If you go to the NaNoWriMo website, click on My NaNoWriMo, and then click Regions, it will give you the entire list of regions that they have set up. I think this ( www.nanowrimo.org/eng/og ) will link directly there, but I'm not positive. Once you're looking at the list, you can either search for an area or just browse through. It definitely does seem that the NaNo site is pretty slow right now. It looks like there is only a generic "Maryland" region set up at the moment, but at least you could join that one and maybe find out if there are other folks from your town or nearby participating. Most of the regions set up writing sessions, parties to get things going, and so forth.

Sorry I don't have too many words of inspiration for you, but good luck!

My first year was a story that had been bouncing around in my head for months. The second was a sequel. This year I have a vague, totally unrelated idea (leaving the third part of the series for another time) and am not really motivated, so we'll see how it goes.

Try taking a walk. Take a notebook and really look around at the people and places you see. Why is that guy in a business suit carrying a pink umbrella and staring at his shoes? Where is that car packed to the gills with archery targets going? Why are there plants in a window box in that supposedly empty building?

The rest, as they say, is just making shit up :-)

begin at the beginning. keep going. keep showing up for writing. write, write, write some more. don't be afraid to suck. keep writing. keep showing up. that's what i keep telling msyelf. maybe it will help you, too. :)

I'm in Alaska, and last year, there was only me and a couple of friends. This year, there are little groups in 3 major cities in the state. if htere's no one in the physical place you are at, join an online group. i'm sure there are some.

bottom line: write. show up. don't be afraid to suck.