The Chico Writer’s Group started hosting “write-ins” November, 2008 to help NaNoWriMo participants in the group and throughout the Chico community, reach their writing goal of 50,000 words in 30 days. Since then, several members were so happy with the results, they elected to continue this popular motivator.

As we gear up for this coming November’s National Novel Writing Month challenge, we’re putting out the call to all interested writers to come participate in our weekly event. No dues, no membership fees and a lot of fun! If you’re interested, drop us a line or leave us a comment with your current, active email address (which is never published) and we’ll include you in the scheduling process.

Want to know more about our write-ins? Read on!

A write-in is where two or more writers gather in a mutually agreed upon public place (coffee shop, 24-hour diner, public library, etc.) for a period of time (anywhere from 1-4 hours, typically. It all depends upon what the writers agree on doing.) The purpose of the meeting is to write.

For some, setting aside time to write and then actually using it to write, is difficult. A write-in holds the writer accountable. It also makes the time go by quicker and having others surround you, ideas flying, words adding up, it’s also inspiring. We acknowledge it’s not ideal for everyone, but give it a shot before you write it off entirely! (Yeah, pun intended.)

Write-in Rules:

• Talking is permitted, but keep it to a minimum. You are there to write!
       Things like “Hey, what are some types of weapons other than a knife or gun, that a woman of medium size and height, could wield to stave off her attacker?” or “What’s the word for that thing that chops off heads, usually in a public forum?” are ok.
       Ordinarily those types of questions could be Googled, but during National Novel Writing Month (November), that can be too time consuming and big distraction, keeping you from reaching the goal at the end of the month of completing the 50K words.
       Asking for others to listen to you plot out your entire novel or read a chapter isn’t okay. Save that for our regular critique workshops.
• If you say you’re going to be there and for some reason can’t or decide you’re not up for it, be courteous and drop a line to the organizer, the earlier the better. It’s not fair to the others in your group to just “not show up.”  Same applies if you’re no longer interested. Let the organizer know!
• Be sure to bring your writing materials including a plug for your laptop/notebook, couple extra pens/pencils, notepads, etc. Remember, if you’re meeting in a coffee shop or restaurant, less is more. Space will be limited, so don’t plan on bringing all your resource books and spreading them out.

FAQ

Q: Do I have to arrive and leave the times the write-in is scheduled to start and finish?
A: No. You’re welcome to arrive earlier and leave later, arrive later and leave earlier. If you do arrive earlier, try to find a spot large enough for everyone. Arriving later or leaving earlier? Please be courteous of your fellow writers. Quietly set up and break down. Be sure to bus your table before leaving if meeting at an eatery.

Q. Are all write-ins at the same time/same day of the week?
A: No. The November write-ins are “any time we can get a couple of people and a couple of hours that all coordinate.” They can happen any time of any day of the week and usually more than once a week. Most writers are trying to squeeze in as much time as possible to reach that 50K goal. However, after NaNoWriMo, we do tend to meet on the same time/same day of the week, but that’s not written in stone. Yup, ‘nother pun. Sorry! If you’re interested in the non-NaNo month write-ins and see that the schedule doesn’t fit with yours, drop us a line (or comment – just be sure to give us a working email address to respond to you at), let us know you’re interested and what days/times work best.

Q: Why are your non-NaNo month write-ins always at the Chico Public Library?
A: They’re not. But usually they are. The reason is it’s free. No one feels obligated to buy a coffee or drink, there’s no charge for parking, it’s quiet and there’s usually plenty of room to write. Downtown Chico has metered parking and during the school year, there aren’t many “quiet” places to write. There aren’t any completely free places to write, either, other than the library.

Q: I want to come to a write-in, but I don’t always have access to transportation. Does that mean I’m excluded?
A: No. However, you might want to arrange for a ride or take the bus/a taxi the first time to make sure it’s something you want to do and have the opportunity to meet and get to know the others in our group. During that time, you can ask if there’s anyone willing to give you a ride.

Q. I’m an obsessive Googler because it helps me with on-the-fly research as the story I’m working on develops. If I come to a write-in, will I be able to access the Internet and Google?
A: Usually. The Chico Public Library now has free Internet Wi-fi and most of the locations we’ve picked in the past have offered free access. If you’re a habitual Googler and this is imperative you have access, let us know in advance so we can keep that in mind when looking for locations.

Q: I’m a full-time college student and only have free time between midnight and 2:00 a.m., does that mean I won’t be able to attend a write-in.
A: No. But don’t expect it to be a write-in we’ve organized! Of course, if there’s enough of a demand, we might be willing to entertain the idea. (But seriously, midnight to 2? Have you heard of this much needed thing called “sleep?”)

Q: My daughter is interested in attending, but she’s fourteen. Can she come to a write-in?
A: Yes. However, special arrangements for drop-off attendees under the age of eighteen is required for safety and legal purposes. We require the parent/legal guardian to contact us prior to attendance unless the parent/legal guardian will be accompanying the minor and staying on the premises the entire time.

Q: So can my nine year old son attend, too?
A: No. Male and female minors between the ages of 13 and 18 may attend (see above Q/A), however we’re unable to accommodate anyone under the age of 13. As a suggestion, contact your child’s school and ask the language arts department about hosting write-ins and writer group meetings for students interested in writing but under the age of 13.

Q: I’m not a writer, but I am an avid reader. May I come and offer to read some of the works in progress novels, maybe give a few suggestions, kick around some ideas with the writers?
A: Thanks, but no. At least not at a write-in. If you are truly interested in reading some of the works in progress and provide feedback, please drop us a line!