C. Lee McKenzie

Young Adult and Middle Grade Author

I’m Back in the Saddle for IWSG’s First Wednesday

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The month of May zipped by, but not without many wonderful experiences hiking in some of the most beautiful country in the US. A lot of people are excited about Paris or New York, but for me, there’s nothing more beautiful than the open spaces and nature’s architecture. Stop me before I wax poetic about petrified forests, slot canyons, waterfalls, and pine forests! I could go on for hours, and then there are the pictures that I will want you to see-lots of pictures.

Grand Staircase, Escalante
Grand Staircase National Monument Escalante

The road trip took 17 days. The average hike was 5 miles. I only got into trouble once when I was on a steep grade and the ground turned to sand. No matter how I tried, I couldn’t keep from sliding about ten feet onto the lower trail, filling my shoes with enough sand to keep me from going headfirst. I surprised a hiker below me with, “Look out! I’m on my way down.” I’m glad he was there because after him came the canyon.

At times the elevation made breathing while hiking up a mountain a challenge. Let’s face, it made it damned hard. I almost turned back a couple of times, but there was always a waterfall that I really wanted to see or a view that couldn’t be missed, so while those hikes took longer than I expected, I made it. Good thing I have great hiking friends for encouragement.

Canyonlands National Park

While I’ve hiked some of these trails before, doing it again was as if it were my first time. I’m much older than I was when I first visited these places and a very different person. While I was hiking what should have been familiar spots, sophomore year Philosophy 1A replayed Heraclitus who philosophized something like-and I paraphrase-You cannot step into the same river twice…

Cave at Great Basin National Park, Utah
Moab, Utah

I’ve missed hearing what everyone is doing, so I look forward to visiting and catching up.

And now…

#IWSG
Join Us Now

The awesome co-hosts for the June 1 posting of the IWSG are SE White, Cathrina Constantine, Natalie Aguire, Joylene Nowell Butler, 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 a 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!

When the going gets tough writing the story, how do you keep yourself writing to the end? If have not started the writing yet, why do you think that is and what do you think could help you find your groove and start?

I’ve really already answered this question at the beginning of the post. My first resort when I’m stuck or in the writing doldrums is to get up and get out. Walking or hiking always clears my head and returns me to the story. It took me a while to figure this out.

For a long time, I’d force myself to stick with the page even when the words wouldn’t come.

Miserable!

Then one day, just before I hurled the computer out the window, I turned the thing off and headed outside. I think I walked ten miles that day. By the time I came back, not only was I feeling smug about how much exercise I’d had, but I also had the words I needed to move ahead with the story.

Well, duh! Why did it take me so long to figure this out?

Ouray, Colorado

Quote of the Week: “Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better.” - Albert Einstein

The IWSG October is Upon Us!

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I am LATE with my #IWSG post! I am JET-LAGGED! I have just discovered I can’t do everything. After a month of being a traveler, I’m dazed and in culture shock and saying, “I can’t launch a book and do a blog hop and …. anything else while I’m on the road.” My muse is saying, “Get over it already!”

“Shut up, muse!”

“I will once you get on with the business at hand.”

“Fine! So here it is.”

Join Us NowThe awesome co-hosts for the October 2 posting of the IWSG are Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Mary Aalgaard, Madeline Mora-Summonte, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!

The awesome co-hosts for the October 2 posting of the IWSG are Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Mary Aalgaard, Madeline Mora-Summonte, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!

The Optional Question this month is this: It’s been said that the benefits of becoming a writer who does not read is that all your ideas are new and original. Everything you do is an extension of yourself, instead of a mixture of you and another author. On the other hand, how can you expect other people to want your writing, if you don’t enjoy reading? What are your thoughts?

My answer to the question: Well, first of all, I can’t imagine not reading. Whether I write or don’t write. It’s what inspires me, teaches me, and has shaped my life since I can remember.

However, to take this question into a slight detour, I read widely. That includes, almost everything except erotica (Anais Nin being the exception). I think it’s important to draw from all genres and different kinds of writers.

When I first started writing to publish, I went to hear Laurie Halse Anderson speak, and she said quite frankly, that she never read other YA writers. That made sense to me, so unless a friend who writes YA or MG asks me read, I avoid reading in those genres. I’d rather strike out on my own. I also don’t go to books that give me synonyms for words; I want to avoid choosing what thousands of other writers are choosing. Of course, I’ve now offended someone, so I’m sorry (but keep in mind I’m also jet-lagged and cranky… compassion or understand, appreciated), but we must all find our own way in this writing business, and I’m not one to say how. I only know what I do.

I read. I write. I cry a lot. Then I stomp around muttering to myself. I write some more, and when I’m totally out of steam AKA ideas, I read some more. Back to the original question…I’d never presume to write without being a reader.

There’s a new WEP coming. I love this theme. It’s so “juicy” with possibilities for the macabre. Perfect for this Halloween month. Sign up and submit your story. It will be fun to read what you come up with.

 

 

 

If you want to see what the August winner came up with for that challenge, Here’s your chance.

 

 

 

 

Quote of the month: “You were born to be an original. Don’t die a copy.” John Mason, national best-selling author, noted speaker

First Wednesday, Month 7!

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A Post Vacation Dialogue
Me: “I’m back physically, but mentally I’m still enjoying an Aegean swim.”
Muse (AKA The Nag): “Did you say Aegean? I thought you were going to the Ionian.”
Me: “Well, you see there was a change in plan. It’s called ‘life takes a left instead of a right,’ so there were different boats and different crews and, therefore, a different sea.”
The Muse (AKA The Nag): “Are you sure you’re not losing it?”
Me: “Somewhat sure. Listen, fella, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Here’s a picture of me pretending to write when, in fact, I’m waiting for the anchor to drop so I can jump into the water. To be very honest, I wrote not one word.”

Thanks for the picture, Jason!

The Muse (AKA The Nag): “And you call yourself a writer.”
Me: “I like the title. And who could resist jumping into this?
And, of course, after a swim I was busy eating and talking and eating some more. There may have been wine involved.
The Muse (AKA The Nag): “Ah ha! Just as I suspected. I’m stuck here minding the estate, and you’re off swimming in some exotic sea and getting snockered during the day!”
Me: “Not ‘snockered‘ just…happy.”
The Muse (AKA The Nag) turns away in a sulk.
Me: I did some work while I was gone. Look! Double Negative was in the top ten books listed in this wiki: Stunning YA Books That Chronicle The Tough Realities Of Growing Up.
The Muse (AKA The Nag) shrugs. No eye contact.
Me: I’m in too good a mood to let you rile me, so go ahead and pout and let me get on with this first Wednesday post.”
In this brainchild of Alex Cavanaugh, each month the IWSG announce a question that members can answer in their 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.
July 3 question: What personal traits have you written into your character(s)?

Remember, the question is optional!

The awesome co-hosts for the July 3 posting of the IWSG are Erika Beebe, Natalie Aguirre, Jennifer Lane, MJ Fifield, Lisa Buie-Collard, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!

I’d like to say that there’s nothing of me in the people I create, but I suppose a writer can’t avoid creating a cast that is nothing like them. So when I thought about the question, I had to admit there are bits of me that I recognize in some of my characters.

I’ve been known to be stubborn-I’d prefer to call it determined-and that trait pops up in several characters. If Shawna Stone (Sliding on the Edge) hadn’t been hugely stubborn, she wouldn’t have survived. I threw a lot at Ms. Stone in this story, and she finally fought her way through all of it.

My fears peek out at me when I think about Carlie Simon (The Princess of Las Pulgas) and she withdraws into herself when those fears become very big-my usual strategy. When I’m really scared, I disappear until I get all of that under control.

Like Cleo Brown (Sudden Secrets) I can carry around a lot of guilt about mistakes, and I used to run like she does to escape, but these days I’ve turned to hiking and yoga to help me out.

So in short, these are the traits I’ve written into some of my characters, and I’m sure I’m not alone. Can’t wait to see what others have answered this month.

There are some really good July bargains from Dancing Lemur Press.Some restrictions apply. Free swag with all direct orders. See the SITE for details.

 

 

 

Thirty writers entered the June WEP! Go read some and see what you think. There were many that deserve applause. But here are the stars according to the judges: Pat Hatt, Elephant’s Child , Toi There were so many great stories that I’m sure it was a difficult choice.

 

 

Quote of the Month: Compliments of The Muse (AKA The Nag) “Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a life you don’t need to escape from.” Seth Godin, entrepreneur, author, speaker.

Going Fishing

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Actually, I’m not going fishing, but I am or hope to be swimming in the Ionian Sea. Whatever I’m doing next week, it won’t be social media. My brain needs a break. In case you want to know why, you can read about it HERE. I’ll get back to all of you when I return.

Here’s my itinerary for the month. Pulgia for a week at a farm house. Ionian islands for the rest of the time on a sailboat. So simple. Exactly what I need after a year of “adjusting.”

My Plan for June

However, I haven’t forgotten that today is the famous Insecure Writers Support Group Day.

 

In case you’re new to the group,

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

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.

The question is optional!

June 5 question: Of all the genres you read and write, which is your favorite to write in and why?

The awesome co-hosts for the June 5 posting of the IWSG are Diane Burton,Kim Lajevardi,Sylvia Ney,Sarah Foster,Jennifer Hawes,and Madeline Mora-Summonte! Please stop by their sites and cheer them on.
I’m skipping the question this month, so I can pack. I’m leaving tomorrow… on a jet plane. Don’t know when I’ll be back again. Well, not exactly. I’ll be back at the end of the month, but that was a nod to John Denver and Peter, Paul, and Mary. Sweet sixties!

When I return, I’ll have my hands full because a publisher has just taken another of my Young Adult books , so I’ll be doing what authors do when they have a book coming out. I have nothing except the title and my tag to share yet.

 

 

A blood-smeared knife
One young man’s word against another
A lifetime dream crushed

 

 

 

And then because it’s summer, I’m offering the Kindle version of Alligators Overhead (book 1 in the Adventures of Pete and Weasel trilogy) for $1.99 the month of June.

 

Quote of the Month: “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

 

Networking 101 or An Easy A

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I subscribe to #BYDN (Build Your Own Dream Network) just because it has an interesting slant on networking and is broader in its scope than other newsletters. Some of the emails I receive are so-so, but some have great ideas. This last one titled, When Told To Get Out And Network, What Do You Do? The author, Hoey, went to successful networkers and ask them that question. The answers are perfect for writers who are trying show who they are and what they write.

While there were several great responses, these two were perfect for me. It makes networking an easy A when I’m learning and discovering, and if I’m uncomfortable in my surroundings, I can barely talk, let alone schmooze.

  • Approach everything as if you were a student, and adopt a learners mentality. Be curious about your surroundings, who you’re in the room with and what interests you about the topic being discussed. You’ll naturally think of things to ask others in the room, which is a great way to begin a conversation with anyone. AND, seek first to understand others before attempting to tell someone all about yourself and what you need. When networking is approached from a learner’s perspective, there is nothing to be nervous about, as your curiosity and genuine interest will naturally draw others to you. - Adrienne Garland, Founder of She Leads Media
  • Do it in environments in which you are comfortable. If you aren’t a golfer, don’t head out for 18 holes. If you love to cook, host a dinner party for friends with plus ones you don’t know yet. - Jill Van Beke, Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Launch Tennessee @jvanbeke

 

Do you enjoy networking? Have any special or favorite ways to handle it?

 

I’ve featured L.X.. Cain this month with her book Bloodwalker. There are a few more days to ask for an eBook or AudioBook. Just add your YES, Please chose me! to the comments below or shoot me an email via the Email Connect that went out before Thanksgiving.

 

I wish I were still in France, but I have my memories of a beautiful experience. After we left the Canal Du Midi, we drove south to a farmhouse.

[Read more…] about Networking 101 or An Easy A

Blast ’em!

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DugganArts/Morguefiles

I beta tested a product last week. It’s called Blasty. Their function is to find pirate sites, notify you that your copyrighted material is up for grabs, and give you a chance to take that material down. Of course, I found that all of my books are available free. I found that they’ve been downloaded thousands of times-according to the sites’ stats.

I emailed Blasty and asked if this was a futile effort since these sites shut down and pop up with a different URL all the time. Their reply was that they were working to track the ever-moving pirate sites. They are also sending takedowns to the host sites. They’re working on becoming the most powerful tool against online pirates possible.

I may sign up or I may resign myself to being pirated and all of my (ahem!) intellectual property being given away free. Have you heard of Blasty, tried it, interested or not?

Now about taking other peoples stuff and using it: Jacqui Murray posted about Image Copyrights Do’s and Dont’s in September. It’s worthy of attention. When I use someone’s image without paying for it, I check her guidelines. And guidelines are what the copyright “laws” seem to be. Here are a couple of RULES I’ve made for myself to help me in making decisions about image use:

  • I apply the “fair use” and post the image once in the context of teaching/learning. “Fair Use Doctrine is to allow for limited and reasonable uses as long as the use does not interfere with owners’ rights or impede their right to do with the work as they wish.” If I use an image from any open source site, I read their rules. For example, Morguefiles allows downloads and use of photos without credit if you alter the photo, but asks that you give credit if you post the original photo. I err on the side of caution and give credit anyway. Why not? If the image was good enough for me to download it, the person creating it should have their name on it.
  • When I’m in doubt, I contact the artist/photographer/graphic designer and ask their permission. I’ve had some say, “You can use it for your blog posts and Email Connects as long as you give me credit.”

southernfried/morguefiles

Since copyright protection this is such a nebulous “balance” between protecting the creator of those images and public benefit, you might want to take a look at this other article that I found. It’s clear and useful for those of us trying to play fair and not wanting to break any laws.

 

And then there’s France. [Read more…] about Blast ’em!

Remakes? And Anthologies, Keep ’em Coming

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I’m going with THE THING as my remake choice. Not because it’s a fabulous movie, but because the 1982 version made me laugh more than the 1951 version. Besides, it takes a lot of hutzpa to do something so bad twice. Join in the REMAKES BLOGFEST FUN. See what other remakes people are choosing.

 

 

Keep your eye out for the next Insecure Writers Support Group anthology. The stories are on their way to the judges, and before you know it, you’ll be able to read a collection of spine-chilling tales. TICK TOCK. The clock’s ticking toward another anthology for your reading pleasure.

 

 

 

I have a bit of news. I returned from France to find that one of my more literary stories had won a place in an anthology called Lost. And it was a Judge’s Pick. They notified me that the publication date is early December. I’ve always thought about taking a creative writing course, but I’ve never gotten around to it. Now I’m more motivated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remember to take a look at L.X. Cain’s Bloodwalker. It will give you some chilling moments all along the way to the end. If you don’t have time to read it right now, add it to your Goodreads‘ list and read it later.

eBook, AudioBook, Paperback

AMAZON . B&N . KOBO . SMASHWORDS

 

 

FRANCE, continued. This was going to be a very different kind of trip. The barge down the Canal Du Midi was the first leg of our journey, and will always be memorable. It started in Carcassonne, a medieval city with the prerequisite castle (LaCité) and moat-dry, but a moat, nonetheless.

[Read more…] about Remakes? And Anthologies, Keep ’em Coming

It’s November. Did You Notice?

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Yep. November arrived last week, then daylight savings time ended, and we Fell back. I hear the pitter-patter of holiday feet and, of course, Christmas decorations are already in the store windows. However, I refuse to panic…yet. I have more important things, like my Featured Follower of the Month. Ta-Da! L.X. Cain is a writer of horror fiction and she does a great job at scaring me, yet keeping me reading, so I’m excited to feature her here this month.

AMAZON . B&N . KOBO

MY REVIEW.

“Lightning flashes. Another child disappears…” This is how the book starts, and you’ll have to keep reading because the terror doesn’t stop until the end. You can enter to win either an eBook or an AudioBook by leaving a comment with your choice and a contact email.

 

 

What happens in the dark will come to light.

 

There’s an anthology that’s just out, and I’m plugging it because all proceeds go to an excellent cause. Full Dark is a benefit anthology. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Gary Sinise Foundation, an organization that does many wonderful things for our country’s active military, its veterans, and the countless first responders who sacrifice so much to keep us safe.

AMAZON . B&N

GET YOUR COPY TODAY!

 

And what about France? Well, it was much more than I expected. I’ll be boring you with snippets of my adventure, so be forewarned. First, there was Limoges. [Read more…] about It’s November. Did You Notice?