You really might like to try a flash cable Karen, quite cheap second hand... the flash I use is not TTL... I just set it to 1/16th power and shoot manual adjusting the aperture as I go... I play it safe with a speed of 250th and leave the ISO @ 100
It can be great for adding just a little (and I mean LITTLE!... not a big fan of flash dominated shots am I) extra to daylight shots but also in dead dark situations where flash is the only option... the facility to aim light really adds a drama to certain situations that would remain flat with a traditional face on flash.
You may like Jack Radcliffe's work... I think he's a genius!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jackradcliffe