C. Lee McKenzie

Young Adult and Middle Grade Author

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April WEP

April 5, 2019 By C. Lee McKenzie 28 Comments

Check Out the Other Entries

This is my entry into the WEP April event. I’m a bit puzzled about where it came from, but it came and that’s how it is. I”m looking forward to reading the others as they publish!


Those pearl earrings were mine, and I was going to have them back no matter what.

The Voice, the one I’d heard for far too long, said, “You are in another place now, Juliana. Let the material possessions stay where you left them.”

I could almost see the long finger of caution wagging at me, but I ignored it as well as the boring reminder of my altered state. I didn’t need that. I knew my situation all too well. But, I didn’t quite know how I’d manage the heist and restore those earrings to my possession. That was going to take some unearthing of proper procedures.

“Hmm. Unearthing.” I had the answer. All I needed was a willing digger. I just needed to find one. Next, I’d need an animator. There used to be one per village until the Inquisition, so there had to be some lurking here.

The back alleys of this place were overflowing with unfulfilled entrepreneurs, and so I set out to explore an area I’d avoided since my arrival. A visit to this dark side held a few risks, but those pearls were worth it. I needed something to make me feel good about myself. It had been a long time since I’d had anything to make me feel like the Contessa Juliana Costa da Verdi.

Of course, along my route The Voice nagged at me every step I took.
“Turn back.”
“This is a terrible mistake.
“There’s great danger in returning to fetch what you left. I’ve told you that.”
I stomped my foot and hissed back. “Stop. I know what I’m doing.”

I knew that The Voice could only go as far as the entrance to the dark territory. While there was no line drawn, I felt a barrier as I approached, and so for a moment I stopped.

“You will regret going in there,” The Voice said, and this time it sounded depleted.

For a moment, I hesitated, but my desire for what was rightfully mine swept over me again, and before I could change my mind, I stepped into the blackness of the other side. I hadn’t expected the icy air or the odd smell of creosote. I’d always thought this place would be filled with fire and steam and smell of the unwashed. Well, it wasn’t.sI crept ahead feeling my way through what felt like a narrow canyon until I spotted a flickering light ahead. Moving closer, I discovered a small flame with a hooded figure huddled around it. It didn’t look up when I stepped into the light.

“Excuse me,” I said. “I’m the Contessa Juliana Costa da Verdi.” My name used to turn heads and make people bow. The one seated at the fire didn’t seemed to hear me. I tried for attention again, louder this time. “I’ve come seeking a digger and an animator.”

The figure rose and towered over me. I was forced to look up at what I supposed was a face, but in this light and with the hood pulled down, I couldn’t be certain.

“I am that.” It was a deep, animal sound that came at me.
“A digger or an animator?”
“Both.”
“Oh, well, then you’re exactly what I need.” This was far too simple. I’d have to tell that nattering Voice just how silly those warnings really were.
“I charge.”
“Yes. I imagine you do. What?”
“A soul is my going rate. You have only to give me a name.”
I thought of one immediately. This would teach my dearly beloved to re-marry so quickly and to give my jewelry box along with my precious pearl earrings to his bride. “Done.”

I laid out my plan, named the soul, and asked, “So when can I expect your service to be complete?”
“Come.” Like a shadow, the digger-animator moved back down the canyon, and I followed. It was a relief to come out of that dark place until The Voice started again.
“How did you bring this into our side?”
“I hired it for a job.”
“You paid?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, Juliana. You have made such a terrible mistake.”
The way he said that, did give me an anxious moment, but I had a mission. I would not be stopped now. “You’re nothing but a naysayer and worry wort. Go away.”
“You have set loose unimaginable tragedy.”
I think those words were followed by a sigh. Silence came after that, and I was left alone with the giant hooded figure.

Without a word he led the way until we came to a familiar spot. Not my favorite one, but at least I recognized it, and I knew this digger-animator was going to complete the task.
It didn’t take long to bring up the coffin. I really hated opening it, but it had to be done. And what a mess I was. I’d hoped some of the preservation techniques would have kept my lovely body in tact, but no.
Before I recovered from the shock of seeing the rather vile remains of the Contessa Juliana Costa da Verdi, the figure placed a massive hand on her chest. And up she came. Juliana still had some kick in her. I smiled as I reconnected with the old, although greatly damaged, me.

“Now, I’m off to fetch those earrings. Thank you,” I told my animator.
I started away, stumbling over the uneven ground because no one had thought to put shoes on my feet for my burial. When I looked back, the figure was following me.
“You may go.”
Still it came along behind.
“Why aren’t you returning where you belong?”
“I now belong here. You gave me a soul, and I’m taking it.”
“Then what?”
I could make out a smile, but it had no humor in it.
“Then all that is the soul’s becomes mine.”
“Not my earrings!”
“I’m afraid so. Everything in that jewel box. Everything in the estate.” Sweeping back the hood, the new Conte Costa da Verdi looked down at me. “You’re quite a mess, you know.”

He strode away, and in the far distance I heard The Voice, “Poor Juliana. Forever to roam between death and life.”


Filed Under: Uncategorized

The First Spring Wednesday

April 3, 2019 By C. Lee McKenzie 81 Comments

Lancaster in Bloom

I know it’s spring when I can’t sit for more than three minutes in front of the computer, I pace, stopping at the window to stare at the daffodils, the poppies, and the wild plums all pink with flowers. Color is everywhere out there, and I’m itching to enjoy it up close. However, business first, so here’s my First Wednesday post for April and a great spring hello to everyone.

And I’ve started spring off with an INTERVIEW. The BOOK SAGE, a reviewer, asked me make an appearance on his blog. Of course, I said YES! Please stop by and say hello.


#IWSG
Join Us Now

The awesome co-hosts for the April 3 posting of the IWSG are some of my favorite people! Please go say hi to them and thank them for hosting.
J.H. Moncrieff, Natalie Aguirre, Patsy Collins, and Chemist Ken!

Remember, the question is optional!

If you could use a wish to help you write just ONE scene/chapter of your book, which one would it be? (examples: fight scene / first kiss scene / death scene / chase scene / first chapter / middle chapter / end chapter, etc.)

I’d wish for a solid and non-saggy middle chapter–maybe I’d push my luck and ask for a few of those. For me the middle of the book is a challenge. I’ve set up the story and I usually know how I’m going to end it. It’s that long bridge between that I do battle with to keep the pace up and the characters at their charismatic best. My greatest worry is the middle chapters will be as sad as an old mattress. Of course, wishing won’t prevent saggy-ness from happening; only long hours of weary fingers on the keyboard and longer ones deleting and rewriting with those same weary fingers will do that.

Here’s my wish! Non-saggy middle chapters.

Email Connect by C. Lee McKenzie
Email Connect

This month on my Email Connect, I’m begging for people to STEAL MY BOOKS. I’ll let you know if I have any takers. My featured author is Alex Cavanaugh. Surprise! And I’m linking to the WEP winner for the February challenge.

And speaking of the WEP…here’s the April theme. Better jump in now with your contribution. Sign up HERE.


Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ Kobo ~ B&N ~ Smashwords

Rescuing Mara’s Father kept me reading.

From my Review: When Mara’s father is abducted by an evil queen, she ignores all of her father’s wishes for her to hide and stay safe to go in search of him. Set in a distant future and a fictional galaxy, Rescuing Mara’s Father is a fast-paced science fiction adventure with unexpected twists up to the very end. You’ll enjoy the read.


As usual there are things happening here at #IWSG. Our latest excitement is our affiliation with DIY MFA so we can bring you great programs for writers. This is actually my excuse for not visiting blogs early this month. I’m in a training session today. But I’ll be around to say hi and catch up soon.

Here’s a podcast that you should sample. It’s with David Morrell who is just brilliant. Then there’s one with David Corbett that’s very like a master class on writing characters based on historical figures. There are many more, so don’t touch that dial. There’s going to be something for everybody.
 


IWSG Anthology Contest 2019

And another IWSG Anthology Contest is on the horizon. We’ll announce the theme next month, but start thinking about Middle Grade Adventure/Fantasy stories you’d like to write. You’ll have from May 1-September 4 to enter.


Quote of the Month: “Wishing as a strategy is the very worst.” Andrew Young, Clergyman

Filed Under: Craft of Writing, Email Connect, Featured Author, Insecure Writers Support Group, Uncategorized

Punxsutawney Phil Says…

March 6, 2019 By C. Lee McKenzie 78 Comments

#IWSG
Join Us Today

…join the IWSG parade and meet a lot of writers/readers. Oh, and Phil also says that spring will be early this year.


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!
The awesome co-hosts for the March 6 posting of the IWSG are Beverly Stowe McClure, Erika Beebe, and Lisa Buie-Collard! 

March 6 question – Whose perspective do you like to write from best, the hero (protagonist) or the villain (antagonist)? And why?

Today I’m answering the question over at the IWSG site and propping it up with one of those pithy quotes I like so much. Hope you’ll pop by. There’s so much happening this EARLY SPRING for all IWSGers. And speaking of things happening here are two new books!


Music Boxes by Tonja Dreker
AMAZON . B&N . KOBO

VIDEO

Twelve-year-old Lindsey McKay’s biggest dream is to be a famous ballerina. But after moving to New York, she ends up at the Community Center with a teacher who’s a burly bear in tights.When she meets Madame Destinée, the teacher of a top dance school who offers her classes for free, Lindsey can’t believe her luck. In exchange, she must perform in the school’s exclusive midnight shows, ones sure to make her a star. But something’s not right…One by one, the other dancers disappear. Each time they do, a music box with a figurine just like the missing ballerina joins Madame Destinée’s growing collection. If Lindsey doesn’t discover the truth about the dance school, she might end up a tiny figurine herself.

There’s a GIVEAWAY, but it ends midnight EST, March 15th. Better sign up now. If you have questions, you can contact Tonja HERE


Buy Now

Jackson Stone is sick of ghosts. With his love life in shambles, he heads to Romania for a horror writers’ retreat, hoping it will be a break from the supernatural and breathing space from his relationship with medium Kate Carlsson.

But as his fellow writers begin disappearing or losing their minds, he realizes he needs Kate’s help. 

When Jackson loses his own memory, Kate’s love is the only thing that can bring him back. But she’s falling for the man responsible for the evil in Romania. A man who claims to be her soul mate. Will this master of wraiths forever break Kate’s bond with Jackson?

Here’s some BIG news about #IWSG. We’re now in the top 50 blogs for writers at the UK Writers Hub.

50 Best Writing Blogs in 2018

This month my Email Connect gives a little history about a few of those pesky grammar rules that sometimes give us fits. Hope you’ll join me and receive your free story as a thank you.


The February WEP was another whooping success. Please congratulate the intrepid writers who entered and give those who won some kudos.


See you over at IWSG. What did you think about the UK Writers Hub news? Did you check out Tonja’s video? How about J.H. Moncrieff’s ghostly tale? Did you enter the WEP last month?

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: IWSG, Punxsutawney Phil, Tonja Dreker, WEP

Where’s My Saddle?

April 9, 2018 By C. Lee McKenzie 42 Comments

Last month I said, “I give up!” That was the first time I ever heard those words from my lips. I never give up.

Even if I’m holding plank and the teacher says, “Just ten more breaths!” I take ten more breaths, but here’s the story about last month.

I was well into 40K words on a new WIP and feeling very…

when my computer coughed up a ginormous hairball and died. Okay, so I have backup, right? Yes and no. The file that I was working on–the 40K, bright and shiny, new, amazing, and best story ever–didn’t quite back up. My grocery list from 2010, did.

That’s when I went all…

Wet Cat

and…

and fell off my PHOTOGRAPH BY JOEL SARTORE

Now, I’m climbing back onto my

Feet

and once I find my

saddle

I’m ready to ride!

Feel free to send warm, cheery thoughts and saddle soap.


Quote of the Week: “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” Coach John Wooden

Filed Under: Uncategorized

No Whining. Ever. Even if You’re Insecure

February 7, 2018 By C. Lee McKenzie 86 Comments

#IWSG

Writers Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers

The brainchild of Alex Cavanaugh

Your Optional Question of the Month: What do you love about the genre you write in most often.

The awesome co-hosts for the February 7 posting of the IWSG are Stephen Tremp, Pat Garcia,Angela Wooldridge, Victoria Marie Lees, and Madeline Mora-Summonte! 

Please stop by and say hi and thanks for hosting this February IWSG First Wednesday.

Also Tick Tock, A Stitch In Time is posting today for it’s first, First Wednesday. I’m introducing my short story, Heartless. Come say hello to us, too.


And now, I want you to meet a lady who’s got my admiration. I had the privilege of meeting Flossie Lewis. She’s a friend’s teacher, and we shared an afternoon together a few years ago. This is Flossie, and this is why whining is just not an option.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

It’s November. Did You Notice?

November 6, 2017 By C. Lee McKenzie 49 Comments

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.

Bloodwalker by LX CainAMAZON . 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.

 


 

Full Dark Anthology

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?

Filed Under: Featured Author, France, New Books, Travel, Uncategorized

I’m Back! And Just in Time for #IWSG Wednesday

November 1, 2017 By C. Lee McKenzie 90 Comments

#IWSG

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. 

Remember, the question is optional!  [Read more…] about I’m Back! And Just in Time for #IWSG Wednesday

Filed Under: Insecure Writers Support Group, Uncategorized Tagged With: Double Negative, Insecure Writer

Taking A Break

October 9, 2017 By C. Lee McKenzie Leave a Comment


I’m taking a break.
See Everyone November 1st on #IWSG Day!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: vacation

Show Us Your Writer Insecurity! Special #IWSG Day!

October 4, 2017 By C. Lee McKenzie Leave a Comment

JOIN UP

This is a special #IWSG day.

[Read more…] about Show Us Your Writer Insecurity! Special #IWSG Day!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: IWSG

Hashtag Insecurity

September 6, 2017 By C. Lee McKenzie 44 Comments

The Insecure Writers Support Group

Please visit the co-hosts for today’s posting of the IWSG: Tyrean Martinson, Tara Tyler, Raimey Gallant, and Beverly Stowe McClure!

[Read more…] about Hashtag Insecurity

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: IWSG

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