C. Lee McKenzie's Blog, page 8
March 21, 2024
Set The Lady Down
I heard this story a few years ago and it has stuck with me.
Two Buddhist monks were walking through the woods to their monastery. They came to a stream where a young lady stood dressed in a beautiful silk kimono. She needed to cross the stream, but if she did, her kimono would be ruined.
One monk scooped her up and carried her across. She thanked him and went on her way. The monk and his companion continued on their journey to the monastery. A few hours later the companion, said “You know, I don’t think it’s proper for a monk to pick up a lady in that manner.”
The other monk smiled. “I set her down hours ago. Are you still carrying her?”
So often we worry about things we did and shouldn’t or things we should have done and didn’t. When I’m in one of those moods, I remember this story of the two monks and tell myself to “set the lady down.”
My newest book is with the editor, and the publisher has started on the artwork for the cover. This is the stage when remembering to set the lady down becomes critical. My self-doubts crowd out everything positive about the book.
Did I go deeply enough into the characters? Is the pacing as good as I thought when I submitted it? I hope I didn’t screw up the ending. And then there’s the title. Is it right, or should I have chosen the other one?
I guess I’ll find the answers to these questions in a few months. Reviewers will tell me.
Thanks for reading C. Lee McKenzie Books! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
March 6, 2024
A Windy First Wednesday
Last week I posted Don’t Choose The Rope on my substack and got some interesting responses. If you didn’t see that post, here’s the LINK. It’s short, and from what others have said, it’s a good reminder for anyone, but absolutely for writers.
I sent the winners of my giveaway their digital copies of Shattered, and I will probably be doing another giveaway come spring. The reviews of this book continue to be good. Here are excerpts from a couple of them.
“C. Lee McKenzie didn’t disappoint me. She deftly wove Libby Brown’s painful story of injury and recovery with a compelling mystery, a sensitive love story, and a surprise twist at the end. Most important to me the novel felt authentic.”
“Fascinating story about a young woman whose life is changed by one incident. An Olympic level skier who is made into a paraplegic. The story has twists and turns and compelling characters. I couldn't read anything else until I finished. Highly recommended.”
The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting! Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post. And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog! Otherwise, when you leave a comment, people can't find you to comment back.
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
The awesome co-hosts for the March 6 posting of the IWSG are Kristina Kelly, Miffie Seideman, Jean Davis, and Liza @ Middle Passages!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG posts. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional!
March Question:
Have you "played" with AI to write those nasty synopses, or do you refuse to go that route? How do you feel about AI's impact on creative writing?
The quick answer to this one is, no. But I entered the synopsis I’d written for my next book and ChatGPT kicked out a great analysis for each character. I think this will be useful when I do some posts about these characters. I wish I’d done it earlier so I could have referred to it while I was writing the book.
I haven’t played with it more than that. It bothers me that it’s so fast and without error. I’m not happy about being upstaged by something without a heart.
Quote of the Month: “I don’t want to really scare you, but it was alarming how many people I talked to who are highly placed people in AI who have retreats that are sort of ‘bug out’ houses, to which they could flee if it all hits the fan.”
—James Barrat, author of Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era, told the Washington Post
Thanks for reading C. Lee McKenzie Books! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
The Last Link
My March IWSG post is HERE. I think I’m ready to jump the WordPress ship, so this will be my last post on this site. It’s kind of sad, but I don’t see another way to take care of this mess that will be less expensive in time and money. Hope you’ll follow me over to Substack!
The post The Last Link appeared first on C. Lee McKenzie.
February 28, 2024
Don't Choose The Rope
Someone told me this story at just the right time. I’d decided not to take a chance on writing a different sort of book than I usually did. I was afraid I couldn’t accomplish what I wanted. It was better to stick with what I knew than to risk failure. So I’m sharing this story in hopes someone out there needs it as much as I did.
There was once a very bad thief who was finally caught and convicted of his crimes. When he came before the king for sentencing, the king gave him a choice.
“You may choose to hang,” the king said, showing the thief a thick coil of rope. “Or you may walk through this door and meet your fate. Once you choose, there is no going back.”
The thief took time to consider, looking between the rope and the closed door. He was familiar with the rope. He knew what to expect when it was placed around his neck. He imagined what would meet him once he opened that door. A fierce lion might eat him. Or he could drop into a bottomless crevasse. Finally, he said, “I will choose the rope.”
As he was about to hang, the thief asked, “Please tell me what I would have found behind that door.”
“Ah,” the king replied. “Your freedom.”
So why did the thief choose the rope? Because it was something he knew, something that was familiar. What lay behind the door scared him too much to take a chance.
Courage put Libby Brown into the final selection for the Olympics, but betrayal crushed her spine and her chance at the Gold. Now she has two choices, use her courage to put her life back together or remain shattered forever.
Reviewers say…
“This story is so inspiring. Not at all the depressing saga I expected it to be. I'm glad I read Libby's story. I think you will, too.”
“The story was very compelling! I thought Ms.McKenzie was right on describing what Libby was thinking and feeling. As a RN working in a hospital, I was often sent to the neuro floor where I took care of several paraplegics. Ms Mckenzie's description of Libby brought back many memories of what the patients expressed to me both in anger and tears.”
Buy On Amazon
Thanks for reading C. Lee McKenzie Books! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
February 7, 2024
Love & First Wednesday News
Tina asked, “What’s love got to do with it?” Well, a lot. It’s not a “second-hand emotion" at all. So thank St. Valentine for making sure we all get a hug or one of those red paper hearts this month from those who love us and we love in return. Schmaltz? Of course, but it’s okay to go sentimental. I think of February as being a lot like December when the Christmas spirit makes people a little nicer and our hearts a lot lighter. Schmaltz. Schmaltz. Schmaltz. So here’s my Valentine's Wish to You.
May you love and be loved.
May you appreciate those loves in your life each minute you share.
Photo Credit: Prawny/Morguefile On The Newsy Side
Kirkus Review posted The Most Common Reason A Book Gets Negative Reviews on the IWSG website. This article makes a great checklist, writers!
Last month, I posted on the Kirkus site, representing IWSG. The Hot-Wired Writer’s Brain: Managing Internet Addiction. Let me know what you think about it.
The next IWSG Pitch happens on March 27. Get those pitches ready!
And last…I’ve signed a contract with Evernight Teen. This will be my sixth book with them. I’m celebrating this as well as the release of Rattlesnake with a three digital book giveaway of Shattered. To enter for your copy email me at cleemckenzieATgmailDOTcom with SHATTERED in the subject field. Ends February 15.
Thanks for reading C. Lee McKenzie Books! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
And Now For The First Wednesday Question The awesome co-hosts for the February 7 posting of the IWSG are Janet Alcorn, SE White, Victoria Marie Lees, and Cathrina Constantine!Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional!
February 7 question: What turns you off when visiting an author's website/blog? Lack of information? A drone of negativity? Little mention of author's books? Constant mention of books?
Most of the sites I visit are upbeat, well-written, and relative. If I were to visit a site that was nothing but complaints of how rotten the world was treating the writer, I’d leave never to return.
I like hearing about authors’ books, so I enjoy reading what someone’s working on, submitting, or ready to publish.
Too much going on is a turnoff for me. Jiggling letters or flashing images (gifs make me dizzy). Pop-ups while I’m reading send me on to another more peaceful site.
“There is no remedy for love but to love more.” Henry David Thoreau
Thanks for reading C. Lee McKenzie Books! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
Don’t Miss My Substack Post!
This month’s post is very “newsy.” Stop in subscribe (it’s free) and stay in touch.
The post Don’t Miss My Substack Post! appeared first on C. Lee McKenzie.
January 31, 2024
Why This Genre?
Greetings! Lee wanted me to cover why I’m drawn to writing in the genre I do.
Now, I know she meant the genre for my latest release, In Darkness: The Alien. But I write in several other genres. So, let me mention them, too.
New Adult
I never intended to write in that genre. Actually, my five-book series, The Circle of Friends, started life as YA since there was no such thing as NA at the time. I’ve read many love stories and some NA, but very little YA, so it was a unique place to start my writing career. I just wrote about two characters in love and how their relationship affected those around them. All while slowly moving forward in time as the characters hooked up in other books. I’ve read a ton of relationship books, so dealing with that topic came very natural.
Non-Fiction
I’ve written two, self-help/motivational and instructional.
Overcoming Obstacles with SPUNK! came about from years involved in a motivational program. I’ve read hundreds of books in that genre, plus ones on leadership and people skills. I gathered up the main key points of all of those books and put my own spin on it. (And I eventually began teaching two seminars from that book.)
The other book, How to Publish & Promote Your Book Now! came from years of teaching publishing and promoting seminars. (Not to mention the fact I run a publishing company.) People began asking for more details and did I have a book? In its second edition, the title is a very detailed version of my two 3-hour seminars and then some. It’s a topic I’m very passionate about and a guide like that when I first began would’ve been helpful. (Most are geared toward self-publishing, not starting a publishing company.)
Paranormal Romance
That brings me to my current genre and the four-book series that is wrapping up, In Darkness. While never a fan of the “alpha male” stories, I’ve loved stories about Dracula and other supernatural beings. Since I also like a good romance grounded in a good story, I dove into a series of books that would highlight a unique paranormal romance. The first, The Vampire, is not your usual “Dracula” story. It’s more of an adventure like The Hobbit. The Shark – well, I’ve never seen a romance involving one, so that was a really fun story. (And NO beastiality.) The Werewolf was a sweeter take on the shifter tale. And finally, The Alien, which comes out next week. It’s a story I wrote over 30 years ago that gained new life, and while the “creature” is an alien, it still has supernatural elements.
Eleven books, spread out over multiple genres. All of them fun and rewarding in their own way. Like most authors, I am most passionate about my current genre and I hope those with an interest in paranormal romance would give In Darkness a read. Who knows? I might just write more stories!
In Darkness: The Alien
By L. Diane Wolfe
Souls shrouded in darkness…Abducted from her research station, Liz’s life is flung into chaos. Sold into servanthood for her knowledge of planetary mining to a race called the Stren, she discovers her problems go far deeper. She is to marry her alien master, Krist, after enduring a procedure designed to eradicate her emotions.
Desperate, Liz persuades the Stren to grant her the duration of a short voyage to change his perception of emotions. But how can she convince someone lacking feelings of their value? Is there a means of accessing the emotional side of Krist before it’s too late?
Release date – February 6, 2024
From Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. www.dancinglemurpress.com
Romance-Science Fiction / Science Fiction-Alien Contact / Romance-Paranormal
eBook ISBN 9781939844972 $3.99
A professional speaker and author, L. Diane Wolfe conducts seminars, offers book formatting, and author consultation. She’s an editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and contributes to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
http://www.spunkonastick.net/ – Spunk On A Stick
http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com – Spunk On A Stick’s Tips
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/ – Insecure Writer’s Support Group
Links:
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6QVWB2K
iTunes – https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id6449979850Le
Barnes & Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940166065681
Kobo – https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9781939844972
Everand – https://www.everand.com/search?query=9781939844972
Gardners – https://www.gardners.com/Search/KeywordAnonymous/eBook?Keyword=9781939844972
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/171026121-in-darkness
The post Why This Genre? appeared first on C. Lee McKenzie.
January 14, 2024
Zooming Critiquers
My critique group has been connected for more than twenty years. In that time, we’ve shared a lot of life events—marriage, birth, death, publication, rejection, great stories, not-so-great stories. We’re geographically scattered: France, New Jersey, California, so when Zoom arrived, that became another, more satisfying way to keep in touch and share our writing as well as our personal lives.
In the last online meeting, we talked about how we feel about and approach writing stories. We’re all different, of course. Some loved the editing process but found starting a new book a real challenge. Others got excited about that fresh idea but weren’t so keen on the editing. One thing that came out in our time together was that we all needed the support of other writers, and we all needed obtainable goals. Some of those goals had to be unrelated to the writing itself.
I came away from this Zoom meeting, feeling recharged and grateful to have such a great group of people along with me on my writing journey!
AMAZON . B&N . SMASHWORDS . KOBO
If you follow me, you know I have a new book just out in December. I’m pleased that it’s getting good reviews and hope that continues.
For January, I’m not going to give away Rattlesnake, but I am giving away 3 Kindle copies of Shattered, my award-winning book that was published in 2021. If you’d like one, email me at cleemckenzieATgmailDOTcom with the subject SHATTERED. I’ll choose three winners by February 15.
Thanks for reading C. Lee McKenzie Books! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
January 3, 2024
Welcome to 2024!
Our purpose is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Join us and be a part of this supportive group.
The awesome co-hosts for the January 3 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Olga Godim, Diedre Knight, and Natalie Aguirre!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional! Do you follow back your readers on BookBub or do you only follow back other authors?
I follow both, but mostly I follow those who recommend books frequently. I always like to find good recommendations, and Book Bub is great for that.
Thanks for reading C. Lee McKenzie Books! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
Rattlesnake is getting some good reviews.
**** What a great read on a winter evening when a fictional ghostly character is just what you need to make you appreciate a quiet life. This book makes you turn the pages to find out what happens next.
***** I found myself enthralled with this story from beginning to end. The author deftly weaves the strands of past and present into an intriguing mystery that leaves the reader wondering what’s going to happen next.
Ms. McKenzie’s tales never fail to entertain, and Rattlesnake is no exception.
I
Catherine 1865
Kevin will do as I tell him. He’ll stay at the house until I return. In these past months, the angry fire inside my chest has forged me into a formidable force that even a rebellious younger brother doesn’t dare challenge.
Yes, I feel some remorse after speaking to him so sharply and seeing the hurt in his eyes, but there’s nothing else I can do. This undertaking is my responsibility as is he.
With one more stern glance his direction, I close the back door. How often I’ve walked down these steps from the house and across to the mine. I can make my way without looking, but today I’m carrying dangerous cargo, so I must go more slowly, taking care where I step.
So much depends on my getting this right that I can’t stop trembling. I need to brush these trickles of perspiration threatening to sting my eyes, but I don’t dare. My hands have other business.
How I wish time ran in more than one direction. If it did, I’d take all of us back and make different decisions—ones that would keep us far away from this place called Rattlesnake.
We came here because Pa said this was where he’d make his fortune. Silver practically sprang out of the earth, begging to be taken, made into coins or fine tea sets, he said.
The truth?
Rattlesnake was as far as our money would take us. It was as far as Pa’s heart could journey from where he’d buried our beautiful mother.
Pa was no miner, no desert dweller. He was a fisherman from along the Scottish coast. But here we were thousands of miles from what any of us knew. Kevin, Pa, and me in a land where the sun cooked everything down to bone and nobody we met knew what a heath looked like. But everyone knew what foreigners looked like, and they let us know straight away that we didn’t belong.
I remember our first day in this place. I remember the eyes with no welcome in them. I remember it all, and I regret I didn’t try to persuade Pa to go on a bit more or to turn back, but I was only seventeen—his daughter who shouldn’t question her pa’s judgment, so I lowered my eyes and kept quiet.
Soon it was too late for warnings and just the beginning of regrets.
Rattlesnake’s available in Kindle and Paperback! Hope you’ll buy a copy. If you do, I’d love a review.
Happy New Year!Follow Me, I’m Moving…Slowly… But Surely!
I’ve started packing my bags, filling the dumpster with unwanted stuff, and moseying over to Substack. Join me there by subscribing (it’s free) and we can stay in touch.
The post Follow Me, I’m Moving…Slowly… But Surely! appeared first on C. Lee McKenzie.
