Warm Uppers!

*Due to Blogger's silly "we won't show over 200 comments rule," we ask for no more responses to profiles here. Please post only to add a new profile. Sorry about this, but if we go over 200 comments, the new ones don't show up. We may also be deleting some old comments--not profiles, but comments--in order to make room, if need be. Thanks for understanding!*

Comment on this page with who you are and what you'll be working on! We can't wait to hear about your amazing project!

HTML guide:


*don't use spaces between everything in the actual comment


for bold: < b > word < / b >


for italics: < i > word < / i >


for underlined: < u > word < / u >


For convenience, we're including a list of all participants who have officially signed up, along with links to their blogs and twitter profiles. If you add your profile as a comment on this page, we'll add you :) This is all done manually, of course, so please be patience if there's a bit of a delay--we'll get you on here! 


We've also made a Twitter List of all our participants who included a Twitter handle. Remember to tag your tweets with #NaNoWarmUp so they're all collected together! Feel free to check in on the hashtag to see who else is available for a word-sprint or word-war. This is your place to hang out (in addition to our posts here, of course!), and the more everyone uses it, the more handy and fun it'll be for everyone :)


EDIT: The comment system seems to have a hard time loading comments after 200, so we're going through and deleting non-essential comments as more people sign up. So sorry for the inconvenience!


  1. Kat Zhang - @KatZhang
  2. McQuinn - @McQuinnish
  3. Savannah J. Foley - @savannahjfoley
  4. Laura Wardle - @lauraewardle
  5. Emily Siess - @FallingForYA
  6. Armith-Greenleaf - @armithgreenleaf
  7. Emily B. Sterner - @EmilyBSterner
  8. Melody Simpson - @melodysimpson
  9. Jessica Sun - @MagicNeverEnds6
  10. Maj - @majdaffi
  11. Hannah Mairie - @unhannah
  12. Julie Eshbaugh - @JulieEshbaugh
  13. Caitlin Vanasse - @CaitlinVanasse
  14. Ashlyn Nafina - @AshlynNafina
  15. Michell Gilmore - @NLibrisVeritas
  16. Diyana Wan - @DNWan
  17. Sarah
  18. Cat Scully - @CatMScully
  19. Christine Song - @christineysong
  20. Anna Leighton - @leighton_anna
  21. Kirsty Stanley - @kirstyes
  22. Kairee-Anne Cooley
  23. Meghan Jashinsky - @meghanjashinsky
  24. Jessi - @listentomuses
  25. Kirstyn
  26. Lola Sharp - @LolaSharp
  27. Lea Kaplan - @LeaKaplan
  28. Anna Gergen - @agergen53
  29. Casey - @thatmadgirl
  30. Charlie - @C_Heathcote
  31. Taylor Rae - @boldnobody
  32. Sybil
  33. Heather
  34. Danielle - @daniellek
  35. Kara - @Kara_writes16
  36. Kristen Long - @CodeConfession
  37. Rowenna Miller - @RowennaM
  38. Laura Tims - @laura_tims
  39. Michael - @FoienDieu
  40. Amelia
  41. Eleni Alexandraki - @MissAlexandraki
  42. Kim - @K_Writes
  43. Jen Moore
  44. Hailey Smith - @CallMeLuvelise
  45. Andrea Huff - @wishforfreedom
  46. JC - @concrete_roads
  47. J.C. Morrows - @JCMorrows
  48. Lara Willard - @larathelark
  49. RacheltheNorman @VikingLemon
  50. Kim Trotter
  51. Patrick Volpe
  52. Michelle - @butterflyprism
  53. Eva
  54. Eileen - @EileenShyler
  55. Suzanne - @SuzanneEarley
  56. Carla - @ShesAllWrite
  57. Katarina - @andromedakat
  58. Skye Alexander - @eppiemorrie
  59. Jordhana Rempel - @JordhanaRempel
  60. Joyce - @JHeatherington
  61. Hillary Raymer - @hillaryraymer
  62. Karen M. - @KNevaM
  63. Sarah K. Nielsen - @SarahNeil33
  64. Rebecca - @beccawriter
  65. Stephanie - @sknipper

202 comments:

  1. (Example Profile--don't need to follow this exactly!)

    Name: Kat Zhang

    About me: I'm super excited to start drafting again--I haven't been able to participate in NaNoWriMo for several years now. And it's always cool to start something completely new :) I used to be a complete panster, but I'm starting to enjoy outlining more and more...but only my own special breed of outlining, which is madness itself.

    I'll be working on: A twisted YA fantasy that refuses to be titled, so I'm called it The Un-title-able Novel.

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  2. Name: McQuinn (kind of an unflattering pseudonym, when I say it out loud; you can call me Quinn instead).

    About me: I'm an attorney with not a lot of time on my hands, so 50k is kind of crazy for me to handle. I'm really into this NaNoWarmUp idea, though--I can definitely commit to 800 words a night. I'd love to participate!

    I'll be working on: A YA sci-fi with a current word count of 50k--it's no where near done, though. I hope it's okay to use NaNoWarmUp as a sort of "NaNoWindDown," instead. :P

    Twitter: @McQuinnish (https://twitter.com/McQuinnish)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Quinn! (haha, I know your secret true name)

      I had no idea you were an attorney; oddly enough another participant a few comments down is in law school. Coincidence or vast conspiracy?!?!

      You can use the Warm Up for whatever you like! Kat and I both have current projects we're dying to add words to, and will probably continue them on in NaNo proper.

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    2. Haha, YES. You do know my secret true name.

      It's crazy that another participant is involved in law. Looks like NaNoWarmUp is already bringing people together. :P

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    3. Hooray for YA sci-fis, and I agree that 25k in a month is much easier to swallow than 50k in a month, lol. :)

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    4. Hello McQuinn/Quinn! Just wanted to say I'm glad you're participating so anytime I think about whining that I'm too busy with school & work etc. I can remember that you're an attorney and probably have even less time on your hands and are still participating. Yay for YA sci-fi too!

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  3. Name: Savannah J. Foley

    About Me: I'm finally at a point with my writing where I feel confident in writing a 'shitty first draft', and am actually having a great time with it. I can't wait to add words to my new project! I totally suspect I'll finish the book, if not during October then early in November :D

    I'll be working on: A YA high fantasy called The Cobworld, which follows newly-betrothed Princess Bronwen as she struggles to save her childhood friend Prince Rylan from magical entrapment after he returns, mute and terrified, from a mysterious 4-year disappearance. Following him into the magical Cobworld, Bronwen discovers the truth about Rylan's curse, the dangerous royal Wishing Well, and ultimately herself.

    Twitter: @savannahjfoley

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  4. Name: Laura Wardle

    About me: 2013 will be finally be the year I finish a book, even if it's just the first draft, and the Warm Up will help me do that. I find the prospect of writing 50k in a month for NaNoWriMo massively daunting, but easing into it with the Warm Up throughout October makes the whole things seem much more manageable. The Warm Up has really arrived at the perfect time. Can't wait to get stuck into this first draft!

    I'll be working on: A YA urban fantasy called SOULBOUND.

    Twitter: @lauraewardle

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    Replies
    1. Yay Soulbound!!

      You've never finished a book? I could have sworn you had before... Now I'm super impressed by the quality of Soulbound!

      Can't wait to do Warm Up with you!

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    2. Yaaay, glad you're joining us, Laura! Good luck with SOULBOUND!

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  5. Name:Emily Siess

    I'm a third year law student and I start prepping for finals in November so I've never been able to participate in NaNoWriMo. I think 25K is the perfect level of commitment and something I can actually do in October. I'm excited to finally write with a community!

    I'll be working on: A gritty YA (maybe NA?) contemporary novel with copious drug use, childhood friendships, and death.

    Twitter: @FallingForYA

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Giiiiirl, I totally understand where you're coming from. Good luck with your 3L year--and congrats on almost being done! Looking forward to participating in NaNoWarmUp with you.

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    2. LOVE gritty YAs, especially when they near the NA line. And wow, 3rd year Law student--sounds rough!

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  6. Name: Armith-Greenleaf, you can call me AG. That's not my real name (it's only just a tad less of a mouthful), so let's go by it :D

    About Me: I have recently acquired a master degree, and that means I'm in the process of job hunting. Writing will keep me sane. I hope. Side note: I'm up for word wars/sprints!

    I'll be working on: Ghost of Me (aka Gummy). It's the v3.0 of this YA novel that I hope to query in the not-too-terribly-far future. I have around 25k thus far and am about to enter brand new territory, so I'm excited! Bit of a summary: Drew Carr has no friends -- living ones, that is. Maybe if the dead people around him stopped bothering he would have a more 'normal' life. But then his classmate, don't-call-me-Rosemarie (aka Rush Murray) dies, and as they unravel the mysteries that bind them they discover that 'normal' has a very loose meaning.

    Twitter: @armithgreenleaf

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    Replies
    1. I love Rush Murray's nickname! Can't wait to sprint with you!

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    2. Look forward to writing with you! :) Your WIP sounds super interesting!

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    3. Not to sound like a total creeper, but you were active on Fictionpress or fanfiction.net back in the day right?

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    4. ^ I was about to make the same comment as Caity ><
      Your premise sounds great!

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    5. @Caity and Christiney

      Hey! Indeed I was. And no, absolutely not creeper. I'm flattered you remember me at all <3 What were your usernames?

      Thank you, all!

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    6. Mine was so long ago that I don't remember it at all (it was like junior high though so embarrassment level is undoubtedly high ><)

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    7. I was Lalaith7 on Fictionpress and Lalaith8 on ff.net but I was mostly a commenter not a writer so IDK if you'll remember me. So glad to be participating in warm-up with you though!

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    8. Ahh! Sorry apparently I can't remember which account I've signed in with. Caitlin Vanasse = Caity = Lalaith7

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  7. Name: Emily B. Sterner

    About Me: I'm in my third year of college, but since I'm taking a lighter course load this semester, I'll be able to have more time for writing during NaNo even with finals coming around the corner! This Warm Up is perfect for me, since I tend to find NaNo a little stressful most of the time.

    I'll be working on: A YA fantasy that incorporates some elements of steampunk!

    Twitter: @EmilyBSterner

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay for lighter courses that allow for more writing! :D I love a light Steampunk. So glad you could join us!

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    2. I loved the semesters where I had a slightly lighter course load, haha. Glad you'll have more time to write, and that NaNoWarmUp suits your writing needs :)

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    3. OMG I love steampunk (my wip that I'm revising is similar to your premise)! I feel like it's not a sub-genre that gets much love! I wish you the best of luck~

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    4. It needs more love! More love for steampunk! :D Thank you and I wish you much luck as well!

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  8. Hi Kat! Hi Savannah! Hi everyone!

    Name: Melody Simpson

    About me: I recently wrote and revised a YA Sci-fi but it still needs more revisions. I'm taking a break from that MS to focus on another and I can't wait to see where this second project takes me!

    I'll be working on: YA supernatural thriller.

    Twitter: @melodysimpson (https://twitter.com/melodysimpson)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Melody! So glad you're able to join us! Nothing like the excitement of a new project :-)

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    2. Hi, Melody! Good to see you here! :D

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  9. Name: Jessica Sun

    I'll be working on: Finally completing Book 1 of my book series, which I started last year during NaNo, continued on during Session 1 of Camp NaNo, and STILL haven't completed. Hopefully this can get me to the end before NaNo this year! It's untitled, and it's really hard to explain. It might be categorized as fantasy, but I'm not sure.

    Twitter: @ReviewsAbound OR @MagicNeverEnds6 (the first one is mostly for blogging, and the latter is more like my personal one but I've used it for NaNo and stuff)

    NaNoWriMo: dwellingondreams138 (or click here)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, what a journey! Hopefully you can make it to the end with us! Can't wait to write with you!

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    2. Wow, that is a long journey! The first book I ever finished was also a 2-NaNo project, though :) Good luck with it!

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    3. Thank you! It was actually because I thought I was going to finish before NaNo ended, so I dragged out a bunch of scenes. And then I've been neglecting it for a while.

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  10. Name: Maj
    About Me: I'm an engineer and when I got done with grad school and started working, my writing life sort of slipped away so I'm excited to have a community to go through nano warm up with
    I'm definitely a plotter, bullet points and all. I have no words for the awesomeness that is scrivener
    I'll be working on: not sure yet but I write mysteries or romantic suspense so it will be one or the other
    Twitter @majdaffi
    Website mdirvine.livejournal.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am falling more and more obsessed with Scrivener, no joke. I'm SO lazy when it comes to figuring out all its uses, so even though I've had it for like more than 2 years now, I feel like I only know a quarter of the things you can do with it.

      I used to only edit with it, but now I totally brainstorm and draft with it, too! It's marvelous.

      Welcome to the group!

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    2. You know, I tried Scrivener, and perhaps it was because I was way more eager to just write than learn a new program, but it did totally not do it for me.

      You'll totally appreciate our posts over the next few days about outlining, though! :-)

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    3. I really want to love Scrivener too! Like you, Sav, I wanted to just write / was too lazy to explore just how powerful a tool Scrivener could be.

      But now I'm deep in the Drafting Trenches, I feel like it would be so awesome and useful to have all my ideas, inspiration and World Bible etc that are currently scattered in 1039203 random places over my desktop, housed under one roof.

      ...Maybe I'll get it with the NaNo discount...

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  11. Hey!

    Name: Hannah Mairie (not my real name, & I got the Mairie part by looking at a list of random French words. It means "town hall" - elegant, non?)

    About Me: I finally completed my first novel back in July (at 3am, while my cousins watched Prison Break). I've participated in NaNo around five times and haven't won once. I usually get to around 20-40k.

    I'll be working on: A YA Fantasy with ice and dreams and long-dead queens. ;)

    Twitter: @unhannah

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    Replies
    1. Omg your first novel!!!! Congratulations!!!!

      I. love. the description of your YA Fantasy!!!

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    2. Hooray for first novels! And yes, your fantasy novel sounds very cool!

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  12. Name: Julie Eshbaugh

    About me: I've had the pleasure of working with both Kat and Savannah on the writing blogs Let the Words Flow and Pub(lishing) Crawl and I'm really looking forward to writing with them and all the other Warm Uppers!

    I'll be working on: A super secret YA project :D

    Twitter: JulieEshbaugh

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    1. This is how I feel right now:

      http://potus98.wdfiles.com/local--files/wiki:devopsdays2012/DevOpsDays-BluesBrothers-A.jpg

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    2. <3 <3 <3

      Looking forward to writing with you, too!!

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  13. Name: Caitlin Vanasse

    About me: I'm a reader more than a writer but I love the online writing community and have made very poor attempts to participate in NaNo in the past. I'm looking to just encourage my imagination by sticking to daily free writes and this seems like the perfect opportunity. I am super excited to be writing with all of you! (Oh and I am a graduate student and you can find out way more about me than you care to by Googling my name.)

    I'll be working on: Probably a bunch of short pieces to be honest. I'm mainly focused on developing a good writing habit/schedule. I think I also ow a few friends short stories/fanfiction so I might pay up on that.

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    Replies
    1. Ahhhhhh Caitlin, you're going to participate! I get such perverse pleasure out of the thought of you writing! Welcome to the dark side >:-)

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    2. I'm always impressed with short-story writers, haha. I tend to have trouble with them. And yay for fanfiction ;)

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    3. Haha, I kind of promised a friend I would re-write a few scenes for her so that the things we want to happen happen more definitely but yeah... IDK how that will go.

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    4. I'm glad you're here with me... Cait-wise Gam-nass-gee.

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  14. Name: Ashlyn Nafina

    About me: I play a computer programmer by day, but I also wrote a YA novel called To Dream, Perchance to Soar. I haven't really had the time or energy to market it properly, so for the moment (maybe always?) it's posted for free. It's been a while since I was doing any serious writing (Soar was two back-to-back NaNoWriMos and my hands still hate me), so this sounds like fun! Plus it's interesting to bump shoulders with some successful authors whose books I like. :)

    I'll be working on: I've got an idea for a story that may turn out to be another book or a novella, called Fractured Harmony. I like YA a lot, but this one is feeling less like that. It's sci-fi about a part of humanity that's formed a (positive) group consciousness, and what happens when one of them gets thrown back into our era.

    Blog: http://nafina.com/

    Twitter: @AshlynNafina (I have to warn you though, I don't really use it much...)

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    Replies
    1. Ooh, I like group consciousness stories! So glad you can join us :-)

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    2. Very cool novel name! Thanks for joining us! And wow, that plot sounds super cool.

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  15. Name: Michell Gilmore

    About Me: I joined Nano last year and completed my first draft of book one in my YA sci-fi series...unfortunately I'm in the 'burn it with fire' stage and don't want to look at it. So I'm moving on to another story I've been wanting to write for a while now. I'm going to be busy in November so this is the perfect chance to get some of it done.

    I'll be working on: 'Monster of the Lake' : A YA(maybe NA) fantasy story with a twist on Loch Ness and the lore surrounding it. I wrote a flash fiction piece on figment, under the same name, and liked the idea so much I want to continue it.

    Twitter: @NLibrisVeritas

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    Replies
    1. Yay Michelle! I <3 The Loch Ness monster; your idea sounds awesome!

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    2. I totally sympathize with the "burn it with fire" feeling. I've felt like that about every book I've ever written, at some point or another, haha.

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  16. Name: Diyana (or Di)

    About me: This is probably the first year I can realistically commit to NaNo. I participated two years running and never won because of a stressful DayJob. Now I have nothing to stop me (except for myself).

    This is also the year I've committed to complete a novel. (Fistbump @ Laura Wardle!) I just need a shitty first draft with a beginning, middle and an end before the year is out.

    Hopefully NaNoWarmUp and NaNo will help me get there! I look forward to sprints and word wars with fellow Warm Uppers!

    I'll be working on: The Unwieldy Monster WIP, which is like Kat's project in that it's a project that refuses to be titled. (It's a stubborn, devious little devil). At its heart, its a YA Fantasy (probably) about a girl who becomes a spy to gain entrance to the court that holds her best friend captive. There are airships and zeppelins, court intrigues and hot romances. And there's friendship. And magic. (Friendship is magic? ...I think you can probably tell why my WIP got so Unwieldy)

    Twitter: @DNWan (https://twitter.com/DNWan)

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    Replies
    1. Unwieldy sounds amazing!! So excited for you to finish your first novel ever omg!

      Welcome! :-)

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    2. I'm totally cheering for you to finish that novel! Sounds AMAZING.

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    3. umm please finish~ you got me me with Fantasy + airships & zeppelins (I am sensing a steampunk trend~ yayyyy)

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    4. What Christiney said. Seriously.

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  17. Name Sarah/appifanie

    About Me I'm a mom of an almost 7 year old and I'm in my mid-30s. I love books and reading and I wanted to try NaNo a few years ago to see what I ended up with - to see if writing is something I can do.

    I'll Be Working On Nothing specific yet - I keep starting different YA stories, and making lists of ideas. I'm going to take one of those things and see if I can flesh something out of one of those ideas/starts.

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    Replies
    1. Sounds like you're primed for this project! Check out today's post on Brainstorming, and definitely tomorrow's on writing a Synopsis; I think that'll really help you cement your ideas. Thank you for joining us!

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    2. Yay!! Looking forward to seeing you around :D

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  18. Name: Cat Scully

    About me: Working through my edits before submission, so I'm happy to write something from scratch again! I'm a writer/illustrator rep'd by Carrie Howland of Donadio and Olson. I like horror, yoga, bunnies, garden growing, cooking and recipes, really funny movies like Superbad or Clerks, comics, having outdoor adventures like camping or rafting, and crafts. I love meeting new friends I can share a good laugh with (Read: extremely extroverted)

    I'll be working on: The book I've been dying to get back to and rewrite, my dark fantasy LO. Probably also some short stories. This will all probably bleed over into Nanowrimo too.

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    Replies
    1. Yay Cat!!! What is LO?

      One day we should totally go on an outdoor adventure! I love outdoor adventures!

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    2. It's always nice to have a second book going on while doing edits, if you can! :) Hooray for joining us!

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  19. Name: Christine Song

    About Me: I am currently interning for Entangled Publishing (which is awesome since I've always wanted to to work in the publishing industry) while finishing up my BA in English and earning my certificate in PR. I have a YA fantasy I did finish, but need a new project to work on otherwise revising will drive me insane.
    I re-discovered my love for writing a couple of months ago and wanted new writer friends (but didn't know how to find good ones) so I'm uber excited to participate in nanowrimo warm-up!

    I'll Be Working On: Ugh.. I've got two that I've been brainstorming (kind of) so I guess I'll be using October to flesh them out and see which one calls to me for nanowrimo... (that is okay, right?)
    One's a YA historical mystery with a paranormal element while other is a YA contemporary mystery with what seems to be a paranormal element but isn't.

    Twitter: @christineysong

    Blog: Main one is at http://www.christiney.com but all my writing escapes is at http://writer.christiney.com

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    Replies
    1. Nice! Congrats on your internship with Entangled! And using October to flesh out ideas is totally okay :) Hope you figure out which one if the right one!

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    2. Congrats on your internship! That's awesome!

      I'm so glad you found us! Look forward to writing with you :-)

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    3. Ahhh~ thank you ^^
      I'm so excited that you two decided to start something like this! I was originally planning on fleshing the outlines out during October but I feel that a community makes everyone more accountable (hahahaha)

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    4. That's how we felt, too! I was definitely slacking on my synopses process, and now I need to whip myself into shape before October 1st!

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  20. Name: Anna Leighton

    About Me: I'm a second semester sophomore majoring in International Studies minoring in French and Spanish. I read and write in whatever free time I have. Since this Summer I've been working really hard to make my author dreams come true! I've written one book while in high school which I'm still revising (ugh!) and I participated (and completed) Camp NaNoWriMo in July.

    I'll Be Working On: The second draft (basically a total overhaul) of the book I wrote for Camp NaNoWriMo. It's a YA sci-fi/space opera novel that has yet to be named.

    Twitter: @leighton_anna

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    Replies
    1. Speaking as someone who's STILL revising their high school book, even 10 years after I first wrote it, *misery high five*

      We totally need more YA space operas. So glad to be writing with you!

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    2. Yay! Thank you!

      I'm so excited. I really love this idea. NaNoWriMo is just too far away. Having a set word count to write everyday really helps when I get super busy with school :)

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    3. I LOVE space operas!! Wishing you the best of luck with the revision / overhaul, mainly due to my selfishness of wanting to read it :P

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    4. When I first started college I was an International Studies major too! My regional focus was East Asia though but somehow that morphed in to Criminology =P

      Can't wait to hear more about your space opera!

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    5. Aw thank you! Hopefully I'll be able to hash this story out. I feel like I've been planning it forever.

      I get to take a criminology class next semester about the justice systems in other countries. I'm so excited. Going from to International Studies to criminology makes total sense to me!

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  21. Name: Kirsty Stanley

    About Me: I'm 35, an occupational therapy lecturer, PhD candidate and writer. I think for Oct and Nov I'm going to try and have to limit my social media time to concentrate on this.

    I'll be working on:
    A major rewrite of my 2010/11 Nano novel that involves Time Travel. Shifting POV to first person and filling in some pretty big gaps that I left 'Some scenes go here!'

    Blog/Website: kirstyes.co.uk

    Twitter: @kirstyes

    NaNoWriMo: CharmedP3

    Good Luck everyone, thanks Kat and Savannah for organising this.

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    Replies
    1. I LOVE time travel stories!!!

      Congrats on your PhD candidacy! Can't wait to write with you!

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    2. Yay! Glad you got the comments to start working for you, haha. Totally know what you mean by the whole "scenes go here" approach. I write like that, too :P

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    3. Thanks both - can still only do on Mac and not iPad.
      So glad I'm not the only one who does that Kat - I hold out hope of completing something coherent now.
      Savannah I'm looking at writing for my PhD so that's good.

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  22. Name: Kairee-Anne Cooley

    About me: I am 20 years old and a third year college student that's majoring in English with a focus on creative writing. I have been trying NaNo since around 10th grade, but I never really won till the CampNano thing in July with my WIP, Masks of Judgment. Thanks to that, I'm almost done with the first draft! :) So hopefully this event will help me get my new novel going!

    I'll be working on: Since I'm almost done with my first novel, I think it would be pointless to enter it for this since I'm at the 'burn it with fire' state with the first draft.. So I'm going to be working on a new paranormal-romance call "Angel Dust'. It's about a pirate crew traveling in a mysterious world trying to uncover the origins of a mysterious storm that causes a person's memory to shatter every year if caught underneath it.

    Blog/Website: http://xraynealeuwolfx.livejournal.com/

    Twitter: I'll make a new twitter account soon.. So I don't really have one..

    NaNoWriMo: Rayne Wolf

    I wish everyone the best of luck and kick some butt!

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    Replies
    1. Pirates, storms, memory problems. Check, check, check. I love all those things!

      Definitely let us know about your Twitter account! Thank you for signing up :-)

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    2. I think I did NaNo for the first time in 10th grade, too! And wow, everyone has such great story ideas, haha!

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  23. Name: Meghan Jashinsky

    About Me: I'm a 22 year old who just moved to California a month or so ago. I am finishing up a degree in Linguistics in just a couple of months! I'm a contributor at the brand-new YA lit vlog, WordNerds (https://www.youtube.com/YAWordNerds), and I love dancing, reading, and sitting on my porch while writing! You can find me on Twitter @meghanjashinsky or on my blog at www.meghanjashinsky.blogspot.com. Also, my NaNo username is mjashinsky

    What I'm Working On: I'm working on a shiny new idea that I've been pondering the last month or so, but have been purposely not doing a huge outline of- my first time pantsing anything! Think... Fantasy! Adventure! A girl born into a prison system run by a government that is three steps short of being ravaged by some of it's most outspoken leaders! A kingdom nestled between the ocean and red rock mountains! Dark magic, and a moral gray area about when/if it could be used for good! As far as describing it... It doesn't get much more coherent than that right now. My main goal is to be able to describe it as "swashbuckling" when it is all said and done.

    Can't wait!

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    Replies
    1. Wow, Linguistics! That vlog sounds right up my alley!

      I find it so interesting you're moving /towards/ pantsing from outlining! Everyone I've ever heard of goes the opposite way, lol!

      Welcome! I hope we'll help you accomplish that "swashbuckling" goal!

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    2. I've kinda always wanted to live in Cali for a while, lol. Let me know how you like it ;) Your story definitely sounds like "swashbuckling" material. Best of luck with it!

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  24. Name: Jessi

    About Me: I've done NaNo about 4 years in a row (win some, lose some), but wasn't feeling so pumped this year. I'm a mental health caregiver and an editorial assistant, wasn't sure how long it would take me to complete my first draft for this project (boy, is it messy - I'm actually okay with that). But signing up for NaNoWarmUp will be a great way to help keep myself going through both months! Thanks Savannah and Kat for doing this. Brilliant idea!

    What I'm Working On: I'm working on an historical NA Western (Paranormal? I told you this draft is a mess!) about a girl who goes to the Alaskan gold rush to save her family's legacy, and puts her future on the line when she's confronted by the things that go "bump" in the night.

    Twitter: @listentomuses

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    1. Congrats on your editorial assistant job! That sounds so fun! On top of the stress with your day job it must be super difficult to get good writing done... so glad you'll be able to join us!

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    2. Hi Jessi! I'm really glad you're joining us :) I kind of LOVE historical fic that includes some kind of supernatural/magical aspect.

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    3. Thanks, ladies!

      Savannah - Thank you! Yeah, it is tricky to balance all the trays at once. I try to carve out my mornings to write before the daily whirlwind comes through. I lost my self discipline the past month or so, but this + NaNoWrimo = back to regular writing routine!

      Kat - Thank you! I like those sort of stories, too. I did a short version and sent it out to lit mags (still waiting), so I'm excited to see how it can expand into a novel.

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    4. Do you work a later shift or do you actually get up earlier to get writing done? If the latter you have all my admiration because I've been trying to do that off and on for YEARS but am always too lazy to just do it!

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    5. I'm actually a morning person so I try to get up early to write. Last nano, I held an insane schedule that worked for about two months until it caught up with me (waking up at 3:30 am, write 4-7am but I averaged 3k daily).

      I've been trying to keep the 5:30-7 window for writing time, but it's been tough for a month or two. I'm hoping to get back on the 5-7 writing time. I severely underestimated the necessity of a solid writing time where I can tune everything else out. Especially when life is crazy!

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  25. Name: Kirstyn
    about me: I'm a Georgia Tech student and have successfully completed NaNoWriMo for two years now. I've completed one novel and spent CampNaNo in July starting the sequel. I want to get a decent chunk of the sequel done during NaNo this year.
    What I'm working on It's called Ice on the Horizon, the sequel to my first NaNo novel As the Blood Moon Rises. It's dystopian YA fiction about a future US in the middle of a war against revolutionary rebels. State law requires mandatory enlistment for all citizens at age 16, and the first group follows the main character, Geneva through training and service, then her capture and integration into the Kandrid Rebels group. The second is going to follow her, and two other Kandrid Rebels through the Revolution that they created, showing the flaws in both sides' leadership.

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    1. I love stories where both 'good' guys and 'bad' guys are really a mix of both. So glad you're able to join us!

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    2. Kirstyn!! Yeah for joining us :D Is this the same story you were working on for NaNo in high school?

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    3. It is, but the sequel (and all the terrible stuff I wrote then was scrapped when I restarted it in 2011). Excited!

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  26. Wheeee! Fun!

    Name: Lola Sharp (on the Nano site I am: the-sharp-pen)

    About me: I love Nano and have been doing it for several years. I am super excited to start early this year by doing this with y'all... and hopefully that way by the end of Nov. I'll have completed a full first draft.

    I'll be working on: An upper YA (pushing into NA territory) Southern-Gothic-Noir-esque-ish thing. It's a bit slippery yet, as I haven't started it. It's going to be dark and it won't have a happy ending.

    Twitter: @LolaSharp

    Happy word hunting, everyone!

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    Replies
    1. Your project is filled with all the things I love. Welcome to the warm up!

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    2. Everyone is writing stories I want to read!! Southern-Gothic-Noir sounds SO cool. :D

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  27. Name: Lea

    About me: I'm an almost-26-year-old, Toronto-born, graphic design student, living in Manhattan. I struggle to find time to write in the hectic life of art school, but NaNo helps keep me on track. This year will be my fourth NaNoWriMo, and hopefully my fourth win.

    I'll be working on: Diving headfirst into the world of science fiction, leaving my past of fantasy projects behind. UNPLUGGED is a young adult sci-fi set firmly on Earth, many years in the future.

    Fifteen-year-old Cecily Ward loses her journal. She has been using this journal to track the leads about her brother (who disappeared just over a year ago), the inconsistencies in her father's company, and the stories about the Unplugged (a group of vigilantes that break the law every day, by refusing to be plugged in - something that every adult over 18 years old is obligated to do).

    Seventeen-year-old Piper Semmin finds the journal. Dealing with her own problems - she's sure that her father is about to lose his job, and then they'll be out on the streets - she is stunned to discover that the content of the journal might be the key to not only helping her father save his job, but keeping them comfortable for the rest of their lives.

    Piper, armed with the journal, and Cecily, armed with her knowledge, simultaneously set off on a journey to solve the mysteries outlined in the journal, knowing that all their answers lie in finding the Unplugged. But which girl will get there first?

    Contact: Twitter - @LeaKaplan ; NaNoWriMo website - kapppz ; Tumblr - hundredsofcharacters

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    Replies
    1. Lea, how do I know you? Is it just from Pub Crawl? For some reason your name indicates 'Apocalypsie!' to me but that's not right, is it?

      I love the 'plugging in' concept! Have you read RANT by Chuck Palahniuk? Very similar concept (I think), and one that totally just blew my mind.

      So glad you can join us!

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    2. Welcome, Lea! Yay for more sci-fi!!

      @Sav: There is another writer with a similar name, haha. Sometimes, when scrolling through twitter too fast, I get them mixed up in my head, as well :P

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  28. Name: Anna G
    About me: I'm 21 years old and a college student at the U of MN studying English. I've been writing for about three years now, including my first successful NaNoWriMo attempt last November. Right now I'm reading SIEGE & STORM by Leigh Bardugo. Her worldbuilding is so beautiful, I suspect witchcraft (or perhaps grishacraft!)
    What I'm working on: A YA paranormal romance(ish) novel about a group of teens who project their souls out of their bodies… and get stuck that way.

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    1. I haven't had a chance to read Siege & Storm yet, but the ending of Shadow & Bone totally struck me with its magic. Can't wait to see what Leigh's written in the second book!

      (Have you read her short story, The Witch of Duva? It's on the Tor website. I'm still in awe over it.)

      I love soul projection! Was working on a concept like that myself a few years ago, but it fizzled. So glad to have you here!

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    2. I loved SEIGE & STORM :D Can't wait for Book3!! And wow, what a book concept you have!

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  29. Name: Casey

    About Me: I'm a graduate student in Atlanta! I'm also a staffer for the Young Adult Literature track at Dragon*Con, so um, I read a LOT of YA, let's just say. :) I first did nano over 10 years ago, though I've mostly been focusing on short fiction (and school, heh) since then. I've recently jumped headfirst back into the world of I AM GOING TO FINISH A NOVEL FINALLY.

    What I'm working on: I'll be honest, I am still not completely settled on this yet. I've been furiously working on a YA fantasy novel with a girl computer programmer protagonist for the past couple of months and have about 25k, but it's gotten to the point where I might want to set it aside for a while and work on something else. The major contender right now is a YA space opera about robot ethics with a romantic structure inspired by Sabrina. However, I also have outlined from last year a new adult/chick lit novel about a fan fiction writer whose best friend gets a role on her favorite show. Maybe it's because I just finished reading Fangirl but suddenly this seems like a better idea than it did last year. :)

    ... I'll comment again when I actually settle on something. Though I may use the warm-up to bounce back and forth for a bit until I settle down into something. I'm not too fussed about the official nano rules of writing one thing - I mostly just want some support and a kickstart for my word count. :)

    Twitter: @thatmadgirl (the best place to find me TBH!)

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    1. Hooray for Atlanta area people! I've just (re)-moved to the area, and I'm hoping to go to D*C next year, as I was out of town that weekend this year :)

      Both your possible story ideas sound awesome, and worth pursuing :D

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    2. There is so much goodness here I can't even.

      I had the multi-options thing going on a few years ago... I sent the options to my agent so she could pick, and once she did I realized that was the one I was secretly hoping for, but didn't know it until that point. Maybe send the pitches to a friend and ask them which they feel is the strongest story? Your reaction to their choice might tell you a lot :-)

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    3. I second this idea! I did exactly the same thing--except I realized which story I was rooting for before even sending the second pitch, lol.

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    4. Kat - Welcome back to Atlanta! I actually remember seeing the announcement about your launch party at Little Shop. I almost always go to the YA events there so if I'd been in town I probably would have seen you. :)

      And ha, good advice from both of you! Honestly my BFF's reaction to the science fiction idea is what has made me start working on it. I've found that sometimes I need to just dive into something for a while to know if it "works." But sometimes telling someone else about it is always what helps you figure out what you're rooting for yourself. :)

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  30. Name: Charlie

    About me: I'm a twenty-one year old charity shop assistant and secretary to a writing group. I send e-mails to folk to organise readings and we're planning to integrate ourselves into a festival next year. I have a degree in Creative Writing, which taught me how to unpick novels and edit.

    I'll be working on: When characters leave their bindings, they are brought to the Library, a world where fiction and reality are intertwined. George, a real boy, was left in the care of the Uglies ten years ago. He doesn't know anything about the world outside, except that he wants to visit it. Until the Library is under threat, and George is tasked with helping a world where heroes could be villains and the villains might not be as bad as he's been led to believe.

    Twitter: @C_Heathcote

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    1. I love meta-esque fiction like this! Welcome to NaNoWarmUp!!

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    2. I second Kat; meta is the best. Have you read the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde?

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    3. Thank you for the welcome! I've only got to the fourth chapter of The Eyre Affair at the moment, I've been reading a lot of children's fiction because it's not really an age group I've read before. I got some inspiration from Moths of the New World by Audrey Niffenegger, did you read that?

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    4. I love Audrey!! But I haven't read that particular one, will definitely check it out.

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    5. It's a short story - I'm pretty sure it's available online.

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  31. I tried to send this all on my iPod a few days ago, but I don't think it quite worked? Let's try again.

    Name: Taylor

    About Me: I'm an eighteen year old student/preschool teacher extraordinaire. Since 2007, I've participated in and won seven NaNos, plus a smattering of off-season WriMos, JulNoWriMo in particular. In all that mad writing, I've somehow ended up with seven novels, the most recent of which I'm revising for publication. So yay.

    My Project: This month, I'll be writing the prequel to my NaNo 2009 novel, which is a behemoth about some rejected terrorist gods who are trying to regain their kingdoms in the heavens. This prequel is the story of how they fell to begin with.

    The idea is that I'll hash out the novel's backstory in the prequel, so that I can rewrite it this November. It's been on my plate for nearly four years; I'm excited to finish it.

    Twitter: boldnobody
    Tumblr: boldnobody.tumblr.com
    Writing Blog: theredhead-blog.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Yeah, we've discovered a few commenting issues for people trying to use iPod/iPads and stuff. Sorry! I'm glad you got it to work this time :)

      Congrats on all those won NaNos! That's awesome! And WOW, 7 novels!

      Welcome to NaNoWarmUp :D

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    2. Sounds epic! Also I love the style of your blog; totally gorgeous!

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  32. This is a fabulous idea! A great way to get some support.

    Name: Sybil

    About me: I work by day at a SaaS company as a project manager. But have recently been able to switch to part-time (starting this Oct 1!) to have more time to write. I really hope one day I can write full-time. That'd be amazing.

    I'll be working on: I've been working on a children's fantasy novel which is around 60K right now but I think it'll be another 30K before I finish, so this will be a great way to keep me on track and to talk to other writers. I'm a big fan of Neil Gaiman's Coraline and have always wanted to write a children's fantasy that is accessible to both children and adults. The concept, though, is not similar to Coraline :)

    Blog: journalsnippet.wordpress.com

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    1. I really hope NaNoWarmUp gets you 25k closer to that 30k goal :D

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    2. I'm glad you have more time to write now :D Thanks for joining us!

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  33. Hi everyone! This is an epic idea :)

    Name: Heather

    About me: I'm 19 and live in the UK. I recently finished college and don't feel ready to go to university yet (plus the plan is to become a nurse, which requires a lot more work experience than I currently have), so at the moment I'm looking for a job without much success, living off my parents, and feeling like a massive failure at life. I also haven't written anything much since NaNo last year, so I think it's time to get back into it. Nothing keeps in me in a healthy and happy state of mind like writing does. However, since I'm out of practice, starting with NaNoWarmUp sounds like a great idea. I have a habit of writing really fast and burning myself out in the first week or two of NaNo, so hopefully this year I can take things a bit slower and write something usable :)

    I'll be working on: Last year a wrote a first draft of a YA fantasy about two girls who become time-travelling criminals. I was/am really excited about it, but like most of my first drafts, it was terrible and went in a completely different direction to where I was expecting it to go, so needs a lot of work and probably some new writing from the middle onwards. I think I'll be working on that, then hopefully starting something new for NaNo, if I'm still up for that in November :)

    Blog: postaxial.livejournal.com

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    1. Time-traveling anti-heroes ftw! I'm so glad you can use this opportunity to stay motivated; I know how much life can suck when your writing life isn't in order. Welcome!

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    2. HEY Heather!! So good to see you around :D I'm really glad you're participating!

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  34. Name Danielle

    About Me I just finished a year long internship with an author gaining experience as an editor, publicist, PA, all round Girl Friday and job hunting at the mo. Sigh. I'm from Ireland and currently obsessed with Elmo cupcakes!

    What I'll be working on An adult/NA contemporary that's still evolving!

    Blog What Danielle Did Next

    Twitter @danielliek

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    Replies
    1. Your internship sounds awesome! Also what do you mean by Elmo cupcakes? As in... you make those cupcakes that look like the little elmos??

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    2. I am also curious about these Elmo cupcakes ;) And your internship sounds really cool!

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  35. So, so excited about this! Have mainly been editing/revising lately, and hopefully this will ease me back into the writing groove for NaNoWriMo.

    Name: Kara

    About me: Sixteen years of age, passionate writer, and chocolate-lover.

    I'll be working on: A YA High Fantasy that has practically been screaming at me to write ever since the idea popped into my head. (:

    Twitter: @Kara_writes16

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    Replies
    1. I love it when ideas scream! YA High Fantasy is my jam *high five*

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  36. Name: Kristen Long

    About me: I'm a 27 year old nurse who loves to read so much that I've started writing my own stories. I grew up as a military brat and have seen much of the US. Traveling and photography are big passions of mine and I try to make time in my busy life to incorporate both.

    I'll be working on: Expanding a novel titled For All Seasons that I've already pre-written as a short story into a multi-chapter one. It is simply a new adult romance novel. It has no supernatural elements whatsoever and it's the first one I've done in this genre. I'm big into fantasy &/or sci-fi so it's a bit different to work on something strictly real life based.

    Twitter: @CodeConfession
    Tumblr: http://codeforconfession.tumblr.com
    Blog: http://codeforconfession.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for joining us, Kristen! I think it's so cool how so many people are taking up the NA challenge... I myself haven't been drawn to write an NA yet, but I admire everyone who does!

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    2. I love traveling and photography, too! I wish I had more time for both :) I should start doing something like NaNo for photo-taking, haha! Welcome to the group!

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  37. Squeeee! I'm excited! I've never NaNo'd--I tend to be a slower writer. But I'm looking forward to building some community over a shared goal with you fine folks...and I can always use a healthy dose of inspiration!

    Name: Rowenna Miller

    Me: Sewing, baking, trespassing writer, living in a Rather Old House with a Navy husband, The Bean (our one-year-old), and two cats. Also, I sometimes time travel...ok, I do Revolutionary War reenactment. Almost time travelling.

    The Project: Finishing the first draft of a YA somewhat military sci-fi. It has a lot of sand and camels. And I love being in this (male!) protag's head!

    Blog: rowennamiller.blogspot.com
    Twitter: @RowennaM

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    1. Yay Rowenna! I love desert scifi, and good for you doing male protag! I'm not very good at that one yet, lol.

      So glad you could join us!

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    2. Yayayay for joining us, Rowenna! I'm excited to have you :D Military sci-fi with a boy POV sounds fantastic.

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  38. Name: Laura Tims

    About me: I'm 21, a college student, perpetually nervous. Craving a cheeseburger right now like crazy. I have a book coming out in 2015 from HarperCollins called Please Don't Tell! I just ate half a bag of radishes. (can you tell that I'm bad at bios)

    I'll be working on: My first attempt at a YA sci-fi. Hopefully it doesn't crash and burn.

    Twitter: @laura_tims

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    1. Oh man cheeseburgers are my death row food. But I'm sorry, you're totally losing points for radishes ;-)

      Congrats on your book deal! So glad you could join us!

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    2. Hi Laura! I'm glad you'll be writing with us this month :D Can't wait for PLEASE DON'T TELL, and best of luck with the sci-fi--I'm sure it'll be awesome!

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  39. Name: Michael

    About Me: I'm a freshman in college, planning to major in writing, interactive media, and Japanese :D. I'm a perfectionist, so it has always been hard for me to finish crappy rough drafts. I usually write 50 pages and then stop. I'm hoping NaNo will cure me, though :)

    I'll be working on: So, I haven't decided on the specifics of the story, but I want it to be mostly realistic with a dash of fantasy mixed in with gothic. I'm mostly a pantser, so it's definitely fun to see where the story takes me.

    Twitter: @FoienDieu

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    1. Welcome! I understand your perfectionist inclinations; I finally had to learn that I really CAN write a 'shitty first draft' and trust myself to edit it into something good. Also this quote is amazing: Every first draft is perfect, because all a first draft has to do is exist.

      You can do it!

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    2. Those sound like awesome majors! And yes, I share the perfectionist hang-ups, lol. Hope you enjoy NaNoWarmUp!

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  40. Name: Amelia

    About Me: I'm a sixteen year old, who loves stories and ice cream. I've tried writing a book for a while and I hope this will help me finally finish one.

    I'll be writing about: A girl who disguises herself as her brother and stops a plot against her Duke.

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    Replies
    1. Ooh, I love disguise stories! Welcome! I hope this helps you finish a book, too! :-)

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    2. Love your name, Amelia :) And I love disguise stories, too!

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  41. Name: Jen

    About Me: I haven't been writing much lately, so this is the perfect excuse to get into gear before NaNo. In my non-writing-time, I'm a librarian. (I literally just found out about this on Twitter, and I couldn't resist signing up!)

    I'll be writing: Some short stories - an age-of-sail zombie story, a science-fictional family drama, and a shameless knockoff of Neil Gaiman's "The Ocean at the End of the Lane," because why not.

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    1. Yay, our first librarian! Also wasn't @NaNoWriMo totally awesome for spreading the word? We're so glad you could join us!

      (PS: zombies rock!)

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    2. Huzzah for librarians! I haven't read THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE yet, but I need to!

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  42. Name: Hailey Smith
    About Me: I tried to participate in NaNo a few years back and had a dreadful time trying to keep up so i figure a warm up would be perfect before the November! :D
    I'll be writing about: thats the fun, isn't it? i dont know yet, it's a mystery to even me. maybe it'll turn out to be a great mystery. though i do have a feeling it'll inevitably be about romance and the greatest power one can have.
    Twitter: @CallMeLuvelise

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    Replies
    1. Hi Hailey! The closer we get to the holidays the busier everything seems! I'm loving writing in October for that very reason :-)

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    2. Mystery stories often turn out to be the most exciting to write :)

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  43. Name: Andrea

    About Me: I'm a junior in college studying anthropology and I'm a server at Chili's. I've been writing for a few years now and this year will be my fourth NaNoWriMo. I'm super excited for this warm-up because (like most) I have trouble getting the 1,667 words when I haven't been writing in awhile. I'm pretty excited about having a whole community of writers around me though :)

    I'll be writing: I'm working on a YA fantasy story involving time travel and secret societies that has been in progress for the last two years. I'm hoping the motivation to get the 800 words daily will finally help me up my word count.

    Twitter: @wishforfreedom

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    1. My BFF was an anthro major! *high five*

      I said it above, but I'll repeat... I love time travel stories! So glad you're able to join us :-)

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    2. Time travel stories are always fun. I'm hoping to try one some day, but they're tricky to plot out! :) Glad to have you with us!

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  44. Name: JC

    About Me: I'm a college student who's attempted NaNoWriMo a number of times, but was always foiled by a mixture of that annoying inner editor refusing to shut up, and horrific November academic workloads. This idea is wonderful though, and I hope that this will be the year I can finally hit the magic 50K (or 75)!

    My Project: An upper YA/possibly NA (still trying to figure out where the line is) ghost story set in a bookshop, with oddball characters I adore.

    Twitter: @concrete_roads

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    1. Yeah I've heard a lot of students say November is bad because of upcoming finals... I love oddball characters! Glad you could join us!

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    2. Totally sympathize with NaNo being at a bad time school-wise. It's like ALL THE THINGS are due then, haha. Happy writing!

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  45. Hello all. As you can probably guess from the username, I'm J.C. Morrows.

    I just found this and it's such a God-thing.
    I am inspired to write a NON-Halloween story. We don't celebrate Halloween and I'm thinking a lot of other people who also don't celebrate that particular holiday could use a heartwarming, inspirational story this time of year.

    I will be posting updates/word counts and probably the finished project on my "writers" blog

    http://jcmorrows.wordpress.com

    Thanks for this! It's going to be a great way for me to get ready to write 50K in November.

    This will be my first year participating in NaNoWriMo and I'm going to need all the help I can get.
    God Bless!

    Twitter: JCMorrows

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    1. Ooh, how exciting; your first NaNoWriMo! I really hope our little warm up helps you prepare for the main event!

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    2. Thanks for joining us, JC! I hope NaNoWarmUp gets you ready for NaNoWriMo, too :)

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    3. So far, it's been a huge encouragement! If I can get 1,000 words, 1,600 shouldn't be such a stretch.
      Thanks for the welcome!
      I'll definitely be back next year too!

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  46. Name: Eleni Alexandraki

    About Me: I'm an aspiring writer that hasn't had a lot of luck with original plots, but I love to write. I'm quite busy, but I try to always make time for writing! I've completed NaNoWriMo twice and am looking forward to it this year.

    My Project: I'm rewriting a story that just won't let me shelve it! YA Paranormal with characters that I just can't stop loving and a setting close to my heart that keep nagging me.

    Twitter: @MissAlexandraki

    Tumblr: eleniwriting

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  47. Name: Lara Willard
    Twitter: @larathelark

    Location: Minneapolis. Once weekly I venture out to coffee shops or bookstores to do writing. Let me know if you are in the area, and we can try setting up a write in!

    I'll be working on: The same novel I've been working on this whole time! It's a historical fantasy called World Song. Transported to the 12th century, two brothers try to save their kidnapped sister from almost certain marriage.

    About me: I'm a military wife and mom of two, and every year I attempt NaNoWriMo, but November is THE WORST month I could do it, with Veteran's Day and the Marine Corps Birthday Ball and Thanksgiving and now having not only one baby, but now a toddler AND a baby. So 25,000 words in October sounds so much better for me. Most of my writing experience comes in the form of scripts, poetry, and short fiction, so the first time I attempted my novel, I got 20,000 words and was finished with the plot. Exposition is a killer! I'm a freelance designer and editor, and I "teach" writing over at writelarawrite.wordpress.com. Head over there if you want some character or plot worksheets. They're all free!

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    1. Ha, I love how you say "almost certain marriage" like "almost certain death"!

      We're so glad October can be a month to help you get words in! Thank you so much for joining us Lara :-)

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    2. This plot sounds really, really awesome. LOVE IT. :D :D

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  48. Name: RacheltheNorman

    About Me: I'm on my gap year so I have a LOT of free time. I tried NaNo last year when I was trying to complete alevels and an extrended project and unsurprisingly I only got to 17000 words. This year, however, I'm much better organised and my schedule is emptier so I'm super excited about being able to finish this year :3

    I'm working on: Err well it's kinda four different genres but I would say it was definitely more of a YA book. There are aspects of historical fantasy, time travel and a sort of dystopia, with themes of betrayal and romance. It's better than it sounds, believe me.
    Still haven't thought of a title yet though :(

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    1. Oh yeah and my twitter is @VikingLemon :)

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    2. Man, those titles can be tricky. You might have noticed Kat's calling hers 'The Untitleable Novel' after years of title frustrations. Thank you for joining us!

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    3. Ah, yes, join me in my titling woes, haha. And 17k is nothing to sneeze at!

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  49. Name: Kim Trotter

    About me: I'm Kim, a book lover and writer with a passion for anything creepy, weird, or sinister. I've lived in France, Australia, and currently reside in the US. I'm a college student hoping to go to Canada for grad school next year to get a Masters in Library Science. I participated in NaNoWriMo 2012 and finished a YA Horror (which I'm currently querying) and CampNaNoWriMo June where I completed a YA Contemporary (which I've shelved for later).

    I'll be working on: A dark fantasy YA that's been in my head for ages now.

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    1. You're our 50th person to sign up!! Your projects sound awesome; thank you so much for joining us!

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    2. Hooray for #50! I'm totally jealous of all the places you've gotten to live :)

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  50. Hi everyone!

    Name: Patrick Volpe

    About Me: I work in retail with a varying schedule so I've never been able to set a "writing time" each day. But I've been writing little stories and the like since middle school. I've participated in NaNoWriMo since 2008 but haven't finished one (something always comes up!). I feel the Warm Up will make it easier to get into the writing groove for November.

    What I'm Working On: I'll be working in the book I started years ago but set aside, started again, set aside, etc, etc. But the story has always been bouncing around in my head constantly! I'm hoping by the end of November it will be finished! It's fantasy (not sure if it'd be YA or how you even determine that!)

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    1. Hey Patrick! I'm so glad the Warm Up project is giving you an opportunity to get back into writing! Thank you for joining us :-)

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  51. Name: Michelle
    About me: 31 years old, 2013 is my 7th NaNoWriMo and hopefully my 5th win.
    2013 NaNo Novel: A modern, expanded take on the Cassandra story from Greek mythology. Did 50k in 2010 but need to re-work the story and start over.
    Warm-Up Project: This story from another character's POV, to help me round things out.
    Twitter: @butterflyprism

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    1. Ooh, I've been looking at the Cassandra story as inspiration for stuff I'm doing with spiders in my own project! So glad you could join us! PS: I love the colors on your website!

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  52. Name: Eva

    About me: 21 year old Math student from Finland. I'm a dreadfully over-scheduled person. I am too interested in everything to even find time to sleep properly. We'll se how it goes with the novelling... Last year I skipped NaNo, but this year I'd like to get back to it!

    I'll be working on: Two Harry Potter fan fics that I would like to finish before NaNo!

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  53. Name: Eileen

    About Me: I'm a 20-something writer living in the Pacific NW. Besides writing other hobbies of mine are reading, playing videogames, photography and naps.

    I'll be working on: A WIP from last year's NaNoWriMo.

    Twitter: @EileenShyler

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    1. Hi Eileen! I'm from the Seattle area! So glad you're with us :-)

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  54. Name:Suzanne

    About Me:I'm a 40-something mom, HS secretary, ex-computer network person, machine quilter, knitter, avid reader, etc, etc, etc...I've worn a lot of hats. I participated in Nanowrimo in 2010 (and won!) and every so often I look back at what I wrote, and think, "Wow, there are 2 or 3 really good words in here!" I keep coming back to trying to build a writing habit, but life keeps interfering. I'm hoping that maybe doing a warmup run to Nanowrimo will help, and even if I don't make it all the way to 50K in November, I keep reminding myself that you can't edit words you haven't written.

    I'll be working on:I've got bits and pieces of a couple of ideas running around, that I'm trying to pin down into something I can run with. So far, there are shades of Persuasion and aliens and librarians and a colonies on other planets involved.

    Twitter: @SuzanneEarley

    Blog: http://www.suzanneearley.net

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    1. That philosophy of "you can't edit words you haven't written" is so, so true. Good for you getting back into it! (and yay for scifi!)

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  55. Name: Carla

    About Me: I'm the mom of a newborn and a 22-year-old, and a step-mom to three kids 10, 10, and 8. I work full time in content marketing. Like everyone else here, it seems, I'm kind of busy, so naturally, I decided I'd add 'write a novel in one month' to my to-do list. In my spare time, I like to run, draw, paint, make music and practice yoga.

    I'll be working on: An unconventional romance novel. One where the female lead is large and in charge, instead of a damsel in distress. One where the *ahem* romantic activity is less vanilla and more swirl.

    Twitter: @ShesAllWrite https://twitter.com/ShesAllWrite

    Blog: http://www.shesallwrite.me/

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    1. I love your take on romance! Please tell me you've seen Orange is the New Black so when I sing "swiiiiiiiirl" you get it ;-)

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  56. Name: Katarina

    About Me: I'm 25, just out of grad school and starting my first job soon at a Japanese bank. I will be busy and stressed out with my new job starting, but I have put off writing this idea for a long time. I have noticed this trend of putting it off and putting it off saying 'I don't have time'. No matter how tired I am, I am making time this time around. I want to prepare for Nanowrimo, so that I can be used to writing every day when it starts.

    I'll be working on: I have had this idea marinating for a while...eight years! It is a fantasy story, but the point of it is the relationship between the main character and her best friend. The MC goes off to a magical college, and while she is away her best friend takes a dark path. Their friendship dissipates, even though the MC fights against it. It is a story of friendship, but also of losing friendship.

    Twitter: @andromedakat

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  57. Name: Skye

    About me: Is it too late to join you all? This will be my 2nd novel, fingers xx'd. I did Nanowrimo in 2008 and I've abused the Nano process at least once more to revise the book I wrote that year. I could really use the kick in the pants on this new project!

    I'll be working on: a YA urban fantasy.

    Twitter: @eppiemorrie

    Blog: alexanderskye.com

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  58. Name: Jordhana

    About Me: I'm a 24-year-old living in London, just finished a MA in Creative Writing, and need to actually use it! I slogged four months for a 10,000 word thesis, so grown-up NaNoWriMo is a little daunting. The warm up is perfect for both getting my feet wet and giving me a much-needed kick in the butt. Plus all the 'research' will be an excellent excuse to explore more of the city.

    I'll be working on: The personifications of the Seven Deadly Sins all living in a house together in modern day London.

    Twitter: @JordhanaRempel (https://twitter.com/JordhanaRempel)

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  59. Name - Joyce

    About Me - I am 35 yrs old, I live in Oregon Dealing with different health issues, I don't have the energy & strength to do much. But when it comes to writing in November, I'm able to keep up and write a lot. I like dogs and cats. Watch shows on Netflix. This will be my 3rd year.
    Google ID is AbbyJoy77

    I'll be working on: this November the 3rd part of the 3rd and final series.
    Twitter: @JHeatherington

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  60. I'm Hillary (waves to Savannah!) I tweet at @hillaryraymer and my website is www.hillaryraymer.com

    I currently live right outside of D.C. with my husband (the Marine) my 5yo daughter (Lobug) and baby#2 on the way (babyB). I'm a stay at home mom who's currently preparing my family for moving overseas in May. I love writing, reading, wine and long walks on the beach.

    I plan on using NaNoWarmUp to help me get to the halfway point of my current ms. It's Book 2 of a three book contemporary romance series based on military men, the women who eventually love them, and their personal issues. Such as PTSD, estranged family members, the death of loved ones, etc. Fear not, they're not entirely dramatic instead, there's quite a bit of humor thrown in as well. :)

    Sorry about my all over the place response but after I couldn't response using my iphone or ipad, I figured I'd do it this way and throw it all out there. Looking forward to getting started!

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  61. < b > Name: < / b > Karen

    < b > About Me: < / b > 40-something, Southern, Feeder/Walker/Human to far too many cats and dogs. This is my second NaNo--my first was 2010 (and I won!). Life has been over-full since then--I'm glad to be able to return to the madness!

    < b > I'll be working on: < / b >A bit of a genre-defying novel, as yet--a vaguely gothic fantasy about a young woman who, in trying to escape a crazed killer, discovers there is so much more to what we as humans create than we realize. There's romance, there's horror. It's possible there will be zombies.

    < b > Twitter: < / b >@KNevaM

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  62. Name: Sarah, but I also answer to Rae

    About Me: I've always been an avid reader, and my other interests include digital art, photography, horse riding and staying up into the small hours of the morning. I'm a NaNoNewbie, but have watched the process from the sidelines for the last few years, and it's about time I joined in. I'm one of those crazy Australians who is always up for a word-battle, so challenge me maybe?

    My Project: A NA social dystopia, under the working title ANIMUS. Corrupt governments, the social impact of media, and genetic manipulation - what's not to love?

    Twitter: @SarahNeil33 (https://twitter.com/SarahNeil33)

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  63. Name: Rebecca

    About Me: I'm a teacher in Texas. I've participated in NaNoWriMo the past five years, and usually edit year round. But the past few months, I've been slacking on writing. So I'd love to join NaNoWarmUp in the hopes of getting back to writing. I'm so excited to be joining y'all! (Even if I AM signing up late!) I so need some group motivation & I'm looking forward to it!

    YA Fantasy about the devil's daughter who runs away from the Underworld (a la The Little Mermaid) to see what's so great about being alive.

    Twitter: @beccawriter

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  64. Name: Stephanie

    About Me: This is the first year I'm participating in NaNoWriMo so I'm glad to have October to WarmUp! I just sold my first novel to Algonquin Books so I'm trying to get a head start on the second book before I get my edit notes back on the first one. I can really use the push because I have four kids (and am in the process of adopting 2 more!) so life is always crazy at my house!

    I write about quirky people in small towns. Mainstream fiction with a hint of magical realism. There will be dogs and ghosts in this book!

    Twitter: @sknipper

    Blog: www.stephanieknipper.blogspot.com



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  65. NAME: Willow

    ABOUT ME: I have always loved books. Reading and getting lost in the world the author has created. There is no better way to spend time.

    So, in 2007, I decided that I would write a book. How hard could it be? Hahahaha. Wow! I didn't have a clue. At first, I really sucked. But I read everything about the craft of fiction writing I could get my hands on.I practiced and I improved. Now, six years later, I can tell a good story.

    I just now found out about NaNoWarmUp! I so glad I did. I tried NaNoWriMo before. Never finished. But, with a month of pre-planning & NaNoWarmUp, I will finish this year!

    I will be working on book 2 of my human genetic engineering trilogy. The Vita BioGen Legacy: Workers. It is a YA Dystopia.

    TWITTER: @WillowRenner
    BLOG: http//:willowrenner.tumblr.com

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