C. Lee McKenzie's Blog, page 23
June 20, 2018
June WEP The Unraveled Yarn

Denise Covey, Yolanda Renee, Olga Godim, Nilanjana
I’m not much of a poet, and I have no idea where this one came from, but I do know that I’ve always had a special place for cats. I see them as my comic relief.
I’ve only knit one thing in my life and that was a big mistake; my solo attempt was quickly unraveled and the yarn (along with those treacherous needles) donated to a knitting maven. The misery of that one experience cast all thoughts of the craft from my mind until this month’s WEP showed up.
Somehow the jester-cat and my fledging knowledge of knitting (accompanied with a failure’s dislike) came together. Feel free to unravel it and donate the remains to a real poet.
Knitting With Yarn 101
Dropped stitches.
Mistakes. Oh so many.
Search them out. Fish them up. Is that how it’s done?
Gram knew;
then Mom.
I never understood dropped stitches.
No yarn in my life.
Bring in the Cat.
Tangled. Smug with success.
But those were other days.
Before.
Gauge and tension.
Problems. Oh, so many.
Find the larger needle, the larger the yarn. Is that how it’s done?
Gram knew;
then Mom.
I never understood gauge and tension.
No yarn in my life.
Bring in the Cat.
Crouched. Tense with expectation.
But those were other days.
Before.
Casting off.
Endings. Oh, so many.
Two stitches. One over the other, then off the needle. Is that how it’s done?
Gram knew;
then Mom;
then one ebony day that skein fell into my palm, unraveling.
And there was yarn in my life.
Bring in the Cat.
Stretched long with acceptance.
These are the new days.
After.
June 11, 2018
I’m Almost Here
I’m almost here, but not quite. It’s going to take a little longer, and not only because of this emotional crunch, but because of the time. I’m discovering just how much my husband did to support my writing and promotion of books. He gave me so much freedom from the daily humdrum. However, I laud him even more for putting things in order as much as anyone can.
My checklist since May 17 is a story about sudden loss and regaining equilibrium. Between each step insert “try to understand what has happened.”
Make arrangements for cremation.
Call family and friends.
Shut down anything about books.
Cancel all his appointments and mine.
Find checkbooks and passwords.
Call lawyer, tax man, health insurance.
Write obituary–not just the ordinary one, but something to honor him.
Answer phone, email messages, knocks on door.
Learn to say no to offers of help, or give people specific things that would help.
Find notes to know what projects he’d scheduled. Cancel, reschedule or show up to meet the contractor.
Pay bills due.
Pick up ashes.
Field more calls and visits.
That’s a tidy summary for the reality of sudden loss. It looks doable in writing, but some who read this will know what’s happening between those lines.
I’m forever grateful for everyone’s help during this difficult time, and this is the only reason I’m posting something so personal. I plan to return to writing and all that involves. It may be a different involvement, but writing and connecting with other writers is a big part of my life, and my husband wouldn’t want me to give it up. I’ll be around to see all of you, but not as quickly and efficiently as in the past.
With affection to all of you.
Lee
June 6, 2018
June Insecurities
This is my first post in a while, and it’s going to be short, because I’ve created one on the #IWSG site, and there’s no need to do two major “First Wednesday” posts is there? Hope you’ll stop by to see my brilliant or somewhat interesting or okay post.
May 21, 2018
Shutting Down For A While
Death has made its appearance among the McKenzie clan, so I have to take a break. We all times that try us, and this is mine.
May 14, 2018
It’s Monday. I’m Supposed to Blog! What?
I took the weekend off. Well, kind of. My kids wanted to take me out to brunch for Mother’s Day. I said, “No. Come here. I like my cooking better than the X or Y or even Z restaurant.” So, of course, I got my wish.
They came.
I cooked.
We ate.
We talked.
We remembered all those other Mother’s Days when Grandma Willie or Grandma Mimi were with us. We promised to have a big family reunion like the ones we used to have at Russian River. And then…the dishes.
I’d forgotten the aftermath. Fortunately, my husband’s a trooper, and we shouldered through the Happy Mother’s Day clean-up. Of course, I totally forgot I was an author launching a book this week, and when I pulled up my blog to “check” what I’d prepared for Monday…NOTHING!
What?

This was me a long time ago. No. That’s a lie.
Being a mom takes priority. Being an author is a very close second. So here’s my blog for the week. Buy my book. I don’t care which one, just pick a book. BUT the newest one is dazzling. Well, almost dazzling. It’s fun, and I enjoyed writing it. Sometimes.

Book #3 in the Adventures of Pete and Weasel
All my books are available online.
Some Very Messy Medieval Magic is available at these locations.
AMAZON . B&N . KOBO . SMASHWORDS . YABC
Print ISBN 9781939844460 / EBook ISBN 9781939844477
Order through Ingram, Follett, or from the publisher
EBook available in all formats
If you’d like to have a copy in your local library, please use this FORM and request the book.
Quote of the Week: “I’ve a grand memory for forgetting.” Robert Louis Stevenson
November 1, 2017
Moving Day!

Yes. It's official. I'm moving. Please come over and tell me how to do this Wordpress stuff!!!!!
Beware the White Rabbit (Anthology: They Call Me Alice), Leap Books, Summer '15
Sliding on the Edge, C. Lee McKenzie, WestSide Books, Spring '09
The Princess of Las Pulgas, WestSide Books, Fall '10
The First Time, Fall '11 (Anthology story: Premeditated Cat)
Alligators Overhead, Outskirts Press, Fall '12
Two and Twenty Dark Tales (Anthology story: Into the Sea of Dew
October 9, 2017
Taking A Break

See Everyone November 1st on #IWSG Day!

I'd really appreciate it if I could get your vote for Double Negative. It's up for the Readers Choice Awards for YA and Middle Grade Books (page 12/16) and I could use as many votes as possible. The voting ends Dec. 10. Here's the LINK .
Beware the White Rabbit (Anthology: They Call Me Alice), Leap Books, Summer '15
Sliding on the Edge, C. Lee McKenzie, WestSide Books, Spring '09
The Princess of Las Pulgas, WestSide Books, Fall '10
The First Time, Fall '11 (Anthology story: Premeditated Cat)
Alligators Overhead, Outskirts Press, Fall '12
Two and Twenty Dark Tales (Anthology story: Into the Sea of Dew
October 4, 2017
Show Us Your Writer Insecurity! Special #IWSG Day!

Remember, the question is optional!
Have you ever slipped any of your personal information into your characters, either by accident or on purpose?
The awesome co-hosts are Olga Godim, Chemist Ken,Jennifer Hawes, and Tamara Narayan!
This is a special #IWSG day. Just take a look at what's happening!!!!!
And I'm here to display my absolutely, biggest
INSECURITIES.


Even my card-carrying muse is INSECURE. You can tell by his hair.
Are you proud to be an insecure writer? Then show us today. The IWSG site admins will visit each one and pick the top three.
Why? Because there are cool prizes waiting.
Check out our IWSG swag – pens, mugs, magnets, erasers, etc. Proceeds go to fund the upkeep of the IWSG site.
So stock up now.http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-merchandise.html
And now that we're on the topic of insecurity and winning, I'd really appreciate it if I could get your vote for Double Negative. It's up for the Readers Choice Awards for YA and Middle Grade Books (page 12/16, click on the > until you reach 12) and I could use as many votes as possible. Here's the LINK and my![]()
total appreciation.

Another bit of news. DRUM ROLL HERE. Now FREE on Amazon * B&N * Kobo The amazing Insecure Writer's Group Writing for Profit. It's chock full of experience that everyone can use. Get your copy now.
Vacation: I'm not here right now. I'm off on my annual trek someplace--this time France. I'll try to log on and visit, but I'm not sure if I'll have internet on this day. If I can't be here, I'll catch up with what happens when I can or when I return. I look forward to finding out who the winners are in the Contest. Beware the White Rabbit (Anthology: They Call Me Alice), Leap Books, Summer '15
Sliding on the Edge, C. Lee McKenzie, WestSide Books, Spring '09
The Princess of Las Pulgas, WestSide Books, Fall '10
The First Time, Fall '11 (Anthology story: Premeditated Cat)
Alligators Overhead, Outskirts Press, Fall '12
Two and Twenty Dark Tales (Anthology story: Into the Sea of Dew
September 6, 2017
Hashtag Insecurity

Please visit the co-hosts for today's posting of the IWSG: Tyrean Martinson, Tara Tyler, Raimey Gallant, and Beverly Stowe McClure!
Optional Question: Have you ever surprised yourself with your writing? For example, by trying a new genre you didn't think you'd be comfortable in?
My short answer: Yes. My long answer: Yes, and I'm now sure I don't want to do that anymore. I have enough insecurity without doubting my own good judgement, going counter to it, and failing. Please!
Here's a bit about insecurity that I liked reading.
According to Melanie Greenberg, Ph.D., practicing psychologist in Mill Valley, California up to 40% of our "happiness quotient" is based on our recent life events.
She writes that "since unhappiness also influences your self-esteem, failure and rejection can deliver a double whammy to your confidence."
I think she's talking to writers, don't you? I mean her message is spot on. And here's more from Dr. Greenberg.
"Persevering despite setbacks can lead to eventual successes—which raise your self-esteem. Before becoming president, Abraham Lincoln lost his job, was defeated for nomination to Congress, and failed at least twice in Senate bids."
Doesn't all of this sound as if you've heard it and HEARD IT? Yes. But maybe that's okay. Maybe repetition is necessary to keep us on track. Ergo, this regular every first Wednesday post!


Did you see that The Insecure Writers' Group has something special coming up for you? Another chance to be a published author is coming. You can submit your Crime/Thriller/Mystery story for publication. The theme is TICK TOCK. Look for DETAILS starting September 6.

Are you jumping into the next contest? What's your happiness quotient these days? See you in November with my "slide show" from France and Texas. You can hardly wait, right?Beware the White Rabbit (Anthology: They Call Me Alice), Leap Books, Summer '15
Sliding on the Edge, C. Lee McKenzie, WestSide Books, Spring '09
The Princess of Las Pulgas, WestSide Books, Fall '10
The First Time, Fall '11 (Anthology story: Premeditated Cat)
Alligators Overhead, Outskirts Press, Fall '12
Two and Twenty Dark Tales (Anthology story: Into the Sea of Dew
September 4, 2017
Happy Labor Day & Break Time for The Write Game
is here! Enjoy your barbecue and your gathering. Thank Mr. Maguire for creating this holiday back in 1882.
Show Us Your Writer Insecurityon October 4, 2017
Post a picture of yourself or avatar with some of the #IWSG Swag or Logo. Members with the most pride will win some prizes.

Third place – EBook of A Change of Mind and Other Stories by Nick Wilford, eBook of The Remnant by William Michael Davidson, eBook of Cling to God by Lynda R. Young, eBook of Already Home by Heather M. Gardner, and eBook of Dragon of the Stars by Alex. J. Cavanaugh.
Second place – The entire eBook collection of the Totem series by Christine Rains, eBooks of Princess of Las Pulgas by C. Lee McKenzie, audio book of CassaSeries by Alex J. Cavanaugh, eBook of Black and White by Nick Wilford, and your choice eBook from J.L. Campbell.
Grand prize winner - IWSG website interview, IWSG newsletter spotlight, IWSG pinned tweet for one week, C. Lee McKenzie's Featured Follower for the month, the IWSG Goodreads book club eBook for October/November, a short chapter critique, and a pair of IWSG erasers.
We have some great IWSG swag – pens, mugs, magnets, erasers, etc. Proceeds go to fund the upkeep of the IWSG site.
So stock up now. http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-merchandise.html

The crops are in this month and I'm eating vegetables! The taste of those from garden to table is the reward for all that labor that started in March.


Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
I'll regale y'all with the details--mishaps (there's always those), inspiring moments (I pray for these), and my new boots (gotta buy some in Austin this time).
Quote of the Week: "The most dangerous worldview is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world." Alexander von Humboldt, NaturalistBeware the White Rabbit (Anthology: They Call Me Alice), Leap Books, Summer '15
Sliding on the Edge, C. Lee McKenzie, WestSide Books, Spring '09
The Princess of Las Pulgas, WestSide Books, Fall '10
The First Time, Fall '11 (Anthology story: Premeditated Cat)
Alligators Overhead, Outskirts Press, Fall '12
Two and Twenty Dark Tales (Anthology story: Into the Sea of Dew