national novel writing month
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NaNoWriMo progress meter uses Arduino to fight writer's block, may be its own distraction (video)
We've all had that moment where we sit in front of the keyboard and have trouble just getting started. It can be an especially dire problem when the 30-day deadline of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) looms overhead, and that was enough for inventor Steve Hoefer to craft his own USB progress meter. The Arduino-based contraption advances a real-world dial or gauge as the word count reaches the NaNoWriMo servers, giving that extra incentive to meet a daily goal or hit the ultimate 50,000-word mark on time. Hoefer characterizes it as a simple project for those who know their way around an Arduino controller; the toughest part for them may just be constructing the box that keeps the meter presentable. Full instructions are available after the break, although we'd hurry to build the meter before November starts. It could all too easily be the source of the very procrastination we're trying to avoid.
Fallen Earth takes part in NaNoWriMo
November, for those of you unfamiliar with the concept, is National Novel Writing Month and host to an annual challenge -- write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. It's a tall order that not everyone can manage, but the Fallen Earth development team contains at least one hopeful. Director of Content Development Wes Platt is working on his novel, and he's looking to the game's players to help make it a collaborative effort every step of the way. With an official thread on the forums, Platt is both posting his progress as he goes and taking suggestions from players as to where the story should head next. He also has posted his NaNoWriMo profile page so that players also taking part in the contest can track his progress and cheer him along. Fallen Earth fans would do well to take part in the crafting of the story -- it's not just the first novel for the game, but a novel written in a month's time.
On the Inside, Episode 19: Rainbow Drake and NaNoWriMo
Welcome to the nineteenth episode of On the Inside, the podcast that lets you take a peek at the virtual world of Second Life! If you're following us over from Second Life Insider, you're already be familiar with us -- but if you're new to our Second Life coverage here on Massively, On the Inside is a regular podcast featuring interviews with Second Life residents. Welcome!This episode features Rainbow Drake and how she's bringing National Novel Writing Month (or NaNoWriMo) into SL. As always, I welcome your questions, comments, and suggestions for future topics/interviewees. Drop me a line![Mp3] Download the MP3 directly
