I have a confession to make…I am a car junkie.
It’s true. I can talk horsepower, 0 to 60 times and torque with the best of them.
Well, perhaps not the best of them, but I can actively participate in a conversations about cars that make most women’s, and a lot of men's actually, eyes glaze over. I credit my uber-talented, mechanic husband with this. However, my love of driving too fast and want of something sexy and classic to do it in is why I’ve paid attention to his ‘car speak’ for all the years we’ve been together.
I know the difference between a carburetor and fuel injection, a turbo charger and super charger, and I know the effect of cold weather start-ups on fuel mileage. I can do my own oil change, a tune up and change my own fuel filter. And yes, I’m the one that gets irked when I read something totally wrong in a book – like the NYT bestseller who had her heroine remove the valve stem caps from the FBI agents car and the tires went flat. Oh, no, that’s not how it works.
Yup, I’m a bit of a geek.
My love of cars can be seen in my writing. I can’t help myself, I usually slip a great car in the book. Take Not Without Risk, for instance – in RISK, the hero drives a 1969 Pontiac GTO:
And the heroine a 1959 Cadillac El Dorado:
I skipped giving either character in After Midnight something fancy. Well, I knew Noah had a wonderful car, I just don’t point out what it is until Book Two, Midnight Heat:
 |
| Aston Martin DB9 Convertible |
I typically choose American Muscle as the cars to feature in my books, since that is where my passion lies. But, Noah Clark is a British Rock Legend, so this gorgeous piece of British art was the only choice for him.
What about you? Do you love cars the way I do, or just look at them as something to get you from Point A to Point B?
Oh, and before you go… What do you think of this sexy beast?
Should it go in my next book?
10 comments:
Okay, I love cars and love all these pictures, but I'm one of those whose eyes glaze over the moment "horse power" is mentioned. My brain literally shuts off. Love the suicide doors too, Sarah! Yes, I think you should use this car in your next book! Definitely!!
AJ! I know your eyes glaze, sweetie, and that's OK. ;-) I have been told that the car needs to belong to Thomas Sr. What say you?
Hey Sarah, unfortunately unless there is a photo in the book - which there usually isn't - any pre-21st century reference to cars is completely lost on me. Whenever a friend tells me they are getting a new vehicle I always ask the most important question...what color?
LOL, Charlotte. That is and important question! And usually one of my firsts, too.
I know a lot of people think 'he drives a what?' when they read my car references, but I just can't help myself. :-)
My Dad taught me a few things about cars. He could fix just about anything that had to do with a motor. But once the auto industry starting putting computers in them, he backed off and hired a mechanic. So...I know enough about what's underneath the hood to be dangerous. Enjoyed this post.
Knowing enough to be dangerous is a good thing, right? Well, sometimes it is. :) I totally understand why your dad hired a mechanic once cars started coming with computers, Denise. An acquaintance who works for Chrysler told me (this was a few years ago) that the one Jeep model was delayed because they were having issues with the 35 (yes, 35!) computers in that model. O_o
My husband taught me everything I know about cars. His brothers complained when he took me on as his right hand. He told them it was because I listen instead of assuming I knew what to do. Also, he thought it was sexy to get greasy together. I love working on cars. Especially the old plugs and points kind. The GTO is my favorite in your line-up.
Sandra -
The GTO is my favorite, too. Told husband I wanted one and he replied 'Do you know how much they're getting for an old 'judge' like that? Even beat up, rusty and in need of restoration?" :( One day...
There is one around here and it's stunning! I drool every time I see it.
I. Love. Cars. Yep, you're not alone, Sarah. Since I was a teen I've been wanting a '69 Chevy Chevelle. I don't want a pretty one though. I want one I can rebuild. Then I'll give it a metallic midnight blue paint job with 12 inch black racing stripes, my name engraved across the top of the windshield and unicorns sand blasted into the two rear side windows. Turbo (not super). Shocked up rear end and custom dash and steering wheel, buckskin with black stripes down the center of each bucket seat. I won't even go into wheels here... Chrome, that's all I'll say. Hubby is totally on board to help my dream come true.
I think the (was that a Lincoln?) needs a home in your next book, too.
Calisa! I love your choice in cars! My oldest son wants a 1967 Chevy Impala - black. No chrome though. :)
Yup, it's a Lincoln. Amie Louellen told me it needs to be Thomas Sr's car. I think she's right!
Post a Comment