Meet Author Jaden Terrell & Win A CUP FULL OF MIDNIGHT!

Well folks, it's here!  October Thrills and Chills has begun, and with it comes A CUP FULL OF MIDNIGHT and a trivia contest after our author interview.

Jaden Terrell is the author of the Jared McKean mysteries and a contributor to Now Write Mysteries, a collection of writing exercises published by Tarcher/Penguin for writers of crime fiction. Terrell is the executive director of the Killer Nashville Thriller, Mystery, and Crime Literature Conference and a recipient of the 2009 Magnolia Award for service to the Southeastern Chapter of Mystery Writers of America. The former special education teacher is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Private Eye Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime, and the Tennessee Writers Alliance. A graduate of the Citizen Police Academy and the FBI/TBI Citizen Academy, Terrell has a red belt in Tae Kwan Do and is certified in Equine Sports Massage Therapy. Contact the author at: http://www.jadenterrell.com

Tonight we're joined on my virtual front porch with my friend, author Jaden Terrell, and she's popped by to answer a few questions.

Welcome Ms. Terrell.

Visit Author, Jaden Terrell's webpage:  http://www.JadenTerrell.com

Q:  When did you first decide you wanted to become a writer?
Jaden:  From the time I was old enough to understand that I could never be an Indian chief, I've wanted to be a writer. When I was eight, and people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always said a teacher and a writer, and that’s never changed.

Q:  Who are your literary influences?
Jaden:  I have so many. For crime fiction: Dennis Lehane, Steven Womack, Robert Crais, Jonathan Kellerman, Lawrence Block, and Timothy Hallinan. In general: J.R.R. Tolkien, Stephen King, John Knowles. I should probably add Louisa May Alcott (Little Women, Little Men, and Jo’s Boys), L.M. Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables), and Eric Knight (Lassie Come Home), because I read them over and over when I was a child.

Q:  Do you have any advice for new writers seeking a literary agent?
Jaden:  Write the book first. Finish your first draft without self-consciousness, and after it’s done—and only after it’s done—revise and edit until it’s as good as you can possibly make it. Anne Lamotte’s book Bird by Bird is a must-read for any aspiring writer.  While it’s never too soon to educate yourself about the publishing business, the quality of the book should come first. As for agents, www.aaronline,  www.agentquery.com and www.writersdigest.com are all good sources for agents. You can search by genre to narrow the field. Then do your homework by looking up their websites, looking them up on Preditors and Editors (http://pred-ed.com/pubagent.htm), and checking out their sales on Publishers Marketplace. Conferences, like Killer Nashville, Sleuthfest, Thrillerfest, and Backspace, can also be great places to meet agents. You can learn a lot about writing an affective query from Nathan Bransford’s website, www.nathanbransford.com, or Janet Reid’s Query Shark blog, www.queryshark.blogspot.com. Educate yourself.

Q:  Tell us a little more about yourself.
Jaden:  When I can find the time, I like to play with our pets, read for pleasure, play guitar (I’m not a professional; I just play enough to write songs and amuse myself and my closet friends), do canine freestyle (which is heeling and tricks to music) with my dogs, massage and give treats to my 32-year-old quarter horse, draw, paint, and make dolls.

Q:  Do you see a bit of yourself, or anyone you know, in the characters you've brought to life in your novels?
Jaden:  Some of the characters, like Jared’s son Paul and his housemate Jay, are composite characters. Paul has traits of several students I taught when I was a special education teacher, and Jay is inspired by—but not literally based on—a good friend I lost to AIDS. I think there must be some part of the writer in every character. I hope I have very little in common with the villains in my books, but I have to be able to find a way to understand why they do what they do. I wouldn’t take the actions they take, but I have felt the emotions that lead to the actions.

Thank you so much for the interview and for the great advice.  But what's that?  You've got a few autographed copies of A CUP FULL OF MIDNIGHT you'd like to give away to some lucky readers?  

Awesomesauce!

Well I say we kick things up a notch, and begin the first contest of October Thrills and Chills with a fun trivia contest, and award the winners your latest release!

First, let's lay down some rules:

1)You may enter from the time the post is up on October 1, 2012 until the contest ends at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (also known as Hotlanta time) October 5, 2012.  
2)Only ONE entry per person.  
3)From the pool of entrants who get the answers right, we'll take their names (please leave a name your reply and email if you're not subscribed to the blog) and I'll place them in my son's football helmet and draw out the names of the winners on October 5th!  
4)If you are chosen a winner I will need your contact information so we can send you the book.   
And now, let the trivial pursuit begin!

Choose the best answer, a, b, c, or d!

1)Jared McKean is an investigator in what city:
a) Las Vegas
b) Nashville
c) Memphis
d) Kodiak, Alaska

2) (Not book related, but somewhat Halloween-related.  Gotta throw a curve ball now and then!) Elaine Benes, character on Seinfeld, tried to choose her own theme song because her boyfriend at the time drove her crazy with his.  What song did she choose?
a) Brick House
b) The Seinfeld Theme Song
c)Witchy Woman
d) Desperado

3)What superhero bobblehead do we see in Ch. 1 of A CUP FULL OF MIDNIGHT?
a)Superman
b)Captain America
c)Spiderman
d)Batman

4)Name of Jared McKean's ex wife  (You gotta dig for this one!  Hint:  See author's website. Second hint:  Brooks & Dunn sang a song called...)
a)Maria
b)Elena
c)Margot
d)Melissa

Good luck!

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.

One More Bad Example of Life Imitating Art

Initially I thought about making the title to this blog post, "Midnight In the Underwater Garden of Glowing Fishies" but I thought the heading I chose in the end drives home my point a little better.

Maybe it's just me, but every once in a while I read about something so silly, so absurd in a book,  that I honestly believe somewhere down the road, a person will indeed try to pull the same stunt stunt in real life.

And apparently there's either a biologist or icthyologist somewhere that's a huge fan of John Berendt because lo and behold, this is what I saw in my inbox today.

Btw, I <3 animals, and hope that all the lab-created glowy fish are all safe. 

A sale on glowing fish!  Yes, you my friend can have your very own glow fish, and even match their color to the gravel in the bottom in your aquarium.

Where had I heard the idea of a glowing fish before?  I still had hazy-morning-brain, so I sipped more coffee and then and only then did it dawn on me, as I recalled a very humorous passage from the John Berendt southern masterpiece, MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL.

Now if you've read the book, you might remember how Berendt retells the story of an eccentric character and southern-fried mad scientist, Luther Driggers, and his invention of fish that glow.

In this chapter, Driggers is convinced his discovery is going to make him millions, and envisioned selling these fishies to bars with aquariums to mesmerize legions of  sots with glazed eyes.  He wanted then to stare peacefully at floating, glowing fish rather than engaging in fistfights.  Interesting idea.  Who knows? Maybe it would've brought about world peace if things had gone...differently.

Well anyhow,  it sounded like a good idea to him in the beginning,  but when Driggers poured his little finned friends into an aquarium at a popular neighborhood bar, it did not elicit world peace or applause, but disgust and nausea, for the fish had been fed, and all that glowed were fish guts and poo.

Niiice Luther.

So now a decade and a half later, some random Berendt fan or icthyologist, or maybe a combo of both,  has perfected this idea and found a (hopefully) safe way to make fishies glow without the "ewwwww" effect of flourescent guts and poop. Honestly though, the whole thing still sounds a bit sketchy to me.

And to fellow fans of "The Book", as it's affectionately known in Georgia, I certainly hope if ol' Luther's still around that he doesn't read this post and remove that vial of "something" hanging around his neck... if you know what I mean.  Because if he reads it and doesn't eat his breakfast at Clary's Cafe, then I'd say don't drink the tap water. (Hint:  This last sentence will make no sense unless you've read "The Book"!)

So let me ask, fellow writers, have any of you noticed instances of life imitating art recently? Has it been another one of those idiot ideas like the glowing fish? If you have witnessed stupidity in action, then give me a shout below!

This world really scares me, and I swear, I'm tempted as a writer to put something like the following as a disclaimer at the beginning of THE DEATH BROKERS to try to get through to the blockheads of the world:

Warning!

*Do not attempt any of the stunts a character  

does in this book at home.  

*This book was written by a  super-duper-wannabe-successful-FICTION writer, and anything her characters do in this thriller, is not intended for sane individuals to try in their spare time. 
*So don't do it.
*Don't even entertain the thought of doing it.
*For if you do, in the future a random blogger will write an article about you and how stupid you are.

Thank you for not blowing anything up (yet).

Joey

Meet Barry-Cuda: Four Friendly Feet of Fangs

The view from our porch on the last day of our adventure.  And before
we dive into this post, relish this quote from of  one of my  favorite authors.

“There is something fresh and crisp about the first hours of a Caribbean day, a happy anticipation that something is about to happen, maybe just up the street or around the next corner.” 
― Hunter S. Thompson, The Rum Diary

Later during the week, we decided to embark on an excursion aboard a sixty foot sailboat called New Horizons.  It was six incredible hours of wind, salt air, delicious food and drink and amazing underwater sights.  The time flew by as we spent the day with Captain Sven and his first mate Bill, and they introduced us to a fang-tastic new fish friend they've dubbed "Barry-Cuda".

The four foot long silvery guy hung out near the underside of the boat, and seems to recognize the green paint on the underbelly of the boat, because when Capt. Sven's boat appears, Barry knows he'll enjoy some grub.  First mate Bill always makes lunch on board, and Barry will eagerly swim to the surface to gobble up any remaining meatballs.

 He's never bitten anyone or exhibited any aggressive behavior whatsoever according to Capt. Sven, and I've been snorkeling and diving among barracuda before, finding out for myself they are actually rather shy creatures and definitely not nightmarish monsters (before nuclear med, I was once a biology major.  Can you tell?).

Here he is hanging out under the boat.  I didn't want to scare him and get too close, but you can tell he's a big, healthy boy when compared to the sixty foot sailboat.

Besides our visit with Barry, we swam with several stingrays, saw countless colorful fish, and I even accidentally found myself near a large nurse shark for about fifteen seconds before it slipped away into a dark cave.

This trip was truly amazing, and it gave me plenty of food for thought for RED HOOK, also a thriller and a side project/manuscript I'm working on right now.

As many of you know, I'm one for authenticity, and there's truly nothing more rewarding for a writer than to get their feet on the ground in the area of the world they're writing about in order to convey how it feels to actually be there so our readers get a truly meaningful experience.