Although I’ve been using the
Internet for ages, I’m still amazed that I can visit people in the furthest
reaches of the world with one click. Better than that, there are exotic
locations, such as Mexico, which I might never visit, but I can certainly get an
eyeful from my desk.
When I visit Clarissa’s blog,
I don’t always remember where she is based, but when I think about Mexico, I
picture white-sand beaches, palm trees, luxurious resorts and exotic people.
Some of these same pictures
come to mind when people think of Jamaica. Of course, many tourists only get to
see one side of island, which is the all-inclusive hotel properties and the standard
fare they’re treated to on tour package outing. There’s nothing wrong with that,
as people are at liberty to spend their money how they choose, and truthfully,
nobody visits an ‘exotic location’ to see the local people going about their daily
lives.
In Distraction, the major focus isn’t the not-so-nice side of
Jamaica, but of course, that has to do with the story I’ve told. I do refer to
economy and the women talk about the prevailing conditions that affect them.
The backdrop against which
the story happens forms part of the characterization of the novel. I treat
Jamaica as an individual in an attempt to allow the reader to view the island
as the locals see it. If you haven’t ever visited Jamaica, I hope the culture,
the people and sun shine brightly enough for you to get a taste of what you’re
missing.
While you’re here, feel free to download a complimentary copy of A
Baker’s Dozen: Thirteen Steps to Distraction. In this prequel, you’ll meet Dionne,
Kyra and Justine a year before Distraction takes
place.
Each person who leaves a comment on this post will be entered to
win an e-copy of Distraction. At the
end of this Friendship tour, there’ll be a main prize of a Distraction note pad
& pen and a $10 Amazon gift card. The second prize is a paperback copy of
Distraction. Sign up for that at the Rafflecopter here.
Many thanks to Clarissa for hosting me and in keeping with the
theme of the blog tour, I’ve gotta say she’s been a first-rate blogging buddy
and a champion of my stories.
J.L. Campbell is a proud
Jamaican and the author of Contraband, Distraction, Dissolution, Don’t Get Mad…Get
Even, Giving up
the Dream and Hardware (pen name Jayda McTyson). Campbell is always on the
lookout for story making material, loves company and can usually be found
lollygagging on her blog at http://thecharacterdepot. blogspot.com Link with her on Facebook or through her Twitter handle @JL_Campbell.
Hey JL! I've always heard Jamaica was full of personality.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post, JL! Your book sounds super fascinating--exploring the not so nice side of Jamaica--Oooo... :o)
ReplyDeleteI'm jealous of both you and Clarissa! :D Even if you're going about your daily life, there's a beach at the end of it~ <3
Alex, that's true!
ReplyDeleteLeigh, funny thing is, I can't remember the last time I visited the beach. :(
Clarissa, thanks so much for having me!
I just read about this book on another blog and I've already put it on my list :)
ReplyDeleteSo true about the beach. I live on the coast of Maine and I think I can count on one hand how many times I've been to the beach.
I love the beach!! I've never been to Jamaica, but I know some people who've vacationed and honeymooned there. Of course, it was on side of the island with all the hotels and touristy stuff though. Still a wonderful Jamaican experience, I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about sitting at your desk and traveling the world. Great post. I'm going for the book! Thanks JL for your post and thanks Clarissa for hosting!
ReplyDeleteOne day I'm going to visit Jamaica. It's on my list!
ReplyDeleteHi, Clarissa :)
MsHatch, thanks. As to the beach...so close and yet so far. :D
ReplyDeleteLaura, a vacation on the island is a wonderful experience. It's something many of us never take advantage of.
Judy, oh yes, I've 'been' to so many places and experienced so much through my relationship with other writers.
Hope to get to visit soon, Carol!
I like that perspective JL. I like stories grounded in realism--sounds like I would get a much better feel for Jamaica.
ReplyDeleteA statement in your pitch reminded me of a book several years ago entitled "Where the Locals Eat" that tried to uncover some of the hidden local great restaurants in the US. SOrry that is a bit of a tangent...
I was a bit confused at first because I didn't realize this was a guest post!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of handling Jamaica like a character. It will really bring it to life.
Congrats! The books look great. And I love that about the internet that a far away place is just a click away. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome idea! I've always wanted to visit Jamaica.
ReplyDeleteSlamdunk, no worries. Like you, I think giving a real feel of the island makes for a better reading experience.
ReplyDeleteSouthpaw, thanks for sharing your thoughts. Early on out, the writers in the workshop where I'm a member insisted on seeing Jamaica in the narrative. I always try to remember that.
Cherie, thanks. No doubt about it, the internet has put the world at our fingerstips.
Angela, hope you make it some time soon.
Hi, JL. I wanna go, I wanna go to Jamaica.
ReplyDeleteThe internets make the world smaller, I think.
Teresa
Teresa, hope you get to come someday!
ReplyDeleteI will have to get my copy, JL. You're a fantastic writer. I enjoyed your other stories.
ReplyDeleteYour love for Jamaica really shiens through, Joy. I hope to visit one day.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Clarissa for hosting Joy.
I have been to Jamaica and stayed in Ocho Rios...I remember buying warm Red Stripe in the parking lot at the airport...then the scariest 2-hour bus ride to Ocho. It was a very educational trip.
ReplyDeleteYeah, Joy, tourists can choose to come to Fiji and see nothing but trendy resorts and be waited on by Fijian people, but I always like to get amongst the locals and move away from resorts. Very fulfilling and still helping the economy.
ReplyDeleteHaven't been to Jamaica, but I have a good picture of it...
The best for your tour...
Hi Clarissa! How's Mexico these days?
Mary, thanks so much for your kind words.
ReplyDeleteWe do live in a slice of paradise here, Lynda, but some of us don't recognize that.
Hi, Chuck. I hope you had the chance to have an ice-cold Red Stripe beer. As to the ride, I don't even want to ask, but we do have some of the worse cab/bus drivers. Usually though, tour companies provide a better class of drivers for tourists.
Denise, I guess you're one of those tourists that come away from any country you visit having scratched below the surface. I'll bet you;ve had some very unique experiences in your travels.
Thanks for popping in. Hope to get to this part of the world one day.
Hey again! It's the second time I bumped into one of your guest posts today.
ReplyDeleteI find "behind the scenes" looks behind familiar images the most interesting. So I'm interested in seeing the different side to Jamaica. :-)
I feel fortunate that I've been able to visit Jamaica. It's one of the prettiest places imaginable. And the people are super nice!
ReplyDelete"Distraction" sounds like a delicious read, my kind of story.
See, that's what the tourists miss when they visit place like Mexico, Jamaica or the VI. It's always nice to know someone who lives in the area, then you get to see the place like it really is, interact with the people, eat the food, go place tourists don't go.
ReplyDeleteI think your book captures that essence.
Misha, me too. I like seeing or reading about what tourists don't get to see. Makes for more interesting writing, I think.
ReplyDeleteHi, Kittie, I think our island is lovely too. Don't get to see a lot of it though. Glad you like the sound of Distraction. It's not everybody's cup of tea. :)
True that, Bish. People who travel a lot and have friends where they go, do get to see what regular tourists don't.
I've never been to Jamaica--but from the way you describe it, it sounds like a fascinating place. :)
ReplyDeleteI love J.L. settings. I can picture Jamaica when I'm reading her books. I'd love to visit one day.
ReplyDeleteJoy, Distraction takes me back to Jamaica, but now I'm on tour with you in Mexico.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that I can be in so many places at once.
Nice gesture, Clarissa.
TGE, the island has all sorts of interesting places to visit.
ReplyDeleteMedeia, I'm happy the island comes across in the writing.
Glad I'm able to take you with me on this virtual tour. Dunno how we'd get on without the internet.
I can understand the 'sun-and-surf' aspect of Jamaica and Mexico...
ReplyDeleteI'm off the east coast of South Africa where we enjoy a hot and humid sub-tropical climte, which makes my city the warmest place to be... even now during winter, for example, today the temperature is a whopping 27"C (about 78.8"F) so the beach will be full today!(eat your hearts out...)
So imagine our summer temperatures... ?
Jamaica sounds lovely... so does Mexico!
Hi Clarissa and JL .. I'd love to visit both places .. just for now will have to be via book settings - you're both on my author TBR - actually acquire said books first ..
ReplyDeleteCheers and have happy weekends .. Hilary
Michelle, for some reason I never realized that you're in South Africa. All along I thought you lived in New Zealand. Silly me.
ReplyDeleteSounds hot! hot! hot! over there.
Hi, Hilary, hope you enjoy your weekend too.
hello to Jamaica, my place here in Central Europe currently feels like your island since we've been having temperatures above 120F :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Dezmond, Hope the good weather continues.
ReplyDeleteThose books have great covers, the darkness suggests an exotic mysterious tale.
ReplyDeleteAnd Clarissa, I'm finally reading your novel! I've been trying to get to it for a while - very chilling so far!
Thanks, Charmaine. I was definitely going for that feel with the flash fiction cover.
ReplyDeleteClarissa,
Thanks again for hosting me. You're a great blogging buddy, but then you know that. Hugs.
What a prolific writer you are, Joy. I haven't been over to see you for a long time, but this is to tell you that your books sound SO intriguing. And Clarissa is a most wonderful host!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reviews!
ReplyDelete