Tuesday News

With the July release of Firefighter Daddy, the past month has been a whirlwind of book signings and guest blog appearances. Exhausting, but so much fun!

Here’s a photo taken at the multi-author signing I took part in last Saturday.

[l. to r.: Golden Heart winner Jacqui Nelson with a copy of Firefighter Daddy in her hot little hands, Chelsea Bowles, me in my I “heart” SF T-shirt, and fellow author Susan Lyons/Fox]

I love the little gems that pop up on the Internet. Here's Firefighter Daddy listed in the Firefighter Gifts section of the United Firefighter website!

I’ve had to switch gears this week to work on the page proofs of my January 2011 release, The Wedding Bargain. I really love the characters in this story and I sure hope readers will, too.

Speaking of great stories, today you’ll find four new Harlequin American Romances on bookstore shelves.

Baby Bombshell
by Lisa Ruff

Dusty: Wild Cowboy
by Cathy McDavid
Third in the must-read The Codys: The First Family of Rodeo miniseries!

The Mommy Proposal
by Cathy Gillen Thacker

His Hired Baby
by Jacqueline Diamond

Check out the covers at eHarlequin.com. Happy reading!

Until next time,

Lee

Sunday Fun—Inspiration

Some writers do storyboards and collages for the books they write, and I envy them that. That process has always intrigued me and I've considered doing it but have just never set aside the time.

I do look for things that inspire my writing, though, and I keep various things on and around my desk that help keep me in the moment while I'm writing, help with adding details to scenes, and so on.

So I thought I would share a couple of images I used while writing Firefighter Daddy—specifically Rory's bridesmaid dress and shoes. The dress I had in mind wasn't identical to this one but it was very similar.

Rory's strappy, sparkly shoes, however, were exactly like these!

I think they're gorgeous, even though my feet hurt just looking at them.

And of course Mitch liked them too. A lot!

Happy reading!

Until next time,
Lee

This Week's News

I'm doing one last book signing tomorrow so if you'd like an autographed copy of Firefighter Daddy, please drop by!

Saturday, August 7
1 to 4 pm
Coles Books, Tillicum Mall
Victoria, BC

This will be a multi-author signing and I'll be joined by Sharon Ashwood, Mimi Barbour, Bonnie Edwards and Susan Lyons.

We're holding an instant win draw and everyone who stops at our table will win candy or a fun little prize. Those who buy books will also be eligible for the grand prize draw for a beautiful travel tote bag filled with goodies.

The page proofs for The Wedding Bargain are here so that's what will be keeping me busy for the next few days.

Until next time,
Lee

Tuesday News

Two book signings down, one to go! Here are the details about my next and last signing of the summer:

Saturday, August 7
1 to 4 pm
Coles Books, Tillicum Mall
Victoria, BC

This will be a multi-author signing and I'll be joined by Sharon Ashwood, Mimi Barbour, Bonnie Edwards and Susan Lyons.

Any day now I expect to receive the page proofs for The Wedding Bargain, the sequel to Firefighter Daddy. And I discovered this week that it's already available for preorder on Amazon.com and Chapters.ca!

The Romance Writers of America's national conference is being held this week in Orlando, FL. I'm not attending this year, but I'm sending a special shout-out to this year's Rita and Golden Heart finalists!

Until next time,
Lee

Blogs and Book Signings

Today is my regular blog day with the Harlequin American Romance Authors and I'm taking a stroll down memory lane to revisit the games we used to play during school recess. Remember those?

This afternoon you'll find me chatting with readers and signing copies of Firefighter Daddy at:

Save On Foods ~ Deli Department
3510 Blanshard Street, Victoria
1 to 4 pm

I'll be giving away chocolates and bookmarks so if you're in the neighborhood, please drop by!

Until next time,
Lee

Tuesday News—It Just Doesn’t Get Old

What a fun week I've had! I did my first ever solo book signing last Friday, met and chatted with lots of readers, and autographed fifteen copies of Firefighter Daddy.

Last Wednesday the Saskatoon StarPhoenix ran a feature story about me, and as a result I've been invited to contribute copies of my Harlequin American Romance novels to a collection of books written by former students of the University of Saskatchewan. I feel completely honored.

On Sunday afternoon I dashed around to local department stores, drug stores, etc., that sell Harlequin American Romances, and did a little book merchandising. Snapped this photo of Firefighter Daddy on a shelf next to Marin Thomas’s Dexter: Honorable Cowboy.

Have you ever seen two more sighworthy heroes? I’m serious when I say THIS NEVER GETS OLD!

This week I’m teaming up with Sharon Ashwood for another book signing. Here are the details:

Saturday, July 24

1 to 4 pm
Save On Foods ~ Deli Department
3510 Blanshard Street, Victoria

We’ll have treats and giveaways, and everyone who buys a copy of Firefighter Daddy will get the recipe for my favorite potato salad. After all, if we're going to be in the deli, we might as well have a picnic!

If you can’t join me this Saturday, I’ll be doing another signing on Saturday, August 7. I’ll post those details in a week or so.

I hope you’re having a wonderful summer. Happy reading!

Lee

Friday Food for Thought—Favorite Snacks

Healthy or junk food, we all have favorite snacks.

In Firefighter Daddy, Mitch’s daughter Miranda loves to go out for ice cream. Her favorite flavor? Chocolate chip cookie dough.

I’ve known people who'll make a batch of chocolate chip cookie dough and actually eat it raw instead of baking it. To which I say, ick!

In another scene in the book, Rory makes herself a bowl of microwave popcorn and then falls asleep on the sofa while she’s looking after Mitch’s daughter. Have to say I had a lot of fun writing that scene. There’s even a little snippet in the teaser blurb inside the front cover.

I happen to love ice cream and popcorn. I’m also a huge fan of dark chocolate (and getting huger by the minute, if I’m not careful) and potato chips (plain and salty).

Of course, some would say chocolate is not a snack but rather an important food group, and they’ll get no argument from me!

What’s your favorite snack? and is it healthy or junk food?

Until next time,
Lee

PS: I'll be signing books from 1 to 4 this afternoon at Save On Foods at Country Club Mall in Nanaimo, BC. And yes, there will be chocolate!

PPS: Marin Thomas is blogging with the Harlequin American Romance Authors today. Drop by for a chance to win an autographed of Dexter: Honorable Cowboy and one of her fabulous cowboy-themed giveaways!

Tuesday News

Today’s the day! The official release of Firefighter Daddy is finally upon us and I couldn’t be more thrilled! There have been Facebook greetings, emails from family and friends, bookstore sightings...it’s all good!

I’ll be posting several guest blogs this week and I would love it if you'd join me.

The first is on Wednesday at Riding with the Top Down where I’m blogging about San Francisco and the '60s, and giving away an autographed copy of Firefighter Daddy and some very cool peace sign earrings! For a chance to win, all you have to do is post a comment.

On Thursday you’ll find me at Micole Writes Romance.

On Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. I’ll be signing copies of Firefighter Daddy in Nanaimo, BC at Save On Foods in the Country Club Mall. If you’re in the neighborhood, please drop by. There’ll be chocolate!

And please remember...there are three other fabulous Harlequin American Romances on the shelves this month. Here’s what to watch for:

Dexter: Honorable Cowboy
by Marin Thomas
(the second book in Harlequin American Romance’s
first-ever continuity series)

The Lawman's Little Surprise
by Roxann Delaney

A Mom for Callie
by Laura Bradford

Happy reading!

Until next time,
Lee

Tuesday News

On Sunday I snapped this photo of a Great Blue Heron in a local park. I was only six or eight feet away and she stood there, calm as could be. Turns out she has been mugging for tourists all summer, and who can blame her? She (or he) is very photogenic!

Yesterday I finished the line edits for my January 2011 release, The Wedding Bargain, and sent those to my editor. It's good to have that off my plate so I can focus on next week's release of Firefighter Daddy.

To kick things off I’ll be a guest blogger this Friday (July 9th) with The Pink Heart Society. It’s “Must Watch Friday" and I’ll be chatting about a favorite film and TV show. I hope you’ll join me.

Speaking of blogs, the authors of Harlequin American Romance’s first-ever continuity series, The Codys: First Family of Rodeo, have created a blog to discuss the series with readers. Click on the link and head on over for contests, lots of talk about cowboys, and...well...why talk about anything else when you can talk about cowboys?

Unless of course it's firefighters! My first Firefighter Daddy booksigning is scheduled for next Friday, July 16 at:

Save On Foods
Country Club Mall
3200 North Island Highway, Nanaimo, BC
1 to 4 pm

There’ll be bookmarks and chocolate. If you’re in the area, please drop by and say “Hi!”

Until next time,
Lee

Tuesday News—Two Weeks and Counting

The release of Firefighter Daddy is only two weeks away...July 13...and yes, I’m counting! It’s also available from eHarlequin.com.

I’m having new bookmarks printed—this time with the bookcover on the back. They’ll be ready tomorrow. As always, if you’d like one, please send your snail mail address via the email address on my website and I’ll send you one.

RT Book Reviews gave Firefighter Daddy an awesome 4-Star review.

Firefighter Mitch Donovan is a devoted father trying to adjust to life after the tragic death of his wife. Rory Borland, or “Miss Sunshine” to her students, is his daughter’s teacher and his mother’s tenant. As proud of her hippie roots as he is befuddled, Mitch and Rory are as different as night and day. As they get to know each other, Rory is not sure she is ready to be a mom to one small child. McKenzie’s characters are warm and inviting and keep the reader entertained throughout the story.

I’m thrilled!

Are you on Facebook? If so, it would be great to have you as a friend and a fan!

Next Tuesday News Day I’ll be posting a list of my upcoming guest blogs and book signings. I’d love to have you drop by if you can.

Until next time,
Lee

Firefighter Daddy—The Inspiration

William R. De Avila School
Haight Street, San Franciso

Some books are inspired by a character, others by an event. Firefighter Daddy (Harlequin American Romance, July 13, 2010) was inspired by a former elementary school that's located a few short blocks from the world-famous intersection of Haight and Ashbury streets.

From the moment I saw it, I had my story.

Happy reading!

Until next time,
Lee

Tuesday News

I attended the Write On, Vancouver Conference this weekend. Great workshops and speakers, reconnected with old friends, made some new ones and, best of all, got to spend time with my Harlequin editor, Johanna Raisanen.

This week I’ll be busy with revisions to The Wedding Bargain and plans for the July 13th release of Firefighter Daddy.

On Sunday while I was still in Vancouver, I bought a butternut squash risotto cake a take-out deli counter. A delicious twist on risotto, which is something I make fairly often, so this month I’m going to post my favorite risotto recipes on Food for Thought Fridays.

Until next time,
Lee

Tuesday News

Lots going on this week.

First, thanks to my daughter's diligence, accompanied by a small amount of nagging and a lot of hand holding, I’m on Facebook. I have a regular page and a fan page where I’ll be posting info about upcoming events and other fun stuff. Feel free to "friend" me and "like" me!

Firefighter Daddy has received a 4-Star Review from Romantic Times Magazine, and I am a thrilled!

“As proud of her hippie roots as he is befuddled, Mitch and Rory are as different as night and day. McKenzie’s characters are warm and inviting and keep the reader entertained throughout...”

I’m attending the Write On, Vancouver conference this weekend. As you’ve probably guessed, it’s in Vancouver and I’m especially looking forward to meeting with my Harlequin editor, Johanna Raisanen.

Workwise, I’m busily revising The Wedding Bargain.

Oh, and perhaps the best news of all. The new housekeeper starts today. So all of the above and a clean house. Life is good.

Until next time,
Lee

Sunday Fun—Kitsch and Collage

The idea of creating a collage as a pre-writing exercise for a book has always intrigued me, but I’ve never actually made one. Partly because I can imagine myself getting caught up in a project like that and spending way too much time on it instead of on the actual writing, and partly because my creative abilities don’t extend to the art department.

Still, I tend to collect odds and ends that relate to my current project and I keep them on or near my desk. For my July 2010 book, Firefighter Daddy, I loved the story’s San Francisco Haight-Ashbury setting and had fun incorporating a little sixties culture into the book because the hero and heroine were both raised by hippie parents. Rory, the heroine of this story, still drives her mother’s old Volkswagen van, complete with painted flowers and affectionately dubbed “Vanna White.”

That theme is carried over to the bookmarks I’ve been using.

I also found this fabulous little toy hippie van and it’s been sitting on my desk—a source of inspiration and amusement.

Is this cute or what?

Someday I might try my hand at making a real story collage but for now I’ll settle for kitsch.

Until next time,
Lee

Tuesday News—I Have a Cover!

Waiting to see a new cover is always a mixture of nail-gnawing trepidation and tummy-turning excitement. Harlequin invites an author’s input into the cover art, but even so I always wonder...will I like it? Will it suit the story?

I saw the cover for my July release, Firefighter Daddy, for the first time today, and I absolutely love it!

What do you think?

Until next time,
Lee

Sunday Fun—New Bookmark

As promised on Thursday, here’s my new bookmark for Firefighter Daddy (July 2010), set in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. The designer added a couple of subtle light-blue flowers to some of the polka dots on the front.

I won’t see the cover art for quite a few months, so I gave the designer a brief description of the heroine and her van, and this is what he came up with.

What do you think?

I absolutely love it!

As always, if you’d like me to send a bookmark to you, please send your mailing address to :
lee (at) lee mckenzie (dot) com.

Happy holidays!

xoxo
Lee

PS: Remember that my firefighter calendar contest is running throughout the month of December, and every time you post a comment on one of this month’s posts, your name will be entered in the draw. To increase your chances, you’ll receive five bonus entries if you become a follower of my blog (click on the link in the sidebar) and ten bonus entries if you sign up for Lee McKenzie’s Very Occasional Newsletter. To sign up for the newsletter, simply send an email to lee (at) lee mckenzie (dot) com. I know you know the drill—remove the spaces and insert the symbols.

This Week’s News

I have new bookmarks for Firefighter Daddy and I absolutely love them! I’ll be picking them up from the printer this afternoon and then I’ll scan one and post it here on the blog.

December is usually a non-writing month for me because I devote a huge amount of time to Christmas preparations, but this year is different. I spend at least a half hour or so every day working on the second book in my San Francisco series, and I’m really loving these two characters. I say that about every book, but this time their conflicts seem completely natural.

Work on my office also continues. This week I gave away two sets of plastic stacking trays and seven more cardboard magazine files. I’m happy to report that the contents of said trays and files are also history. I had a laptop network card—someone gave it to me for my old laptop—but I never used it. A friend posted it on a loop that advertises free stuff and the network card now has a new home.

I hope you're looking forward to the holidays as much as I am!

Until next time,
Lee

Tuesday News

Between writing, clearing out my office and holiday prep, there’s lots going on here.

I’m currently working with my graphic designer to come up with new bookmarks for Firefighter Daddy. It’ll be months before I see the cover, so we’re looking for some fun ‘60s-inspired clip art to use instead.



Not this clip art, but you get the idea!

Oh, and I now have the exact release date—July 13, 2010—so mark your calendar!

Why I have so much paper in my office is unclear, but my shredder has been working overtime.

I hope you’ll join me over at the Wet Noodle Posse on Thursday. In keeping with the Posse’s “Home for the Holidays” theme, I’m posting a fun and easy craft idea.

My Firefighter Calendar Contest is in full swing. Every time you post a comment on one of my December posts here on The Writer Side of Life, your name will be entered in the draw. To increase your chances, you’ll receive five bonus entries if you become a follower of my blog (click on the link in the sidebar) and ten bonus entries if you sign up for Lee McKenzie’s Very Occasional Newsletter. To sign up for the newsletter, simply send an email to lee (at) lee mckenzie (dot) com. I know you know the drill—remove the spaces and insert the symbols.

Have a wonderful week!

Until next time,
Lee

December Contest

To celebrate the upcoming (July 2010) release of my next book, Firefighter Daddy, I’m running a contest here on The Writer Side.

The prize? A copy of the 2010 Greater Victoria Firefighter Calendar, autographed by all twelve calendar guys. And I'll throw in some other goodies, too.

All calendar proceeds will be donated to charity, and the goal is to raise $50,000!

My calendar contest will run throughout the month of December. Every time you post a comment on one of this month’s posts, your name will be entered in the draw. To increase your chances, you’ll receive five bonus entries if you become a follower of my blog (click on the link in the sidebar) and ten bonus entries if you sign up for Lee McKenzie’s Very Occasional Newsletter. To sign up for the newsletter, simply send an email to lee (at) lee mckenzie (dot) com. I know you know the drill—remove the spaces and insert the symbols.

The winner will be announced here on The Writer Side on January 1, and what a great way to kick off the new year!

Drop by often and help me celebrate the holidays!

Until next time,
Lee

Tuesday News

Things I’m doing this week:

• revising Firefighter Daddy

• working on the next book

• attending a Susan Wiggs writing workshop

• clearing out my office

The progress on my office was slow this week, but I freed up more space on one bookshelf, gave a bag of writing books to a friend and a bundle of file folders and a stack of magazine files to another friend.

The Christmas season is fast approaching and I found some great things at a craft fair on the weekend:

• homemade antipasto

• pickled beets

• red pepper jelly

• two catnip cat toys

• an adorable candle lamp made from a wine glass, a tealight and a paper lampshade

If you missed my Sunday Fun post about the shirtless firefighters and my December contest, please scroll down and check it out!

Until next time,
Lee