Insecure Writers Support Group

November’s #IWSG 1st Wednesday

November 4, 2020 By C. Lee McKenzie 60 Comments

Did you know this?

Ray Bradbury was thirty when he started a story called The Fireman. It was 1945 just after the end of WWII. The setting in the story was an anti-book culture in which books were banned, and whenever someone discovered any, firemen were dispatched to destroy them.

Bradbury set this story aside for a few years, but when Senator Joseph McCarthy launched his anti-communist campaign, accusing almost everyone and their pet spaniel of disloyalty to the U.S., Bradbury pulled his old manuscript out and finished it. He felt the McCarthy era could very well usher in a society much like the book-banning one in The Fireman.

Once he was done, Bradbury wasn’t satisfied with the title, and on a whim, called the chief of the LA fire department to ask at what temperature paper burned, and guess what? Yep. Fahrenheit 451 was the new title.

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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!

November 4 question – Albert Camus once said, “The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.” Flannery O’Conner said, “I write to discover what I know.” Authors across time and distance have had many reasons to write. Why do you write what you write?

The awesome co-hosts for the November 4 posting of the IWSG are

Jemi Fraser, Kim Lajevardi, L.G Keltner, Tyrean Martinson, and Rachna Chhabria!

I wish I had something noble to write as my answer to this question, something that at least came knee high to the likes of Camus and other greats, but my answer’s pretty simple. I write because I enjoy the process.

Each time I imagine a story, then populate it with characters, put it into a time, and envision a place, I think, “How in the hell am I going to do this so it’s readable?” Along the way, I frequently know I have a dud on my hands or I am a dud when it comes to writing more than my name. Then I type–one day after another–on that rollercoaster of “Yay, this is great!” “Yikes, it’s rotten!” until I look up and there I am at The End.

It’s easier to tell you reason I don’t write. Money (no surprise there), fame (another non-shocker), save the world (I’ll let Camus do that), change the world (too big a job), inspire greatness in others (I’m struggling to be a tad above average), discover who I am (I already know that).

It will be interesting to see how others take on this question because it’s a perfect one for people who write.

Something interesting happened last month. I received an invitation from an Irish Writers Group to create a video and read from one of my books. This is the result. There are so many Irish writers on this site, and some I’ve had the good fortune to meet in my hometown during Irish Writers Week! Small world indeed.

Dancing Lemur Press has a holiday special going. Take advantage of their sale and scoop up some gifts at bargain prices. Some Very Messy Medieval Magic is in this mix of great reads.

Dancing Lemur Press

There are some great books out or about to launch BTW. Have you seen these?

One undercover FBI agent protecting a boy.
One Lodge owner protecting his town.
One undeniable connection.

Amazon (US) Amazon (CA) Apple B&N Kobo Google Play BookBub Goodreads Website

Well of Ash by Elle Cardy

No one knows who built the Great Wells across the world or why. To linger near makes the skin crawl and the mind drift in nightmares. Yet this one calls to Ash in whispers that pull her closer. Soon she’s caught in a mystery that can kill. She must find the answers before she loses her sanity and her life.If you like dragons, magic, and a fierce heroine with a wounded heart, then you’ll love Well of Ash, a YA Fantasy novella by Elle Cardy. Available now as an ebook and paperback on Amazon. OR, for a limited time, pick up a free copy when you join Elle’s VIP newsletter club.

Well of Ash is now available via Goodreads, Bookbub and Amazon.

The official release date is TODAY!

Order your copy now and put it your TBR list.

Amazon Goodreads Bookbub

Red Dove, Listen to the Wind

Sonia Antaki

Abandoned by her white father, thirteen-year-old Red Dove faces another lean winter with her Lakota family on the Great Plains. Spirited and proud, she is presented with a stark choice: leave her people to live in a white world, or stay and watch them starve. Red Dove begins a journey to find her place and discovers that her greatest power comes from within herself.

Bookshop . Amazon . Target

What will it take to survive a battle between alien races involved in an ancient war?

Liftoff is a fast-paced read for fans of Code 8, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Cobra Kai.

Releases November 10

Quote of the Month: “You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you.” Ray Bradbury

October IWSG

October 7, 2020 By C. Lee McKenzie 65 Comments

Did you know this?

New York City Library January of this year was the New York Public Library’s 125th year anniversary. Part of their celebration included a list of their most checked out books over the span of all those years. In the adult category they listed 1984, Fahrenheit 451, and How to Win Friends and Influence People. In the children’s category they listed thousands more. Only three in the adult and thousands in the children’s? That’s interesting, isn’t it? Also of interest is the fact that the most popular children’s book ever was not included on that list. Good Night Moon. And that was because it wasn’t acquired by the library until 1972, twenty-five years after it was published.

But why wasn’t it included in their collection? The reason was one woman, Ann Carol Moore. She didn’t like the book and gave it her infamous “Not Approved By Expert” stamp–the kiss of death, according to early children book writers. She nixed a lot of children’s books this way because if the New York Library didn’t acquire them, others didn’t either. ACM was a lover of fantasy and believed children, especially those inner city kids without a lot of resources in the home, needed escape, not reality. For years, she dominated the library’s book acquisitions, so books about garbage trucks or things kids saw everyday didn’t reach the shelves.

Now you might label her as a mean-spirited, cranky old librarian, yet ACM is credited with not only getting children into the library (they weren’t allowed until very late 1890s), but creating a special space for them. When they checked out a book, they had to sign a paper, saying they’d take good care of it and return it on time–a first lesson in citizenship. So while we can criticize her for her book bias, we have to acknowledge her contribution to early literacy.

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Well, it’s another first Wednesday and another chance to consider a writing-related question.
Remember, the question is optional!
When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if latter two, what does that look like?

The awesome co-hosts for the October 7 posting of the IWSG are

Jemima Pett, Beth Camp, Beverly Stowe McClure, and Gwen Gardner!

This is a complicated question, and by that I mean I’m not sure of the answer. I’m not a hobbyist, so rule that out. I’m still aspiring because I want to be better at my craft. If describing myself as a working writer means making money is my primary goal, then I’ll have to rule that out. It’s always nice when the royalties drop into my account, but I didn’t set out to make money. I set out to write the best book I could. In fact, each time I start a new project, that’s always my goal. I’ve never thought, “This one has to be a money maker.” I’ve always thought I hope it’s a story that people will enjoy or a least read and react to.

I’m curious about how others will answer this question, which BTW, is darned thought-provoking.

October #WEP It’s time for another #WEP. This one should be a fascinating contest. Just look at the theme.

If you want to join in this month’s contest, check out the How To Join Page.

Available on Amazon

And because it’s my favorite month which has my favorite holiday, I’m going to run a giveaway for my Adventures of Pete and Weasel Series. If you’d like signed copies of these three books (all quite HALLOWEEN and KID (8-12 years) appropriate enter my Rafflecopter Giveaway. Sorry, but I’m going to have to keep this limited to the U.S. only.

Blurb: Pete’s always in trouble, and his bookish friend, Weasel, is always pulled into whatever mess Pete manages to stir up. Follow their adventures that start with Alligators Overhead and an alligator war in the Ornofree Swamp, then journey back to jolly old England when Queen Victoria is only 16 in The Great Time Lock Disaster. In Some Very Messy Medieval Magic, they’ll take you to the year 1173 to find a missing Time Traveler and save the world.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Quote of the Month: The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library. —Albert Einstein

Two-Question Wednesday

August 5, 2020 By C. Lee McKenzie 58 Comments

Before I start, here’s how my week began. I opened my blog and found this little surprise–blog suspended! My books may be rotten, but they’re not malicious. In any case, this little greeting means that having today’s post up is as close to a miracle as I’ve ever experienced. Go Daddy came through, found the malware, and managed to restore all of my data. WordPress has been one terrific headache ever since I migrated from Blogger. However, I’m trying to get UpDraftPlus to actually back up my site and not succeeding. Anyone have a suggestion?

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Now, onward and here’s today’s important stuff.

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

Remember, the question is optional!

August 5 question – Quote: “Although I have written a short story collection, the form found me and not the other way around. Don’t write short stories, novels or poems. Just write your truth and your stories will mold into the shapes they need to be.”

Have you ever written a piece that became a form, or even a genre, you hadn’t planned on writing in? Or do you choose a form/genre in advance?

I suppose I’m in “the form found me” camp. When I wrote my first book, I wanted to go into issues that were affecting teens, so it never occurred to me that I was writing YA, it just turned out that way. Then I found I enjoyed writing about this age group.

When I’m in the YA doldrums, I switch to other forms, like, Middle Grade with adventure and fantasy. They’re fun to write, but again I chose to write a crazy story about alligators before I chose to write MG.

Be sure to visit other posts and see how they answer this question. And here are the awesome co-hosts for the August 5

Susan Baury Rouchard, Nancy Gideon, Jennifer Lane, Jennifer Hawes, Chemist Ken, and Chrys Fey!

I promised TWO QUESTIONS today, so here’s the second one:

Keep Writing with Fey Blog Hop: Share your story about writer’s block, depression, and/or burnout and how you overcame it or what you are currently doing to heal.

My Answer: I only have one solution for these writing crises: I hike or take some very long walks. It may take a few days in a row for me to snap out of non-productive-writer mode, but I always do. When this fails me, then I’ll know it’s time to pack it in and do something else.

Here’s the LINKY LIST for today’s hop!

Sparks by Chrys Fey

Catch the sparks you need to conquer writer’s block, depression, and burnout!

When Chrys Fey shared her story about depression and burnout, it struck a chord with other writers. That put into perspective for her how desperate writers are to hear they aren’t alone. Many creative types experience these challenges, battling to recover. Let Keep Writing with Fey: Sparks to Defeat Writer’s Block, Depression, and Burnout guide you through:
Writer’s block . Depression . Writer’s burnout . What a writer doesn’t need to succeed . Finding creativity boosts

With these sparks, you can begin your journey of rediscovering your creativity and get back to what you love – writing.

BOOK LINKS:

Amazon / Nook / iTunes / Kobo

Goodreads

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Chrys Fey is the author of Write with Fey: 10 Sparks to Guide You from Idea to Publication. She is also the author of the Disaster Crimes series. Visit her blog, Write with Fey, for more tips on how to reverse writer’s burnout. https://www.chrysfey.com/

One of those Rambling Wednesday Posts

July 1, 2020 By C. Lee McKenzie 67 Comments

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This First Wednesday of July I’m answering the question of the month on the IWSG Website. Here, I’m just going to ramble on a bit about what’s happening in my little part of the world.

I finished up my Covid-19 Challenge last week on Day 95 with a total of 341 miles. That means I averaged 3.58 miles a day, so I’m rounding up and saying I met my challenge of 4 miles a day. Out of all that mileage came some interesting lessons for me as a writer.

At first, I really didn’t think I could make it 4 miles. That’s a ways and at my advance age it takes some time, so I’d have to cut out other activities, leave some jobs undone. And I was right. I had to adjust my routine, and guess what? That’s exactly what I needed to do–put a freshness into my days.

I discovered I enjoyed those regular tasks more or they really weren’t that necessary after all. They definitely didn’t seem so boring. Some days the dishes waited until late at night, the bed wasn’t made until I climbed back into it, I made do with leftovers for dinner. The world hadn’t ended, and I’d racked up 4 more miles. Translated into my writer’s world…I can write anytime or not at all, and somehow all will be well.

After the first week, 4 miles didn’t seem very far anymore, and there were some days I did more. My longest walk was 9 miles, and I didn’t know I’d gone that far until I checked my phone. I thought about that and realized that I should apply that to my writing. I needed to stop thinking “I can’t write that next book” and just do it. Nothing’s impossible if I’m determined enough.

There’s a lot to see out there when you’re not rushing. Since I tried to take a different route everyday, I discovered so many places in the town where I’ve lived many years. Things look different when you’re on foot and not driving. Even familiar trails held some surprises for me because I wasn’t on my way anywhere; I was just out for a hike. So why not just enjoy the process of setting down a story? I did that when I first started writing, and I realized I needed to recapture that joy and stop pushing to get that next book finished.

I miss getting up and heading out first thing in the morning, but now stores are opening up, trails and sidewalks are more crowded, traffic has swelled to almost pre-Covid levels, so I’ve decided to only take those long walks once in a while. I may even hook up with some friends again and see how walking with others feels. It has been a while since I’ve had conversations with people face-to-face, and I’m missing that kind of interaction. Zoom has helped, but it can’t replace sharing real, physical time with people I like. Another writer lesson: you have to write alone, but you can’t isolate yourself forever without losing some of the inspiration others bring into your life.

On the Reading Front

Reading has–as always–been a bit part of my daily routine, and I didn’t change that while I’ve been distancing from the rest of the world. I loved this book. What an intricate plotter this writer is. I have a lion’s head knocker exactly like the one on the cover, and it opens a gate into a garden. I had to read this book because of the intrigue that lion’s head and that gate offered. I wasn’t disappointed.

From the sublime to the wacky, or in this case Wonky. I bought this book for one of my little ones. Well, I was laughing so hard while reading it that I had a tough time getting through the story. The kids didn’t find the book half as entertaining as I did, but they thought I was hilarious with tears rolling down my cheeks. They’ll get what’s so funny once they’ve matured.

Quote of the Month: “Life is inherently risky. There is only one big risk you should avoid at all costs, and this the risk of doing nothing.” Anonymous

A Summer 1st Wednesday 2020

June 3, 2020 By C. Lee McKenzie 86 Comments

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Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

Remember, the question is optional!

June 3 question – Writers have secrets! What are one or two of yours, something readers would never know from your work?

We have some truly awesome co-hosts today!

Pat Garcia, J.Q. Rose, Olga Godim, and Natalie Aguirre!

I’m not sure this qualifies as a secret, but I haven’t told anyone about it before now, so maybe it is. Of course, once I’ve published this post, poof goes the secret part. Anyway, here it is.

I’m trying my darnedest to keep writing and stay sane just like everybody else. It’s not easy to write books at any time, at least not for me. But then the heavy lifting called promotion starts, doesn’t it? I’ve been so close to stopping so many times, especially these last two years. Just when I have my fingers hovering over the keys to delete my accounts and shut down all my social media, I get a bit of encouragement from other writers and even some of my readers. So another day passes and I write a few more words, and then the First Wednesday comes…Well you can see where I’m going.

What I’ve discovered is that when I lend a hand to other authors it lifts me out of the doldrum, so I’ve been racking my brain to think of other ways I can help besides buy, read, and review books. I decided more exposure is always good, so I sent out a few emails, announcing an offer to authors on my EMAIL CONNECT. Several responded to my question: “What are you doing this shelter-in place fiasco?” Here’s what some of them sent to me:

This modern day shape-shifting tale is available on AMAZON. Buy yours today.	Sandra Cox says, “I garden. It sustains me and my flowers feed my spirit.”
This romantic story is a Free Book on AMAZON Get your free copy today.	Elizabeth Seckman wrote, “My stay sane strategy? When life gets tough, it’s best to stay busy. I made myself a mini bucket list of all the things I could do while quarantined. From cleaning out my closets to keeping a journal about this bizarre turn of life events, there is more on my list than I could ever finish, so no time to worry.”
Get your copy of this Cozy Mystery on AMAZON	Rebecca Douglass sent this: “I’m spending more time than ever exercising, which is good (but getting more challenging as it’s starting to get hot here). One average, close to 2 hours/day. Finding and completing little projects help me cope, but the best thing is when we manage to lure our sons out of their rooms and enjoy some actual family conversations! It’s not patience I’ve run out of—it’s focus. Trying hard to recover some and get on with those edits, but it’s hard. It’s always hard, but it’s harder this time.”
Buy this Fantasy/Mystery on Smashwords.	J. Lenni Dorner: “I am surviving the quarantine by focusing on what l CAN do. I’ve dealt with impossible situations before, so it isn’t having the same impact on me that it is on my spouse and friends. The most challenging part is saying good-bye to those I’ve lost during and because of this (two so far, another not looking good, and some who I can’t get a hold of so I don’t know.)”
This Detective Quaid Mystery is available at Amazon, Barnes & Nobel, and Smashwords. Get your next book in the series now!	Yolanda Renee says, “As an introvert, isolation isn’t terribly hard. I’ve always enjoyed my alone time. However, watching the daily death count and not being able to visit my sons is heartbreaking. Still, I’ve followed through on my goals. It’s spring, so reorganizing and redecorating has kept me busy. Launching my latest book, writing the next one, and working on several short stories have kept me busy. But for some reason, I also read every piece of mail, even the junk mail, and I have a tendency to cry at the drop of a hat. As I watch the beachgoers get their party on, I wonder what hotspot they’ve escaped from. So, I avoid crowds and wear my mask in the elevator when going to the laundry room. My deepest desire is to hug my boys.

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Buy Now.

The newest IWSG Anthology is here. If you like to meet the authors, visit their WEBSITE to see who they are and what their stories are about.

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Free on Email Connect

If you’d like to join other writers and readers on my email list, I’d love to have you there. I need more people in my life who like to write, read, and share information. I try to include about something of interest and ( I hope) value in each email. And there’s some free stuff once in a while. Right now you can read this short piece of horror when you sign on. Only my followers get copies because I’ve never sent it out for publication. My next “issue” is going to have something I think is exciting for any Indie writer.

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Quote of the Month: “It seems impossible until it’s done.” Nelson Mandela

I think of this quote each day that start out to do my 4 mile walk. It has helped me reach Day 75 and Mile 280 as of today.

When It’s Wednesday, It’s IWSG Time

May 6, 2020 By C. Lee McKenzie 56 Comments

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It’s that time again, the #IWSG day. Here’s where you can share those doubts or triumphs. This group is all about connecting, and thanks to the stealthy and clever Ninja Captain Alex Cavanaugh, we have this space every month.

May 6 Question: do you have any rituals that you use when you need help getting into the ZONE? Care to share?

The question is as always optional.

The awesome co-hosts for the May 6 posting of the IWSG are Feather Stone, Beverly Stowe McClure, Mary Aalgaard, Kim Lajevardi, and Chemist Ken!

The only thing closest to a ritual I have for times like these is to start walking. I find that if I get up from my desk and take off on a trail or along a beach, I soon find a way to write what I have in my mind. These past weeks I’ve been out of the ZONE a great deal, so I’ve covered a lot of territory. If you’ve seen my Facebook posts, you’ll know I set a challenge of 4 miles a day. I started on March 17 and as of yesterday (day 50) I’ve logged 200 miles. That’s such a nice round figure, and I’m thinking I could be almost half way to LA if only I’d headed straight that direction. Of course, I don’t want to go to LA, so it’s probably better that my route wasn’t just south and instead took me to a lot of different places.

This highway is usually clogged with traffic. In March I saw something I never thought I’d see. An empty highway.

My May Book Report

So many books this month and all so good.

Buy on Amazon	Jemi Frasier’s Dancing with Dementia was excellent. I felt as if I had a book I could really use if I had to face the challenges of caring for someone with dementia. My REVIEW.
Buy on Amazon	Sandra Cox’s newest book sounds like something I’d like to read. I need to find out about that sexy deputy. Here’s how Sandra describes Mateo’s Law: A modern day, shape-shifting sheriff. He’s the sheriff of a sparsely populated county in Montana. His blood brother and childhood best friend is Chief of Police on the Blackfoot Reservation, but they no longer speak. His deputy is a southern transplant with the body of a high-priced call girl, a voice of honey and a mouth of a trucker. And if that’s not enough, he’s got a secret that would stun those that know him best. Other than that, it’s business as usual for Sheriff Mateo Grey.
Buy on Amazon	I mentioned David Powers King’s new book last month, but have just purchased it and wanted to show off his cover. His tagline is: A princess. A dragon. Their quest.
Buy today!	And another story’s out by Beverly Stowe McClure! Gabe never asked for an angel… Gabe Montana’s clumsy. He’s overweight, and he’s dyslexic. Worse yet, the bullies make his fifteen-year-old life even more miserable—so miserable he wants to die. My REVIEW
	Will the third ghost be found before fires take more lives? Can everyone be warned before Pompeii is buried again? What happens if a blizzard traps a family in East Germany? Will the Firebird help Soviet sisters outwit evil during WWII? And sneaking off to see the first aeroplane – what could go wrong? Ten authors explore the past, sending their young protagonists on harrowing adventures. Featuring the talents of Yvonne Ventresca, Katharina Gerlach, Roland Clarke, Sherry Ellis, Rebecca M. Douglass, Bish Denham, Charles Kowalski, Louise MacBeath Barbour, Beth Anderson Schuck, and L.T. Ward. Hand-picked by a panel of agents, authors, and editors, these ten tales will take readers on a voyage of wonder into history. Get ready for an exciting ride!

If you’d like to know more about the judges and the process for choosing stories for these IWSG Anthologies, HERE is where you can find that information.

Quote of the Month:“Now I see the secret of making the best person: it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth.” – Walt Whitman

A Very Different First Wednesday

April 1, 2020 By C. Lee McKenzie 80 Comments

YASH Blue Team 2020 ARE YOU HERE FOR THE #YASH? YOU’LL FIND IT HERE!

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The IWSG’s focus is on our writers. Each month, from all over the globe, we are a united group sharing our insecurities, our troubles, and our pain. So, in this time when our world is in crisis with the covid-19 pandemic, our optional question this month is: how are things in your world?

The co-hosts for the April 1 posting of the IWSG are Diane Burton, JH Moncrieff, Anna @ Emaginette, Karen @ Reprobate Typewriter, Erika Beebe, and Lisa Buie-Collard! Be sure to visit and thank them for stepping up and co-hosting today.

This highway is usually bumper to bumper. Deer saunter across safely now.

My answer to this question is quiet. I’ve been walking every day at least 4 to 5 miles since the governor asked us to self-isolate. Self-isolating is easy because there are so few people out, I’m able to find deserted streets and trails everywhere. When I do meet people, we keep our distance, but manage a good morning and a smile. What I love seeing are the families walking together. Maybe they did this before, but maybe this is a new family activity and I applaud that. I know this virus has changed my life pattern, and I’m finding I really love my walks. I’ve been posting about them on. Facebook and once in a while Instagram since I started 15 days. And as of today, I’ve logged 64 miles. Maybe I don’t need a gym?

YA Book Covers This is a busy month online at least. I’ll be doing the #YASH (Young Adult Scavenger Hunt) again with 80 other authors. This year I’m on the BLUE TEAM. I like this hop because I have a chance to meet other authors and find out something “Exclusive” about them or their books. I even like to do the HUNT. It started yesterday and will end April 5 at 12 P.M. PDT. If you like FREE BOOKS and you need some DISTRACTION during these isolating days, join us HERE.

Like many of you, I’ve been reading even more than usual. I finished Margaret Atwood’s Testaments, and liked it even more than her Handmaid’s Tale. Maybe I just like to see perverted religious cults crumble. I also read an oldie Ballad of the Sad Cafe and other Short Stories by Carson McCullers. I didn’t care much for the other stories in the collection, but Ballad will stick with me for some time. It has all the human foibles that make fascinating characters as well as love, betrayal, loneliness, and abandonment. Steph Cha’s Your House Will Pay is a dynamite story told from two points of view, both American born, but from different cultures-one Korean and one Black. The setting is L.A. after the Watts Riots. Highly charged drama that leaves you wondering if forgiveness is ever possible. Right now I’m reading Roland Yeoman’s newest book, French Quarter Requiem (Dark Hollywood). Roland’s living up to his reputation for capturing some of Hollywood’s nobility when the last thing they are is noble. Of course, there’s a New Orleans haunted mansion, ghosts, and Turkish demons as well. Give it a read and a review! David P. King has a new book out today. The Dragon’s Heart: A LaVondian Fairytale is out today April 1st! You can check it out (Amazon and Goodreads). It’s a clean fantasy, excellent for young readers and for anyone who may be in the mood for a fairy tale adventure. Another book to add to your TBR list.

Don’t forget there’s a new ANTHOLOGY CONTEST coming soon from IWSG. The genre is Sci-Fi, and take a look at the judges who will read your material:Dan Koboldt, author and #SFFpit founder, Lynda Young, author, Damien Larkin, author, Julie Gwinn, agent, The Seymour Agency, David Powers King, author, Ion Newcombe, editor and publisher

Quote of the Month: “Nothing makes me more nervous than people who say, ‘It can’t happen here.’ Anything can happen anywhere, given the right circumstances. Margaret Atwood.

Why is March Mad?

March 4, 2020 By C. Lee McKenzie 77 Comments

From what I can find, March Madness was coined in the mid-1900s. Supposedly, people started behaving oddly. Could it have been the windy conditions that stirred everybody up and jiggled their gizzards? Maybe it was the erratic weather in general after the cold silence of winter when everything came out of “hibernation.” Then, of course, there are those hares that develop peculiar antics during their March mating season. “Mad as a March hare” is a British simile that first appeared in the 1500s.

Because Not Guilty has a lot about the sport of basketball, I ran into another use for March Madness while I was doing research. It’s during March and early April that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s and women’s college basketball tournaments are held. It’s an exciting, wild time for basketball, and March Madness seems to capture the mood.

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Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

Remember, the question is optional!

March 4 question – Other than the obvious holiday traditions, have you ever included any personal or family traditions/customs in your stories?

The awesome co-hosts for the March 4 posting of the IWSG are Jacqui Murray, Lisa Buie-Collard, Sarah Foster, Natalie Aguirre, and Shannon Lawrence!

I’m skipping the question this month because the answer is no. And also because I’ve posted in the IWSG site today, so isn’t that enough writing for one morning? Also, I have a special guest who has a short story coming out in the next IWSG anthology. If you haven’t met Bish Denham, you must because she’s awesome, so here she is.

Welcome, Bish!

Thank you, Lee, for having me on your blog!

You had an interesting life as a young girl growing up on a beautiful island. Can you tell a bit about how those early years have made you the writer/person you are today?

I think one thing that has made me the writer/person I am today (aside from having extraordinary parents and a fabulous older sister) is that I had a very long childhood. I was carefree and innocent much longer than most kids. This long childhood was packed with imaginary games with my best friend and all kinds of wonderful, mysterious magic. Even as a teen, I was quite naïve compared to my peers. I was shy and introverted. An observer. Perhaps growing up on the ocean and living with the ever-changing nature of its being, instilled in me a sense, “That everything changes and that’s okay.” Growing up in the Virgin Islands definitely had a profound affect on my life, one that I’m am ever so humble and grateful to have had. Has a consequence, most of my stories have a Caribbean color and flavor.

What in your life would probably surprise your readers the most?

How about that at the age of 21 I went from the tiny Virgin Islands to Los Angeles? Yup. Talk about culture shock. Though I only lived and worked there nine or ten months, I packed in more experience than any naïve person should. But I don’t regret a thing.

Everyone has fears. Some of us have phobias. Can you share what frightens you most?

I used to be terribly afraid of spiders. I think I was near phobic about them. But I desensitized myself by handling daddy longlegs when I was in my 30s. Now I love spiders. However, if I do see a poisonous one, like a black widow I will kill it. Other than that I’ve always been kind of fearless and curious, which I think goes along with being so naïve. I didn’t know to be afraid of things or people. Now, of course, I’m much more cautious. As I’m getting older, I do think about death and dying more than I did. I think I’m more concerned about the dying than actual death. Like anyone, I don’t want to suffer. I don’t want to be in pain. I don’t want to be a burden to people when my time comes.

What motivated you to enter the anthology contest?

Two things motivated me. One: it was for middle graders, those fabulous tweeners who are still open to magic while just beginning to realize the world is a lot more different than they thought. Two: the theme, Voyages. The Blind Ship has been sitting in my files for many long years waiting to find a home. I tried peddling it around when I first wrote it, but no one was interested, perhaps because the subject matter is rather dark. So, when I saw the theme I knew immediately I had to give The Blind Ship a go. I pulled it out, dusted it off, added a few things, tweaked it and, holding my breath, pushed the send button.

Your story in the anthology is based on history. Tell us about that history and why you chose to write about it. Will you give us a snippet of The Blind Ship?

I chose to write about the story of twelve-year-old Jacques B. Romaigne because I think it’s important. His journey on the slave ship Le Rodeur, comes directly from his journals. I have fictionalized some things like conversations, his stay in Bonny, and his and his mother’s attitude toward slavery. However, some of the journal entries I use in the story are his. Jacques was returning to the island of Guadeloupe in the Caribbean after visiting family in France. The ship stopped at Bonny on the coast of Africa where they picked up slaves before continuing on. The slaves brought with them a highly contagious eye disease that, at worst could cause permanent blindness. Except for one crew member, everyone on the ship—including Jacques—contracted the disease. It’s what happened to the slaves, the crew, and to the ship that makes this story so dark and unbelievable. News of what happened spread around the world. Abolitionists in France read Jacques deposition in Parliament in a bid to abolish slavery and John Greenleaf Whittier wrote the anti-slavery poem “The Blind Ships” based on Jacques story.

Excerpt:

At last we are on our way, He wrote a few days later. Le Rôdeur is 200 tons and we now have on board 160 Negro slaves.

Jacques reread his words. He had already commented on the fair weather carrying him toward the Caribbean. He tried not to think about what lay in the close dank, dark quarters of the hold. It was enough that he could hear their muffled moans and cries through the decking.

He took up his quill and continued writing.

I know you will miss me while you tarry in France, but father needs me on the plantation. Besides, I long to see the green hills of Guadeloupe and the blue waters of the bays. Take heart, Mother, soon you will follow and we will be together once again.

At dinner a few days later, M. Gagne and Captain Boucher spoke of shipboard issues. Jacques, as a paying passenger, ate with the men. They talked over his head, as if he wasn’t there.

“The slaves have brought ophthalmia on board with them,” said M. Gagne.

“Ophthalmia?” asked Jacques. “What is that?”

“An eye disease that causes blindness.” said M. Gagne. “At worst the blindness is permanent. Most often, if treated properly, vision will return, though in some cases one’s sight will be impaired.”

“How bad?” asked Captain Boucher.

“It is spreading at a frightful rate. There are already more than I can manage.”

Thank you so much for this, Bish. Here’s to a great launch.

Release date – May 5, 2020
Print 9781939844729 $13.95
EBook 9781939844736 $4.99
Juvenile Fiction – Historical / Action & Adventure / Fantasy & Magic
Dancing Lemur Press/Freedom Fox Press

Quote of the Month:

I Love February!

February 5, 2020 By C. Lee McKenzie 69 Comments

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Happy First Wednesday Again!

It’s the month of hearts and flowers, so you have to love it! Hope you have a lot of love and a lot of happiness for all of these 29 days–those remaining anyway.

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

Remember, the question is optional!

Has a single photo or work of art ever inspired a story? What was it and did you finish it?

Be sure to stop in and say hi to the co-hosts for the February 5

Lee Lowery, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Jennifer Hawes, Cathrina Constantine, and Tyrean Martinson!

Write It. Edit It. Publish It. I’d planned on skipping the question this month, but something called WEP popped up with a theme called The Cafe Terrace, and the badge just happened to have one of my favorite Van Gogh paintings. So guess what? I wrote a story and I’ll put it up for the next Write it. Edit it. Publish It. The story’s not long because the word limit is 1,000 words, but I finished it. So why do this? I have a lot going on–as do most writers–so why write a piece of flash fiction and publish it? First, it’s fun. Second, it’s a challenge to write to a theme. Third, if I’m going to continue to be a writer, I need for people to know me. This is another way for that to happen. And did mention it’s fun?

Not Guilty by C. Lee McKenzie Donna McDine gave me a lot of space on her blog in January. She INTERVIEWED me and she REVIEWED Not Guilty. Hope you’ll stop in and visit her space. She’s a super author who never stints on supporting others who are trying to show off their books.

The Money Pit On the home front, I’m launching a house remodeling project, not because I want to, but because if I don’t, things like my deck and my roof won’t be my deck or my roof much longer. Long delayed maintenance is in order. Of course, while I’m at it I may as well upgrade just a few items.

Does that sound familiar to people who own houses?

I think the term domino effect might apply. Then there’s also that movie, The Money Pit, to remind me of what I might be in for. So with great dread and apprehension (are those the same?) I’ve hired an architect, lined up possible contractors, and ordered more checks from the bank.

Quote of the Month: “You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it.” Jack London

The First IWSG Post for 2020

January 8, 2020 By C. Lee McKenzie 74 Comments

When I read a book, I often wonder if there’s a mini story tucked into the main one. And the reason for my curiosity is that I’ve been guilty of sneaking in some personal allusions in my books. I know I’m not alone. Even one of my writer friends included me as a character in her last book. Lee was a flower seller–a small cameo role–but a role nonetheless. She said it was her way of saying an additional thanks for my support. I loved it.

Not Guilty by C. Lee McKenzie

In Not Guilty, I wrote in a dog named Buddy. Buddy was a real dog. He had his own website with tales of his adventures and his favorite human, Mike. I was so sad when Buddy died. I felt as if he and Mike were good friends of mine. I asked Mike if he would mind if I paid my own tribute to his beloved Canine Couch Potato, and he not only didn’t mind, he loved the idea. Here’s the way I thought of Buddy.

From Not Guilty: By nature, Buddy was a people-loving retriever-mix who had come to him by some unknown chain of dog owners. He had a long history of being in and out of the pound. Their first day at the beach together, Devon found out why. Buddy hated water. He even hated wet sand under his paws. It took a lot of convincing to get Buddy on the sand that first day. Then they’d no sooner settled on the blanket when Buddy let out a yelp and hightailed it back to the asphalt. His leash whipped behind. People jumped out of the frantic dog’s way. Devon didn’t catch him until they’d run the length of Sugar Cove. Over the next few years, Buddy finally agreed to walk on the dry sand, but he never became the beach buddy Devon had imagined. And Frisbees could sail overhead all day without a single blink. He was a failed retriever, but he wasn’t a failed friend.

Join Us Now

Now moving on to the matters of the First Wednesday on the Second Wednesday. Here’s #IWSG!

THE BIG NEWS IS WE’RE ONCE AGAIN IN TOP 100 WEBSITES FOR WRITERS! CHECK OUT THE LIST ON THE WRITE LIFE.

This month’s optional question – What started you on your writing journey? Was it a particular book, movie, story, or series? Was it a teacher/coach/spouse/friend/parent? Did you just “know” suddenly you wanted to write?

The co-hosts for today’s posting of the IWSG are T. Powell Coltrin, Victoria Marie Lees, Stephen Tremp, Renee Scattergood, and J.H. Moncrieff!

A news article kicked off my writing journey–at least the one that led me to publishing my first book. The Sliding on the Edge by C. Lee McKenzie article reported that a high percentage of students on three Ivy League campuses admitted to some sort of self-abuse. I wanted to know what would cause a young, intelligent, and–to all appearances–successful person to cut or otherwise harm themselves. When I found out, I wrote Sliding on the Edge. This book was supposed to be my writing career– end of stories, but the publisher asked me for my next one, which I didn’t have, but I side-stepped that little problem and said I’d get back to them. I did, with The Princess of Las Pulgas. By then it was too late to stop, so I didn’t. I’m nine published books into this with three waiting on my C drive and one out to a publisher who asked for a full. I’ve promised to stop soon, but then I did that twelve books ago.

Many of you know about this contest, and we’ve announced the amazing winners, but here’s the cover and a synopsis to give everyone a better idea of what’s coming May 5.

Voyagers: The Third Ghost
An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology

Journey into the past…

Will the third ghost be found before fires take more lives? Can everyone be warned before Pompeii is buried again? What happens if a blizzard traps a family in East Germany? Will the Firebird help Soviet sisters outwit evil during WWII? And sneaking off to see the first aeroplane – what could go wrong?

Ten authors explore the past, sending their young protagonists on harrowing adventures. Featuring the talents of Yvonne Ventresca, Katharina Gerlach, Roland Clarke, Sherry Ellis, Rebecca M. Douglass, Bish Denham, Charles Kowalski, Louise MacBeath Barbour, Beth Anderson Schuck, and L.T. Ward.

Hand-picked by a panel of agents, authors, and editors, these ten tales will take readers on a voyage of wonder into history. Get ready for an exciting ride!

Release date – May 5, 2020
Juvenile Fiction: Historical (JUV016000) / Action & Adventure (JUV001000) / Fantasy & Magic (JUV037000)

Print 9781939844729 / EBook 9781939844736

I’d like to give a shout out to another anthology that features some of my writer friends. I’ve known Janet Gurtler since I first started publishing books and Cheryl Rainfield is another wonderful writer and human being I’ve had a long online relationship with. I read this book last year and loved reviewing it.
You Too? by Janet Gurtler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This collection of short stories reveals a sad truth about our society where young women are still objectified, and in some cases, abused. Each story is different, but there are underlying themes that run though many of them. “It’s the woman’s fault” is one, guilt is another, and shame. Some made me cry, some made me angry, but all of them made me aware.

View all my reviews

Quote of the Month: “The trouble with writing fiction is that it has to make sense, whereas real life doesn’t.” Iain M. Banks Scottish Sci-Fi-Fi author.