C. Lee McKenzie

Young Adult and Middle Grade Author

Books. Books. Books. AND Insecurity Pride Day!

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This month I featured Yolanda Renee. She has been a great guest, and I hope the feature helped make her books more visible out in this wildly competitive world of books. Be sure to take a look at all of her work, including Parallels: Felix Was Here, an anthology The Insecure Writers Group made possible.

 

The Snowman: It takes a true artist to pursue his victims in the art of seduction, and Stowy Jenkins is no exception, especially with blood as his medium.
Buy your copy now and be terrified. A #Freebook on August 23 and 30!

[Read more…] about Books. Books. Books. AND Insecurity Pride Day!

Sandra Cox Shares and Tara Tyler’s Newest Book. Check Out These #InkRipples Covers

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[Note: Since I have so much going on this week, I won’t include Let Me Tell You A Story until next week. Otherwise, this will be one long blog post!]
#InkRipples is a monthly meme created by Kai Strand, Mary Waibel, and Katie L. Carroll. They post on the first Monday of every month with a new topic. They’re all authors, but you don’t have to be to participate.
This month’s #InkRipples is Covers, and today we have two great covers, each distinct and each eye-catching. So hold on to your eyeballs and take a look at these.

My Featured Follower for January is Sandra Cox. 

She’s giving one of the peeps on my list a chance to win a copy of her book! She’s also answering a couple of questions.

Me: Hey, Sandra. Where did the idea for Love, Lattes and Mutants come from?

Sandra: Love, Lattes and Mutants evolved out of a completely different WIP I was working on at the time.  Aliens turned to mutants and adults to teenagers, only the ocean remained the same.*:) 

Me: This is the kind of serendipity I love. And one more question: What’s been the most exciting/daunting part of becoming a published author?

Sandra: The most exciting part of becoming a published author was getting my first contract. I had written for a number of years before I got an offer.  
The most daunting part is when I rubbed  the stardust out of my eyes and realized it didn’t automatically mean people were going to be lined up to buy my book. I think most of us are surprised, when we first start out, to learn just how much self-promotion is involved  in a writing career. 

Me: You have told it like it is, and you have told it so well! Thanks so much.

And now welcome Tara Tyler and her new book with that kid-amazing cover!
 

Kids and teens are usually in a big rush to grow up. But adults know it’s not all staying up late partying or playing games with friends once you’re there. Sure, there’s more freedom when you’re an adult, but with independence comes responsibility. Some people mature, making good decisions, and some don’t. And a few adults seem like they’re still in high school, which brings me to my topic.

Adult Stereotypes. I’d say the majority of people grow up into decent adults and put away the pettiness and drama of high school. But we all slip up sometimes, letting a bad habit show once in a while. It’s tough being “adult” about everything all the time. Thank goodness for reality TV, giving us a quick reminder of how NOT to behave!

And so, here’s a fun list of Adult Stereotypes that you mostly only read about or see on TV or in movies for a laugh or for drama… They’re funnier or more dastardly because adults should know better.

Gossips - These sweethearts are syrup and sugar on the outside, but live for finding out and spreading juicy stories about you behind your back. Adult bullies who make others feel bad so they feel superior. I love it when they get their just desserts! (ha ha)

Nerds - I split these into two groups - the innocent rule-followers and helpers OR the super smarties who know they’re smarter than most and are condescending to the peons below them, they enjoy pointing out the mistakes of others. It’s fun to see the first type become heroes or the second type get shown up.
Jocks - There are three groups of this type - health nuts, muscle heads, or couch potatoes - and they’re all pretty selfish in extreme ways caring only about their bodies whether good or bad.
Partiers - They love to host or go out and drink and dance, etc. This is the worst group because they’re deceptively glamorized and don’t show the true consequences like alcoholism, addiction, and crime - unless it’s a serious movie, then it’s usually depressing.

There are more specific stereotypes, but I didn’t have room to list them all, like overprotective or oblivious parents, super strict or lazy teachers, etc. Irony sells. But the great part about books and movies with these outlandish characters is they usually get what’s coming to them or are taught a lesson for us to learn as well.

Do you ever use adult stereotypes to teach a lesson in your writing?

Thanks so much for having me here, Lee! This release party is making me go visit folks I haven’t seen in a long time - it’s been great!

WELCOME BACK TO THE FOREST!

CRADLE ROCK, Beast World Book Two

by Tara Tyler

Gabe the goblin just saved his town Broken Branch Falls from splitting apart. He also revealed that humans-horrible creatures of myth and legend-may actually be part of their history! But seriously? Nah!

Now Ona, Gabe’s girlfriend, is headed thousands of miles away to Camp Cradle Rock for Spring Break seeking evidence of humans. Gabe knows better than to tell a stubborn ogress she’s crazy, so he’s letting her go and spending the break at the beach like a normal teenage beast. And he’s determined to have a good time without her, whether he likes it or not.

But when Gabe hears Ona went missing, he and his friends set out for the wilds of the west to find her, no matter what dangerous creatures get in his way. Not even humans.

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Check out the Book Trailer!

Tara Tyler has had a hand in everything from waitressing to rocket engineering. After moving all over, she now writes and teaches math in Ohio with her three active boys and Coach Husband. Currently she has two series, Pop Travel (techno-thriller detective capers) and Beast World (fantasy adventures). To squeeze in writing, she economizes her time aka the Lazy Housewife. Make every day an adventure!

Talk to me!
Author Blog ~~ @taratylertalks ~~ Facebook ~~ Housewives Blog

Sign up for my quarterly newsletter if you’d like to find out more and you could win something!

Quote of the Week: “The book designer’s responsibility is threefold: to the reader, to the publisher and, most of all, to the author. I want you to look at the author’s book and say, ‘Wow! I need to read that.'” Chip Kidd, Cover Designer

Thoughts about 2017 & Tara Tyler’s Cradle Rock

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Thoughts about 2017
Change Formula
For this past year, I’ve been thinking of retiring from blogging and writing. Yet, when I considered how many people I’d miss contacting each week, I couldn’t. 
However, I have made a decision about how I’m going to blog. I always enjoy helping writers get the word out about their books, so I started my Email Connect, hoping that I could do that, but maybe even more effectively than with just a one time appearance on my blog. 
I realize that with this new plan I’ll only be able to choose 12 authors each year, maybe only 11 because I’m going to take one month off for RandR and a bit of travel. But I hope the trade off-in depth and month-long support instead of a one-time blog post-will be worth their while.
For writers who aren’t my Featured Follower of the Month, I’m always happy to 
  • do a Spotlight on my blog
  • add their book to Goodreads TBR
  • tweet
  • share on FB
  • visit other websites and comment
  • give Thunderclap support

In 2017, I’m hoping to write about other things besides books. I’d like to post on topics of interest to me and hopefully my readers. I’m working on that now, and am going to make a stab at it starting January.
I’d like to know what you think about my plan. I could use some feedback.
  • Hate it? 
  • Kind of like the idea, but not sure? 
  • Love it? 

Now, since it’s still 2016 and I’ve not changed anything yet . . .
Tara Tyler has a new book out in December, and she here today to tell you all about it! It’s all yours, Tara!
Add to your Goodreads TBR List
CRADLE ROCK
by Tara Tyler
Release Date: December 1, 2016
Welcome to the forest.
Gabe and his girlfriend Ona are headed in opposite directions for Spring Break. After finding out humans might be a real part of their history, Ona is determined to dig up evidence of them in the mysterious mountains at Camp Cradle Rock. Being a logical goblin, Gabe tries to talk her out of it, but there’s just no reasoning with a stubborn ogress.

When Ona goes missing, Gabe and his friends fly to Cradle Rock to search for her and discover a village of trouble, igniting an age old war. His physical skills may be lacking, but Gabe won’t give up. With the help of his diverse group of friends, he will find a way to save his girl and maybe all beastkind. Humans, bah!
And here’s the book trailer! With sketches from my super fantastic inside illustrator, Laura Kramer.


Quote of the Week: The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” Alan Watts, Philosopher and Writer

Hats Off Corner Welcomes Tara Tyler

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My Special Offers Mailing goes out Wednesday. 

It’s Back to School for a lot of kids and parents and teachers! This is my way to celebrate the fall and the new school year. 


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Hats Off Corner Welcomes Tara Tyler









A couple of weeks ago, I asked another writer these questions, and so I thought it might be fun compare answers. Tara said she was game, so here are her answers.

Me: As a writer I look to others whom I enjoy reading for inspiration. Do you have a writer or writers you read for inspiration?

TT: I’ve always been inspired by the writers of books I enjoy. Isaac Asimov, Michael Crichton, Piers Anthony, Janet Evanovich, George RR Martin. And many of my writer friends!

Me: Can you talk a bit about your experience with rejection, how you handled it, what you learned from it? Any “advice” to those who are still getting the “Thank you, but no thank you” letters?

TT: Rejection stinks. Especially when I slave over a query and rewrite it a million times… But once I hit send, I try to forget about it by working on other things. My advice is to expect rejection. It’s part of the process. And when the positive responses come, they make the rejections worth it!! Don’t fret, the positives will come - keep working, the right fit will present itself.

Me: Is there a story behind the story of this latest book that you wish to share? The ah-ha or lightning moment where the story inspiration struck?

TT: There’s always a story behind the story, right? After Pop Travel, I had requests for more. I picked up a trail I left with one of the characters. Hasan loves to create and experiment. In Simulation, he wanted to improve on his guard droids - and he did, but someone stole his work and tainted it… In Book Three: Disposal, Hasan will be working on the garbage/recycling problem and help Cooper and Geri bust some drug dealers making a highly addictive drug from recycled waste… Though he’s not the main character, he’s a driving force and hilarious to boot.

Me: What’s the hardest part of being a successful, published author? (i.e. finding time to write, creating new books that are of the same caliber as your other successes).

TT: Successful? Ha haha. My sales would disagree, but at least I’m published, right? The hardest part is the marketing. Authors are pretty much on their own these days unless they become a big huge deal with one of the big publishers. Finding a balance between home, work, and writing projects is high on the hard things to do list too! My days seem shorter and shorter all the time.

Thanks for hosting me, Lee! Great questions!

After Pop Travel, Geri convinced Cooper to move back to Atlanta, but for familiar reasons, things didn’t work out… In Simulation, Geri is fighting her way back to full-fledged, solo agent status, but first has to deal with one more annoying sidekick on an equally annoying case. Meanwhile, Cooper takes his mind off Geri leaving him by throwing himself into his work, investigating an illegal clone android simulation operation. Sparks fly when Cooper and Geri’s cases lead them down the same path. Of course Hasan wants to help them with their cases, and connives a plan to get them back together in the niddle of all the chaos!

SIMULATION delivers more technology, more intense action, more humor, and more exciting new characters. Come along for the ride.

SIMULATION
by Tara Tyler
Release Date: Sept 14, 2015

In 2082, androids are an essential part of daily life. Some are helpful, some would make better toasters, and some are so human-like they’re creepy. Back in Atlanta, Detective Cooper’s latest client has him searching for her boyfriend who she thinks was replaced by a simulation, an illegal clone android. The guy also happens to be a popular new congressman.

As if the case wasn’t frustrating enough, Cooper keeps crossing paths with his ex, FBI Agent Geri Harper who’s looking for the same guy. As Cooper closes in, Geri is kidnapped. But when she resurfaces in Washington and goes on a killing spree, he knows it isn’t her. Now under suspicion himself, Cooper must find the real Geri to prove her innocence, not to mention hunt down the powerful villain behind it all. Never a dull moment.

Available Now!
Amazon ~~ Barnes and Noble
Goodreads giveaway!

Tara Tyler writes sci fi and fantasy action-adventures from her little corner of the world in Ohio as she tries to keep up with her three boys and coach husband. Always making time to write, she sometimes puts off chores and lets laundry pile up… hence, she’s also the Lazy Housewife, offering advice and tips to other gals out there trying to do it all without going crazy. She and her housewife friends blog at The Really Real Housewives of America.

And don’t forget the Rafflecopter!  

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Quote for the Day: “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” Benjamin Franklin

Are you ready for the fall? Does Tara’s newest sound exciting to you? It does to me. 

Good News and Hat’s Off Corner Welcomes Tara Tyler

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Good News

Georgie Craig has a rare disability that affects his ability to walk. But with this Thera-Suit he’s able to take some very important 3-year-old steps on his own. This suit was designed to help astronauts regain muscle strength after long periods in space. Now it helps right here on old Mother Earth.

Hat’s Off Corner Welcomes Tara  Tyler

I’m so excited to be here at Lee’s! When Lee visited me, she mentioned she doesn’t particularly care to write short stories. But I’m just the opposite! That’s how I got started, with poetry, flash fiction, and short stories. I love getting a good prompt and popping out a little ditty! It’s details I need to work on.

And speaking of short stories, I’d like to present an anthology put together by my publisher…

Welcome to a hidden world of wonder, wiles, and weirdness. CHRONOLOGY by Curiosity Quills is a collection of riveting short stories sure to keep you up at night for more reasons than one. Twenty-four to be exact! There’s fantasy, magic, sci fi, paranormal, historical, humor, romance, superheroes, and more!

My story is THE COMEBACK - A tragic teenage love story, but death won’t keep them apart.

Here’s where you can find CHRONOLOGY:

Curiosity Quills
I’m also hosting a giveaway this month! Haven’t done one in a while, so it’s about time! (Get it? Chronology? Time?)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Quote For the Day: “Nothing so dates an era as its conception of the future.” Brian Eno, Music producer

What’s our view of the future? Helping kids walk on earth while we learn how to walk on other planets, in other galaxies? Doesn’t Tara’s new adventure look exciting? Hope you’ll stop in at Amazon and get your copy.

Celebrating Small Things: My Book Launch and Broken Branch Falls by Tara Tyler

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Thanks VIKLIT

Co-Hosts:

LG KELTNER @writing off the edge
KATIE @TheCyborg Mom
CAFFEEMAGGIEATO @mscoffeehouse

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AVAILABLE TO BUY NOW AT EVERNIGHT TEEN
I’m celebrating something that’s small in the scheme of things, but exciting for me. 

My Young Adult novel, DOUBLE NEGATIVE, officially goes on sale today.

Sixteen-year-old Hutch McQueen is shackled by near illiteracy and trapped in a dysfunctional family. When he tries to escape, he chooses the wrong way and lands in juvenile hall.  He might have a another chance if he listens to the priest and the teacher.

You can enter to win a free copy or some Amazon money for a shopping spree.

I waved my magic wand, and am now in four places at once today. Come visit me at MEDEIA SHARIF’S today. We’re talking. Then DARBY KARCHUT  and TBM are featuring me at their special spots in the universe. And YVONNE VENTRESCA is letting me go a bit about writing stuff. How lucky can an author be? I launch and I’m hosted by four really super people. 

On Sunday, July 27 the magical two, JESS and STEPHANIE are hosting me at their Author Tracker blog.

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So much for celebrating the Small Things, now let’s celebrate the Big Things, like books for kids!

Available Now  Amazon 

Barnes and Noble

Let me just get this over with and tell everybody how jealous I am of Tara’s cover. There. I feel so much better.

So today I’m having a very different kind of guest. Everybody seated? Ready? Good. Now let me pass the GGs around. 

“Huh?” Crowd response.

Oh, What are GGs? Lee nudges her guest who is somewhat green (get over it) and small (get over that, too).

Gabe, you tell them what GGs are and that will get our conversation off to an, ahem, interesting start.


Gabe: I thought everybody knew GGs were Goblin Goodies. 


Lee: Well, not everybody. But now that you point it out. . . In fact, now that you’ve answered my first question, I’m thinking you’re not really as nurdie as you say you are. I think we need a Nerd Test. Are you up for that? 

Gabe: ​Uh, sure. I hope I will prove I’m not a nerd.​


Lee: I’ll just fire off a few questions and you answer them as best you can. At the end, I’ll tally all your “correct” answers-answers only a true nerd would know-and we’ll see what the results are.

What day is National Nerd Pride Day? A real Nerd would know this one.


Gabe: ​I didn’t know there was such a thing. How about May 4th. (It’s Star Wars Day - get it? May the 4th be with you… 


Lee: Oye! I’m afraid you’re more nerdy than not. So here’s question two. If a Nerd wears glasses, would he 

a) let them slide down his nose and leave them there
b) tape them if they broke
c) buy the latest fashion

Gabe: I’d have to say “b” - I had to help my friend Darvis tape his after an unfortunate flugelhorn incident.​


Lee: Oh yes. The *cough, cough* flugelhorn incident. Onward.

What did the nuclear physicist have for lunch? 

a)cesium salad
b)fission chips
c)atomic barbecue

Gabe: Those all sound…interesting.​ I’m going to have to go with “b” again - I don’t like salad and atomic barbecue sounds like Troll fodder - no one wants that nuclear reaction!

Lee: I agree with that observation. Now for the last nerd determining question.

Rainbow suspenders are 

a) neato
b) uninteresting
c) expensive 

Gabe: ​Rainbows are cool, so I bet rainbow suspenders are “a” - neat!​


Lee: It seems you are truly a Nerd. Congratulations. But how is a Goblin Nerd different from say your average teenaged human one?  Or are there any differences? 


Gabe:​ Well, I’ve never met a human, only read about them. The books say human teens ​are lazy and like to put each other down to make themselves feel better. Here is the definition of a nerd - a person who behaves awkwardly around other people and usually has unstylish clothes, hair, etc. ; a person who is very interested in technical subjects. That about sums me up, so if a human teenage nerd is that way, then, we’re pretty similar…


Lee: ​Hmm. Very interesting. Would you like to leave us with some special Broken Branch Falls wisdom a la Gabe the Nerd?


Gabe: I would like to point out that we shouldn’t be judged by appearances, but by how we behave and treat each other. What’s on the inside is what matters. Just because I’m smart, thin, and awkward doesn’t ​mean I should be pushed around! Nerds unite!

And there you have it. But not yet. Be sure to buy Gabe’s book. Hope you do. BTW are you a nerd? How many questions did you get right? Be sure to join my giveaway. 

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

One last thing. Here’s my kind of quirky Eli Wallach, quote for the day: “Having the critics praise you is like having the hangman say you’ve got a pretty neck.” Hmmm. I have to think about that one.