A bed of roses

Nano 19 involved not so much writing a novel as planning for a multi-volume epic and in the 50k words that I produced to that end, I think I have something.  Of course, a lot of the characters that appeared didn't have character charts, so that would be a thing to work on.  And the story didn't quite follow the outline I had - but that's the fun of novel writing; finding out how the story REALLY goes.

I also introduced a friend to the fun of writing, which was quite emotional for me.  There's nothing quite like sharing your love of something with another person.

I'm moving to a new desk on Monday.  I moved all my non-tech stuff across last night but the hardware techs move the actual equipment.  I've lost count of how many desks I've had at LJMU.  I could probably work it out, if I had the energy.

One of the knock-on effects of Nano is a real downturn in my energy levels but we can address that during December.  Back to the Chi Qong and meditations!

We have some new furniture arriving a week on Monday, so I need to organise Bulky Bob to pick up the old stuff.

And today is the annual homage to consumerism as the grandson and I go around town with my mother and step-father to spend money.  For most of us, that means vouchers, but the grandson needs clothes, so that will be the real fun.  The UK has embraced Black Friday with a vengeance, so we're hoping to pick up some bargains.  We were supposed to be getting him a bike but it became too much of a Thing, and there were tears and wailing and gnashing of teeth, so clothes it is.  Hopefully that will be less stressful!

My chat buddy was trying to persuade me to look at the Black Friday deals on PS games, but I really don't need any games.  Although I am going to need something for Christmas...  But I have some ideas in that direction.  I definitely need a new journal, and some funky pens would go well with that.  Some nice PJs and slippers, too.  And if there's any cash left, I have a list of potential games that I made ages ago and haven't done anything with.  I'm thinking of looking up some gameplay videos, see if that gives me any idea of what they're like.

There is sooo much stuff coming out about FF7R, even I'm getting excited.  I'm still determined not to buy it, though.  I think the 'whole' version on PS5 is a possibility, but I'm just not enough of a FF7 fan to rush out and get it now.  The fact that they've already started working on Part 2 makes me think they might get the whole thing out on PS4 - although I'm sure they'll have PS5 versions of each part, too.  My current plan is to watch someone do a Let's Play.

I've started watching Let's Plays of God of War (Strange Rebel Gaming, also the voice of Aerith) and The Stanley Parable (Dayglow Buffalo).  Very different games.  I don't think I'd cope with GoW, even on casual, but it is beautiful to look at and the axe looks like fun to use.  The Stanley Parable smashes the 4th wall - whilst surrounding you with walls.

My only real goal gaming wise, though, is to get the Platinum Trophy for FF8R, which is very doable.  And my gamer colleague has offered to lend me Lost Legacy, so that will get me through December.

Well, that's about where life is at the moment.  Tune in next week for another exciting installment...