The Quad (DE/MD/PA/NJ corner)

[Fenika]

The first meeting of the Delaware AWers went well, with 100% attendance (as far as we know). We met at Brew Ha Ha in Newark, DE

My library books are due back around October 3rdish, and one member would like to have monthly meetings, so why not?

I'll throw a date out there- how's October 1st? A Wednesday...

Cheers,
Christina

[malberque@comcast.ne]

I'll be PMing Maryland AWers with this link. Pennsylvaina and NJ, will follow. What do you think about leaving the date nebulous until we find out if others are interested? If some are traveling a good distance, a Saturday may serve them better.

~Michael

[Prawn]

The afternoon of Wed Oct 1 works for me. We'll see what other people say. Thanks for getting this rolling guys!
P

[Elaine Margarett]

Sounds like fun. Thanks Bahamutchild for the heads up. I'm fairly free with my time since I'm not working right now; just following my hubby around the country when he can't get home for a visit. I'll be in the Thumb, Michigan area the end of this month but I'll be home the first week in October.

Hopefully I'll see you all then.
:-)
Elaine

[Inspiewriter]

Where are you thinking of meeting??

[Fenika]

Currently the only suggestion is Newark, DE.

I was wondering if we might not do a side trip to Fair Hill, however. To write you must live, or so they say ;)

[citymouse]

How did I miss this? I live just outside of Wilmington DE.
How many authors showed up? What was discussed?
Will the Oct gathering be in the morning, afternoon or evening?
C

[stormie]

There's a list of all who live in each state. Darned if I can find it right now. Maybe do an AW search for each state invited?

[Prawn]

Right now we are planning to meet on a Wed afternoon. The four people who have shown interest so far can make it then. We met in Newark last time, at that seems pretty central if all people are coming from Delaware. If others come from PA, we may have to move it more to the West. The thread to find people is here (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69510&goto=newpost). When we met on Wed there were only three of us.

[Fenika]

We discussed several writing topics at the last meeting including story arc, beginnings, critiquing, etc. We also talked a bit about our WIPs and our struggles in writing.

:)

[malberque@comcast.ne]

Hi!

Depending on the number, I was thinking about looking into an actual 'meeting room'. Public venues might prove challenging, for multiple reasons. Especially on Fridays. I believe the Newark Library has meeting rooms available.

We'll see.:)

[Prawn]

We could use my house as well, but Brew Ha Ha has better coffee!

[malberque@comcast.ne]

We could use my house as well, but Brew Ha Ha has better coffee!

True. But hey, at least there will be hand towels in the restroom!

[Fenika]

With absolutely no offense to your generous hospitality, Prawn, I think private homes are best avoided during public meetings. For one, it puts too much pressure on one member, for another it changes the atmosphere.

But if everyone floods to your house I'll be right behind them :D

[malberque@comcast.ne]

But if everyone floods to your house I'll be right behind them :D


Did you have to say, 'Flood'?

[Fenika]

You got a problem, you take it up with Hurricane Hannah ;)

And Ike. And that other one.

Hm, maybe we need to plan a rain date :)

[Elaine Margarett]

Newark is a good location for me. Is this a social group? I ask because I wouldn't be able to participate in critiquing--too many commitments already.



Currently the only suggestion is Newark, DE.

I was wondering if we might not do a side trip to Fair Hill, however. To write you must live, or so they say ;)

I love Fair Hill, Bahamutchild! Will you be going to the International? I ask because I saw you posted in the horse thread. I've been to the International ever since they started the competitions, although I'm not sure I can make it this year.



Elaine

[Fenika]

Well, we happened to do some crit swaps last time, but as our group grows I don't think we'll be able to all trade stuff.

Tentatively I would suggest we spend an hour or two socially and anyone who wants to swap stuff can stick around for part II.

OMG, can you believe I've never been to Fair Hill International? Not properly anyways. I gotta email my friend and see if she's going. No excuses this year (I hope)

I hope you can make it this year!

[malberque@comcast.ne]

Good Day All!

For purposes of ease, I'd like to add all QUAD members and interested parties to my Google email Group titled, you guessed it: The QUAD. So if it's comfortable for you please: PM you email address, send me an email through AW(the senders address should show up) or.....malberque@gmail.com. See? I ain't scaert! :D I'll still post here, though I believe communicating specifics via email is more practical.

Talk to ya!

~Michael

[Elaine Margarett]

Good Day All!

For purposes of ease, I'd like to add all QUAD members and interested parties to my Google email Group titled, you guessed it: The QUAD. So if it's comfortable for you please: PM you email address, send me an email through AW(the senders address should show up) or.....malberque@gmail.com. See? I ain't scaert! :D I'll still post here, though I believe communicating specifics via email is more practical.

Talk to ya!

~Michael

LOL. And since my name really isn't Elaine Margarett, neither am I!

Elaine <g>

[Elaine Margarett]

Umm, just wondering Michael what the picture is of your avatar. (Do I have the correct term?)

I'm on dial-up which means graphics are pretty crappy. Is your picture of a ...nipple?

EM,
ducking

[malberque@comcast.ne]

Oooh yeah baby. It's the tip of my man boob!;)

LOL, nope. It's my eye.
:D

[Elaine Margarett]

Oooh yeah baby. It's the tip of my man boob!;)

LOL, nope. It's my eye.
:D

Seriously...? Whew!

[citymouse]

Wednesday afternoon is good for me. Where (Brew Ha Ha?) and at what time?
C

Right now we are planning to meet on a Wed afternoon. The four people who have shown interest so far can make it then. We met in Newark last time, at that seems pretty central if all people are coming from Delaware. If others come from PA, we may have to move it more to the West. The thread to find people is here (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69510&goto=newpost). When we met on Wed there were only three of us.

[Prawn]

citymouse, we are talking about October 1st. Last time we met at 3:30 at Brew Ha Ha in Newark. If we have few people, we may meet there again. If we are many, we may meet elsewhere.

[Elaine Margarett]

I can do October 1st.

:-)
EM

[Prawn]

I have reserved a meeting room at the Newark Free Library for Wed afternoon Oct 1 from 3:30 to 5:30. We may end up meeting somewhere else, but I wanted to have it reserved in case we need it. If there are few of us, Brew Ha Ha might be better. Who is in so far?


Bahamut
Micheal
Elaine
Citymouse
Prawn
Stephen King

So far, we have a small enough group that we could meet in a coffee shop. We have the library reserved if we get more.

Prawn

Preston

[Sarita]

I'm not going to be able to make it on Oct 1, but I'm subscribing to keep in the loop on future meetings.

Sara, in Central PA.

[malberque@comcast.ne]

I have reserved a meeting room at the Newark Free Library for Wed afternoon Oct 1 from 3:30 to 5:30. We may end up meeting somewhere else, but I wanted to have it reserved in case we need it. If there are few of us, Brew Ha Ha might be better. Who is in so far?


Bahamut
Micheal
Elaine
Citymouse
Prawn
Stephen King

So far, we have a small enough group that we could meet in a coffee shop. We have the library reserved if we get more.

Prawn

Preston

Hey Pres!

Reserving the library? That was hell-a-smart ;-)

I still urge consideration for a weekend day. I notice that some already cannot make 10/1.........I do believe a weekend(early afternoon?) would make it more viable for thoes who work weekdays and/or must travel to us......Just a thought.......I've PMed all on the DE. and NJ lists......I could use a bit of assistance with the Pa listings, for it is loooooooong. Any takers?
Also, I'd prefer the library to a coffee shop.........Quiet. Books. Readers. Maybe I'm thinking beyond the box, but if we had a monthly meeting at a library, it may provide contacts and networking opportunities......Again, just a thought.


~Michael

[Prawn]

Hey Micheal! Thanks for following up on contacting people.

Everyone but Sara can make the Wed meeting, so I think we should stick with Wed. If there is a groundswell of non-Wednesday people, we could reconsider for the following month. Getting a room at the library on the week-end is also much harder.

If we are going to do this long term, we can see what works best for everyone. I am married with children, and my week-ends pretty much belong to them, so I could not be a regular at a week-end meeting.

P

[Fenika]

For now, I'm also a fan of non-weekends. I penciled the 3:30 time in my calendar and I'm good to go atm.

Also, for anyone who is doing NaNo, we are meeting in Milford soon (I hope). Please join us and see this thread- http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/2012767#comment-2120989

[C.bronco]

Please, not Newark. How about Morristown?

[C.bronco]

Wait, for a second I thought you meant Newark, NJ. I'm way too far North for DE (just 30 miles from NYC).

[Fenika]

Nvm, cross posted with clarification...

[Jersey Chick]

Ugh - I can't do weekdays... :(

[Fenika]

At the risk of cross readership- is it just me or should I so not go meet this guy in Milford??? http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/2012767#comment-2127844 (read down)

[Prawn]

At the risk of cross readership- is it just me or should I so not go meet this guy in Milford??? http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/2012767#comment-2127844 (read down)

That guy from Milford seems okay, but I'd worry about those crazy serial killers from Newark. They act like the want to help your writing. They'll talk about your plot, crit your chapters, but right before you sell your first book gets published, POW, it's off with your head.

I have it on excellent advice that it is hard to write a novel without a head. I mean did we ever even get an autobiography from Anne Boleyn? And what has John the Baptist written lately?

You're better off in Milford.

[Fenika]

You're just jealous of my shoddy opening chapter :tongue

[Prawn]

Hi all!

We are meeting next Wed Oct 1st in the meeting room of the Newark Public Library in Newark, Delaware from 3:30-5:00.

Snacks are allowed in the meeting rooms if you want to bring a cup of coffee or whatever.

If you wish, bring a few copies of something short you want critted.

Who's in?

Preston

[Fenika]

I'm in!

[Prawn]

Great! So far it's me and Dragonspawn! The more the merrier!

[citymouse]

I'll be there.
C

[Prawn]

And then there were three!

[Maryn]

I sincerely hope one of you brings a camera.

Maryn, bossy

[citymouse]

No pick of me please.
C

I sincerely hope one of you brings a camera.

Maryn, bossy

[Prawn]

Are you coming, Maryn, or just being Miss Boss?

[Prawn]

Who can complete the following joke:

A dragon, a mouse and a prawn went to the library...

[Fenika]

I'll have to get back to you on that one ;)

[Fenika]

Michael, you still coming? We might do a weekend next time, but I guess it's still majority wins??? Maybe we could do one down here for a change too? (I'm between ya'll and CT and Serenity and anyone else around Ocean City)

:)

[Fenika]

Lastly- I think Maryn is just wanting a pic b/c she brought us all together :) (more or less)

[Prawn]

Right now there are three of us meeting. We have a room at the library, but would it be more congenial to meet at a coffee house again since we are so few?

[Fenika]

Does the library have free parking? I like free parking...

[Fenika]

*looks at map* Oh yeah, i've been there once. Let's stick with the library. Anyone wanna join me at Outback Steakhouse after? :)

[Prawn]

The library it is!

I can't go out after, though. I have to pick up my kids.

See you tomorrow at the library!
P

[Elaine Margarett]

I can't make it this time! :-(

I had a Dr's appointment get rescheduled for 11:00 today. maybe next time...

Wishing I were there~

EM

[Fenika]

That's a shame. If you get done early, race over to Newark.

Any other takers?

[Prawn]

Sounds like there will be three of us, since we never heard from Mike. See you guys this after!

Preston

[Fenika]

We forgot pictures. Alas.

Good times though. We discussed characters, plot, editing habits, queries, etc. We also talked about our WIPs. Prawn said something that gave me a great idea (as I drove home later). Now, if I could just remember what my idea was... lol.

[Prawn]

Great meeting guys! Thanks for looking at my query.

When should we do the next meeting? I know that November is busy because of Nano. We could meet at the end of October, say Wed the 29th. That's in four weeks. Or if the Nanoers can make it, we could try Wed November 3rd.

Let's figure out a date, and I'll reserve the room at the library.
Prawn

[Fenika]

I can do the 29th, 31st, or 1st. Maybe the 2nd.

There is no Wed the 3rd in Nov ;)

Also, I'll be up there around the 16th, 17th or 18th for Fair Hill International (horses). Anyone keen on joining me just let me know.

[Prawn]

Okay! Wed Oct 29th at 3:30 at Newark Library. Who can make it then?
Prawn

[Elaine Margarett]

Okay! Wed Oct 29th at 3:30 at Newark Library. Who can make it then?
Prawn

I'm in Michigan from Oct. 20th - Nov. 2nd. Maybe next time?

EM

[Fenika]

I'm flexible actually- I could come up after the 2nd...

EM, you gotta stop booking yourself up ;)

[Elaine Margarett]

I'm flexible actually- I could come up after the 2nd...

EM, you gotta stop booking yourself up ;)

Tell me about it!

I'll be home (in Maryland) until Nov. 11th and then gone again (to Puerto Rico) until the 19th. After that, I'm not sure...

[Fenika]

So. November 3rd? early evening'oclock?

[Prawn]

I am happy to meet Monday Nov 2 at 3:30, but EM said she couldn't make the Wed, she never said she would come on Monday. EM, can you come on Monday? If not, Bahamutchild, let's stick with Wed Oct 29th.

[Elaine Margarett]

I can do anytime after the 2nd (Monday the 3rd would be fine). Or I could catch you the following month.

I am so hoping to stay home. Believe it or not, I hate to travel!

[Fenika]

Prawn, did you mean Monday the 3rd at 3:30? EM, that work for you? Anyone else?

Whatever day we pick, I can't guarantee to go- I've got so much last minute stuff popping up my head is spinning. But it should all work out- has 2 times before ;)

[Prawn]

Yep, Monday the 3rd is fine for me.

[Elaine Margarett]

Yep, Monday the 3rd is fine for me.

Yep, Monday's good for me too.

Elaine

[Fenika]

Alright, I've got it in my calendar :)

[Prawn]

Okay! The next meeting is Monday November 3rd at 3:30 at Newark Library in Newark, DE. If you want some feedback, bring copies of something to share. I will be happy to autograph any book by Stephen King, Tom Clancy or J.K. Rowling at no additional charge.

[Elaine Margarett]

Sounds Great. Count me in!

EM

[Fenika]

Darn, and I gave away all my Rowling books. ;)

[Prawn]

I went by and reserved the conference room for "Delaware Novelists"

One possible hitch: the next day is election day. Does anyone have any last minute campaigning she needs to do? If not, we're golden!
P

[Fenika]

Do I look like Biden's wife? ;)

[Prawn]

Anybody in besides me and Bahamut?

[Fenika]

Yeah-

Sounds Great. Count me in!

EM

:)

[Lauren]

Darn, I just found this thread and I'm a little too far away... will take over 2 hours according to MapQuest. Anybody out there closer to PA or MD? Or should I post that question elsewhere? You all sound like a fun bunch and I would so LOVE to meet up with other writers (especially from AW) ;)

[Fenika]

It's an hour and a half drive for me and I still go ;)

You're welcome to start a central PA thread or see if one exists in the depths of this subforum

[Lauren]

Sara, in Central PA.

Me too!! I guess I'm actually south central PA... close to York & Hanover... Carlisle, Lancaster and Harrisburg aren't too far for me... Just wondering if we're anywhere close to each other and can get something started a little closer...

[Lauren]

It's an hour and a half drive for me and I still go ;)

You're welcome to start a central PA thread or see if one exists in the depths of this subforum

Thanks! I will look into that. Maybe if no one closer is interested, I will suck it up and drive to Newark to meet you all.

[Prawn]

Okay! Newark Library, Newark Delaware, Monday Nov 3 from 3:30-5:00.
Bring copies of something short you'd like critiqued, or just come talk shop.
P

[Elaine Margarett]

Hey, I'm back in Maryland (for awhile). See you today at the library!

EM

[citymouse]

Hi, I haven't mentioned showing up because I wasn't sure how this week would shape up. Looks like a no show for me. I'll plan on next time.
C

[Elaine Margarett]

Is this the Newark Free Library?

[Elaine Margarett]

Is this the Newark Free Library?

Okay, that's probably a DUH question. But in my defense when I map quested it, six options came up.

See you there~

[Prawn]

Yes, free. Take as many as you want!

[Fenika]

:D

[Fenika]

Actually, I need to bail last minute. I've too much going on to spend 3 hours on the road today. :\

[Prawn]

EM, its just you and me. Do you want to reschedule? B-child, do you want to try again one day next week?

[Fenika]

I could do another day, but when exactly I'm not sure. A Friday might work. Tuesday and Thursday afternoons are out....

If ya'll do meet today, have a great time and let me know what you get up to :)

[Prawn]

Still waiting to hear from EM. Next Wednesday Nov 12 would work for me. I told you that you would be busy during Nanowrimo!

[Elaine Margarett]

Still waiting to hear from EM. Next Wednesday Nov 12 would work for me. I told you that you would be busy during Nanowrimo!

Another day would be good. Then my children (children, hah! They;re 20 and 21) will have something to eat 'cause I'll actually go to the grocery store.

So...we're rescheduling, right?

[Elaine Margarett]

Still waiting to hear from EM. Next Wednesday Nov 12 would work for me. I told you that you would be busy during Nanowrimo!

Can't do Nov 12 - 19th. After that I'm home until December 1st.

[Prawn]

>Can't do Nov 12 - 19th. After that I'm home until December 1st.

The week after is Thanksgiving, which will be problematic, I am sure. EM, you are leaving Dec 1st. When will you be back?

[Elaine Margarett]

>Can't do Nov 12 - 19th. After that I'm home until December 1st.

The week after is Thanksgiving, which will be problematic, I am sure. EM, you are leaving Dec 1st. When will you be back?

Good question. Actually, now that I think about it I'll probably stay home until mid-December. Then I'll be gone from maybe the 14th - 22nd, or thereabouts. What about later on this week?

I swear, for someone who said she'd never travel I'm sure doing a lot of it~

[Prawn]

I can meet Wednesday this week. B-child, are you free?

[Fenika]

I have to be back in Lewes by 6:30 for dinner and Hai Dong. Otherwise I'm (as of now) free.

[Prawn]

I don't know who Hai Dong is, but aren't you lucky!

Okay. Let's try again for Wednesday. Will wed work for you, EM? I am not sure if we can get a conference room on such short notice, but I'll give it a shot. See you Wed at 3:30 at the Newark Public Library.
P

[Elaine Margarett]

Can't do Wedns. But don't cancel on my account!

[Prawn]

Okay. B-child, do you want to meet Wed or just give it another try in Dec?

[Fenika]

We're a difficult crowd :tongue

Panera works for me- isn't it near the 'mall' parking lot? EM, are there any days that are good for you? Would be fun to have at least three- Prawn lets me talk too much ;)

[Prawn]

We can park at the lib and walk to Panera if you still want to do wed.

[Fenika]

That works :)

[malberque@comcast.ne]

Just checking in. I hope all is well with, well, all. :)

[Prawn]

All is well! Any interest in a meeting in 2009?

[malberque@comcast.ne]

Oh yes....The issue for me is that I'm in the Restaurant business and I close 5 times a week (3p-1a). My days off change week to week until Spring, when I play baseball. At that point I'll be off Sat/Sun only. As I recall weekend meetings aren't good for many. I could probably do a weekday, with three week notice through Feb, and perhaps March. I'm definately open to suggestions.

[Fenika]

We have snow! Do ya'll have snow?

Maybe this is my opportunity to finagle a weekend beach meeting? I know it's not beachy weather now, but it's still nice to see the ocean ;)

Right, right?

[Prawn]

Week-ends are probably out for me, what with the wife and kids and all. Could we meet closer to you, say middletown?

[malberque@comcast.ne]

Middletown? I'm in Newark(do you recall my Newark Public Library suggestion?), so Middletown is ok. Again I'm in work by 3pm so......If you'd like to set something up for a weekday in mid-to-late February, and we can finalize the date within the next two weeks I'll be sure to schedule myself off, thus giving me more ability to meet at anytime during that day(By this Monday 01.26, my sched. will be set thru 02/09). Otherwise, I'd have to leave Middletown by 2pm.

[malberque@comcast.ne]

Anyone? .....Anyone at all? .......Hellooooooo........

[Prawn]

I'm in if we can get a group together, but all I hear are crickets. Maybe it is the weather. People don't want to go out when its cold an snowy. What have you been writing, by the way? I have not written much lately, I have been editing and revising.

[malberque@comcast.ne]

I've been working on my novel, 'The Souls Of Our Children'.....No takers on my novella, 'Spiritual Warrior'......Also kicking around ideas with my friend in Cali. about a screenplay..........Yes. Crickets.

[Prawn]

Dude! You've been busy. I am still working on the same damn thing. I am a one trick pony. Good luck.

[Fenika]

I can't commit to anything upstate, so I'm staying out of the planning.

But if anyone wants to do a Rehoboth area meet, I'm all over that. But as always, I seem to be alone in Sussex county. Can't find any SFF writers in the local writer's groups either. Dire.

I'm also feeling like a one trick pony to an extent :)

[malberque@comcast.ne]

Actually I was shopping the novella before I joined AW. The novel is what I have been working on since 01.08......The script thingy is just in the 'talk' stage, as I will be finishing my piece first, and my friend is currently in contact with Lionsgate Films about his current project...Yes I've been busy, but it's due to the fact that I'm in restaurant mgmt..........Also: I'll imagine evil, little ponies if you picture Satanic Meerkats, devoted to darkness. :)

[Fenika]

Ohhh, Satanic Meerkats. I could write a whole book around all these freaky creatures. Excellent.

[malberque@comcast.ne]

Imagine diabolic laughter with their little, high-pitched voices? 'mwa hahahaha....mwaaa hahahahaha'.