NaNoWriMo
Well, it’s November and that means it’s another National
Novel Writing Month. I’ve done this many times in the past but I’ve never been
able to complete it. In 2010, I finally completed it and still had more to
write. After a break last year because of my dissertation, I’m back on it this
year – but trailing far behind already!
The goal is to write at least 50,000 words (either as a
novel or part of one) in the 30 days of November. It’s quite a feat, even if it
is only to be a first draft. It is completely up to you how far you want to get
involved. I used to sign up every year but now I just do it on my own. It suits
me better. There are a lot of events all over the place to meet other
participants and have some fun while you’re at it.
This year, I’m writing the sequel to the project from two
years ago. I will try to post some extracts throughout the month!
F1 – Raikkonen Returns to the Top Step
I am a big fan of Kimi Raikkonen in F1. One of the ‘coolest’
drivers and I say that because he is very cold at times. It’s just his nature,
and Mika Hakkinen was much the same. Kimi was almost gifted the race by another
failure from the McLaren team as Lewis Hamilton dropped out.
It made the race much more exciting. Sebastian Vettel
produced a brilliant drive, and with a bit of luck with the safety car, made it
onto the podium himself alongside the predictable Fernando Alonso.
One of the highlights was Kimi’s race messages. He doesn’t
like a lot of information and it showed this time. Many would say he snapped at
his race engineer but it was the focus of his driving. The message was clear
both times – ‘leave me alone; I know what I’m doing!’ I’m paraphrasing but I’m
sure the radio messages can be found on Youtube if you want a laugh!
The only thing that was disappointing was the language by both Raikkonen and Vettel. These are world class drivers and the heat of the moment does not quite excuse those slips. Slips happen but they are an example to younger viewers and it was a shame this happened. That said, there are two very exciting races to go and the fight between Vettel and Alonso is nowhere near over.
Star Wars and Disney; A fairy-tale in the making…
The news that Disney has bought Star Wars rocked me. I
thought that the films were done and that Star Wars would live on through the
Expanded Universe, of which I am a fan. So many authors on one story and the
same characters – it gives you a brilliant insight into how each writer thinks
and writes. I find that fascinating and the stories are pretty good too!
I am dubious about what Disney will do in these new films,
with the first release slated for 2015. I have hope because of what they’ve
done with the Marvel films but I see two main options for them to take.
The first is to take the story in their own direction and
the second is to follow the Expanded Universe and tell the stories already
written down, creative license allowing. The first, I feel, has more chance of
alienating current fans even more than the Prequel films did, and the franchise
will not find that easy to survive. The second option will see a form of
continuity and, if done correctly, bring those fans wandering away back into
the fold. I hope for the second option.
Stories have surfaced that Lucas had plans for twelve films
in total. Bearing in mind that he has controlled the majority of the Expanded
Universe since its creation, these later six would logically fall into a story
arc within that creation. If Disney takes that route, it will appeal the widest
range of fans possible. Or so I feel.
It’s an interesting situation, as is who will star in the
new films. Only time will tell us but I remain hopeful.
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