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If I actually had friends that would write, then perhaps we'd try it. As it is, though, I don't really have time to do any pack writing, let alone write on my own. I would like to try it some day, though. I think it would be a lot of fun (even if nothing really did get done; but that's what pretending is for). <3

Since I live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, there are tons of NaNo groups all over the place. It usually breaks down by individual area, but there was a big kickoff party for everyone, and there will also be a TGIO party in Dec. Since I live right between two cities, I go to write-ins for both groups. It's a bit distracting, but at the same time, it really helps the creative part of my brain get going. Not to mention that I have an opportunity to make a bunch of new friends!

I go to the writing sessions down town, though honestly, I think I'm the only one that got a considerable amount of writing done. A lot of the people didn't even bring their stuff to work on XD

I'd like to try it, but only one of my friends is doing Nano this year. *sniff* So alone!

And we'd probably distract each and get nothing done. XD

There's a community on LJ called wrimobuddies (or something like that) and they do chats with word wars, which isn't exactly the same thing but it's still a group of people writing at the same time... just over the 'net.

Pack write-ins are tricky. I've been to a handful of them. Some were very productive, and others were the exact opposite. I suppose, since there are some asking about pack writing here, I should share my list of pack-writing dos and don'ts.

Do:

Have a clean area for everyone to work at, with their own, single chairs

Have plenty of extra outlets

Have caffeine and snacks at the ready

Have personal music players (walkmen, discmen, mp3-players), with headphones. You wear these during the typing periods to help prevent distraction.

Use a timer to keep everyone on track for a certain period, and then allow a period of socializing (I suggest 1 hr, type like mad, 30 minutes social). Stick to the timers!

Set word improvement goals for the hour blocks, and have consequences for finishing last, or prizes for having the highest word improvement.

Have writing related activities planned for the 30 minute socials. 1 activity is to pass around cue cards and have people write down some quick and dirty ideas that people can use if they get stuck in their novel.

Have signs to ensure that all pack-writers, even those whom you may not have met yet, can get together in one area

Do Not

Sit on comfortable couches, you're likely going to fall asleep

Have Internet access, you will find yourself lost on an IM

Talk with everyone about events in your novel, sex, or any number of other things, you're here to write/type, not to talk

Sit someplace that is very high traffic, you will get distracted



Those are some of the better dos and don'ts that I can think up off the top of my head. If I remember any others, I'll be sure to post them.

Almost all of my friends are woodworkers. xP They don't write, they bang on wood. Like me. The rest who aren't woodworkers don't write. >>;