Need structure? Want to find camaraderie? Tired of writing in solitude? Join our virtual office space. At TPR someone is always in the cubicle next to you.

Here's how the practice room works:

First of all, EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

At the given date and time (weekly schedule posted below), meet at post 1. It appears 30 minutes in advance of the hour (barring unusual circumstances), giving us a chance to set our goals in the comments. Declare your goal. Work toward furthering your project; word counting, revision, or whatever it needs - you decide.

Post 2: WE ARE UNPLUGGED! announces our hour. During that time, we write! The rules: no procrastinations. Please feel free to make tea or stand on your head as needed.

When the time is up, Post 3 appears with a chat box and we will get a chance to converse, or you can comment old-style to tell us what you got done! We are dying to know!

Read about a typical first time here. I make the schedule every Sunday. It will remain up in the side bar until I post the next week's schedule (feel free to make requests for particular times in the comments - I take them into serious consideration). All additions will be noted in in the side bar. Come back and check it often. (The schedule times are listed in Eastern Time Zone but the blog posts in Central - Tina's time zone. Our visitors are from all over the map.)

Please email me with questions, comments, or just to introduce yourself! tina dot laurel at gmail dot com

Don't forget to sign the guestbook at the bottom of the page!


Apr 29, 2010

Post 3: Reconvention! (for 4/29/2010 at 12 AM est)

So, do tell! What happened?

A chat box will  be here the first 1/2 hour after our unplug. Please sign up (I think you  will have to begin an account with Chatroll but it only takes a  second). After our chat I will remove the chat box and post the  highlights. For posterity's sake. If all else fails, please post your  report in the comments. If there is something I can fix I will do it as  quick as I can. And if you just prefer to do it the old school way, in  comments, that is fine too.

Chat Update: Where we experimented with the shift key, compared weather and discussed meatloaf, step-family status and Jon channeling his character. I'm sure much more has been forgotten. Present: Heather, Jon, Marisa, Kelly, and Elana.
Posted by at 5 comments:

Post 2: WE ARE UNPLUGGED!

Unpluggage hour is from 11 PM (est) until 12 AM. Meet you back here then!
Posted by at No comments:

Post 1: Unpluggage Begins 11 PM eastern

What will you be working on? Tell us in the comments.
Posted by at 20 comments:

Post 3: Reconvention! (for 4/29/2010 at 1 est)

So, do tell! What happened?

A chat box will  be here the first 1/2 hour after our unplug. Please sign up (I think you  will have to begin an account with Chatroll but it only takes a  second). After our chat I will remove the chat box and post the  highlights. For posterity's sake. If all else fails, please post your  report in the comments. If there is something I can fix I will do it as  quick as I can. And if you just prefer to do it the old school way, in  comments, that is fine too.
Chat Update: The chat where Dena reveals she is YA and we all lament how long the novel takes.

Links and Books shared:
Here's a review of spooky YA at Valerie's http://valeriegeary.blogspot.com/2010/03/veil-is-thinner-here.html
Bleeding Violet
LOOKING FOR ALASKA
Skin Hunger
Shiver
Living Dead Girl and pretty much anything else by Elizabeth Scott is chilling
The Body Finder is great for first teen romance.Lotsa kissing.
Story of a Girl is classic YA about sex.
Hex Hall is hilarious
Heres a good list of YA: http://jonathonarntson.blogspot.com/p/favorite-books.html
Tell Me What You See by Zoran Drvenkar

Present: Heather, Marisa, Dena, Jon, and Elana popped in to check on us. 
Posted by at 2 comments:

Post 2: WE ARE UNPLUGGED!

Unpluggage hour is from 12 PM (est) until 1 PM. Meet you back here then!
Posted by at No comments:

Post 1: Unpluggage Begins 12 eastern

What will you be working on? Tell us in the comments.
Posted by at 12 comments:

Apr 28, 2010

Post 3: Reconvention!

So, do tell! What happened?

A chat box will  be here the first 1/2 hour after our unplug. Please sign up (I think you  will have to begin an account with Chatroll but it only takes a  second). After our chat I will remove the chat box and post the  highlights. For posterity's sake. If all else fails, please post your  report in the comments. If there is something I can fix I will do it as  quick as I can. And if you just prefer to do it the old school way, in  comments, that is fine too.

Chat Update: Total success! If staying up late (Ann Marie until 3 am in Greece!) is success. The energy in the chat room was palpable and you gals and guy are quick and smart. I bow to your extreme artfulness and I can't imagine what you write on your hour alone. Present: Ann Marie, Jon, Heather, Marisa, Casey, Dena (surprise! awesome!), Elana, and last and for sure eldest, myself(yay!). Thanks you all for coming! What a fabulous time I had!
Posted by at 7 comments:

Post 2: WE ARE UNPLUGGED!

Unpluggage hour is from 5 PM (est) until 6 PM. Meet you back here then!
Posted by at

Post 1: Unpluggage Begins 5 eastern

What will you be working on? Tell us in the comments.
Posted by at 13 comments:

Apr 27, 2010

Post 3: Reconvention (Tuesday, April 27, 2010)

So, do tell! What happened?

A chat box will  be here the first 1/2 hour after our unplug. Please sign up (I think you  will have to begin an account with Chatroll but it only takes a  second). After our chat I will remove the chat box and post the  highlights. For posterity's sake. If all else fails, please post your  report in the comments. If there is something I can fix I will do it as  quick as I can. And if you just prefer to do it the old school way, in  comments, that is fine too.
Posted by at No comments:

Post 2: WE ARE UNPLUGGED!

Unpluggage hour is from 11 AM (est) until 12 PM. Meet you back here then!
Posted by at No comments:

Post 1: Unpluggage begins 11 AM (EST)

What will you be working on? Tell us in the comments.
Posted by at 8 comments:

Apr 26, 2010

Post 3: Reconvention! (for 4/26/2010)

So, do tell! What happened?

A chat box will  be here the first 1/2 hour after our unplug. Please sign up (I think you  will have to begin an account with Chatroll but it only takes a  second). After our chat I will remove the chat box and post the  highlights. For posterity's sake. If all else fails, please post your  report in the comments. If there is something I can fix I will do it as  quick as I can. And if you just prefer to do it the old school way, in  comments, that is fine too.
Posted by at No comments:

Post 2: WE ARE UNPLUGGED!

Unpluggage hour is from 12 PM (est) until 1 PM. Meet you back here then!
Posted by at

Post 1: Unpluggage Begins 12 eastern

What will you be working on? Tell us in the comments.
Posted by at 6 comments:

Apr 25, 2010

The Practice Room schedule for the week of Sunday, April 25th 2010

Here is next week's schedule. Go to the most recent post here!
Monday, April 26, 12-1pm EST.
Tuesday, April 27, 11am-12pm EST
Wednesday, April 28, 5-6pm EST
Thursday, April 29, 12-1pm EST
Thursday, April 29, 11pm-12am EST
Sunday, May 2, 11pm-12m EST 

I will not post the second or third post in the event no one can join me for the unpluggings!
Posted by at 10 comments:

Apr 22, 2010

Post 3: Reconvention! (4/22/2010 at 1pm)

So, do tell! What happened?

A chat box will be here the first 1/2 hour after our unplug. Please sign up (I think you will have to begin an account with Chatroll but it only takes a second). After our chat I will remove the chat box and post the highlights. For posterity's sake. If all else fails, please post your report in the comments. If there is something I can fix I will do it as quick as I can. And if you just prefer to do it the old school way, in comments, that is fine too.
Posted by at 2 comments:

Post 2: WE ARE UNPLUGGED!

Unpluggage hour is from 12 PM (est) until 1 PM. Meet you back here then!
Posted by at

Post 1: Unpluggage Begins 12 eastern

What will you be working on? Tell us in the comments.
Posted by at 12 comments:

Apr 20, 2010

Post 3: Reconvention! (9pm, April 20, 2010)

So, do tell! What happened?

A chat box will be here the first 1/2 hour after our unplug. Please sign up (I think you will have to begin an account with Chatroll but it only takes a second). After our chat I will remove the chat box and post the highlights. For posterity's sake. If all else fails, please post your report in the comments. If there is something I can fix I will do it as quick as I can. And if you just prefer to do it the old school way, in comments, that is fine too.
Posted by at 2 comments:

Post 2: WE ARE UNPLUGGED!

Unpluggage hour is from 8 PM (est) until 9 PM. Meet you back here then!
Posted by at

Post 1: Unpluggage begins at 8pm (Eastern)

What will you be working on? Tell us in the comments.
Posted by at 11 comments:

Reconvention! (12 pm, April 20, 2010)

So, do tell! What happened?

A chat box will be here the first 1/2 hour after our unplug. Please sign up (I think you will have to begin an account with Chatroll but it only takes a second). After our chat I will remove the chat box and post the highlights. For posterity's sake. If all else fails, please post in the comments. If there is something I can fix I will do it as quick as I can. And if you just prefer to do it the old school way, that is fine too.

Update: I lost the blog roll, Marisa! It was a good one too. Accidentally deleted the whole thing. I'm still learning. Marisa had a surprise conversation come up in her scene and I had a breakthrough in chapter one.
Posted by at 2 comments:

WE ARE UNPLUGED!

Unpluggage hour is from 12 PM (est) until 1 PM. Meet you back here then!
Posted by at

New Time! Unpluggage begins at 11 Eastern

Tell us what you will be working on!
Posted by at 5 comments:

Apr 19, 2010

Reconvention!

So, do tell! What happened?

This chat will only be here for the first hour after we practice. After closing out our chat, I will publish the highlights on this post to save for posterity. This is our first time trying. We will see how it goes!! If all else fails, please resort to comments.

UPDATE: Our first Chat: The Highlights

Apr 19 2010, 12:04 PM
tinalee: Did you get anything done folks!

Apr 19 2010, 12:04 PM
HeatherKelly: Hi Marisa!

Apr 19 2010, 12:04 PM
tinalee: Welcome Marisa!

Apr 19 2010, 12:04 PM
elegantsnobbery: Hi!

Apr 19 2010, 12:04 PM
elegantsnobbery: I'm late b/c I had to open a chatroll account

Apr 19 2010, 12:04 PM
tinalee: sorry.

Apr 19 2010, 12:04 PM
HeatherKelly: I know--it takes a minute.

Apr 19 2010, 12:05 PM
tinalee: I thought I had figured out how to just let folks join without.

Apr 19 2010, 12:05 PM
tinalee: guess not.

Apr 19 2010, 12:05 PM
elegantsnobbery: so how did everyone do?

Apr 19 2010, 12:05 PM
jonarntson: I did...wellish

Apr 19 2010, 12:05 PM
elegantsnobbery: I didn't do as well as I hoped... but they day is young

Apr 19 2010, 12:06 PM
tinalee: I am not as fluid as I was last week. But I got some words down. And that is at least the right direction. Tried mapping but it was uninspired.

Apr 19 2010, 12:06 PM
elegantsnobbery: I'll be kicking my kids into the backyard so I can finish my goal for the day

Apr 19 2010, 12:06 PM
tinalee: Yes. I'm with you marisa!

Apr 19 2010, 12:06 PM
tinalee: The day is young.

Apr 19 2010, 12:06 PM
elegantsnobbery: I need to figure out this mapping thing. I like the sound of it

Apr 19 2010, 12:06 PM
tinalee: J what is wellish?

Apr 19 2010, 12:06 PM
elegantsnobbery: Is it like a brainstorm web?

Apr 19 2010, 12:07 PM
tinalee: The mapping thing just involves picturing your manuscript without words.

Apr 19 2010, 12:07 PM
HeatherKelly: I have to say, I'm really distracted by all the people around me right now. Not getting a lot done.

Apr 19 2010, 12:08 PM
tinalee: So anyway that releases you from the words. Sometimes they are so concrete and left brain.

Apr 19 2010, 12:08 PM
elegantsnobbery: Heather, I know how you feel. My kids have been singing into a microphone and I have to blast my headphones just to tune them out

Apr 19 2010, 12:08 PM
jonarntson: Wellish is not bad, not well, but just above okay.

Apr 19 2010, 12:08 PM
tinalee: I don't really have a good form.

Apr 19 2010, 12:09 PM
elegantsnobbery: Tina - a release from words... I like that idea!

Apr 19 2010, 12:09 PM
tinalee: I picture you being so good at it because of your beautiful drawings.

Apr 19 2010, 12:10 PM
jonarntson: I rewrote half of my first chapter

Apr 19 2010, 12:10 PM
HeatherKelly: J--that's great.

Apr 19 2010, 12:10 PM
tinalee: That sounds really wellish!

Apr 19 2010, 12:10 PM
elegantsnobbery: Wow, awesome, Jon!!
\
Apr 19 2010, 12:10 PM
jonarntson: Yes, but I think I've already to scrap it and try again, just to see.

Apr 19 2010, 12:10 PM
jonarntson: decided*

Apr 19 2010, 12:10 PM
tinalee: Practice makes perfect.

Apr 19 2010, 12:10 PM
elegantsnobbery: I don't know if I'd be good at it. My writing and my art have always been so separate

Apr 19 2010, 12:10 PM
HeatherKelly: I think my problem is that my mom and husband are here today, so I didn't put on my headphones--so I wouldn't be rude, and I just can't focus.

Apr 19 2010, 12:10 PM
tinalee: That is interesting to me.

Apr 19 2010, 12:11 PM
tinalee: It makes sense too, but I always want to fuse them in my head.

Apr 19 2010, 12:11 PM
jonarntson: Heather, you answer to no one, so don't call it a problem.

Apr 19 2010, 12:11 PM
HeatherKelly: right.

Apr 19 2010, 12:11 PM
tinalee: HK-- I think it is awesome that you are doing it anyway.

Apr 19 2010, 12:12 PM
tinalee: You are quite amazing by my standards.

Apr 19 2010, 12:12 PM
elegantsnobbery: I agree with Tina! So great that you tried at all, with so many distractions, H!

Apr 19 2010, 12:12 PM
HeatherKelly: Thanks.

Apr 19 2010, 12:15 PM
tinalee: how is this chat feature. Compare it to leaving comments.

Apr 19 2010, 12:15 PM
jonarntson: I like not having to refresh every ten seconds

Apr 19 2010, 12:15 PM
HeatherKelly: I like the instant gratification of the chat.

Apr 19 2010, 12:15 PM
tinalee: yes. me too.

Apr 19 2010, 12:15 PM
jonarntson: I wish the noise wasn't so annoying

Apr 19 2010, 12:16 PM
elegantsnobbery: I don't have the noise on

Apr 19 2010, 12:16 PM
HeatherKelly: mine is off.

Apr 19 2010, 12:16 PM
tinalee: I turned off the noise.

Apr 19 2010, 12:16 PM
elegantsnobbery: I like the chat

Apr 19 2010, 12:16 PM
tinalee: I thought I did that for everyone.

Apr 19 2010, 12:16 PM
jonarntson: Then i get sidetracked with my other ten million projects and forget about you guys and then can't catch up.

Apr 19 2010, 12:16 PM
tinalee: how was the signing in?

Apr 19 2010, 12:16 PM
jonarntson: Easy for me

elegantsnobbery: I signed up and it instantly signed me in
[Delete]
Apr 19 2010, 12:17 PM
tinalee: I never remember to do that.

Apr 19 2010, 12:17 PM
tinalee: so it was quick and painless, marisa?

Apr 19 2010, 12:17 PM
elegantsnobbery: yeah, only took a minute

Apr 19 2010, 12:17 PM
HeatherKelly: that's good.

Apr 19 2010, 12:18 PM
tinalee: It is also free up to twentyfive people.

Apr 19 2010, 12:18 PM
elegantsnobbery: And I had to pick my ES name or else I wouldn't remember it next time I try to sign in

Apr 19 2010, 12:18 PM
jonarntson: So don't get too popular.

Apr 19 2010, 12:18 PM
tinalee: I know! seriously.

Apr 19 2010, 12:18 PM
elegantsnobbery: wow, a 25 person chat would confuse me

Apr 19 2010, 12:18 PM
tinalee: This is kind of a perfect amount of people.
Posted by at No comments:

WE ARE UNPLUGED!

Unpluggage hour is from 12 PM (est) until 1 PM. Meet you back here then!
Posted by at No comments:

Unpluggage begins at 12 Eastern.

Please set your goals in the comments! What are you going to work on?
Posted by at 13 comments:

Apr 15, 2010

Reconvention!

So, let us know what happened?
Posted by at 27 comments:

WE ARE UNPLUGED!

Unpluggage hour is from 12 PM (est) until 1 PM. Meet you back here then!
Posted by at

Unpluggage begins at 12 (est)

Please set your goals in the comments! What are you going to work on?
Posted by at 13 comments:

Apr 12, 2010

Reconvention!

So, let us know what happened? How did that time work for you?
Posted by at 26 comments:

WE ARE UNPLUGED!

Unpluggage hour is from 12pm eastern until 1. Meet you back here then!
Posted by at

Unpluggage begins at 12 Eastern.

Please set your goals in the comments! What are you going to work on?
Posted by at 9 comments:

Apr 8, 2010

Reconvention! 10:45 AM eastern

What happened????
Posted by at 9 comments:

Unnpluggage Practice

Unplugging Commences at 9:45 Eastern!!!

Please take a moment to log what you will cover in the next hour. At the end, I will post to reconvene and you can tell us how it went!
Posted by at 6 comments:
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