C. Lee McKenzie

Young Adult and Middle Grade Author

Why I’m An Insecure Writer AND Major Cover Reveal!!!!

By 54 Comments

THE NINJA BEHIND IT ALL
Some time ago I rambled on about that edgy YA that was writing and so excited about, and then one day inspiration packed its bag and took a vacation. “So what,” I said and gleefully launched a new project. I would turn one of my middle grade novels into a YA. That lasted for several days-8 I think.

So there I was at Chapter 7, feeling pretty smug when, wham, this other middle grade popped into my head, one I’d written and tucked away a year ago. All that book needed was a few adjustments, and I’d have something ready for my critique group, and maybe I could sub it by this summer.

That’s when something very strange happened. 

Here’s the story: I was at my desk, hammering out those “adjustment” when I heard this pounding at my front door. When I opened it a whole gaggle of people clustered outside. One, a young nondescript girl wearing either a sweater or a blouse, I couldn’t tell, stepped out of the group.

“They’ve chosen me as the spokesperson,” said she.
 “They?”
“Your characters.”
I cast a wary eye over the crowd. Three young boys, one in a striped T-shirt, one kind of sandy haired, the other dark and growly, stood with their arms crossed, their eyes unfriendly.
“I remember you. You’re in that Dragon story, right?”
They nodded in unison.
“Did I write you as hostile young boys?”
“No,” the growly boy said. “It’s the waiting that’s made us this way.”
“I see.” I noticed an older woman looking rather lost and teary in the middle of the group. “Why are you so unhappy?”
“That’s the way you left me two years ago. Could you please just step on it and figure out how to get me out of this slump?”
“Gee, I didn’t think . . . I mean, you’re just characters—” The crowd turned hostile. I held up both hand in apology. “I’m doing the best I can. Right now I’m all over that ghost story. 

They looked like Ben and Allie from Chapter 7

I picked out two characters who had to be Ben and Allie because they looked like Ben and Allie, the ones from Chapter 7. The other characters cast jealous glances in their direction.

The nondescript girl cleared her throat. “All we want is some follow through, you know? I’m tired of not having a personality or even decent . . . clothes.” She passed her hand over her unexceptional self.
“Thank you for bringing me your concerns. I’ll make a plan and stick to it. Promise.” I turned to go back to the safety of my office, but stopped in the doorway and looked back at Ms. Average. “BTW, are you wearing a sweater or a blouse?”
She’d at least like a nice sweater.

“Good question. You never decided, remember? When you get around to finishing that story, however, I’d like a sweater. Cashmere. Bright yellow.” And off she walked, or ambled, or cavorted. I haven’t made up my mind.

So have your characters ever organized and confronted you? If they did what would they complain or applaud about your writing plan, or like in my case, non-plan? You might consider how you’ll handle what I just had to because it can be very touchy. Once they turn on you, you could be in serious trouble.
Be sure to visit others like myself who have banded together for this IWSG. Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG.

Composers For Relief Cover Reveal for Beyond the Binding

I’ve been looking forward to seeing this for a while. I’m not disappointed. Are you?

Where Musician And Writers Collborate

Why An Insecure Writer Support Group?

By 46 Comments

Thanks ALEX 

I have no idea why we need IWSG. What does it do that’s so important, huh?

Pardon me a moment, I have to open my email to see which agent is asking for my manuscript today. Such a drag. Nag. Nag. Nag is all they do. 


Please send me another of those sparkling, exquisite stories, C. Lee. 

What did you write today, C. Lee. Can’t wait to read it.


You’d think since they’re in the writing industry they’d come up with more original lines.

Oh, sorry. Back from my email, which doesn’t seem to be working today. I didn’t get anything except a PayPal offer. I’ll check later.

Now to my question.

Hold on, my Google Calendar just sent me an alert. Let me take a look. 

What? I was sure I’d finished that last chapter, but guess not. Oh, right. I got stuck in that one scene and couldn’t figure out where to take it. I stopped writing in February? Not possible. I never get the “BLOCK.”

Where was I? Oh, yes. IWSG. Hold it. Just saw something pop up on Amazon. It’s another review. Stellar no doubt. Two stars? Did the guy even read my book? Who does he think he is? 

*Reaches for box of Kleenex and an aspirin. Slumps in chair. 

You can all leave now. I’m not here anymore. I’m over THERE! 

Just a little heads up that Bish Denham has launched her book, ANANSI and COMPANY. It would be great if you’d add it to your TBR list on GoodReads. I’ll be posting more about Bish and her book next Monday, but here’s her amazing cover.

Be sure to visit these others on the Linky for IWSG

What To Do Between Christmas and New Years

By 35 Comments

If you’re anything like me, you run full tilt from October through December. More food to buy and prepare, more people to contact, more company and more stuff in general. The day after Christmas, you can generally find me unwrapped and under the tree. Comatose.

So between Christmas and New Years, I’m slower than a sloth. What I like to do is see movies. The Hobbit was on my list, so I checked that off. I thoroughly enjoyed that movie. It’s so much better than Lord of the Rings. Go see it. Eat popcorn and let Hollywood cinematography wash away the holiday sludge.

I even resort to looking up trivia to give my brain its well deserved rest between the change from one year to the next.  Here are a few I thought were  interesting.

Did you know that Rudolf Valentino’s real name was Rodolpho d’Antonguolla? What? How do you pronounce that?

And Kirk Douglas? You’ll never guess what his real name was before Hollywood polished it up. Issur Danielovitch Densky. Yep. No lie.

As to the Oreo Cookie: It first appeared in 1912 and the source of the name is a mystery. Most likely it was a pleasing sound to some long forgotten person in a marketing department. 

There. I feel better already with nothing but trivia to consider. How about you? How do you refresh yourself after the rush of November and December?  See you again on January 8 when the ISWG hits the blogOshpere for the first time in 2014

Insecurities 2013

By 33 Comments

Thanks to ALEX CAVANAUGH

As the year 2013 comes to an end I’m reassessing the INSECURITIES that plagued me. These are the ones I drag around in a big sack; others only nibble at my heels like annoying puppies. 
  • I’ll never finish writing this book.
  • If I do sell this, reviewers may shred it.
  • It’s not as good as my last book.
  • It’s not as good as X’s book!
  • No one will read this book.
  • I can’t write worth (fill in blank).
  • Why did I ever think I could write? 
Are any of these familiar? May 2014 see some of these fade or disappear entirely.  

Insecure Writer Reporting or Considering Reporting or Hiding Under Her Computer

By 28 Comments

Alex Cavanaugh Presents the IWSG Linky

Once Upon A Time
a writer stood looking toward the fabled city of El Perfecto, yearning to make the journey to the place where he knew he could write the greatest stories, find the greatest agent and sell to the greatest publisher in the world.
He thought about jumping into his Toyota, but with the price of gas and a dearth of royalties, he chose a humble handcart instead. Into that he piled his old PC and a bag of ideas; then he set off down the road, hopes high-spirits soaring.
At the bend in the road he was stopped by Grandpa Doubt who demanded a lift into the city. Like most writers he was generous of heart and loaded the old man into his cart. Off he set again, but now his progress was slow; Grandpa Doubt weighed more than he appeared to weigh.
At the stream, the writer picked his way over the slippery stones. He didn’t want to fall and land on his butt. As all writers know, a sore butt is great hinderance to their creativity. He managed not to misstep, but, when he came to the other side, Grandpa’s niece, Miss Anxiety waved him down. In her shrill voice she explained how she, too, had to reach El Perfecto before nightfall. 
So, mashing his bundle of ideas into one corner, the writer loaded her into his cart. Off they went, but now his pace was so slow that he feared he would never reach the city in time. 
At the crossroads Cousin Block held up his traffic-cop hands and demanded they stop right there. Niece Anxiety hopped out, flailing her arms and screeching that he wouldn’t like to see one of her panic attacks, so he should let them pass. Grandpa Doubt was asleep. Who needed him when Cousin Block and Niece Anxiety were going at it?
At last Cousin Block allowed them to pass, but by that time, the writer knew he’d never make El Perfecto that day. Ahead was a sign reading, “Near Perfecto 2 minutes ahead.” Reluctantly, he headed that direction and pulled to a stop at the first coffee shop he saw. Inside, were several writers, their laptop screen glowing, their lips turned into happy arcs, their fingers tap-tap-tapping the computer keyboards. 
With his laptop and his bag of ideas, the writer slipped away from Grandpa Doubt and his niece, Anxiety, and entered the shop. Maybe this was a good place to be for the time being. When he sat down and began to write, his lips turned into one of those happy arcs and words flowed across the screen. In a few hours he had a draft of a great story; it just wasn’t perfect yet. But he felt so wonderful that it didn’t matter. 
Now I’m off to load my cart and head down the road to El Perfecto. I’m hoping to reach the outskirts by nightfall and, if I hurry, maybe Grandpa Doubt and his niece won’t demand rides. If I hurry, maybe I can slip by Cousin Block . Anyone with me?

Dear Insecure Writer, A Letter To You

By 41 Comments

It’s that time again. 

Thanks Mr. Alex Cavanaugh
LINKY

I receive messages from Dan Blank and once in a while I actually read them. Here’s one that was perfect for today’s Insecure Writer Me post.

A Writer On The Way To The Top





You, Dear Writer, Are Going to Fail Miserably

You, dear writer, are going to fail. Miserably.
Until you succeed.

You will be alone.
Until you are embraced with open arms.

We are going to make fun of you (giddily.)
Until we come to respect you.

We will find every tiny flaw in your otherwise decent story.
Until it grabs our hearts and makes us fall in love.

We will do the worst thing possible for way longer than you expect: we will ignore you.
Until we can’t stop thinking about you, and talking about your work.

We will use you as a scapegoat for our own sense of inequity.
Until we strive to become more like you.

We will take pot-shots at you. Making fun of things that are none of our business.

Until you stop caring about those things.

We will grossly generalize what your work embodies, misconstruing it whenever possible.

Until you ensure we “get it.”

Dear author, we are not going to make this easy for you.

Which is why so many authors stop. They stop writing.

They give up. Too soon.

Sometimes moments before success and validation; other times, years before.

We win. Game over.

 If you want an excuse to stop, to give up, oh we will gladly provide them. It’s a hobby of ours, really.

Go ahead, try to get us to stop. We won’t.

There are too many of us, and this is simply too much fun.

We won’t stop until you start caring less about what we say, and more about the power of your own work.

Until our words hold no power over you. And likely, until that mirror you look into everyday that speaks our words in your own voice holds no power over you as well.

Who’s the WE in this letter?

Dump Those Insecurities. Write That Book.

By 55 Comments

Thank to ALEX CAVANAUGH

Studies show that physical actions and positions can determine success and failure.  If you see successful people you often see them with open faced expressions, not those pinched ones of someone who’s worried they’re not doing the right thing, the right way. Or you see them standing tall and poised for action. They’re not hunched over, biting their bottom lip.

On those Insecure Days, (the ones I’d rather not have) I do six things. 

STOP in place. 
STAND TALL, SMILE and STRETCH out my arms with palms OPEN.
and SAY “Yes.”
Once I do that, how can I be Insecure anymore? I’ve just said YES to the universe. It does make a difference and it’s so much easier to get on with the business of writing a good book.
********
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LOOOOONG LINKY LIST
This month I’m taking a break, so if I don’t get back to you right away, it’s because 
1) I’m sleeping. 2) I’m writing 3) I’ve found that beach and am wriggling my toes in warm sand,
OR
 4) And this is the more likely scenario. . . I’m trying to sort out my life. 
I’ll check in with you more regularly when I return in October! 
What do you do when Insecurity strikes?  Do you have any quotes to inspire? Share, please. 

Insecure Writers: Try, Try, Try, Then Succeed!

By 35 Comments

THANKS MR. NINJA ALEX

This post comes with a warning. It has Lady GaGa being. . .well, being Lady GaGa. However, I love her song and it speaks to everyone.

When she says, “Thanks for believing in me.” I think, “No. You should thank yourself for that.”

And that’s exactly what everyone should do-I’m working on it, okay?-We must believe in ourselves or others will not. We must always TRY. TRY. TRY.

Here’s my Insecure Writers’ contribution for August. I’m not here. I scheduled this last month. I’m off TRYING. I hope you enjoy and I’ll be around to everyone once I return.

How This Insecure Writer Still Writes and More!

By 36 Comments

Another first Wednesday is here (thanks to ALEX CAVANAUGH for the idea) and another opportunity to explore what it means to be a writer with insecurities and literary warts and many times a sore bum.

For me there’s not a lot of glamour. There’s not a lot of cheering crowd moments. There’s not a lot of money pouring in from mega sales of my books. So what is there that keeps me showing up to the page?

I guess I do it because I love words and the challenge of working them into a pattern to express my ideas. Then there’s the pleasure of seeing my thoughts down in a form that is less ephemeral than my conversations. I guess those are two of the reasons. And sometimes it’s just exciting to read something I’ve written and think it’s worthy of the time, the paper and the ink.

What keeps you going, insecurities and all? Or maybe you don’t have insecurities. How do you manage to keep from that?

****

Put JULY 8 on your calendars because the first round of this year’s WRITE CLUB starts. What a great way to get feedback from your fellow writers. We have DL HAMMONS to thank for this super idea. Has anyone entered? Will you go to the submissions and vote this year?

****

Oh, and do you have any nominations for MISHA GERICKE’S Paying It Forward? Check out her BLOG for the details. I’ve nominated two of my favorite bloggers.

Insecure Writers’ Support Group

By 38 Comments

May swept by like a hawk on a mission. I’d hoped to get all kinds of things done while I took off time from blogging, and I did, but not half of what I wanted. I need to be more realistic in setting my goals, but I’ve know that since, like, forever. I don’t think I know how to make a short list.

It was interesting not being at my computer, thinking of what to write or commenting on others’ blogs. It gave me time to stare off into space a bit and shake the kinks out of my brain.

A pond staring moment.

That hawk that swept by on a mission.

I did go to one very interesting meeting where four eighteen-year-old women were awarded scholarships for letters. They read from their work, and  I was blown away by their talent and their self-assurance in front of an audience of published writers. As they talked about their work and career goals I thought, “They don’t need the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. How come I feel I do?”

Then I thought back to my eighteenth year and I understood why. At eighteen I knew just about everything, and what I didn’t know I was sure to pick up in college. It’s only after all these out of college years where failures walk arm in arm with successes, where set backs come just after major accomplishments, where life doesn’t always cooperate and lead me along a straight path to my goal that I’m wise enough to understand that nothing’s always firm, nothing’s always set, nothing’s always safe. That’s not what life is. It’s filled with tricky things like illness, unexpected arrivals and departures, joys one minute, woes the next, so much love, so much hate, bad timing and good. Feeling a bit insecure once in a while has come from experience and prepared me to find my footing quickly, so when I take a step just as the earth shifts and leaves me off balance, I can regain that balance. I’m ready to catch myself.

And that’s all the homespun philosophy I’m capable of today. Here’s to the Insecure Writers’ Support Group; glad you’re around.