Planning to Survive NaNo: ROW80 Update

Who knew that watching an episode of Vampire Diaries would be so enlightening?

A new arc this season involves Katherine, a long-time vampire and the original girl-to-fight-over for vampire brothers Stefan and Damon, being human (she ingested a human potion at the end of last season).

In last week's episode, which I just watched late last night, she said:

 

"I survived childbirth, the death of my entire family, and 500 years of running from an immortal hybrid. You can understand why I'm a little upset that I'm on the verge of being defeated by a sinus infection."

First, I laughed. Then, I realized two things.

One, as a writer, we need to constantly look at things differently and present the reader with the same experience. Sure, a vampire is interesting. But a vampire who has been around for centuries suddenly struggling to be human is even more interesting. It's the human condition, after all, that we all face.

Second. I am human. I have survived childbirth (3 times), cross-country moves (more times that I care to admit to, but most recently this summer), health issues and scares, and on and on.

Now, I just need to survive another NaNo. To do that, I need to reevaluate my A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) goals. But that's what is so wonderful about this challenge... we have to accept Life's machinations and react accordingly.

New Goals until November

• Outline at least 30 things I want to happen in my ms for use during NaNoWriMo (TiaBach, if you want to buddy me).  Thanks to Kim Switzer for this idea. For more great ideas, please visit her NaNo Planning 2013 post.
• Starting next week, use #ROW80 word sprints to plan my ms. This week, my kids have half days all week. Home by 11:50am each day.
• Perform weekly ROW80 sponsor duties.
• Get website set up.
• Cull through emails and finish up to dos as necessary.
• Get Depression Cookies on Smashwords.

Once November hits, there will be one main goal... writing an average 1,667 words a day. So I need the rest of this month to get my affairs in order. Wait, that sounds so dire.

So my NaNo project will be Chasing Memories 2. What I've been working on turned into another character's show. It's the first time that has happened to me. Guess there will be a Chasing Memories novella now, too. Stay tuned!

So Much Good TV, So Little Time

This Fall TV season is going to be the death of me. So many great shows and old favorites and so little time. I'm sure some of the new shows will fall off my radar after a bit, because I simply can't keep up with them all.

But, for now, I'm overloading myself. And I'm enjoying it!

Some thoughts...

New Shows

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

I've been entertained so far, but I'm jonesing for some more superheroes. I get that our favorites can't be on there week after week (although I'm salivating for some Thor, Ironman, Captain America, and on and on), but give me some new superheroes. I'm liking this agent/double agent thing going on with the hot guy (can't remember his name) and Skye.

Once Upon a Time in Wonderland

Hooked already. Love that they are mixing Aladdin, one of my favorite Disney movies, elements with Alice in Wonderland themes. So excited to see where they go with it. Plus it helps that Cyrus/the Genie is hot!

Sleepy Hollow

So intense and exciting. I wasn't sure what to expect from this one, but I like that it's not campy and it's going for some frights. Plus, I'm looking forward to the dynamic of the sisters and more backstory about Lt. Abbie Mills' Sheriff guardian.

Witches of East End

I was really looking forward to a good witch series this season, but I'm not sure this is it. The concept is interesting, but I found the acting less than stellar. How can that be with stars like Julia Ormond and Virginia Madsen? A bit disappointed. But I'm not giving up yet. Hoping it gets better.

The Originals

I was devastated with what happened to Elijah. Klaus without a conscience is not what I want. When he was in love with Caroline on Vampire Diaries, I was much more intrigued with his character. If Klaus is all bad, I'm all out. Bring back Elijah to add heart. The picture I've included gives me hope that... 1) Caroline will still be involved and 2) Klaus will still be interesting.

The Blacklist

I tuned in solely for James Spader (yes, I'm a child of the 80s), but I'm staying because of some great episodes. That and wanting to find out more about Elizabeth Keen's connection to Raymond "Red" Reddington and the story behind her husband. There's a real Silence of the Lambs feel to the show--a pretty high compliment.

New to Me

Arrow

I've missed previous seasons, but my superhero-obsessed daughter asked me to watch the first episode of this season. I know a bit about Green Arrow, so I wasn't completely lost. Still, I was left scratching my head quite a bit. I barely have time to keep up with what I'm currently watching, so I doubt I'll have time to go back to old seasons. So, I hope I get in a groove soon on this one.

Old Favorites

Once Upon a Time

This is one of those rare shows that we all sit down and watch as a family. I'm so excited about an Emma and Captain Hook romance, so I hope I'm not disappointed.

Vampire Diaries

So much was squeezed into one hour. Crazy! But I'm not loving Elena as a college student. She is an immortal. Does she really need to go to college right now with Stephan missing and her brother, Jeremy, being back from the dead? Oh, and a super hot, they-finally-figured-it-out love affair with Damon. Come on! Loving Katherine's comeuppance. Being a human ought to teach her something.

The Voice

Okay, I need something light. I love the brotherly bickering between Blake Shelton and Adam Levine. I'm kind of done with American Idol, dance shows, and never really got into the X Factor.

On DVR
but haven't had time to watch yet

The Borrowed People, Person of Interest, and Castle.

So, and I'm afraid to ask, what am I missing out on? If you watch any of the shows above, do you agree/disagree with my thoughts?

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!