When do you need #IWSG? Anytime. But during a book launch it’s essential, so how lucky am I to have writers in my corner this very day when my next middle grade book, Sign of the Green Dragon is officially published.
Many of you have read and reviewed the story on Goodreads already, so I hope you’ll post your reviews on Amazon as well. No one else knows better than you how important those reviews are for writers. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Question of the Month
This month’s question is interesting, and I look forward to reading the answers when I visit your blogs.
My very first piece of writing as an aspiring writer of fiction was called Bad Ass Attitude. While it’s published, it didn’t get to keep the title I wanted, and it came out as Sliding on the Edge. Here’s a bit about it:
I write in two very different categories because I need variety or I go stale. What do you write? Are you insecure when you first put a book out into the world? Besides #IWSG what do you do to manage it?
Medeia Sharif says
You do well in different categories. I'm almost done with your book and of course will post reviews.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Medeia. You are one heavy-duty reader and writer.
J.H. Moncrieff says
Congrats again! I'm just getting caught up with IWSG now–yikes. I'm definitely nervous when I launch a book. And whenever I see a new review has been posted.
Good luck, Lee…not that you need it!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I always need luck. This is not an easy job, but you know that!
Birgit says
Sorry i am so late to post here but congrats on your new book. Too bad you couldn't keep your title but your first book sounds quite good
C. Lee McKenzie says
You're not late! You're just in time because I stopped in to see what was happening and here you are. Thanks.
Beverly Stowe McClure says
Sliding on the Edge is a great story. I like your original title. 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm wondering what to do with it next. I'll let you know what I decide, but glad you liked the title.
DEZMOND says
as if the life of a horse aint' doomed enough 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
You must lighten up, DEZ. Some horses have a lovely life.
Brandi Kosiner says
Just wrote my first novel in four years, and my answer is still all the time. every step. but I am also unpublished and without agent
Donna K. Weaver says
Wow. Congrats. Having had a family member who cuts, it can be a very scary thing.
Nas says
Congratulations on this new release!
Julie Flanders says
Wow that's amazing that Sliding was your first! And that's a great title but I admit I love your first title too.
Congrats on another great release!
Empty Nest Insider says
Congrats on Sign of the Green Dragon! Sorry you didn't get to keep your original title Bad Ass Attitude, but I liked reading the backstory.
Julie
Denise Covey says
Hey Lee, I've been outta blogsville for a few days. Your pre-ordered book downloaded, so when I get a chance (don't hold your breath)I'll read/review. Super congrats!
Melissa says
Congratulations on the new release!
I like the title 'Sliding on the Edge.' 🙂
Shannon Lawrence says
I'm loving reading how many people's first finished novels were actually published, even if it was by a different title.
Liz A. says
That sounds like a very interesting book. Just the sort of thing I was reading when I was a preteen.
Michelle Wallace says
Do the teenager and her grandmother overcome their suffering and transcend the past? I'm not giving anything away. Readers must find out for themselves! Sliding On the Edge is a FABULOUS story!
Congrats on launching Sign Of The Green Dragon!
Sounds like ANOTHER good story!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Michelle. You are one busy blogger these days. Hope Alex pays well. 🙂
DMS says
Interesting to know Sliding on the Edge originally had a different title! I like both titles. 🙂
~Jess
C. Lee McKenzie says
So I guess the title change wasn't all bad. Thanks, Jess.
Hilary Melton-Butcher says
Hi Lee – that's great Green Dragon is published … and fascinating to read your back story re Sliding on the Edge: it does sound a book to teach us a few things … cheers Hilary
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Hilary. I have to hop across that pond and see what great history you've posted for us.
Elizabeth Seckman says
Excellent book, Sliding was. As was the Dragon. I'll get my review posted. Thanks for the reminder!
I sort of like Bad Ass Attitude, but I can see where Sliding is a better fit.
C. Lee McKenzie says
The editor said she was afraid parents might object. She might be right. Who knows?
Leslie S. Rose says
Whoo hoo for your new book! BTW – I absolutely love the original title Bad Ass Attitude of "Sliding…". Happy Book Birthday. xo
C. Lee McKenzie says
Me too. Oh well, I tried, but as a new writer, I didn't know how to fight for anything.
Beverly Stowe McClure says
Your first book was wonderful. I enjoyed it. Your latest one is great too. You do a very nice job of writing in different categories.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Beverly. You've been with me for a long time in this writing business!
Shooting Stars Mag says
When I write, it tends to be in the contemporary genre, but I can see how a mix of genres would keep things fresh!
-Lauren
C. Lee McKenzie says
My brain needs all the help I can give it! 🙂
Gwen Gardner says
Your new book looks awesome, Lee. I'll go pick up a copy.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Gwen. I appreciate that.
Nicola says
Happy Book Release Day, Lee!!! Mind has just appeared on my Kindle! YAY!! Have a super week.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm so happy you're going to read it, Nicola. Hope you enjoy.
Cathrina Constantine says
Happy Book Release Lee!!!!! I bought it and can't wait to read it!!!
C. Lee McKenzie says
You're the best, Cathrina. Thanks so much.
Toinette Thomas says
That's an intense first story. Congratulations that it's published. Also, congrats on your latest release. I love the cover art for it.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Toinette. It was an intense topic to tackle, but I was really fascinated by it. Thanks for stopping in to say hi. I love the cover, too.
T. Powell Coltrin says
Congrats to you! I am so happy for you. Keep up the momentum!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm hoping to stay awake, but maybe there's a bit more momentum left in this old bag! Thanks, Teresa.
Mason Canyon says
Congrats on your release day. Great book!!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Pamela! Thanks so much.
Elephant's Child says
I loved Bad Ass Attitude and am sorry it didn't keep its original (much more descriptive) title. And, on the strength of it bought Sign of the Green Dragon last night.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Well, I may take that title back with a re-issue. Thanks for buying Green Dragon! Now I'm biting my nails. People are reading the book I wrote. That always strikes terror in my heart.
Susan Gourley/Kelley says
I like to write in two different genres and I actually belong to two different writing groups, one for romance and one for all writing genres. People to rely on in both.
C. Lee McKenzie says
That's great to have two different groups like that. Congrats.
Shady Del Knight says
Hi, C. Lee!
It's a shame they changed the title of your first story. I like Bad Ass Attitude, but Sliding On the Edge is cool, too.
My first published piece was an interview I conducted with the host of the media market's #1 rated morning radio program, published in a magazine. I am definitely a flasher and have not attempted to write a full book.
Thank you for visiting SDMM, dear friend C. Lee. I appreciate your support!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I love your blog. It's so interesting to glimpse what was happening only a few decades ago.
Sherry Ellis says
You have been so busy writing! Nice to see you have another book out! Congratulations! Yes, the blog community can be very helpful in promoting new releases.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I hope by December I can lie on the bed and stare at the ceiling.
Murees Dupé says
Congratulations on your new release. I've seen it pop-up all over the blogging world. Good for you! Wishing you many sales with your latest book. Your first story sounds like a good book. Yay, for holding onto such a good story and getting it published.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Murees. The holding on is the tough part and all writers know that.
S. L. Hennessy says
Support it the best, and your story sounds amazing! I want to read!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Support is the best. And #IWSG has been one of the best systems in place that I've found.
Pat Garcia says
Hi,
I can understand the publisher changing the title back then, but the title you had was terrific, A Bad Ass Attitude. That would have caught the eye of so many who probably needed to read it at that particular time.
All the best for your launch. My review went out this morning all over my social network and it was immediately approved by Amazon Germany. Like within five minutes. Normally, they state you will hear from them in twenty-four hours, but I heard from them in five mintes.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat
C. Lee McKenzie says
Wow! Five minutes? That's darned fast.
Thanks again, Pat.
Juneta Key says
Congrats, congrats, and you are welcome. I tried to post a review on your Smashwords and Kobo links but it say the book is no longer available there. Is that right?
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yes. I took the down from everything except KD. I'll be writing a bit about that in one of my Email Connect messages. Thanks, Juneta.
Joylene Nowell Butler says
I stress. I don't want to, but I do. And my body usually takes the blunt. Right now I have a terrible lower back ache. BUT doesn't mean I'm not thrilled for you, Lee. You worked hard. You deserve success.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It's a toss up as to whether my back will go out first or my brain. 🙂 So sorry you're having that kind of pain, too. Rotten. Thank you for your comment. Appreciate it.
Chemist Ken says
Although I have yet to experience sending a book out into the world, I'm sure I'll be very stressed when it does happen.
I'm pretty sure I'll only write in the fantasy genre, since I need the ability to make up my own rules in order for my story to work.
C. Lee McKenzie says
You have to write what works for you. Good luck, Ken.
Tamara Narayan says
I just started Signs of the Green Dragon during lunch today. So far, so good. I like how the main character is introduced–showing not telling is excellent here.
This other book sounds intriguing as well, especially the cutting part. It's hard to imagine how someone develops that habit.
C. Lee McKenzie says
That's the reason I wrote Sliding. I couldn't understand how anyone would inflict pain on themselves. I had to find out and when I did, I started writing the book.
T. Drecker says
That sounds like a great book – especially for the first go! And congrats on the latest one. I'm looking forward to reading it.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks. I hope you enjoy the story.
Tyrean Martinson says
Wow! That was your first! Way to swing for the fence – that's a super impressive first book.
C. Lee McKenzie says
And I made some odd choices when I wrote it. I'm not sure they were good, but at the time I thought they were.
emaginette says
Wow, Lee. That book sounds awesome. 😉
Anna from elements of emaginette
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Anna! Thanks for stopping by.
Kathleen Valentine says
I have 2 types of books–psychological suspense and my down-home, rural stories and, yes, I'm always a nervous wreck when I launch them.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm interested in reading some psychological suspense. I'll have to see what you have out there.
Crystal Collier says
I love that you write in the two different genres. I have a couple side genres that have only appeared in short stories to this point, but eventually I'll have to publish my adult dark humor…under a pen name.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Wow! Your dark adult humor will rock! Let us know (secretly of course) when you publish that.
lorilmaclaughlin.com says
Congrats on your new book release!! I just downloaded it and I'm looking forward to reading it. Congrats on publishing your first book, too! I'm always insecure when I put a story out into the world. It's a scary thing.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I had an easier time showing off my kids. Thanks, Lori!
Chrys Fey says
Congratulations on your new release!!! I am going to be buying it soon. 😀
Sliding on the Edge is on my list to read before the end of the year. I quite like the title Bad Ass Attitude, though. 😉
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm thinking about changing it up with a new cover and that title now that I own the rights. Thanks for the encouragement.
Jemi Fraser says
I'm terrified deep down to my bones to put my stuff out there – but I'm getting closer 🙂
Got my review up for you! Such a fabulous story!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm looking forward to your big day, Jemi! Thanks for your support on this launch.
Michael Di Gesu says
Hi, Lee,
CONGRATS…. great that your first was published. ALL the best on your new release!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'd had non-fiction out, but never fiction. I really was in foreign territory with it.
Bish Denham says
Wow, Sliding on the Edge was your fist piece of writing? I'm impressed, Lee.
Congratulations on Sign of the Dragon finally being released to the world. May it soar and roar and attract attention!
Bish Denham says
Oops… left out GREEN!
C. Lee McKenzie says
It's the excitement of it all! Plus you have your own launch underway.
L. Diane Wolfe says
Congrats on the release of your book.
We were foster parents to a girl who cut herself. It was a new experience for us.
C. Lee McKenzie says
That is a hard one, Diane. I can only imagine what you were dealing with. I hope she's okay now.
Pat Hatt says
Awesome your first was published. Like the original title too. Congrats indeed, at your feed.
C. Lee McKenzie says
The cats would love my title, I know.
Suzanne Furness says
Congratulations on your new book, Lee. Great that your first story was published even through the title got changed. It sounds like an interesting plot.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I still like my original title, so maybe a re-release with a new cover etc. might be in order one of these days.
nashvillecats2 says
Good luck with your book Lee,I loved reading about your first write. Such an important write I think as it paved the way to the successful writer you are today.
Yvonne.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Yvonne. Thanks you.
Mary Aalgaard says
That is a good title for your first book. Congrats on getting it published. It sounds like an intriguing read. Also, congrats on Book Launch Day! I'll get my reviews up on Goodreads and Amazon. I truly enjoyed reading your Dragon book and wish it much success!
Mary at Play off the Page
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thank you, Mary. I really appreciated your reading and reviewing this one for me. You do great play reviews, so I Iook forward to reading the one for SOTGD!
Lynda R Young says
It's great you got your first story published. It's a good story too!
And, of course, a huge congrats on your release day!!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Lynda. Today came faster than I ever thought it would.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Congratulations on release day!
Hey, someone else whose first story was published. Very cool, Lee.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It's a strange business, this publishing! Thanks for being around for this launch, Alex.