Timewaster's Guide Archive
Local Authors => Writing Group => Topic started by: Nessa on November 10, 2006, 12:50:03 PM
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The votes were cast (all two of them) for the name of our writer's group. It was time to start a new writer's group thread now that the group has been reconfigured.
Shrain is next on the schedule (http://www.vanessakchristenson.com/writersgroup.htm). She says she'll send out her submission soon.
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Yesiree. I plan to send it out by Sunday at the latest, folks.
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Kaykelolo (Hannah) won't be able to attend for a while because of work schedules. Hopefully when life isn't so busy she can come back.
Also, Kris has mentioned that she'll be out of town next week for Shrain's submission. This would leave me, Jena, and (perhaps....) Neuronscream and neiana available. Is it a go, Shrain, or do you want to reschedule?
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/me considers.
You know, this might not be a bad thing really. I've been wanting to have a brainstorming/outlining help session. You and Jena *know* I've been having a tough time with this. And since you both have read everything (George too), I'm really hopeful that this turns out to be just what the muse ordered. :D How does this sound to everyone who's gonna be there?
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I'm fine with that. Just a warning: my internet has been in the blink again, so if I'm not there, it's not my fault!
Edit: So I shouldn't be expecting a submission this week, right?
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Nope. I'm just going to get some help with "bridging" between events and other outlining stuff that's killing me. :P
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Ugh. I'm being killed, too. I'm in the middle of rewrites and am completely stuck on a few scenes that my alpha readers claim need work. I just can't fix these scenes, my creative juices just aren't flowing.
Must push through writer's block somehow.
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Chocolate cures writers block. Or at least makes it easier to live with. :)
I do have comments coming for you Nessa. Work has just been grumpy with me.
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On Wednesday Shrain, Jena and myself discussed the plot for Shrain's story, but we ran out of time. We'll continue the discussion next week (we don't have a regularly scheduled submission that day). I will be at my parents' house, but will have access to the internet, so I can attend, I just need a day/time to plan around. (About lunchtime would probably be good for me, or else in the later evening.)
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Okay gals (by which I mean the fabulous Nessa and Jena), we'll plan on another outlining/hammersarah'snovelintoline jam session tonite at the regular time while Jena makes fleets of pies and Nessa hangs out at her mum's house.
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So are we still on for this week, everyone? It's NeuronScream's turn.
Edit: George is ready to go, but we'll be meeting at 7:30 instead of 7:00 pm. Expect a submission Tuesday sometime.
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It's Jena/Kris's turn this week. When can we expect your chapters?
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Yesh. When are we gonna get some more vampage!! ;D
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Next up: me, on December 12. Note that we are changing the day to Tuesday (this week only--we'll return to regular scheduling after). We'll meet at 7pm (unless George is certain he's coming...).
I'll send out my chapters soon.
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Works for me. Thanks for the patience last night. My dad's bday party went late, so I'm glad ya'll still got together. :)
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Reminder about writer's group this week, on Wednesday at 7pm (MST). Shrain, you gonna send out the submission soon?
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*cough* *sniffle* Well, um... Upon my arrival in SLC, my dad seems to have shared his cold with me. Heckuva homecoming present, eh? I've got a sore throat and achey feeling. :P Oh, and my luggage is only just *now* arriving in SLC. bah. Dumb airline. So I won't even have my bags until tomorrow.
So.... I've only written the first page or two of my short story, and I dunno if it's gonna be more than that before early afternoon. :-[ I t's so frustrating! I guess if I can't beef it up by 1 or 2, then I'll just have to cancel. Sorry folks.
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My last three chapters are ready, just in case we don't want to waste the meeting. ;D ;)
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oh, so I'm busy coughing and aching and alls you can think of is snagging my time slot, eh??
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*coughs Ahem. Well. You know me.
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*sigh* Always the opportunist, I see. ;)
Well, I just woke up from a nap.... so if you want to send those chs, it's okay by me. I've got time to read 'em before 7pm. Of course, I don't know if others will be able to read the submission in time. Sorry to throw things off like this. :-[
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Oh well. It's the holidays. Everyone's schedules are all crazy, anyway. Have fun with the family, get better, and I'll see you next week!
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*shares her chicken soup with Shrain* I'm sick too, so fell over and died last night. Didn't even think beyond that. But should be go for next week.
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*pats* I hope you aren't at work, young lady! you should be at home next to a Kleenex box and a neverending glass of water like I am. Oh, and thanks for the soup. ;)
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So what's the plan? I don't want to meet on the 27th (originally not scheduled). Shrain, you want me to stick you in somewhere before your next scheduled submission date? Will you be ready, say, for Jan 3 or 10th? I can re-arrange if necessary.
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I'm ready to pick back up next week. :) Shrain for the 3rd and then me for the 10th? or is that George? I'm happy to rearrange. Just want to get going again!!!
~J
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Err...I'll be on a plane somewhere over the mid-west on Wed. So I guess if we can move it to Thur., I can be there. As for a submission, I have written more of my story (hooray!). But it's still really short. :P
J, would you care to swap with me??
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George was scheduled for this Wednesday. But we missed Shrain last week, and we can haver her do it this Thursday instead, but I think we should give Shrain an extra week to work on stuff, so I'll schedule her for the 10th. The next meetings are the 17th and 24th (I will be out of town for the 24th). But before I assign anyone a day, what's George's schedule? Is he still planning to submit for the 3rd?
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Nessa is the pinnacle of reason, as usual. :D
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Okay, so.... you all probably got my email about postponing group until next week. My profound apologies and all that. :-[ But I'll have something for everyone next week! Stay tuned....
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Updated schedule (http://www.vanessakchristenson.com/writersgroup.htm)
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I think we had a good meeting last night going over Sarah's stuff.
Next up: Neuronscream
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You folks meet 7pm MST? That'll work for me if I abandon Welsh… though, to be honest, I was never excited about running down to campus right after dinner.
So… count me in if you folks are willing to put up with another member.
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Yep. 7pm on Wednesdays. Still waiting for a submission from neuronscream...
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'allo darlings. :) Any chance we can meet on Thursday this week? My Wednesday night got clobbered. If not then I'll get the sub out and ya'll can discuss with K and I'll pick up on the log after. Let me know.
~J
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Thursday is okey dokey with me.
In fact, I would be fine with changing it to Thursday from now on, if Jade decides he wants to go to the Welsh class after all. After all, that would mean I could ask a particular friend of mine over on Wednesday nights to watch Lost with me. ::) But of course, Thur might not work for everyone else, so...
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I can usually do either Wed or Thursday. This week my darling VT partner just happened to put our visits on Wednesday without remembering that I wasn't available. Sooo...I'm stuck.
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Erm . . . I'm in EUOL's class on Thursdays. So that doesn't work very well for me, unfortunately.
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LOL. Eh, what can you learn from him when you could have the five of us counseling you! I mean, he's an internationally published author, but so what. We're the editors--we call the real shots, like who stays on the slush pile or who makes it onto the EIC's desk. ;) (And if you don't know what an EIC is, you *really* need our help). ;D
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So... um, no submission = no group tonight, I guess. Since Jena and Nessa will be gone anyhow, I don't see how we can get things together for tonight. If Jena wants to do something tomorrow, even tho Jade can't make it, I'd be fine with that. Nueronscream and K, what do you think?
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The sub was scheduled to go out tonight. So either we do it tomorrow or wait until next week. I'm not particular which one, but need to know cause if we're not having group tomorrow then I'm going shopping for a new washing machine with my mum.
I've not heard from George this week. Thursdays are usually Kris' church night, which I forgot until now. May just be Shrain and I, in which case next week might be better.
~J
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Ahh. Yesh, next week then. Nessa will be back and Jade and K should be available and hopefully George too. And when the whole gang's together, you'll get much more useful feedback. Not that my comments alone wouldn't be dang awesome. ;D
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Still planning on Wednesday unless there's a reason not to. Should have the sub in the mail late tonight or tomorrow. Decided to toy with it after last week. Bad me. :P
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Still haven't received anything.
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That's cause work has been eating my face. I'm trying to get it together to send out here shortly. :'(
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aaack! Attack of the face-eating job!
I hope we get that submission before the no-face affliciation thing does Jena in.... ;)
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Yeah, let's see it!
*Drums fingers on the desk impatiently
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You should have it now. *looks sheepish* Did you know that if you don't press SEND mail just sits in your outbox?
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Ohh, is that how it works? You astound us all, my dear. ;)
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I'm next. You'll be receiving the submission soon (as well as back chapters for Jade). See updated schedule (http://www.vanessakchristenson.com/writersgroup.htm).
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I got it. Thanks!
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Allllrighty then. It's midnight on Sunday and I finally finished my resume design for my class tomorrow night. Yay!
So on Tuesday night, I will hit my chapter hard and send it out Wed morning. I'm sorry I'm cutting it so close. And it probably won't be very long. But goshdarnit, I am looking forrward to doing some writing. :)
Oh, Jade, I'll send you everything I have done so far. I will probably be adding some missing secenes to one of the earlier chs. So don't worry about getting to the end. Give it your best shot.
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There's no group this week, due to it being Valentine's Day tomorrow. Shrain will be submitting for next week.
Neuronscream, you've been busy; is it okay if I bump you back a little until you can attend more regularly?
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Oh yeah, huh! Sweet! I have more time to write. :D
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Shrain? Hello? Where's the submission for tomorrow? I neeeeeed more!
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It's coming, it's coming!
Sorry, this weekend turned into a doggy sitting weekend that included an asthma attack because my old roomie's downstairs neighbor decided to smoke like a chimney. Not being able to breathe really dampens the creative writing drive, I must say. Plus the doggies were quite clingy, given that mommy was away. They're so cute though.
Ahem. Anyway, I am going to send it out tonight before my class at 6pm (yesterday was a holiday, so my Mon class is tonight).
EDIT: Okay, everyone should have my (short) submission. I'll be on MSN at the regular time. :)
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Since neuronscream has been absent from group a lot lately, we will have to skip his turn this upcoming week. Jade, you're up for February 28th.
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I got Jade's sub. Did everyone else get it ok? Jena, I forwarded it to you b/c I didn't see ya on the list. Maybe you need to give Jade your email again?
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Will be sending out the submission tonight after work or first thing tomorrow. So if ya'll haven't seen it by tomorrow evening let me know.
~J
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Right-oh.
/me rubs hands together in anticipation.
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Heh...didn't get it out last night, but I'm finishing the last of the brush up and will be sending it out here soon. Got in an argument about reviews last night and all distracted.
~J
Update: Just sent it out. Anyone that didn't get it let me know.
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Sarah's turn is next. Updated Schedule (http://www.vanessakchristenson.com/writersgroup.htm)
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/me puts on her riot gear.
Um, folks, I had a personal emergency come up and so I am going to be occupied with some important business on Wed. night. I'm sorry that I have to leave y'all high and dry. I don't suppose anyone else wants to step in and meet w/o me?
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Not me on this late notice. Unless we want to go over my new and improved chapter 1 & 2 in my novel.
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I actually may have dinner with a prof tonight which could conflict (I don't know what time it is). So I don't mind if we delay a week.
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Ok. This week is canceled, due to too many absenses. Next week is probably a no-go too, since Jena will be unavailble. We'll see.
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Ack. Sorry for mucking things up, folks. :P
Honestly, I'd rather be doing group than what I have to do instead.
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Heh...Kris and I ran over to be on for this cause we didn't realized it was cancelled. We'll mail comments on the piece to you Nessa.
Next week I'm definately out, but she should be around.
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Oops. Should have emailed. Sorry about that.
Comments would be great. But, I think we will meet next week and go over mine. Since Jena had read it and will email comments, we can do mine next week, then Sarah the next week,and Jade after that.
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All right, so next week we do Nessa's rewrites? Okey dokey with me.
I should be good to submit for the 28th. :)
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So, I feel really bad, but I just discovered that I have a cleaning check the night of our meeting (tomorrow), and it sounds like it's going to be brutal. You may have to count me out this week again. =/ Very sorry.
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Shrain's comments were very helpful.
If any of you want to email edits/comments, that would be appreciated.
Next week's submission: Shrain
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Hi folks,
As some of you already know, I'm going to be, uh, "commandeering" tonight's group to discuss my desktop publishing project--an anthology of some excerpts from the die-hard members of our writing group. Namely, me, Jena and Kristin, SE, and Nessa. yay!
I'm really sorry that I can't include everyone in this. But I had to limit it because of the size of the project and the timeframe. So I went with the folks who've been super consistent with coming. So... again, sorry I have to leave some folks out.
OK. This project has to focus on design much more than content, given my assignment, but the design is going to be totally unique and (hopefully) showcase your writing in an awesome way. I've made some sketches that I will have to email to you guys tonight. I had a major disaster w/ my ibook last night. So I'll be working on a semi-crippled computer. *sob* But hopefully we can still have a good discussion about some various things.
First, I need everyone to figure out which 10 double-spaced pgs they want to submit. Next, what image would best represent your story? THis will be used on the cover and in the folio (page number) treatment. Also, think what sort of display font you want. I think each article should have its own unique font. I've got some neat fantasy/sci fi/old style fonts that I can post samples of later on.
Anyway, stay tuned for my email w/ those sketches when I get home from work. I am hoping this will be a fun project, guys. I hope to see everyone present and accounted for. We will rock Type & Gripe tonite. =D
~Shrain
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Jade is up next for April 4th.
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Jena and I were talking and, well, since Jade's sub is still a no-show, we could meet to discuss the anthology project. I'll be setting up my new computer (yay! no more broken ibook!). So I should be able to get on MSN just fine. Everyone should have gotten the sketches I sent. But I recently finished some actual spreads, so I will PDF them to you all. :)
First up, I'd like to get everyone's avatar. (I've got Nessa's and mine. I'm waiting for SE's brain avatar and whichever ones Jena and K choose to send).
Then we can discuss what you think of the spreads and stuff.
Oh, SE should be joining us. I hope. /me concentrates on making the planets align...
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Sorry 'bout this. School got really mean. I'm out of comission until the beginning of May, I fear. I can't promise I'll be able to read the sub for May 2nd, but I'll try. Expect me to participate fully again starting the 9th, however.
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Do we want to meet this week? Does Jena/Kris have a submission for us?
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We can. :) I'll have something out by tomorrow.
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Submission rec'd. woot!
I'll see y'all tonight. :)
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Submission out. Let me know if you didn't get it. Send last night.
~J
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Hey, Nessa. Just got your submission... and then I remembered how I have class *twice* this week (Monday as usual but Wed too). :P bah!! All because of the Patriot's Day holiday last week on Monday. I am in class until about 10pm, so I won't be able to be at group. Instead, I'll be scrambling to ask my teacher last-minute questions and so forth. Sorry. :(
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Hey, Nessa, I guess you haven't noticed this post from the 22nd yet. I should have thought to ask you about this while we were IMing the other day. But with so many things vying for my attention, I just plain forgot. I'm sorry I can't be at group tonight since I'll be in a "holiday makeup" class. :P
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I SHOULD be there, but there is a chance that work will be keeping me late tonight. I'll update as soon as I know anything.
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Actually, I'm glad no one showed up (except for Kris, who really wanted to go exercise instead) because I had a headache and wasn't in the mood to take criticism.
Anyway. We'll just skip me completely and do Jena/Kris next week (Sarah the week after...), and stay on schedule. We'll get to my stuff another day.
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You sure? Cause I got yours all read. I'm so sorry about last week, stupid work. We were shifted to an emergency Plan B for a release and things kinda exploded. The product goes live today, so I should be back to being around and not entirely insane...sorta...at least as close as I was before. :P
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Well...since you insist. ;D We'll go over mine this week, then. Jena/Kris next week.
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Fine with me, too. I'll be in the Big Apple this weekend, so I won't have much time for writing. ;D
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Sounds good to me. :) Next week for us gives me a chance to finish clearing more POV issues too. :P
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I'll get the sub out this afternoon. Got pulled into the brother's wedding prep yesterday and now catching up.
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Okay, so apparently my friends decided it was high time for me to be kidnapped. Fun weekend, but what with that and church and then house chores, and of course calling my mom and grandma, etc., well, it looks like we get to read more Ben and Di this week. So, Plan B this week. Sorry. :P
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Okay, so we're not having group today. Yes, I feel scummy about it. Jena knows this. I just need to figure out if I can still be in group because I am developing a shoddy track record. I love group, I do. But I seem to be bad at figuring out what's most important now and, hence, writing gets neglected.
I've written part of a new beginning to ch 1 but it's not ready yet. Nessa said she's also extremely swamped this week, so I guess we're skipping. I think K is the only one who may be unaware of this as of yet.
In the future, perhaps we can just alternate between Nessa's piece and Jena and K's piece? Until I get my act together.
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After a year of balking, I have finally come to the painful conclusion that my novel should be changed from 1st person to 3rd person. (This was the suggestion of my writing group a while back, but I didn't want to admit it.) So this means we won't be going through my 2nd draft anymore. That it will, basically, be scrapped and I'll be starting over.
So the schedule is updated for the summer, and the next time we meet to go over mine we'll be reading a first chapter and a novel outline. (Once I get over the painful convulsions.)
When Shrain has something to submit, let me know and I'll shift around the schedule.
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Painful conclusion, but I really really think it's the right one and we can help you with it! You have a great story idea, just need to smooth some of that out. Epic fantasy is hard to do 1st person because there is so much going on that your readers need a view into. *cheers for you*
On another note, I'll have a bunch of Whispers out this weekend. I'm going back and fixing stuff and will give you guys everything up to this point. Then my suggestion is that we start putting in some writing practice exercise weeks. I have a whole notebook of writing assignments from my creative writing classes and I don't think it would hurt any of us to try some of them and then read each other's assignments and talk about what works and what doesn't. There are some basic issues with rounding characters, perspectives, etc that are happening in our books that I think can be smoothed out with some practice away from the novels that we love. So my proposal would be that after we talk about Whispers I can give out an assignment. Everyone turns their work into the group and we talk about all four on the following Wednesday.
Opinions? Objections? Anything?
~J
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You know, J, I think that's a good idea. I'm game for that.
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Count me in too. I already agreed w/ Jena that this would be a good direction for our summer sessions. I guess school is back in session. ;)
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Okay...I suck. I wasn't able to get everything updated to do the read through all of Whispers to this point. So my new idea is to give you another short snippet, then for the next time we want to do Whispers send the big one. Thorry.
I will have the writing assignments for Wednesday, though.
~J
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I am so sorry for missing group tonight! I just barely got online after being at....the hospital.
Yes, my husband came down with such a severe case of gastroenteritis (spelling?) that he got dehyrated and I had to take him to the hospital for an IV and nausea medication. Needless to say, I would have rather been chatting it up with y'll than having a sick husband. :(
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Oh my! :o How dreadful. We thought something big must've come up to keep you away. Didn't think it'd be the ER.
As a hospitalist, you'd think your dh would know better than to wait so long before going in for treatment. (sigh) Men.
Is gastroenteritis something you can catch from a patient? Or was it from bad food or somethign?
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The kids gave it to him. AKA The Stomach Flu. They got it from their friends, who got it from their friends.... Ah, the joys of parenthood.
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Chimera says she wants to join us for writing group. Is that ok with everyone?
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Cool. We could use some fresh blood. ;D (Did we mention that one of our novels involves vamps?)
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Yes, I am interested. I could use the stability of a writing group to keep me more consistent in my novel writing. Plus, now that Nessa is leaving WoW (*sob*), it's a good way to stay in contact with her.
I won't be able to do it this week, because I scheduled the evening with a friend. But I'll know from now on to keep Wednesdays open. Would someone post the time again?
Also, Nessa and I have enjoyed the free program Ventrillo so that we can actually talk while we play WoW. The rest of the group might look into that--much more fun then IM!
My IM is [email protected]. I can use that email too, or I gave Nessa my yahoo email that I use, and she can give it to the rest of you.
I have a MG-YA fantasy novel I am working on that I'd like to add to the workshop. It is original, but feels along the vein of Gail Carson Levine's Ella Enchanted or Fairest and Shannon Hale's books.
And I don't mind vampires. I'm working on my own dark fantasy on the side--my first anti-hero protagonist! ;)
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7pm Mountain Standard Time
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Even though I'll be out of town, the rest of you, I assume, are meeting to go over assignment re-writes on June 27th.
There is no meeting July 4th.
We will be going over my new story outline on July 11th, as well as a rough rough first chapter. Look for it in your mail by the 9th.
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Okay, I am a ninny, I know, but I forgot to post something important in regards to my attendence for group. You see, I realized that my summer class, which started last week, actually runs on Mon and Wed, not Tue and Thur like I originally thought. Over a week ago, Kris and Jena and I discussed moving group to Tuesdays depending on Nessa's and Chimera's schedule. I love group, so I really appreciated how they were willing to shift things around so that I could still come. :)
Yet after seeing the syllabus for my summer class, I'm realizing that Tue just won't work. I'll need every moment on Tuesday evenings to prepare for Wednesday night's class. Since Thur won't work for Kris, that means I'm just going to have to participate en abstentia until class is over. =( My most profuse apologies for bailing out--and for not emailing sooner.
Honestly, I'm quite bummed that I won't be able to come until the end of August. My class ends on Aug 8th, but after that I'll be driving across country to help my old roomie move to Cali. So I won't be available to attend for another two weeks after that. If you guys still want me, that is... :-\
P.S. Nessa: way to go! I'm excited to read through the outline and the revisions. Oh, and I saw the photos of the beautiful exotic flowers you saw on your trip. Looks like you enjoyed your vacay. :)
~SB
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Bah! That's terrible news. Well, I guess we can wait. In the meantime, you can catch up a little on your own writing as well.
My submission for this week is the mail. Look for it.
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OK, I'm assuming last week never happened, and now this week is all messed up because I've been on vacation and Shrain is not around and...blah!
This just isn't going to work, I think, without a fourth person. I know Chimera was going to join up soon, after her summer travels were over.
So here's to hoping I can plan an August 22nd meeting? Or would you rather have something sooner? I'll re-vamp the schedule.
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Sorry about that...
I'm currently working 60-80 hour weeks and I'm a little bit nuts, but hopefully it'll get better as we get closer to releasing this dumb software.
I'd like to see something sooner than a month, but if we can't all get back on the ball until then...well...better that then canceling all together.
~J
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OK ladies, after a nice, long hiatus, are we ready to start up writing group again? I know I am! I have been working a little on mine, and have new stuff planned that I still need to implement, but I'm excited.
Here's the schedule (http://www.vanessakchristenson.com/writersgroup.htm), with Jena/Kris going first. If you need me to make changes, let me know!
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Excellent! I'm excited to get back into group again. My class this fall is on Tue, so there's no conflict. Yay!
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Kris came to visit over the weekend and is finally back home. I'm gonna get the sub out this afternoon/evening as soon as I can sneak 10 minutes away from work to get it going.
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Apparently I just discovered this fully. I'd been told by you guys roughly about the site, in passing, but Jana talked me through it! Anyway, I'm teaching college from 5:30 pm - 7:50 pm every night Monday - Thursday. (Cst) As such I can make a 9 - 10 pm cst, for writer's group, or even as early as 8:30 pm cst, but no earlier!
Anyway, looking forwards to starting up again and hopefully doing some of my own stuff along with good old Ben and Di!
Kristen
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It looks like we're tweaking the schedule a little. I will be submitting for tomorrow (look for it in the mail soon) and Jena/Kris will be submitting a large chunk of re-editing material for next week.
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Okey dokey. I'll be reading it on the T tomorrow. :)
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We're changing the meeting time to 7:30 MST.
Next week is a big chunk of Jena/Kris's stuff, so make sure to set aside a nice block of time in anticipation of reading it.
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/me looks in her mailbox hopefully.
Rats. No Ben and Di. Waaaaa!
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Mind if I come back, at least as a reader?
I'm in graduate school now, but trying to pull my writing back together.
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You can certainly come as a reader. We meet on Wednesdays at 7:30pm MST. I'll have to make sure to forward the submission to you until everyone has your email on their list.
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Hey all, I'll be sending something out tonight. It'll be short but hopefully it's a good start to my Oddsbreaker story. :)
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Extra readers is always a good thing. Just make sure we have your email addy.
YAY for Oddsbreaker. :)
There is a chance that I won't make group this week because it's go live week at work for our big software push. I will TRY, but may be on from work. Worst case I'll still mail comments.
~J
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E-mail still same as before. What are we meeting on these days? MSN?
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Yep. Sarah sent out the submission. Did you get it ok?
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Ok, I'm submitting this week, and I'm working furiously to write a new chapter (despite a painful bout with writer's block). Hopefully I can mail out a chapter or two by Tuesday afternoon.
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OK, I sent it yesterday afternoon like I said I would. I hope everyone got it.
WARNING: It's an extremely rough draft! Be gentle on me! LOL
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I've just been informed that I'm going to have work issues on the next two Wednesdays. Our big yearly convention is happening next Wed-Saturday so there are meetings for it tomorrow and then a work activity that night, and the next week I'll be working Wed - Thursday at convention for sure and possibly Friday. The Wed the 24th shift may end by 5, but last year they said 5 and I got home at 9. Go forward without me, of course, but if you don't see me there that's why.
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It's my turn this week and I'll send out a submission on Tuesday sometime, probably around lunchtime. I want to finish up a chapter first. But it won't be a long submission. Mostly clean-up from stuff you've read before.
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yay!
Hey, um, anyone wanna switch with me for next week? Without boring you with the sordid details of my life, I don't think I'll be able to do much for next week. Jena and K, do you have another chunk for us maybe?
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Hey, Nessa,
I didn't get your sub. Did you send one? I'm not sure I'll be able to read it before group. I have a VT dinner at my house and I have to cook and get ready beforehand. The only time I'll have to read is riding the T on the way home. What if we gave you an extra week since I won't have much time to work on my sub? So you could go next week and I'll go the following week. Thoughts?
EDIT: Wait a sec, I just realized next Wed is Halloween! http://www.vanessakchristenson.com/writersgroup.htm
So we don't have a meeting scheduled for that day. But I'm afraid I won't have your sub read for tonight, Nessa, 'cuz I haven't rec'd it yet. :(
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What!!! Dang it all. I'll send it ASAP. It's about 20 pages, so shouldn't take long. I hope.
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Just checked. There it be. OK, I should be able to finish it on the train ride home.
See you all tonite.
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Shrain is next, for November 7th. We won't be meeting on Halloween, cuz trick-or-treating will occupy my entire evening, thanks to the demon spawn.
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Make sure you steal all their good candy! Otherwise, demon spawn+too much sugar=apocalypse. ;)
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*pokies* So Shrain, we getting stuff this week for Wednesday?
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Ow. Yes, yes. I'll send it out after class on Tue or early on Wed.
I need to work more on it tonight if I can wrap up the design stuff I'm doing for my magazine class. I have been "distracted" by homework, router problems, not to mention a family feud between my Missouri relatives. :-\
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Shrain is again this week. Send it out soon!
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Busy writing. Even tho my brain is mush....
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I won't be here tomorrow. It's our work Christmas party and if you don't go you don't get your bonus until January, so I'm going. Scheduling over the holidays suckeths!
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awwww. Bah humbug! :'(
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So, K has a date tonight maybe. And J won't be there. So... no group tonight after all?
/me tries not to feel sullen.
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Lol. I still love you, Shrain. Perhaps we should postpone it for next week---which means time for you to add more to Moth! Yay!
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Yay, Nessa still loves me!
Guess I'll be writing tonight. Hrm. I wonder if my new hard drive for my macbook is in yet. Did I tell y'all that I found out it's missing about 60GB?? Yeah, the Mac Genius dude said he's pretty sure my hard drive is faulty. :P But it's under warranty. phew.
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Aha... gotta remember to post here! I keep forgetting. Date went well, tho amusingly found out the guy lives in my apartment complex although we met through the computer.
So next wednesday is the new Shrain, then we have Jena and I? I've been putting int 1 - 3 hours a night on whispers so we should have another big chunk
Kristen
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It'll be another long break after next week, since the week after that is the 26th. So that'd be ideal for us. We can give another big chunk to be read over the Christmas holiday. Shrain on the 19th and K and I on the 2nd of January.
Sorry to miss last night, but party was good and bonus better. :)
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Sorry I've been such a slacker re: the group. Teaching 44 composition students has been a challenge.
I'd like to contribute more again. I will probably be available this Wednesday evening to comment on whatever you guys have (though I may still have grading to do, so I can't absolutely promise). Mind sending me this week's sub?
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It's Shrain's week this week (we ended up canceling last week), so I don't know if she's added anything and willl be re-submitting for what.
Shrain? Hello?
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Yeees?
I will indeed be re-submitting. I had to take my laptop in for repair this past week, so I didn't get to work on my story much. :P I have my final tonight and so I'll see what I can do by Tue night to beef it up a little. For Jade Knight's benefit, I'll send the whole story, but the rest of ya only need to read starting with the spacequarium scene. :)
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ACK! I've been trying to get MSN mssgr to work for the past 15 minutes. I've re-installed it and it still won't work!
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Yikes, what a crazy non-meeting that was.
Jena and K are next, on January 2
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That is ab-solutely dandy with me.
A curse upon MSN messenger! I dont' know if I'll ever get it to work again unless I go in to the apple store and have a mac guy look at it. :-\
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As far as I know everything should be on for tonight. No meetings or other such things. Everyone check your MSN early and make sure the dumb thing is working!
~J
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lol. I took my macbook in to the apple store and they got it all fixed up. Updated my Quicktime and something called Firmware and then made sure MSN mssgr was installed properly. YAY! So there shouldn't be any trouble on my end. whew. I'll check jsut to be sure.
And I've already read the sub, too. See y'all tonite.
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firmware: so named because of it being sorta like a midway between hardware (the physical objects that make up your computer or other electronics device) and software (electronic/magnetic instructions to the hardware that can be removed, altered, or added). Firmware is the set of instructions hard coded into your hardware. It *can* be changed, added, or removed, but not as easily, as it's designed to be less accessible.
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Oh, okay. That's interesting. Thanks, oh wise SE. :) How often should I update it? I think I have to hold down the apple key or something when it's restarting. I can't quite recall which key the Mac Genius held while restarting.
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You shouldn't have to update it often on a PC since all the firmware does is allow the OS to load and lets it know what Hardware is present and there are rarely updates for them.
I would assume you can get them via Apple Update on your mac like other patches so I'm surprised to hear they had to manually do it.
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Yeah, it was odd. I have my macbook check for updates every week, but I think after my defective hard drive was replaced, a few loose ends still had to be tied up. I wish/hope my Firmware can just be upgraded automatically, but in this case they had to do it manually for some reason.
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So my story is next on the agenda. I'm almost finished with the chapters and plan to be sending it along by Monday evening at the latest (along with the first 9 chapters for the newbies to the group).
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Cool, Nessa.
Hey, guys, I also needed to mention something... I found out that my class this semester is, unfortunately, going to be on Wednesdays. :P It's a creative writing class that focuses on short stories. So, uh, I was wondering if another night might be at all possible? I know Monday is probably out because of FHE. How about Tue or Thur, though? 'Cuz I'd really like to stay in the group.
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Not Tuesdays.
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*meep.
Does that mean Thursdays would work? /me looks hopeful.
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I can adjust to Thursday, but I teach piano lessons from 6-7, 7:30ish that night. That'd be my only concern.
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Hey, y'all. Thanks so much for working around my class time. You guys are swell. :D
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Shrain, it's already Tuesday, where's tomorrow's submission? Hmm????
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Umm, it's at home on my 'puter. :P I spent time brainstorming and didn't write that much. Gosh I HATE how I suck at outlining. I will send what I have tonight.
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Hey, Ness. Where's that schedule you made? We're having group tonight despite the holiday, right? I got Jena and Kris's sub. So I'll be there at 9:30pm EST. :)
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http://www.vanessakchristenson.com/writersgroup.htm
Yes, we're meeting tonight.
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Shiny. Thanks!
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Everyone should have today's submission. If you don't let K or I know and we'll send it your way. Cya tonight.
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Just printed it, in fact. Will read on the way home. :)
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Ok, the schedule has been updated to reflect changes. Jena/Kris will be submitting all of February, then we'll take the first week of March off (due to Jena's wedding), and then we'll start up again with Sarah, and then I will be ready to start submitting again.
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Woot. :)
Kris and I have also finally created a website for our ramblings and excerpts and blog and stuff:
realitybypass.8m.com (http://realitybypass.8m.com)
Feels so official like. Now if only the publisher will write back.
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So, um, ya. (That generally sums up last night's meeting....phew.) Jena/Kris next week for a grand finale, or is it two weeks? We have the first week of March off and then who's next, me or Shrain? Will you have stuff ready Shrain or should I get my act in gear?
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Hmm. I thought that J and K were gonna do a re-write of the last chs and send them next week. Actually, I thought they were hijaking the whole month. But I could be confused.
I have to submit again for my writing class in a few weeks--on the 27th. So I can send that to you all too, but then we couldn't discuss it until the first week of March. I suppose I could send that, although it will be hard to resist editing it b/c after my class workshop, I already know some stuff that needs work. So I fear that talking about that half again will freeze me up even more so that I can't finish it.
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No writing group tonight. Shrain, you got stuff for next week or should I get my act in gear and have something ready?
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Yep, I do. About 32 pages of my "short" story. Still not done, but it's coming along, I think. I haven't revised the first third all that much except for completely removing Moth from the storyline. I know, I know, Moth was cool. But don't worry, there will still be adventure and possible romance. ;)
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Um. Were you going to send it out? Meeting is tonight!
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Yeah, sorry! I was up until 1:30 last night tweaking it. :P It's still needs work, and it's only 2/3 done. But it is a bigger "chunk" for everybody to read through. I'll send it out soon.
Oh, and would anyone rather we meet on Wed night this week? It's spring break so I don't have class. We could meet at 7pm EST on Wed if that's better for everyone.
P.S. to the newlywed: CONGRATS, JENA!
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I'd rather not meet Wednesday....but I can if we have to.
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No problem. Just a suggestion since that day had seemed to work better for us in the past.
Sub sent. Sorry it's so late. I honestly forgot about it until last night because of some other stuff going on. :-\
Edit: Kris says any night is okay. I'm just planning on tonight unless we decide otherwise.
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It used to work, until I started scheduling things on it since it was free again....
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lol. Ain't that how it goes. I'll just log on tonight, as per usual then. :)
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So, I'd really like to get back into this, but grad school has been busying my life up exceedingly. I definitely can't do anything Mon or Wednes. Thursday works best, but I might be able to make it Tuesdays, particularly if I get the reading early.
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We've post-poned group until next Monday, when we'll be going over Shrain's stuff. You should already have it, but int he meantime she'll work on more and send it along (by Saturday!!),
Jade: I'll poll the group and see if a change in schedule is possible. Right now getting the four of us together can sometimes be tough to schedule around. I'll ask.
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The time change got me. I was puttering around my kitchen cleaning up and talking with the hubby and suddenly realized it was after eight...oooops.
As far as days, Monday or Tuesday are okay. I'm usually around hit and miss on the other days, but not in any way that I could schedule.
~J
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Hrm. Our schedule got a little messed up lately. heh.
Kris is submitting for the 21st, correct? Then Sarah, then me.
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That sounds about right. Then me. :) I have something I'd like folks to take a gander at and a month should give me enough time to polish up a few bits. Kris and I have started the next novel so eventually we'll have that for perusal too.
~J
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Yep, the plan sounds good. I'll watch for K's submarine sub. ;)
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Sarah, where's your sub for Monday? hrmmm?
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Arrrgh. I'm working on it. I deleted a page and a half b/c it sucked and I'm hoping to send stuff out tonight or early Mon. Sorry.
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Semester ends in a little over a week. I could probably join the party in 2 weeks. Who's up for it?
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Jade, I talked to them about changing times/days and right now we're pretty stuck on Mondays at 7:30 MST. If you can attend that time then, yes, you can certainly come.
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Shouldn't be a problem starting in 2 weeks. Still can't until then.
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OK, guys, I'm almost done and will have it out to you tomorrow.
But it will be ROUGH. Sandpaper rough. Be gentle.
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but how can we be "gentle" if it is "rough?" ;D
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Ok, the summer schedule is updated (if Jade joins us, I will change it again), but basically we'll be meeting every other week. If people want to go more often once summer is started, that's fine too, but I tried to take out days I would be out of town. IF there is a Monday you'll be out of town let me know so I can switch things up.
http://www.vanessakchristenson.com/writersgroup.htm
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Hey there!
Got my free time, back. I'd like to be reintroduced to the group? :)
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Hey, Ness, weren't you going to fix the schedule a little? I'll be flying cross-country on June 2nd. So let's just say it'd be pretty tough for me to attend. Much less be the one whose work is under scrutiny. ;)
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Oh ya, right. I think we were first gonna see if this Monday was gonna happen. ThenI could decide how to proceed.
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I'll be OOC this week, as well. But I look forward to showing for the next meeting!
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So did we hear from Kris? I'm trying to get a few things fixed on my sub. My muse had a change of direction last minute, but I can send out first thing tomorrow if we're ready to meet. Otherwise I'll take the time to tighten things further this week and send out for next Monday. I'm not fussed either way.
~J
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I haven't heard from Kris. If you have time today to send stuff out, super. Otherwise it looks like today is a no-go.
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Just got an email from Jena w/ two short pieces. So I guess we are meeting tonight.
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I got a text message from Kris. She isn't likely to make it. Sooo...the pieces are out. We can either meet anyway, or just hang onto them for next week. I'm way not fussed either way.
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That would be fine with me. Work has been brutal today. And my bro needs help writing some kind of grant proposal.
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I'll have them read for tonight, so I'm flexible.
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Jena's submission is next, July 7th.
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I'm actually available now. When do we meet and using what method?
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We meet on Mondays (we're skipping a few during the summer due to vacations and whatnot) at 7:30 MST on IM. I'll pass the submission on to you when I get it, usually by Sat/Sun before.
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Hi girls,
My grandpa passed away yesterday. Long, hard illness. So we are glad he isn't in pain any longer. My mom and dad already flew out to MO. I am scrambling around getting laundry done and such. I'm flying out tomorrow. Back on July 4th. I'm kind of nervous about missing so much work. But I told my boss this might be happening. And family is more important.
So, anyhow,we aren't meeting tomorrow. Right? I won't make it, either way. Just wanted to let you all know. Hopefully I can check my email often.
Thanks,
SB
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*ruffles* Sorry to hear that Shrain. Much sympathy to you and the fam. We don't have a meeting tonight as far as I am aware. We'll all get caught up on the 7th.
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Thanks, Jena. I've been stressed at work trying to get back up to speed. (Not that we'll ever truly get caught up with everything, but such is publishing...)
Anyhow, since we didn't have group last week and I see no sub yet, I am wondering if we are cancelling again?
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You have it now. Sorry about that. I knew I was forgetting to do something. :)
It's the first four chapters and a bit of five since that's what I had on hand. We can talk about as little or as much as ya'll get through.
~J
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Shrain, you're due up for Aug 4th....that means you're submitting this weekend. Where is your submission? hrm?
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Crap, I thought it was your turn next! Do you want to take my place? I've been helping my friend move out of her old place almost every night last week. Plus, after I was turned down by Tor, I haven't really been thinking about my writing.
And then yesterday I had a date... No, don't get too excited. I went out w/ this guy from Match.com and the date was blaaaah. :P The guy thought it was great, unfortunately. (Here's one tip, guys: if a girl turns her head when you try to give her a "goodnight kiss" on the mouth, don't try to kiss her AGAIN--especially on a first date. Oh, and don't talk about all your ex-girlfriends!!) Anyway, now I have to explain that there won't be a second date.
So, the short answer is no, I don't have a submission. Very unfair to you all, I am sorry. I think, for the future, I will continue to read subs and attend the meetings, but not submit anything myself. Things are just too unstable w/ me lately and I don't want to mess the schedule up anymore. Sorry for disappointing you all.
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I HATE when I go on a date with a guy and all he talks about are other guys. . . I'm like. . . uhm. . . . yeah. . . NO.
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Shrain, I cannot take your place as I have done nada since the last time I submitted. Writer's apathy. :P
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So what do we want to do? Cancel? Or I can send out more Misery chapters if folks have time/inclination to read them.
~J
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I'd LOVE to get more Misery. (Hmm, that sounds funny put that way...)
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We're talking about Kris' story today, Yes?
~J
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So, what exactly is it you guys do here?
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We plot to take over the world, silly. What else would a bunch of smart women be doing?
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I want to help! :o I mean. . . if you're looking for help that is. I'm not exactly a 'woman' but I am smart and get included with the girls a LOT. ha ha.
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We're talking about Kris' story today, Yes?
~J
yep. that seems to be the plan
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18th - Jena and her Misery story :D
25th - Nessa
Then we'll need to talk about if schedule needs to change with the beginning of the school year. After this we'll be going back to once a week (instead of skipping weeks like we have this summer).
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Alrighty, people. The schedule has been updated. http://www.vanessakchristenson.com/writersgroup.htm
If you have issues with the current schedule, let me know.
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The schedule is updated again to reflect the submissions of our new member and assignments through December. If there's a day you won't make it, please email me so I can make sure the schedul reflects days when people will be attending.
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Bah...weekend has been a combination of craptastic and busy. I'll get something short out in a few. Sorry about that.
Kristen prolly won't be with us tonight. Kinda depends on if she has internet back. She was in Ike's path, so her weekend was one of evacuations and hunkering down before the storm then cleanups.
~J
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Poor Kris! I'm glad she's okay. I've been worrying. I realized I don't have her ph #, just her email. Which doesn't help much if she has no access to the 'net. :P
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Her modem actually came back on today, so she's kinda around hit and miss and may be there tonight.
I'm sending out the sub, but I don't have Jade's email, someone please forward it to him.
Cya all at 7:30.
~J
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Is this writers group pretty closed? Or do you accept new applicants?
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We have a full group, at the moment.
We encourage you to look for a group or start your own!
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Sarah is next week.
Last night, since Jade was AWOL (dude, where'd you go?), we went over 6 pages of a new piece of mine and YAY people liked it so I'll keep working on that.
See you people on Monday.
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So I guess we're not meeting tonight? OK with me. I've come down with a cough/sore throat or something. blah.
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I think everyone should go listen to the podcast from Brandon S and company this week. www.writingexcuses.com It's all about writing groups and it's really a good reminder of things we need to do, or need to not do in order to be the best possible group.
Go...listen...
That is all.
~J
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Thanks for pointing that out Jena. It was an excellent episode.
I like the ideas of using levels when you talk about the submission you're workshopping.
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Schedule changes:
Dec 8: Jena
Dec 15: Nessa
Dec 22: Not meeting this week
Dec 29: Jade
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Not 100% sure I'll be able to make it to the 22nd, but I'll try.
Sometimes I'm so stupid. Right!
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Cool. But, uh, why isn't Kris going on Dec 29?
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Had to shift everyone down so the order was the same. /double checks
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I'm okay with January 5th. Gives me time to add more to Moonlighting.
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Are we no longer on for 7:30? Or did I miss something?
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I was late, but here. Where's everyone else?
OK. Schedule (http://www.vanessakchristenson.com/writersgroup.htm) is updated. Jade is going to write some more on it and will submit on the 12th. Kris next week. Everyone else is bumped back a bit.
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I'll be ready to send out by wednesday... if this stupid wrist finally heals. I can manage with the splint a little typing now.
K
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I'm terribly sorry I wasn't around on Monday. Life has been quite hectic for me, and I was stuck at the dealership last night several hours later than I planned to be, finalizing my car purchase.
I'm thinking I may need to step down from contributing for a little while until things settle down in my life more.
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New car, eh? We wondered where you were keeping yourself.
My life is topsy turvy now too because I am moving at the end of the month. I was working on a scene. But I haven't had much time to do new stuff. I really look forward to writing more of Oddsbreaker. But... it ain't gonna happen this month. =p
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So....even though Shrain is scheduled for the 26th you aren't going to have anything? Should Jena go next then?
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New job, new (used) car, and a lot of work to get myself licensed (for the job, not the car)…
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IPE...Okay, I admit to not checking this board very frequently...like once a month, so I didn't see this until today and obviously didn't send anything out since I figured we were either doing what Jade sent before or Sarah's. I can have something for next week if we want to cancel tonight or we could still discuss the brief bit Jade sent for last week. I'm happy either way.
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Type & Gripe Writer's Group is on break until September.
See y'all then! I'll email out a schedule when it gets closer to time to start up again.
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Okay! Unless something changes for me, I'll be back on board then, assuming I can meet at a time that works for the rest of you.