How to Have a Writers’ Hangout in Google+
by Mary Robinette Kowal

http://www.sfwa.org/2011/07/how-to-have-a-writers%e2%80%99-hangout-in-google/

Anyone interested in getting some hangouts going? It could be good inspiration.
 

Brilliant marketing. They are creating a demand through low supply, filling those not in with a strong desire to be accepted.

Then again, I could be the only one and they're all laughing at me.

*Shrug*

I'm down, Trina. Someday...

Axe
 

Facebook for me is basically a high school reunion, mixed with family and some friends, of which I typically exclude all reference to writing.
 

Meredith, I've invited you too.

[This message has been edited by genevive42 (edited July 23, 2011).]
 

When I've reviewed a MS I'd like to get updates on it as it progresses, without the author necessarily having to tell me everything that's on his mind about anything he's doing. Then I might comment on the author's planned changes if anything strikes me without necessarily being on the editorial board for every revision.

I'm not one of the cool people either so I guess I'll have to wait until it goes public.
 

Anyone else want an invite? I don't think there's a limit on the number I can send.
 

[This message has been edited by MattLeo (edited July 23, 2011).]
 

Actually, someone from another forum was kind enough to invite me so I'm happy to pass it on.

Foste, your invite has been sent.

My name and email are in my profile.
 

I'm literally about to start my writing session, so it'd be great to hangout if you're on. Will seek you out.
 

How do we find other Hatrackers? I'm going by P.M. Snede in a psuedo-effort to separate my day job identity from my writing persona (that's how I've starting subbing short stories as of the last couple of months too). I only could find Meredith and Trina (didn't see Karen's in my search).
 

After reading the article I see it's a live group meeting. It seems like it's going to be a little hard to get everyone on the right time schedule or is it like a chat room where everyone shows up whenever to see if someone is there?

Sounds like fun -we can each have out favorite beverage with us and discuss things live.

In my case though no video from my side.
 

I don't know how to get into the circle.

If it's video chat I can't do it because of the time of day I write, but if there's text or ideas, etc., I can hang.

Axe
 

But because of all your positive reviews, I guess I'll open it.

On a second note, the idea of a live chat for WCEG could be interesting...but then who has the time?

Which is the drawback I see. I don't have enough time now without adding another site to check...perhaps one will phase out the other though...I accept invite with trepidation.
 

I thought of Google+ while reading issue #1 of IGMS, Wolverton's story "A Rarefied View at Dawn", and thought it would be interested to have a weekly or monthly discussion of a short story, not so much as readers but as writers, discussing what we felt worked or didn't. Just throwing the idea out there.
 

As far as the hangouts, just do them when you feel like. We are all on vastly different schedules so jump in when you can. I'll start one sometime this week for sure. Otherwise, the neat thing here is that you can share with just a specific group, so if you want to talk about writing stuff with us, the whole world won't see it.

So axe, EVOC, enigmaticuser and Foste, let us know what your name is on Google+ so we can find you. I will try to keep everyone together. If in doubt, just add me to a circle and I'll get notice and pick you up from there. I'm on as Trina Phillips. No picture yet, but soon.

[This message has been edited by genevive42 (edited July 24, 2011).]
 

[This message has been edited by genevive42 (edited July 24, 2011).]
 

quote:

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So axe, EVOC, enigmaticuser and Foste, let us know what your name is on Google+ so we can find you.

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Same email as I use here.

Dustin Adams is the Axe's given name.

I have no idea.
 

Axe
 

Okay, I'm on Google+ but still not sure how the thing works.

Guess I'm going to have to watch that video they have.

I'm under my real name which isn't bad but can that be changed ?

And thanks for the invite, it really does sound like a good thing if I ever get the hang of it.

quote:

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Do we have a name for the circle?
I'm just sticking people under friends for now, but it seems that will get confusing if I throw say a friend from high school in there.
Axe

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We don't have to all call it the same thing. If you scroll down on the little pop up that lets you put people in circles, it'll let you create a new circle. Mine's just called writers.
 

Glad you're joining us.

I know this all takes a little getting used to, but once you start it's fairly instinctual. Good luck.

If you have questions, feel free to ask. I'll answer them if I can.
 

[This message has been edited by MartinV (edited July 25, 2011).]
 

Axe
 

Respectfully,
Dr. Bob
 

It is similar to Facebook, but not derivative, with a greater focus on interaction than Facebook's games, silly apps, and profile glorification.
 

Dr. Bob - I sent you an invite so you you can check it out.

Same instructions for start-up.

Note: I avoided Facebook altogether and chose to start my social media with G+.
 

I'm going to try hosting a Writing Hangout this Wednesday, July 27th at 9:00 AM - Pacific Standard Time. PST is currently UTC/GMT -7 hours.
Hopefully you can join me.

Right now I'm going to follow the somewhat established framework because it sounds good to me. All creative adventurers are welcome; you don't have to write.

At the top of the hour we talk and discuss for 15 minutes, then we stop and write for 45 minutes until the next top of the hour and then break and chat for 15 minutes again. I'm committing to two hours, possibly three.

My other available times are pretty late for most non-West Coasters so I hope this time can catch a few people. If you can't make this one, don't despair, there will be more. You can always run one according to your schedule, or just start one spontaneously while you're working and see who's out there.

So if you're on the fence this might be a good time to jump in. It'll give you a couple days to get in and get oriented. Let us know if you still need an invite.
 

If I remember I will be there for part of that time. With my swiss cheese memory I'm not always sure when I will recall something like that.
 

quote:

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I'm going to try hosting a Writing Hangout this Wednesday, July 27th at 9:00 AM - Pacific Standard Time. PST is currently UTC/GMT -7 hours.

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That's 4 pm for me and therefore doable.
 

And yes, it's like a write in. The idea is that everyone is working on some creative project. I just wanted to leave it open in case someone wanted to draw or paint or sculpt instead of write. If you want to do interpretive dance, just mute your mic so the music doesn't disturb other participants. Same goes for power tools.
 

Sunday though, is my other day off. I usually spend the morning writing, so I'll probably do it then too.

And if there's a time that works better for you, go for it. Anyone can host one and it doesn't have to be announced ahead.

So you know, I'll be inviting people from another writing forum to join too, so it won't just be Hatrackers.

Note: So I'm prepared for Wed., I might try starting a spontaneous one tonight after work. It could be anywhere from 8-11pm PST. My webcam is new and I've not done anything like this before so I'll try to work out any technical difficulties. I'm sure it's easier than I think.
 

Respectfully,
Dr. Bob

 

EDITED TO ADD:

Martin, are you sure it's not 5PM for you and me? We're in the GMT +1 zone.

[This message has been edited by Foste (edited July 26, 2011).]
 

Remember to add me to one of your circles so I can find you.

Roll call later today.
 

I'm on vacation and have limited internet access, but I'll check in now and again.

Respectfully,
Dr. Bob
 

quote:

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Martin, are you sure it's not 5PM for you and me? We're in the GMT +1 zone.

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You're right, my mistake.
 

In a few hours I'll do a big roll call and ask everyone to do a small introduction. I currently have 17 people in my Hatrack circle.

I'll also post here when I do the roll call so if anyone thinks they're in and they don't see the post on G+ they can let us know.

My plan (if it doesn't get too busy here at work), is to do it between 5-6 pm PST. Maybe a few more people will join us. And this isn't a finite list. People are welcome to join any time. I'm just trying to keep us all together in this newness.
 

Okay if I move it to the Hatrack Groups part of the forum?
 

So if we could leave it here a little longer I'd appreciate it. Another week maybe?
 

Could you tell us more about the privacy protections for a "circle" and for a "hangout"? How do you make sure everyone knows whom they're "hanging out" with?

I get the idea that you've talked about two kinds of invitations here: one is to Google+ and the other is to the Hatrack "circle" correct?

Which kind are you issuing, genevive42, or are you issuing both kinds?

If you're not issuing Google+ invitations, how does someone get on Google+?

I suspect that it would be good to post more step-by-step information (Mary Robinette Kowal's article needs more of that as well) for people who want to participate.

Since this is more like an "in-person" group, you may want to start thinking about some of the rules and problems that go with those, besides.

Just some thoughts, anyway.

 

First, when I say I'm inviting someone, it's to join Google+. I'm happy to send out invites to anyone who asks. And everyone who's in can do the same. (There's an invite link on the lower right side of the screen.)

Since the idea here is to have hangout groups where we get together and commit to both some writing and social time, the other side is trying to keep everyone together. When someone joins, they need to find other Hatrackers to put in their circles. What I'm trying to do is create a master list so everyone can 'see' each other. Once we all find each other we can hang or chat, whatever.

I'll admit, I hadn't considered 'rules' for the hangouts other than common decency. I'm going to start with the 15 minute talk/45 minute work model, but that may change. And anyone else can set up the rules for their hangouts any way they want. I know KayTi is interested in shorter ones. I think she already ran one. Unfortunately, Mary Robinette Kowal hasn't run a hangout at a time I've been able to join so I don't have a point of reference for exactly how they work.

In many ways, I'm figuring this out as I go along.

Kathleen, I've sent you an invite if you want to check it out. And if you want to be included in our group feel free to put me in a circle and I'll add you to the roll call I'm doing later.

I think this will be a good way to exchange ideas and offer support. It's a good reminder that as we sit at our computer terminals pounding our heads against the keyboards that we're not alone. That's the theory anyway.
 

quote:

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This looks great, but is anyone else having trouble keeping track of names? I'm so used to your handles here, it feels like reality just took a little spin when I look at everyone on Trina/genevieve's page.

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Yes... I am still trying to figure out Hatrack handles with real names.

It took me a moment to understand the concept of circles on Google+. Basically it allows me to choose which circles I share what status with. So I have my family in one, my friends in another, and then Hatrackers (which are about 98% of the people I have on there).

This way, if I want to announce a family gathering I can post my status update just to those in the Family circle. If I want to share something with the Hatracker folks, I can just select there circle. Or if I want to share one of my precious gems of knowledge with the world, I can share it will all the people I have on Google+.

I like this concept, because there are often things on Facebook that I want to share, but perhaps I would not care to share with all 148 people I know on there.

As far as the Hangout feature. I am eager to try it. It may have to be something we think about regulating once we know more about how it works and what Google is already regulating.

So far it has its plus and minus. I do like the fact that there is not Farmville or other such games on Google+. Hope it stays that way.
 

quote:

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This looks great, but is anyone else having trouble keeping track of names? I'm so used to your handles here, it feels like reality just took a little spin when I look at everyone on Trina/genevieve's page.

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This is one of the things I hope to cure with tonight's roll call. I'll post details later.
 

I've got 17 people in my Hatrackers circle. I hope this is everyone.

I'd like to do a roll call. If everyone posts a comment to this post (on G+) then all the other Hatrackers will be able to see you and add you to their circles. Also, there's the issue of who everyone is in relation to their Hatrack names. I actually have a person or two that I'm still not sure who they are on Hatrack, so hopefully this will straighten it out. If you're seeing this and you're not a Hatracker then I'm sorry you've gotten on this list erroneously. Please let me know.

So everyone, please comment. Tell us your Hatrack Handle, the city/country you're living in (maybe include the time zone), and what your current writing project is. This way we can all get reacquainted here on G+. I'll post the first comment to get things started.

If you are not seeing this same announcement on G+ then I do not have you in my Hatrackers circle. If you want to join us, add me to one of your circles and I'll get you included.
 

It is incredibly easy. To start a hangout, just click the button on the right side of the screen. Your webcam will start up and it'll take you to the appropriate hangout screen. It then puts a little 'LIVE' note under your pic in the comments stream and whatever group you designated will see it. I had a problem where it wouldn't let me comment on my own hangout post. I think it was a glitch because I've seen other people do it. G+ is still a beta version.

EVOC said it was really easy to join too. Just click where it says you want to join. The comtrols to mute audio and video are big and obvious on the bottom of the screen, as is exit.

So anyone who was concerned about the tech side shouldn't be too worried. I know LDWriter2 had to add a plug in or something so didn't join us tonight. I don't know enough about webcams to say who might need to do the same. Or if it related to the webcam at all. Hopefully it will go smoothly for everyone tomorrow morning.

So remember: Wednesday, July 27th, 9:00 AM Pacific Standard Time (UTC/GMT -7 hours) - We'll chat for the first quarter of an hour and write until the top of the next hour, then take a break and chat for another fifteen minutes, then work for forty-five, etc. I'm committing to two hours but if you can only stop in for a little bit, still do.

Hope to see you there.
 

I'm going to jump over and join your hangout. I think everyone should just pile in there.
 

There were a few technical issues, both individual and from their server, but we managed. I had to turn off my video accelerator and things got jerkier after that, but at least I didn't crash again. I'll try edging the settings up slowly.

So, to relate this to writing, I did learn a few things. I learned that even with the hangout screen minimized, hearing the tap-tap of other people working is a great motivator. It made me want to be tapping too.

A couple people figured out how to share their work with just the hangout group. I still need to finish reading it. It's nice to see both the great talent we're hanging out with and, conversely, that everyone's first drafts are rough. It's a good reminder that it's often better to just get the words down rather than worry whether they're the perfect words. It's all been good to read.

It was also interesting to discuss how everyone approaches writing differently. We also talked about self-pubbing strategies and a myriad of other writerly things. There was definitely something encouraging about hanging out with other people doing the same thing, going through the same trials.

Technical note, there was a fair amount of feedback. It's been suggested that if more of us can get headphones this could be reduced or eliminated. Something to think about.

Thanks again everyone!

If you couldn't make this one, it's easy to start your own. Oh, and if the originator leaves, the hangout keeps going, so you're not committed forever. Have fun!

My name on Google+ is S. Jeanne Montgomery.
 

I recently received a Google + invite from a friend. I've only just joined and have no idea what it's all about. I only have access from a poor internet connection though, so I'm not sure how much use I'll get out of it. At some stage, I'll actually read through this thread and figure it all out.

Nick Tchan