C. Lee McKenzie

Young Adult and Middle Grade Author

Small Things to Celebrate, UncommonYA Valentine’s Day Giveaway &Hint #4 On Writing Sequels

By 27 Comments

VIKLIT

I’m celebrating Valentine’s Day. AND a GIVEAWAY. Here’s some treats for you.


We all love a good book. Read on to see which ones the Uncommon YA authors love!

One of my favorite books is Perfect Chemistry by Simon Elkeles. I love the way she hits real topics head on with characters that are strong and tenacious. As a bonus: this author can write a seriously hot hook up scene *fans face* ;)　Julie Anne Lindsey

I love The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons and have my fingers crossed the movie producers accept the script she is working on to turn it into a movie. I also love Where is the green sheep by Mem Fox because my kids and I have read it a billion times together and we know it off by heart.

Melissa Wray

One of my favorite stories is Pale Horse, Pale Rider by Katherine Anne Porter. First published in
1939, the short novel portrays a　young couple falling in love during the end of World War I and the onset of the Spanish Influenza. The main character falls ill with the deadly flu, and her new boyfriend,　a recently enlisted soldier, finds her medical help　right before he must leave for training. It’s a beautifully written snapshot of life during those uncertain times.

Yvonne Ventresca

My favorite, most life-impacting book with respect to becoming an author is Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, by Chris Crutcher. I was in the early days of recovery from childhood sexual abuse, and I was looking for something to read while working out on the treadmill. I went into my daughter’s room and found Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes on her bookshelf. I had no idea what it was about or who Chris Crutcher was– but as I walked on the treadmill, it was as if walls inside of me fell away and I realized that I had stories inside of me that might touch others as this book was impacting me. I was thrilled last year to get to meet Chris and talk with him. Beth Fehlbaum 

I book I really love right now is Jeff Vandermeer’s Wonderbook. It’s given me some really great insights on revision–and it’s pretty to look at too 🙂 Natalie Zaman

Here’s a book I love: Bridge to Terebithia by Katherine Paterson for it’s themes of friendship and dreaming big. It’s a lovely, simple　little book that says powerful things. Lisa Cresswell

Divergent by Veronica Roth: Beautiful writing made for a fast-paced read in a fascinating dystopian setting with a strong female lead. It’s one of those rare books for me where I loved the story as much as the writing and it stayed with me long after I read the last word.


  
 For a short time Uncommon YA is offering YOU the chance to choose your prize. Click on the titles below to learn more about each one.
You can add it to your Goodreads shelf while you’re there!
WARNING. It will be a tough choice choosing just one to win!

Sliding on the Edge  A Closer Look  Twigs The Pitcher The NamesakeDestiny Road Hush Puppy Drummer Girl Dare Me  Escape from Eden Vigilante Nights The Princess of Las Pulgas https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3028765-courage-in-patience
 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18101796-graffiti-knighthttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18442147-big-fat-disaster https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17925536-no-surrender-soldier
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8937941-hope-in-patience https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18460429-wantedhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16043238-gadget-girl https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12971641-back-in-fashion

ENTER NOW!

5 people will win their choice of selected titles. Book to be determined on win.
ENTER NOW!

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Maria
Writer
I’ve written five novels and just wrote my first sequel. The trick (I think) is to end the first novel on a cliffhanger so the reader knows another novel will follow.
What do you think about ending one book on a cliffhanger? And are you going to enter the UncommonYA Giveaway? Have a great Valentine’s Day whatever you do.

Comments

  2. Wow, I read The Bronze Horseman years ago and had forgotten all about it. I had no idea it may be made into a movie. Hope it does – it would be a great one.

    Hope you had a Happy Valentine's Day, Lee.

    Reply

  7. What the heck is wrong with me? Commenting at gone three on a Saturday morning. Has to be a bad case of starstruckitus, methinks.

    What a giveway. I'm not so sure it's a good idea to finish writing a novel by a cliff. That's a bit too much dedication for me.

    Wonder what a "YA" is? Hope you had the bestest Valentine's Day n'stuff, Lee.

    Your starstruckest fan with starstruckitus,

    Gary 🙂

    Reply

  11. That's one heck of a giveaway! I love books that are in a series because I love ongoing adventures, but I'd be ticked off if one of my fav authors ended one on a cliffhanger.

    Reply

  13. Hi Lee .. great list, wish I read or wrote, so I'd know some the of the books at least … but I quite fancy the title"Saved by the Music" .. no idea why – but it piqued my interest…

    Have a peaceful and happy Valentine's Day .. cheers Hilary

    Reply

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