C. Lee McKenzie

Young Adult and Middle Grade Author

  • Home
  • Young Adult
  • Middle Grade
  • Teachers & Parents
  • Appearances
  • Contact
  • About
  • Links
  • Blog

Featured Author from FULL DARK, Loni Townsend

January 29, 2018 By C. Lee McKenzie 56 Comments

I’ve featured this anthology during January, and I hope you’ve enjoyed meeting some of the authors. Now here’s Loni Townsend to wrap up this Featured Author month.

Full Dark

What happens in the dark will come to light.

Thanks for featuring FULL DARK this month and letting me pop onto your blog, Lee. I got pretty lucky when it came to this anthology. I’m critique partners with Melissa Maygrove, and I kept in touch with her via email. She had previously mentioned her desire to do an anthology, and I told her to keep me in mind if she ever wanted contributions. My story, Just a Matter of Time, came to me one afternoon, and I ended up pounding out the short story within a few hours–the fastest I’ve ever finished a story. It took about four revisions before it was where I wanted it to be, but once it was there, I was smiling. I didn’t originally write it for the FULL DARK anthology, but I knew it’d be a good fit and sent it to Melissa to see what she thought. Much to my joy, she agreed.

Just a Matter of Time is actually the first one in the anthology, and as I cruised through the anthology’s preview, I found you can actually read the whole story in the provided Kindle snippet. I’d definitely recommend checking it out, and then picking up a copy to read the rest of the fabulous stories. All proceeds are donated to the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Loni Townsend – Wife. Mother. Writer. Ninja. Squirrel. By day, she writes code. By predawn darkness, she writes fantasies. All other times, she writes in her head. People call her peculiar with a twisted sense of fashion, but don’t let those understatements fool you. Her behavior is perfectly normal for a squirrel disguised as a human. That’s part of being a ninja—blending in. Find her at her blog at http://lonitownsend.com.

Thanks so much, Loni.


When I read Loni Townsend’s contribution to FULL DARK, I applauded her fresh take on an ancient story. Her MC was perfect for this century.

For thousands of years, the Grim Reaper, has roamed the earth, reaping human souls. He really comes into his own on October 31. He’s easy to spot: skeleton, hooded robe, scythe, and the imagery is clear. But when did this spooky character emerge? From what I could find, he arrived with the pandemic called the Black Death in the 14th century. Now that I’ve spread cheer, want to take another of those little T/F quizzes? Well, just in case, here’s one for you.

The Grim Reaper

A Fourteenth-Century Icon

 

  1. During the mid-1300s, the Black Death destroyed about 1/3 of Europe’s population.
  2. The plague that caused the Black Death is really a rodent disease that’s always present, and only includes humans accidentally.

Answers to last week’s T/F Quiz on anthologies and sci-fi.

1 Early science fiction was developed and nurtured in serial newspaper articles.*FALSE. It was the pulp magazines like Amazing Stories that really gave sci-fi the boost in popularity.

2 One of the early sci-fi pulp fiction magazine was edited by Hugo Gernsback. The Hugo Award was named after him.

*TRUE. This magazine really gave sci-fi the audience it needed. Some early contributors included: John W. Campbell, Isaac Asimov, Howard Fast, Ursula K. Le Guin, Roger Zelazny, and Thomas M. Disch.

Amazing Stories

The Pulp Fiction Magazine that kick-started sci-fi

 

 

Quote of the Week: “I drive a motorbike, so there is the whiff of the grim reaper round every corner, especially in London.”
― Benedict Cumberbatch

Filed Under: Featured Author

Comments

  1. J.H. Moncrieff says

    February 6, 2018 at 12:18 am

    Congratulations to Loni. I’ve always enjoyed reading her blog. Her posts are funny, but there’s also a kindness, a humanity to them, that makes you feel you know her, as if she’s a friend.

    I’m sure her story is a fantastic contribution to the anthology. Thanks for boosting her signal.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 6, 2018 at 2:23 pm

      It’s interesting, isn’t it;? Some bloggers you just feel as if you know.

      Reply
  2. Mary Aalgaard says

    February 5, 2018 at 7:13 pm

    Fun to highlight the authors of Full Dark. I bought it and still need to read the stories! Interesting facts on the Black Death.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 6, 2018 at 2:23 pm

      I’ve read it, so I know you’ll enjoy the stories.

      Reply
  3. Stephanie@Fairday's Blog says

    February 2, 2018 at 7:55 am

    Short stories always take me longer than I think they will (especially if there is a specific word count). Impressive that it didn’t take Loni long to write such an impressive piece. Wonderful to learn more about her and her writing here. Thanks!

    Also- I have been enjoying the T/F. Learning all the time. 🙂

    I just added Alligators Overhead to my school library this week. The first day I talked to a class of 4th graders about it and held it up- a boy snatched it up and checked it out right away. I told him I can’t wait to chat with him about it.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 2, 2018 at 9:34 am

      Thank you so much. I really do aim my middle grade stories at boys. Not that I don’t love little girls, but I have two sons, and guess I identify with their reading tastes.

      I used to do the T/F when I posted during the AtoZ Challenge, but I enjoyed finding out new things about my topic, so I decided to start that little quiz as a regular feature. Glad you’re enjoying it.

      Reply
  4. Nas says

    February 1, 2018 at 4:42 pm

    Thanks so much for the intro Lee. I liked the short story and how awesome she wrote it in hours only.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 1, 2018 at 8:17 pm

      You bet, Nas. Always great to see you here.

      Reply
  5. Tyrean A Martinson says

    January 31, 2018 at 11:22 am

    The quote by Cumberbatch is awesome! I am going with T and T for those two T/F questions.
    I am looking forward to reading Loni’s story!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 31, 2018 at 3:29 pm

      I love that actor, and I did find that quote perfect for this post.

      Reply
  6. Liz A. says

    January 31, 2018 at 9:09 am

    When I think of the Grim Reaper, I think of Death from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels. I read someplace that they think that the plague wasn’t transported by rodents, that they’d been wrong about that. I can’t remember what it was, though, then.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 31, 2018 at 9:41 am

      It wasn’t the rodent, but the fleas they carried that had the disease. At least, that’s what I remember. And those fleas were often found on rabbits which were frequently hunted and brought into the home for dinner.

      Reply
    • Loni Townsend says

      January 31, 2018 at 9:51 am

      Terry Pratchett’s Discworld Death is my vision of the Grim Reaper too! He’s so much fun. Pratchett does an excellent job at bringing memorable characters to life…er, I mean death. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Penny's human dad, Gary says

    January 30, 2018 at 5:28 pm

    Hi Lee,

    Mighty impressive that Lori wrote, “Just a Matter of Time”, in just a few hours. I prefer short stories.

    I believe the answers are false for number one and true for number two.

    Must go now because it’s very late or very early, over here in the UK. Awake enough to remember I’m still your starstruckest fan, superstar author, Lee.

    Penny’s human dad,

    Gary.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 31, 2018 at 9:44 am

      I’m impressed, too. I barely get my quill sharpened in a few hours. Thanks for staying up late to visit. Always great read what you and Penny have to say.

      Reply
      • Penny's human dad, Gary says

        January 31, 2018 at 3:10 pm

        Ah yes, just for the quill of it, I’d like to use a pen with a feather. Responding at a rather earlier time.

        Penny says “Arf!”

        Penny’s human dad,

        Gary

        Reply
  8. Jacqui Murray says

    January 30, 2018 at 3:15 pm

    I am so jealous of writers like Loni who can start and finish a story in a day. Kudos! Such inspiration I can only dream about.

    Reply
    • Loni Townsend says

      January 31, 2018 at 9:47 am

      I got lucky with this one. Most of the time it takes me a while to finish a story.

      Reply
  9. Hilary says

    January 30, 2018 at 12:27 pm

    Hi Lee – good to read about the anthology again … I’m off to get it on my kindle … and am glad the proceeds are going to Gary’s foundation.

    I think the two are false (up to 50% – over 30%) and true – it’s still around … I’ll have to check back re last week’s …cheers Hilary

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 30, 2018 at 1:33 pm

      The foundation seems to be a great resource, so I’m glad they’re giving any proceeds to it.

      Reply
      • Hilary says

        January 30, 2018 at 2:37 pm

        Contradicted myself in the quiz reply I see ! Yes I’m so glad the Foundation is easing others’ lives … cheers H

        Reply
  10. Tonja Drecker says

    January 30, 2018 at 8:57 am

    I loved Lori’s story. Interesting tidbit about the Grim Reaper.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 30, 2018 at 1:33 pm

      I enjoyed her story, too.

      Reply
    • Loni Townsend says

      January 31, 2018 at 9:46 am

      I really liked your story too. 🙂

      Reply
  11. Louise (Fundy Blue) says

    January 29, 2018 at 8:39 pm

    Hi, Lee! I enjoyed hearing about the anthology “Full Dark.” I’ve added it to my books to read list when I get back from my next trip ~ It’s full of IWSG member authors! I am interested in the origins of words, so it was fun to read the etymology of “anthology.” My Dad was a fan of pulp magazines, especially Ellery Queen, but occasionally he bought “Amazing Stories.” He used to have them in the bathroom, and that’s where I got my introduction to sci-fi and mysteries. Thanks for the memories. As for the Black Death #1 is true and #2 is false. I read a great alternate history “The Years of Rice and Salt” about the Black Plague in which the author Kim Stanley Robinson speculated what would have happened if Europe had been wiped out by the plague. His Mars trilogy is some of the best science fiction I have ever read. All the best to you, Lee!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 30, 2018 at 1:36 pm

      Thanks so much for giving us that author’s name. I’m so interested in alternative history.

      I’m glad your dad had Amazing Stories. I’d love to read some of those early stories by people like Le Guin.

      Reply
  12. Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor says

    January 29, 2018 at 4:24 pm

    I’m going to go with #1 being true and #2 being false.

    It was interesting to hear about the process behind Loni’s short story. Full Dark is on my TBR list. Can’t wait to get to it and read Loni’s stories, as well as everyone else’s.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 30, 2018 at 1:37 pm

      I think you’ll enjoy the anthology.

      Reply
    • Loni Townsend says

      January 31, 2018 at 9:45 am

      I hope you enjoy the anthology, Ellen. 🙂

      Reply
  13. Jemi Fraser says

    January 29, 2018 at 4:00 pm

    Congrats on the story & the anthology – sounds terrific!!
    The Plague taking out 1/3 of Europe is true – sad and horrific, but true

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 30, 2018 at 1:37 pm

      Just thinking about how that had to have been gives me the shivers.

      Reply
    • Loni Townsend says

      January 31, 2018 at 9:43 am

      Thanks!

      Reply
  14. Beverly McClure says

    January 29, 2018 at 3:53 pm

    Congratulations on having your story in the Anthology, Loni. I’m looking forward to reading it. Don’t know the answer to the question but hate rats, one of the few animals I say that about. Have a super week.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 30, 2018 at 1:38 pm

      I don’t think you’re alone in hating rats.

      Reply
    • Loni Townsend says

      January 31, 2018 at 9:42 am

      Thank you, Beverly! I hope you enjoy it. 🙂

      Reply
  15. HR Sinclair says

    January 29, 2018 at 3:23 pm

    Hi Loni! (I’m waving like a crazy person) Nice to see you here! Congrats on the anthology.

    I do believe 1/3 of the population was killed off. And I think the plague is a bacteria the rats and fleas carry on them ‘er in them.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 30, 2018 at 1:39 pm

      I hope Loni sees your exuberance! 🙂 Thanks for playing the T/F game with me.

      Reply
      • HR Sinclair says

        January 31, 2018 at 10:10 am

        Weird! My comment ended up under Pat’s. That should be nice and confusing.

        Reply
        • C. Lee McKenzie says

          January 31, 2018 at 3:28 pm

          If WordPress would just get it right all the time, I’d be ever so grateful.

          Reply
    • Loni Townsend says

      January 31, 2018 at 9:42 am

      Hi Holly!!! *return frantic waving*

      Reply
      • HR Sinclair says

        January 31, 2018 at 10:08 am

        😀

        Reply
  16. Pat Hatt says

    January 29, 2018 at 3:08 pm

    Congrats to Loni on getting her story within. I know the black death was caused by rats, not sure it is always there though. So, true and false.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 30, 2018 at 1:40 pm

      Do you have a few cats I can borrow just in case? I’ll bring them back, fat and happy.

      Reply
      • HR Sinclair says

        January 31, 2018 at 10:09 am

        She did! She did!

        Reply
    • Loni Townsend says

      January 31, 2018 at 9:41 am

      Thanks, Pat!

      Reply
  17. Karen Lange says

    January 29, 2018 at 2:13 pm

    It’s always nice to meet other writers. Thanks so much for the intro to Loni. I did not know this about sci fi. Learn something new every day. 🙂 Have a great week!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 30, 2018 at 1:40 pm

      I learn something new every time I log on to this contraption. Thanks for stopping by, Karen.

      Reply
  18. Sage says

    January 29, 2018 at 8:44 am

    I didn’t know the answers… The idea of “Full Dark” reminded me of Barbara Brown Taylor’s book, “Learning to Walk in the Dark.” It is a spiritual journey which looks at the role night plays.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 29, 2018 at 11:57 am

      Interesting. I like her writing, but I haven’t read this one.

      Reply
  19. Alex J. Cavanaugh says

    January 29, 2018 at 6:19 am

    Well, I missed the true and false.
    Glad you were able to contribute to Full Dark, Loni!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 29, 2018 at 11:58 am

      I thought the history of early Sci-Fi was interesting.

      Reply
    • Loni Townsend says

      January 31, 2018 at 9:40 am

      Thanks, Alex! Me too. 🙂

      Reply
  20. Natalie Aguirre says

    January 29, 2018 at 5:55 am

    Congrats to Lori on having her story published in the anthology. And awesome that you can read the whole story in the Kindle preview. I’ve never tried to write a short story. Maybe if I start reading more of them, I could see that they are really something I could write.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      January 29, 2018 at 11:59 am

      I like writing them as a relief from writing novels. They may shorter, but that doesn’t make them easier. At least, that’s what I’ve found.

      Reply
      • Loni Townsend says

        January 31, 2018 at 9:39 am

        Oh yes! I find it’s much more of a challenge to keep it short and to get an entire story wrapped up in such a short time!

        Thanks for letting me invade your blog, Lee, and sorry it took me so long to get here.

        Reply
        • C. Lee McKenzie says

          January 31, 2018 at 9:46 am

          I’ve enjoyed this month a lot. You got here, and that’s all that matters.

          Reply

Leave a Reply to C. Lee McKenzie Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Find Lee Online:

Email Facebook Twitter

LinkedIn GoodReads Google+

The Adventures of Pete and Weasel

Blogroll

  • A Bit About Britian
  • Alex J. Cavanaugh
  • Bish Denham
  • Book Sage Reviewer
  • Books in the Hall
  • Cathrina Constatine
  • Christine Rains – Writer
  • Denise Covey
  • Diane Burton
  • elements of emaginette
  • Elephant's Child
  • Evernight Teen
  • Everyday Writer, Tyrean Martinson
  • Everything Must Change
  • Fantasy, Myth, Fiction
  • H.R. Sinclair
  • Happy Ever After
  • Insecure Writer's Support Group
  • It's Rhyme Time
  • J.H. Moncrieff
  • JQRose Book Blogger
  • Julie Flanders
  • Just Jemi
  • Kidbits
  • Laws of Gravity
  • Lee Lowery Murder Mystery
  • Life As Only I Know It
  • Literary Rambles
  • Mama Diaries
  • Mark Noce Stories
  • Musings
  • My Hogwarts Sabbatical
  • My Pet Blog
  • Nick Wilford, Speculative Author
  • Olga Godim
  • Patricia Lynne, Independent Author
  • Pen & Pro$per
  • Pensive Pen
  • Play Off The Page
  • Positive Letters …. inspirational stories
  • Quiet Laughter
  • Sandra's Blog
  • Shady Dell Music & Memories
  • Shooting Stars Mag
  • Summer Snowflakes
  • Susan Says
  • Tamara Narayan, Author
  • Tara Tyler Talks
  • The Cynical Sailor & His Salty Sidekick
  • The Happy Whisk
  • The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow
  • The Story of a Writer
  • The ToiBox of Words
  • The Warrior Muse
  • Thoughts in Progress
  • Uniquely Holden
  • Welcome to My Magick Theatre
  • WordDreams…
  • Writing In The Crosshairs
  • Yvette Carol

Archives:

Recent Comments:

  • L.G. Keltner on Omar, His Camel, Anubis, and Me.
  • Roland Yeomans on Omar, His Camel, Anubis, and Me.
  • Liz A. on Omar, His Camel, Anubis, and Me.
  • Yolanda Renee - on Omar, His Camel, Anubis, and Me.
  • Olga Godim on Omar, His Camel, Anubis, and Me.

Tags

2009 Deb Blog Tour 2009 Debs' Tour 2013 A-Z Blog Challenge Alex Cavanaugh Alligators Overhead Arlee Bird AtoZChallenge2015 AtoZChallenge2016 Blog Hops Book Signings C. Lee McKenzie Christmas Contest cover Damyanti Double Negative Email Connect Halloween hat's of corner Heather M. Gardner Her Grammarness Insecure Writer Interview IWSG Jeremy M.J. Joachim marketing Middle Grade Monday Monday Miscellany Monday Moods New Books Nicole Ayers Pam Small Things Hop Stephen Tremp Story Collection Throes of Thursday Tina WEP WIP writing YA Young Adult