*knock, knock*
Hello there my friends.
I wanted to take a quick break from your regularly scheduled programming to admit an addiction of mine that I’ve been hiding. It’s time for me to tell the world.
Hello, my name is Kait and I watch reality television.
There, I said it and now it’s out there. I guess it’s also a good time to say that since Covid-19 hit, I’ve been binging Vanderpump Rules, Real Housewives of Beverly hills, Total Bellas, and Cheer. Covid-19 may sound like the catalyst, but let’s be honest, I was binging before now. You’re also talking to the girl that’s seen every episode of Dance Moms and is angry when the ending of any of the Bachelor shows is spoiled for her.
Why do I do it and why do you even care?
Because… for all the poor souls that hide their watching habits, who squirrel away with a computer so no one will know, and for everyone that has been made fun of… I want you to know that you shouldn’t feel guilty, especially if it’s the one thing that’s getting you through this uncertain time. I read an article in Cosmopolitan - I read it for the fashion tips okay… jk - about how reality TV can be a healthy way to zone out of the mundane. Everything is fine in moderation.
I also want to give a different perspective. To show that it might be for more than rotting your brain.
Here’s the thing, reality TV lacks a plot. What keeps the shows going are the character relationships. And what do writers and creators need more of? Did you guess it right… Character arcs, character development, and such. I’ll admit, my plots are always on point, but my characters can fall a little flat at times. My conflict could also use some sprucing up. All the important things that turn fictional characters into living, breathing individuals. I can fix that by studying more people. What better than doing it from my couch?
Now you might be thinking what the hell? The people on these shows are insane and everything is blown out of proportions. That’s true, but I believe in the thought that stories are not real and some extra whatever is important. We don’t read books because they talk about everyday things. Most of the time, the conflict doesn’t come from washing the dishes - there are always exceptions. When a fight happens, I want the cuts deep. I want the conflict intense. I need to see the exact shade of red the character’s face turns. You can’t really catch all of that in your local coffee shop or even a Target run. I get mine from reality TV. I see what gets under people’s skin. I see how they twist stories in their heads. Everything that makes for a better story.
I wrote a part in my last book that my CP partner said could only have been done that well if I heavily researched it or lived it. We’ll I’m tired of living all the drama. Instead, I’m going to turn to TV and queue up an unlimited amount of research.
*pass the popcorn*
The next time you’re feeling down, or when you hit next, don’t feel bad. It’s about filling your cup. I’m giving you the reasons you need to enjoy each and every second. You never know when a spark of inspiration will light.
Happy Watching
Love Kait