Written from midnight to 1 AM, November 1: 1971 words.
Take that, word count!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Briefly
Yes, I'm back to school, already ridiculously hungry, and settling in nicely. I've been harassing everyone with my brand-new birthday gift, a digital camera, and just finished unpacking.
Planning for NaNoWriMo in Grinnell continues as well; we've set up a kick-off party up in Lazier 3rd, and I've got most of what I need to get my story started. Although it'd be nice to have an idea of key events that'll take place in my story...ah, well.
If you pay attention to the layout of this blog, you may have noticed that on the right-hand side, a new widget has appeared - the "Sponsor Me" widget. Scroll down and you'll see it. If you'd like to sponsor me in my NaNoWriMo pursuit - i.e. donate to NaNoWriMo - click and you can donate!
Oh, and just quickly, I must recommend an absolutely fantastic book that I just read: The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak. Incredibly well-written, made me cry, and I devoured it. I recommend it to everyone.
Planning for NaNoWriMo in Grinnell continues as well; we've set up a kick-off party up in Lazier 3rd, and I've got most of what I need to get my story started. Although it'd be nice to have an idea of key events that'll take place in my story...ah, well.
If you pay attention to the layout of this blog, you may have noticed that on the right-hand side, a new widget has appeared - the "Sponsor Me" widget. Scroll down and you'll see it. If you'd like to sponsor me in my NaNoWriMo pursuit - i.e. donate to NaNoWriMo - click and you can donate!
Oh, and just quickly, I must recommend an absolutely fantastic book that I just read: The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak. Incredibly well-written, made me cry, and I devoured it. I recommend it to everyone.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Uh-oh.
People have begun creating banners and wallpapers for NaNoWriMo. This bodes ill for me making good use of my time.
Meanwhile, I recently learned that it's possible to have two differently-colored eyes, due to a condition called heterochromia. How cool is that? One of my NaNo characters will definitely have heterochromia.
Back to work. Home for Fall Break on October 20th, so a short hiatus is probable.
Meanwhile, I recently learned that it's possible to have two differently-colored eyes, due to a condition called heterochromia. How cool is that? One of my NaNo characters will definitely have heterochromia.
Back to work. Home for Fall Break on October 20th, so a short hiatus is probable.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
NaNoWriMo preparation
The best part of the run-up to November? Dragging other people into NaNoWriMo with you. NaNo is one of those things where you really need the support and competition - and most importantly, someone to hold you accountable. If you've got someone saying, "Did you write your 1667 words today? I had a terrific day - got 3000 written!", then you're really going to stick with it.
I'm getting this feeling like perhaps I should figure out exactly who my main character is, maybe learn a little something about her backstory. Maybe get to know my other characters too - I can live without a clearly defined plot or setting, but I need real characters.
Looking ahead to homework during NaNo: it's not terrific, but it's not as bad as it could be. Written assignments are the only sort that really concern me, in terms of NaNo. I've got two history papers (okay, that's pretty unpleasant), a 3-page English argument, a villanelle, and an open-form poem due over the course of November, as well as my English midterm on 11/2. With careful planning, though, it's quite doable.
I'm getting this feeling like perhaps I should figure out exactly who my main character is, maybe learn a little something about her backstory. Maybe get to know my other characters too - I can live without a clearly defined plot or setting, but I need real characters.
Looking ahead to homework during NaNo: it's not terrific, but it's not as bad as it could be. Written assignments are the only sort that really concern me, in terms of NaNo. I've got two history papers (okay, that's pretty unpleasant), a 3-page English argument, a villanelle, and an open-form poem due over the course of November, as well as my English midterm on 11/2. With careful planning, though, it's quite doable.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Here's to breakfast...
and walking five blocks to get it in truly hellish weather. My clothes were soaked through by the time we made it to the restaurant. But fried eggs, bacon, and a biscuit are a great way to start your Sunday after a night of techno and glowsticks.
Otherwise, I've been prepping some more for NaNo. When I got back from the so-called rave party last night (at 3 AM), I re-read "No Plot? No Problem!" straight through, and today I've been rereading "Paradise Lost" looking for relevant selections.
I can't wait for November!
Otherwise, I've been prepping some more for NaNo. When I got back from the so-called rave party last night (at 3 AM), I re-read "No Plot? No Problem!" straight through, and today I've been rereading "Paradise Lost" looking for relevant selections.
I can't wait for November!
Friday, October 12, 2007
Oh, man...
...it feels so great to be writing again. I mean, it's not constant, but I think I'm finally making some progress editing my NaNoWriDay novel. I've spent every afternoon over the past week in the library, alternating between studying for my history midterm and writing, and I've re-submerged myself in the world of my novel again.
Meanwhile, I'm preparing to declare as an English major. Once I finish writing up my 4-year plan (hint: a good 70% of the courses are in the English department) and come up with a "personal statement", I can finally declare. Supposedly, once I've declared I'll have a better chance of getting into the popular English courses.
Next semester, I'm hoping to take English 224: Traditions of English Lit II, English 386: Advanced Poetry Writing Seminar, History 239: Collapse of the Eurocentric World Order, and an Alternate Language Study Option in Hebrew. Not sure why I'm planning this all out now...oh, right, I'm required to. Having just taken a brutal history midterm today, I think the best thing to do is avoid all thoughts of school and work over the weekend. Well, except for a few minor assignments that are due on Monday. But those can be completed on Sunday afternoon.
And hooray for the return of the NaNoWriMo forums in all their speedy glory! Such an excellent time-waster!
Meanwhile, I'm preparing to declare as an English major. Once I finish writing up my 4-year plan (hint: a good 70% of the courses are in the English department) and come up with a "personal statement", I can finally declare. Supposedly, once I've declared I'll have a better chance of getting into the popular English courses.
Next semester, I'm hoping to take English 224: Traditions of English Lit II, English 386: Advanced Poetry Writing Seminar, History 239: Collapse of the Eurocentric World Order, and an Alternate Language Study Option in Hebrew. Not sure why I'm planning this all out now...oh, right, I'm required to. Having just taken a brutal history midterm today, I think the best thing to do is avoid all thoughts of school and work over the weekend. Well, except for a few minor assignments that are due on Monday. But those can be completed on Sunday afternoon.
And hooray for the return of the NaNoWriMo forums in all their speedy glory! Such an excellent time-waster!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
The fall television season
Well, since I've been watching so much of it lately, it's only fair to post my thoughts on the new TV season. All shows marked with a * are available for free online at their respective network websites.
Bones*
The premiere wasn't bad. Cannibalism, though - ick. I'm leery of the way the show seems to be attempting to manufacture romance between Bones and Booth. Why go for the easy explanation (oh no, Bones won't work with Booth because she saw him at the wedding and freaked out!) when you could actually explore something more interesting (Bones is angry because Booth, the former Army sniper, sent Zach off to Iraq)? Oh, right, because you're watching David Boreanaz on FOX. Look, I like some good unresolved sexual tension as much as the next girl, but not when it detracts from a show that actually has a pretty cool concept. Stick with solving cases, and I'll be happy.
Chuck*
This is my favorite new show of 2007, definitely. It's well-written, well-acted, full of fun action scenes...I see no downside. Plus, Adam Baldwin is absolutely hilarious as the menacing NSA agent working undercover at Buy More. Seeing him threaten Chuck with a scanner was a highlight of the episode. Good stuff.
Heroes*
As good as it's ever been, in my opinion. I'm irritated that NBC isn't selling it on iTunes anymore, because their internet player sucks, but the show itself has been spot-on with the writing.
Prison Break*
Much closer to the quality of the first season, in my opinion; with Michael back in jail and Mahone in there with him, the planning for The Escape, Part Deux should be great to watch.
Brothers & Sisters*
A terrific season premiere suggests that good things are in store for the rest of Season 2. As usual, it's the acting that carries this show - I'm rarely thinking about the writing.
Bionic Woman*
I was fairly disappointed by the premiere; the lead actress doesn't pull it off too well, and the writing is fairly lame. But I'll stick around for a few more episodes just to watch Katee Sackhoff (aka Starbuck) as the bad-ass bad girl.
Grey's Anatomy/Private Practice*
Neither will be added to my viewing roster. Watched the premieres of both - cringed through GA, and was simply bored by PP. The writing is all the same - don't any of these characters speak differently? - and the people I once loved (Addison, Cristina, George, Callie, Izzie) are all watered-down or obnoxious versions of their former selves. Adios, Seattle Grace.
The Office*
The premiere was an hour of hilarity, and (my love of Pam and Jim aside) I look forward eagerly to the next hour-long episode. The writing continues to be terrific, as is the acting.
Supernatural*
Well, it goes without saying that I'll be watching. Although technically it hasn't premiered yet.
Gossip Girl
Okay, it's not available for free online (except for the first episode, free on iTunes). And yes, it's fairly soapy. And yes, fans of the books have been complaining that it's not very true to the series. You know what? It's a lot of fun, and I watch it with my roommate. That's all. I can't recommend it in good conscience, though.
House
The premiere was decent, but I definitely missed Chase, Cameron, and Foreman. Sadly, since House is not online, I am unlikely to continue watching.
Bones*
The premiere wasn't bad. Cannibalism, though - ick. I'm leery of the way the show seems to be attempting to manufacture romance between Bones and Booth. Why go for the easy explanation (oh no, Bones won't work with Booth because she saw him at the wedding and freaked out!) when you could actually explore something more interesting (Bones is angry because Booth, the former Army sniper, sent Zach off to Iraq)? Oh, right, because you're watching David Boreanaz on FOX. Look, I like some good unresolved sexual tension as much as the next girl, but not when it detracts from a show that actually has a pretty cool concept. Stick with solving cases, and I'll be happy.
Chuck*
This is my favorite new show of 2007, definitely. It's well-written, well-acted, full of fun action scenes...I see no downside. Plus, Adam Baldwin is absolutely hilarious as the menacing NSA agent working undercover at Buy More. Seeing him threaten Chuck with a scanner was a highlight of the episode. Good stuff.
Heroes*
As good as it's ever been, in my opinion. I'm irritated that NBC isn't selling it on iTunes anymore, because their internet player sucks, but the show itself has been spot-on with the writing.
Prison Break*
Much closer to the quality of the first season, in my opinion; with Michael back in jail and Mahone in there with him, the planning for The Escape, Part Deux should be great to watch.
Brothers & Sisters*
A terrific season premiere suggests that good things are in store for the rest of Season 2. As usual, it's the acting that carries this show - I'm rarely thinking about the writing.
Bionic Woman*
I was fairly disappointed by the premiere; the lead actress doesn't pull it off too well, and the writing is fairly lame. But I'll stick around for a few more episodes just to watch Katee Sackhoff (aka Starbuck) as the bad-ass bad girl.
Grey's Anatomy/Private Practice*
Neither will be added to my viewing roster. Watched the premieres of both - cringed through GA, and was simply bored by PP. The writing is all the same - don't any of these characters speak differently? - and the people I once loved (Addison, Cristina, George, Callie, Izzie) are all watered-down or obnoxious versions of their former selves. Adios, Seattle Grace.
The Office*
The premiere was an hour of hilarity, and (my love of Pam and Jim aside) I look forward eagerly to the next hour-long episode. The writing continues to be terrific, as is the acting.
Supernatural*
Well, it goes without saying that I'll be watching. Although technically it hasn't premiered yet.
Gossip Girl
Okay, it's not available for free online (except for the first episode, free on iTunes). And yes, it's fairly soapy. And yes, fans of the books have been complaining that it's not very true to the series. You know what? It's a lot of fun, and I watch it with my roommate. That's all. I can't recommend it in good conscience, though.
House
The premiere was decent, but I definitely missed Chase, Cameron, and Foreman. Sadly, since House is not online, I am unlikely to continue watching.
Things are looking up
So life's going a bit better lately. I finally did a bit of writing - granted, not central plot development, but decent stuff nevertheless. It may not make it into the novel, but it feels terrific to be writing again.
Also, the brand-new National Novel Writing Month website is up, albeit a bit slow from the massive amount of traffic, and that's always fun.
In totally non-writing-related news, my microfridge finally arrived for my dorm room. Now I can make popcorn and keep cheese in my room. Hooray!
Also, the brand-new National Novel Writing Month website is up, albeit a bit slow from the massive amount of traffic, and that's always fun.
In totally non-writing-related news, my microfridge finally arrived for my dorm room. Now I can make popcorn and keep cheese in my room. Hooray!
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