Amanda

I write and read fanfiction, over-analyze popular media, and write about my struggles with anxiety, depression, and grad school for my personal blog.

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Latest Topics

tv

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How Many Seasons is Too Many Seasons?

American TV shows tend to stay on the air for as long as they can get renewed. Could the stories be better if the shows were written with the intention of only being on the air for X number of seasons? Broadchurch, for example, is filming it's third and final season currently. If it went on to a fourth season just because it had the audience for one, there isn't much the story could go on to do in order to follow the characters it's introduced along the same tone as the show has set thus far (and I already don't know how they're going to manage a third season. The second season seemed a good place to wrap it.)

How would TV change if we signed shows up for a story arc instead of by season? Would we get fewer sudden cancellations of shows (say, how Firefly ended abruptly?) How would we deal with the departure of beloved characters at the end of well-wrapped stories that end before the viewers are necessarily ready for them to (instead of having a show go on for too long and have viewers drop off as the storyline gets convoluted or watered down)?

Or take a beat and return after an extended absence like Arrested Development and Prison Break – Munjeera 9 years ago
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Arrested Development was abruptly cancelled after Season 3 and was rescued by Netflix (and I'm finding Season 4 really bizarre). A planned extended break could work, but I don't think Arrested Development is an example of that. Season 4 of AD seems closer to the Firefly movie, Serenity. A last chance to give fans closure after an abrupt cancellation. I haven't watched Prison Break, so I don't know about that one. – Amanda 9 years ago
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This is entirely dependant on the show – Darcy Griffin 9 years ago
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Grey's Anatomy would be a good example to use for this article. They're now heading into the show's 13th season, and the fans are dropping off day by day. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Grey's, but I'm not oblivious to why fans are suddenly turning their backs on it. It's been on for a long time, so much has happened, so many new characters joining and old characters leaving. Not to mention the show is very different from the way it was when it first premiered. I'd like to see your topic fully explored. – Karyn Little 9 years ago
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This is definitely a subjective case, not a "one size series," fits all. Look at how successful Breaking Bad was; yet, the creator Vince Gilligan decided to end it after 5 seasons! I think sometimes this has to do with the creative overall vision, and writers truly knowing the "end game," before they begin. Some series go on forever because they are successful, have a solid fan base, and produce quality television. While others meet the first 2 criteria, but differ in producing poor quality television that they get away with. – danielle577 8 years ago
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Amanda, I agree: nothing topped AD in comedy for seasons 1-3, and S4 was poor. Watching a series after its expiration date is like watching Holmes destroy Ali or Willie Mays' creaky attempt to top Ruth's HR record: sad. – Tigey 8 years ago
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TV shows, for audiences, are entertainment and distraction that produce emotional attachment and addiction. For creators and producers, however, TV shows are revenues above all. How many seasons is too many seasons? How much money is too much money? – T. Palomino 2 years ago
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writing

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Creating a Writing Habit

How have you built a daily writing habit while holding a job or going to school?

I use my partner's gym time as my accountability stick. We drive together to an area with both a coffee shop and a gym, and while he's at the gym (usually 2 hours per day) I sit and write. He's my ride, so I'm forced to stay in a location and write until the time period is up. I don't have the discipline to carve out a time for myself without external accountability (like being physically stranded). – Piper CJ 9 years ago
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I've found it helpful to have a writers' group with a small group of friends. Every meet-up we set an achievable goal (research this, write 500 words, make an outline), so we remain motivated and see our progress. – ckmwriter 9 years ago
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I've always been taught to start ridiculously small and work up. (Either by minutes or word count.) Sometimes I aim for 15 minutes a day (but one could even do 5 or 10 minutes to start off), first thing in the morning, which forces me to ensure I make time for that 15 minutes. Even with such a small time commitment, you are motivated to add more time to your daily goal, building up to 30-60 minutes. And even if you stick to a small goal, after one year you've ideally written for over 90 hours. – tracyrwdeboer 9 years ago
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I just love to write (or rather type) and creating short stories or novellas. It's something I don't even have to try and fit into my life because it is life. I think it started after a couple dreams. I wrote them down then realized I could expand upon them and as such I have created several stories that I am working on to publish someday. – The Pokemon Professor 9 years ago
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I use my son's nap times when I am at home, which still affords me a good couple of hours. At work, I use break times. Also, I write for at least one hour in the evening. Sarah Selecky's daily ten minute writing prompts are a fun way to get yourself into the daily writing habit. – LAMead 9 years ago
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Latest Comments

May 27, 2016 Amanda As someone with anxiety and depression, I’m looking forward to reading this. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!	What Lost at Sea can Teach us About Anxiety and Depression
May 26, 2016 Amanda I won’t be able to watch a movie without considering the effects of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds now! Very interesting.	Importance of Diegetic and Non-Diegetic Sounds in Film
May 26, 2016 Amanda You just built my summer reading list! I’ve been meaning to read 1984 for a while, so I’m looking forward to making my way through this collection. Thanks for this!	7 Classic Books For Those New to Dystopia
May 26, 2016 Amanda I’ve always found it interesting that so many published works are blatant fanfictions and yet it continues to be looked down upon as a creativity outlet and means of entertainment. Thanks for the article!	Fanficton: A Practice in the Art of Storytelling