bunneh in it)

{P.S. Dad has pneumonia, and with lung cancer, I will not leave him as much as I long to come see all my friends. Just know I'm with you in spirit!}

{P.P.S. I'm in NE Texas for those who don't know.}

We are Villians! Love it!

Not to seem pushy, but QVC is having a great laptop on the Today's Special Value that is about $70 a month? No, I don't get a commission...just trying to help.

Just saw this Thanks!

I did go out and get a new laptop. I made a deal with my dad/boss (yes at 32 years old I still make deals with my parents.) He bought it outright and I'm paying him back. I have the best most supportive parents. :)

Don't forget about all the write-ins that aren't as far west as Naperville. Maybe the ones in Darien? ;)

Hello, all! I'm Jez and this is my...eighth? year with NaNo. My statistics show that I win every other year, so the odds are not in my favor this year, especially with this being the last semester of graduate school and my capstone project is due in November--but I still plan on participating as much as possible.

I am hosting three write-in events this year. Two are at Indian Prairie Public Library in Darien, IL, where I happily work in adult services at the Ask Us Desk. These are on Mondays, Nov 3 & 17, from 6:30p-8:30p. I'll also be helping out Joy at Downer's by hosting the Tuesday, November 4th write-in from 6p-9p.

I write primarily science fiction, but last year I wrote mainstream and really liked it. I don't have a new novel this year, but plan on using those 50k words to finish up two of my previous novels (or at least move forward with one or both of them). I may also put aside some time for a new short story I want to write.

Why can't we have 'like' buttons?? LOL Glad you got it solved!

Hi! I'm Jen, and this is my third year in Naperville, my - sixth? Seventh? attempt at NaNo. (I can no longer remember when I started failing at this - but I know I didn't succeed until I got here, which I attribute entirely to the fantastic group in Naperville.) I'm hosting two write-ins at the Warrenville Public Library, where I work - those will be the 15th and the 22nd, from 1-4 pm. I'm also running the last prep meeting next Saturday at the Nichols library in downtown Naperville.

I usually write fantasy, but I've got a solid science fiction idea this year that I can't wait to get started on. I'm thinking about going analog this year, writing the whole thing longhand. I think better at that pace, although I write less. Makes for less editing on the back end.

Hi everyone, I am Kat and it is good to be back. I joined in 2012 and got sick before I finished my novel, not sure what I was doing last year but I am excited to work on my sequel this year. I write mainstream fiction of the supernatural occult niche. I have already started my book, I am currently on a break, and am super excited to get it finished. I plan on attending one of the workshops and the pot luck lunch. I look forward to meeting a bunch of you then. Take care and think creatively!

Thanks!

Hey, guys. Melissa here. This is my sixth NaNoWriMo and should also be my sixth win. I write fantasy on 'odd' years and scifi on 'even' years because I'm weird like that. (I honestly just noticed that pattern.) I usually attend the weekend write-ins and hoping to go to the all-day write-in on that one Friday. I didn't attend any of the workshops and can't attend the kick-off party so I'll see you all in November.

This year I plan on totally rewriting my novel from two years ago because unlike two years ago, this year I have a plot. I guess that's not really a rewrite as much as just sharing notes from two years ago. Whatever. This year it's going to be awesome.

Hi, my name is Heather and this is my first NaNo in the Naperville region (just moved into Westmont over the summer) and my third NaNo season. I have yet to complete the challenge and am hoping this is the year! Like my life, my writing is all over the board. My first novel (waiting desperately to be reread and finished) is general fiction, and my second novel is a memoir of growing up an army brat.

I'm still working on the plot and character development for this year, but I think it will be general fiction. Excited to meet y'all over the next few weeks!

Hi All!

My name is AJ, and I am sometimes known as Ajey (but pronounced with an "a" sound). This is my nth NaNoWriMo November!

Sadly, I didn't complete The Journey. But happily, I usually complete NaNo in November. This time around, I'm feeling fresh and ready to write!

I will possibly (but no guarantee) make the last prep session on the 18th. I definitely plan to make it to the Kick-Off.

It's nice to see all the familiar faces this year!

Happy writing!

Hello, everyone!

Eight years doing NaNo, and even though I haven't made it all the way, I get a little bit closer every time.(And since this is my first year trying without school I think I might actually make it this year! Stupid college getting in the way.)

I'll be at the Sunday Write-Ins and hopefully other ones (since no school) and I'll be dragging my mother with me to some of the write-ins this year!

I write primarily in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy genres, but every now and then I try and throw a more Horror edge to my novels - something that will likely be happening this year as my current ideas are swinging that way. Good luck to everyone and hope to see familiar and new faces at the events this year!

Hello all!

I'm Sarah, from Elgin! I'm 27, and have been doing NaNo since '08. I look forward to finally winning for a novel this year! (The only time I've ever won was one of my rebellion years, when I wrote a memoir.)

Good luck, everyone!

Hi everyone!

I'm Carla. This is my first year in the Naperville region and my fourth NaNo. I skipped last November as I was busy moving up from Florida and trying not to freeze...

This year I'm torn between writing a historical piece set at a sinister fictional boarding school in Florence, Italy in the 1930s... and something completely off the wall. I've never gotten to use any of the fun, well-known NaNo devices for stuck writers (like the Traveling Shovel of Death!) because I've always taken my novel too seriously. I can't decide whether I want to tell this poignant story about a ragtag group of children overcoming adversity, or just let my imagination run free and see where my writing takes me and what I learn about myself and my craft. Any advice?

Hello, everyone.

I'm Melanie. This will be my eleventh NaNoWriMo. I've both planned and pantsed (preferring the former) and have won every year in genres ranging from supernatural/fantasy to literature to romance to self help to humor. I originally hail from the southern end of Illinois, began my NaNo career in the Indiana: Evansville region, and have been a member of the Augusta, Georgia region since 2010 (after shorter stints in Tennessee and Arizona). I'll be moving to the Naperville/Aurora area next week and hope to get my family settled enough to allow me to attend some events during November.

Like you, I've always leaned toward a serious first draft. This year, I'm so overwhelmed with our upcoming move, I haven't planned a thing. I'm seriously considering spending Novemberfree writing whatever crazy thing pops into my head and seeing what's salvageable in December. I free-wrote with a general plot in mind one year and ended up with two different novels, so I feel pretty confident that at least some part of it will work in the end.

I like to think I've reached a happy middle ground of taking my novels seriously but still letting letting myself an ample amount of suck for the first draft. I try to keep in mind that the first drift is just that - a draft. And no matter what I do my characters talk me where they want to take me and I'm just along for the ride - ya know, if I'm really lucky and my muse isn't pissed at me! Welcome to the region and I'm sorry you had to move up last winter...of all the winters to move!!

Cheryl here - This will be my first real attempt because I have finally rid myself of The Job That Took Over My Life. I also have finally had time to plan my novel out a bit, so I am expecting to win as well as meet some of you all face-to-face. I think the library crawl sounds like a simply wonderful idea!

I'm Barry, a.k.a FinbarrMcG.

Iwrite mainstream fiction, Sometimes they are from scratch, sometimes adding to previous works.

My muse and instigator in Nano ishttp://www.katherinelato.com, who by coincidence is my partner for 32 years.

This year, I will be trying to fill in the previously identified gaps from Alternate Routes, which was a follow-on novel to my first Nano novel, The Shortest Route.

Hi everyone!

I'm Katie, this is my first year with NaNoWriMo, but I'm excited about it. I live in Downers' Grove, but I work and go to school in Naperville. I'm a senior at NCC studying English Literature. I am writing a thesis project this year, and between that, my regular reading and homework load and working about 19ish hours/week, I'm going to be scraping time together for this project. But I know that if I don't give it a try now, I probably never will, because I tend to put creative work like this on the back burner way too often. I'm hoping to make it to a few events this year, and am looking forward to a productive month!

There is so much research I put into my novels I couldn't imagine not having at least a vague plot line and character basics. With all that said more power to you if you don't need that.

Yay a firstimer!!

You can do it!

Hello, InspectorStevi (Stephanie) here. This is my 7th NaNoWriMo, and this year I'm tackling a time-travel novel. This will be my first time writing more than 20 pages in first person, and science-fiction is still a new genre to me. I've been redrafting and editing a a fantasy novel ever since last November, so I'm looking to starting something new. Andto another writing crusade!

Correction. I am going the the alternate Kick-Off on Sunday instead of the regular Kick-Off on Saturday.

Hi, I'm Catherine but mostly known as Cee-Bee around this time of year. Helps keep me distinct from all the other Katherines. Hi, KatherineWriting and Squid! And others!

I've been doing this since 2010 and have "won" every year, at least up to now.I plan to write a novel this year but it's quite squishy so far. You all willbe among the first people to know what it's about.

This region has been invaluable in keeping me on track, thanks to our wonderful MLs and the other folks who help by hosting write-ins, doing word wars, and all that kind of thing. I'm hosting a couple write-ins myself, at the Woodridge Public Library from 9 a.m. to noon on November 1 and November 22. Hope to see many of you there!

Write on!

Hi everyone! My name is Rick Heinz, alias CrankyBolt on any social media format usually.

This is my first year attempting this so I'm rather excited to dive in and give it a shot. I have years and years of short stories, fictions, and sagas just floating around in the cloud from various sources so I'm not short on material. I just never sat down to turn them into anything.

NOT THIS YEAR!

This year I shall conquer and write! I didn't even know this thing existed. I haven't been able to do any of the weekend launch parties this month, but I'll show up for a write in at some point.

Hi, I'm Dorian! I've finished 50,000 words in NaNo 08 and 09, and I either finished or got close in 10. Then I had health issues and flunked out of 11 pretty early, and took a break in 12 and 13.... so here I am!

I'm hoping to be able to go to some write-ins this year?! I was in DC and Nashville previously and my Naperville friend is out of town this year so I literally don't know anyone!

Hi, I'm Alex. It's my 3rd year doing Nano, and as a Pantser, I have no idea where my stories will go this year. But, I'm writing two- one Romantic - which will be hard - because I'm not a romantic - but the idea came to me - well the end did - and so - there it is. And the other is a YA/Sci-Fi/Fantasy thing.. that I have no idea - what kind of fantasy creatures will appear - all I know - is that it deals with Dimensions. - I have no day job - so I have no excuse - not to be able to finish my both, unless of course and Aliens come and take me to another planet. :)

We're all friends here.

Happy writing!

Hey everyone it's Frank (fdahlman) the third ML from the region. I look forward to working with, writing with, and getting together with everyone in November.

I write a lot of sci-fi and fantasy novels. I have written one horror novel, which was a lot of fun to write. This year I am going to be writing the novel I discussed with the group late last year about an archaeologistthat stumbles upon an immortal man that is tasked with maintaining the balance between good and evil, but he is kidnapped by evil.

See you at the write-ins!!!

Frank

Thank you all for the insight! I think I'll stick with the vague plot and characters I've come up with, but have a goal of taking on a plot challenge once or twice a week to keep myself thinking creatively and keep the whole thing lighthearted.

Now I just have to go and make my novel description sound as awesome as everyone else's!

Hi,

I'm Kevin. I've attended a couple of the prep sessions this month. Thanks to the organizers and presenters.

This will be my second Nano. I 2010 I got about 6,000 words in during week one but then I had no idea where my story was going, or what the story was about, and dropped out.

This year I have a bit better conceived story line and am working on outlining it and building out the background and characters. I think I have a better shot but will just see how it shakes out!

Cheers,

Kevin

Hello, My name is Jess The Waif. This will be my second year Nanoing. I did and won last year but didn't participate in the community, went super solo, kinda sad, I know. This year I am going for round two and hopefully going to participate in the community. My goal this year isn't 50,000 but the completion of my fantasy novel. I've been working on this bad boy off and on for two years now and the end is in sight. Therefore, Ihave set the goal to be finished by the end of November or the end of the year if I manage to get a job before then. No excuses! This first draft of the first part ofwhat's going to be a 2-3 part series will be done! After that, no guarantees.

For those interested, I am a new resident to Sugar Grove, IL and am looking to make friends who share a love of writing and can relate to me.

Curt from Naperville, longtime listener, first-time caller.

This will be (at least) my fourth attempt. I did finish back in 2002 (I've got the proof around somewhere); but haven't done so since (significantly, my son was born the following year). I've cleared out enough time in November so that it might be possible.

Good luck to all.

Hey, everyone. I live up in Beach Park, and I'm still deciding whether to make you folks or Kenosha my home region. Do I take my place as an Illinoisan, or do I play turncoat to potentially save on gas money? Please, share your opinions on this matter.

scurvyj wrote:Hey, everyone. I live up in Beach Park, and I'm still deciding whether to make you folks or Kenosha my home region. Do I take my place as an Illinoisan, or do I play turncoat to potentially save on gas money? Please, share your opinions on this matter.

Choose us. :-)

--Tim

Creslix wrote:Hello, My name is Jess The Waif. This will be my second year Nanoing. I did and won last year but didn't participate in the community, went super solo, kinda sad, I know. This year I am going for round two and hopefully going to participate in the community.

That's what I did my first year--didn't attend anything until the TGIO.

It's one way, but getting community support is rather awesome.

Hope to see you at events.

Hello

My Name is Tim and I have been doing NaNoWriMo for several years now and it always jumps starts my writing and gets me excited about it again. Even thoughI have yet to crack the code on how to sustain the habit throughout the year, I am back for another crack at it. I work and live in Sugar Grove as a Civil Engineer and busy father of a middle school boy and triplet second grade girls. It is hard to find time to write at home, at least in a time block where I can balance avoiding distractions and staying awake, so I am hoping to fit a bunch of write-ins into my schedule. It is always a challenge but I find them very productive. Look forward to seeing people again and meeting new people. Good Luck everyone.

Hi, Everyone! 'Tis I,Anobi, back for another year!

Paradoxically, I will not be writing a novel this year, but I will be writing. My goal this year is not to reach 50,000 words, but to inch a little closer to reaching my ultimate goal of actually finishing a story. See, I have reached the 50,000 word goal many times before, but have never completed a novel. Since I am currently juggling full-time work and full-time school, I doubt I will reach that number this year, so instead of going whole-hog on a new idea that is sure to be swept into the ever-growing "to-do" pile, I'm biting off a smaller piece ofthe pig and just making a promise to myself to write. I don't care what I write; a synopsis for a new novel, another chapter for an old relic, anything.If I reach 10,000 words, it will be a victory, because that is 10,000 words more than I would have otherwise written.

I'm Sandy. This is my first Nano and I'm writing something totally different. I usually write paranormal romances (one novel and one novella so far). This will be a YA Urban Fantasy in first POV so that adds a little, um, excitement, yeah, let's go with excitement.

I've enjoyed meeting people at the prep sessions and look forward to blasting through this in November. Whee!

Hi, my name is Cici and I am getting excited for a new NaNo year! This year I want to push myself and finish a novel that I started years ago and then start a new novel (and finish that one too). Can't wait for November to start.

This is my sixth year doing Nanowrimo. Last year was the first year I didn't win, but in my defense I was relocating and changing jobs in the middle of November last year and things kind of got out of hand. This is my first year in this region, as I just recently relocated to Illinois and changed jobs (again). I live in Carol Stream but work in Naperville.

Not sure how it's going to go this year since I honestly have no idea when I'm going to find the time to write (I may or may not have written significant portions at work in previous years). But I'm hoping to get to some write-ins and meet some of the group.

Best of luck!

Hi, I'm Dave and back for my 9th Nano - I write science fiction mostly and plan to continue with my series "Legacy Rising". My planning this year got interrupted this year when my newest granddaughter ended up in the neonatal intensive care unit. She's improved and scheduled to come home Monday, October 27.

I have a crazy schedule and don't know how many activities I can make this year.

Good to be back.

TRRDEDEAN wrote:Hi, I'm Dave and back for my 9th Nano.

We missed you at the kick-off, and hope to see you. Glad your granddaughter is coming home soon.

Take a look at http://chatnano.net/IrcUsers/register_wrimo--it's anew IRC chat--you'll like it better than jabber, I promise. Also, maybe you can make the all-day write-in on the 14th?

http://nanowrimo.org/forums/usa-illinois-naperville/threads/171780

I am Daniel. I have been doing NaNo for a few years now. I go back and forth on science fiction and fantasy. This year I will be writing a science fiction story.

Hi All

I'm Kate. This is my first attempt at NaNoWriMo. I kinda have an idea and hope to be able to flesh it out.

Good luck! Stay involved with the region it helps :)

Hi! I'm Hiedi. I live in Aurora. I haven't done NaNo in a few years but decided to try again this year.I've tried it fourtimes now and won once. I have a good feeling about this year! I am an avid crocheter/knitter/hand spinner of yarn and I graduated from NIU with my BS in geology. Good luck to all my fellow suburban writers! I hope to meet you at a write in so don't be shy. :D

HELLO Naperville!! I used to do NaNo ALL the time- I used to be an ML (under the SN Scrtprncs)... however I can't get into the account anymore -heavy sigh- so I decided instead to create a new account based on my nom de plume, Willow Sanders . I published my FIRST book this past summer, Dirty Little Secretand am using NaNoWriMo to work on the sequel, hopefully. I'm SO excited to be able to NaNo again!!!

(Hi Tim & Katherine... and everyone else's names I haven't seen yet but who know me from before!)

OH! Im also on twitter @Willow_Writing and have a list started for people participating in NaNo in case ayone wants to participate in Twitter word wars, hit me up and I'll add you to my list! :)

WillowSanders wrote:HELLO Naperville!! I used to do NaNo ALL the time- I used to be an ML (under the SN Scrtprncs)... however I can't get into the account anymore -heavy sigh- so I decided instead to create a new account based on my nom de plume, Willow Sanders . I published my FIRST book this past summer, Dirty Little Secretand am using NaNoWriMo to work on the sequel, hopefully. I'm SO excited to be able to NaNo again!!!

(Hi Tim & Katherine... and everyone else's names I haven't seen yet but who know me from before!)

OH! Im also on twitter @Willow_Writing and have a list started for people participating in NaNo in case ayone wants to participate in Twitter word wars, hit me up and I'll add you to my list! :)

Hey, Melinda! Welcome back! Glad to hear you've published your first book--nicely done!

--Tim

Hello Everyone. My name is Shannon.I'm a Nano Newbie feelingequally scared and excited. I have an idea for my book and have started an outline and have even started using notecards to write out my characters. I am hoping the planning helps because I am determined to finish 50K in November.... Yes. Yes I am. I will just keep stating that to myself whenever I feel the doubt creeping in and taking over. I live in the south suburbs and Naperville is the closest community I could find. If anyone in this community lives in the Frankfort/Orland Park/New Lenox area please give me a shout out - it would be nice to know there are other Nanowriters this year lurking in the south burbs.

Hi there! I live in Bolingbrook and I also plan on having some write ins at the Starbucks right off I-55 :)

Let me know when! I'll be looking for something during the week in the evenings I think...if the baby is nice to mama and I can get out!

Great Bolingbrook is not too far. I will look for your write ins.

thanks!

I will be there on Saturday from 3-6 :) Come get doped up on coffee and Halloween candy :)

Hi everyone! Tomster from NW suburbia here.

After skipping NaNo last year, I'm back to give this year a strong attempt. I stumbled and missed 50K in 2012 so I'm nervous about my chances this year. Normally I like to plot things out to the Nth degree, but this year all I have is a vague plot arc. I'm okay with that, as I hope to be open to where my characters want to go.

NaNo is a challenge, frustrating, nerve wracking, insane ordeal, but it is also among the most satisfying things I have ever done 'casue I can look people in the eye (at least in November)and can honestly say "I am a writer." How cool is that?

Don't know if I'll make the long trek down to Naperland for any of the events, but I will participateonline as much as I can.

Tom

I'm Mike Manolakes, also known as horatio. This will be my ninth NaNoWriMo. For the last eight years, I've used my Novembers to write a series of time travel novels which I call the Traveler Series. Last year I tied up all (or almost all) loose plot threads and brought the series to a conclusion. I'm happy to announce that the first book in the Traveler Series,Variation Seven, is being published as an ebook on November 3 and will be available on Smashwords, barnesandnoble.com, Apple iBooks, and other ebook retailers.

So this year I've decided to set aside time travel for now and start a series of novels that takes place in space. The first book,Century Day,takes place one hundred years into a seven-century voyage to Tau Ceti.

In real life, I'm a retired teacher, Civil War reenactor, actor, and director in Bolingbrook.

Congratulations! Never get tired of hearing about success stories :) Keep a look out I will be holding Write Ins in Bolingbrook!

Hello! I'm Jeans, back for my third year of NaNo insanity and I've just learned that I'm a Pantster. Panster Proud! I've managed to win two years in a row that way so why change now... haha. I typically write horror/supernatural/humor and this year I've decided to pick up where my 2012 NaNo novel, Harboring Cain, left off.

Hey there. I'm a day late, but with luck won't turn up a dollar short.This will be my first real attempt at a Nano, after a few half-hearted starts in the past. November always seems to be the month for major papers in every class, but I'm now fresh out of college and have time to spare. I like writing sci-fi, usually just short stories, things for a little blog, or backstory for pen and paper RPGs.This will be my first major work, and hopefully the start of many to come.

Wordcounts should be showing up shortly! I had initially planned on an unrealized idea from last year, but decided the plot I had in mind was fairly incomplete, and switched to the story behind an RPGmaker game that's also in the planning stages. After a day of frantic outlining, I'm ready to rock.

No set plans on events so far, but I should be swinging by some at least. (Bah, should have posted as a new comment. Well, too late now it seems)

Hello,

My name is Matt Pniewski, and I did something really stupid; I decided to take part three days in.

I am a recent DePaul University graduate with a degree in Digital Cinema. I have written several screenplays in the past, but have never attempted to write a novel. I decided that this National Novel Writing Month would give the kick in the pants I need to start putting pen to paper, so to speak. I had started an outline for my novel a few days ago before learning that NaNoWriMo was a thing, so I figured give it a shot.

Most of my scripts are at least somewhat realistic comedy-dramas, but I've decided to go a completely different route and write a dark comic spoof of "Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers" and similar Tokusatsu programs. Because I am a huge nerd.

I figure even if I can't finish my novel, it will at the very least give me the opportunity to get a real jump start on it. Still, I have every intention of finishing by the end of the month.