Help Wanted! NaNoWriMo 2022 Write-In Suggestions Needed

 

Hello Sockmonkeys!

It's hard to believe we're here again, but it's the beginning of October and preparations for NaNoWriMo are underway. After two years of online only events, NaNoWriMo HQ has allowed for official in person write-ins with two caveats: steps must be taken to reduce any potential harm to those who attend events in person and no one is required to host in person events. In keeping with their official stance on harm reduction , I ask that everyone who attends an in-person write-in wear a mask and that you do NOT attend if you or someone you live with may have been exposed to Covid-19 or if you are sick with any cold or flu virus.

In order to mitigate my risk, I will host a majority of my events online, but there may be a few in-person events - if I can find suitable locations.  This is where you come in, Sockmonkeys.

Usually, I happily reserve meeting rooms at various branches of the Pierce County Library system, but, when I looked at their meeting room use page online, I found:

The most pertinent of the bullet points listed are:

*Canceled all public meetings in public meeting rooms.

*Closed all conference rooms to the public.

This severely limits the number of locations I am familiar with that have seating, tables and outlets (along with restroom facilities) that can accommodate a write-in or regional NaNoWriMo event, so, if you know of any places in your area where we might hold a write in, this year or in the future, please add that information to this Write In Location Suggestions Google form.

If you'd prefer not to use the form, please e-mail me at pcsockmonkeywriters (at) gmail.com with the answers to as many of these prompts as possible:

Location name, address and phone number or email at the very least. 

If possible: a contact name; if there are outlets writers can use; how many writers it could accommodate; is there plenty of parking; is it close to a bus line; can it accommodate writers with disabilities and any other things you think might be helpful.

Not participating in NaNoWriMo this year? That's okay. Please add suggestions anyhow. It would really help me out.

Thank you!

New Tacoma area writing meet up on January 11th

Happy 2020 Sockmonkeys!

I know, it's been pretty quiet here on the blog.  Sorry about that.  In any case, here's your first update of the New Year - an invitation to a fledgling writing group in Tacoma, if you're interested and available to attend.  I'll start with the original post from the NaNo site/FB group:

In case folks are using a text reader and can't read the words in the screenshot, here is the text:

"Hi, now that the crush is over, I'm interested in following up on this topic- imagining it as Post-Nano groups.

1. I'm looking for one or two critique partners with whom I can share WIP's.  I currently have one fantasy novel in late beta, and two short stories that need some editing.  I'm (sic) have a fair amount of experience doing critiques, and am reasonably gentle in my comments! (I taught HS english for 8 years.)
2.  I'm also interested in a monthly or bi-monthly writing group located in Stadium district or north (I live just north of the Proctor District. There are some good coffee houses around. I'm sad that Metronome closed.
3. As a lifelong writer, I know that there is always more to learn about the craft, so I'm interested in a small group (2 - 4) who would be willing to work through one of the many excellent books on the craft of writing, sharing assignments and doing peer critiques.  Books that I have found helpful include: Steering The Craft (Le Guin), Story Genius (Cron), Story Trumps Structure (James).  My idea for an approach would be to read a chapter every two weeks or so, and then share responses to the assignments.  It's really a self-organizing class, run at what ever level of intensity works for folks.

Thanks for listening:

johngreville (NaNo name)"

It is great that johngreville and another Sockmonkey from the NaNo site were able to connect that way and get something started!  Thank you for posting it in the group and sharing it with everyone.  You have three very interesting ideas there and a writing group could encompass any or all of those things as the attending members agree and decide where to take the group.  He also recently posted a brief update with the date, time and location of their first meeting:

For those with text readers it says:

"Wishing all you industrious Sockmonkeys a joyous New Year and many successes in 2020. Coming up first is a casual write in on January 11, 11:00 am, at Bluebeard Coffee on 6th Ave in Tacoma.  So far two of us are attending.  All are welcome.

Cheers!"

Whether you can attend this first meeting or not, if you're interested in joining a group to write in that general area of Tacoma, please, post in the comments and/or send a quick note (either via email or using the "Questions? Ideas? Let us know." box on the side of the blog) with your contact info and I will forward it on to johngreville so he can add you to their communications more directly.  [I'm a bit sad I don't live closer so that I can attend a write in I don't have to host! ;) ]

Many writers tend to make a writing related New Year's resolution.  If yours is to write more regularly or to get more involved in the local writing community or...you name it, there are many possibilities...attending an in person write in (if you are able to do so) is a great way to do that.  Also, remember that Tacoma is a big city and part of the larger Pierce County area, so if this particular locale/date/time/etc., doesn't work for you, consider hosting one of your own at a time and place that is convenient for you.  But remember, be patient and persistent.  We're all creatures of habit and you're hoping people will disrupt their usual habit at that time to create a new one with someone they haven't met, so you may not get any "takers" at the start.  Just be assured that if people know it's available on a regular basis, they are more likely to put it into their schedule in the future.

Do you know of any new writing groups forming in our area this year?  

How is your writing progressing now that we're past the winter holidays and into the new year?  

Do you know of any local writing classes or workshops that can be posted here? 

Any questions about this post?  

Please, leave your answers or questions in the comments so the info can be passed along to other writers in the area!

Calling all Sockmonkey Crafters and Potential Helper Monkeys!

During our Pie Day and Mug Exchange, I explained to people my hope that more people from around the region could get involved in preparing things for NaNoWriMo get togethers, prizes, goody bags, etc., partially so it does not fall solely on one or two MLs/volunteers to prepare things, but also to help build more of a feeling of belonging and participation among our group members.  It would be difficult for me to make 30 - 50 handcrafted items to hand out prior to NaNoWriMo on my own, but would be much easier if a small group of crafters were willing to help with the creation of the items, not to mention just having help packaging them all into bags prior to the Kickoff or TGIO events.  (It can also be costly to purchase large amounts of supplies and/or trinkets, pencils, supplies, etc., to go in the bags or prizes.) Plus, it goes more quickly and can be a fun group activity and a way of getting to know other regional writers prior to NaNo, when many people are busy just trying to get words down.

But, it is hard to know who might be willing to help with what, since many people have their favored social media sites and just posting it to one would mean others didn't hear about the ideas and/or the need.  So, I am writing this post to explain and to house the links to two surveys that will help me get information on what people are willing to help with (schedule and other things permitting) and give me a more direct way of contacting them than just general social media or blog posts.

When you have a few moments, please, look over the surveys and fill out one or both, if you're willing to help with any of the crafts or items listed.  Your email won't be given out and you will only be contacted by the PCSockmonkeyWriters email when a potential project or need you've marked has been identified.

Please click here to fill out our Sockmonkey Crafter Survey

Please click here to fill out our general Sockmonkey Helper Monkey Survey

Thank you so much for looking at these and letting us know how you might be willing to help the group in the future!

If you have any questions or comments, you can leave them on the individual survey or you can also ask them in the comments below.