C. Lee McKenzie's Blog, page 9
December 8, 2023
A Psychological Thriller
I’m excited to welcome a long-time
writing friend, J.L. Campbell who never fails to deliver an exciting read. Here’s her newest one!
The need to right a wrong against an innocent victim triggers a hailstorm of revenge!
In less than twenty-four hours—before Alexia Leighton is scheduled to return to Miami from spring break in Jamaica—a group of friends betray her in a grisly assault that stops a heartbeat away from murder. The seventeen-year-old prays for the mercy of death. She survives.
While she’s on the road to recovery, Alexia's attackers become victims of mysterious acts of violence, leaving authorities confounded and racing against time to prevent another deadly attack. Concern looms, as the perpetrator has proven to be two steps ahead of them at every turn.
When the attention swings to Alexia's mother, a cyber-security expert, the family closes ranks. Geneva Leighton must quickly eliminate herself as a suspect, but not without handing down more punishment. The offenders fear for their own safety and the secrets that plague them.
Can they trust the police to find the killer before someone else dies, or has their fate been sealed— leaving them with no place to run, and no place to hide . . .
“J.L. Campbell serves revenge more chilling than ice in her premeditated thriller Flames of Wrath.” —N’TYSE, national bestselling author and film producer
About J.L. Campbell
National Bestselling Author, J.L. Campbell writes in a range of genres. Campbell, who hails from Jamaica, has penned over forty books. She is a certified editor, and book coach. Flames of Wrath is her first foray into the world of psychological thrillers. When she’s not writing, Campbell adds to her extensive collection of photos detailing Jamaica’s natural beauty.
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December 6, 2023
From Contemporary/Realistic to Paranormal In a Single Bound
While I’ve written some middle grade fantasies and a few short stories for older readers that aren’t contemporary/realistic, I’ve never written a novel with a ghost until Rattlesnake. I’m not sure how that switch happened, but maybe I just needed a change of scenery. Rattlesnake is definitely that. I hope my readers will like the story.
So here’s what it’s about.
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The desert town of Rattlesnake isn’t a destination. It’s a last resort. Seventeen-year-old Jonah Guthrie’s aunt sold their home in New England and fled to this place to escape the humiliation of his dad’s indictment for embezzlement and subsequent disappearance.
While their late uncle left them a house and a silver mine, the house is a shambles and the mine is defunct. They’re almost out of money, so they have no choice but to stay in Rattlesnake. And then Jonah discovers they’ve inherited something else. Her name is Catherine, and she’s been dead for over a hundred year. Now, she needs his help.
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The co-hosts for today are Me, JQ Rose, Jennifer Lane, and Jacqui Murray!
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!
December 6 question: Book reviews are for the readers. When you leave a book review do you review for the Reader or the Author? Is it about what you liked and enjoyed about your reading experience, or do you critique the author?
It’s a bit late to critique the author IMHO. They’ve done the best they can—at least I hope they have—so I don’t feel I should weigh in on errors or suggested changes at this stage.
My book reviews are personal reactions to what someone has written. I hope the people who read them take them as just that. In truth, I seldom pay attention to book reviews when I’m buying a book. I’d rather form my own opinion.
Quote for the Month: “I don't read reviews because by then it's too late - whatever anyone says, the book won't change. It is written.”
Jeanette Winterson, British Author
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Diving Into December
Rattlesnake is now available to buy, and if you hear a sigh, that’s me expressing FINALLY! What a ride this one has been. I started and stopped this story a zillion times because I didn’t know where to take it. Then one day everything came together and the book more or less wrote itself.
When someone says writing is easy, send them to me or any other writer who’s gone through this process. We’ll straighten them out.
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I’d love for you to connect with me at other places— Website . Goodreads . BookBub . Instagram . Twitter . Facebook . LinkedIn
The early reviews are 4 and 5 stars, so that’s encouraging. Here are a couple of excerpts.
“Past and present weave tightly together to cast a tale full of mystery, longing, and heart.”
“I was hooked from the first chapter! The author kept me wondering what’s going to happen next.”
This is the First Wednesday in December, so we have some special posts by some very special writers.
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and the hashtag is #IWSG.
I’m co-hosting along with some really awesome co-hosts JQ Rose, Jennifer Lane, and Jacqui Murray!
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!
December 6 question: Book reviews are for the readers. When you leave a book review do you review for the Reader or the Author? Is it about what you liked and enjoyed about your reading experience, or do you critique the author?
Readers are the ones who use reviews to select books, so that’s what I keep in mind when I write one. Authors have done their best—at least I assume so. I’m not critiquing their work; I assume they’ve already had that done.
I’m not a pushover. If I like a book, I say so. If I’m not impressed, I say so. I also often mention that this business of reviewing is highly subjective, and my reaction is mine and mine alone.
I review almost every book I read. Notice that I used the disclaiming word, “almost.” If I can’t finish a book, I don’t review it, but I put it on my “Couldn’t Finish” bookshelf.
Quote of the Month: “In my reviews, I feel it's good to make it clear that I'm not proposing objective truth, but subjective reactions; a review should reflect the immediate experience. Roger Ebert
A Relay Station Post this First Wednesday
If you’ve visited this blog in the past, you know that I’m having some technical difficulties with my WordPress site. I’ve given up trying to fix the issue, since it keeps coming back like a bad virus.
I’m slowly transitioning from here to Substack. My IWSG First Wednesday post is there, and if you subscribe, you’ll be alerted to my future posts at this new address. The subscription is free. I have no plans to add a paid subscription to my regular monthly posts.
The post A Relay Station Post this First Wednesday appeared first on C. Lee McKenzie.
December 4, 2023
The Conversation
This about 600 word piece is for the December WEP prompt “Over To You.” It’s a fond farewell to a great idea that has had a long and successful run.
She placed the star at the top of the tree, then climbing down the step ladder, she stood back, nodding approval. That was the last piece to make Christmas perfect. Almost. Good job. Well, an okay one. There were a few touches she’d left undone, but truthfully, she didn’t have the energy to do more.
Now that the decorating was done, she could pour that glass of wine and have the conversation she’d planned all day. She uncorked the special bottle of Pinot she and Mike had bought last year, congratulating herself on holding back on opening it until this moment.
Pulling out the chair from the end of the dining room table, she settled onto the familiar seat and took a first sip from her glass. It was good. Mike always chose the right vintage. She should have told him that. Now, as she savored the hint of blackberry with the chocolate finish, the familiar clutch of regret tightened in her chest. She sighed, then she looked up at the chair opposite her.
“So, I have something to tell you.” She leaned back. “First and most important. I’m sorry. I should have said all of this before now..” She sipped her wine. Fortitude. She needed more almost every day. “I wish it had turned out differently, and I accept half…no, more than half of the”—she searched for the word—“the responsibility for everything that went wrong. I should have been a better person. Actually, make that, a better wife.”
She closed her eyes, seeing what wasn’t there, what had happened in the past and was fixed by the firm cement of time. She stood quickly, bumping the table, and the wine glass nearly toppled. She saved it by seconds, then paced holding it like a lifeline.
“In Greece…We were in Olympia. Remember? You were standing by one of the columns under the cold gray sky. You wore your black leather coat and looked more like a modern Byron than the man I’d just married. I took your picture. Remember? It’s in one of the old albums.” She’d never forget that moment, and she’d always meant to tell him how special it had been. Seeing him there. Loving him.
She stopped pacing in front of the china cabinet filled with years of collected pieces glowing under the lights. She stroked her hair, somewhat surprised that the glass no longer reflected a smiling girl with sun-bleached blonde curls. Instead it mirrored an older woman with cropped hair the color of the pewter bowls inside the cabinet. She shook her head and turned back to face the dining room.
“Well, I knew then that I’d never love anyone but you.” She reached out and touched the back of the chair at the end of the table, the chair facing hers. “I didn’t tell you. I should have.” She took another sip of wine and held the glass out as if she wanted to make a toast. “And there’s more. I never understood all that you did for us to keep our family safe and the house functioning. Well, you never said.” She waited a moment, thinking. “No. That’s not exactly true. You told me. I just didn’t listen.” She paced again, then took her seat. “For not telling you I loved you enough times, for not listening carefully to what you said”—she swallowed and took a moment before going on—“I’m apologizing.”
Again, she held out her glass. “Now it’s over to you.”
How much she would give to hear his answer, but there was only silence—there was only an empty chair.
She glanced through the door at the Christmas tree and wished second chances were possible. Knowing they weren’t, she filled her glass and let the memories roam freely inside her as she went up the stairs to bed.
What's My Substack About?
That’s the question I’ve been trying to answer. Here’s what I’ve come up with:
I will post on the first Wednesday of each month as a member and admin for The Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
Once in a while I post about my writing/publishing news.
In the future, I may serialized stories or post bits of WIPs. That’s when I’ll create a separate section of this newsletter, so only those wanting to read that, will have access. I may add a paid subscription option at that time, but until then, my posts are free and I encourage free subscribers to join me in a dialogue.
November 16, 2023
J.Q. Rose And Her New Book
TAG LINE: Your life with Jesus guides you in penning your sacred story and invites you to journey into a deeper faith experience.
FROM EARLY REVIEWS
“well-organized, easy-to-understand writing guide”
“Biblical references with prompts are excellent”
“topic aimed at women from a Christian perspective”
“content engages the reader to recognize the power of her own stories”
The purpose of this Christian-based book, Your Life with Jesus, is to spark memories of your life experiences so you can use them when writing your spiritual memoir. This book guides you in penning your sacred story and invites you to journey into a deeper faith experience.
Sharing your sacred story is not only a gift to your family and others, but also for you, the author of your life story. When viewing your life through the lens of time, you will be aware of God’s presence in your world and discover revelations about your life as you create videos or write your life story.
Best-selling author and workshop leader, J.Q. Rose, guides you through the elements of storytelling to keep readers turning pages. With her wit and warmth, she offers clear explanations, examples, and exercises to discover how to write your story.
Part One of the book includes information on ways to ignite your memories and tips on writing stories readers will want to read. Part Two suggests forty topics for journaling. Each topic, designed to awaken your life experiences, is accompanied by a verse from the Bible and a writing prompt. Not every topic will resonate with you. Select the ones that stir you.
This book will open your heart to know God is speaking to you as you pray, plan, remember, and compose your stories.
Take the time now to create your spiritual memoir. Download your copy so you can preserve those special memories of Your Life with Jesus.
***
About J.Q. Rose
J.Q. Rose is a multi-genre author writing fiction and non-fiction books and articles. Weaving words together delights her whether writing a mystery, how-to books, or memoir.
Janet is a life storytelling advocate encouraging everyone to write their life stories through her workshops and books. Your Words, Your Life Story and Your Life with Jesus offer information on how to get started writing a life story or memoir. They include many ways to spark ideas to develop into stories their families and future generations will cherish.
She penned her best-selling memoir, Arranging a Dream: A Memoir, a feel-good story about the first year she and her husband opened their floral shop and greenhouse business in a small town in Michigan.
Blogging, photography, Pegs and Jokers board games, and travel are the things that keep her out of trouble. She and her husband spend winters in Florida and summers up north with their two daughters, two sons-in-law, four grandsons, one granddaughter, four grand dogs, four grand cats, and one great-grand bearded dragon.
Connect with J.Q. online:
J.Q. Rose blog http://www.jqrose.com/
Facebook http://facebook.com/jqroseauthor
J. Q. Rose Amazon Author Page http://tinyurl.com/aeuv4m4
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jqrose
The post J.Q. Rose And Her New Book appeared first on C. Lee McKenzie.
November 1, 2023
Let the Holiday Season Begin on this First Wednesday in November…
but not here. I’ve jumped over to Substack for today’s post because WordPress is cranky and won’t let me do what I want. I’m growling, but lucky for you, there’s no soundtrack available.
Hope to see you at this new space today!
This, of course, is a rotten time for WordPress to act up, since I’m about to launch a new book. I’m not surprised, however, it has let me down a lot of times when I really needed it. If you don’t journey over to Substack, I’m looking for bloggers interested in hosting me. I expect to see the book out in late November or early December, but don’t have a date yet. If you can help me out, leave me a message in the comments here or on Substack. Many thanks!
The post Let the Holiday Season Begin on this First Wednesday in November… appeared first on C. Lee McKenzie.
October 4, 2023
IWSG First Fall Wednesday
Join Us NowFALL! ALREADY! MY! MY!Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
The Awesome co-hosts for the October 4 posting are Natalie Aguirre, Kim Lajevardi, Debs Carey, Gwen Gardner, Patricia Josephine, and Rebecca Douglass!
Be sure to visit their sites and see what they have going on.
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!
October 4 question: The topic of AI writing has been heavily debated across the world. According to various sources, generative AI will assist writers, not replace them. What are your thoughts?
Who knows what this tool will do for writers? Who knows if it will remain a tool or become much more in all of our writing lives? Even our friend Musk has some reservations, so perhaps we need to tread with some caution.
I’ve read some AI generated writing, and so far it’s like reading a fleshed out dictionary: the facts set down consistently and without errors.
One friend used it to write a synopsis, and it was close to perfect. She only had to tweak a couple of sentences. Since most writers detest writing synopses, this could be a major help. At least, AI could generate a draft, and then the writer could fine tune it.
As for me, I’ll plod along with my quill pen and blotter. I rather like the way working out my brain makes me feel. It has almost the same effect as the endorphin boost physical exercise gives my body.
I’m slowly transferring to Substack. All I need is a few hours of uninterrupted time to figure it out, but that does not seem possible right now. Besides having a new book close to launch and three others in stages of completion, I’m about to start a house remodeling project. What is wrong with me?
Anyway, come see me at my almost NEW DIGS.
Quote of the Month: “Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change.”
― Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
The post IWSG First Fall Wednesday appeared first on C. Lee McKenzie.
September 6, 2023
The Insecure Writers’ Support Group is 12 years old!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
The awesome co-hosts for the September 6 posting of the IWSG are Sonia Dogra,J Lenni Dorner,Pat Garcia, Sarah – The Faux Fountain Pen, and Meka James!
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!
September 6 question: The IWSG celebrates 12 years today! When did you discover the IWSG, how did you connect, and how has it helped you?
I can’t answer the first part of this question because I don’t remember when or how I discovered this group, but I’m glad I did!
I’ve met so many writers and readers here, and I started as a complete newbie! No connections to anyone in the writing community, no idea what to do or how to do it when came to publishing or how to slog through the ups and downs of this business.
I learned a lot from reading about how others managed their writing, their roads to publishing, and their marketing strategies. The best part was that nobody criticized me for my ignorance. They helped when I asked, they encouraged me when I messed up, and they cheered me on when I did something right.
You can’t ask for more than that from any group.
Jump over to IWSG and answer this question. Share your experience with all the members.
And now it’s time to showcase a new book by L. Diane Wolfe.
Not All Werewolves are Vicious AlphasIf you follow werewolf stories, you’ll notice there’s a trend in books and movies. Most shifter books focus on a dominant male alpha. (Sometimes it’s the woman!) While movies tend to portray werewolves as savage creatures that will rip you to shreds.
Are all werewolves like that? Well, since they aren’t real anyway, I say no!
Think about it. Inside the wolf is still a human being. Why would that person change drastically in nature just because his or her body changes? Especially if they were only part lycan—some of their true nature would come through.
Nicholas is a shy young man but with a great big heart. His change to a werewolf would not result in a wild beast intent on killing. His shy awkwardness would still be present, along with his genuine caring for others, especially those he loves.
The result is some rather tender moments between the leads, even when he’s in lycan form. There are some tense, scary moments, especially the moment when Vicki discovers his true nature. (And I’m very proud of that scene.) But their interaction is anything but savage or dominating.
In fact, I bet it’s one of the sweetest werewolf stories you’ve ever read!
About the BookIn Darkness: The Werewolf
By L. Diane Wolfe
Souls shrouded in darkness…
On her own in England, Vicki trains at a prestigious fencing school. Face marred by a birthmark, she’s suspicious of Nicholas’ attention. A dinner date reveals his genuine interest and they begin to connect. Nicholas is attractive and she wonders why he’s so shy and reclusive.
Then one evening she happens upon him changing into a lycan. Every werewolf legend is challenged by the gentle, fearful creature before her. Vickie accepts his secret, but Nicholas knows he’s an unpredictable beast. Can they trust love enough to overcome their physical challenges?
Release date – Sept. 5, 2023
Romance/Paranormal/Shifter, Romance/Paranormal, Fantasy/Paranormal
$3.99 eBook ISBN 9781939844927
A professional speaker and author, L. Diane Wolfe conducts seminars, offers book formatting, and author consultation. She’s the senior 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/B0BRR4VLN7/
iTunes – https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id6445310855
Barnes & Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940165994548
Kobo – https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9781939844927
Scribed – https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844927&language=0
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75711711-in-darkness
Quote of the Month: “The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity.” — Keith Ferrazzi.
I you’d like to continue networking with me, please join me on SUBSTACK. I post monthly at Substack unless something very special comes up. Hope to see you there!
The post The Insecure Writers’ Support Group is 12 years old! appeared first on C. Lee McKenzie.
