I’m more of a plotter, an editor, and have never had the discipline for systematically GettingThingsDone. Instead, I daydream of neat plot twists and characters, but never take the time to write.

This year, I’ve been stumbling forward, notebook in hand, outlining the story and adding definition to my hazy dreams.

So, what’s the point, right? I was cleaning out ye olde hard drive today, both seeking to avoid actual productivity and browsing materials, notes, and false starts regarding said novel when I came across a key document in which I’d punched out some notes and decided (monumentily, I thought at the time) to change my main character from a young boy who runs away and joins the circus to a young girl who runs away and joins the circus. It led to a dozen other changes that all seem to make the story better and were inspirational in themselves.

When was this decision? October…2002.

Eight fucking years ago.

So, here we are now. November is around the corner and as a result, so is NaNoWriMo, aka National Novel Writing Month.

I signed up and entered my info. I know it’s a stretch to ‘complete’ an actual novel in that time, but more so I’m hoping to break the cycle of ineptitude and sloth that has plagued me.

Here’s to the hope that come December, I’ll be 50,000 words closer to sharing with you the dazzling tale of carnivals, pirate treasure, musical magicians, toothbrushes, and the young girl given a chance to choose her time.

This revamp started because I envisioned a series of posts that would encompass all of the ways that I waste time and effort, rather than applying myself constructively to items on my "Wish To Do" List. Atop the list is a project for a novel that I’ve been chipping at for many, many years. I’ve done outlines, research, and spent some serious time daydreaming about the story, but have always put off the actual writing. Of course this isn’t a trait exclusive to writing….It’s pretty much my standard M.O. for most projects. Anywho, more on the novel later.

As for this blog, I wanted to chronicle all of the many side-projects and fun diversions that make life interesting (for me, at least). Often I feel like the go-to-guy amongst friends and family when it comes to anything related to DIY technology or video-related upgrades, and I wanted to begin posting some of my advice and how-to’s for topics that are not only distractions and diversions for the literary life, but hobbies in their own right.

The focus will be on technology and its impact on culture and the arts. Personally, I’m most interested in the access to and ease with which we can engage in popular culture, including the trend to remix (movies), mashup (music), and mod (games).