November 1, 2012

Hurricane Sandy + NaNoWriMo

L-R: Morning till early afternoon of October 29

Due to the major catastrophe that was Hurricane Sandy, I've been at home all week and unable to get into the City, as the subways are still not running and the power is out at my office. (Last I heard, they will be opening up with limited service tomorrow at 6AM. You can check this document for more information about the routes that will be available.) 

I'm certainly grateful that my apartment-mates and I escaped the brunt of the damage, as well as the power outages. My heart does go out, however, to everyone that was affected - be it by power outages, excessive flooding, or trees/electrical posts/debris falling. There's certainly a lot of physical and financial damage to be addressed, but it warms my heart to see how the government and denizens of New York and other affected states are addressing the situation as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The cabin fever is getting to me though, so I'm certainly going to try and take the opportunity to get out of my house and see how I can help out in the City today. While you're reading this post, I'll (hopefully) be volunteering at one of the shelters.



In other news, today is the first day of the monthlong event known as National Novel Writing Month. While I do recall participating halfheartedly in my own version of the event, this year, I've decided to make it official and have signed up on the site. Though the thought of writing 50,000 words by the end of the month intimidates me, it also feels like the right time to take it on. I'm determined to be able to pound out a rough first draft of the novel that Lena and I have been chatting about, at least the part from the perspective of the character that I've chosen.

I'm writing this post the day before the event starts, and I have nothing but a beginning and an ending to work with. I was planning to outline, and maybe I will before the night ends, but at the moment, it looks like I'll be working spontaneously on this piece. I've never done that before, but hey, there's a first time for everything, right? 

Wish me luck! Also, if you've decided to participate as well, please feel free to add me on the site as a writing buddy (user: alexalovesbooks) and we'll support each other in our attempts to hit that glorious 50K.

14 Comments:

  1. Glad to hear you are safe! Good luck with nanowrimo.

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  2. I think that's great you're participating in NaNoWriMo! Good luck! :) PS. I miss chatting on gchat too!

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  3. Aww well I'm happy that you're safe! I hope the power is back up soon!! <3

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  4. I was definitely thinking of you Alexa when Sandy came through the Northeast. So glad you are safe! Clean-up disaster after Hurricanes are never easy. They usually take months and months.. even long after the camera crews have pulled out. Unfortunately we're all too familiar with that down here on the Gulf in Texas. I think it's amazing you're wanting to volunteer!

    Good luck with NaNoWriMo!!! I am "unofficially" participating since you know I've already got a good chunk on my current writing project ;) Feel free to chat me up about your writing, any time! I think I may owe you, hehe.

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  5. Good to hear you are safe, and way to go for doing NaNo! I am participating as well, so I'll add you to my writing buddies. 50,000 words is so intimidating, but having support helps.

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  6. I'm so glad things are starting to get back to normal for you guys up North!! I so happy you guys are ok!!

    Good luck with NaNoWriMo!! I believe in you!! :D

    Jess @ Gone with the Words - Check out my latest post: Review: Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor

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  7. We got hit in Baltimore and my office was closed for about 2 days, but we were lucky not to experience half the damage that NY & NJ did. Stay safe and kudos for the volunteering! We need more people like you in this world.

    As for NaNoWriMo, I really wanted to participate this year and make something of the mess of a novel I half-attempted to start earlier in the year. Unfortunately, due to a rigorous work schedule and some more serious family issues, I wasn't able to commit. There's always next year though. Good luck, lady! I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines!

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  8. I'm happy to hear you're safe! As far as your cabin fever goes, I'm such a homebody that I have no idea what that feels like. I'm sure I could stay in the house all the time!

    Good luck with NaNo! I'm glad you're participating! We will cheer each other on!

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  9. Glad to hear you're safe! Even though I love just staying inside all day, not being able to go outside would give me cabin fever as well!
    Good luck with NaNoWriMo!

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  10. Been worried about ya! I had a friend who was down visiting me from NYC and she's JUST now leaving today to go home! So scary! Very glad you are alright and are excited about NaNoWriMo! ;)

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  11. Good luck with NaNoWrMo! I so want to do it but I could never follow through. Plus I'm not sure that I really HAVE a story. I sort of do but idk.

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  12. WE'RE GOING TO ROCK THIS SHIZNIT!!! Playam playa, what?! Hahahaha.

    Stay safe!

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  13. I'm so glad you and the roomies are safe! It's just unbelievable what you guys have been going through and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected. Best of luck to you with NaNoWriMo!!

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  14. Good luck with NanoWrimo, A! I hope you are encouraged and inspired throughout the month to write! :) So glad you 're safe. xoxo

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