You really shouldn’t write under the influence of cold medicine, but what the hey? Beguiling Hollywood’s New Year’s Missive

Hello sweetest babies, dearest darlings, friends beyond compare (yes, I’m in a flamboyant mood but humor me!)

I could say I hope you all stay well-hydrated and virus-free but that might be too reflective of how I’m feeling at the moment…

So – here’s something more appropriate instead: the real marvel of this wonderful thing we do is the world-spanning reach, exchange and communication of thoughts, feelings, and joys enabled by the interwebs. It is awe-inspiring and heart-warming to reflect on the expansion of mind and the genuine cordiality that comes from being united not only across the country but across the globe, inviting an understanding nod, a raucous laugh, a quiet chat.

I am honored to have met you, come to know you, and to have befriended you through the magic of technology. A short swing into pomposity and then we’ll rocket right out: a lot of people call this digital world an echo chamber, and it can be — if that’s what you want — or it can broaden your world, show you other perspectives, make you appreciative of the goodwill everywhere around us. This, I have found here — and for that I thank you profoundly.

If you’re a regular reader you know I am having a novel published in a blend of old and new formats. It’s an ongoing adventure, but the edit is completed, and the ducks will be lining up shortly. One duck in particular I would like to acknowledge, and that is my line editor. I had no idea how comprehensive his work would be, what compassion an editor has for their author, and what wiles they employ to get the manuscript polished — wit being their most effective tool. Two, no, make that four other ducks have been my guardian angels in all things digital, two hovering behind the scenes, and two very much in the forefront, working on the initial edits of the book with me, introducing me to WordPress, advising and guiding. And then there’s this whole PADDLING (!) of ducks who read and comment and encourage and make me giggle. You know who I’m talking about. I wish you a 2014 as bountiful as you all have made 2013.

My very best wishes, Vickie