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C. Lee McKenzie

Young Adult and Middle Grade Author

Wednesday Special

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I don’t usually blog on Wednesdays, but today I have some special news that I have to share. Twenty-five 2009 Debs have banded together to produce an anthology of super fine Young Adult short stories and here’s the cover. Tell me what you think. And then be sure to have your Kindle at the ready for this great eBook when it’s available.

Finishing off the Year

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The book events for 2009 are over, at least for me.  I’m sure there are other 2009 Debs out there at book stores and in libraries, so I hope you’ll look for them and attend their events if you’re in their area.

I’m moving on to “What’s Next.” And with that in mind I thought I’d put down some of the things that are on my mind for 2010. Notice I’m avoiding the word “Resolutions.” I can never keep them, so I’ve given up making them. I do have a list of things that I’d like to do after the Holidaze has cleared and I can think of more than family, and friends, and gifts, and food.

Here’s my list so far:

1) Finish book two, like, really FINISH it and stop dabbling with it.
2) Hike Garrapatas again.
3) Take that trip to Tibet that I postponed in 2008.
4) Throw out all my clothes that are from the ’80’s and crammed at the back of my closet.
5) Re-connect with some good friends that aren’t living nearby anymore and catch up on our lives over a long coffee break.

I have more, but I think I should get a head start on the #1 item of my list, so it’s back to writing.

Holidaze Events

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Here we are. From left to right: Me, Lauren Bjorkman, Jon Yang, Cheryl Herbsman. Unfortunately, Sarah Quigley left before we snapped this picture.

Well, it has been a wonderful month for the 2009 Debs. Here on the west coat alone we have been at so many events. Each one has been different, but each one has been really exciting. Nothing is better than connecting with readers.

What seems to work the best for us is to do a short presentation about our books–5 to 8 minutes at the most. At the Menlo Park event Cheryl Herbsman presented a short workshop on Voice and Tone and the responses from the audience were amazing. Some good writing happening among our young people. I did a short bit on Dialog and again the dialog some of the teens produced was excellent.

Getting the audience involved is the best way to have a fun and successful book signing.

If you have some other suggestions, please send the ideas. We have another gathering of YA authors at B&N, Tanforan Shopping Center, Saturday Dec. 12, 2-4. We can always use ideas. If you’re available to attend, please come to say hello.

Shrinking Violet–Sweet!

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Shrinking Violet is running a Contest. Want to join?

Check it out and have some fun. Four people win: each receiving a $25 gift certificate to iTunes or the bookstore of their choice.

So how can you win?
1. Post a review of Shrinking Violet on Amazon.com or B & N.com 2 points
2 Blog, Tweet or Facebook about the Save Shrinking Violet Campaign 1 point for each mention
3. Take a picture of yourself wearing a sweater and mimicking the book’s cover (you must have the book in the photo too). 2 points

Contest begins at 11pm on Thursday, September 24, 2009 and ends at 11pm on Thursday, October 15, 2009.
After you enter, you can either email Danielle at [email protected] or leave her a comment on her blog.

Look for Save Shrinking Violet!

Check out Danielle Joseph’s website and order your copy of Shrinking Violet at Amazon or your favorite Indie. It’s a super teen read.

2009 Debutants’ Blog Tour

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The tour is underway and gathering speed. Stacey Jay’s You Are So Undead to Me(Jan.22nd.) is the first among about 40 debut middle grade and young adult novels you are going to hear about . . . a lot! Stacey will be here on Jan. 31st to talk about her book and maybe even reveal a small secret about herself. Come take a look next Saturday.