It's Over - For Now!

Thanks to all of you for attending the T.G.I.O. party today!  We ate pizza and shared the names of our NaNoNovels and the genres.  Some of us read 100 or so words.  It was wonderful to finally get a sneak preview of the stories that have been brewing inside your heads for the past few weeks.

Our next meeting is January 17th.  We will begin the revision portion of our novel-writing quests.  If you have not finished your book, keep writing.  I intend to edit my novel a little bit each day during Christmas break.

Here's an article about us...  http://www.mpsaz.org/academy/articles/15068/academy-writing-project-celebration

Here's a sneak peek from In the Wings, my NaNo Novel, copyright (c) Karen Procopio, 2011.

The lunchtime bell rings. Classroom doors swing open and chattering voices echo the hallways.



Katie nudges me with her elbow. “Look,” she whispers. “Here comes Ava.”


In the distance, I can see a commotion forming, and the epicenter of it all is a tall girl with shiny, black Cleopatra hair, dark brown eyes and porcelain skin. She holds her chin up and shoulders back as she walks through the hallway, and I wonder for a moment if she is a ballerina. A swarm of teenage girls buzz around her and flit in and out of the group.


“Who are all those people?” I ask.


“I call them the Lessers, the Wanna-bees, and the Tongue-Waggers.” Katie says. “The Lessers are the girls who are never invited to anything Ava does. She doesn’t even know they exist, but they follow her everywhere, hoping desperately that she’ll ask them for a piece of paper or a pencil just so they can say they talked to her. The Wanna-bees are the girls who were her friends last year but were pushed out of the inner circle. They hope Ava will let them back in.”


“And the Tongue-Waggers?” I ask.


“They’re Ava’s henchmen. They do her dirty work, like spread rumors and bully people.”

T.G.I.O.!

T.G.I.O. - Thank Goodness It's Over!  Well, not really.  I'm glad I finished my novel but I miss my characters and can't wait to begin revisions and edits in January. 

In the meantime...

The T.G.I.O. party will be held this Tuesday, December 6th, from 3:45p - 5:00p in my classroom.  Bring $3.00 for pizza and 100 words of your NaNoNovel to share!

Our writing group wrote a cumulative 420,000 words!

Our next Writing Club Meeting:  Tuesday, January 17th, 3:45p - 5:00p.

Read this... http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/node/1097263

NaNoWriMo - Day 29

November Checklist:

Post progress reports.  Done.
Cook Thanksgiving dinner.  Done.
Oh, and a little thing like write a 50,000-word novel.  Done.

NaNoWriMo - Day 26

It's Saturday evening and I'm looking at the finish line on Wednesday with 6,000 words to go!  I know one of you already finished 50,000 words (yahoo!) and the rest of us are still plugging along.  Don't give up.  Keep moving forward. 

If you haven't uploaded your word count yet, make sure you do so before the end of NaNoWriMo so your words will count toward our class goal!

NaNoWriMo - Day 25

Update:

I'm  at 41,000 words as of 1:30 a.m.  Yes - a.m.!  I wrote about 6,000 words today.  A certain group member is ALMOST FINISHED with her 50,000-word book!  She's in sixth grade (can't mention her name on the Internet) but we know who she is!  Woohoo!  Congratulations to you!

Mark your calendar:  The NaNoWrimo TGIO Party (Thank Goodness It's Over) will be held on Tueday, December 6th from 3:45p - 5:00p in my classroom.  Spread the word!  All writing club members are invited.  Here's what you need to be admitted to the party:

• 100 words of a favorite section of your NaNoWriMo book to share with the group.
• $3.00 to pay for pizza and soda.

I hope everyone enjoyed Thanksgiving yesterday!  I think the best part for me about the holidays is the day afterward.  The house is clean.  There's a ton of leftover food in the refrigerator so I don't have to cook.  I don't have to work and I finally have some time to write!

I looked at our virtual classroom and I'm pleased with the progress everyone is making!  Keep up the fabulous work, Wrimos!  Don't give up.  We're so close to the finish line!

NaNoWriMo - Day 23

This is the first time in my NaNo history that I have been lagging in my word count on Day 23.  Life happens, as they say, and my life has been happening at an exponentially busy pace lately.  Those of you who know me know that we're making a huge tech transition at work, so my normal writing times before/during/after school have been non-existent due to my involvement with the transition.

BUT

No excuses for me.  None for you, either.  Tomorrow is turkey day and I intend to write for the next four days to get caught up, get ahead, and possibly finish before November 30th. 

Some of you have begun to back out of NaNoWriMo because it's getting harder and harder to write.  Please don't give up.  You're so close to the end of this endeavor.  It would be a shame to stop now!  If you need inspiration, download the NaNoWriMo workbook for your grade level.  There are many helpful suggestions to keep you moving forward.

So, what if you don't make your word count?  Keep writing no matter what.  Look at the words you've written since the beginning of NaNoWriMo.  Did you think you could write even that many?  That's a huge accomplishment.  Focus on the positive and keep writing!  There's still time.

Yougottawannasoquityerwining!  See you at the finish line.

(-:

NaNoWriMo - Day 21

Are you backing up your data every day?  If not, what are you waiting for?

1.  Email the files to yourself.
2.  Put a copy on the school's server.
3.  Save it in Google Docs.

Do it now!

NaNoWriMo - Day 20

I went to see a movie which I thought would be a pleasant diversion from NaNoWriMo and a source of inspiration.  I saw Breaking Dawn and I am sick to my stomach.  It has to be the worst movie I have ever seen.  A few years ago, I couldn't finish this book from the Twilight series.  It was ridiculous in print.  Today, I left the movie twice because the storyline was worse visually than written.  The whole plot was totally unrealistic, even in the land of werewolves and vampires.   It was beyond over the top and contrived.  The acting hasn't improved much since the Twilight movie.  Not to mention gory. 

A mother brought her young daughter (age 10?) to the movie, and all I can say is shame on her.  Had I brought my child to the movie (which I wouldn't have) I would have gotten up and walked out.  It's the stuff young girl's nightmares are made of.

So, I wasted two perfectly good writing hours. 

Enough said except...eeeeew! and yeck!  And I'll never buy it on DVD.

NaNoWriMo - Day 19

https://store.lettersandlight.org/merchandise/nanowrimo-winners-circle-t-shirt-2011
T-shirts for the 50,000-word winners.  Order now if you think you're going to finish 50,000 words.

Dear Wrimos:

Here are my thoughts on this novel writing process...

A part of me loves it, a part of me dreads it, but all of me won't give up. I'm 4,000 words behind in my word count because I've spent all of my writing time in the past two days tending to other more urgent needs (like work XP!). But I know, as well as you, that there are no excuses for not writing, if you're really serious.  And I am.  So as soon as I'm done posting this blog, off I shall go into NaNoLand.  Are ya' comin'?

Keep writing, everyone! I'm proud of you!

BTW - Don't forget that club pictures will be taken for the yearbook on Tuesday. Wear your black uniform shirts, if possible.

NaNoWriMo - Day 17

Just checking in to say I don't want to say anything.  I'm pooped.  I'll bet you are, too.  Go to sleep, Wrimos!

NaNoWriMo - Day 16

I have written twenty-five chapters so far (25,000 words), and that may seem like an impressive number to someone who is not participating in this endeavor (like well-meaning relatives on Thanksgiving,  "You wrote 25 chapters?  Fab-u-lous, dahling!")

The 25 chapters are what I call skeletal chapters.  Each chapter contains characters, plot, conflict and dialogue that further the storyline.  But those characters are nakee (eeeek!) and need some clothes (pulhease!), and the dialogue is pretty basic ("Huh?" "Wha?"), so I'm going back to each chapter and flesh them out.

This is not editing, so don't freak out and report me to the NaNo Police!  OMG!  At this point in the writing process, I've said all I need to say to make the story work, but it's oh so flimsy in some places!  Time to add some backbone and muscle (hoo-rah!).

I'm going to add setting, annotations (he said, she said, they cheered, yada yada), and reactions and actions, like...

"Oh, really?" she sniffed, shifting the long-stemmed glass of wine to the other well-manicured hand.

That kinda of stuff. 

These tasks will make my story more believable and increase my word count.

Now, if I could just find my headphones...

NaNoWriMo - Day 14

Yes, I skipped posting yesterday (Day 13) but I exempted myself since I had to post your progress report grades.  XP

Okay, so here's my thought for the day...BACK UP YOUR DATA!  Shall I say it again?  BACK UP YOUR DATA, YOU SILLY WRITERS!

There.  I said it.  I yelled it.  I shook my fists.  I implored you on my knees.  I sent smoke messages toward a cloudless sky.  I tapped out Morse code.  I wrote with logs on a deserted island.  I rigged my neighbor's outside Christmas lights to spell B-A-C-K-U-P.

Get the picture?

Soooooooooooo - don't blame me if you lose your entire novel that you've sweat and cried over because you forgot to back it up. 

1.  Send an email to yourself and attach the file.
2.  Save the file to an external USB hard drive.
3.  Save the file to a USB thumb drive.
4.  Use Google Docs and save it there.
5.  Burn it to a CD.

Whatever you do - back it up, you silly writers!  Now, leave me alone.  I need to find my inner tranquility so I can pound out 3,000 words by tomorrow.  XP

NaNoWriMo - Day 12

Pep Talk

Our halfway mark is Tuesday, November 15th!  Regardless of your word count, keep writing.  If you don't meet your word count goal by the 30th, you can still continue writing your book.  In fact, one year I finished with 50,000 and went on to write another 30,000. 

The most important thing to remember is that you are writing, and that makes you a winner!

Okay - so let's get down to business.  Where are you in your book?  There are so many aspects of writing besides moving the storyline forward.  You can write about the setting, the characters' background, the backstory, the antagonists' motivations...  If you're stuck, go back to the basics of journalism:  who, what, when, where, why and how.  Ask yourself these journalistic questions on every aspect of your book.  Trust me - you'll see the holes in your story and realize you've got more to write. 

Keep going, Wrimos!

NaNoWriMo - Day 11

Who is online today? Go to our classroom forum on the ywp.nanowrimo website and reply to this question or post a new message in the forum. Let's support each other today.

What are you doing to keep yourself motivated?
What is your word count?
Are you encountering any problems with plot?
Is there anything else you'd like to discuss?


Mrs. Procopio

Later that day....

Okay, so I'm at 16,668 words today, which is about 5,000 more words than I had when I woke up.  (I updated my daily word count without checking my previous balance.)  I plan to write another 1,000 by the end of the day.

I spent some time reorganizing my planning spreadsheet and labeling my Word Docs into chapter numbers.  The book is coming together like wide, swirling ribbons of colorful paint.  Eventually, the colors will be mixed evenly and smoothly, but right now, it's still preliminary.  But hopeful.

And that's why I keep writing.  I'm curious.  I'm excited.  But mostly, I'm hopeful that the book at the end of this NaNo tunnel will be what I envision.  Interesting.  Insightful.  And fabulous.

Check ya' later...

NaNoWriMo - Day 10

I pronounce tomorrow to be NaNoDay!  I'm getting up early and planning to write all day (with a few well-planned moments of rest).

Can I write 6,000 words?  I sure hope so!  Let's do it together!

TTFN

NaNoWriMo - Day 9

Some of you have told me that you're running out of words to say.  Welcome to Week 2.  The way I see it, we wait in great anticipation for NaNoWriMo to start, and when it does, we type (or write) furiously because we have so many ideas!  They flow from our fingertips like floodwater rushing over a dry riverbed (yes, I live in the desert).  But...there's Week 2.  Our words dry up and our fingers tap nervously on the table top.  Is this the end of my book?  Do I have nothing more to say?  Will I never make it to the NaNo finish line? 

To you worriers, I say "Pish Posh!"  Yes, pish posh!  (I think I heard that phrase from "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!")  Anyway, pish posh to you!  Nonsense!  Silliness!  You have plenty to say, you just have to dig deep.  DIG DEEP.  You've written the superfluous words that rolled off your creative conscience, bearing the deeper layers of your story.  The guts.  The pain.  The fear.  Your characters are exposed and they are nakee!

So - what's a writer to do? 

I urge you to use this time to contemplate your protagonist with the Five W's and H - who, what, when, where, why and how?".  Why does my character act as h/she does?  What happened to him/her?  What does h/she fear?  What does he/she want and why does h/she want it?

Then ask the same questions of your other characters.  With these questions in mind, just start writing. 

Here's an example:  "My character is angry at her brother because..." and then keep going.  Next, create a conversation between the character and her brother.  Throw an argument into the mix.  Soon a new scene will appear on your fingertips.  Just let it flow.  You'll be surprised where the conversation takes you.  Doors slam!  Dishes crash!  Tears are shed!  The new scene will have a deeper meaning than what you've written thus far because you dug deep.

Now, keep asking those questions and keep digging.  Your character will have more realistic, believable qualities.  Your reader will thank you.

146,000 and counting, Wrimos!

NaNoWriMo - Day 8

Week Two has begun!

You guys rock - 140,000 words and counting!  I am so pleased with the efforts of our writing group.  You make me proud!

Follow this link for important information about publishing your NaNo Novel...

http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/node/1075382

NaNoWriMo - Day 7

Cumulative club word count - 110,000!  Whoo hoo!

Tomorrow we will begin Week 2!  The second week is considered the hardest.  You may have been writing furiously up until now, and suddenly you've run out of energy, desire, inspiration, time, etc.  Hang in there and keep forging ahead.  I promise you - if you get through Week 2 (and you will) it's truly downhill from there.

Good time to back up your novel!  Wouldn't want you to lose all of your hard work!

TTFN

NaNoWriMo - Day 6

102,000 cumulative words!  Congrats, Wrimos!  Keep going...

NaNoWriMo - Day 5

Cumulative word count - 85,000!  Go Academy Wrimos!

Five days into the book writing process.  How's it coming along?  It's possible that you're in need of a break, so I'd like to share with you a fun activity that will keep your story moving forward (you'll focus on character development) and give you a break from typing (or writing - if you're a purist!)

Create a character montage (or collage).  What is a montage? you may ask.  Here's a definition straight from Merriam Webster online.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/montage?show=0&t=1320541152

mon·tage noun \män-ˈtäzh, mōⁿ(n)-\

1: the production of a rapid succession of images in a motion picture to illustrate an association of ideas


2a : a literary, musical, or artistic composite of juxtaposed more or less heterogeneous elements b : a composite picture made by combining several separate pictures.

I'm referring to definition 1, but not rapid (just every five seconds).  You can do this activity with Power Point and clip art or electronic images (to create the montage), or with a scissors, paper, magazines and a glue stick (to create a collage).

Montage

1.  Create a Power Point slide show, one slide per character.
2.  From PPT (insert > clip art), find one main image (sort under photographs) that most resembles your characters main features (hair, eyes, nose, age, gender, etc.)
3.  Find 10 - 20 additional images that help to describe your characters' world, i.e. family, interests, goals, fears, concerns, possessions - cars, houses, places of school or employment).
4.  Copy, paste and crop these images around the main image (see #2).
5.  Repeat this process for each of your characters.
6.  Using textboxes and Word Art, create simple statements that they character would say or think.  Place these statements over the images.
7.  Set Power Point as a slide show presentation with a timer of 5 seconds. 
8.  Sit back and watch your presentation and take notes on 3 x 5 cards as plot or backstory inspiration hits you.

Collage

1.  Gather a stack of magazines and newspapers around you.
2.  Cut images that depict your characters.  (See step #2 above).
3.  Glue these images onto a piece of sturdy paper (construction paper works)
4.  Cut out words and glue them to the images.  Create simple statements that the character would say or think. Place these statements over the images.5. If you are super artistic (not me!) you can cut up the pieces to make a larger image, like a person's face.  The smaller pieces can become the shading of the eyes, face and mouth.

Have fun!


(0:

NaNoWriMo - Day 4

Last time I checked, we were at 77,777 cumulative word count!  I know most of you were at the Fall Festival tonight (I was the one squirting cherry syrup on the snow cones!) so you are exempt from writing your daily word count (unless you're staying up late like me). 

I hope you bought some books at the book fair.  Next year, your NaNoWriMo book could be on one of those tables...

NaNoWriMo - Day 3

It's Day Three of NaNoWriMo and the cumulative word count for our club is 61,497!  Woohoo!  We are moving right along!  Last year, our club wrote 800,000 words.  Can we beat our 2010 record?  I hope so!

I'm totally psyched about my NaNo book.  It's progressing in ways I expected and in ways I did not.  I don't want to say much here - you know - spoiler alert - but suffice to say I'm quite pleased.

This is my third NaNoWriMo book and my fourth book overall.  I must say that the novel-writing process does get easier.  The pre-planning helps immensely.  I'm undertaking a new challenge this year.  Writing a novel in first person.  OMG!  So foreign and a bit painful.  I've always written in third person, but last year I wrote a short story in first person (Nobody) and won honorable mention for it in the district writing contest, so I thought I'd try my hand at using first-person this year.  It feels like I'm learning to drive a stick shift all over again.  Kinda' bumpy and jerky, but once I get into the groove, the ride is smooth.

TTFN.  Keep writing.

Totally Cool

NaNoWriMo Kick-Off
It was totally cool.  

Forty-six writing club members met in my classroom after school yesterday with laptops and headphones, wearing the determined expressions of marathoners awaiting the bang of the starting gun.  

3 -  2  - 1.  It's NaNoWriMo time...

To fuel our writing engines, we stuffed ourselves with pizza, cookies and soda, and snuggled into our respective creative grooves.

After the last bell of the day, my classroom becomes a sacred writing place, a place of total focus and absolute respect for the creative process.  I turn the lights low, and blast music through my headphones, drowning out the day's events and concerns.  In this roomful of people, I was comfortably alone in my own world, yet surrounded by writers working toward a common goal.  Sometimes I just have to reflect on the coolness of it all, because when you really think about what we're doing, it's absolutely amazing.    

Forty-six writing club members typed furiously, each creating their own worlds from their own unique recipes of characters, plots and conflicts.  Fourth graders sat beside eighth graders.  No boundaries here.  We are all writers, all sharing the same moment.
It was a totally cool moment that I will never forget.  

And that's what I love the most about NaNoWriMo.  

The coolness.

It's Almost Here!!!!!!!!!

On the Eve of NaNoWriMo, I like to take a step back from writing.  Instead I read a book by an author I admire, preferably one that is written for the same audience for whom I intend to write my book, and one that is written with the same POV (point of view, i.e. first person or third person). 

Tonight my book of choice is "Someone Like You" by Sarah Dessen.  I've read this book before so I am not interested in content.  I'm analyzing the way she begins and ends each chapter.  She is quite proficient at writing scenes - mini, chapter-sized increments that follow the storyline map (exposition, catalyst, rising action, climax and denouement).  As I read this book, I am chomping at the bit to get started on my own. 

Hey - it will be NaNoWriMo on the East Coast in six minutes!    Are you staying up until midnight tonight to get started or are you getting up early tomorrow?  Either way, don't let the first day of NaNoWriMo pass by without typing at least your daily word-count, whatever that may be.

Don't forget the NaNoWriMo kick-off tomorrow in my classroom.  Pizza, soda, and cookies - like you need more sugar after Halloween!!!!!!! 

Club News

Join Us!

Calling all Alumni NaNoWriMo participants! If you were in our club during the past few years, and would like to participate again, join us now! We miss you!

Are You Totally Psyched?

Are you excited?  Nervous?  Chomping at the bit?  You should be because NaNoWriMo begins at midnight tomorrow night (Monday evening at the strike of Midnight becomes NOVEMBER 1ST OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!!)

1.  Chapter outlines ready?
2.  Characterization outlines ready?  (Protagonist, Antagonists, etc.)
3.  Backstory ready?  (Where has your protagonist been prior to the start of this story?)
4.  Storyline map ready?
5.  Setting sketch ready?

If not - why are you reading this blog?!  Get back to work, you silly writers!  Plan!  Plan!  Plan!  So you can Write! Write! Write!

The clock is ticking...

NaNoWriMo Stats

The following NaNoWrio statistics came from this website:  http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/mediakit.  Read and be amazed...

Founded by: Freelance writer Chris Baty and 20 other overcaffeinated yahoos in 1999.

Now run by: The Office of Letters and Light, an august 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Oakland.

How NaNoWriMo got from there to here: It’s a funny story, actually.

Annual participant/winner totals 1999: 21 participants and six winners

2000: 140 participants and 29 winners

2001: 5000 participants and more than 700 winners

2002: 13,500 participants and around 2,100 winners

2003: 25,500 participants and about 3,500 winners

2004: 42,000 participants and just shy of 6,000 winners

2005: 59,000 participants and 9,769 winners

2006: 79,813 participants and 12,948 winners

2007: 101,510 participants and 15,333 winners

2008: 119,301participants and 21,683 winners

2009: 167,150 participants and 32,178 winners

2010: 200,500 participants and 37, 500 winners

Number of official NaNoWriMo chapters around the world: Over 500

Number of K-12 schools who participated in 2005: Over 100

Number of K-12 schools who participated in 2006: Over 300

Number of K-12 schools who participated in 2007: 366

Number of K-12 schools who participated in 2008: 600

Number of K-12 schools who participated in 2009: 1,295

Number of K-12 schools who participated in 2010: 1,800

Number of NaNoWriMo manuscripts that have been sold to publishing houses: Many (details below)

Number of words officially logged during the 2004 event: 428,164,975

Number of words officially logged during the 2005 event: 714,227,354

Number of words officially logged during the 2006 event: 982,564,701

Number of words officially logged during the 2007 event: 1,187,931,929

Number of words officially logged during the 2008 event: 1,643,343,993

Number of words officially logged during the 2009 event: 2,427,190,537

Number of words officially logged during the 2010 event: 2,872,682,109

Join My Blog

Hello, students (and non-students, as well)!  You are welcome to join my blog and become a part of our NaNoWriMo support group!  Your school email account does not seem to work with Blogspot, so you will need to create another personal account (ask your parents first!)  I suggest you create an account at http://www.mail.yahoo.com/.  Next, join this blog by clicking the icon "Join This Blog" (on the left pane of this website) and enter your information. 

2.5 days and counting 'til NaNoWriMo kick-off!

Ready...
Set...

It's All in a Name

I think one of the most difficult tasks when writing a novel is determining the names of your characters.  I've been mulling over the names and each time I think I've made a decision, someone reads my list and says "Ewww.  That name reminds me of my friend's cousin's neighbor's brother who is a real jerk!" 

It's difficult to find a name that does not have some type of association attached, whether favorable or not.  Names have meanings, and your character's nature is reflected in the meaning.  Would you name a gentle, artist-type "Thor" or tough football player "Pansy"?

I remember when the author Kaza Kingsley visited our school  a few years ago.  She is the author of the popular series Eric Rex.  She explained how she solves the problem of naming her characters.  "Create them," she said, by combining the first half of one name with the last half of another. 

Here are a few examples:

Maxwell + Johnson = Maxson or Johnwell

Sarah + Jennifer = Sarfer or Jeniah

Noah + Abigail = Nogail or Abiah

If you don't like this idea, and prefer traditional naming systems, check out this link...

Baby Name Explorer

Novel Writing Club

I'm speechless tonight as I reflect on the number of writers in our school.  Our Novel Writing Club met in my classroom for its weekly meeting and every seat, including my teacher's desk and the carpet, was taken.  Imagine if the entire group had been in attendance?  We would have spilled into the hallway!

Don't misunderstand - I am definitely not complaining.  It's amazing for me to contemplate how many of our students love to write.  I guess we've all been bitten by the same bug!

I am proud of each of you that you desire to express the stories that bubble just beneath your surfaces.  I can see it in your eyes, feel the excitement in the tones of your voices.  You are excited about the act of writing, and are willing to participate in NaNoWriMo, not because it's an assignment, but because you want to do it.  Love to do it.  Crave to do it.  Can't wait to start to do it.  You've embraced the endeavor of creating something new where there was nothing before.  I share that excitement with you and totally understand the joy you are anticipating as the NaNoWriMo kick-off approaches.

You are adventurers.  You are fearless.  You believe in your abilities and are willing to take enormous risks by putting your inner-most thoughts onto paper for the world to see, accept or reject.  But as writers, it's all about the journey, isn't it?  It's the moments we spend creating worlds within the thoughts of our minds.  Worlds that are currently voids of nothingness but, come November 1st, will take shape, with ridges and contours, fluidity and substance, as we deem appropriate.  As we choose.  With all due respect, we will play "Creator" for a moment in time.  We will control the destinies of our characters.  We will shape dreams and either coax them to fruition or decimate them at the feet of our trembling protagonists.  We will possess the power to bless or destroy.  The humble writers in us will experience, during this month, sincere moments of creative enlightenment. 

Six days (if you live in Australia)...seven if you live in the Grand Canyon state.

We Are Writers

So - you've decided to take the plunge and write a novel!  Congratulations!  For me, this creative endeavor has become an annual highlight of the school year.  I love to write, but beyond that, I love the camaraderie we share as we sit side by side, typing furiously on our laptops, creating unique, secretive worlds of conflict, strategy and emotion.  This common experience bonds us together for one delicious, creative slice of time - the month of November - when we live and breathe our stories, determining the fates of our characters, revelling in the pure joy and untethered fervor of writing.  I don't see myself as your teacher during this month.  You are not students.  There is no age difference, no roles to play, no rules to follow.  We are writers. 

It's a time to indulge your creative selves.  Are you getting ready to take the plunge together?

Nine days and counting...

Ten Days And Counting...

Things to consider...

How much time can you commit to NaNoWriMo 2011?  How many words can you commit to writing?  It's exciting to say "I'm going to write 50,000 words in one month", and it's very possible because this is our club's third year doing just that.  But you must consider your age and grade level.  I'd rather you start with a lower word count and surprise yourself if you write more than feel like you've "failed" because you set your goal too high.  We've lost all of our ninth-graders to high school this year, and now we're blessed with fourth-graders who want to write with us but are very young.  Please remember that your priority must always be school.  Grades come first.  Talk to your parents and discuss this endeavor.  Determine what works best for you.  We're thrilled you're joining us!

I've created a NaNoWriMo bulletin board outside my classroom in the hallway.  Stop by, add your name to the list and write your projected word count.   

NaNoWriMo begins November 1st!  Join us for our kick-off party and be prepared to start writing!  You can come to my classroom before school, during lunch (1st or 2nd) and after school until 5:00p every school day during November.  Join us when you are able.  Write at home if you can't write with us. 

Ten days...

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Thanks to all of the new (and returning) members who attend our Novel Writing Club meeting today!  We created usernames and pwds to access the ywp.nanowrimo.org website and created buddy lists.  We're gearing up and getting ready for November 1st!

Mark your calendar for our next meeting on Tuesday, October 25th.

Thirteen more days and counting down...

Article about our club

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Mark your calendar - our first meeting is this Tuesday!  Whoohoo!  Let's go NaNoWriMo!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Michigan Wolverines lost their game to the Spartans today.  I'm in mourning.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Writing a novel involves more than inspiration and putting words on paper.  It's important to take a few minutes to organize the backbone of the book - the chapters.

I use a spreadsheet program for this task.  I create the following headings:

Chapter Number, Chapter Name, Projected Word Count, Actual Word Count and Purpose of Chapter

I intend to write the full 50,000 words (maybe more), so I create 20 chapters (one per row in the spreadsheet) and give each one a working title (which is subject to change as the book evolves).  The projected word count is 2,500 (which will change when I actually start writing).  As I write the book, I enter the actual word count and calculate the difference from 50,000 so I know how many words remain to be written as I pursue my word-count goal.  Under the heading "Purpose of Chapter", I enter a few short sentences to explain the purpose of each chapter, the names of the characters in it, why they are important to the scene, and the actions that should result from that chapter so the story can move logically to the next one.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Yesterday I suggested that if you're not certain about your NaNoWriMo topic to get out of the house, go to the mall, and observe people and things.  Sometimes a writer just needs to sit and watch the world around them, to wait with an open mind for the lightning bolt of creativity to zap knock them out of their seats.

Well, I'm here to tell you today that this method does indeed work.  It happened to one of our club members (won't say the name) who was at the public library.  He meandered through the building, perusing bulletin boards and obscure pieces of artwork, when suddenly, it happened.  Thunder rumbled, the cloudy sky parted (ok, so we've no clouds here in the desert right now but you get the picture), and a pure, razor-sharp bolt of lightning erupted from the heavens, parting the hair on his head, right down to his cowlick. 

"Aha!"  He exclaimed triumphantly.  "I've got it!" 

I ran to get a piece of paper from the librarian and returned with three tiny scraps of paper (used to write down catalog numbers), but they provided just enough space for our inspired author to log his ideas before they dissipated as quickly as they came. 

Tada! 

He's one excited author with a NaNoWriMo idea that is totally cool (and must remain a secret per his request).

So - get out there and look around.  You never know what zap of inspiration will part your hair!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

If you haven't created a NaNoWriMo user account and password, please do so ASAP so I can invite you to our virtual classroom.  http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/

I ordered our class kit which comes with stickers and fun stuff for our group. 

Mark your calendar:  Tuesday, November 1st - NaNoWriMo kick-off party!  Rm. 7, 3:45p - 5:00p.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Hello to my writing club members!

We will resume our meetings next Tuesday, October 18th, in my classroom from 3:45p - 5:00p.  Yes, it's October Break, but a writer never stops writing (or thinking about writing), write?  I mean, right?  (-:

To create my NaNoWriMo book this year, I'm going to practice what I teach.  I will be following the IB Design Cycle (International Baccalaureate) which employs the following categories:  Investigate, Plan, Design, Create and Evaluate.  In future posts, I'll explain what these mean in more detail, but suffice to say we should all know the definition of PLAN. 

(But just in case, here are some definitions straight from Merriam-Webster Online...)

1.  to arrange the parts of...
2.  to devise or project the realization or achievement of...
3.  to have in mind...

That's the one I mean.  To have in mind.  What do you have in mind for your book?  Not sure?  Aha!  That, my friend, is why we plan.

Sooooooo...here's your assignment for next week. 

Purchase a journal, notebook or boot up your computer and create an electronic folder called NaNoWriMo 2011.  Begin with a new page called "Planning" and write/answer the questions below.

Here are thoughts to ponder regarding writing your NaNoWriMo book. 

1.  How many words do you intend to achieve this year?  "Winners" are those who write 50,000 words within the month of November.  Each year, my club has produced at least 10 of these types of winners, but please consider your age and grade level.  Yes, yes, I know you are gifted and accelerated, but you must consider schoolwork, other club commitments (how dare you!!!), your weekday bedtime (I even have one of those), and your family responsibilities.  In other words, please don't over commit, yet set a challenge that will motivate you.  Perhaps you could increase your word count from last year by 5,000?

2.  What is the genre you intend to write?  Romance?  Comedy?  Drama?  Adventure?  Science Fiction?  Not sure?  Write down the type of book(s) you've read that is/are SIMILAR to the one you will probably write.

3.  What is the book's working title? 

4.  Who/what is your main character (protagonist) and what does he/she/it want?

5.  In what situation will you place this character?  What must he/she do to get out of it?

6.  Who/what are the protagonists of the story?

7.  What conflicts/obstacles must your protagonist face/overcome?

If you have NO IDEA what to write, go for a walk.  Go to the mall.  Go to the movies.  Go to the bookstore/library.  Go to the park.  Bring your dog to the groomers.  In other words, live your normal life but be acutely aware of the happenings around you, the emotions and nuances of those who are near you, their concerns and goals.  Jot these observations in your notebook (yes, you did remember to bring it, didn't you?) and brainstorm ideas.  Ask yourself "What if..."  What if the toddler wandered off through the clothing store and out into the food court...alone?  What if the pizza maker finally conjures enough courage to ask out the girl who works at the Dairy Queen?  What if the elevator stops between the third and fourth floor - with two rival gang members trapped inside?  What if the prized show dog runs across the street and is struck by a car?

Look for situations.  Look for ideas.  They are all around you.  You just have to observe the world through the eyes of a writer.

21 days - whoohoo!!!!!!  NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program

Saturday, October 1st

Our first meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 18th at 3:45p in my classroom.  See you then!

Monday, September 5, 2011

Welcome back, everyone!  I've started my writers' blog again to gear us up for another NaNoWriMo event...56 days and counting, Wrimos!

We lost a few of our club's members due to the shift of ninth grade to the local high school   )-:  HOWEVER, you know where to find classroom 7, right?  You're welcome to join us after school, read this blog and comment to support each other.  Welcome to the new members this year! 

I spoke with a few of you last week and was pleased to hear you are already planning your NaNoWriMo books topics.  I've got an idea for mine.  The working title is "In the Wings" and it takes place backstage during a drama performance at school.  This topic is a natural for me because I love theatre and have performed in many shows.  I also think it's an appropriate topic for middle grade students since many young people can relate to waiting for their moments to shine.

We will resume our club meetings on Tuesday, October 18th, to prepare for the NaNoWriMo kickoff on Tuesday, November 1st.  Can't wait to get started...

I'm currently reading "Writing Down the Bones" by Natalie Goldberg.  Thanks, Frank, for recommending the book. 

Sunday, May 15th

Novel Writing Club Members:

Our club meetings for the school year have ended.  Continue to write and revise over the summer.

My short story "Nobody" received honorable mention in the 2011 MPS Voices Contest.

My plans for the summer - revise "Summer Rain" and "A Place for Pamela".

Keep writing and see you in September.  Think NaNoWriMo 2011!

Mrs. Procopio

Monday, May 2, 2011

Club meeting tomorrow (May 3rd) 3:45p - 5:00p.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Novel Club meeting will be held in rm. 7 from 3:45p - 5:00p.

Good luck with the AIMS test this week!  Don't stay up too late and be sure to eat breakfast!

(-:

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

The Novel Writing Club will meet on Tuesday, March 22nd, from 3:45p - 5:00p.

Topic:  formatting your book

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Hello, Writers!

Amanda will oversee the meeting again on Tuesday, 3:45 - 5:00p.

Mrs. P

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Hello, Writers!

Thanks to Amanda for running the club meeting on Tuesday.  I knew I could count on her!  Same thing next Tuesday (March 1st and March 8th).  Sorry - I have to attend meetings.  XP

Are you thinking layout?  Book cover?  We'll spend some time with those tasks after Spring Break.

Keep writing!

Mrs. P

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Hello, Writers!

Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow!  Dark chocolate is my favorite (hint! hint!)  (-:

Here's the update on our club meetings...

Tuesday, February 15th - meet from 3:45p - 5:00p, room 7.

Tuesday, February 22nd - I will be off campus for training but you can still use my classroom.  Let me know if you'd still like to meet.  I'll put one of the alumni in charge.

Tuesday, March 1 - I will be off campus AGAIN for training but you can still use my classroom. Let me know if you'd still like to meet. I'll put one of the alumni in charge.


Tuesday, March 8 - I will be off campus AGAIN for training but you can still use my classroom. Let me know if you'd still like to meet. I'll put one of the alumni in charge.

Just cuz I'm not there doesn't mean you can't meet and revise.  No excuses when it comes to writing!!!  (-;

Today's the last day to submit to The Sandy Contest in Colorado.  This organization is lovely and helpful and wonderful and...and...and... shall I say more?  They provide EXCELLENT feedback on your writing.  Don't miss out!

http://www.crestedbuttewriters.org/sandy.php

Mrs. P

Monday, January 31st

No Novel Club meeting on Tuesday, February 1st.  I need to attend a meeting.  Sorry!  XP

Monday, January 24, 2011

Novel Writing Club meeting tomorrow from 3:45p - 5:00p, Rm. 7.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Don't forget the next meeting on Tuesday, January 25th, 3:42p - 5:00p.

Saturday, January 15, 2010

Novel Writing Club Update

Hello, writers!

Our club met on Tuesday, January 11th.  We ate pizza (of course!) and began revising our novels. 

Revision is quite a process and is not for the faint of heart.  Be prepared to cut and tear apart your beloved creations!  If you've written a beautifully prolific paragraph but it doesn't fit in your book, then chop!  chop!  chop!  However...don't delete it permanently.  Save these moments of inspiration in an electronic file for use later in the book or in another writing project.

I think of revision as knocking down a wall in your house and replacing the plumbing.  I think of editing as moving the coffee cups from one shelf to another.  Therefore, editing is the polishing phase and shouldn't happen just yet. 

Refer back to your storyline map.  Did your novel follow the storyline map?  Did you veer off of it?  Sometimes that's alright - if your new path is better and makes more sense.  But if you simply wrote in circles, go back to the revision stage.  After you chop! chop! chop! you should rewrite the deleted sections.

Next meeting is Tuesday, January 18th.  We'll meet from 3:45p - 5:00p.  You can bring food to share with the group, if you'd like.

Mrs. P.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Mark your calendar!


Our first meeting of the year will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 in rm. 7 from 3:45p - 5:00p.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Hey - we're in the news again!  Go us!

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/education/article_2c667e18-1468-11e0-970b-001cc4c002e0.html

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Wow - It's 1/1/11 at 1:11 p.m.!

Happy New Year to all of you!

School starts on Monday (blah!) but our writing club resumes on Tuesday, January 12th (yeah!)

Here's another contest for you....

http://www.crestedbuttewriters.org/sandy_rules.php