C. Lee McKenzie

Young Adult and Middle Grade Author

Interview with Kim Derting

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I’m taking a spring break from revision and featuring a debut YA author today. 

As some of you know, I’m a 2009 Debutante, and throughout 2009 this community has supported the debut authors as their books became available. We’re still blogging about these new authors and their novels because some were pushed into 2010 for release. 

Today we have  Kim Derting, the YA author of, The Body Finder. 

 Here’s what Kim’s debut novel is about and does it sound gripping.


Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her “power” to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes that the dead leave behind in the world… and the imprints that attach to their killers.
Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find the dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he’s claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.
Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay’s intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she’s falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer… and becoming his prey herself.
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Kimberly lives in the Pacific Northwest, which is the ideal place to be writing anything dark or creepy…a gloomy day can set the perfect mood. She lives with her husband and their three beautiful (and often mouthy) children, who serve as an endless source of inspiration for her writing.

Kim stuck around to answer some questions.

Q: Of all your favorite books, which one do you wish you had written?

A: You mean, besides Harry Potter? Haha. No, really, I love the HP books.
Her storytelling and plot structure abilities are amazing.

But besides those, I’d say either Accordion Crimes by Annie Proulx, or
The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak. Those are two books that made me just
want to quit, because I could never even approach the level of talent
and skill needed to write like that.

Q: What fictional character do you wish you could be?

A: Anne of Green Gables. No question. *happy sigh*

Q: After chocolate what do you eat to make the writer-block pain go away?

A: Four ounces of wild Alaskan salmon lightly seared in lemon-pressed
olive oil, then sprinkled with sea salt and organic parsley and served
on a bed…

Seriously. Starbursts and Doritos. Pound-bags of each.

Q: Actually, I loved the salmon idea. Next time I hope you’ll tell us something about how you revise or some nitty gritty details about your revision of The Body Finder. See you again, I hope and thanks for stopping by.

Be sure to visit the Author Web site and look for her book at Amazon. 

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Interview with LK Madigan

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FLASH BURNOUT is here and it’s fabulous. L.K. Madigan has written one fine book. It’s funny. It’s poignant. It’s a “connect-with” kind of story that teens will love.

Having the author here today is a special treat because I was one of the fortunate members of The Garett (a group of fine YA writers) who read Flash Burnout as it developed into the novel you’re going to love.

Here’s a little bit about the story.

Fifteen-year-old Blake has a girlfriend and a friend who’s a girl. One of them loves him, the other one needs him.

When he snapped a picture of a street person for his photography homework, Blake never dreamed that the woman in the photo was his friend Marissa’s long-lost meth addicted mom.

In a tangle of life, death, and love, Blake will emerge with a more sharply defined snapshot of loyalty.

So who is this author?

L.K. Madigan is a writer living in Portland, Oregon, who finds it odd to speak in the third person. Therefore:

Hi. I am married with one son, two big black dogs, hundreds of books, and a couple of beaters, I mean vintage cars.

While you’re hanging out here, give us a little insider stuff about the person, L.K. Madigan. Tell us of all your favorite books, which one do you wish you had written?

I’ve been sitting here staring at the blank screen for a long time … which must mean I can’t think of a good answer.

So what I’ll say is that I wish I could write a really excellent mystery someday, like FINGERSMITH. I admire the gorgeous prose and the many deep, dark secrets, and the satisfaction of the ending. I’d like to be able to knit together that many plot threads so neatly, and create the kind of tension that makes readers fear for the well-being of the characters.

Here’s one that may be easier . . . or not. What fictional character do you wish you could be?

Hermione Granger. 🙂

I’d like to be Hermione too, just to have people call my name. Now here’s a deep, deep secret kind of question. After chocolate, what do you eat to make the writer-block pain go away?

It’s not food, it’s drink that helps with writer’s block … strong drink! No, I’m kidding. I drink coffee or iced tea while I write.

Whatever works. And what you’re doing seems to be doing the trick.

Be sure to visit L.K. Madigan’s web site to find out more about the author and her work. Whatever you do pick up your copy of Flash Burnout today. It’s on Amazon or at 
Indiebound.




Interview with Lauren Bjorkman

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Lauren Bjorkman is here!! And she comes with her debut novel, MY INVENTED LIFE which just came out this September.

Want a preview of My Invented Life? Read on.

Roz and Eva are sisters, close friends, and fierce rivals. Roz fantasizes about snagging the lead in the school play and sexy skate god Bryan as her boyfriend. Sadly a few obstacles stand between her and her dreams. For one, Eva is the more talented actress. And Bryan happens to be Eva’s boyfriend. But is Eva having a secret love affair with a girl? Enquiring minds need to know.

Roz prides herself on random acts of insanity. In one such act, she invents a girlfriend of her own to encourage Eva to open up. The plan backfires, and Roz finds herself neck deep in her invented life. When Roz meets a mercurial boy with a big problem, she begins to understand the complex feelings beneath the labels. And she gets a second chance to earn Eva’s trust.

My Invented Life is set in a small California high school during rehearsals for a Shakespeare comedy.

Here’s a quick look at who Lauren Bjorkman really is.

Lauren Bjorkman grew up on a sailboat, sharing the forecastle with her sister and the sail bags. Against all odds, they are still friends. She enjoys making things up, chocolate in large quantities, and anything that makes her laugh. She lives in Taos, New Mexico with her husband, two sons, and a cat that plays fetch.

While Lauren was here she answered some questions that give a little more “insider” information about her.

Of all your favorite books, which one do you wish you had written?

I’ve been asked this before. The answer keeps changing based on my mood. This week, I’ll say Crank by Ellen Hopkins because I’ll never write a novel in verse, and she does it so beautifully.

What fictional character do you wish you could be?

Doesn’t this scenario sounds fun: sailing through the air on a soft orange peach, snacking on scoops of juicy fruit, while arguing with a witty giant centipede? I’ll go with James, from James and the Giant Peach.

After chocolate what do you eat to make the writer-block pain go away?

Popcorn, maybe. Noisy chewing has a way of relieving my stress levels. It totally bugs my husband, though. So I have to do it in private. Which allows me to go off by myself and escape into a good book at the same time.

Be sure to order Lauren’s book at AMAZON or one of your favorite Indies.

Interview with Pam Bachorz

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PAM BACHORZ IS HERE TODAY TALKING ABOUT HER DEBUT YA, CANDOR!

This is a BIG thrill for me. I read and critiqued Pam’s story before it became a book, so in some small way I feel like I’ve been a part of the process from manuscript to published novel. Welcome, Pam.

CANDOR came to the world on 9/22/09 and here’s what it’s all about.

Oscar Banks has everything under control. In a town where his father brainwashes everyone, he’s found a way to secretly fight the subliminal Messages. He’s got them all fooled: Oscar’s the top student and the best-behaved teen in town. Nobody knows he’s made his own Messages to deprogram his brain. But then Nia Silva moves to Candor, and Oscar falls in love. He must choose whether to let Nia be lost to brainwashing—or to sacrifice himself.

AND INTRODUCING THE AUTHOR, PAM BACHORZ

Pam Bachorz grew up in a small town in the Adirondack foothills, where she participated in every possible performance group and assiduously avoided any threat of athletic activity. Pam attended college in Boston and finally decided she was finished after earning four degrees. Her mother is not happy that Pam’s degrees are stored under her bed.

Pam lives just outside Washington, DC with her husband and their son. She likes to read books not aimed at her age group, go to museums and theater performances, and watch far too much television. She even goes jogging. Reluctantly.

As far as she knows, Pam has never been brainwashed. Or maybe that’s just what she’s supposed to say.

I ask almost the same questions of all the Debs, but none of their answers are ever even close to the same. We are such a diverse group and that’s one of the interesting things about knowing them. So let’s find out some not too personal, but interesting things about Pam.

Of all your favorite books, which one do you wish you had written?

UNWIND by Neal Shusterman. Awesome concept. Brilliant execution with gut-wrenching scenes. I drooled with jealousy from start to finish.

What fictional character do you wish you could be?

Oh, probably Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables, though I’m probably not designed for early 1900s life. I’d like to be Anne in her “Avonlea” and “Island” periods (fans of the book know what I mean!). Things got too sad for her starting with “House of Dreams”.

After chocolate what do you eat to make the writer-block pain go away?

Lollipops of all flavors, and sometimes candy canes.

Be sure to visit Pam at here website and hurry over to Amazon or your favorite Indie to by your copy of CANDOR.

Jennifer Brown Interview

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Hey! Today Deb JENNIFER BROWN is here, giving us a glimpse of her book, HATE LIST, released the first of September.

About Hate List

Five months ago, Valerie Leftman’s boyfriend, Nick, opened fire on their school cafeteria. Shot trying to stop him, Valerie inadvertently saves the life of a classmate, but is implicated in the shootings because of the list she helped create. A list of people and things they hated. The list her boyfriend used to pick his targets.

Now, after a summer of seclusion, Val is forced to confront her guilt as she returns to school to complete her senior year. Haunted by the memory of the boyfriend she still loves and navigating rocky relationships with her family, former friends and the girl whose life she saved, Val must come to grips with the tragedy that took place and her role in it, in order to make amends and move on with her life.

About Jennifer Brown

Jennifer Brown is the author of HATE LIST, a YA novel coming out in September 2009. As a two-time winner of The Erma Bombeck Global Humor award and weekly columnist for The Kansas City Star, as well as Saturday Featured Blogger for Mom2MomKC.com, Jennifer spends a lot of time dressing up her dog for laughs and thinking of new ways to works words such as “Puh-lease” and “Ch-yeah!” into sentences. Jennifer grew up in the Kansas City, Missouri area, where she still lives with her husband, three kids, and whole herd of uncooperative pets.

It’s really good to have you visit, Jennifer. Readers kind of like to know a little about the authors they read, so here’s some questions to give them a little insider info.

Of all your favorite books, which one do you wish you had written?

The Stephanie Plum series, because they’re just so much fun… and talk about characters who really jump off the page! Ranger! *purrrrr*

What fictional character do you wish you could be?
Cinderella, because no matter how many different ways her story is told… it always ends happily ever after.

After chocolate what do you eat to make the writer-block pain go away?
Cheese

I look forward to reading your book. Readers, be sure to check out Amazon and your favorite Indie for HATE LIST.

Interview with Cyn Balog

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CYN BALOG’s FAIRY TALE is here just in time for a great summer read. Here’s a sneak preview of what you have in store for you.

Morgan Sparks and Cam Browne are a match made in heaven. They’ve been best friends since birth, they tell each other everything, and oh yeah- they’re totally hot for each other. But a week before their joint Sweet Sixteen bash, everything changes. Cam’s awkward cousin Pip comes to stay, and Morgan is stunned when her formerly perfect boyfriend seems to be drifting away. When Morgan demands answers, she’s shocked to discover the source of Cam’s distance isn’t another girl- it’s another world. Pip claims that Cam is a fairy. No, seriously. A fairy.

And now his people want Cam to return to their world and take his rightful place as Fairy King.

Determined to keep Cam with her, Morgan plots to fool the fairies. But as Cam continues to change, she has to decide once and for all if he really is her destiny, and if their “perfect” love can weather an uncertain future.

So how’s that for sweet plot?

Now About Cyn Balog

Cyn Balog is a normal, everyday Jersey Girl who always believed magical things can happen to us when we least expect them. She’s also the Race & Event Manager for several national fitness magazines. She lives outside Allentown, Pennsylvania with her husband and young daughter. Both are 100% human, or so she thinks. FAIRY TALE is her first novel.

When Cyn stopped by to tell us a little bit more about herself she was patient enough to answer some questions.

Of all your favorite books, which one do you wish you had written?

FEED by MT Anderson… the voice is just… brilliance… and the end makes me weep. It somehow makes you care about a character who can not bring himself to care about anyone or anything.

I loved that book too. Glad we agree on that one. So let’s talk about fictional characters. If you could be a character in a book which one would you choose?

Oh, it would have to be one of the Disney princesses, because I’m all for living happily ever after.

Oh, yes. And speaking of being happy, after chocolate what do you eat to make the writer-block pain go away?

I chew gum. I think they must have made Wrigley’s LUSH-flavored gum in like, heaven. It comes in this sexy black packaging, too, and yet I can still amuse myself by blowing bubbles with it.

Sounds like a calorie-saving plan as well. Thanks for stopping in. It’s been great talking with you.

Cyn Balog’s FAIRY TALE is available at Amazon, so order it now and enjoy a summer reading treat. Also stop by her website and see what else she’s up to.

Interview with Cynthea Liu

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The GREAT CALL OF CHINA by CYNTHEA LIU is here!

Here’s a peek at what’s in store for you.

Chinese-born Cece was adopted when she was two years old by her American parents. Living in Texas, she’s bored of her ho-hum high school and dull job. So when she learns about the S.A.S.S. program to Xi’an, China, she jumps at the chance. She’ll be able to learn about her passion—anthropology—and it will give her the opportunity to explore her roots. But when she arrives, she receives quite a culture shock. And the closer she comes to finding out about her birth parents, the more apprehensive she gets. Enter Will, the cute guy she first meets on the plane. He and Cece really connect during the program. But can he help her get accustomed to a culture she should already know about, or will she leave China without the answers she’s been looking for?

Let’s find out something about Cynthea.

Cynthea Liu spent her formative years in Oklahoma and Texas where she was a Whiz Quiz member, an Academic Decathloner, and a spelling bee champion. (Yes, she was very popular.) After attending college on the East coast, she worked at a corporate job where she mastered PowerPoint and racked up thousands of frequent flyer miles. Eventually, she traded in her suit for sweats to do the fun stuff–writing for children.

When Cynthea stopped by The Write Game, she took a moment to answer a few questions. Here’s how the interview went.

Of all your favorite books, which one do you wish you had written?

I’m not sure I’ve read that book or maybe it’s not something I think
about much. Usually, I find myself wishing I could write humor like
that person, do suspense like this other person. It would be nice to
be able to acquire the strengths of each author and be like this
super-author that does it all just right.

What fictional character do you wish you could be?

None of them. Fiction characters have it pretty bad, though they
usually get good endings. I like the real life just fine- good things
happening all the time!

Sounds like you have a very healthy outlook on life, Cynthea. How about those times when writing doesn’t happen? After chocolate what do you eat to make the writer-block pain go away?

I don’t get writer’s block really. If I get stuck, I’m just “stuck.”
Thinking of it that way may actually help prevent a real writer’s
block from setting in for me. A long bath usually helps me get
unstuck.

What led you to write a story about a teen in search of her Chinese roots?

My agent asked if I wanted to write a book set in China for S.A.S.S.
series. I said, sure! In the publisher’s concept letter there was a
small mention of possibly writing a book about a girl who returns to
China in search of her birth parents. That’s what I used to start
writing the book.

Do you have any personal thoughts about the adoption of Chinese baby girls that you’d like to share with your readers?

I’m just really excited for adoptive families who are giving great
homes to girls (and boys) who need them. Not just abroad but within
the U.S. as well!

Cynthea is a “go” kind of person. Her websites are fabulous and her energy boundless. Kudos, Cynthea on your book and all that you do to inform authors and present new books.

You can find THE GREAT CALL OF CHINA on Amazon. Be sure to buy your copy today.

Mandy Hubbard Interview

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Mandy Hubbard’s Debut Book, PRADA AND PREJUDICE, is out and on the shelves!

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store for you when you open this fab book.

Fifteen year old Callie just wants to impress the popular girls when she buys a pair of Prada heels on her class trip to London. She didn’t plan on tripping, conking her head, and waking up in 1815! Now she’s wearing corsets with her designer pumps, eating bizarre soups, and breaking up engagements. If only the nineteen year old Duke of Harksbury wasn’t so bloody annoying, she might have a little fun in Austen-Era England…

So who is Mandy Hubbard?

Mandy Hubbard grew up on a dairy farm outside Seattle, where she refused to wear high heels until homecoming—and hated them so much she didn’t wear another pair for five years. A cowgirl at heart, she enjoys riding horses and quads and singing horribly to the latest country tune. She’s currently living happily ever after with her husband (who, sadly, is not a Duke) and her daughter (who is most definitely a princess). Prada and Prejudice is her first novel.

I had to know more (I’ve become a nosy blog-person), so here are a few questions I asked Mandy.

Of all your favorite books, which one do you wish you had written?

Probably HUNGER GAMES. It’s totally different than anything I will ever write! It’s much more action oriented, in addition to being straight fantasy.

What fictional character do you wish you could be?

Elizabeth from Pride & Prejudice. 😀

She’s one popular girl, isn’t she?

After chocolate what do you eat to make the writer-block pain go away?

I actually am addicted to Diet Coke. Doritos are excellent as well, but if I eat them while writing, the whole bag will disappear.

Mandy, you’ve officially entered the Authors’ Junk Hall of Fame, along with every other Deb who has made an appearance here. Congratulations!

Thanks for dropping by and thanks for letting us know a little more about the author.

PRADA AND PREJUDICE is available on Amazon. Check it out and when you buy it be ready for a wonderful summer read.

Stop in and see Mandy at her WEBSITE soon.

Interview with Danelle Joseph

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It’s all about being shy and then finding a way deal with it . . . or not. DANIELLE JOSEPH’s SHRINKING VIOLET is out and it’s a great summer read.

Here’s why:

For high school senior Teresa Adams, every day is an ordeal. She’s so painfully shy that she lives in dread of having to speak to anyone in the hallways or answer questions in class. But after school, in the privacy of her bedroom with her iPod in hand, she rocks—doing mock broadcasts for Miami’s hottest FM radio station, which happens to be owned by her stepfather. When a slot opens up, Tere surprises herself by working up the nerve to ask her stepfather to give her a chance—and finds herself The SLAM’s newest intern on one of the station’s most popular shows. Behind the mike she’s Sweet T, her sexy, confident on-air persona. To everyone’s shock—especially her mother’s—Sweet T is a hit. Even Gavin, the only guy in school who she dares to talk to, raves about the mysterious DJ’s awesome taste in music, making Tere wonder if it’s possible to be jealous of yourself. But when The SLAM announces a songwriting contest—and a prom date with “Sweet T” is the grand prize-Sweet T’s dream could turn into Tere’s worst nightmare. . . .

About the Author

Danielle Joseph was a college DJ for five years on the Gyroscope, a world music show. She also interned at several top Boston radio stations while earning her BFA in Creative Writing and an MA in Marketing Communications and Advertising from Emerson College. She has taught Creative Writing and English to Middle school students.

Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Danielle now lives in Miami, Florida with her husband and two young sons. These days you can find her cruising around with the tunes blaring and her internal DJ hard at work.

Thanks for dropping by today, Danielle. I know your readers are interested in knowing something about the creator of this beautifully shy girl. So here are a few questions.

Of all your favorite books, which one do you wish you had written?

Probably Tunes for Bears to Dance to by Robert Cormier. It is such a rich book but each word was chosen so carefully that is a a really smooth read!

Cormier is one of my favorite writers, so I’m really happy that you’ve mentioned one of his books.

What fictional character do you wish you could be?

SpongeBob because there seems to be so much going on in Bikini Bottom!

After chocolate what do you eat to make the writer-block pain go away?

More chocolate-lol!!

Of course, what else.

SHRINKING VIOLET IS AVAILABLE AT AMAZON AND YOUR LOCAL INDIE.

Interview with J.E. McLeod

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WAITING TO SCORE IS J.E. MACLEOD’S debut novel about a young ice hockey player.Zack Chase, new in town, gets a crash course in the dangerous, fast-paced lives of local teen athletes. A good-looking, book-loving hockey star, Zack’s also expected to be a womanizing, alcohol-abusing party animal, but it’s not who he is. As jealous, obnoxious team captain Mac hounds him, Zack falls for Goth-girl Jane and befriends her teammate brother, both with their own secrets. Tragedy strikes and affects them all in this true-to-life debut novel, giving readers an insight into the lives of high school students and athletes.

The author says she writes her young adult stories,pulling from her own teen years. Here’s what she says about herself and her entry into writing.

You know how some people are really quick witted and clever things seem to just float right off their tongues, like they’ve got a tiny speechwriter living inside their brains or something? Well, I’m totally not like that. Sometimes I’m a little slow on the comeback. It’s one of the reasons I love to write. I can always go back and add things later.

For me, being a teen was hard work. My teen years overflowed with angst. Good material for books I guess. Character building as it were. I think I love YA books for that reason.

My path to becoming an author was a windy one. After college, I worked as an advertising copywriter for radio and then TV and eventually moved on to sales and marketing. I missed writing and after having a son started my first book. I’ve been writing since and once I started writing YA, found like I’d come home. Back to the angst. And the hope of having a whole life ahead of you.

So let’s get to know a little more about the author.

I’m guessing that you are an ice hockey fan. Am I right? If not, how did you choose to use this sport as your MC’s talent? Do you play or enjoy watching other sports?

I watched a lot of hockey growing up-two brothers who played and my dad who coached. I spent a lot of time in hockey rinks.

Am I a fan now? Not as much as I used to be, but I still love watching live hockey! I followed one NHL team when I was in my twenties and was quite an avid fan. Okay I was a huge fan with player crushes and everything. I’m not much for watching hockey on TV though, I don’t know why. I get so caught up in a game when I’m on a team’s side and take the losses so personally. My son plays recreational hockey.

I myself was not very good at sports. I always wished I was better, but was born with kind of a klutz gene unfortunately. I think high school sports are an awesome outlet for kids. Might have kept me out of trouble. Maybe not. I have nieces who are very competitive in volleyball, baseball and ringette and I think they’re amazing.

I chose hockey for Zack as a package really. He came alive to me as a hockey player in a dressing room, so there he was. Already a hockey player. But not the cliché hockey player that lived in the towns where I grew up. Someone different. Not what people expected. Like Zack.

My favorite part of Zack’s story is when he stands up for a girl who is not able or willing to stand up for herself. I can’t much more than that without being a spoiler.

What you’ve said is a great teaser. My next question is one I ask all the writers I interview. When people ask me this question I don’t have an answer, so I keep hoping one you guys will give me one. What is your favorite book?

My list keeps growing every time I read a fab new YA author. Love, love, love YA books. My fave book from childhood, the book that made me want to be a writer, was a Wrinkle in Time.

I’ll add that to my growing list. Thanks. Now what advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

I guess I’d quote Jo Beverley (Historical Romance Writer)when she says, “I will work hard on what can be analyzed and enunciated (ie books on craft and critiques) but I will work equally hard at treasuring the way I FEEL about my work.”

But after publication, here’s what I’d say. Accept in your head and in your heart that not everyone will love what you write, and that this does not reflect badly on them, or on YOU.

Amen to both pieces of advice, and thanks for sharing.

Be sure to look for WAITING TO SCORE at your local bookstore or Amazon.