C. Lee McKenzie's Blog, page 28
January 4, 2017
Guess What? It's IWSG Time.
Brain Child of Alex J. CavanaughThe awesome co-hosts for the January 4 posting of the IWSG will be Eva @ Lillicasplace, Crystal Collier, Sheena-kay Graham, Chemist Ken, LG Keltner, and Heather Gardner!
I think I'm more exhausted than insecure this month. While I took some time away from social media, I packed the hours with a road trip, lots of cooking and family gatherings. With so many events back-to-back insecurity slipped a notch on my list of concerns.
However, it's still there lurking and waiting to trip me up.
Here are the two areas that have me up tight:
I'm testing out a new blog format to see if 1) I can actually do it, and 2) if anyone will care enough to read it.
I'm ready to plunge into draft #2 of the last book in my Pete Riley trilogy, but I'm still not happy with some of it.
Question: What writing rule do you wish you’d never heard?
I absolutely hate show don't tell. I'm a storyteller and I like to tell stories. Some of the best books ever written "tell" a story. So leave me alone with the telling.
Want to see what others in this group are saying about their insecurity and how they answer this question? Here's your chance.
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
January 2, 2017
Fresh Start and Featured Follower for January
Last year I said I wanted to change up my blog to keep me interested in blogging and hopefully to keep my readers interested as well. So here we are in 2017, and while my look is the same, some of my content is different.
Featured Followers in Review
In April 2016, I started this feature on my Email Connect, and nine authors played with me. Here they are again:
Beverly Stowe McClureChristine KohlerChris LedbetterChrys FeyMark NoceSteve ParlatoYvonne VentrescaSuzanne KamataLisa CoccaIf you're interested in joining my Email Connect, just sign up. The form's in the right margin of this blog.January's Featured Follower
Welcome Sandra Cox, author of the three book series Mutants. I'm featuring her and book #1, Love Lattes and Mutants, but be sure to check out her other work.
Like most seventeen-year-olds, Piper Dunn wants to blend in with the crowd. Having a blowhole is a definite handicap. A product of a lab-engineered mother with dolphin DNA, Piper spends her school days hiding her brilliant ocean-colored eyes and sea siren voice behind baggy clothing and ugly glasses. When Tyler, the new boy in school, zeroes in on her, ignoring every other girl vying for his attention, no one, including Piper, understands why.
Amazon Barnes and Noble
I read this book in an afternoon. It's fun. It's light with adventure and some clean teen romance. Who can resist a story about a beautiful girl with a dolphin blowhole?
Connect with Sandra.Facebook Twitter Blog Google+ Amazon
Let Me Tell You A StoryOver the years I've heard or read stories about other people's lives. I've also had a few experiences that have entered into my "Let me tell you about the time" category. Some of these stories have crept into my books. Others are waiting in the wings. Here's one I remember from a trip to visit relatives in Switzerland.
My Swiss cousin was a great hiker, so we hit it off right away, and I couldn't wait to follow her up into the mountains that are the backdrop for Bellinzona (my fraternal grandparents' home).
We started early while the sun was out and only the hint of snow clouds in the distance. But because we're hiking nuts, we went farther than than we should, and before we stopped and looked overhead, the snow was already floating down on our heads and shoulders. We'd never make it down before the storm hit. I had visions of freezing right there above my ancestral home, but we had water and some food, so we found a small wooden shelter along the ridge and ducked in for the night. She told me that as a kid she and friends often camped in shelters like these. "The trick to a really comfy, deep sleep," she told me, "is the ferns." They'd cut them and put them on the floor. She said none of them stayed awake very long, and they slept late into the mornings on their fern beds.
We tested her fern beds that night, and they worked! Although it was cold and the ground hard, I don't remember a better night's sleep--even after a good hike. It seems ferns give off a dose of hypnotic flavonoids that induce sound sleep.
When I did some research, ferns are the plants recommended you have in your bedroom. Here's a quick list other sleep-enabling plants I found online.
The shelters themselves have an interesting history having to do with WWII, and I'll tell you about that next week.
Did You Know. . .Plants can suffer from sudden blasts of light and that it can affect their growth? Scientists are working to mitigate those negative effects and boost efficiency of photosynthesis. So what does this mean? People like Professor Niyogi, UC Berkeley, are working toward increased crop production to meet the food needs of future generations. Sci-fi writers, how can you use this little bit of science news in your next book? I'm imagining The Plant That Ate New York.Quote of the Week: "Only spread a fern-frond over a man's head and worldly cares are cast out, and freedom and beauty and peace come in." John Muir
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
Featured Followers in Review
In April 2016, I started this feature on my Email Connect, and nine authors played with me. Here they are again:
Beverly Stowe McClureChristine KohlerChris LedbetterChrys FeyMark NoceSteve ParlatoYvonne VentrescaSuzanne KamataLisa CoccaIf you're interested in joining my Email Connect, just sign up. The form's in the right margin of this blog.January's Featured Follower
Welcome Sandra Cox, author of the three book series Mutants. I'm featuring her and book #1, Love Lattes and Mutants, but be sure to check out her other work.
Like most seventeen-year-olds, Piper Dunn wants to blend in with the crowd. Having a blowhole is a definite handicap. A product of a lab-engineered mother with dolphin DNA, Piper spends her school days hiding her brilliant ocean-colored eyes and sea siren voice behind baggy clothing and ugly glasses. When Tyler, the new boy in school, zeroes in on her, ignoring every other girl vying for his attention, no one, including Piper, understands why.
Amazon Barnes and Noble
I read this book in an afternoon. It's fun. It's light with adventure and some clean teen romance. Who can resist a story about a beautiful girl with a dolphin blowhole?
Connect with Sandra.Facebook Twitter Blog Google+ Amazon
Let Me Tell You A StoryOver the years I've heard or read stories about other people's lives. I've also had a few experiences that have entered into my "Let me tell you about the time" category. Some of these stories have crept into my books. Others are waiting in the wings. Here's one I remember from a trip to visit relatives in Switzerland.
My Swiss cousin was a great hiker, so we hit it off right away, and I couldn't wait to follow her up into the mountains that are the backdrop for Bellinzona (my fraternal grandparents' home).
We started early while the sun was out and only the hint of snow clouds in the distance. But because we're hiking nuts, we went farther than than we should, and before we stopped and looked overhead, the snow was already floating down on our heads and shoulders. We'd never make it down before the storm hit. I had visions of freezing right there above my ancestral home, but we had water and some food, so we found a small wooden shelter along the ridge and ducked in for the night. She told me that as a kid she and friends often camped in shelters like these. "The trick to a really comfy, deep sleep," she told me, "is the ferns." They'd cut them and put them on the floor. She said none of them stayed awake very long, and they slept late into the mornings on their fern beds. We tested her fern beds that night, and they worked! Although it was cold and the ground hard, I don't remember a better night's sleep--even after a good hike. It seems ferns give off a dose of hypnotic flavonoids that induce sound sleep.
When I did some research, ferns are the plants recommended you have in your bedroom. Here's a quick list other sleep-enabling plants I found online.
The shelters themselves have an interesting history having to do with WWII, and I'll tell you about that next week.
Did You Know. . .Plants can suffer from sudden blasts of light and that it can affect their growth? Scientists are working to mitigate those negative effects and boost efficiency of photosynthesis. So what does this mean? People like Professor Niyogi, UC Berkeley, are working toward increased crop production to meet the food needs of future generations. Sci-fi writers, how can you use this little bit of science news in your next book? I'm imagining The Plant That Ate New York.Quote of the Week: "Only spread a fern-frond over a man's head and worldly cares are cast out, and freedom and beauty and peace come in." John MuirBeware 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
December 23, 2016
Merry Christmas!
While I'm blanching and steaming and roasting and toasting, here's my wish to all my friends who are celebrating Christmas 2016.
While I'm setting our table, calling the kids to bring those crackers I forgot to buy, deciding between cookies and pies for dessert, here's a song for all my friends who are celebrating Hanukah 2016.
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
While I'm setting our table, calling the kids to bring those crackers I forgot to buy, deciding between cookies and pies for dessert, here's a song for all my friends who are celebrating Hanukah 2016.
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
December 21, 2016
WEP December Challenge, Utopian Dreams
Our lovely hostesses are Denise Covey and Yolanda YeneeWhat to play? Click HERE and find the Linky to other posts.
Utopian Dreams come in all shapes and sizes, but what better one to share with someone than perfect love. If only you'll love me, life will be a dream. Shaboom! Magic!
Brandon didn't hear the faint knock on the door, but Lilly did, and her sharp bark alerted him to the visitor. She waddled to the entry and waited expectantly, dragging her tail across the floor. Brandon opened the door and faced the mirror image of himself.
The slump-shouldered, wispy- haired man, clutched a hat to his chest. He smoothed a few strands of white hair into place and waited until Brandon spoke.
"Bailey?" he had to search for his brother's name, but found it lodged behind some fifty years of trivia and television re-runs.
"It's me, all right." Bailey wiped his feet on the welcome mat and waited, but Brandon didn't invite him in. Bailey looked away, rolling the brim of his hat then smoothing it again. "I came to tell you Lilly's dead."
Lilly cocked her head at the familiar syllables, and Brandon did a quick glance at her. Dead? And then it came to him. "Oh, yes. Lilly." He'd forgotten Bailey's wife's name was the same as his Spaniel and, for a moment, the reason he'd named all his dogs Lilly. "How'd that happen?"
"Heart. The doc said it sort of shriveled up."
Brandon dredged up the memory of the dark-eyed girl with the swishy pony tail and dove gray eyes. She'd captured the hearts of all the senior boys in the class of '56, but she only had those eyes on him, Brandon DeForest. Now he tried to imagine that young girl's heart wrinkled and contracted. Still.
"Condolences," Brandon said, wanting to be done with this conversation, but not knowing how to end it.
"She said she was sorry. I came to tell you that. She asked me to." When Brandon only nodded in silence, Bailey put his hat on and stepped away from the porch. "I'm sorry, too, if that matters anymore." At the sidewalk, he turned and waved.
Brandon waited until his brother was out of sight, then he closed the door and leaned his back against it. Lilly. They'd planned things together. They'd dreamed things together. They were the perfect couple. Once.
He opened the music cabinet and took out a well-worn record, blew across the black disc, then set it on the turntable. Lilly whined to be held, so he gathered her onto his lap and drummed his fingers in time to the song, his and Lily's song. Then, with his eyes closed, he dreamed again until the music stopped.
Life could be a dream, life could be a dreamDo, do, do, do, sh-boom
Life could be a dream (sh-boom)If I could take you up in paradise up above (sh-boom)If you would tell me I'm the only one that you loveLife could be a dream, sweetheartp.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Verdana; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Verdana; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000; min-height: 16.0px} span.s1 {font-kerning: none}
Hello, hello again, sh-boom and hopin' we'll meet again
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
December 12, 2016
Late and Later
I'm late this morning with my Monday post for a couple of reasons. One, I stayed up last night to watch a cult movie that was filmed in Santa Cruz, my neighborhood. The Lost Boys was a 1987 vampire tale with Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Kiefer Sutherland, Jami Gertz, Corey Feldman, Dianne Wiest. I know the trailer looks grim, but this is one vampire movie you'll laugh through. Hoaky and fun.
The second reason I'm late is about a little accident. It seems I've done in my right shoulder and to some extent my right hand and those five digits attached. I can only use that whole apparatus for a few hours before I have to stop, ice it, and down some pain killers. Long story. But I'm now in physical therapy and hoping for a quick recovery. I'll be putting a lot of things on hold for a while, so I'm putting up the "Gone Fishing" sign until after Christmas.
The Princess of Las Pulgas is on sale for .99 for Christmas. Here's the coupon if you'd like to download it or share the sale. AU57U
I will post on Dec. 21 for the DECEMBER WEP, and I will try to get around to say Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and any other holiday you decorate for and celebrate--just a little slower than usual.
Quote of the Week: (tangential to my post!) "Men and women are like right and left hands: it doesn't make sense not to use both." Jeannette Rankin, America's first congresswomanp.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Verdana; color: #545454; -webkit-text-stroke: #545454} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} 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
The second reason I'm late is about a little accident. It seems I've done in my right shoulder and to some extent my right hand and those five digits attached. I can only use that whole apparatus for a few hours before I have to stop, ice it, and down some pain killers. Long story. But I'm now in physical therapy and hoping for a quick recovery. I'll be putting a lot of things on hold for a while, so I'm putting up the "Gone Fishing" sign until after Christmas.
The Princess of Las Pulgas is on sale for .99 for Christmas. Here's the coupon if you'd like to download it or share the sale. AU57U
I will post on Dec. 21 for the DECEMBER WEP, and I will try to get around to say Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and any other holiday you decorate for and celebrate--just a little slower than usual.
Quote of the Week: (tangential to my post!) "Men and women are like right and left hands: it doesn't make sense not to use both." Jeannette Rankin, America's first congresswomanp.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Verdana; color: #545454; -webkit-text-stroke: #545454} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} 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
December 7, 2016
IWSG and How!
Thanks Ninja AlexThe awesome co-hosts for the December 7 posting of the IWSG will be Jennifer Hawes, Jen Chandler, Nick Wilford, Juneta Key, JH Moncrieff, Diane Burton, and MJ Fifield!
Talk about being insecure. Well, this IWSG post is the most insecure one I've ever done, but I wanted to test out something, and what better place than here among friends? That's what I kept telling myself. Anyway, in spite of my good common sense, I'm posting my idea this month. What you'll see is a work in progress with a rough draft of my first Instant Book. If you have some suggestions about how to use this as marketing tool or (Heaven Help Me!) how to create a video, I'd to hear them.
In terms of your writing career, where do you see yourself five years from now, and what’s your plan to get there?
Actually, in five years I hope to see two of my completed young adult novels published. To that end, last year I knuckled down and found an agent, Italia Gandolfo, then I sent her the two books. Now, of course, I'm waiting. But while I'm waiting, I'm finishing up my Alligators Overhead/Great Time Lock Disaster trilogy. So within that five years, I'd like to see these middle grade novels out as a package. That's the plan. Fingers crossed.
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
December 5, 2016
Holiday Kick Off with Lisa Cocca, #InkRipples, and Cookies
Well this is the last Featured Follower of 2016. I can't believe that the year is close to being over, but it will be an exciting end because Lisa Cocca is a good storyteller. I'm so happy to have her here for the month of December.
Her book is Providence, and I've already read and reviewed it. If you want to find out more about Lisa, here's her WEBSITE. If you want buy her most excellent book, it's available on Amazon. With KindleUnlimited, you can read her story for free. Email Connect peeps, she's offering a FREE signed paperback.
Connect with Lisa on Facebook and
#InkRipples is a monthly meme created by Kai Strand, Mary Waibel, and Katie L. Carroll. They post on the first Monday of every month with a new topic. They're all authors, but you don’t have to be to participate.
For about two decades, neighborhood did a spectacular Cookie Bake. I know what you're thinking. Everybody comes bearing a dozen or so special holiday cookies, and then swaps with everyone else--and a good time was had by all. Nope. Not even close.
Everyone came with three cookie recipes and all the ingredients. We started about 4 in the afternoon and wound up the last batches about midnight. In between, we drank wine, nibbled on a pot luck buffet and exchanged Cookie Bake stories. "Remember in '90 when we forgot the sugar cookies in the oven next door and smoke poured out the windows?"
Flour and sugar was involved in every part of the evening. And at the end we produced over 2,000 cookies and at least 30 different kinds. With the graying of the cookie bakers, the kids took over for a while, but then it was time to retire the tireless Cookie Bake. Now we have the memories, and each one is perfect, even the burnt sugar cookie night.
Here I am ready to roll. It must be early in the evening because I'm not dusted with flour yet.
My neighbor and I are deep into the mixing here, and we're still smiling, so it's not midnight yet!
Quote of the Week:
Beware the White Rabbit (Anthology: They Call Me Alice), Leap Books, Summer '15Sliding 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
November 28, 2016
Thanksgiving and Then What?
What comes after Thanksgiving? A hike, of course. If I'm thankful for anything is the chance to be out in a forest on a trail. And today was a perfect day for it.
This is early with some overcast. No one on the trail this morning, except me.
I'm always on the lookout for poison oak and I never fail to find it. This little guy looks so sweet, but does it ever cause me suffering and itches galore if I touch it.
My shadowy selfie.
Rattlesnake grass. On a windy day, it gives you plenty of warning.
A bit sunnier as I head toward the coast.
A new pine sunning itself.
Dandelion looking up.
"The unquiet spirit of a flower
That hath too brief an hour." Ellen Mackay Hutchinson Cortizzoz
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 14.0px Verdana; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} span.s1 {font-kerning: none}
Along the trail there are always metaphors. Here's life's grand circle. Out of the dead stump a beautiful green bush thrives.
This is my last post about Gadget Girl and my November Featured Follower. It has been wonderful to share this author and her work with you. I hope you enjoyed meeting Suzanne and I hope you'll read and enjoy her books. Check out her AUTHOR'S PAGE
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 14.0px Verdana; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} span.s2 {text-decoration: underline ; font-kerning: none; color: #042eee; -webkit-text-stroke: 0px #042eee}
Congratulate the winner of Gadget Girl! Nicola at Burggraf's Blog is the lucky Email Connect follower.
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 14.0px Verdana; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} span.s1 {font-kerning: none}
Check back to find out who will be my December Featured Follower! Wow. The last author of the year already.
Quote of the Week: “Trails are like that: you're floating along in a Shakespearean Arden paradise and expect to see nymphs and flute boys, then suddenly you're struggling in a hot broiling sun of hell in dust and nettles and poison oak…just like life.”
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 16.0px; font: 14.0px Georgia; color: #181818; -webkit-text-stroke: #181818} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 16.0px; font: 14.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #323333; -webkit-text-stroke: #323333} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} span.s2 {font: 14.0px Georgia; font-kerning: none; color: #181818; -webkit-text-stroke: 0px #181818} span.s3 {font: 14.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; font-kerning: none; color: #323333; -webkit-text-stroke: 0px #323333}
― Jack Kerouac , The Dharma Bums 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
This is early with some overcast. No one on the trail this morning, except me.
I'm always on the lookout for poison oak and I never fail to find it. This little guy looks so sweet, but does it ever cause me suffering and itches galore if I touch it.
My shadowy selfie.
Rattlesnake grass. On a windy day, it gives you plenty of warning.
A bit sunnier as I head toward the coast.
A new pine sunning itself.
Dandelion looking up.
"The unquiet spirit of a flower
That hath too brief an hour." Ellen Mackay Hutchinson Cortizzoz
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 14.0px Verdana; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} span.s1 {font-kerning: none}
Along the trail there are always metaphors. Here's life's grand circle. Out of the dead stump a beautiful green bush thrives.
This is my last post about Gadget Girl and my November Featured Follower. It has been wonderful to share this author and her work with you. I hope you enjoyed meeting Suzanne and I hope you'll read and enjoy her books. Check out her AUTHOR'S PAGE
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 14.0px Verdana; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} span.s2 {text-decoration: underline ; font-kerning: none; color: #042eee; -webkit-text-stroke: 0px #042eee}
Congratulate the winner of Gadget Girl! Nicola at Burggraf's Blog is the lucky Email Connect follower.
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 14.0px Verdana; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} span.s1 {font-kerning: none}
Check back to find out who will be my December Featured Follower! Wow. The last author of the year already.
Quote of the Week: “Trails are like that: you're floating along in a Shakespearean Arden paradise and expect to see nymphs and flute boys, then suddenly you're struggling in a hot broiling sun of hell in dust and nettles and poison oak…just like life.”
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 16.0px; font: 14.0px Georgia; color: #181818; -webkit-text-stroke: #181818} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 16.0px; font: 14.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #323333; -webkit-text-stroke: #323333} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} span.s2 {font: 14.0px Georgia; font-kerning: none; color: #181818; -webkit-text-stroke: 0px #181818} span.s3 {font: 14.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; font-kerning: none; color: #323333; -webkit-text-stroke: 0px #323333}
― Jack Kerouac , The Dharma Bums 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
November 21, 2016
Thoughts about 2017 & Tara Tyler's Cradle Rock
Thoughts about 2017
Change Formula
For this past year, I've been thinking of retiring from blogging and writing. Yet, when I considered how many people I'd miss contacting each week, I couldn't. However, I have made a decision about how I'm going to blog. I always enjoy helping writers get the word out about their books, so I started my Email Connect, hoping that I could do that, but maybe even more effectively than with just a one time appearance on my blog.
I realize that with this new plan I'll only be able to choose 12 authors each year, maybe only 11 because I'm going to take one month off for RandR and a bit of travel. But I hope the trade off--in depth and month-long support instead of a one-time blog post--will be worth their while.
For writers who aren't my Featured Follower of the Month, I'm always happy to do a Spotlight on my blogadd their book to Goodreads TBRtweetshare on FBvisit other websites and commentgive Thunderclap support
In 2017, I'm hoping to write about other things besides books. I'd like to post on topics of interest to me and hopefully my readers. I'm working on that now, and am going to make a stab at it starting January.
I'd like to know what you think about my plan. I could use some feedback.Hate it? Kind of like the idea, but not sure? Love it?
Now, since it's still 2016 and I've not changed anything yet . . .
Tara Tyler has a new book out in December, and she here today to tell you all about it! It's all yours, Tara!
Add to your Goodreads TBR ListCRADLE ROCKby Tara TylerRelease Date: December 1, 2016
Welcome to the forest.Gabe and his girlfriend Ona are headed in opposite directions for Spring Break. After finding out humans might be a real part of their history, Ona is determined to dig up evidence of them in the mysterious mountains at Camp Cradle Rock. Being a logical goblin, Gabe tries to talk her out of it, but there's just no reasoning with a stubborn ogress.
When Ona goes missing, Gabe and his friends fly to Cradle Rock to search for her and discover a village of trouble, igniting an age old war. His physical skills may be lacking, but Gabe won't give up. With the help of his diverse group of friends, he will find a way to save his girl and maybe all beastkind. Humans, bah!
And here's the book trailer! With sketches from my super fantastic inside illustrator, Laura Kramer.
Quote of the Week: The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." Alan Watts, Philosopher and WriterBeware 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
Change FormulaFor this past year, I've been thinking of retiring from blogging and writing. Yet, when I considered how many people I'd miss contacting each week, I couldn't. However, I have made a decision about how I'm going to blog. I always enjoy helping writers get the word out about their books, so I started my Email Connect, hoping that I could do that, but maybe even more effectively than with just a one time appearance on my blog.
I realize that with this new plan I'll only be able to choose 12 authors each year, maybe only 11 because I'm going to take one month off for RandR and a bit of travel. But I hope the trade off--in depth and month-long support instead of a one-time blog post--will be worth their while.
For writers who aren't my Featured Follower of the Month, I'm always happy to do a Spotlight on my blogadd their book to Goodreads TBRtweetshare on FBvisit other websites and commentgive Thunderclap support
In 2017, I'm hoping to write about other things besides books. I'd like to post on topics of interest to me and hopefully my readers. I'm working on that now, and am going to make a stab at it starting January.
I'd like to know what you think about my plan. I could use some feedback.Hate it? Kind of like the idea, but not sure? Love it?
Now, since it's still 2016 and I've not changed anything yet . . .
Tara Tyler has a new book out in December, and she here today to tell you all about it! It's all yours, Tara!
Add to your Goodreads TBR ListCRADLE ROCKby Tara TylerRelease Date: December 1, 2016
Welcome to the forest.Gabe and his girlfriend Ona are headed in opposite directions for Spring Break. After finding out humans might be a real part of their history, Ona is determined to dig up evidence of them in the mysterious mountains at Camp Cradle Rock. Being a logical goblin, Gabe tries to talk her out of it, but there's just no reasoning with a stubborn ogress.
When Ona goes missing, Gabe and his friends fly to Cradle Rock to search for her and discover a village of trouble, igniting an age old war. His physical skills may be lacking, but Gabe won't give up. With the help of his diverse group of friends, he will find a way to save his girl and maybe all beastkind. Humans, bah!
And here's the book trailer! With sketches from my super fantastic inside illustrator, Laura Kramer.
Quote of the Week: The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." Alan Watts, Philosopher and WriterBeware 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
November 14, 2016
Email Connect Commercial & Double Negative
Commercial Announcement--This will not disappear in ten seconds, so don't fight it.
Email Connect (EC) is not a Newsletter. I have no news. "So what do you have?" "Thanks for asking."
*A Featured Follower each month.*Gifts and Giveaways. *Short, but hopefully helpful tips for writers and readers and other humans. (Next EC has some interesting stats on ads.)
Sign up today for your chance to win a digital copy of Gadget Girl by Suzanne Kamata, my Featured Follower in November. I'm reading it now and it's good!
I've been so neglectful of my Young Adult books lately, that I thought I'd give one a bit of press. So here's . . . the Story Behind Double Negative
READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY. IT'S IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTANDING THE REST OF THE POST. BUT NO PRESSURE.
#anT t# re#d #nd #nj#y # g##d st#ry? Wh#T #f y## c##ldn#t do th#t? W##ld y## b# fr#str#t#d? #ngry? S#cr#t#v#?
You could probably figure out the message, but was it easy? Did it take a while to decipher the words, and when you did, did you forget all about meaning because you were picking through it so slowly you forgot where you were going? And what about the NO PRESSURE part? Did you ignore that?
Here's what it said: Want to read and enjoy a good story? What if you couldn’t do that? Would you be frustrated? Angry? Secretive? Maybe act out with anger?
In 2010 I stumbled on an article that said in L.A. County 33% of the residents were illiterate or low-literate. That brought me up short. Wasn’t the inability to read an emerging nation issue? An issue in back-country regions of the U.S.? I guess not!
Bryant Doughtery is definitely Hutch. Hot and naughty. Lots of potential.
That article was the beginning of Double Negative. Hutch, then Fat Nyla and Maggie slowly evolved into the characters, then came Father Kerry, Moss and Meeker. All destined to play a part in a story about a kid who can’t read well enough to get through high school, but has the heart of a winner. All he needs is a pair of glasses and someone to believe in him.
Evernight Teen"My life was going, going, gone, and I hadn't been laid yet. I couldn't go into the slammer before that happened." —Hutch McQueen.
Quote of the Week: "Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book." Anonymous
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Helvetica; color: #1d2129; -webkit-text-stroke: #1d2129} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Helvetica; color: #1d2129; -webkit-text-stroke: #1d2129; min-height: 17.0px} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} 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
Email Connect (EC) is not a Newsletter. I have no news. "So what do you have?" "Thanks for asking."
*A Featured Follower each month.*Gifts and Giveaways. *Short, but hopefully helpful tips for writers and readers and other humans. (Next EC has some interesting stats on ads.)
Sign up today for your chance to win a digital copy of Gadget Girl by Suzanne Kamata, my Featured Follower in November. I'm reading it now and it's good!
I've been so neglectful of my Young Adult books lately, that I thought I'd give one a bit of press. So here's . . . the Story Behind Double Negative
READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY. IT'S IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTANDING THE REST OF THE POST. BUT NO PRESSURE.
#anT t# re#d #nd #nj#y # g##d st#ry? Wh#T #f y## c##ldn#t do th#t? W##ld y## b# fr#str#t#d? #ngry? S#cr#t#v#?
You could probably figure out the message, but was it easy? Did it take a while to decipher the words, and when you did, did you forget all about meaning because you were picking through it so slowly you forgot where you were going? And what about the NO PRESSURE part? Did you ignore that?
Here's what it said: Want to read and enjoy a good story? What if you couldn’t do that? Would you be frustrated? Angry? Secretive? Maybe act out with anger?
In 2010 I stumbled on an article that said in L.A. County 33% of the residents were illiterate or low-literate. That brought me up short. Wasn’t the inability to read an emerging nation issue? An issue in back-country regions of the U.S.? I guess not!
Bryant Doughtery is definitely Hutch. Hot and naughty. Lots of potential.That article was the beginning of Double Negative. Hutch, then Fat Nyla and Maggie slowly evolved into the characters, then came Father Kerry, Moss and Meeker. All destined to play a part in a story about a kid who can’t read well enough to get through high school, but has the heart of a winner. All he needs is a pair of glasses and someone to believe in him.
Evernight Teen"My life was going, going, gone, and I hadn't been laid yet. I couldn't go into the slammer before that happened." —Hutch McQueen.Quote of the Week: "Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book." Anonymous
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Helvetica; color: #1d2129; -webkit-text-stroke: #1d2129} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Helvetica; color: #1d2129; -webkit-text-stroke: #1d2129; min-height: 17.0px} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} 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
