To.. or Not To? Also, Bad Fanfiction.

So, after today's Graphic Design class I decided I really should go ahead and download Photoshop CS4.
It looks cool, I won't lie.. but it looks like it has the majority of the same functions as 7.0, which I already have. I think I'm gonna get the upgrade anyway just at least while I'm in this class, that way I can do work at home if I need to.

I want to draw this picture of my newest character I have in mind, to use as a gueina pig for CS4 at school (Not to mention give me something fun to work on during class when I've done my work xD)
Now the problem is just.. drawing it.

I haven't doodled much of him admittedly, but what I have done is of course, providing difficulties. It's hard to figure out how you wanna draw him without just copycatting someone elses style you see suited for that character. Maybe now is a good incentive to use my brand new sketchbook I bought like half a year ago and visit Pose Maniacs.
The other problem I have is finding reference pictures - when I search for them, I just can't seem to find what I'm looking for. Locating good references or specific ones for me are hard, it's just like I'm not doing it right. Any advice from those who are particularly good at searching for things? I could use some ;__;

Also, I wasted time last night I should have spent doing History homework reading a horrible, horrible fanfiction. It was horrible in every aspect - the plot, the grammar and spelling (ESPECIALLY the grammar and spelling) and the characterization... but I read it all the way through. Why you ask? I think it was a case of "it captivated me because it was just so BAD" kind of way. Not to mention.. I think if the author had written it better, it could have been good material. The idea/plot was fucked up and would be even well written, but when it's written well the twisted plot can be more tolerated or even appreciated. I myself have a penchant for rather twisted and dark, unconventional story lines. But there was just too much wrong with it.

I was tempted to leave the author a long, critical review (not bashing, but critical for sure) but then I figured what are the chances he/she will take what I have to say seriously? Maybe not even read it? Who knows, I might do it anyway just to see.

I gotta catch up on journal writing for Creative Writing too. I also want to get some notes jotted down and compiled. A co-worker of mine expressed interest in writing and I told him a bit about my story. He seemed to like it and said he'd look at anything I showed him. I dont' wanna give him all the goods up front, but I definitely can appreciate a second opinion and some feedback and criticism. My friend Hanyou offered to help and edit too which was marvelous :D
Maybe I should join a writing challenge, or a forum or something to help promote my story/give me incentive to work on it. Maybe? Maybe not?

Anyway, next time I post I'll have some goodies to upload.