C. Lee McKenzie's Blog, page 59

Small Things to Celebrate & Dream Destination Blog Hop

Thanks to VIKLIT

My list is very short this week and it's early because I didn't want to miss out on the first day Lexa's and Julie's DREAM DESTINATION. 
Also I wanted to tell you that Crystal Collier has extended her winner selection until Dec. 10. We just have to wait a bit longer, but I'll announce the winner here ASAP. 
Then there's the IWSG Contest that you must sign up for.
Now for that Celebration. I'm thankful for the life I have. It's a small thing when you consider just how big our universe is, but as we all know it's the small things that are the most important. Hope you'll visit the others in this HOP. Just click on the link find all those who are participating. 


Where to go is the question?  For me the answer is quite simple. I would choose to go to one of those newly detected galaxies. I'd want to take a peek at planet X, Y or Z and look back at our place in space. Think of the new perspective! 

Any suggestions for what I should pack? 

Go see where the rest of the hoppers are dreaming of going. I'm on my way to check them out where Lexa and Julie hang out and to enter their giveaway. See you there.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

Insecurities 2013

Thanks to ALEX CAVANAUGH
As the year 2013 comes to an end I'm reassessing the INSECURITIES that plagued me. These are the ones I drag around in a big sack; others only nibble at my heels like annoying puppies. I'll never finish writing this book.If I do sell this, reviewers may shred it.It's not as good as my last book.It's not as good as X's book!No one will read this book.I can't write worth (fill in blank).Why did I ever think I could write? Are any of these familiar? May 2014 see some of these fade or disappear entirely.  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

One Way To Decide About Those Unfinished Projects

How many unfinished WIP's are in your desk drawer or on the shelf--maybe way at the back? 
I have a few and when I found this article by ELLEN CASSEDY, I paid attention the questions she proposed writers ask themselves when they're stuck on a project.
She writes, "I don’t ask these questions right from the start. At first, I give myself a chance to experiment, to take risks, to give my attachment to the work a chance to grow. But after a while, I ask myself:
Am I behind this work 100%?  Do I love it to pieces?When I imagine it published, do I feel peacock-proud, or kind of nervous?Can I see myself traveling around the country, reading from a podium?Have I sought out readers who really matter, experts who have the        authority to judge the work and suggest improvements?Have I listened very carefully to what those readers have to say?"My resolution for 2014 is to look carefully at my stalled WIP's and ask each of Ellen's questions as I review those stories. 
For the whole article by Ellen click HERE.

Any other questions you could add to Ellen's list? Share 'em, please. 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

We are a collective of YA authors who have come together ...

We are a collective of YA authors who have come together to spread the word about the newest, bold, gritty fiction. Our genres include realistic, contemporary, historical, magical realism, and paranormal--with a healthy dose of suspense woven through all of them.





For an early Christmas gift Uncommon YA is offering YOU the chance to choose your prize. Click on the titles below to learn more about each one.

You can add it to your Goodreads shelf while you're there!





WARNING. It will be a tough choice choosing just one to win!
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 *NEW RELEASES*


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6 people will win their choice of the selected titles.



 a Rafflecopter giveaway


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

Truth or Lie? Can you tell?

Today I want to introduce Crystal Collier's debut novel, Moonless. We're going to play the Truth or Lie game, and you have a chance to win her book! 
Alexia’s nightmares become reality: a dead baron, red-eyed wraiths, and forbidden love with a man hunted by these creatures. After an attack close to home, Alexia realizes she cannot keep one foot in her old life and one in this new world. To protect her family she must either be sold into a loveless marriage, or escape with her beloved and risk becoming one of the Soulless. 
MOONLESS is Jane Eyre meets Supernatural.
"MOONLESS is powerful, compelling, and packed with soul." --Bethany Kaczmarek, editor at A Little Red, Inc. 
"I fell head over heels for the characters. The story itself was magnificent and the way Crystal writes is beyond that." --TC Mckee, acquiring editor at BookFish Books 
"The mystery is dense and pulsating... Power-packed action, heart stopping mystery, unpredictable twists and turns..." --Review on I Am a Reader Not a Writer


Buy MOONLESS HERE or add it on Goodreads.
Crystal gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Can you figure out the lie? Those who do will be entered in a random drawing to win one of three ebooks of MOONLESS. How cool is that? You have until November 30, at 11:59 p.m. to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer and winner announcement on ANY DAY AFTER DECEMBER 3!
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Crystal answers proudly to several nicknames, one of which is “Chicken.”
2. She won her first and only ice skating competition at the age of ten.3. She has had her art work featured in a couple literary magazines. 
Okay human lie detectors, which is the lie? Enter your guess below!

Crystal Collier, author of MOONLESS, is a former composer/writer for Black Diamond Productions. She can be found practicing her brother-induced ninja skills while teaching children or madly typing about fantastic and impossible creatures. She has lived from coast to coast and now calls Florida home with her creative husband, three littles, and “friend” (a.k.a. the zombie locked in her closet). Secretly, she dreams of world domination and a bottomless supply of cheese. 

You can find her on her blog and Facebook, or follow her on Twitter.

AND you have one more chance to win!
RAFFLECOPTER


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Asimov Was Right

Death doesn't enter on slippered feet. It wears hobnailed boots and stomps its way across heart of the Dying,    across the hearts of the Childrenwho glimpse their destinies.At the end, all wear deep imprints.All endure the sharp, uncaring footfalls of the master.

I resort to poetry under stress. It must have to do with the succinct immediacy that poetry offers writers. A distillation of emotions. So here they are. My distilled thoughts for the day. 

While I take care of my mom's last business, I won't be posting for a while, but I will honor my commitments to Crystal Collier on 11/21. So until then The Write Game goes dark. Thanks for understanding.







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

#WHW Still Up & Running. So Is Celebrate The Small Things!

Remember Writers Helping Writers? Well, here's the last of my #WHW contributions. Hope you'll welcome KATIE DUNN

Driving Characteristics: People Watchingby Katie Dunn
Writers write. It’s what we do. But to be able to write real and believable characters, we need to have an understanding of those minute characteristics that people display-usually subconsciously-on a physical level. That usually involves people watching. If you’re anything like me, it’s an uncomfortable habit. Sitting in one place, staring at people wigs me out on a personal level. Mainly because I can’t stand the idea of someone doing it to me. It’s part of being a writer though, so I do it. At the store, at the park, in the waiting room of a doctor’s office… Anytime I’m in public, I MAKE myself people watch.The other day, I was sitting at the stop light of the main intersection of my town watching the people in other cars as they waited for the light to turn or drove past, and I realized I don’t mind people watching when I’m in the car. Right after that realization came another: Everyone has a different driving personality, and I wondered how I could translate those characteristics into the characters in my books?Now, if you write historical fiction where driving involves straps, harnesses, and horses, then People Watching in Cars is probably not going to help you, but if you write ANYTHING ELSE, this might be something you want to get involved in. Even if you write sci-fi where people drive spaceships instead of cars, this is a useful exercise. I anticipate that driving habits will translate into any vehicle in the future.But Katie, HOW am I supposed to watch people while driving around in a car? Isn’t that dangerous?Don’t worry. I’ve got it all worked out and it’s as safe as people watching anywhere else.Find the busiest intersection in your area, preferably with a gas station or restaurant.Park in the gas station or restaurant with your car (and yourself) pointed directly at the intersection.Try to find a place that allows easy viewing all around. Use of your mirrors is highly recommended =)Be sure to have a note pad or recording device so that you can take notes.Sit. Watch. Take notes.I’ve done this several times since I had the idea and it’s been a great exercise in people watching. Not only do I learn more about the habits of drivers, but with a gas station and restaurant nearby, I have a chance to watch people as they move about their business without feeling odd about it. I’m in my car, after all! I honestly don’t know why being in the car makes it easier to people watch, but I’m glad it does. Now, go out, find your intersection, and watch! watch! watch!




Author BioKatie Dunn is an avid reader, writer of Young Adult fiction, a mom to two tornadoes that resemble a seven and five year old, and pet to a tuxedo cat named Oz. If she's not reading, writing, or getting Oz out of a tree, she's staring out the window daydreaming about anything and everything while doing dishes.Katie blogs at Writing, Reading, and Life, spouts stuff on Twitter, and posts on Facebook. 

LETS' CELEBRATE THE SMALL THINGS!
THANKS VIKLIT


Today I'm celebrating another day with the sun coming up over the trees. I'm celebrating being able to see it, to feel its warmth and to walk down the familiar trail it lights. 
What are you celebrating? 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

UncommonYA Giveaway

This will be a short and redundant post. I told you about this last week, but there's only a short time before the giveaway goes away.  I'm still managing a few family issues, so hope you'll understand. Sometimes life just up and smacks you in the behind. Terrible when it does that, but I'm taking notes for my next book. I'll be around to say hi to everyone, just a little later than usual.








CLICK HERE FOR GIVEAWAY



Here are the books you an win. Lots to choose from,









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

Don't Forget to Celebrate the Small Things

VikLit's LINKY



I love my morning coffee. A small thing, but something I look forward to when the day is new and I'm anticipating all that's going to happen in it. My coffee has to be the very best. Roasted exactly right, freshly ground and brewed one cup at a time. I'm not this fussy about my wine.



This makes me want to drink four cappuccinos! Imagine a writer swinging from the rafters with her laptop. 

Be sure to visit others and see what they're celebrating this Friday. How about you? Something small, but vital you are celebrating?





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

Insecure Writer Reporting or Considering Reporting or Hiding Under Her Computer

Alex Cavanaugh Presents the IWSG Linky









Once Upon A Time




a writer stood looking toward the fabled city of El Perfecto, yearning to make the journey to the place where he knew he could write the greatest stories, find the greatest agent and sell to the greatest publisher in the world.




He thought about jumping into his Toyota, but with the price of gas and a dearth of royalties, he chose a humble handcart instead. Into that he piled his old PC and a bag of ideas; then he set off down the road, hopes high--spirits soaring.




At the bend in the road he was stopped by Grandpa Doubt who demanded a lift into the city. Like most writers he was generous of heart and loaded the old man into his cart. Off he set again, but now his progress was slow; Grandpa Doubt weighed more than he appeared to weigh.




At the stream, the writer picked his way over the slippery stones. He didn’t want to fall and land on his butt. As all writers know, a sore butt is great hinderance to their creativity. He managed not to misstep, but, when he came to the other side, Grandpa’s niece, Miss Anxiety waved him down. In her shrill voice she explained how she, too, had to reach El Perfecto before nightfall. 




So, mashing his bundle of ideas into one corner, the writer loaded her into his cart. Off they went, but now his pace was so slow that he feared he would never reach the city in time. 




At the crossroads Cousin Block held up his traffic-cop hands and demanded they stop right there. Niece Anxiety hopped out, flailing her arms and screeching that he wouldn’t like to see one of her panic attacks, so he should let them pass. Grandpa Doubt was asleep. Who needed him when Cousin Block and Niece Anxiety were going at it?




At last Cousin Block allowed them to pass, but by that time, the writer knew he’d never make El Perfecto that day. Ahead was a sign reading, “Near Perfecto 2 minutes ahead.” Reluctantly, he headed that direction and pulled to a stop at the first coffee shop he saw. Inside, were several writers, their laptop screen glowing, their lips turned into happy arcs, their fingers tap-tap-tapping the computer keyboards. 




With his laptop and his bag of ideas, the writer slipped away from Grandpa Doubt and his niece, Anxiety, and entered the shop. Maybe this was a good place to be for the time being. When he sat down and began to write, his lips turned into one of those happy arcs and words flowed across the screen. In a few hours he had a draft of a great story; it just wasn’t perfect yet. But he felt so wonderful that it didn’t matter. 




Now I’m off to load my cart and head down the road to El Perfecto. I’m hoping to reach the outskirts by nightfall and, if I hurry, maybe Grandpa Doubt and his niece won’t demand rides. If I hurry, maybe I can slip by Cousin Block . Anyone with me?
























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