October Novel Prep Challenge

Here's the contest entry: "Invalid Entry" 

As for the bonus, I did as so many have done before me: research.
I spent an hour dedicated to researching for both setting and general writing, approximately dividing the time like this:
- 15 minutes spent researching a possible future for New York (in preparation of a fleshed-out map).
- 15 minutes spent researching consequences of the theoretical third world war, and the future that followed.
- 15 minutes spent researching human emotions (especially defense mechanisms and mentality of sexual abuse victims)
- 15 minutes spent researching writing tips and suggestions regarding novel writing.