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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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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.

EDITED TO ADD:

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

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

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

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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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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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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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.

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.

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!

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.