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Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Tuesday News—Of Deadlines and Makeovers

When I sat down to write this Tuesday’s news, I realized I really only have one thing to report, and it’s a biggie. After a long hiatus, I am once again back on deadline and feverishly revising a manuscript that has been in the works far too long. My deadline is July 31 and the tentative release date is April 2010.

As is typical for me and the writing process, the working title of this book has changed. Initially I called it Halfway to the Stars, from that charming old song about San Francisco and its cable cars. I knew that title wouldn’t work for American Romance, but I needed a title back when I still didn’t know the characters all that well.

Now that the story is written and I have a clear picture of what’s important to these characters, it’s changed to Wanted: One Mommy. I’m not sure that will work, either, but I think it’s a much better fit for both my story and the line.

My first book, The Man for Maggie, was much the same. It started out as Maggie’s Makeovers, then changed to Fixing Mr. Fix-It. In the end, my editor chose The Man for Maggie.

On the non-writing front, this morning I am going to be a hair model for a student who is doing her final exam at a hair dressing school. And let me tell you, after a lifetime spent with fine, straight hair, this is something I never thought I’d be saying! Check back next Tuesday for all the details. If I’m feeling really brave, I might even post a photograph.

Until next time,
Lee

19 comments:

Megan Kelly said...

Yes, Lee, we definitely want the picture to go with your hair modeling story! Good luck on that and on deadline. MK

MJFredrick said...

Woot! A birthday present for me---a new Lee McKenzie in April!

Lee McKenzie said...

Thanks for the good wishes, Megan! I am the least photogenic person I know, so the photo will depend on how badly I want to scare people ;)

Lee McKenzie said...

And a happy April birthday to you, MJ! Are you an Aries or a Taurus?

MJFredrick said...

Taurus, on the cusp ;)

I've been meaning to tell you, I started watching Big Bang Theory because of you. LOVE it!

Lee McKenzie said...

I've been watching Big Bang reruns, and they still make me laugh out loud! That and Castle are currently my two favorite shows.

Diane St Jacques said...

Hi Lee, please post a photo.........it'll be great! It will give some of us "same hairdo for so long" gals incentive to make a change. Good luck---you'll look wonderful! And really, it's not the hairdo that makes a person, it's what's inside. Have fun! diane

Lee McKenzie said...

Aw, Diane. Thanks! You are such a sweetie!

Beverly Carstensen said...

Hi Lee! So excited to hear that your book is so close to publication! My mom and Auntie Evie ask about you all the time. Don't worry about the title, remember what Shakespeare said about a rose!! You hair is the loveliest colour! I hope you never change it! I'd love to see an 'after' pix! Love Bev xox

Marin Thomas said...

Lee

Count me in for wanting to see your new hair style! How fun to volunteer for the students' final exam.

Marin
Samantha's Cowboy (Aug 09)
www.marinthomas.com

Anonymous said...

Lee, it's so cool that you are back on track in your writing career. I can't wait to read your newest book, no matter what the title is. ;-) And enjoy the pampering you'll get today as a hair model. I'll add my vote that we get to see the 'new' you.

Sheryll

PS: MJ, I'm also a Taurus on the cusp, but of Gemini.

Anita Birt said...

I'm really happy you are back sweating over deadlines. Seems like titles have to be very specific for American Romance. I have every confidence in you coming up with a winner.

ARE YOU HAVE CURLS???Please post a picture of this new you. Years ago, within telling my husband ahead of time, I had my black straight hair turned into curls. Bill took one look at me and in his polite way, said "I prefer straight hair." Within months the curls gave up.

Anita Birt said...

It's me again. I noticed a comment about the TV program, the Big Bang Theory. I tried to watch but it has a laugh track. I cannot watch programs with a laugh track. They drive me bananas. Is it just me?

Jodie Esch said...

Wow! What fun! A hair model. My hair has always been so basic. Curly. Two styles, clean or not.

Enjoy your deadline. I wish I had one.

Lee McKenzie said...

Bev, thanks for dropping by. I'm sending big hugs to you, your mom and your aunt!

Lee McKenzie said...

Marin, being there for the exam was a "hair raising" experience!

It took four hours!

There were eighteen students, eighteen "models" and one instructor/examiner. Everything they did was timed, starting with a cut, followed by putting in perm rods (no actual perms, though), then a roller set, then finger waves and skip waves, and finally a shampoo and blow dry/style.

My hair is now shorter than it's been in years, but it'll be great for summer and I'm really happy with it!

Lee McKenzie said...

Sheryll and Anita, I'm thrilled to finally feel well enough to make writing a priority again.

No curls, Anita. I'm afraid that would make me look like a geriatric version of Little Orphan Annie.

Lee McKenzie said...

Anita, the dialogue on The Big Bang Theory is really well written delivered. I laugh so much, which is probably why I don't notice the laugh track :)

Lee McKenzie said...

Jodie, your comment about your hair style cracked me up!

As for deadlines, I'm confident your day will come, and your dedication and persistence will pay off.