RAYMOND BENSON

Like many James Bond fans, I found Raymond Benson's James Bond Bedside Companion at a time when there were few resources out there to learn about Ian Fleming and the movie series based on his famous secret agent. I literally wore out two copies of the Bedside Companion as a young fan. Benson's book led to an invitation by the Fleming estate to pen new 007 continuation novels. Since that time, he has written scores of books that include Bond, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, Metal Gear Solid, and many others. Benson launched a new series of novels in 2011 about his character The Black Stiletto. Most or all of his books are available for Kindle. Amazon author page here. Story continues below. Benson at Ian Fleming's Jamaica home Goldeneye: 

Little did I know as a shy young reader that I would grow up to write my own stories. Raymond Benson kindly read the manuscript to my first Miki Zero novel, Elevator Girl, recently and offered his endorsement and blurb for the project. If I could go back in time to council my younger self, I would surely advise young Jace to hang in there and know that it is possible to find your tribe of artists and create. I have so much appreciation for the inspiration that Benson provided me as a kid and for his support as an adult. Happy Birthday to author Raymond Benson, born on this day in 1955! More info about his projects on his website here. Raymond Benson interviewed in our For Your Shelf Only series here. 

Get ready to meet MIKI ZERO, Japanese fashion model and spy! The creator of Spy Vibe has written a novel called Elevator Girl, inspired by his love of Ian Fleming and based on newly declassified intel from the Cold War. More info at Whiton's website here. Recent Spy Vibe posts: Peter Asher, new Hercule Poirotnovel, Beatles fall 2013 releases, A Hard Days Night cinematographer dies, Magic Christian on Blu-ray, Early Beatles image archive, Julie Newmar, Erno Goldfinger, Hitchcock tribute, Ian Fleming memorial, Emma Peel Megaset returns, Bo Diddley here. 

Recent Ian Fleming posts on Spy Vibe: Erno Goldfinger, Ian Fleming Music Series links: Noel Coward, Whispering Jack Smith, Hawaiian Guitar, Joe Fingers Carr, new Ian Fleming Catalog, Jon Gilbert interview, Double 007 Designs, Bond audio book reissues, discovery of one of Ian Fleming's WWII Commandos, James Bond book covers, Ian Fleming's Playboy interview for Kindle, Spy Vibe's discovery of a rare Ian Fleming serialization, rare View to a Kill, Fleming's Royal gold typewriter, Ian Fleming's memorial address