Many people prefer online events to in-person events. Being able to attend events from the comfort of their own home is a big draw, both for Official and Satellite events. We hope the following tips will help you to set up Satellite events that are well attended, fun, and productive!
When planning a Virtual Satellite Write-In
- Social media (Our Facebook group, Discord server, the NaNoWriMo forums) are a good place to gauge interest in your event.
- Remember that NaNoWriMo and NaNoBoston groups, social media, etc., are open to participants of all ages. Please be respectful, friendly, polite, and encouraging when proposing an event. Avoid sarcasm, which can easily be misconstrued as threatening or offensive. And remember, no cursing!
- Select the online platform you plan to use for the event.
- Discord: The NaNoBoston and Tea Party servers are both active and likely to draw many participants. (For the Tea Party server, contact server matriarch Marie|Aethera for permission.)
- Zoom: You may “borrow” the NaNoBoston Zoom account by emailing the Municipal Liaisons (BostonNaNo@gmail.com) and requesting permission.
- If using other platforms, remember, you will need to provide a link on the event calendar form so attendees can reach you. Let people know if they need to create an account to use your selected platform.
- Scout out the platform ahead of time: Make sure you know how to use the platform you have chosen by playing with all the bells and whistles before your event, with enough time to ask questions from someone should you need to.
- Plot out activities: You may wish to discuss possible activities ahead of time, such as word wars, word sprints, icebreaker questions, planned discussions about writing, etc. Having activities makes the event more interactive, and perhaps less awkward for folks who don’t know each other.
- Your Municipal Liaisons put a lot of time and effort into planning the Official Write-Ins. Please do not submit events that conflict with official events; we will not approve or promote them.
Once you’ve selected your time, date, and platform
- Visit the regional page on nanowrimo.org.
- Click on the EVENTS tab at the top of the page.
- By putting your information here, you ensure that it goes on the NaNoWriMo and NaNoBoston calendars, and that only our participants can see the meeting information.
- Please do not post on other platforms, as it can lead to situations like “Zoom Bombing,” where people crash events.
- Click the SUBMIT AN EVENT button.
- Please preface your event name with “Satellite Write-In” and where it will be held. This makes it clear to your fellow Wrimos what the event is. Example: Satellite Write-In: Tea Party Server (Discord)
- The EVENT DETAILS box is a great place to fill in information about the event (if it’s themed, etc.)
- Select the date, time, and duration of your event. Be sure to check that the time zone is correct!
- Click the NEXT: VENUE button to proceed to the next screen.
- Select the box for an online event.
- For online events, note the service (Zoom, Discord, etc.) and include a link to the meeting.
- Double-check everything before submitting your event. You will not be able to edit the event once it is created.
- Click the SUBMIT EVENT FOR APPROVAL button.
- Email the MLs at BostonNaNo@gmail.com to let them know you’ve submitted an event. It should be approved within 24 hours.
On the day of your Write-In
- Dress appropriately: As event host, you are the face of NaNoBoston and NaNoWriMo. You don’t need to dress up in a suit and tie, but please don’t show up in your pajamas.
- Show up early: Be there about 15 minutes early, so that you can welcome folks to your event, and get to know them as they arrive. You can also troubleshoot tech problems should they arise.
- Remember, you’re the host: Make everyone feel welcome and included. If you notice someone is dominating the conversation, give them a gentle reminder to let others have a chance to speak. If you notice someone isn’t saying much, ask them if they have any thoughts or questions about your conversation or the activity you’re doing. It’s also okay to have some participants not participate in a word war or other activity but keep writing.
- Muting is golden: If you have a lot of participants, it may be useful to mute everyone in a video chat platform. Let them unmute themselves when they have something to say and then mute themselves again when they’re done talking. This helps when the sound quality is not great. The more videos and microphones that are on, the more bandwidth you are using.
Thank you
By hosting an event, you’re helping yourself and your fellow Wrimos to make it to 50k!
This covers the basics of setting up your Satellite Write-In. If you have further questions, email Travis + Jordan at BostonNaNo@gmail.com.
Updated 2022
NaNoBoston 