I blame my heroine. In my current WIP my heroine decides that she needs a helicopter ride to overcome her fear of flying. So off I go like an obediant little author and write her the scene she wants. Next day, my brother-in-law who is training to be a helicopter pilot rings me up to see if I want to go for a fly. How exciting yes? Well, guess where my heroine got her fear of flying? Yes, sadly, from me!
So, having written a wretched helicopter scene, I could hardly refuse an actual ride in an actual helicopter now could I? Especially since I’ve never been in one..
Talk about suffering for my art! Anyway, as you can see, the helicopter was tiny! It was a Robinson R22 for those who know/care about such things (and no, my daughter did not go with us – I could barely fit me and my jersey in there!).
However, I am pleased to report that despite little wobbles about how the wretched thing stays in the air and a few ‘oh look, is that plane coming directly at us??’ moments, it was fantastic! Flew right over Auckland and over our house (the roof is in dire need of a paint), and it’s definitely a trip a heroine in need of getting over her fear of flying requires.
Have decided for my next WIP, my hero shall fly helicopters. Actually scrub that. The heroine can fly the damn helicopter. 🙂
Well done for being brave! Better be careful what you write in future though 🙂
The photo of Auckland looks great and the helicopter is tiny. I’d be too claustrophobic in it, I think (makes mental note not to write about a claustrophobic heroine!).
Yay for the helicopter flying heroine. It always used to annoy me that all our pilots were men(when I worked at a small helicopter company in London – Twin Squirrels and Dauphins with the odd Gazelle thrown in for good measure).
You were very brave – helicopter flying seems much more real than hopping on a big plane.
🙂
I’m with Suzanne on the helicopter-flying heroine. For some odd reason I’m picturing Nicole Kidman curls and a sheepskin-lined bomber jacket.
You are so lucky having had the chance of a helicopter ride. I also have a fear of heights, but as long as I’m fully enclosed I love the experience.
Oooh I would have been petrified going in anything that tiny… but GOOD ON YA! And I can’t wait to read about your helicopter flying heroine! Kick Ass!!
OMG, Jackie,
I’m so jealous. I would love to go on a ride in that helicopter. I went skydiving, whitewater rafting, para sailing, snorkeling when I was at school.
I’m really jealous.
Thanks Lorraine! Yes, I picked up my gold star for bravery alright. In fact, it wasn’t claustrophobic because of the great big windshield (and I’m sensitive to that kind of thing as well).
Suzanne, yep, why should men get all the fun? And oddly enough, it wasn’t as scary as getting on a big plane.
Romy, there’s a great heroine image! Right, all set for the next WIP. BTW, you’d love the helicopter – fully enclosed all the way.
Rach, yes, I did have to resist the urge to run away when my brother in law first got the helicopter out of the hanger. Especially when he PULLED it out by the tail all by himself! It’s so light you see..
Sri, I can definitely recommend it for an adrenalin rush. If you ever get a chance…
Wow a round of applause for you and your fear of flying! I think you should get two stars for bravery and chocolate covered strawberries!
I think that’s what I’ve been missing, Lacey! The chocolate covered strawberries! Hmmm, shall tell husband to amend the error immediately.
You (and your heroine) are braver girls than I. My husband travels on a helicopter regularly and has spoiled me for that experience forever.
And like Romy, I too can see Nicole Kidman, although it must be pre-Days of Thunder as her forehead is moving.
I guess if you’re in a helicopter all the time, it’s no longer fun. Or even nerve-wracking. And definitely re Nicole Kidman. Immobile foreheads are a no-no for my heroines. 🙂
Wow, the picture is so cool. How lovely and clear your water looks 🙂 Google ‘the Humber’ and see the swamp I get to live near!
Congrats on conquering your fear, when I took a helicopter ride I remember wishing I had taken along some of my granny’s incontinence pads!!
I think a helicopter flying heroine would be sooo cool — get plotting.
Joanne, you’ve inspired me. An incontinent helicopter flying heroine who does scenic flights over the Humber. 🙂
Yeah, Auckland harbour does look nice eh? It’s only that colour from the air though, believe me.