2015 regional e-mail messages (for reference)
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Copyright © 1999 - 2016 National Novel Writing Month :: All posted novel excerpts remain copyright to their authors.
This thread is just for us to archive the regional e-mail messages we send out so you don't have to keep them in your mailbox if you don't want to.
Sam's regional mail from September 27th
NaNoWriMo Preparatory Workshops
Are you a planner or pantser? Dont know? Then join Anastasia Zoldak and Todd Hogan for an introductory NaNoWriMo session this Saturday (October 3rd, 1-3 pm, Nichols Library in downtown Naperville) on story beat points, to discuss genres and learn how NaNoWriMo can support your writing. Let's have some fun! Join us on our adventure as we discuss the basics and challenges of writing.
Thursday, October 8th, 6:45-8:45 pm in the brand new Aurora Public Library (101 S River St, Aurora) is the second preparatory workshop: NaNoWriMo In A Nutshell: Catherine Brennan and I will lead you through the whys & hows of writing a novel in a month. Bring your laptop or notebook and pen to this highly interactive and entertaining workshop to gain a better understanding of how NaNoWriMo works and how you can succeed in writing your novel this November. There will be some small prizes and even an example word war!
Nifty NaNoWriMo hipster PDAs will be distributed at all of our (free! all our events are free!) preparatory workshops--these are compact, helpful guides that you can also use to collect the library crawl cards that you will be able to exchange at the December Thank Goodness It's Over (TGIO) party for raffle tickets for fabulous prizes.
NaNo Planning Accountability Path
Sam McAdams will be guiding us through the first meeting of the NaNo Planning Accountability Path from 1-3 pm, Sunday October 4th (Helen Plum Library, Lombard). For those of you who wish you could do more to plan and prepare for NaNoWriMo, this is a great opportunity to hold yourself accountable to your plans. Workshops are great but the Accountability Path (which will have some online meetings in October) gives you the extra push to get the planning done that you need.
Backstory
Hi, I'm Tim aka NewMexicoKid, one of the three volunteer co-Municipal Liaisons (MLs) that are here to answer your questions and help coordinate regional events for USA :: Illinois :: Naperville. Frank (fdahlman) and Sam (samcadams) are my colleagues. Sam has joined us because Katherine (KatherineWriting), my co-ML for many years, has stepped down to focus on her other pursuits. Note, though, that she is still hosting the fantastic all-day write-in on Friday, November 13th (9 AM-9 PM at the Naperville Municipal Center).
Have a question? Feel free to NaNo mail any of us or post your questions in our forum. Logistics to our events are available on our events page (and calendar).
Tonight (Monday, October 12th, 7:30 pm) is the NaNoWriMo planning Accountability Group (online) meeting via google+ hangout. You can go to the google docs spreadsheet and add or update a worksheet there for your own novel plan. The purpose of NAG is to help you stay accountable to your plans for preparing for National Novel Writing Month.
Saturday (October 17, 1-3 pm, Nichols Library, Naperville) is the final preparatory workshop. Kat Stepp and Todd Hogan created this workshop. Like all our events, this is free. Characterology 101: Heroes, Villains, Lovers, and Amigos focuses on your characters and their roles in your stories. Kat will explore the difference between Stereotypes, Archetypes and your own characters. There will be two break-out sessions:
Dress as your favorite Character. Prizes will be given!
This Wednesday (2015-10-14) from 6-7 pm via spreecast, NaNoWriMo has a virtual prep workshop featuring four NY Times bestselling authors.
If you've missed our first three prep workshops, you can still see the slides, photos and notes at naperwrimo.org/prep. Don't forget to introduce yourself in our regional forum. And please RSVP for our fun, exciting pot-luck kick-off party (from 11:45 AM-2:45 PM, Saturday, October 24th in the Lunch room of the Naperville Municipal Center.
Be sure to post a picture of yourself with Nellie the NaNo Mouse (in the spirit of Flat Stanley). And let us know how your preparations are going.
Backstory
Hi, I'm Tim aka NewMexicoKid, one of the three volunteer co-Municipal Liaisons (MLs) that are here to answer your questions and help coordinate regional events for USA :: Illinois :: Naperville. Frank (fdahlman) and Sam (samcadams) are my colleagues. Sam has joined us because Katherine (KatherineWriting), my co-ML for many years, has stepped down to focus on her other pursuits. Note, though, that she is still hosting the fantastic all-day write-in on Friday, November 13th (9 AM-9 PM at the Naperville Municipal Center).
Have a question? Feel free to NaNo mail any of us or post your questions in our forum. Logistics to our events are available on our events page (and calendar).
Today, Sunday October 18th from 1:30 to 3:00 is theNaNo Accountability Group (NAG) Meeting - Week 3 at theHelen Plum Memorial Public Library (110 W. Maple St., Lombard, IL 60148). You can see a recap of the first two meeting under the Regional Forum -How are your preparations progressing?If you are unable to make it to Lombard, you can participate today via a Google Hangout -(NaNo Accountability Group Meeting - October 18). If want to participate in the NaNo Accountability Group, but cant make the meetings, you can still participate by posting and updating your NaNo commitments in the Google Spreadsheet available at naperwrimo.org/nag.
Tomorrow, Monday October 19th from 8pm to 9pm there will be aNaNoWriMo IRC chat - preparations!. Go to http://naperwrimo.org/irc to see how to access the region'svirtual chat room that will be actively used in November. We will use this chat room to do some casual preparatory chit chat, sharing our tips and advice on how to prepare for NaNoWriMo. Refer to the IRC threadfor more information and follow this thread for more IRC chat session announcements.
Saturday, October 24th, form 11:45am to 2:45pm is theNaNoWriMo Kick-off for the Naperville region at theLunch room, Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street, Naperville, IL. Please RSVP using the region forum -RSVP for the Kickoff Pot-luck lunch October 24th. Note, the city of Naperville will begin charging for the use of the rooms at the Municipal Center starting next year. To reserve the rooms for next year, we will need raise $60 to $120. To help raise these funds,we will have a bucket at the kick-off party for 2016 room rental fee donations. Please note: the kick-off and TGIO, like all our events, will still be completely free. No donations are required or expected; there won't be any pressure at all on participants to donate. For more information refer to theRegional donations needed for our 2016 kick-off and TGIO room rentalsforum.
TheLibrary Crawlis once again coming tolibrary near you this November. There are write-ins schedule for almost every day. Go to as many as you can. At each write-in be sure to collecta card which can be redeemed for raffle tickets at the TGIO party on December 5th. For more information go to: http://naperwrimo.org/crawl
If you missed any of our four prep workshops held this month, you can still see the slides, photos and notes at naperwrimo.org/prep.
Also, don't forget to introduce yourself in our regional forumand be sure to post a picture of yourself with Nellie the NaNo Mouse (in the spirit of Flat Stanley).
Backstory
I'm Sam (samcadams)one of the three volunteer co-Municipal Liaisons (MLs) that are here to answer your questions and help coordinate regional events for USA :: Illinois :: Naperville. Frank (fdahlman) and Tim aka NewMexicoKidare my colleagues. For information on how to home to the USA :: Illinois :: Napervillesee the forum -Affiliating and Homing to our Region (USA :: Illinois :: Naperville).This is my first year as an ML. I'm doing my best to fill the vacancy when long time co-ML Katherine (KatherineWriting), stepped down to focus on other pursuits. Note, though, that she is still hosting the fantastic all-day write-in on Friday, November 13th (9 AM-9 PM at the Naperville Municipal Center).
Have a question? Feel free to NaNo mail any of us or post your questions in our forum. Logistics to our events are available on our events page (and calendar).
Hello, Naperville region participants!
If you've missed our four prep workshops, you can still see the slides, photos and notes at naperwrimo.org/prep. Let us know how you're doing with your preparations and don't forget to introduce yourself in our regional forum.
RSVP for our fun, exciting pot-luck kick-off party (from 11:45 AM-2:45 PM, Saturday, October 24th in the Lunch room of the Naperville Municipal Center. If you're reading this on Saturday, just bring a dessert and come on out :-) Be sure to bring something to write with and a stuffed animal (for the group photo). Like all our events, this is free (though if you want to donate to help us reserve rooms for the 2016 kick-off and TGIO, that's appreciated).
Monday is the final meeting of the NaNo Planning Accountability Group (in a google+ hangout). This is a great opportunity to get feedback on your planning. See our event calendar for details.
Be sure to post a picture of yourself with Nellie the NaNo Mouse (in the spirit of Flat Stanley). And let us know how your preparations are going.
Backstory
Hi, I'm Tim aka NewMexicoKid, one of the three volunteer co-Municipal Liaisons (MLs) that are here to answer your questions and help coordinate regional events for USA :: Illinois :: Naperville. Frank (fdahlman) and Sam (samcadams) are my colleagues. Sam has joined us because Katherine (KatherineWriting), my co-ML for many years, has stepped down to focus on her other pursuits. Note, though, that she is still hosting the fantastic all-day write-in on Friday, November 13th (9 AM-9 PM at the Naperville Municipal Center).
Have a question? Feel free to NaNo mail any of us or post your questions in our forum. Logistics to our events are available on our events page (and calendar).
Are you ready? I know I am behind where I had planned to be; still, there are two days left to do some planning.
Have you already created your novel on nanowrimo.org? In the Naperville region 196 people have done this thus far. If you are planning to participate in NaNo this year and haven't created your 2015 novel on the site (I don't mean to actually write your novel--that doesn't begin until November 1st; but you do need to put the novel placeholder in place), then you won't be able to update your word count until you do.
Write-Ins and the Library Crawl
2015 is the second annual Library Crawl, again facilitated by Sarah Kovac (sarahk06)., where NaNo writers can attend write-ins at the participating libraries and pick up special library cards they can exchange at the TGIO party (Dec 05) for raffle tickets. Participating libraries: Aurora (the new Main branch),Batavia, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, College of DuPage Library, Geneva,Glen Ellyn, Glenside Public Library (Glendale Heights), Helen Plum Library (Lombard), Indian Prairie (Darien), Naperville (Nichols Library), Oswego (Montgomery Campus), Plainfield, Warrenville, Wheaton, and Woodridge (at their Park District building). In addition, the Side Street Studio Arts (Elgin) in conjunction with the Elgin Literary Festival is participating this year.
See our calendar for logistics information about the upcoming write-ins. November 1st, for instance, I will be hosting the write-in at Nichols Library (Naperville; 1:30 - 4:30 pm). We'll have word wars, the box of doom, "Huzzah" balls and motivational small library-themed critters as prizes. Frank will be hosting the write-in Nov 1st at the Helen Plum Library (Lombard), 3-5 pm (after the library-hosted workshop on self-publishing). Sam will be hosting the write-in 5-9 pm Tuesday, Nov 3rd at the Glen Ellyn Library (with word wars, the bag of doom and "Huzzah" balls). Jez is hosting a write-in 7-9 pm, Monday (Nov 2) at the IPPL. There are many more write-in events on our calendar.
You can read more about write-ins, word wars and the Library Crawl. No write-in close to where you are? Read this Guide to Hosting and consider organizing your own; just let us MLs know about it so we can add it to the calendar. There are also online write-ins all the time at our IRC chatroom.
NaNo Faces Community Word Count Graph
Many people find our NaNo Faces graph and page inspirational and a great motivation. You can join in the fun by posting your synopsis and how you plan to open your novel in this thread. The graph will then show your word count chart line along with everyone else who has joined the graph, so you can see how you are doing and who is immediately above or below you.
Fantastic Kick-off Party
We had a good crowd at the kick-off party last Saturday. Many thanks to Kat Stepp and Starbucks for donating the Keurig coffee machine for our raffle. Two large posters and five small posters were among the other raffle prizes. Pictures are up on our blog.
Be sure to post a picture of yourself with Nellie the NaNo Mouse (in the spirit of Flat Stanley). And let us know how your preparations are going.
Backstory
Hi, I'm Tim aka NewMexicoKid, one of the three volunteer co-Municipal Liaisons (MLs) that are here to answer your questions and help coordinate regional events for USA :: Illinois :: Naperville. Frank (fdahlman) and Sam (samcadams) are my colleagues. Sam has joined us because Katherine (KatherineWriting), my co-ML for many years, has stepped down to focus on her other pursuits. Note, though, that she is still hosting the fantastic all-day write-in on Friday, November 13th (9 AM-9 PM at the Naperville Municipal Center).
Have a question? Feel free to NaNo mail any of us or post your questions in our forum. Logistics to our events are available on our events page (and calendar).
Weare fivedays into November and write-in and forums are in full swing. Hopefully you're off to great start on your novel, but if not, no fear, there plenty of upcoming write-in and events to help get you on track.
All Day Write-in Friday, November 13th
Come out for a full day of writing fun hosted by former longtime Naperville co-ML Katherine Lato (KatherineWriting). The event runs from 9am to 9pm inMeeting Rooms BC of the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street, Naperville, IL on Friday the 13th. (Last year they said we could park all day in the upper parking lot and allowed for the construction of a blanket fort without a permit.) For more details and to RSVP to the All Day Write-in see theFriday the 13th - all day write-inthread in our regional forums.
Mid-Month Meetup Saturday, November 14th
Take a short break from writing and join fellow writers at the Mid-Month Meetup on Saturday the 14th at Pal Joey's in West Chicago, home to award winning pan pizza. We'll meet for dinner at 6pm and the duo of Brock and Abrams will perform at 8pm for those who want to stay longer. For more details and the RSVP go to theMid-month Meet Up - Saturday the 14ththread in the regional forums. Guests are welcome.
Write-Ins and the Library Crawl
Thesecond annual Library Crawl, facilitated by Sarah Kovac (sarahk06) is in full swing. NaNo writers can attend write-ins at the participating libraries and pick up special library cards they can exchange at the TGIO party (Dec 05) for raffle tickets. Participating libraries:Aurora (the new Main branch),Batavia, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, College of DuPage Library, Geneva,Glen Ellyn, Glenside Public Library (Glendale Heights), Helen Plum Library (Lombard), Indian Prairie (Darien), Naperville (Nichols Library), Oswego (Montgomery Campus), Plainfield, Warrenville, Wheaton, and Woodridge (at their Park District building). In addition, the Side Street Studio Arts (Elgin) in conjunction with the Elgin Literary Festival is participating this year. Upcoming write-ins in the next week:
See our calendar for logistics and a full listing of the Novemberwrite-ins.You can read more about write-ins, word wars and the Library Crawl. No write-in close to where you are? Read this Guide to Hosting and consider organizing your own; just let us MLs know about it so we can add it to the calendar. There are also online write-ins all the time at our IRC chatroom.
NaNo Faces Community Word Count Graph
Be sure to join our NaNo Faces graph and pageby posting your synopsis and how you plan to open your novel in this thread. The graph will then show your word count chart line along with everyone else who has joined the graph, so you can see how you are doing and who is immediately above or below you.
Quick Stats - As of today, there are nearly 450 active members in the Naperville region and we've written nearly 2 million words.
Backstory
I'm Sam (samcadams)one of the three volunteer co-Municipal Liaisons (MLs) that are here to answer your questions and help coordinate regional events for USA :: Illinois :: Naperville. Frank (fdahlman) and Tim aka (NewMexicoKid)are my colleagues. For information on how to home to the USA :: Illinois :: Napervillesee the forum -Affiliating and Homing to our Region (USA :: Illinois :: Naperville).This is my first year as an ML. I'm doing my best to fill the vacancy when long time co-ML Katherine (KatherineWriting), stepped down to focus on other pursuits.
Have a question? Feel free to NaNo mail any of us or post your questions in our forum. Logistics to our events are available on our events page (and calendar).
Hello, everyone!
We are nearing the halfway point in the month (November 15th). Those of you who seek to complete your novel in November (even if it means slimming down your storyline or cast of characters to the essential core) should be fairly deep into your novel soon if not already there. Accelerate the pace; heighten the tension and press on!
And now for our news and reminders:
Tvekamp! (which is Norwegian for duel)
We have set up opportunities for people to get additional motivation by challenging our friends in Norway to individual word count duels (tvekamper). You can either post your word count end goal in this challenge thread in the Norway forum or else look for folks to challenge in this Naperville thread. Instructions of what to do from there are in this tvekamp tool that tracks the duels. Every Naperville participant can engage in these 1-to-1 word count duels as long as they are part of the Naperville NaNo Faces graph.
All-Day Write-In - Friday, 2015-11-13
Come join KatherineWriting and many others at the fun-filled and highly productive all-day write-in from 9 am-9 pm Friday, November 13th, at Rooms BC of the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street. For more information and logistics, see and respond to this thread.
Mid-Month Meet-up - Saturday, 2015-11-14
After half a month of focused writing, it can be helpful to take a little break for some well-deserved socialization during dinner. Sam is organizing a dinner at Pal Joey's in West Chicago at 6pm on Saturday the 14th. Pal Joey's offers award winning pan pizza and for those who can stay longer, Brock & Abramswill be performing starting at 8pm. You need to RSVP in this thread ASAP if you'd like to join this fun outing.
Library Crawl
We have a lot of write-ins coming up where you can get the Library Crawl cards that you'll be able to turn in for raffle tickets at the TGIO December 5th. You can always find our event information at naperwrimo.org/events or the calendar in our regional forum. Many thanks to Sarah (sarahk06) for conceiving of and organizing the Library Crawl event that includes:
In addition, the Side Street Studio Arts (Elgin) in conjunction with the Elgin Literary Festival is participating this year.
NaNo Faces wordcount graph
Come visit and post in this regional thread to join our wordcount graph:
Help Support NaNoWriMo
National Novel Writing Month is a completely free event that is made possible by the work of several hundred volunteers around the globe and the donations from sponsors and writers like you. Your donations can make a big difference. Consider giving something today.
Back Story
In a galaxy far, far away, three stalwart volunteers (NewMexicoKid, fdahlman and samcadams) do their best to answer questions from writers like you and help organize and coordinate local events. Not know what write-ins or word wars are? See this guide. There are also a lot of resources available at our website at naperwrimo.org. Feel free to NaNo mail us or post questions in our Naperville forum.
Keep on writing!
--Tim (aka NewMexicoKid)
Today is November 21st; we're entering he final third of NaNoWriMo. On the minimum 1667 a day plan, today's goal is 35007 words. If you are behind, don't worry too much--you just need some word wars in our IRC chat room (post a note in our forum to let others know you're there) or some of the terrific write-ins coming up from the Library Crawl. And if you are far behind, wait for my 18K challenge post (coming out soon) that will give fabulous prizes for those who can average 3000 words per day for the final six days.
Today's write-ins: Catherine (Cee-Bee) and I are at the Woodridge Park District building from 9-noon today (Ed brought fresh pastries from John Dough!). Frank (fdahlman) and Sam (samcadams) will be at the Helen Plum Library in Lombard from 10 am-4:30 pm today. Jez (TypesetJez) will be hosting at the Indian Prairie Public Library from 1-3 pm; and Jen is hosting at the Warrenville Public Library from 2-4 pm. Be sure to drive safely this weekend!
I will be hosting tomorrow's write-in at Nichols Library (Naperville) from 1:30-4:30 pm. Come out and win one of my little plot critters!
Tvekamp! (which is Norwegian for duel)
We have set up opportunities for people to get additional motivation by challenging our friends in Norway to individual word count duels (tvekamper). You can either post your word count end goal in this challenge thread in the Norway forum or else look for folks to challenge in this Naperville thread. Instructions of what to do from there are in this tvekamp tool that tracks the duels. Every Naperville participant can engage in these 1-to-1 word count duels as long as they are part of the Naperville NaNo Faces graph.
Help Support NaNoWriMo
National Novel Writing Month is a completely free event that is made possible by the work of several hundred volunteers around the globe and the donations from sponsors and writers like you. Your donations can make a big difference. Consider giving something today.
Back Story
In a galaxy far, far away, three stalwart volunteers (NewMexicoKid, fdahlman and samcadams) do their best to answer questions from writers like you and help organize and coordinate local events. Not know what write-ins or word wars are? See this guide. There are also a lot of resources available at our website at naperwrimo.org. Feel free to NaNo mail us or post questions in our Naperville forum.
Keep on writing!
--Tim (aka NewMexicoKid)
There is only a week of November left. To be on target to complete your 50,000 words by the end of the month you should be around 40,000 words by the end of today. If youre a bit behind or even a lot behind, its OK. Theres still time. You can still reach your goal. And you know why? Because, big possums walk late.
I can picture the expression on most of your faces after you read that last line; the single raised eyebrow and the quizzical look that says, Is that really what you meant to say, because that doesnt make any sense? I get that look from my family every time I use that line. But I havent miss spoken or typed it wrong and Im not entirely. The phrase is my favorite quote from Hall of Fame baseball announcer Harry Carry. If the Cubs were behind late in a game, Harry's words of encouragement to Cubnation would be, "Big possums walk late. The point of the phrase is that big stars come through late in the game to bring home the victory. So you too can be that big star and come from way behind to complete your 50,000 words. Every year we see participants pull off miracle comebacks to complete their novels in the final days. And why is that? Its because, big possums walk late.
18K Challenge:
If you need extra incentive or if you just want to win some of Tims fabulous prizes, sign up for Tims 18K challenge. Prizes will be awarded for those you average 3000 words a day for the last six days of the month. Sign up at the Take the plunge, win a button through the 18K challenge! regional forum thread.
TGIO Pot-luck Party:
It will soon be time to celebrate your participation in National Novel Writing Month at theThank Goodness It's Over (TGIO) Pot-Luck Party. This years TGIO party will held on Saturday, December 5th from 11:45 am to 2:45 pm in Meeting Rooms B&C of the Naperville Municipal Center (400 S. Eagle Street, Naperville, IL). Please use the XXXX regional thread to RSVP and let us know what you plan to bring.
Remember to Validate:
Once youve reach 50,000 words, be sure to validate and qualify for all the winners goodies. See the On what to do when you've won (including info on validating) thread to get all the specifics on validating.
Remaining write-ins:
Tonight (Tuesday, Nov 24th):
Saturday, Nov 28th:
Sunday, Nov 29th:
Monday, Nov 30th:
Tvekamp!(which is Norwegian for duel)
We did not officially challenge Norway to a regional word war since they have from the beginning of the month led our region by a significant margin, but I think you all know what I have to say about that big possums walk late. OK, it may be too late for us to catch up to Norway, but theres still time to challengeour friends in Norwayto individual word count duels (tvekamper). You can eitherpost your word count end goal in this challenge thread in the Norway forumor else look for folks to challenge inthis Naperville thread. Instructions of what to do from there are inthis tvekamp tool that tracks the duels. Every Naperville participant can engage in these 1-to-1 word count duels as long as they arepart of the Naperville NaNo Faces graph.
Help Support NaNoWriMo
National Novel Writing Month is a completely free event that is made possible by the work of several hundred volunteers around the globe and the donations from sponsors and writers like you. Your donations can make a big difference. Considergiving something today.
Back Story
Tim(NewMexicoKid), Frank (fdahlman)andI (samcadams) do our best to answer questions from writers like you, as well as help organize and coordinate local events. If you dont know what write-ins or word wars are, seethis guide. There are additional resources available at our website atnaperwrimo.org. If you have any question please feel free to NaNo mail us or post those questions inour Naperville forum.
Good luck in the final week and remember Big possums walk late.
Sam (samcadams)
Here we are at the cusp of the final three days of NaNoWriMo, content with our Thanksgiving feasts and just wondering if we have some more story to write. I hope that each of you manages to complete your novel, to get to the end of your story. If you need to, just make notes about sub plots and other elements to add; just get to the ending of your story--it will help you in the editing process.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to all those who have crossed the 50K words boundary! writergirlmel, mochomito, Spellguns, YeungJeans, Amarenthina, Serenity4Night, mongrelvw, TRRDEDEAN, ajkimbers, Allison Epstein, Silira, astridfire, Cee-Bee, Ajey, Typewriter89, eaglescorch, anitairons, HuMVee15, CubFanBrian, Jessielouwho, divirka27, AwnnaMarie, KatherineWriting, punahougirl84, NewMexicoKid, SlenderLine, Mary-Lynette, hong z chao, RiverSeal, InspectorStevi, L. Evans, fishmama, Kiela Starcatcher, AnnaVanEast, Niassa, Creslix, Lavenderleaf31, djkhimtaka, KristinaVH, SadieRose, SarahMaryCath, Rynsgonnawin, Puppydog605, sorakazeno, and Avatarra. Please make sure you validate your win. It's quick, it's simple (NaNo only counts the words you've uploaded; it discards the text) and it will make you eligible for things like the free book proof from Fast Pencil (has to be redeemed by January 31, 2016).
RSVP for the Thank Good It's Over (TGIO) Party
December 5th, 11:45 AM-2:45 PM is the fun, rewarding and decompressing TGIO party (in rooms BC at the Naperville Municipal Center). This is a pot-luck lunch party, so please RSVP in this thread. People planning to come should be sure to bring (along with their dish or thing to share) their Library Crawl cards, their stuffed animals (for the group photo), their musical instruments (if they want to help accompany our regional song), and any friends or family they would like. Only those who RSVP will receive the little 3x5 certificates that we award; you do not need to have won NaNo to attend and enjoy the celebration--we celebrate everyone's efforts. Those RSVP'ing will also be entered into a raffle for door prizes (separate from the Library Crawl raffle that features a $100 Amazon gift card).
Upcoming Write-Ins
What should you do after NaNo?
One option is to join the Writing Journey. The Journey is the year-round a la carte writing group associated with the Naperville region of National Novel Writing Month. All events are free and open to everyone. We thank our new sponsors: Woodridge Public Library and Glen Ellyn Public Library.
18K Challenge
It's still not too late to take the 18K challenge to write at least 18K words in the final six days of NaNo! Win a special button pin.
Help Support NaNoWriMo
National Novel Writing Month is a completely free event that is made possible by the work of several hundred volunteers around the globe and the donations from sponsors and writers like you. Your donations can make a big difference. Consider giving something today.
Back Story
In a galaxy far, far away, three stalwart volunteers (NewMexicoKid, fdahlman and samcadams) do their best to answer questions from writers like you and help organize and coordinate local events. Not know what write-ins or word wars are? See this guide. There are also a lot of resources available at our website at naperwrimo.org. Feel free to NaNo mail us or post questions in our Naperville forum.
Keep on writing!
--Tim (aka NewMexicoKid)
This Saturday (December 5th) is our Thank Goodness It's Over pot-luck lunch celebration. You don't need to have achieved 50K words to celebrate your effort this month. Come out for food, friends, chances at fabulous prizes (door prizes and Library Crawl prizes) and a truly festive event. See this thread for logistics and to RSVP. Only those who RSVP will be entered in the drawing for door prizes and will receive their awards. Be sure to bring your Library Crawl cards (earned if you attended a Library Crawl write-in) that can be exchanged for raffle tickets for the Library Crawl raffle ($100 Amazon gift card is the top prize). Also bring your stuffed animal for the group photo and possibly a musical instrument if you want to help us accompany our regional song.
Also, you may want to join the Journey, our year round writing group that features many enjoyable Paths that can help you grow as a writer, develop friendships with fellow writers in our community and have a lot of fun. See this thread for more info.
We'd like to thank everyone who donated at the kick-off event to cover our room rental fees at the Naperville Municipal Center. We especially appreciate the support of Naperville City Council members Judy Brodhead and Becky Anderson for covering the 2016 kick-off and TGIO events. The other money we raised at the kick-of will cover the all-day write-ins in 2016 and 2017 and the kick-off and TGIO in 2017.
Speaking of donations, NaNoWriMo wouldn't be possible without our donations that help fund the server and the small, hard working staff that run this multinational event. Many of you have already been very generous. If you haven't given yet and are in a position to do so, I encourage you to consider helping out.
Congratulations to all those who achieved their writing goals this NaNo; and especially to those who made their 50K words: writergirlmel, mochomito, Spellguns, HuMVee15, skybluefusion, Amarenthina, YeungJeans, Serenity4Night, b-writer, TRRDEDEAN, Ajey, mongrelvw, Anobi, Allison Epstein, Silira, scrapacat, Cee-Bee, ajkimbers, Iloveyellow7, Typewriter89, anitairons, SlenderLine, SMattimiro, NewMexicoKid, AnnieBoNana, astridfire, CubFanBrian, punahougirl84, RoboTitaness27, isabelle_lila, MonteCristosDancer, Raylin, Kiela Starcatcher, djkhimtaka, AwnnaMarie, eaglescorch, WillowSanders, Odakota-Rose, Uniasus, divirka27, Jessielouwho, tomster, Rynsgonnawin, Bprax, Knyghtraven, kamannix, Dark Angel Bakura, Niassa, tireddadx3, KatherineWriting, kvoitik, Gothessa, KristinaVH, Contemplative Cat, bdillvarga, Grachael, D. Renee, Katalabar, tregina12000, eBirdie, Basil Cliffside, Cait4960, Lotiel, Bauer4, Lavenderleaf31, ehut24, BleuReivers, pbvela, beckibloom, Mary-Lynette, Nekonezumi, hong z chao, samcadams, RiverSeal, L. Evans, Kimberly Christianson Kennedy, fishmama, TeenWriter, InspectorStevi, Sherrie Henry, MoGoJoJo, Anastasia007, tcaldwell, helens84, emmeinde, AnnaVanEast, johnthetech, cableshaft, Avatarra, thewolfatyourdoor, hrashid24, fdahlman, Me - n - Jesus, cchh, bird7s, rons_pigwidgeon, DoubleKaleidoscope, rubyliveshere, Creslix, CharlesHowell, MRaeN, nowhereliz, odd soul, Allan Lancer, WhimsicalSnowflake, DJRM, SarahK06, Silverwing66, marisalynn, Lady Gao, AmyAlessio, Syzygophile, MelShakespeare, KayTi, hmb, Whitey, andrea_writes, narigonia, Kwajgal, dunhamrc, winter_rose, carrythesky, ShiningStarsInHisEyes, CJEGV, SadieRose, SarahMaryCath, horatio, skyedancer_rae, BetsyD, meashastone, steve.the.redbird.fan, Mieza, RLShepherd, Manthicus, skeptic_chef, jennyglasscock, Falconlore, Brynn001, Carolyn72, Golden Embers, chasethewind, deanshake, mlywag, TheRogueParadox, danareadsbooks, CD0189, Puppydog605, Horizon77, Spurfy Sora, mindiloohoo, WendyByrne, Ami_writes_Stuff, EWD1, harlyss, stephsco, Cedison, Big Cardboard Square, jlosacco, R_C_LandPsMommy05, sorakazeno, doconnor, Mary Frances Gualandri, and MelanisticMoon.
Congratulations also to the 18K Challenge winners who averaged 3000+ words in the final six days of NaNo: Ajey, mochomito, Whitey, Amarenthina, Anobi, Basil Cliffside, TRRDEDEAN, and Me-n-Jesus. You will each receive your special button(s).
Sam, Frank and I have enjoyed being your volunteer Municipal Liaisons for NaNoWriMo for this wonderful region of Naperville that serves the cities and suburbs west of Chicago. We look forward to seeing many of you at the TGIO and at Journey events in this coming year. As always, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have or suggestions on how we can improve this event for everyone next year.
--Tim (NewMexicoKid)
Thanks to all of you it's been another successful Nano seasonin the Naperville region.
Special thanks to Sarah Kovac (SarahK06) for coordinating theLibrary Crawland to all the Libraries that participated (Aurora,Batavia,Bloomingdale,Carol Stream,College of DuPage Library,Geneva,Glen Ellyn,Glenside Public Library,Helen Plum LibraryLombard,Indian PrairieDarien,Naperville,Oswego,Plainfield,Warrenville,Wheaton,Woodridge, andSide Street Studio Artsin Elgin). Thanks to all of those who hosted write-in at the libraries or elsewhere, includingUniasus,TypesetJez,jen.e.moore,SarahK06,Cee-Bee, andCJEGV. Special thanks to Katherine (KatherineWriting) for hosting the all day write-in. And thanks to all who attended the write-ins and made them fun and productive. And one more special thanks to Ed (FredDuck) for keeping us all well fed and entertained throughout the month.
Of course these aren't the only people who deserve thanks. Go to the THANK YOU post in the regional forumsee all our thank yous and please add your own.
End of year Survey
We want your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts about this year's Nano season in the Naperville region bycompleting the NaperWriMo 2015 Survey.
What to do now that Nano is over? Join The Writing Journey
The Journey is the year-round a la carte writing group associated with the Naperville region of National Novel Writing Month. All events are free and open to everyone. We thank our new sponsors: Woodridge Public Library and Glen Ellyn Public Library.To join (or rejoin for existing Journey members), please take this survey: http://journey.naperwrimo.org/survey2016/
For more information, see theWhat to do after NaNo? Join the Writing Journey!thread in the regional forum.
TGIO
We had another fantastic TGIO celebration with around 50people attending. Thanks to everyone for making the party so delicious and fun; and special thanks to John (johnthetech), Ed (FredDuck),Tim (NewMexicoKid), and Jen Moore (jen.e.moore) for their contributions to the door prizes. Thanks also to Sarah Kovac for creating and coordinating ourLibrary Crawland to all the libraries which contributed to the Library Crawl raffle.
Once again we would like to thank all who donated during the kick off party and special thanks to Naperville City Council members Judy Brodhead and Becky Anderson of Anderson's Bookshop for covering the 2016 kick-off and TGIO events. The other money we raised at the kick-of will cover the all-day write-ins in 2016 and 2017 and the kick-off and TGIO in 2017.
A link to the performance of our Regional Song "Typing Away Again Near Dear Ol' Naperville" is available on facebook and in our blog post.
See the Naperwrimo 2015 Thank Goodness It's Over Party blog entry for more pictures, videos and recap.
Donate to NaNoWriMo
It's not too late to give a little to the organization that gave us all so much in this wonderful November experience. NaNoWriMo wouldn't be possible without our donations that help fund the server and the small, hard working staff that run this multinational event. Many of you have already been very generous. If you haven't given yet and are in a position to do so, I encourage you to consider helping out.Consider giving something today.
Thanks for your participation and support for making a fun and successful Nano 2015.
Tim,Frank,andIhave enjoyed being your volunteer Municipal Liaisons (MLs)for NaNoWriMo for this wonderful region of Naperville that serves the cities and suburbs west of Chicago. This was Frank's last year as a ML. He will be stepping down to have more time to devote to family. We thank Frank for his years of service as an ML and for his contributions to the Naperville Nano region and The Journey. We look forward to Frank's continue participation as a member of the region and The Journey. We also look forward to seeing many of you at Journey events in this coming year. As always, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have or suggestions on how we can improve this event for everyone next year.
The forums will remain open year-round; check back from time to time as we will post some things there from the various Journey activities (like the annual Writer's Voice workshop, the fun Shakespeare Reader's Theatre opportunities, etc).