I’m in…Nothing like a massive, time-sensitive writing assignment to force the Writer’s Block into submission.
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Yes, I’d love to take part and in a contrast to previous years I will not wait until the last minute to sign up!
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I want to participate! 
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I have to lock mine in the spare room with a flask of coffee and a kindle.
I’d like to do another one. I love doing these. Thank you so much for all of the work over the years.
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As long as there’s a bathroom nearby, I say…Good Idea!!!
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Nothing to it…Just ignore the massive performance anxiety 
and start writing…
Maybe a little micro-outlining might work as well…
It always seems daunting…until you start and then it becomes fun…kind of…
Glad to have you onboard this NIAD…
Good idea - who has tips for first time participants?
Mine is don’t forget you can ask questions on the day - either here on the forum or via email if you want to play cards close to your chest.
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MORE RUM!!!
WHO HAS MY RUM!?!
Dolphins are evil.
That’s the best advice I can give.
I believe you.
…
What!?!
Dolphins are NOT evil, they are just misunderstood.
Write like there’s no tomorrow.
Edit like… erm, like an editor.
Don’t miss the deadline!!!
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Second this!
Definitely ask questions the day of. All through.
Every time I email poor beleaguered Pigfender, I worry I won’t hear back. But I do. And the response is always friendly and helpful. Which always amazes me. I swear he only gets about 2 hours of sleep in that time period. For which I am grateful.
Also, trust the process. Write only what’s laid out in your brief. Don’t make up stuff before or after. Only the snippet for which you are responsible.
But if you do screw up, don’t worry because no one will snipe at you or point fingers and mock. Because apparently, many have screwed up something. 
tl:dr This is an amazingly helpful and friendly group. Despite what their needling and ribbing of each other might indicate. 
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He’s a pig… bacon, ribs, ham, butts. How can we not needle and rib?
Oh no you don’t! They are very clearly understood. They demand all the fish and shrimp and crab no matter how much work you put into building, baiting and landing said winter food stocks.
Of course you do. Maybe I need to explain this to others though…
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MORE RUM!!! – The reality of NiaD is that you are being asked to write a short story from an outline with some research. This is pretty much the classic creative writing exercise. Did anyone really plan those out more than a few minutes before they were due? You don’t need to be exact in research or in the overall plot. Let the story develop like any other night of alcohol inspired creativity.
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WHO HAS MY RUM!?! – you already know you are creative or you wouldn’t have thought to even try NiaD. When you find that moment of “uhhh… now what?” that some call writer’s block, just back up and figure out where your “rum” went left but you went right. Pick up your story from there. It’s ok to abandon anything that isn’t in Piggy’s brief. I’ll admit to literally covering the brief points with only a passing sentence to avoid having my rum leave me alone, in the dark, with dolphins.
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Dolphins are evil. – Write what you want no matter what Camy or Jaysen say. Only the fender of pigs has the right to tell you “yeah, that’s wrong”. I once turned his hero into a murdering villain and his one comment was “that’s not quite what I had in mind… can I change one word?” It is YOUR STORY. If you don’t enjoy writing/reading it, go back and find your rum.
Now, on the topic of rum, I’m still struggling to find anything that improves on some 12+yr Kirk & Sweeney. Abuelo and El Dorado are nice, but K&S… that stuff is the entire reason God developed sugar cane. Anyone have some suggestions?
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If we could have a picture, please.
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Hellllll no!
- I don’t like the absence of my rum!
- It’s the middle of the day.
- I genuinely prefer to avoid dolphins. I’ve had a few run ins that have taught me to give them all the space and surrender to their aquatic superiority. I don’t think there will ever be a picture of happy Jaysen near a dolphin.
That and I don’t do photoshop. I’m sure piggy can whip something together quick. Maybe he will oblige.
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I would like to contribute please - First timer! 
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Write, then edit. Repeat as needed.
Don’t try editing while writing.
(Hat tip to Natalie Goldberg for changing my life with this advice)
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Keep writing and edit later, i find that first draft paper and pencil works for me, the connection of my brain to pencil and paper gets me writing. Might seem weird but it works and then it goes into scrivener. I always read a paper copy before sending off too.
Its fun day and we are all here to help each other so any queries just shout a big help, most important though just enjoy no one judges.
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- Once you’ve finished, read what you’ve written aloud. I find it helps weed out clunky bits and duff punctuation.
- Deadlines are important!
- @pigfender is the most helpful resource there is.
- Enjoy it!
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