As we discussed at the Kick-Off, we will be having a number of "unofficial" write-ins around the area -- Williams (Harbour), Williams (across from Mac) and Burlington (location tba).
However, we hope that everyone who can will gather once a week at our central location, The Downtown Arts Centre, 28 Rebecca St., Hamilton. This is a fantastic place for us, since they are providing us with free space and a very cheap concession stand (big chocolate bars, pop, water, coffee, all only for one dollar).
The remaining question is: Do we want our Official Weekly Write-In to be on SATURDAY or SUNDAY?
Please state your preference here so that we can firm things up.
Oh, the difference between an "official" and an "unofficial" write-in? At least one ML will definitely be present at an official write-in, and there will be NaNo swag available. Eventually. When it arrives from HQ.
The time will be 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. unless there's an overwhelming desire to have it in the evening.
----------
Gale . . . www.ThornesQuest.com . . . or . . . www.stringingwords.creativemindwebdesign.com
75,167 / 50,000
Oct 27, 2008 - 16 18
I'll vote for Sunday by preference, but if it ends up being Saturday, that is okay as well.
Rhonda.
----------Yes, I'm from Hamilton! Ask me about flying monkeys and dancing bananas!
159,003 / 50,000
Oct 27, 2008 - 18 07
All Sundays are out for me as I work. If we have any events on a Saturday I will be able to make it.
KS
2,537 / 50,000
Oct 27, 2008 - 20 56
This coming week my preference is Sunday November 2nd. my monthly get together with friends is this coming Saturday so i am booked that day.
66,710 / 50,000
Oct 27, 2008 - 21 23
Except for this weekend, do you prefer Saturdays or Sundays? We are trying to find one day that will work all the way through the month. ----------
Gale . . . www.ThornesQuest.com . . . or . . . www.stringingwords.creativemindwebdesign.com
21,175 / 50,000
Oct 28, 2008 - 18 04
I can make either day work. I'm just exercising my right to vote. And avoiding doing my outline.
----------//--FantasyWriterGuy
http://fantasywriterguy.blogspot.com/
4,719 / 50,000
Oct 28, 2008 - 19 27
Saturday, Saturday, Saturday! Sunday would be such the pain in the tushy for me o.< And since I have resolved with Ziggi to try and make every write in, Saturday is my vote.
50,299 / 50,000
Oct 28, 2008 - 21 51
My preference would be Saturday (though I can manage either..) but Saturday would be best!
3 days to go..... and I think I've finally found my plot... Yay!!!
8,723 / 50,000
Oct 28, 2008 - 22 29
Sunday would be my preference....parking is better on Sundays
0 / 50,000
Oct 28, 2008 - 23 13
Sunday for me, I work every Saturday
----------wordcount widgets
55,453 / 50,000
Oct 28, 2008 - 23 25
Sunday works better for me. Meetings and family retreats from the city are filling my Saturdays.
102,915 / 50,000
Oct 29, 2008 - 06 55
Seconded. Except I'm avoiding day-job work.
2,537 / 50,000
Oct 29, 2008 - 10 30
My schedule is flexible but Sundays are overall the better day.
50,031 / 50,000
Oct 29, 2008 - 10 53
Sundays!
17,844 / 50,000
Oct 29, 2008 - 15 57
Saturdays would always be better for me. Sundays would be almost impossible.
----------Llyn
0 / 50,000
Oct 30, 2008 - 07 35
Sundays are better for me, but I can make Saturdays work, too.
66,710 / 50,000
Oct 30, 2008 - 10 03
My own preference is Saturday. If it's Sunday, I will have to miss church, as physically I cannot manage going to church in the morning and then doing a write-in in the afternoon.
----------Gale . . . www.ThornesQuest.com . . . or . . . www.stringingwords.creativemindwebdesign.com
66,710 / 50,000
Oct 30, 2008 - 11 23
Welestra and I have been talking, and we want to propose that we alternate between Saturdays and Sundays. The preferences are about evenly split, and we noticed that KnightStar can never come on a Sunday, while acquitas85 can never come on a Saturday.
How's this schedule?
Sunday, Nov. 2
Saturday, Nov. 8
Sunday, Nov 16
Saturday, Nov 22
Sunday, Nov 30
With each meeting starting at 1 p.m. and going until 4 p.m.
----------Gale . . . www.ThornesQuest.com . . . or . . . www.stringingwords.creativemindwebdesign.com
102,915 / 50,000
Oct 30, 2008 - 11 38
How's this schedule?
Sunday, Nov. 2
Saturday, Nov. 8
Sunday, Nov 16
Saturday, Nov 22
Sunday, Nov 30
With each meeting starting at 1 p.m. and going until 4 p.m.
Sounds like an excellent plan to me!
55,453 / 50,000
Oct 30, 2008 - 12 18
I like the alternating dates better than anything else! Looks good!
8,723 / 50,000
Oct 30, 2008 - 12 41
Good idea.....!!!!
75,167 / 50,000
Oct 30, 2008 - 15 31
My calendar is, as 'they' say, 'locked and loaded'!!!!
YAY!!
----------Yes, I'm from Hamilton! Ask me about flying monkeys and dancing bananas!
150,202 / 50,000
Oct 30, 2008 - 19 42
Rhonda, are you still wanting to host a write-in this weekend also? I remember you talking about wanting to do one this weekend on the day the official one WASN'T on.
----------159,003 / 50,000
Oct 31, 2008 - 06 59
Thank you so much for working out something that allows all of us a chance to attend write-ins. Last year I worked 7 days a week and couldn't attend any events.
I have marked my calendar and look forward to the Saturday write-ins.
KS
83,370 / 50,000
Oct 31, 2008 - 22 04
Works for me:-D Though, this weekend I am entirely dependant on Ms Rhonda as my bus pass has expired :P
--------------
Ziggle Blindy McDeaferson Wall D.W. Abba Abba Jo Lichken Treagol Walking-Talking-Map Princess Skull Winter!
Nanowrimo '08: Whiskey (83K)
ScriptFrenzy '08: The Attendants (4 episodes [hour long each], 192 pages)
Nanowrimo '07: Volens Piscis (79K
6,964 / 50,000
Nov 1, 2008 - 17 09
Hi all:
Sara the newby here. What can I expect at tomorrow's write-in? Is it about the writing, or the socializing, or both? Just want to know if I should bring my laptop with me.
It's at Rebecca Street, right?
Thanks,
Sara, who's spent more time today writing on these boards than in her novel. :)
83,370 / 50,000
Nov 1, 2008 - 17 45
Sara the newby here. What can I expect at tomorrow's write-in? Is it about the writing, or the socializing, or both? Just want to know if I should bring my laptop with me.
It's at Rebecca Street, right?
Thanks,
Sara, who's spent more time today writing on these boards than in her novel. :)
My suggestion is bring your laptop. You don't have to write all the time, but I'm sure a lot of us will want some down time to write and that way you have the option of joining in.
We do socialize a lot and I'm going to assume we will tomorrow, as well. But, we'll seperate into groups of writers and socializers, like we usually do. Feel free to jump into both, though. Just quiet time means quiet time (I have a hard time following this rule)
It will be fun, no matter, though:-D
----
Ziggle Blindy McDeaferson Wall D.W. Abba Abba Jo Lichken Treagol Walking-Talking-Map Princess Skull Winter!
ScriptFrenzy '08: The Attendants (4 episodes [hour long each])
----------Nanowrimo '07: Volens Piscis (79K)
Nanowrimo '06: Halydon (50K)
----
Ziggle Blindy McDeaferson Wall D.W. Abba Abba Jo Lichken Treagol Walking-Talking-Map Princess Skull Winter!
Nanowrimo '08: Whiskey (83K)
ScriptFrenzy '08: The Attendants (4 episodes [hour long each], 192 pages)
Nanowrimo '07: Volens Piscis (79K
83,370 / 50,000
Nov 1, 2008 - 17 45
Sara the newby here. What can I expect at tomorrow's write-in? Is it about the writing, or the socializing, or both? Just want to know if I should bring my laptop with me.
It's at Rebecca Street, right?
Thanks,
Sara, who's spent more time today writing on these boards than in her novel. :)
My suggestion is bring your laptop. You don't have to write all the time, but I'm sure a lot of us will want some down time to write and that way you have the option of joining in.
We do socialize a lot and I'm going to assume we will tomorrow, as well. But, we'll seperate into groups of writers and socializers, like we usually do. Feel free to jump into both, though. Just quiet time means quiet time (I have a hard time following this rule)
It will be fun, no matter, though:-D
----
Ziggle Blindy McDeaferson Wall D.W. Abba Abba Jo Lichken Treagol Walking-Talking-Map Princess Skull Winter!
ScriptFrenzy '08: The Attendants (4 episodes [hour long each])
----------Nanowrimo '07: Volens Piscis (79K)
Nanowrimo '06: Halydon (50K)
----
Ziggle Blindy McDeaferson Wall D.W. Abba Abba Jo Lichken Treagol Walking-Talking-Map Princess Skull Winter!
Nanowrimo '08: Whiskey (83K)
ScriptFrenzy '08: The Attendants (4 episodes [hour long each], 192 pages)
Nanowrimo '07: Volens Piscis (79K
2,537 / 50,000
Nov 1, 2008 - 21 10
Laughs as Ziggi again sends her reply twice. We socialize and write. i hope we do the word prompt thing again. Anyway hope to see everyone there.
83,370 / 50,000
Nov 1, 2008 - 21 17
It was the site, I swear!
--------------
Ziggle Blindy McDeaferson Wall D.W. Abba Abba Jo Lichken Treagol Walking-Talking-Map Princess Skull Winter!
Nanowrimo '08: Whiskey (83K)
ScriptFrenzy '08: The Attendants (4 episodes [hour long each], 192 pages)
Nanowrimo '07: Volens Piscis (79K
21,175 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2008 - 22 55
The calendar shows write-ins Tuesdays at 6PM. Have we decided the location(s)? Or if this information is in another thread, please direct me. I'm not finding it.
Life got in the way of the last couple events but I'm free this Tuesday. Hope to see some of you then.
Snorbles.
----------//--FantasyWriterGuy
http://fantasywriterguy.blogspot.com/
66,710 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2008 - 23 22
The Tuesday evening write ins are at the Williams Coffee Pub down by the Harbour (Guise St., I believe), and GirlWithAPearl is facilitating/hosting. I you pass your cursor over the item in the calendar it should bring up all the info, including the address. If passing over doesn't work, you might try clicking.
I'm planning on being there. Looking forward to seeing you!
I wonder if we should start a Tuesday evening thread, just for clarity of communication.
----------Gale . . . www.ThornesQuest.com . . . or . . . www.stringingwords.creativemindwebdesign.com
6,964 / 50,000
Nov 4, 2008 - 00 03
Hi guys:
I wasn't able to make it till about 3:30 yesterday, but I thought I'd at least pop in and say hi. Anyway, I got to the door facing Rebecca Street and rang the bell, but I'm not sure if anyone heard me. There was much coming and going of props or something for some event or other, but I didn't hear any evidence of you all. This may seem silly, but I'm blind, and so I fear I may have gone to the wrong door and waited there, just out of site of a side door which I think I heard being opened and closed. This is a mystery worthy of a nano novel if ever I heard one. Any enlightenment would be greatly appreciated. :)
Ah well... No harm done. I just wanted to meet you all. Anyway, I hope yesterday's session went well!
A slightly perplexed
Sara
2,537 / 50,000
Nov 4, 2008 - 08 16
I am so sorry we missed you! The door is/was manned by a woman from the DAC and I suppose she was busy and missed you buzzing to get in. We were up on the third floor so there was no way we would of heard the buzzer. I hope you make it this coming Saturday though once more 1 to 4. We had the typewriter cake again and picture hopefully will e appearing on the site and I will be bringing cupcake this week too!
66,710 / 50,000
Nov 4, 2008 - 09 10
I, too, am sorry that we missed you, Sara! Did you drive all the way in from Brantford, just to connect with us? Aaaaah!
We used to meet in a coffee shop. The good thing about our new space is that it is private and we don't have to worry about whether we have enough tables near each other to be able to talk as a group. The bad thing is that the door is always locked -- because of the location right downtown -- and so we have to rely on our "door person" to let people in.
Welestra, do you think you could let the DAC know what happened and find out what we can do about it for next time?
Sara, any chance that you can come this Saturday?
----------Gale . . . www.ThornesQuest.com . . . or . . . www.stringingwords.creativemindwebdesign.com
6,964 / 50,000
Nov 4, 2008 - 15 13
I hope to come on Saturday. It'll be sometime between 1:00 and 2:00 I think, depending on the bus. No, I didn't drive in only for this event. Luckily, I had church on Sunday in Hamilton anyway.
Sara
66,710 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2008 - 08 38
Is everyone pumped for Saturday's write-in?
Weekly Contest
Every week, we try to have a different "contest" at the official write in. Last week it was, simply, "Who has the highest word count?" Ziggi won that. Congrats, Ziggmeister! Keep writing!
This week's contest, as I announced last week, is "Who has the most improved word count?" To figure that out, record what your word count was on Sunday, Nov 2 at 11:59 p.m.. Then record what it is Saturday, Nov 8 at 1 p.m. (when the write-in starts). Subtract Sunday's word count from Saturday's word count. Then get out your calculator and find out the percentage increase.
Example #1: if your word count on Sunday night was 4,000 and your word count on Saturday at 1 p.m. is 12,000, the difference is 8,000. Divide 8,000 by 4,000 and multiply by 100: your improvement is 200%.
Example #2: if your word count on Sunday night was 396, and your word count on Saturday at 1 p.m. is 3797, the difference is 3401. Divide 3401 by 396 and multiply by 100: your improvement is a whomping 858%.
Make sense? Anyone, no matter how high or low their word count is, has a chance of winning this one!
(If percentages freak you out, just bring the 2 word counts, and I'll help you do the calculations at the write-in)
Ring The Bell!
The other thing I'd like to try on Saturday is to have everyone commit to a goal for the write-in. You can pick your own goal. If you're a slow and steady writer, maybe you'll only pick a goal of 500 or 1000. If you are a write-as-fast-as-you-can-type writer, you might pick a much higher goal.
I'm going to bring a bell and, of course, the treasure bag. When you meet your goal, you get to ring the bell, receive our applause and then select a prize from the bag.
Can't wait to see you all on Saturday!
----------Gale . . . www.ThornesQuest.com . . . or . . . www.stringingwords.creativemindwebdesign.com
6,964 / 50,000
Nov 8, 2008 - 02 22
Hi all:
Unfortunately, life has caught up with me this week and so I am unable to come to the write-in later today. However, I really hope to get to next Sunday's!
Sara, who needs to update her word-count by actually writing more
P.S. I have no idea how I'm going to put flying monkies and dancing bananas in my novel. :)
66,710 / 50,000
Nov 8, 2008 - 10 12
It could be in a dream sequence. That would work in any novel of any genre, I think.
I'm sorry you can't come to the write-in today. I haven't mentioned it this year, so you wouldn't know it, but I grew up in Brantford, so I was looking forward to meeting another Brantfordian ... Brantfordite ... er ... person from Brantford!
Now, get writing, woman! :-)
----------Gale . . . www.ThornesQuest.com . . . or . . . www.stringingwords.creativemindwebdesign.com
21,540 / 50,000
Nov 8, 2008 - 10 14
not gonna be there today. practising music with my accompanist and writing a report for english =\
----------http://www.TristanPEJ.com
The Universe of Tristan: News and Stories from around the world.
159,003 / 50,000
Nov 9, 2008 - 08 04
Hi Gale,
It was great to finally meet you andsome of the others. I'm looking forward to the next write-in that's on a Saturday, hopefully I'll have my laptop with me.
KS
66,710 / 50,000
Nov 9, 2008 - 09 50
It was great to finally meet you andsome of the others. I'm looking forward to the next write-in that's on a Saturday, hopefully I'll have my laptop with me.
KS, it was great finally to meet you, too, after seeing you post on these boards for ... two years? ... three years? Anyway, yes! See you in two weeks! ----------
Gale . . . www.ThornesQuest.com . . . or . . . www.stringingwords.creativemindwebdesign.com
150,202 / 50,000
Nov 14, 2008 - 15 56
Something I feel I need to say here...
To those of you guys that went to Saturday's write-in. I want to apologize in part for the treatment you guys received. I understand there were some unpleasant situations, and I am in part to blame. Although I'm quite sure I mentioned to Margaret that we would be doing Saturday and Sunday write-ins on alternate weeks, I didn't confirm last Saturday's date. They were aware that we were looking to have one, but I forgot to give them the definite on that. So on that I do apologize. However, that doesn't mean you should have been treated the way you did, and I'd like to think that maybe it was just shock and emotions getting the better of her. She's human, like all of us.
There was mention of a water bottle being left on the piano. While I don't recall one being there, and it was mostly my stuff all over it (bottle not included) I don't think it was us. I AM going to ask that if you did leave a bottle there please contact me privately. I'm not going to be upset, I'm not going to raz you out or anything like that. It'll be strictly between you and me. But if it was us, I do have to know. According to what I was told by Maria at the Sunday write-in, the reason the piano was even there was because it was still being used by another group, and it would have been too much hassle to roll it in and out (it doesn't roll very well, she's an old girl that piano). So it's quite possible it wasn't even us, and I'm more inclined to think so. I don't know if anyone else here was aware, but we were $5 short in the till. I was told not to worry about it. The coffee didn't add up, and Maria informed me that she wasn't going to worry about it. Thinking on it afterwards, I believe it was the coffee thermos that had leaked (that was that really loud and annoying noise we heard) so I think that contributed to the 'loss' of $5. Everything else checked out, and that was what was important. Bringing the concession stand up was her idea, and I don't think it was passed along to Margaret. Hence why it wasn't up there.
So again guys, I apologize for the crappy write-in you had. I will be talking to Margaret about the write-in and get to the bottom of things, and see where that takes us. I honestly believe this is just a bump in the road as it were and that we can get past this. If there's anything else you think I should know, or what to share about how you felt at the write-in please don't hesitate to contact me. And I think from this point on until further notice I will ask that no outside goodies be brought to write-ins. This will be going out in an email tonight, so hopefully everyone is aware of that.
-Welestra
----------66,710 / 50,000
Nov 15, 2008 - 19 25
Welestra and I have just spoken on the phone. She has not yet been able to get in touch with Margaret at the DAC, but has left her a message. Therefore . . .
Tomorrow's write-in will be at the William's on the Pier (47 Guise St), NOT at the DAC.
This news will also go out in a quick mass e-mail, and Welestra will be at the DAC to connect with anyone who arrives there tomorrow, not having gotten the word.
For bus riders, Welestra says that it is the Bayfront bus which goes down to the pier. But you should check the bus schedule on the Hamilton.ca website to be sure of times and routes on a Sunday.
I'm sorry for the change, and I hope that we'll be back at the DAC next Saturday. See you all tomorrow!
----------Gale . . . www.ThornesQuest.com . . . or . . . www.stringingwords.creativemindwebdesign.com
102,915 / 50,000
Nov 15, 2008 - 20 05
For bus riders, Welestra says that it is the Bayfront bus which goes down to the pier. But you should check the bus schedule on the Hamilton.ca website to be sure of times and routes on a Sunday.
I'll throw in the basic information here, because I know the schedules on the website can be a little frustrating to use:
On sunday afternoons, the Bayfront leaves Gore park every half-hour on the half-hour, so 12:30 pm, 1:00 pm, and so on. You can catch it on the west side of James street, pretty much in line with the far sidewalk of Gore Park - so if you start from where Infusions used to be, and keep walking towards James and across it, then you'll be there.
The bus takes around 11 minutes to get to James and Burlington, which is close enough to walk to the pier. So those of us coming by bus will either be a bit early or a bit late for a 1pm start. Once you get to Burlington street, you can keep walking north until you reach Guise street, across it, and then find a pathway going further north into the Harbour.
Hope that this helps somebody out maybe.
66,710 / 50,000
Nov 20, 2008 - 18 40
Welestra has still not been able to make contact with anyone at the DAC to sort out our communication problems there, so she and I have decided that ...
THE REMAINING TWO OFFICIAL WRITE INS WILL BE AT WILLIAMS (PIER).
Saturday, Nov 23 and Sunday Nov 30.
We know this is not quite as convenient to get to as the DAC, but it is very congenial, and everyone who was there last Sunday had a great, relaxed, word-filled afternoon.
I'm looking forward to seeing LOTS of you this coming Saturday. We've pulled ahead of Delaware for the first time in about two weeks; now we have to maintain our lead until the 30th.
Keep writing, Hamilton!
----------Gale . . . www.ThornesQuest.com . . . or . . . www.stringingwords.creativemindwebdesign.com
66,710 / 50,000
Nov 22, 2008 - 10 39
Captain Patrick and I spent all night in Emergency with a family member. I came home at 4 a.m., but Captain Patrick is still there doing his support thing. I don't think that there is any way either of us can get to the write in this afternoon.
Write lotsa words, everyone!
----------Gale . . . www.ThornesQuest.com . . . or . . . www.stringingwords.creativemindwebdesign.com
159,003 / 50,000
Nov 22, 2008 - 15 26
Gale, I hope everything is okay. Sending positive energy, prayers and hugs.
I have to pass as well, unexpected company from Europe - they leave tomorrow so it's our only chance to see them. I will be doing a private write in tonight while everyone is in bed. I'm aiming for 10K by morning.
KS
66,710 / 50,000
Nov 23, 2008 - 00 01
Thanks for the good energy, KS. All is well. There was minor surgery, and now I'll be supporting my family member through a few weeks of home care visits. But we've been there before, and we know the drill. It's alright. ----------
Gale . . . www.ThornesQuest.com . . . or . . . www.stringingwords.creativemindwebdesign.com
102,915 / 50,000
Nov 26, 2008 - 08 37
Just thought I'd mention this - last night there were a few people who mentioned that they wouldn't be able to make it this Sunday, and I suggested possibly moving the write-in this weekend back to Saturday. Any thoughts? Are there many people who could make it Sunday but not Saturday? Can we have Williams get-togethers both days this weekend, possibly? :)
66,710 / 50,000
Nov 26, 2008 - 14 02
Captain P and I are two who can make it Saturday, but not Sunday. Two friends of ours are being ordained on Sunday, and we'd very much like to be there with them.
----------Gale . . . www.ThornesQuest.com . . . or . . . www.stringingwords.creativemindwebdesign.com
75,167 / 50,000
Nov 26, 2008 - 15 10
I can make it Saturday or Sunday, but would prefer Saturday.
Rhonda.
----------Yes, I'm from Hamilton! Ask me about flying monkeys and dancing bananas!
83,370 / 50,000
Nov 26, 2008 - 17 51
I won't know until Friday.
I have a wedding Friday which means I'll be up really late. And, I'm getting together with Carasin to do my power point for a seminar I have to give next weekend. I can't do it Sunday 'cause of annual all day writing session. But, if Carasin is going to the write-in, then I can go, I guess. I'll have to talk to her.
--------------
Ziggle Blindy McDeaferson Wall D.W. Abba Abba Jo Lichken Treagol Walking-Talking-Map Princess Skull Winter!
Nanowrimo '08: Whiskey (83K)
ScriptFrenzy '08: The Attendants (4 episodes [hour long each], 192 pages)
Nanowrimo '07: Volens Piscis (79K
83,370 / 50,000
Nov 26, 2008 - 17 51
I meant, I don't know if I can make in Saturday. I don't know if I made that clear . .
--------------
Ziggle Blindy McDeaferson Wall D.W. Abba Abba Jo Lichken Treagol Walking-Talking-Map Princess Skull Winter!
Nanowrimo '08: Whiskey (83K)
ScriptFrenzy '08: The Attendants (4 episodes [hour long each], 192 pages)
Nanowrimo '07: Volens Piscis (79K
102,915 / 50,000
Nov 28, 2008 - 20 22
Okay, since nobody has spoken up in favor of Sunday, and the weather forecast is talking about wet snow that day - I will be going tomorrow afternoon, probably be there before 1. :)
66,710 / 50,000
Nov 28, 2008 - 22 37
Captain Patrick and I will be there tomorrow, Saturday, at 1.
----------Gale . . . www.ThornesQuest.com . . . or . . . www.stringingwords.creativemindwebdesign.com
Nanowrimo home