Are you ready?
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
This month’s optional question:
What’s harder to do, coming up with your book title or writing the blurb?
The awesome co-hosts for the November 3 posting of the IWSG are Kim Lajevardi, Victoria Marie Lees, Joylene Nowell Butler, Erika Beebe, and Lee Lowery!
The blurb by far. It has to be short and yet capture the crux of your story in an interesting or exciting way. That’s just not easy. I spend a lot of hours re-writing the blurb.
Titles can be tricky, but there’s usually one that comes pretty early in the writing, and I’ve only had to change my first choice once. Well, I didn’t change it; my publisher did.
CALL FOR A NEW ADMIN. If you’re an Instagram expert, IWSG could use your help. You can contact us via the IWSG email, or reach out to our Ninja Captain Alex. You can also leave me a comment and I’ll deliver your information.
My own news of the week is that my story’s now a book. If you’d like to read and perhaps review it, it’s up on
NET GALLEY.
and there’s still time to enter the Give Away. That’s at the end of this post.
When I set to write this latest story, I didn’t realize I’d be writing about an under-represented group in the world of books. When the truth finally hit me, I searched Goodreads and found only 519 books with handicapped heroes. Yet, one in four adults in the U.S. is identified as disabled. That’s 26% of the population. Since Shattered is a story about paraplegia, I wanted to know how many people had mobility disabilities in the U.S. I found that 13.7% do. On Goodreads, there are 84 books that tackle that topic. I’m not great at math, but “under-represented” seems to be the correct description here.
For years, we’ve heard the call for more diversity in books, and that is slowly happening. According to the Lee and Low Diversity Baseline Survey, books for young readers with characters of different ethnic and racial groups jumped by 31% from 1994 to 2018. In 2017 the Newbery Award went to Erin Entrada Kelly for her book, Hello Universe. It’s books like these that open up another’s world of experiences, give readers a chance to be a part of that world–one they’ve not experienced. It raises awareness and cultivates compassion and understanding. At the same time, it affirms the value of each of our community members and provides everyone an opportunity to find what is common to us all–our humanity.
Paraplegia cuts across all socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic lines. Anyone’s life can be suddenly altered like this by an accident, illness, a mistake in choices, or a congenital condition. And the theme of adapting to a different way of doing things can apply to all of us. This major change might not be as dramatic and sudden as the one I’ve depicted in Shattered, but we all experience the effects of aging, of illness, of economic or personal setbacks. Adapt or give up is often an option we are given, and in Shattered, that’s the option my main character is given.
My hope for this book is that following Libby Brown’s struggle to come to terms with losing her mobility and grappling with that option will inspire others–paraplegic or not.
Nineteen-year-old Libby Brown is on her way to the winter Olympics for her shot at the Gold. But on a last practice run, an out-of-bounds snowboarder collides with her, and she wakes up in a hospital unable to move her legs. Terrible accident they say, but was it? Or did someone want her off the U.S. slalom team? Libby must find the truth or remain shattered forever.
Cassandra D says
Congratulations on your new book. Looks like an exciting book to read. The cover is wonderful.
Sandra Cox says
Blurbing can be so challenging, can’t it?
Lynn La Vita says
I just went to Amazon and downloaded Shattered. The purchase was through my husband’s account, Richard.
As a care giver, I’m looking forward to reading Shattered. I’m especially interested in learning about disability from the POV of a person living with a disability.
Special thanks to Alex for posting your book review; otherwise I would never have know about your book.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thank you ordering Shattered. I hope you like the story, especially since you’re very close to the experience of someone living with a disability.
To be clear, I’m not disabled, but I drew from the lives of loved ones in my family who went from able-bodied to disabled to adaptive living. I also consulted with two doctors who specialized in spinal cord injuries.
Lynn La Vita says
Thanks for the reminder. Yes, I realize, you are able bodied. I’m sure Shattered will enlighten me. Adjusting to physical limitations, dealing with pain, recognizing some folks avoid us.
We live a full life and are deeply grateful for all the wonder and joy in our lives.
H. R. Sinclair says
Oooo, those blurbs. Tricky little devils.
Congrats again!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Just when you think you’ve nailed them, they slip away. The eels of the writing process.
Yvette Carol says
Wow! I am in awe of you tackling this subject in your book. It sounds like a fascinating story, too. As the parent of a handicapped child, I have toyed with how to include this in my stories. In my Chronicles of Aden Weaver series, I gave Aden a sidekick who had a lame leg and stunted wing. I have yet to go the whole way and make the protagonist disabled. One day.
Well done!
C. Lee McKenzie says
You would have a well of personal experience to draw from to create your story. I drew from two people in my family who were disabled as well as doctors who specialized in spinal cord injuries.
Sherry Ellis says
Congratulations on your new book!
BTW, I followed your blogger link to the “test” website. It worked. Just so you know, I have to do a search for you on Google and access your blog through your website. It’s a couple of extra steps for me to get here. I don’t know if others experience the same thing. If this blog could be listed on your blogger page as the test one is, it might be easier for folks to get here.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hmm, I think that happens so people will land on my Home Page first. The idea being they might sign up for my free gift. Do you happen to have the blogger link? I could try it out and see how it works for myself. Thanks, Sherry.
Abby Harding says
Congrats on your book! I love that you so clearly did your research and thought hard about how to represent your MC and her struggles. Well done.
Also, like most of the IWSG writers, I hate writing blurbs, too, haha. They are only beaten by synopsis writing for my least favorite novel-related writing.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Oh, yes. The dread synopsis. That tops just about everything in this business.
Toi Thomas says
So excited about your new book. Hoping to win a copy, but happy to support you if I don’t. I’m already excited about reviewing a book like this. Love the cover too.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I hope you win as well, Toi. I leave the choice to that Rafflecopter geni! 🙂
Victoria M. Lees says
Such a powerful premise for Shattered, Lee. Great cover! Great title! I learn much from your YA characters. Bravo for always choosing the tougher subjects to write about. These matter to young people. I know they do. Have a beautiful weekend!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thank you, Victoria. I like the challenge of writing about the tougher things that we go through. If I had a psychiatrist, maybe s/he’d point out some childhood experience that set all of this in motion. 🙂
Shannon Lawrence says
I’d love to see more disabled characters in books. I was writing one involving characters with neurological illnesses, but it became harder and harder to write as my dad’s ALS progressed. I do plan on returning to it soon, but it’s #5 in projects.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It is hard to write about something that’s so close to you. I hope you can find a way to return to your book one day,
Yvonne V says
Congrats, Lee! So exciting!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thank you, YV!
ChemistKen says
Seems like you’ve done a great job with both the title and the blurb. Congrats on the book!
C. Lee McKenzie says
When the reviews come, I’ll find out what people think. Thanks for the congrats.
Elizabeth Seckman says
I look forward to reading your new book. The world could use some inspiration about now!
Elizabeth Seckman says
I look forward to reading your book. The world could use more inspiration about now.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I hadn’t thought that big, but I agree we could all use some hopeful stories.
JEN Garrett says
You’ve inspired me to finally put to paper a book that has been nagging at me for over a year!
It’s about a mentally disabled woman who falls through societal cracks and finds a unique way to help herself in spite of it.
I keep pushing it off, and it keeps coming back wanting to be written. I was going to do it for NaNoWriMo, but then I thought, oh, it’s the 4th, really too late to start. Maybe better late than never!
C. Lee McKenzie says
If you want to write it, I’m sure you will. Let us know when you do.
Hilary Melton-Butcher says
Hi Lee – it’s a great book, as my post about it confirms … it needs to be read by many. However I totally see Olga’s point about mental disability v physical disability … always difficult, probably more so in some ways – all the best and enjoy the accolades coming your way. Hilary
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yes, Olga reminds us that all disabilities aren’t easily visible. Your post was great, Hilary. You made me want to read the book! 🙂
Diane Burton says
Your post made me bump Shattered to the top of my TBR pile. Wishing you much success with this new release.
C. Lee McKenzie says
That’s wonderful, Diane. I’m excited to hear from all my readers….and a bit nervous, too. Well, you know about that feeling.
Beth Camp says
Count me among the number of new readers who are excited about SHATTERED! I loved the blog this month where you talk about underrepresented protags in YA, and after reading the sample, I’m eager to start Libby’s story. Congratulations on finishing an intriguing writing project!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m excited to hear your opinion, Beth. Hope you enjoy Libby’s story. Thanks so much for great comment.
Louise (Fundy Blue) says
I don’t know if my comment went through or not, so here it is again! Congratulations on “Shattered,” Lee! I’m really interested in reading your book because my first husband was a quadriplegic. My former husband knew he had to adapt or give up. He knew he had to really fight to survive. I admire people who fight on to survive a handicap like being paralyzed. Thank you for writing this book!
Louise (Fundy Blue) says
Congratulations on “Shattered,” Lee! I’m really interested in reading your book because my first husband was a quadriplegic. My former husband knew he had to adapt or give up. He knew he had to really fight to survive. I admire people who fight on to survive a handicap like being paralyzed. Thank you for writing this book!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m so glad you shared that Louise. You have very personal experience with how it is for people who experience such a life-altering event. I look forward to hearing what you have to say about the book.
Stephanie@Fairday's Blog says
The cover and title and are great. Wishing you the best of luck!
I always find titles easier than blurbs.
I entered the raffle- but the computer seemed to think I was Jess, my co-author. Sorry for the confusion!
C. Lee McKenzie says
You guys share so much, that it’s no wonder the computer gets you mixed up!
Thanks for entering.
Kim Lajevardi says
Congrats on Shattered! I’m with you on titles over blurbs.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yes. So much easier to come up with a good title than to condense your novel into a few lines.
Sandra Cox says
Great title, cover and story line.
Wishing you much success.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I was pleased with the cover, and this was the first one the publisher came up with! Love that when it happens.
Sandra Cox says
Congrats on Shattered. Great title, cover and storyline.
Susan M. Gourley says
Kudos for taking on the story of a diverse character. Can’t wait to read it.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Susan. I like writing diverse characters…well, I consider all of us diverse, so I’m not sure if I’m using the term correctly. 🙂
Nick Wilford says
There are all sorts of hidden disabilities, so it’s not surprising the number is higher than we might think. But having had a disabled child, what I would like is for people to stop making instant judgements about someone based on appearance. You don’t know what’s going on under the surface. Good for you for tackling this, I’m sure it’s not easy to write, but I hope we’ll see more books like this.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I remember how you wrote about your son on your blog, Nick. You were such a good dad.
I hope I’ve done justice to this girl’s story and that I haven’t missed the mark.
Hilary Melton-Butcher says
Hi Lee – and Nick – your book about your son was exceedingly enlightening for us all – and how you and your wife coped. Lee – I love your book ‘Shattered’ … I hope lots of people will read and learn from … All the best Hilary
C. Lee McKenzie says
I appreciate hearing about personal experiences like yours and Nick’s. These are the true stories that need to be told.
Olga Godim says
The stats for the disabled might be a tad misleading. I’ve lived as an officially disabled person for the last 14 years, but my disability is mental, not physical. I think at least half of the disabled in Canada and US are mental disabilities. We also often do things differently than normal (aka mentally healthy) people, and sometimes it is difficult because it makes us lonely. While most people see physical disabilities in others (a wheelchair is highly visible) and make allowance for it, nobody sees a mental disability, and instead of allowing for it, the majority just steer clear or (worse) think and act as if we fake the condition, and if we wanted to, we could be normal. But we can’t.
I’m not trying to belittle those who lost their mobility, but sometimes it is extremely hard, when people sympathize with a girl in a wheelchair but couldn’t see that you’re disabled too. They label you arrogant or cold or stupid, when in fact it is the wacky chemicals in your brain malfunctioning.
On the other hand, I hate books focusing on mentally disabled persons. I don’t want to read about the problems I face every day. I want to forget my problems when I read, so my favorite characters are strong, smart, and healthy. Mostly anyway.
Sorry for the rant.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Rant away, Olga. You’re right about the difference between a disability that is highly visible and one that is hidden or much more subtle. People find it easier to label and judge when they can see how someone is different than they are.
If I came away with anything from writing this book, it’s that no matter what, we are human beings first and everything else second. How simple that statement is. Now if everyone could actually implement that imagine what would happen.
Thanks for your comment. I heard what you were saying and I appreciate that you said it here.
Carol Kilgore says
Kudos on writing this story. It’s going to be a great read.
Kathryn McKendry says
Congratulations Lee! I can’t wait to read it!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m anxious for your opinion, Kathryn. Thanks.
Lee Lowery says
Congrats on the new book! I’m looking forward to reading it. I had a friend in law school who became a paraplegic at age 18 due to an accident. He finished undergrad, went to law school, married, fathered twin boys, and had a successful legal career. He shared some of his challenges with us, and always said he didn’t want to be perceived as either a victim or hero, just someone who had to do ordinary things in a different manner than before the accident.
C. Lee McKenzie says
That is perfect. And that is ultimately what my MC arrives at when she comes to terms with a different way of living her life.
Loni Townsend says
Your book sounds gripping, Lee!
C. Lee McKenzie says
It has me in knots. I’m always nervous when I launch a book. Author stage fright!
Erika Beebe says
Id say you are great at writing both! Love the cover of Shattered. Happy IWSG Day 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
That’s nice of you to say, Erika. Lots of the old blood, sweat, and tears are behind each one.
Carrie-Anne says
Congratulations on your release! We really do need to see more representation of disabled characters, and with fully-balanced lives, not lives and storylines 100% focused on the disability.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Carrie-Anne. I’ve read a couple of books with disabled characters, and one non-fiction by a paraplegic. The non-fiction was truly inspirational.
Lynn La Vita says
This is the first book involving a character with disabilities I’ve been interested in reading. My husband is disabled and from the blurb, I realize this is a book I intend on reading. Thank you for taking the time to research before writing this book.
Lynn La Vita @ http://la-vita.us/write/
C. Lee McKenzie says
I also used a lot of personal experience. Someone I loved dearly became disabled and I was part of her life as she learned to adapt to a different way of living.
I hope the book doesn’t disappoint.
Anna says
Congrats on the release. As always you inspire me to do better.
Anna from elements of emaginette
C. Lee McKenzie says
That’s quite the compliment, Anna. Thanks.
Yvonne (@Fiction_Books) says
As a reader, I like the blurb to have context and meaning, but I also don’t want too many ‘spoilers’. So many authors obviously find that balance really tricky… Or perhaps it is just us picky readers!
I often wonder just how much of a say an author gets over the title of their book. I work with an e-publisher on Blog Tour Reviews, and the titles of books are constantly being changed at the very last minute, which is really disconcerting and a bit off-putting!
‘Shattered’ gets the balance just about right from what I can tell without having read it 🙂
Nice post, thanks for sharing your thoughts x
C. Lee McKenzie says
With my first book, the publisher changed my title. I tried to keep the one I had, but they insisted, so I had no choice unless I didnt’ want them to publish it. Not a good option, obviously.
As to Shattered, I hope the balance is right. That was the challenge: make it honest, but make it readable. I learned a lot writing this one.
ShootingStarsMag says
Oh yeah, I’m so bad at coming up with blurbs. I usually do okay with titles. I’m going to be starting something new this month so hopefully I can get a decent start. I’m not doing NaNo, but November always seems like a positive month to write since people are cheering everyone on!
Congrats on your new book. That’s great you have a disabled MC, but that’s really sad that it’s sooo underrepresented in books.
Lauren
C. Lee McKenzie says
Well, most of us have blub-writing difficulties, so we’re in a large group. Thanks for stopping by, Lauren.
Patricia Josephine says
Blurbs are harder for me to figure out than titles, too. I eventually get it done, but not without some hair pulling.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I hear you, Patricia.
Pat Garcia says
Hi,
I look forward to reading Shattered because all my characters are wounded or disabled and have to work through the trauma. They are the ones that people don’t like to talk about.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
C. Lee McKenzie says
I like the way you expressed this: “work through trauma.” That is exactly what happens. Thanks, Pat.
Jemi Fraser says
I’ve got Shattered on my ereader! NaNo is consuming me right now, but I’m looking forward to the book!
Blurbs are so challenging!!
C. Lee McKenzie says
You are a brave writer. Anyone who tackles NaNo is. Good luck.
L. Diane Wolfe says
There aren’t too many stories about people in wheelchairs. They have extra challenges but they still have needs and dreams just like the rest of us.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Absolutely. We are all people first.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
That is a lot of people with disabilities.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I was surprised at the number.
Natalie Aguirre says
Congrats on your book release! So awesome that it features an unrepresented character. I wish I had such an easy time creating a title.
C. Lee McKenzie says
You write my blurbs and I’ll write your titles! 🙂
Thomas Anderson says
Hi, Cheryl-Lee!
Happy 1st Wednesday in November, dear friend!
I’m fairly good at word play. Therefore, like you, I find it easier to arrive at a title than to produce a blurb.
I applaud you for writing Shattered and thereby doing your part to foster diversity in the literary world. We live in a culture obsessed with physical beauty and perfection. Few women resemble the typical Walt Disney princess. Gone viral every bit as much as COVID, is “Pretty Young Missing White Girl Syndrome” in which the Gabbys garner massive media attention while cases of imperiled women of color receive little or none. Our society also tends to dismiss and neglect the elderly. The obese are ridiculed. People with mental health issues are marginalized. Last, but not least, the large group of persons with handicaps are under-represented. We need authors like you who will create heroes and heroines for this substantial yet overlooked group, tell their stories of courage and triumph and help spread awareness. Your heroine is in capable hands.
Have a wonderful and productive November, dear friend Cheryl-Lee!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Good morning, Shady. For such a diverse culture, we do have very narrow vision about fairness, inclusiveness, and equality. That always puzzles me. Our diversity is both our strength and weakness. Isn’t that strange?
Here’s to seeing 2021 out with health and happiness.
Elephants Child says
I haven’t had (and likely will never have) to write a blurb. Titles often evade me.
And a big, big hooray for Shattered (and its author).
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yet you do a bang up job on those short stories. You underestimate yourself. Thanks for the hooray!
Liz A. says
There is definitely a community that needs more representation in books, fiction and otherwise. Glad to hear you did your research.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I did a lot of reseacher, but then I also drew on my personal experience with a loved one who became blind. I even used some of the language she used to express her feelings.