Sometimes it's just too tempting to use your favorite shows as comfort food, watching them over and over rather than taking the risk on something new. (I know all the punchlines on The Office before the actors say them.) It's funny... if I'd bought the Homicide DVDs on my own, it's very possible that they would've just sat on a shelf and collected dust. But since they were a gift, I felt more motivated to watch them. It's worked out well.

Thanks for the links to the writing comms! I'll check them out. I need to get going on this while I'm feeling inspired. If I can get a good start, I'll be more likely to stick with it.