Did you publish a book in October?
If not, you were in the minority! I think the writers I know decided that if the Democrats could have twenty plus candidates for president, the writing community would enter into competition with them. And they did. Here are three. I’ve read and reviewed two; the third is on my TBR list.
MY REVIEW
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON |
TBR LIST
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON |
MY REVIEW
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON |
And then there’s one called Not Guilty, which I’m guilty of writing. No one else can take credit or blame for the prose, but there are a lot of bloggers and readers who can take credit for helping me send this book into the world. I thank every one of you who read, reviewed, and encouraged me along the way.
AMAZON. EVERNIGHT. SMASHWORDS. KOBO. NOOK. APPLE
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And now for the November Question.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever googled in researching a story?
The awesome co-hosts for the November 6 posting of the IWSG are Sadira Stone, Patricia Josephine, Lisa Buie-Collard, Erika Beebe, and C. Lee McKenzie! (That’s me!) Please stop by all the others to say hello and see if they answered this question.
If I tell you the truth I may be arrested. In fact, I had to go incognito to google this information, hoping my search wouldn’t be stored and used against me in a trial. That’s when I decided I should write about something else. Okay, I’ll say it, I’m a real coward when it comes to prison time. I’d unravel in a trial of my peers. So I’ll tell you my next to strangest google experience, and leave to guess my strangest. In fact, I’ll give you three searches done almost consecutively, and you can guess what was going on in my life that day. It was an interesting one.
Do NCB agents make arrests?
What kinds of cosmetic covers are available for prosthetic legs?
Where’s the closest place to buy dry ice?
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Today on my Email Connect I’m sharing some rule changes I discovered on Amazon. If you review, you might want to check these out.
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IWSG News
Quote of the Month: “Winning isn’t getting ahead of others, it is getting ahead of yourself.” Anonymous
Beverly Stowe McClure says
What a beautiful story. I could picture you every step of the way. You make life an adventure. Thanks for sharing.
Nicki Elson says
Greece and Morocco sounds amazing. Would love to get to both of those places one day. I hope the dream of more travel and hiking get you through the work with your current manuscripts. Congrats on the successful release!
Jemi Fraser says
Can’t believe I haven’t heard that TS Elliot quote before – powerful!
Hoping 2020 brings you lots of joy!
Sandra Cox says
Let me just say, Not Guilty is a wonderful read. It’s not my chosen genre, but I absolutely loved it. The plot and character development are marvelous.
You are so right about reviews. As an author, I am so appreciative when readers take the time to leave a good review.
Kudos on making it through the year and finding things to celebrate.
Beverly Stowe McClure says
I’m so happy to hear that you have more books in the works. I’m ready to read another of yours. Not Guilty is such a touching story and is so realistic too, my favorite thing about YA novels. Also, enjoy your travels. A wonderful way to find new ideas for your writing. Here’s to 2020 being a great year for you. Enjoy every day.
Tamara Ann Narayan says
Congrats on your successes, although solo, throughout the year. It sounds like you’ve had some true adventures.
Nick Wilford says
Based on your sample of three it looks like the books coming out are very diverse, too. I need to catch up! Congrats on Not Guilty – which I hope also describes you after your research escapades. It’s a great read.
Stephanie@Fairday's Blog says
So excited for you about your latest release. A busy time for sure! I have read one of the three books you shared. Hope you enjoy them all. I have a pile of books next to my bed. I am behind! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Toi Thomas says
Thanks for co-hosting this month.
Thanks for letting me read an ARC of NoT Guilty. I keep trying YA with mixed results, but your story was really good. I loved the believability of the ending.
I also enjoyed reading your reviews and have found new titles to add to my TBR.
As for posting reviews, I actually wrote a whole book about why it can be problematic. I don’t have all the answers, but sometimes I think it’s our own misguided practices that get in the way, and then we also have to deal with those who try to beat the system. It’s not fair but it is what it is.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I appreciate you’re giving another YA a shot. It’s an odd category of fiction. Some really have a wide audience appeal, while others really are aimed at the 14 to 18 age group.
Reviewing is problematic, and I find it challenging.
Damyanti says
I read Not Guilty in one sitting!
Haha your search history made me smile.
And thanks for reading You Beneath Your Skin!
Lynda A Dietz says
I read Not Guilty in one sitting, too! It was so hard to put down. I had the same experience when I read Double Negative—Lee really has her finger on the pulse of how to write from inside a teenager’s head.
And Damyanti, You Beneath Your Skin is on my TBR list for over the holidays when I have a work break. I’ve heard such good things.
Damyanti says
Thank you for sharing my book! And yes, incognito mode is a life saver!
Rebecca Douglass says
No book published in October, but I’ve got one coming out Dec. 6. I think it’s the season. Hope your launch is going well 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
It’s going well, but only because of readers and authors like you. How great you all are in your support for others.
Sandra Cox says
Not Guilty is a stunning, wonderfully written read.
Congrats to the other October authors.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks so much, Sandra.
the real cie says
Apologies. This comment was supposed to be for this post, but for reasons (like I am an idiot with reading comprehension problems) I put it on the October post initially. Please forgive my glaring stupidity.
Naughty Netherworld Press released its last erotica book in October. That wasn’t planned, so, unfortunately, the characters in that Universe are now in an eternal cliffhanger because I won’t be going back to it. I was trying to do a NaNoWriMo book to continue the serial and came to the realization that I hate writing NaNoWriMo books and I wasn’t having fun with the Carnal Invasion series anymore. I’m sad about that, but I’m quite pleased to be going back to writing Cthulhu Mythos fiction, which is my real love.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Well, you made it right in the end and your comment showed up here. So glad it did. I’m not a NaNo fan. I don’t like the idea, but I do wish others well while they take the challenge.
J.Q. Rose says
I really enjoyed reading and reviewing Not Guilty (as Janet Glaser) My non-fiction book I had planned to release in Oct. didn’t make it and I’m wondering if I’ll ever get the MS approved for printing by KDP! It may be January before I’ll finally get it right. I really wanted to learn how to format a print book, but I didn’t know it would be this hard! I have a greater appreciation for my publisher by learning all this stuff!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m so glad you gave me your super secret name! Thank you for the review. I’ve been very fortunate to have people read, like, and review this one for me, and I feel like a broken record saying thank you. But I can’t help it.
Hope your T’day is special as well.
Yvette Carol says
Your new book looks great! Congratulations!! Time to breathe for a minute. I’m releasing mine within the next month depending on how long it takes, and I’m determined to take this moment to relax.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Good idea. Build stamina. Happy release day to you.
Denise Covey says
Nah, I’m of the minority of those who didn’t publish in October, but look out next January. You must think me a terrible friend, but your book came out at a bad time for me – preparing for a holiday, enjoying a holiday (current) then preparing to go home jet lagged. So…I haven’t yet finished Not Guilty – not far off – but I don’t think it’s honest to review when I haven’t finished reading. I’ve picked it up in any downtime, but I haven’t had much of that. Amazon doesn’t like my reviews either, so I’m thinking of opening a new account. But I’ll get there…
C. Lee McKenzie says
I do not think you are a terrible friend! We all have lives and they often include things like a bit of travel, some writing of our own, oh yes, and sleeping once in a while.
Hope your jet lag is short lived and that you’ve store up all sorts of setting info for your book. Welcome home.
Liz A. says
Congrats on the book. I’ve seen it everywhere, so you really got it out there.
It’s rather sad to think that we worry about people misconstruing our searches. We lost our privacy along the way.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yes, we did lose our privacy, and those sci-fi writers of old really did nail it, didn’t they?
Bernadette says
That’s an interesting list of questions.
PS: Congrats on the new book 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Bernadette.
L. Diane Wolfe says
That’s an interesting batch of questions.
Thank you for mentioning Stone Man.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Glad to give authors shout outs with their books.
Debs says
My oh my, now that’s quite the bizzare search history, especially when they’re the next most unusual search items. I totally get your decision to go incognito (note to self: find out how to do incognito searches) as jail time would be a bridge too far, even for a writer.
Thanks for co-hosting & for the visit. I was unexpectedly out yesterday, so am catching up a day late 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
Just type in DuckDuckGo and you’ve gone into stealth mode. Thanks for coming by to say hello.
Jemima Pett says
Going incognito… now that sounds scary! Hope you found what you were looking for!
Thanks for Co-Hosting this month, Lee!
Jemima Pett
C. Lee McKenzie says
I did find it. I just haven’t found out how to include it in my story.
Hilary says
Hi Lee – I definitely don’t need to go Icognito – thankfully. I do hope your book is doing well … I hope to get to read it sometime, and I haven’t been the best help re publicising your new book baby; the premise sounds really interesting and thought provoking – should be a good story …
Re prosthetics – the para-athletes have amazing ones … as too some models … diamond encrusted …
All the best with taking a little time out and have a peaceful Thanksgiving … cheers Hilary
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m amazed at how they’ve engineered the protheses. I watched a video of a runner who used two artificial legs. I can’t run like that, never could.
I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving, so hope you enjoy your holiday season as well.
Shannon Lawrence says
Congratulations on your book launch! When I was researching the best times to launch books, October and March came up, so it makes sense there were lots of launches this month.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I think getting in just ahead of the winter holidays is a good idea.
Louise (Fundy Blue) says
Thanks for co-hosting, Lee! I enjoyed your book trailer, and your book sounds really good! Members are publishing so many great books! I need a couple of reading clones.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks for stopping by today. I hear what you’re saying about needing clones! Good gravy where can I find the time to read everything I want to?
Diane Burton says
Way too many new releases in October. 🙂 It’s dangerous to one’s wallet and time that should be spent writing, not reading. I so enjoyed Not Guilty. I hope everyone here gets a chance to read it. Thanks for co-hosting this month.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Diane. Waving from California. Thanks for the read and the review of Not Guilty. I’m glad the story was a good read for you. I think my budget for books now exceeds the national debt. Well a bit of an exaggeration, but it seems like it’s true.
Susan M Gourley says
There have been so many great releases this past month. I have a TBR stack up the ceiling! Your google searches were so shocking except maybe the one you didn’t share.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Ha! I have to keep that search a secret until I have the courage to share it. I’m still worrying about how to write it into a story.
Juneta Key says
We did Oct 30th Grumpy Old Gods V. 3. Congrats on your release and all the reading. My reading has not been great lately need to work on that.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Big congrats to you again. Go, Juneta!
Samantha Bryant says
Oh my! I’m definitely curious now about what necessitated incognito mode. 🙂 @samanthabwriter from
Balancing Act
C. Lee McKenzie says
If I manage to write it into the book, I’ll reveal all. I’m not being coy, just trying not to embarrass myself.
Erika Beebe says
I always love how you take a topic and branch it out into so many interesting directions. You make me smile too 🙂 Happy Hop Day 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Erika. That was a very nice compliment.
Sarah Foster says
Hmm I may need to use incognito mode for some future story research.
Thanks for co-hosting!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Incognito never hurts!
Pat Hatt says
Those aren’t too weird of searches, but the one hiding has me intrigued haha Are you out to get someone?
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’ll write a rhyme about it, Pat and let you read it. Something a tad macabre with a cat involved. Nothing will happen to the cat, of course.
Anna says
As I read about your worries of folding in front of your peers, I cracked up. You are so cute. Lovable even. Have a great month. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
C. Lee McKenzie says
My heavens–cute and lovable in the same comment. You are the best, Anna. Thank you for brightening my day.
Olga Godim says
Love your searches. The answers might be interesting, especially the one about a prosthetic leg.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It turns out there are several options, including the bare mechanism look which seems to be a preference. Doesn’t the dry ice search tantalize you even a bit?
Michelle Wallace says
Thank you for co-hosting this month, Lee!
Incognito? That could work. You’re one smart lady.
I haven’t read Not Guilty… yet. Will get there (hopefully my eyeballs will remain intact with the amount of reading I’ve subjected them to…)
I love the cover of Red Dove. Looks like a really interesting story.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Michelle.
I hear what you’re saying. My eye doctor is shaking his head and ordering me a different eyeglass prescription–stronger. I can’t explain how many hours I spend on reading and writing to people who don’t do that as a huge part of their life.
Mary Aalgaard says
I can only imagine what you need to google with the subjects in your stories! Congrats on your latest book publication. It truly kept me turning (swiping) pages!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I know what you mean about my subjects. I think I should consider writing about fairies for a while and make them sweet. My searches might look so different.
Carol Kilgore says
Congrats on NOT GUILTY!
I once Googled a specific gun and ammo question followed by an explosives question followed by a visit to the FBI site. All story related, but I was careful the next few days.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Good thinking. Venture out, then lie low until the stir blows over.
Patricia Josephine says
Thank goodness for incognito mode, eh?
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yes. I’m not keen on anyone knowing what I’m skulking about on the Internet to find.
Liesbet says
Congratulations to you and the other IWSG authors who had book releases this month. So awesome! And, thank you for co-hosting as well. It looks like you live a really interesting – and fascinating – life on the page and in the real! 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
It has it’s moments, Liesbet. Sometimes it’s a bit too fascinating. Thanks so much for stopping in today.
Jemi Fraser says
I’m with you – I’ve avoided certain topics in my stories because I didn’t want to search them!! 🙂
LOVED Not Guilty & You Beneath Your Skin – haven’t read the others yet though!!
C. Lee McKenzie says
My eyes are about to give out with all the reading I’m doing, but I love it so much.
Lidy says
I’ve yet to Google search anything that might lead to incarceration. But I did do a recent search last night about the structure of dungeon.
Congrats on your release and thanks for co-hosting today! 😀
C. Lee McKenzie says
You’re on the slippery slope now, Lidy! First is dungeons, next you’ll type in manacle and torture, and you’re off to the races. Thanks for your visit.
Lidy says
How right you are. Just finished writing a torture scene.
Natalie Aguirre says
Thanks for co-hosting. I loved your book. Hope your release is going well.
C. Lee McKenzie says
The reviews are great so far. I’m really happy that the book’s being received well. Thank you posting about it today and for always being in my corner.
diedre says
Ha! Loved your research topics. I’ve only recently learned how to go incognito. Then I wondered why, since I already am 😉 “Not Guilty” is next on my TBR list. Thanks for sharing such an uplifting post, and thanks for hosting!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Diedre. Great to have you here today. I’m glad you’re not incognito, too. 🙂 Please let me know what you think of Not Guilty. I’m a greedy author who always needs to hear from readers.
Elephants Child says
Smiling broadly at your research.
And very grateful you did publish in October.
My review was still up last time I looked and did include some of those no nos. Amazon plays to its own rule book. Again.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I think they just want to keep the game fair, but it would be better to set out the rules clearly instead of making us guess.
Thanks again, Sue for all of your support and your special blog. I always enjoy my visit there.
Loni Townsend says
Grats on the release! Sorry I didn’t help with your tour. I wasn’t in a good place. But I’m happy to see your book out in the wild!
Thanks for co-hosting. 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hey, we can’t cover all our bases all the time. I’ve missed a lot of launches that I really wanted to help with, but just couldn’t.
Jacqui Murray says
I’ve had those same ideas, Lee–what would the police think? Never thought of incognito. You’re brilliant.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Brilliance came quite slowly. So much so that I have years of damming evidence on several computers, not to mention Google databases!
Carrie-Anne says
Congratulations on your new release! And thanks for co-hosting.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thank you, Carrie-Anne
Elizabeth Seckman says
All of those books are on my reading list.
I used to have a real fear of getting sent to prison as an innocent person. I’d never survive it. I’m a wuss. I used to think I’d shoot for solitary confinement and that would be all right, but then I was told your not allowed to take books to solitaire. That seems like cruel and unusual punishment.
C. Lee McKenzie says
No books? Absolutely cruel and unusual punishment. Let’s hope you never have to endure injustice or book deprivation.
Sadira Stone says
Nice book trailer! Yeah, my internet search history could attract the attention of law enforcement. I promise, I’ve only ever committed murder on paper. (It’s so satisfying, though!) Happy writing in November.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I wonder if we’d kill off more people if we couldn’t do it on paper? That’s probably not a good thing to write here, but when I read a book where the bad guys gets his comeuppance, I’m ecstatic. I don’t usually kill off people–rare exception–Tick Tock a Stitch in Crime anthology where I killed off a lot of them. I still hear about that from friends.
Lee Lowery says
I have a list of new pubs on my post, also, and notably, I am NOT on it. 🙂
Congrats on your new release – I really enjoyed it. And my review got approved, so I’m good with the new rules . . . so far.
Thanks for co-hosting today!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Lee. I loved being on your blog during the launch, and I appreciated your letting me visit.
Lisa says
Your tips on posting a review on Amazon are thankfully read. I have written my review, and now will change a few things before I post it. I felt like I was on a roller coaster when I read Not Guilty, and worried incessantly for the for the first half of the book! So very well done. Thanks for co-hosting this month, and for dropping by my blog!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m excited to read your response to Not Guilty. I feel like I’m the one on the roller coaster these days. Will they like it? Will they hate it? Will they even read it?
I guess we have to keep our eyes on good old Amazon to see what they will or will not accept.
Beverly Stowe McClure says
Thank you for co-hosting today, Lee. And your research for Not Guilty was great. I felt like I was there with the characters, facing the situation that sometimes seemed hopeless.
C. Lee McKenzie says
There are tons of sites out there about the justice system for juveniles, including law sites where you can ask questions. I think they thought one of my kids was in trouble, and in a way they were right. Devon and the rest of those rascals are my kids.
Cathrina Constantine says
Congrats to everyone publishing a book, and Congrats to you, Lee. I loved ‘Not Guilty.’
Thank you for co-hosting this month.
C. Lee McKenzie says
As a multiple book author, you know all about the work behind the scenes. Thanks so much for your help in my launch.
Madeline Mora-Summonte says
Congrats on the release!
And thanks for co-hosting!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thank you, Madeline.
Lynn La Vita says
I also worry about leaving an electronic footprint while searching crime related subjects.
Your question about cosmetic covers for prosthetic legs hit close to home. Our neighbor ignored his diabetics and two months ago they amputated his leg mid calf.
BTW, what is NCB?
Lynn La Vita @ Writers Supporting Writers
C. Lee McKenzie says
Good question. NCB is National Central Bureau (Washington, DC.) They’re Interpol.
Losing a limb to diabetes is terrible. Really hate to hear of that, but one thing I did find out is that the new legs are terrific.
Thanks for stopping in today!
Bish Denham says
Hmmm. Maybe you were searching to see about putting body parts on dry ice? I can’t say that I’ve googled for anything really strange, but I have found out some interesting things on topics like chocolate, Tibet, and the Beatles first visit to NYC and their night on the Ed Sullivan Show.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Aha! You are now my go-to person for finding out about Ed Sullivan and chocolate.
T. Powell Coltrin says
I love your search questions. I watch way too much crime TV. If I’ve learned one thing from that it is IF I should ever commit murder, destroy all hard drives and sink your phone in the nearest river.
Teresa
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m taking notes. I’ve suddenly realized that if I consulted my author friends, I could commit the perfect crime.
Tamara Narayan says
I don’t know if it’s funny or sad that writers have to worry about what their search history my say of them! But then again, if one were interested in a who-dun-it tale and liked to put authors in their books, it would be a fun plot point to play with. A lot of red herring potential with the author who researches how to dispose of a body!
Best of luck with you new book.
C. Lee McKenzie says
We live in a world that if filled with instant discovery–good and bad I suppose. I feel as if all of the Sci-Fi I’ve ever read has suddenly come true.
Thomas Anderson says
Hi, Cheryl-Lee!
I enjoyed the promo video for your latest book. It is bound to generate buying interest. It has often occurred to me that the words and phrases we use online to conduct research for our stories might be incriminating if taken out of context.
I would modify that Quote of the Month to read “Winning is getting out of your own way.”
It’s great to see you again, Cheryl-Lee. I wish you a safe and happy November and a wonderful Thanksgiving, dear friend!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Shady,
I hope people read and enjoy Not Guilty. It was another one of those labors of love that we authors go through.
I like your modified quote!
Nancy Gideon says
Your searches certainly provoked my curiosity! Ah, the fascinating things we writers do for love of the profession. A continual busy learning curve that puzzles others (non-writers) but we totally understand. Thanks for co-hosting month and sharing your trailer!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Nancy,
My non-writer friends do not “get” me at all. It’s interesting that while they are my friends, they can’t relate to what is the biggest part of my life. I’m glad you used the word puzzles. It’s really right on.
Ronel Janse van Vuuren says
Yeah, your google searches are suspect! Mine, too… that’s why I clear my browsing history regularly, just in case someone thinks I’m selling out the human race to the fae — there’s enough evidence on my blog for that 😉
Your new book sounds great! Congrats 🙂
Ronel visiting on IWSG day Year in Review
C. Lee McKenzie says
I hope clearing the history is sufficient to keep us out of jail or whatever. What I think is interesting is how the marketers can use our data to target us with ads. I expect to see a lot of murder weapons will show up in my search sidebars any time soon.
Liza says
Congratulations on your release. Your trailer was excellent. There are times I stop myself from researching when I think about the trail I’ll leave. Then it’s off to the library to use hard books!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Oh, yes. The library! They have books there. Why do we not just use them? I’m being facetious, but seriously I do think we might have less angst if we did just what you’re suggesting.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Were you researching what it was like to be on America’s most wanted?
Thanks for co-hosting today!
C. Lee McKenzie says
That I haven’t searched, but it’s on my list.
Pat Garcia says
Hi,
Your marketing of NOT GUILTY has been excellent so far, in my opinion. I also like your trailer. It is truly awesome.
I haven’t been Incognito on the Internet yet and will do my best to avoid it, if at all possible.
Thanks so much for co-hosting and have a lovely month of November.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Pat. I’m hoping this month isn’t quite as chaotic. I could use a break.