I've moved!

The Writer Side of Life has a new home!

I've updated my website and moved the blog over there. Same ol' chatter with a whole new look. Please drop by and let me know what you think!

See you there!

Lee

Sunday Fun—My New Umbrella

Last night I attended a cocktail fundraiser for breast cancer research and won this fabulous umbrella for making the largest donation.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm actually looking forward to the next rainy day!

Until next time,
Lee

Breakfast at Ginger's

This is one of the cutest YouTube videos I've seen in ages!



Until next time,
Lee

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

Food for Thought—Cranberry & Herb Turkey Burgers

I was at the deli the other day and saw ready-made turkey-cranberry patties and thought...yum!

So I came home, searched for a recipe and discovered this.

Cranberry & Herb Turkey Burgers
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole-wheat couscous
1/2 cup boiling water
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
1 pound lean ground turkey

Place couscous in a large bowl. Pour in boiling water, stir and set aside until the water is absorbed, about 5 minutes. If grilling the burgers, preheat grill to medium-high.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add celery; cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add thyme, sage, salt and pepper; cook until fragrant, about 20 seconds more. Transfer the mixture to the bowl with the couscous, add cranberries and stir to combine. Let cool for 5 minutes. Add turkey and stir until combined; do not overmix. Form the mixture into 6 patties.

To cook on the stovetop: Coat a large nonstick skillet, preferably cast-iron, with cooking spray and set over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the patties, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 4 minutes. Turn and cook on the other side for 2 minutes. Cover and continue to cook until lightly browned but still juicy (the juices should run clear, not pink), about 4 minutes more. (An instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should read 165° F.)

To grill: Oil the grill rack and grill the burgers for 5 to 6 minutes per side, flipping gently to avoid breaking them. Serve immediately.

I followed the recipe exactly, except I used about half a teaspoon each of dried thyme and sage instead of fresh. It's like Christmas in July. So delicious!

Until next time,
Lee

PS: If you follow the above link, you can get a nice printable version of this recipe.

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

Sunday Fun—Garden Art

Dragonflies are such beautiful and intriguing insects, so when I spotted this metal sculpture while touring a public garden this week, I just had to snap a photo.

I love that it's made from found objects and recycled metal, and I especially love the ball-bearing eyes.

My husband creates garden sculpture as well—here's one of his gorgeous driftwood herons.

I've now added a dragonfly to my wish list for the garden.

Until next time,
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!

Updae on My Guest Blogs

My guest blog at Micole Writes Romance has been moved to next Thursday, July 22. I hope you'll join me then!

Until next time,
Lee

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

Must Watch Friday

Today is "Must Watch Friday" at the Pink Heart Society and I'm their guest blogger. I'd love it you dropped by and said "Hi!"

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

Happy Fourth of July!

Here's how my nieces are celebrating.



Are these not the most adorable pedicures you've ever seen?

I hope your Fourth of July is as happy as theirs!

Until next time,
Lee

Happy Canada Day!

Happy Canada Day to all of my readers and friends north of the 49th. I hope you enjoy the festivities, picnics and fireworks, and most important of all, that you get to do it with family and friends.

Planning a barbecue? Here's a great steak marinade.

Lee's Favorite Steak Marinade

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sugar

Combine all the ingredients. Add the steaks, turn them to coat both sides. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes in the fridge. Season the steaks with salt before putting them on the grill.

Enjoy!

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