Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
The awesome co-hosts for the April 5 posting of the IWSG are Jemima Pett, Nancy Gideon,
and
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!
April 5 question – Do you remember writing your first book? What were your thoughts about a career path on writing? Where are you now and how is it working out for you? If you’re at the start of the journey, what are your goals?
I absolutely remember almost every step I took in writing that first book–Sliding on the Edge. I knew nothing about writing a book except the English language and the fact that I loved reading. I had zero career goals because I’d already had a career, and this was my time to kick back and take it easy. HA!
Little did I think I’d still be writing or that I’d have ten books published. I was astonished when I had one, and I had no plans for a second, but when I went to New York to meet my publisher, their first question was “What’s your next book about?”
My response was, “I’ll have to get back to you on that.” I remember sitting down in my hotel room that night and writing the first ideas down for The Princess of Las Pulgas. That would be book two, and I was on my way down that very slippery slope we’re told to avoid.
Where am I now? Excellent question. I’m submitting my first speculative young adult book, getting ready to submit a middle grade fantasy, and starting book two in an adult series. That slope keeps getting steeper and more slippery by the day, but as long as it’s fun, I’ll stay the course. I love sliding into new territory!
But not into areas of danger. Read on and be aware!
SCAM ALERT
Thanks to Tonja Drecker who alerted me to this potential disaster for writers!
This is what she sent to me:
Scams are nothing new, and as a writer, there are certain things, which set off the alarm signal. This last week, though, I ran across one, which caught me by surprise. I’ve since learned that it’s been around for several years and hits job boards as well as the usual social media outlets. I ran across it on Twitter, and while I didn’t fall victim to it, I was shocked at how much time the scammers put into it.
I received a DM from an account I’ve been following for several months, claiming that they needed some help with something and asked if I was willing and comfortable with writing clean kidlit stories. The account had around 3,500 followers (over 150 writers which I follow myself), did regular posts with book news and religious quotes, and didn’t seem off in any way. After a little back and forth, they claimed that they were contracted by a large company (a real company, who was not involved in the scam) to find remote writers for a project. It was a permanent position with a monthly salary of $4000. Wary but curious, I agreed to an interview on Skype, which was scheduled three days later.
The first alarm bells sounded when the gentleman, who was to interview me, insisted that it be done per chat…claiming the printed form was important to assist in the company’s decision. During the chat, the logo of the supposed contracting company was present. The interview was very normal and came with the usual questions but did get odd when it was my turn to ask for information. The gentleman’s answers were vague, and the conditions, while nothing over-the-top, sounded too good to be true. The interview lasted over 30 minutes, and at the end, he claimed I appeared to be what the company was looking for. A second interview was scheduled with the supposed hiring company’s manager for the next day.
This interview also came as a chat only. While starting out with the usual questions, the ‘you’re hired’ popped up fast. Claiming that they needed me to start as soon as possible, they requested personal information, supposedly to speed up the paperwork process. While I didn’t let it get this far, I’ve since learned that it would include everything from address, birth date, bank information, credit card, and even SSN.
Before reporting this to anyone, I did contact the real company, whose name was used by the scammers. They were extremely kind and helpful, and confirmed that the individuals did not work for them nor were they hiring writers at the time. The account has since been reported to Twitter, but that, obviously, won’t stop the scam.
Thanks, Tonja
The next WEP (Write It. Edit It. Publish It.) is coming!
Life is Beautiful Post April 19 to 21, 2023
WEP has a new look and a new admin! Here’s the lineup of the WEP crew, and what a great one it is.
L.G. Keltner
(on leave of absence)
WELCOME TO
Sonia Dogra
Don’t forget that the AtoZ is underway this month. I’ll be there for the letter M at
J. Lennie Dorner’s place.
Quote of the Month: Life is not what you expect: it is made up of the most unexpected twists and turns.
Ilaiyaraaja, an Indian musician, composer, arranger, and conductor
Patricia J.L. says
It’s interesting the turns our lives take and how some of those turns end up being a lot more permanent than we ever imagined.
J Lenni Dorner says
Speculative YA? Sounds like my kind of book!
That’s a scary scam.
(There’s no “e” on Lenni.
And your interview will actually be at Operation Awesome, the site I volunteer at, which is also in the challenge. 😊)
I’m focused on the April #AtoZChallenge.
Proof of Existence, book two in my dark urban fantasy series, is out this month.
I’m running a giveaway on my blog.
J Lenni Dorner (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Reference& Speculative Fiction Author, OperationAwesome6 Debut Author Interviewer, and Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge
Yvonne V says
Yay for all your books!
Thanks for the scam alert.
Bish Denham says
Wow! You have a lot of writing going on! Congratulations!!
Jeff says
Hey, I’ve read (and enjoyed) your first book! Scammers are all around us. And I can’t imagine agreeing to an interview via chat would be a turn off for me.
Yvette Carol says
Good luck with the new book! What an inspiring foundation story.
Diane Burton says
Thanks for the heads up on the scam. Congrats on the path your writing has taken.
Jacqui Murray says
What a chock-full post, Lee. Loved the backstory on your writing career. The Princess of Las Pulgas is one of my favorites, but I say that for every new book I read of yours. Thanks for the scam alert. These people are awful.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Lots of news this month, heh? Thanks for being one of my readers, especially since I know my genre isn’t your usual reading material.
Janice Cooke says
How exciting, and perhaps, at times, nerve-wracking, to be skating along a new path and so successfully. It’s good to extend one’s interests and step outside one’s comfort zone., but, as you say, safely. There are so many confidence tricksters around in all areas of life. Very sad!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Stretching beyond what’s comfy is scary, but as you say, it’s a good thing to do.
Yvette Carol says
If you’re on a roll, you’re on a roll. Enjoy the ride! How wonderful.
C. Lee McKenzie says
A bumpy roll, Yvette. But that adds to the experience, I suppose.
H A Melton-Butcher says
Hi Lee – congratulations on all your writings … I loved ‘Shattered’ – amazing you met your publisher a few years ago. That’s great you’re writing on … good luck with the new books – cheers Hilary
C. Lee McKenzie says
So glad you enjoyed Shattered. Thanks for reading it and letting me know. That’s always so kind.
Shannon Lawrence says
Wow, exciting projects you’re working on! You’ve done really well for yourself.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Shannon. I’m in good company here.
Sonia Dogra says
Hello Lee! You always inspire me. Ten books is a lot. And what’s more inspiring is that you’re experimenting. I hope I can do a fraction of this kind of writing in my life.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I have no doubt you’ll do that and more. I sense determination!
H. R. Sinclair says
Wow four up and coming! Oof, I’m impressed. Awesome.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Potentially four. Only time will tell!
Sandra Cox says
Meeting your publisher in NY. Pretty darn cool.
C. Lee McKenzie says
They were very nice, but I was still nervous.
Denise Covey says
Hi Lee!
You’re not the first one to be caught by surprise by a writing career, and look how you’re flourishing! Congrats!
Thanks for the WEP shout out. Appreciate it more than words can say. Glad you’re participating this month. Your stories are always excellent.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yes, so right. I’m sure I’m a member of a great club.
I look forward to this month’s WEP!
Sarah Foster says
I guess writing books is like eating chips…you can’t do just one!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Ha! Yes, indeed.
Jen says
I think that’s great that you wrote your first book as a joy and it led to publication. I’m still on the journey to book publication and it’s been such a learning experience. I’m excited to see where it will lead!
Thanks for the head’s up on the scam alert. I’ve read about it on several blogs today. What a sad, sad thing for someone to do.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Lately, I’ve been barraged by scams. It has been so bad that I’m sure I’ve dumped legitimate offers, but I’m working on the principle of “Better safe than sorry!”
Carol Kilgore says
I think we all remember our first book. There should be a special corner of hell for scammers.
C. Lee McKenzie says
If there isn’t one now, we must get busy and make one.
Olga Godim says
Thanks for the scam alert. Those scammers are repulsive, preying on people’s need to get a good ob.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yes. You are so right.
Mike says
Tonja, nice catch. I hope the real company is following up on this. You need to warn those 150 other writers about the scam.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I agree. The more pressure on these creeps the better.
Liz A. says
That has been quite the journey. Scary scam. Thanks for the heads up.
C. Lee McKenzie says
We all have to be so careful these days. There are always those out there ready to steal what they can.
L. Diane Wolfe says
You made quite a career out of that first book.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Unexpected for sure, but exciting.
Elephants Child says
I love your books and am so glad that you are still having fun writing them. It shows.
Hiss and spit at the spammers. All of them.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yes. Hiss and spit at those buggers! Perfect.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Amazing how one book turns into many, isn’t it?
C. Lee McKenzie says
As you well know!
Anna says
I like the slope. Even if I slide a bit some days. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
C. Lee McKenzie says
Me too. It’s really a lovely downhill ride, isn’t it?
Arlee Bird says
Wow! I guess the only time scammers sleep is to dream up new scams.
You’ve had a great writing journey in the years since I first encountered your name on the blogs.
Lee
C. Lee McKenzie says
It has been a while. I’ll have to stop in and see what you’re up to on the AtoZ this year,
Loni Townsend says
Well, I think you made a great choice in pursuing writing, even when you already had a career. You write some excellent books!
C. Lee McKenzie says
That’s kind of you to say, Loni. Many thanks.
Tyrean Martinson says
Loved discovering your journey! I’m excited to read more of your books. 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m looking forward to writing The End.
Thomas Edward Anderson says
Hi, Cheryl-Lee!
It’s great to see you again, dear friend! Life can be giddy-good when you challenge yourself to the extent that you have been doing ever since you were successful with your first book. As you emphasized, as long as it’s fun, keep going, because the rewards are worth it. That scam you described is disturbing, but not surprising. They seem to be springing up right and left and have hit close to home. Recently, my stepson responded to an ad on a job board. Soon he was engaged in a series of back and forth communications with people who supposedly represented a company that was willing to invest thousands of dollars worth of equipment in qualified candidates allowing them to tool up for the high paying jobs that were promised. My stepson smelled a rat just in time to avoid giving out vital personal info and becoming a victim of the scam. Thank you for spreading awareness.
I wish you a happy Easter and a safe and productive month of April, dear friend Cheryl-Lee!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Your stepson’s experience must have been terrible for him. Just when you think you’re on to something good, it’s snatched out from underfoot. Rotten scamers! Glad he escaped the trap. What a nightmare that would have been.
Happy Easter to you as well!
joylene says
Your excitement is contagious, Lee. I never knew you’d met your publisher. That is very kewl.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I was so green when I went to NY that year. Wish I’d had more experience under my belt then.
Pat Garcia says
Hi, Lee,
I hope you got my comment. I will check again tomorrow. If you got it, please delete this comment.
Thanks.
Shalom shalom
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Pat Garcia says
Hi, Lee,
I like your sentence, the slope keeps getting steeper.
Keep growing lady. Growth is beautiful.
Shalom shalom
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Pat. Same to you.
JQ Rose says
How exciting to have so many ideas and enthusiasm about your work! And you thought you’d write one book! I’ve enjoyed every one of the booksthat I have read. Congratulations on your success and future success!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks so much, JQ.
Natalie Aguirre says
That’s exciting that you have so many projects you’re working on, Lee. Thanks for sharing Tonja’s scam alert. There are a lot of them going around right now.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m so nervous about any offer these days that I’m sure I dump legitimate ones or report them.
Jemi Fraser says
Hmm… my comment seemed to disappear – trying again (hope it’s not a double)
Love that you got your first book published! Very cool!
I don’t understand the scammer mentality. Glad Tonja figured it out.
Jemi Fraser says
Love that you published your first book!! Very cool.
It is indeed a slippery slope with all the ideas bombarding us and demanding their turn.
I’m glad Tonja figured it out. These scammers are horrid!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Not sure what’s going one with this quirky site!
Jemima Pett says
Love that you also had a career and then kicked back! I can’t imagine what it would be like to have started out as a writer for a career as I did so many other things first! Thanks for the scam alert too, and Tonja as well. Looking forward to seeing you on Operational Awesome I’m on at P!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’ll try to stop by the AtoZ!