You never would have believed it if it were in a book.

Miracle on the Hudson. Such happy endings usually appear in books or movie and rarely in the real world.

If I had seen it in a movie or read it in a book I would've been "Yeah, right."

Here is an erie photo of what could've been a watery grave.

Miracles do happen.

"I have no use for bodyguards, but I have very specific use for two highly trained certified public accountants." Elvis

I would have loved to be Elvis's accountant!!!!

I've been busy at my day job with year-end closing and beginning of the year set-up. Add in setting up rates for a new accounting system going live in a couple of months means more bean counting than word counting.

I should really write a story about a forensic accountant working for the FBI who is investigating the mob or a terroist group. Mmmmmm.

Google Thyself - PART 2

I was quite giddy when I did a recent google search on my name and found that my article Unleash the Power of Your I-Pod that was originally published by my HVRWA chapter newsletter was picked up by The Galleon, the newsletter for the Ancient City Romance Authors.

http://web.mac.com/vickihinze/ACRA/The_Galleon_files/Galleon_Fall2008.pdf

My article is on page 9. Let me know what you think.

"Character is like a root of the tree. Stronger the root, stronger the tree." Author Unknown.

The is true in a person but also true in fiction, in the sense that your characters must be memorable to make your story unforgettable.

Instead of thinking about the big ‘idea’ or high ‘concept - it’s your characters readers will remember.

Remember Scout Finch, Heathcliff, Dirk Pitt, Jack Ryan, Mr. Darcy, or Scarlett O’Hara? I do -even though I forget where my keys are.

How do you make them memorable? Make them likable but give them flaws, give them doubts. Put obstacles in their way to help them grow. Like the statement says below my blog name, Offer a Life, not a text. Invite the reader into the lives of your characters.

I plan a little one on one time with Victoria, then with Russ. Only then can I throw them together. I tried to just start Love By Design but I don’t know Victoria Turner and Russ Rowland near as well as I know Samantha James and Ryan Terell from Playing For Keeps (I wonder if they have kids yet - yes this is how real they are to me - still living outside my story).

So I say...

The more memorable the character, the more memorable the story.

You can quote me on that.

Each kiss a heart-quake... ~Lord Byron, Don Juan

Anyone who knows me knows I love to read kissing scenes. I like to write them too - especially the first kiss - even won a contest for one of those scenes!

I also like movie kisses - especially when they involve Keanu Reeves. When I went to see the Lake House I swear I almost yelled out 'just kiss her already!'

I stumbled across this on youtube. It's kissing scenes for various Keanu Reeves movie set to the 70's song 'Wanna Kiss You All Over' The only thing that's missing is me as his leading lady (sigh) - you know because I would get a pass on being married. Anyway - here is the link - Enjoy!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rDo63acIh0

" I am open to the guidance of synchronicity, and do not let expectations hinder my path." Dalai Lama

Dalai Lama says that one should keep expections on a even keel. Too high expectations and you are bound to experience disappointment. Too low expectations will lead to a feeling of despair. I do try to live this way and it seems to work for me. That said...here is what I looking forward to in 2009:

Book: The English release of The Angel's Game by Spanish writer Carlos Ruiz Zafon. It's a prequel to one of my favorite books The Shadow of the Wind. (May 2009)

Music: Bruce Springsteen new CD - Working on a Dream - (1/27/09)

Movies: Revolutionary Road & Inkheart (1/23/09) Star Trek (5/8/09) Terminator Salvation (5/22/09) Land of the Lost (6/5/09) - yes - based on the 70's series and Will Ferell is in it.

Destination: A couple of days in Pt. Pleasant, NJ & Cooperstown

Other: Enjoying my husband. To my son coming home on vacations. Enjoy the new union contract and the inflow of some extra cash - which means new carpet, tv, and maybe some living room furniture. Many ice coffee's with writing friends at Borders, and the news that I will be published (using Law of Attraction here).

Peace on Earth would be nice too but as the Dalai Lama says one shouldn't have high expectations.

What are you looking forward to in 2009?

We will open the book...

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

I thought this a perfect new years' quote for the writer. So far so good on my hour a day vow to write. Stared at a blank page alot but got a few sentences done on my WIP and I am trying to finish my sci-fi short story. I've been blocked on it so I converted it to first person, hoping it will lead to a middle and an end...though I do have the last sentence written.

My favorites for 2008
Book: The Heroines by Eileen Favorite
Movie: Mamma Mia
TV Show: Fringe
Destination: Pt. Pleasant, NJ
Sports Moment: Giants winning the Super Bowl.
Most Proud of: Completing Playing For Keeps and sending it to an editor.

Tomorrow I'll post what I'm looking forward to in 2009.