Story vs. Words

There's a lot to be said about the feel of a book. The texture of the cover, the smell of the pages, etc, etc. When people find out I'm a writer and they catch me reading my Kindle, it often surprises them.
"Don't you love books?"
"Don't you just love words?"
Honestly, I've never been "in love" with either. Some books I've picked up have been rather disappointing or boring or forced on me. Everyone's favorite combination of "beautiful words"-- poetry -- has more often made me roll my eyes than wowed me.

Conclusion: I love stories.

To start off the new year, here are some stories I've enjoyed that are not in book form:


Granted, it's no longer running, but Lost is one of the best TV series I've ever seen. The mystery builds on itself through the seasons like a giant novel. Excellent cast and music!




The characters make this show work. Not only do you have a mystery to solve, you've got to put up with an OCD detective to get to the answer.





There's a lot going on with this series right now. While both incarnations deviate from the original (as TV and movies really have to do), they're so entertaining that the punching/explosions (movies ) and the modern era (BBC ) don't detract from the enjoyment of the story.



Want to share your favorites? I'm always looking for a good recommendation!

Year in Review

Magazines are good at this: recapping everything that happened during the year to make you feel nostalgic for something that's only just gone. I won't be doing that, but I will be saying goodbye to 2011 with a kind of bittersweetness that I don't often experience.

The bad could very well outweigh the good if I let it. My job as an office money finally got the better of me (and if any of my former coworkers are reading, I don't miss it), and I found myself hastily putting together the puzzle of what would ultimately make me happy. The answer wasn't in another office position or in nursing or in graphic art: it was hairdressing.

As a result of my hasty decision to go to one of the best schools in the country, I'm once again living alone (or rather, in a roommate situation), struggling to keep on top of my responsibilities while retaining everything I'm paying a small fortune to learn. New York is not the easiest city to live in, especially after having spent my life in spread-out places. On the other hand, it's freaking New York, and I've been having a great time exploring and getting to know the place that will be my home for the next chunk of time.

This year also brought me one of the greatest triumphs of my life: a publication for sale. Even as I form myself into the next great hairdresser, I've been furiously writing for whatever gets accepted next. It remains to be seen if my sales extend past my family and close friends -- but even if not, I'm PUBLISHED!

Next year will tell me a lot about the decisions I made in 2011. Maybe I'll have a job that doesn't make me want to kill myself. Maybe I'll garner a following in the writing world. Maybe my little family will be secure together, not to be separated again.

It's been a difficult year, but one that's (hopefully) been leading up to something great.

The Morning After

One could say this is a dream come true. Today, I am a published writer who will be receiving royalty payments. For those of you who need last minute Christmas presents, look no further: The Morning After, by Melanie Surani

Christmas in the City II

So many gorgeous decorations in the city, I thought I'd share again! (uploaded these from my phone, so the quality is a bit crappy)

I've also added a new page to my blog: it's about hair. See photos of what I've done and commentary about what I think about it. Leave your comments, and hey--maybe give me a job!

Christmas in NY

Christmas has almost been a sore point for me in the past few years. Either fatigue from commercialization hampered my mood, or the inability to see my family and participate in what made Christmas special in the first place made me more depressed than jolly. When you're married with no kids and the nearest family member is 1000 miles away, it's hard to have your standard under-the-tree present-ripping session on the 25th.

This year, I'm living in Queens with a roommate (several generations older than I) because of school, so it's like the one sliver of family I had is now living 2+ hours away (with my cat). Instead of moping, I've decided to continue the tradition my dad started twenty-some-odd years ago and go look at Christmas lights. Fortunately, Manhattan is a mere subway ride away, so I have access to all kinds of wonderful sights.

Near Rockefeller Center 

At Rockefeller Center

Skating rink at Rockefeller Center (spent an evening in the area, can you tell?)

Macy's at 34th Street

More to come...