fbpx

C. Lee McKenzie

Young Adult and Middle Grade Author

You are here: Home / New Books / Sneak Peek #2 Especially for You!

Sneak Peek #2 Especially for You!

By

This is Day 2 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–50 copies up for grabs) and a chance at 1 of 2 $10.00 Gift Certificates.
At the end of each month, I’ll announce the winners. The books and the CG’s will be sent out upon publication. Sorry, but I can only send books to U.S. However, I have plans for my international readers later. Promise.

To enter, leave a comment and type the answer to the quiz at the end of your comment (A, B, or C) If you missed last week’s post, CLICK HERE and start from the beginning.

WEEK #1 WINNERS
Everyone got the question right. Everyone left a great comment. So I had to resort to an old-school technique and put names into a “hat.” Remember that even if you win a book, you can still win a Gift Certificate. And if you’re out of the U.S. I’ll send you an eBook.

Those who will receive a signed copy are: Mary Aalgaard, Sue Goldberg, Michael Di Gesu, Natalie Aguirre, Sherry Hilger

Meet Ben

Wunderstock

Ben—sensible, sometimes a little lazy, often beer-craving—is the perfect boyfriend. He’s a good skier and he doesn’t mind it when Libby pushes herself to do more on the slopes. He’s fine with taking off his skis early and heading to the lodge to wait for her. 

The problem is he can’t be there for her when she needs him most. 

I didn’t like Ben too much when I wrote him into the story because he didn’t do the honorable thing and support my Main Character, Libby. Instead, he bailed. But did he break her heart? No. As the story continued, I realized Ben did her a favor. He’s not a likable character, but his role in the story reveals a lot about who Libby is. Eventually, he teaches her a lot about herself as well.

Writing unlikeable characters turns out to be a challenge, but they do flesh out a story and give the writer a chance to show more about the other people in the book—the more likable ones readers cheer for.

Quiz: Who wrote the unlikeable character named Mr. Collins?
A. Jane Austen
B. J.K. Rowling
C. John Grisham 

Comments

  3. Getting here late- but A- Austen. 🙂

    I really enjoyed the sneak peek and hearing about Ben. Not everyone does the right thing- that’s for sure.

    Congrats to all the winners from the post before!

  4. an intriguing way to draw interest to your book. I assume Mr. Collins is a Jane Austin creation, but since I gave up reading her after my 10th grade English class, that’s just a guess.

  5. Hi, Lee. Sorry, I’m late to the party. But I believe the answer is A. Mr. Collins in Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen.

    I like writing unlikeable characters and/or villains.

  6. I cannot tell a lie: I wasn’t sure who made that character 🙂 But you know that you have to have some characters you can love to hate, though I struggle with that!

  7. Answer A.
    I think Ben sounds like a very real character. It’s wonderful that even though he wasn’t right one in the end for your MC, he was able to help her grow.

    • Hi Kathy,

      I did understand why Ben did what he did. We can’t all be stand up people in real life and certainly our characters have to reflect that.

      Thanks for jumping in on my book launch fun–at least I hope it is.

  8. A is the answer to your unlikeable character.

    I’m so delighted I won a signed copy of your book. I can’t wait to read it and find out more about Libby and Ben. After reading your description of Ben, I’m curious why this “perfect boyfriend” isn’t there when Libby needs him the most.

  10. The answer is A. Thank you for choosing me to win a book. I’m so excited to read it! You’re doing a great job of promoting it, whetting our appetites with these character sketches. Brilliant!

    • Thanks, Mary. I’m enjoying writing the character sketches and please that some are stopping by to read them.

      Glad you are a winner of a book, and remember you can still win one of the GCs!

  11. Hi Lee. WOW.. Thanks! I am so happy to win a signed copy of your book! I have dozens of signed copies from blogger friends on a special bookshelf. When I create my Howards library in my walk-up attic one of these days, there will be a special place for it. This space has an almost fourteen-foot peak and I plan to put books shelves up to the rafters. I have boxes and boxes and BOXES of books, I and I can’t wait to create my perfect haven…a private library just for me, and close writer friends, of course!

    Answer. A

    My second novel featured a ‘badass’ MC, not particularly likable, but there were justifiable reasons for his behavior. By the end, you feel for him. These are the most memorable characters.

    • You must send pictures of your library when it’s finished and stocked. You have such talent as a designer and decorator that I’m sure the room will be delightful.

      Glad you won a copy of the book. You can still win a GF so you can add to your library some more. 🙂

      • I certainly will… Right now the Lower Level of my 1914 Craftsman house is under construction. I’m making an owner’s quarters for myself. Yes, I’m turning this place into a B&B, so the library will hopefully come after the rest of the house is restored. I hope to open in the fall and with the proceeds, I can start the library. It will be in the walk-up attic, I think I had mentioned that. Sometime next year it should be done… I hope! Thanks again for the signed copy! I am so looking forward to receiving it.

        • You have some major undertakings going on, Michael. How exciting! A B&B!!!? That is huge.

          I just got the email about my pub date…October. My favorite month. I’m so happy it’s going to be October.

  12. Hi Lee – I wouldn’t have known … but ‘bad characters’, as you mention Captain Hook was a horror, but always memorable … as too many in fairy stories. I’d like to have Mike Boyd’s abilities too … cheers Lee – and enjoy those squash flowers … look so, so tasty! All the best Hilary

    • Probably the scariest stories I remember are those fairy tales. Mike’s got a true talent for anagrams. That’s for sure. Glad you saw the squash blossoms. Aren’t they special?

  13. I knew it wasn’t B and was pretty sure it wasn’t C, the other answers confirm it is A! 🙂

    Unlikeable characters are a challenge for me to write. Pure evil is easier than realistic unlikeable, but I’m working on it!

  14. Quiz answer: A.

    Ben certainly sounds human. Does he have a surname? I wanted to find an anagram for him, but there aren’t any for “Ben.” So let’s assume for the moment that it’s Dover. Ben Dover. Ooh–I see a good one!

      • Aside from Mr. Dover, Bens are tough. Ben Kingsley has a boatload of anagrams, but none are very clever. “Be skinny leg” and “Been sly king” would look good without the verb, but there they are, sticking up like a couple of hangnails. (sigh)

        See you next week.