James Bond Turns Fifty!

And he still looks fabulous. Fleming was Bond...the most interesting man in the world.
(I had to add: He's in a tie with my hubs...the other most interesting man in the world!)

^Second most interesting man in the world.
And now to mention it, why on earth is Bond drinking a Heineken in Skyfall?
That's fifty shades of WRONG.

 Since a teen, I've read Ian Fleming's books and have to say that the books and movies hugely influenced me as a thriller writer, because the intrigue and exotic locales make for selfish escapism.  I like my reads to sweep me off my feet and away to places filled with adventure, romance, and of course...danger.
In my evil little manuscript, THE DEATH BROKERS, there's the same mix.  My homage to Ian.

Thank you Mr. Fleming for fifty years of style and intrigue.  
Nobody does it better.  Epitome of Cool.

We'll touch on Mr. Bond's golden anniversary in future posts this year, but for today, let's talk about how to travel like Bond.  Grab your martini (shaken not stirred) in one hand and passport in the other and let's go to the place where it all began.  Goldeneye!

This is where Fleming's fingers tapped away on the typewriter creating the legend of Bond.  It's no stretch to see how he could have gleaned literary inspiration while being in such a glorious local.  Now I've been to Jamaica twice, but haven't yet been to Goldeneye, but can say it is indeed on my bucket list.  And another item on that list is to have my photo snapped while sitting at his desk.  Le sigh.  A thriller writer can dream, right?  I have also been to one more Bond location, made famous in the remake of Casino Royale, having had dinner at the One and Only Ocean Club during a stop-over in the Bahamas.

Here's a few photos of this fabulous villa located in Orcabessa, Jamaica.

Now that we've discovered where the books were written, we'll jet away in future posts to discover some of the cities and sights made famous in the novels.  For me, travelling like Bond would be THE ultimate road trip.

Want to see more?  Check out Tripadvisor: 

Yes, YOU can vacation Like Bond!

For our imaginary travel itinerary, read this outstanding article by Robert Reid over at Lonely Planet:

Lonely Planet's 007 Travel Guide


What books have inspired your travel?  Tell us about it.


And before I go, here's more gratuitous Bond inspiration!
If you take Chris Cornell + James Bond, you get the coolest spy song ever.  

10.1.12~October Thrills & Chills Begins! Author Interview & Fun Trivia Contest!

Yes folks, it's time to roll out "October Thrills and Chills", and during the month we'll meet some great authors and you'll have the chance to win their latest releases!

On Monday, I'll interview Jaden Terrell about her latest thriller, A CUP FULL OF MIDNIGHT, and we'll unveil a fun trivia contest.  It's the perfect time to curl up with a warm blanket, cup of hot tea, and a great book, and we'll be giving away autographed copies of her latest release to a few lucky readers next week!

There will be more surprises during the month, and I can't wait to bring them to you.  It's my way of saying thank you for making "Soul and Sweet Tea" a success.  Couldn't have done it without you.  Thanks for your friendship and support.  And also, keep sending good thoughts my way because THE DEATH BROKERS, my evil little manuscript, really wants to become a great book.  We're beginning a journey together, my manuscript and I, and it all begins with a query.

October Thrills and Chills Coming Soon! Author Interviews & Book Giveaways!

Want a good read that will last you all the way to Thanksgiving?  Then stay tuned, because I'm bringing you October Thrills and Chills, coming mid-month!

And Soul & Sweet Tea will be participating in the all-too-fun-and-famous, "Spooktacular Giveaway Hop" hosted by I Am a Reader Not a Writer!  Which can help you jump all around the web to visit fabulous book and author blogs so you can win even more prizes.

http://www.iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com ~  Mark your Calendars!

Leaves are falling, there's a chill in the air, and it's the perfect time to curl up with a good book.  While  enduring the query process for my manuscript, THE DEATH BROKERS, I thought it'd be rather fun, and honestly a great distraction, if I introduced wonderful new authors to you and brought even more fun contests to the blog this month, and there will be fabulous books to be won as we celebrate the season.

So curl up with a pumpkin latte and get your comfy fleece throw out of the closet and fall in love with fall, courtesy of a good book and my little blog.

I mean what else are you going to do?  Watch nonstop football or skulk about your front porch wearing an oversized Snuggie while pointing a remote control and muttering "avada kedavra" at your annoying neighbor who just used his leaf blower to blow five tons of leaves into your yard?  Seriously, reading a good book is a much better choice.

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I really can't wait to bring to you one contest, which I'm dubbing "Trick or Treat".  Won't spill the details, but it's going to be a combination of quick thinking, reflexes, and pure chance.

Right now I'm lining up our featured authors who'll stop by for a cup of hot tea (hey, it's getting chilly outside) and a book chat, and can't wait to bring this month of great reads to you.

How a Writer Conquers a Killer Commute

Every day for approximately an hour and thirty minutes total, I spend my weekdays commuting to and from work.  That time adds up, and how I wish I could be writing rather than driving.

So what to do with this downtime?  Is there a way to possibly use your commute to and from work to your advantage as a writer?  Of course there is, and I'll tell you my commuter secret.

I use my time in my s.u.v. to brainstorm and go over plots.  For those who are "pantsers", meaning those who create their plots and manuscripts sans outline, this might be a rather difficult task, but for me since I love to outline my manuscripts, it makes things a bit easier.  Also, if you know the basics of where your manuscript is headed, courtesy of the outline, then when you're behind the wheel or sitting with your carpool buddies, you can easily slide back mentally into the plot and think of the little stuff, the intricate twists and turns and then when you get home get on your computer or else grab a pen and write the ideas into the outline. 

This little trick has helped me formulate new plot twists and also fix plot-holes, plus I think it helps me save time. 

And another fun commuter trick is to listen to music that inspires.  Music that has the feel of your manuscript or of a certain character helps you even more quickly get mentally back into your w.i.p.

Last but not least, do not get so into your manuscript that you fail to notice a red light or posted speed limit.  Yea, I know you'd have all the time in the world to finish your brilliant manuscript that way, but doing so from behind bars isn't the best idea.  So do try to multi-task intelligently and pay attention to your driving, or else you'll be inspired to add in your manuscript a thrilling chase scene complete with blue flashing lights and hairpin turns, all courtesy of your drive home from work.

But don't take my word for this, and listen to the Red Rocker and see what happens when he can't drive fifty-five.  Forgive me for the inclusion of this video, but I was a teen in the late 80's.  I can't help it.  Also, the former high school editor in me cannot help but giggle when watching the video because there is a word misspelled.  Watch the video and see if you can find it!  Answer is at the bottom of the post.

You've gotta love the hair and jumpsuits.  

Do you have any secrets to mastering your down time as a writer during your commute to and from work?  Are there any tunes you crank in your car that remind you of your manuscript?  Drop me a line and let me know.

Also, stay tuned my beloved readers, for we're about to have another giveaway (or two...or three). Get ready for Fall Thrills and Chills!

And now the answer to the question:  What was misspelled?  The officer wrote Sammy a ticket and it said he was "risisting" arrest.