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C. Lee McKenzie

Young Adult and Middle Grade Author

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Monday Miscellany Featuring Books, Indie Writer Help Line, Summer and Write Club

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Books 

(Pilot error confession: This posted a week early, so if you think you read it, you did, but I caught the problem early, so give me points, okay? Also there’s more that’s new. One thing is this SPOTLIGHT. I didn’t expect it to happen until much later, but here it is today! Then a GIVEAWAY went up. Forgot about that one until this morning. Arrg. Summer is going at warp speed.)

This book doesn’t need promotion from me, but it deserves attention, so I’m going to post about it today. A Thousand Splendid Suns stunned me with the vivid portrayal of life in Afghanistan. Hosseini (The Kite Runner) captures the essence of this country, its people and the history from the Soviet occupation to Taliban domination and beyond. There are scenes that are very difficult to get through because of the cruelty, but so riveting in their prose that you must read them. I will never forget the story of the two women caught up in the turmoil of their world. I highly recommend it.

Indie Writer Help Line

I stumbled on this great piece by Ron Vitale and wanted to share it. Here’s how he starts. If you want to read more, I’ve included the permalink above.

Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter Here

I will be up front and as transparent as I possibly can. The self-publishing industry is volatile, difficult to predict and more time consuming than I ever anticipated. But, fear not, it’s not without hope. What is truly important is to have realistic expectations. If you’re looking to make it rich fast, then, yes, abandon hope. If you understand that you’ll be putting in years of work and that you’ll need to build your platform and brand over several years writing at least three books, then you’re in the realm of reality.

Summer 

I got a little carried away with my squash planting this year. I have a sea of squash and my family has already yelled “No more squash anything!”

Ever resourceful, I now pick and stuff squash blossoms. The revolt has been quelled. Who can ever get enough of those tasty morsels filled with cheese?

Hope you signed up for the Write Club.

Anybody read A Thousand Splendid Suns? Comments? Tell Ron I sent you if you stop in and read his post. It’s worth your time. Want a few squash? Did you sign up to vote or enter the Write Club? How miscellaneous is this?

Comments

  3. A Thousand Splendid Suns is an excellent book. I read it after The Kite Runner, and look forward to his next novel. I love squash, but haven't tried squash blossoms. They sound delicious.

    Julie

  5. I haven't read it, but it sounds like a really good book! I'm signed up for Write Club although realistically, I don't have much time – I'm doing it anyway.

    Thank you for that bit by Ron Vitale. I needed to read it. I started out with semi-realistic expectations for self-pubbing, but there are days when I feel like wailing because I haven't "made it" yet . . . at least not like I had hoped . . . even though I knew when I started that it was at least two-three years and 3-5 books away. I had an awesome writing teacher years ago who told us that it would take at least 5 published books before a writer really started to have success. I just have to remember that and Vitale's words too now.

    And now, I think I have an IWSG post ready . . . almost.

    Thanks C. Lee!

  6. I have tried to.do The Fight Club in the past but just cant seem to find the time. Looks like a lot of fun. Maybe I can do it this year.

  8. I read A Thousand Splendid Suns and thought it was so well-written and fascinating. The book has really stuck with me because the messages were so deep and powerful. I also read The Kite Runner and was very moved. I hear there is a new book out by the same author- but I haven't gotten my hands on it yet.

    Glad you found another great way to enjoy squash and keep the family happy!

    Ron's site sounds great!
    ~Jess

  9. I read The Kite Runner and wept. I'm sure I'd appreciate A Thousand Splendid Suns. Have never eaten a squash blossom, but would love to try them! I need to go check out at post. And yes… I think YOUR post is quite miscellaneous.

  12. I've never had squash blossoms but I love squash! It's too bad I don't live closer to you. 🙂
    The year is disappearing fast!

  13. Our tomatoes are already producing fruit. I remember last year at this time, everything had dried out and we had a water ban! Summer is going by so quickly. It's July already. I blinked and missed June!

  14. We are squashed out from husband's sister. My cousin read A Thousand Splendid Suns and liked it a lot. I haven't read it. Nor have I ever eaten a squash blossom. Maybe I should change that 🙂

  15. For a country girl I've had very little squash because I think I don't like it. A friend of mine tricked me with a zucchini cake. OH MY GOODNESS–so good.

  17. Hosseini's book (and all others from him) has been a hit in my country too. If I had any luck getting hired by his publisher here I might have translated the book myself 🙁 But poor little me has no big connections 🙁

  18. I have not read A Thousand Splendid Suns. It sounds like it would be an enjoyed yet heartbreaking read.

    And squash, squash and more squash 🙂