This is Day 9 of my Character Reveal series for my next book—title TBA soon. I’ll post a new character and a one-question T/F Quiz each Wednesday until I run out of characters. Those who comment most AND answer the most questions correctly will receive a signed book (bookplate sent separately) and a chance at 1 of 2 $10.00 Gift Certificates. I’ll announce future winners at the end of the Reveal. The books and the CG’s will be sent out upon publication. Sorry, but I can only send signed books to U.S. However, I can send an eBook to international winners.
To enter, leave a comment and type the answer to the quiz at the end of your comment (A, B, or C) I’ve left links to previous posts if you’re joining me late, so you can work your way back if you want to see the other posts and comment. Here’s last week’s POST.
Meet Javier
At last, romance. Well, some. I felt the story had to have someone interesting for Libby to meet, so I wrote Javier Martin into her life. He’s from Argentina and here in the U.S. to study livestock management. When he and Libby meet, they’re attracted to one another. All would go well if they didn’t have this pesky, interfering author in charge, but they do, so what could have been a happy ever after story, is more complicated.
Here’s one of their first moments:
I’d just made it to my room when my cell chimed. I pulled it out of my pocket and stared at the name on the screen. Javier Martín.
“Hello?”
“It’s Javier from the pool. Do you remember me?” His low-pitched voice came through the phone even deeper and richer than when we’d talked earlier today.
How could I not remember? Just hearing him made butterflies dance along my arms. “How…how did you get my phone…my number?” Why was I stammering? Surprised, I guessed. That and until today, I hadn’t realized just how hungry I was for some male energy in my life.
Quiz: Here are some interesting facts about Argentina, except only one is correct. Which one?
A. Basketball is Argentina’s favorite sport.
B. Che Guevara admired Argentina but never visited.
C. The name Argentina comes from the Latin word for silver – Argentum
And now it’s time to–in Alex’s words–rock the neurotic writing world!
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!
August 4 question – What is your favorite writing craft book? Think of a book that every time you read it you learn something or you are inspired to write or try the new technique. And why?
I’m skipping this month’s question, but I’ll be interested in reading what others have to say.
The awesome co-hosts for the August 4 posting of the IWSG arePK Hrezo,Cathrina Constantine,PJ Colando,Kim Lajevardi, and Sandra Cox!
Did you hear the news? No? Well, here it is!
IWSG got another Award.
And speaking of CONTESTS…If you’re a ROMANCE WRITER, you still have time to enter your story for a chance to be included in the next IWSG ANTHOLOGY.
Be sure to read the submission guidelines and meet the deadline of September 1.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” Dr. Seuss
Deniz says
Guess what, guess what? You won my contest!
Toi Thomas says
Thanks for stopping by my blog. The build-up to your book seems to be going well.
Nice quote.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m having fun with this and I hope those that join me are too. Thanks for jumping in.
J Lenni Dorner says
C is correct.
(⚽ is A.)
Ohhh, best contest award! Awesome.
C. Lee McKenzie says
IWSG is the bomb, isn’t it? Am I dating myself with that slang? So easy to do.
Hey! Thanks for playing this little game with me. I love having you along.
Sandra Cox says
Okay, I’m guessing C:)
Sherry says
I like the idea of a complicated romance with Javier. Most romances are much more interesting if they are some what complicated!
The true answer is C…….the word for silver.
JQ Rose says
I thought I left a comment earlier, but I don’t see it. I really want you o know what a great picture I saw when I read the butterflies danced along her arms. So cute. I believe C is the answer to your quiz.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I think WordPress is playing with our heads sometimes. I got both your comments. Just FYI Thanks for the perserverance.
JQ says
Love the pic in my head of butterflies dancing along her arms…The correct answer is C.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thank you, JQ. I appreciate that.
Hilary Melton-Butcher says
Hi Lee – well I’d have got that wrong … as I didn’t read the questions properly! But C now my head is in gear. The author has control … poor romancers! Cheers Hilary
C. Lee McKenzie says
Glad you re-read and re-considered. Kudos!
Elizabeth Mueller says
What a wonderful story you have going there. But I ask, how does an author not interfere? I mean, we’re right there experiencing it. Do the characters realize how creepy that is? lol ;P
Congrats on the award, IWSG!
♥.•*¨Elizabeth Mueller¨*•.♥
C. Lee McKenzie says
I think you’re right. Characters should be forewarned.
Thanks for the visit and the great comment.
Jemima Pett says
What a great way of getting us intrigued by your new book 🙂 How many days are you doing it?
And C, from me. 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m glad you like it, Jemima. I have 12 days in all with the last one being the main character. I only publish once a week on Wednesday. Thanks for visiting.
Liz A. says
C. I’m pretty sure that’s correct. (I read the question as one “wasn’t” correct, so I knew I wasn’t going to pick C. Then I noticed the other comments and realized I misread the question. Oops.)
C. Lee McKenzie says
I hated those T/F kinds of questions. I always mis-cued on them. Well, you recovered in time! Good for you.
diedre says
Truly tantalizing! You are quite good at this, and you’re killing me – softly 😉
There are quite a few amazing fun facts about Argentina – so much to love. I’m going with C in answer to your question.
Have a wonderful month!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I love your comment, Diedre. Now, of course, that song will run on a constant loop through my brain all night!
ShootingStarsMag says
Fun way to introduce the characters in your next book!!!
-Lauren
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Lauren. So glad you stopped in to say hi!
Deniz says
I’m guessing C.
Whoa, love that photo — I’m not surprised Javier has butterflies dancing along her arms! What is it about Argentina? One of my recent characters, Valentina from Summer Blaze, is also from there! 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
We should introduce those characters to see if they have something in common. 🙂
Deniz says
Ooh, that could be a fun blog post topic!
Sonia says
That’s a lovely quote. I hope I can send something for the IWSG anthology. Thank you for visiting Lee.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Please do, Sonia. We need good submissions!
Beth Camp says
“C” because perhaps Argentina was named by those conquistadores who sought silver as they rode roughshod over native cultures. And Argentina has the best coffee in the world!
This is the first scene I’ve read, and that image “butterflies danced along my arms” was lovely. May the month go very well for you!
C. Lee McKenzie says
We’re keeping our fingers crossed here. So far the fires are in the north. Last August it was our area. I guess those in charge of natural disasters are equal opportunity distributors. Thanks so much for the visit and the comment.
Jeff says
I thought they were all true, but I will go with C
C. Lee McKenzie says
At least you settled on one, Jeff. Good job.
Thomas Anderson says
Hi, Cheryl-Lee!
I can sense the excitement building, and look forward to learning the title of your new book. (Helpful hint: War and Peace, Gone with the Wind and Holy Bible are already taken. 🙂 It’s interesting that Argentinian Javier is here in the states to study livestock management. I can picture Libby taking Javier as her Latin lover, giving new meaning to the term “animal husbandry.” 🙂 Sorry, I felt the need to work that one in.
I love the quote by Dr. Seuss. It tells the truth. I can remember losing a significant amount of weight the few times I fell in love. I couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep, and my metabolism was racing day and night. I was a ball of nervous energy and the pounds melted off. That was actually a problem decades ago, because I was already slim. My waistline would benefit greatly if I fell in love again in 2021. 🙂
Have a wonderful August, dear friend Cheryl-Lee!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Now I need your expertize to find the perfect music to go with this book. I know you’ll come up with something perfect.
Michael Di Gesu says
Hi, Lee… All caught up. I had no idea I had missed so many. Javier… great name. There always needs to be a latin to spice things up, especially with a sexy deep voice.
Answer: C
C. Lee McKenzie says
You are so right. And the accent…don’t even get me started there! 🙂
Rebecca Douglass says
C. Argent=silver.
As for making your characters’ lives harder… that’s our job as writers, isn’t it? I honestly think my biggest flaw as a writer is that I really hate being mean to my characters!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I always want to ask them for tea and conversation…maybe some consolation. I hate being mean, but I love the results when I am. 🙂 We may be flawed writers, but I don’t think we’re flawed human beings.
Rebecca Douglass says
🙂
Lee Lowery says
I do love it when a pesky author interferes with a simple love story!
Congrats on the award! IWSG is the best!!
C. Lee McKenzie says
IWSG does a great job, but it’s because of its members that it succeeds. And I too love those authors who dabble in lives of their characters and make them miserable. 🙂
ChemistKen says
I’m guessing it’s C, but only because I’m a chemist and I like the answer.
C. Lee McKenzie says
That is the most logical reason I’ve heard for the answer so far, Ken.
PK Hrezo says
Hi Lee! I’ve always wanted to visit Argentina. Some day! I say answer A.
Congrats on your award! 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
You must go. There’s no reason not to. It’s a great country–love their wine and their music.
Mike Boyd says
Ooh–the plot thickens! Now Javier needs a rival, an unhinged ex-Green Beret named Elmer Thudpucker, who has to win Libby’s heart or die trying.
C is true.
C. Lee McKenzie says
He’d have to be named Thuderpucker. I’d have no other choice. 🙂
Mike Boyd says
Hmm–you may be right. I Googled “Elmer Thudpucker” (in quotes) and got over a thousand hits. And here I thought I’d made it up.
Loni Townsend says
Drats. I don’t know a darn thing about Argentina. Woot for Libby’s story, though!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Well, I know some things about that place, but not a lot. I do appreciate the tango they exported! Thanks for the visit!
L. Diane Wolfe says
Favorite sport is basketball?
C. Lee McKenzie says
I know. But I needed three choices.
Jemi Fraser says
I love a little romance in all my stories! Javier sounds great – I’m a sucker for a good voice!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I know about your romantic moments. Juicy and hot and well-written.
Chrys Fey says
I like the sound of Javier.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Me too. I wish I were nineteen.
Elephants Child says
C.
Though mind you when I visited they loved gold much more than silver.
C. Lee McKenzie says
That is so human, isn’t it? Poor silver, it’s so beautiful and yet always takes the backseat to gold.
Carol Kilgore says
I love your character reveal series. It’s fun.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks of much, Carol. I enjoyed it and I wasn’t sure it would work, but so far so good. Thanks to visitors like you.
PJ Colando says
Congrats on the upcoming release – and the best foreshadowing to draw potential readers/buyers in!
I vote for B. Che Guevara may/may not have admired Argentina, but I do – got to visit several years ago. While I got tangled in the tango lesson, I found the populace literate and eager to converse with Americans! Nice wines and steak, too.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Tangled in tango! I love that image and I love the tango. Where would be better to take lessons in that exciting dance than in Argentina? You did the perfect thing.
Cathrina says
Oooo, I love a little romance in every book. Teenagers get butterflies in their stomachs when meeting someone interesting, yet so too, adults. I like the snippet.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Romance is always popular, right? Who doesn’t enjoy reading about people and their love for each other? Thanks, Cathrina.
Kathy says
Ooh Javier sounds cute! And I’ll go with answer C.
Congrats on IWSG for another award! I still can’t believe how much it has grown in the last few years!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I know. And I do believe it still has integrity and a genuine desire to help authors suceed. Besides, because of IWSG I get to meet great people with a shared interest.
Natalie Aguirre says
I will go with A. I love how you’re introducing us to the characters. It makes me want to read your book more.
Natalie Aguirre says
I’ll revise my answer because I answered it wrong. It’s C.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m glad you changed your answer! Good for you.
Tonja Drecker says
I’m going to say….C. Huge congrats on the up-coming release! I’m hooked already and can’t wait to learn the title
C. Lee McKenzie says
I think the publisher will go with the title I’ve chosen, but I’m waiting to make sure before announcing it. I’ve had titling issues in the past. Thanks for taking part in the quiz.
Olga Godim says
We, writers, are always detrimental for our characters’ peace of mind. Their lives would be boring without us.
The answer to your quiz is simple – C. Wikipedia says so.
C. Lee McKenzie says
You did what I’d do–look it up! So smart, Olga.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
I’m going with C is wrong.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Stay tuned. Anwers are on their way.
joylene says
(…pesky, interfering author)s are the best. The answer is C.
C. Lee McKenzie says
You are so right about those authors. It’s their job to make things messy and complicated.
Tyrean says
I am not sure which is the correct answer, but I’m going for A. ?
I love the snippet!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m so glad you took a stab at the quiz. Come back at the end for the answer, Tyrean.
H. R. Sinclair says
Congrats on the award! And that was a fun little snipplet. 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
You’ll notice I was 100% politically correct, right?
Patricia Anne Pierce-garcia Schaack says
Hi,
I am going to choose C as being correct but I am not sure.
I like the snippet. I wanted to read more.
Take care, Lee.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks for playing, Pat! And even more for reading my post. I depend on writers/bloggers like you so much.