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

Megan Kelly

Hello, everyone! Today, Megan Kelly is guest blogging here at The Writer Side of Life. Megan’s first book was released on Tuesday, so of course a little party was in order! So glad you could join us!

Megan Kelly read her first Harlequin Romance as a teenager and became an avid reader. She dreamed of writing those exciting and moving stories she loved. After years (and years) of writing, she finally sold to Harlequin American Romance in 2007. She'll see two books published in 2008, Marrying The Boss and The Fake Fiancee. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and two children and is well-known at her local bookstore and library.

And remember, one lucky commenter will receive an autographed copy of Marrying the Boss. We’ll post the winner tomorrow, so be sure to check back.

And now, here’s Megan!

* * *

Hello! I’d like to thank Lee for the opportunity to guest blog today. She’s a real sweetie. If you ever get a chance to meet her at a booksigning or event, you should try to get there.

As Lee mentioned, my first book, Marrying the Boss, hit the bookstore shelves on Tuesday. I don’t have words to explain how excited I am, but maybe hearing about the journey I took to get published (long and circuitous!) will help you understand.

I fell in love with romances as a teenager, but back in those days, all the heroes were alpha males and treated the heroines badly. Many of these books hit the wall (because I threw them), leaving me dissatisfied. I started imagining scenes which would have made each book better. Soon I knew I wanted to write romances for a living. I was seventeen.

Now I’m not.

Oh, still need more? Okay. I went to college, got married, bought a computer, had children, and then started to fulfill the need to write. It wasn’t until I found the local chapter of Romance Writers of America (RWA) that I got serious. I went to a conference, met a Silhouette editor who requested my story, and I went home and wrote like crazy. It got rejected, and thank goodness! That’s definitely my “learning book,” dear to my heart, but never to see the light of day again. It’s that bad.

But I kept at it. I went to conferences and our local RWA chapter’s monthly programs and kept learning. I joined a critique group and entered contests for feedback. I worked at my craft and tried to pick up the business stuff, too. I finaled in a few contests, and then won the Maggie, which is heralded as the number one RWA chapter contest, put on by Georgia Romance Writers. I submitted that ms to NY and went to work on another. And another. And… you get the idea.

One day, I didn’t have the heart to write anymore. I figured I’d never get published and my stories would never entertain anyone but me. I was a mess. The “people in my head” not only stopped talking to me, they vanished. (You have to be a writer to think that’s not crazy.) I kept writing, half-heartedly. I had a ms I couldn’t finish, so I’d start something new, then go back to it, then work on the other thing, then go back… I still entered contests and even finaled in the Emily from West Houston RWA (third most prestigious).

And one day, because I kept writing and was open to the experience, the people starting walking around in my head again. I don’t know where they’d been or why they returned. My family noticed I was much happier. I started a new book, not really believing I could get published but wanting to try. And, no, it didn’t happen right away. That would be too Hollywood for my life.

The story didn’t gel at first. It was about two brothers vying for the family firm. One day, a different heroine took over, insisting this was her story. She was right. I finaled in the Maggie then won the Molly from Heart of Denver RW, the second most prestigious contest.

I submitted the ms to Harlequin American Romance after the senior editor ran an article in Romantic Times magazine, asking for new authors. I sent a partial because that’s all I had written, and I still didn’t have much hope of selling, so why spend the money? She requested the full. Oh, boy! So I said goodbye to my family (just kidding) and once again wrote like mad. I gave myself a deadline of six weeks, and off it went. About four months later, the senior editor called and asked to buy it! That book is Marrying the Boss.

And that horrible, monkey-on-my-back manuscript I couldn’t finish? It’s my July release, The Fake Fiancée, which still tortured me, but I loved finishing it. My favorite quote for writing is from Winston Churchill: “Never, never, never quit.”

Whew. Any questions?

Megan

Tuesday News—Guest Bloggers, New Releases and More . . .

I’m thrilled to tell you that Harlequin American Romance’s latest debut author—Megan Kelly—will be guest blogging here at The Writer Side of Life on Thursday. Megan’s going to tell us all about her path to publication, so I hope you’ll check back. She’ll also be giving away an autographed copy of her first Harlequin American Romance, Marrying the Boss, so be sure to leave a comment or ask her a question.

All his life Mark Collins has been fighting for a place to belong. Now just when he thinks the hard-earned family business is within reach, his adoptive grandfather's will has named a challenger.

Leanne Fairbanks belongs in Collins Company as much as Mark does—and she's just as determined to become its next CEO. Until her handsome rival starts arousing feelings that have nothing to do with business. With a lot more than who's going to be boss at issue, Leanne has to decide whether winning the battle will lose her the war, especially when it's her heart at stake.

I’m really looking forward to reading your story, Megan! And speaking of Harlequin American Romances, the four April titles hit the shelves today. Be sure to check them out!

Runaway Cowboy by Judy Christenberry
Marrying the Boss by Megan Kelly
The Marriage Recipe by Michele Dunaway
Downhome Dixie by Pamela Browning

Last but not least, it’s conflict month over at the Wet Noodle Posse and I’m blogging today about GMC—Goal, Motivation & Conflict. Drop by and say, “Hi!”

Happy reading and writing!

Lee

The Pink Heart Society

I'm a guest blogger today at the The Pink Heart Society. Please drop by and check out my story about getting "The Call."

Another hightlight today is the return of my favorite TV show, Men in Trees. After a nearly three-month hiatus, Elmo is back and I am one happy tree hugger :)

Lee

Guest Blogger—Max, in love!

Max here. You know how I told you that Brent took me to the park after the shoe incident? Well, there are almost always other dogs at the park, including some regulars like me. There’s a Basset Hound named Henry, who can run pretty fast for a guy with such short legs. Gertie is a white French poodle. Sometimes I see her at the dog groomer’s, too. Bart is what’s politely called a mixed breed. I like Bart. He’s a real character, and has even fewer manners than I do.

So, yeah, I like going to the park because me and the other dogs chase frisbees and each other while our owners stand around talking about being dog owners.

Today was pretty much a typical day at the park. Bart and Henry were there, and before I knew it, we were playing tug-of-war with a big old stick. Brent was having a conversation with Henry’s owner, a woman about the same age as Brent’s mother.

We’d been there maybe ten minutes when it happened. One minute I had the end of the stick in my teeth and was this close to winning the game. The next minute I was in love. The most beautiful Old English Sheepdog you’ve ever seen—aside from yours truly, of course—was walking across the park with her owners.

I dropped the stick and ran across the grass, heading straight for her. What can I say? Subtlety is not a sheepdog trait and when we fall in love, it’s completely and instantaneously head over heels.

Her name is Penny. Princess Penny, if you must know, and she’s a looker, don’t you think? Penny’s owners are super nice people, too, and they rescued her from a not-so-good situation. So they have a lot in common with me and Brent.

After Bart and Henry went home, we stayed at the park for a while. Brent talked to Penny’s owners, probably about the pleasure of owning an Old English Sheepdog, while Penny and I tore around playing a game of tag-you’re-it. At that point I was prepared to stay at the park forever, but you know what they say about good things coming to an end.

Before I knew it, Brent clipped a leash to my collar, saying something about getting home to see what Leslie wanted to do about dinner. Or at least that was his excuse. It’s clear as can be that he’s as much in love with her as I am with Penny, but humans get kind of weird about this stuff. Have you noticed that? They’re way too subtle, if you catch my drift. Giving each other sidelong glances and talking about stuff that doesn’t matter, when all they really need to do is play a good old-fashioned game of tag-you’re-it.

Do you think there’s hope for Brent and Leslie? I'd like to think so. They deserve a happily-ever-after as much as Penny and I do. If you want to know for sure, check out Lee McKenzie's latest book, With This Ring. And I'll be back next week with more about playing games and falling in love.

Rrrrooowf!

Max

Lee's Note:
Thanks to Ann Rambaud and Ray Salmon of Sheepie Hollow for generously providing the photos for Max's blog.

Guest Blogger Max (sometimes aka Bad Dog)

Bad dog. I used to hear that a lot, which is kind of strange, since I’m so darned adorable, but today I had it coming. Fact is, I don’t know what I was thinking. I’ll admit I have a problem, you might even say it’s a bit of an obsession, but I seriously thought I had it under control.

I guess I should start at the beginning. Yesterday when Brent brought Leslie home, she had a pair of shoes. She was carrying them instead of wearing them and after she put them on the floor by the front door, she kind of left them there.

Dog’s honor, I did my best to ignore those shoes. But then this morning Brent and Leslie went out and left me here by myself. I sat in the sun by the French doors for a while, and then I checked out the stuff in Leslie’s room ‘cause it smelled like her and I like how she smells. Then I drank some water out of the toilet because Leslie doesn’t know she’s supposed to put the lid down. And then I wandered out to the living room, and that’s when I remembered they were there. I’ve seen a lot of footwear, but those were the most delectable shoes ever.

At first I just sniffed them and pushed them around with my nose. Don’t do it, Max. That’s what I kept saying to myself. I went into the kitchen and sniffed at my empty bowl. Leslie seemed to have caught on that I only get fed once a day. I picked up my teddy bear and tossed it in the air a few times, but I couldn't get those darn shoes out of my mind. That’s when I went back for another sniff, and everything went downhill from there.

Most shoes aren’t all that interesting. Sneakers, for example, do not smell very good, and they taste even worse. Brent’s work boots are just plain disgusting, although every time he puts new laces in them I chew the crunchy bits off the ends. Can’t help myself.

But these shoes of Leslie’s were beyond tempting and before I knew it, the heel was between my teeth and I was done for. So were the shoes.

A few minutes later Brent’s truck pulled into the driveway.

Uh oh.

I high tailed into the bedroom. If you’ve already read With This Ring by Lee McKenzie, you’ll know Brent was a lot madder about the shoes than Leslie. “Max!” he yelled. “Where are you?”

Like I was going to answer that. I’m not sure how, but they found me hiding under the bed. Leslie gave me a hug and said, “Poor Max.” Brent seemed to calm down a little and he ended up taking me to the park. I think we both needed to blow off a little steam.

I’ve already told you that the park’s a great place to meet women, but today Brent didn’t seem interested. What I forgot to tell you was that the park is also a great place to meet other dogs, and today was no exception. Today I met . . . well, that's a whole other story. Check back next week and I’ll tell you all about her.

Rrrrooowf!

Max

Guest Blogger - Max Is Back!

Hi, everyone. Max here. So did you read With This Ring? Didya? Huh? Huh? Didya? Okay, sorry, but I’m still kind of excited. This is the first time anyone’s ever written a book about yours truly. Now do you see what I mean? I do have a way with the ladies.

And Leslie, she’s definitely a lady. Nothing against the other women Brent’s had over, but there’s something different about her. In a good way. I mean, she fed me even though it wasn’t dinnertime. And she smells good. Expensive good, if you know what I mean, and clean.

The only other woman who’s spent the night in our spare room was Brent’s mother. She stayed one night last winter when her furnace broke down. She’s nice enough—even brought me a big old ham bone. She doesn’t smell like Leslie though. She smells clean, too, but like laundry detergent. Leslie smells more like the park after it rains, but even nicer.

And Brent ended up doing a lot of work while Leslie was here, don’t you think? Not that I’m saying she’s high maintenance. No way. If anybody can take of herself, she sure can. But the plumbing was another matter. What was up with that?

Right now it’s time for a dog to take a nap. I’ll be back next Thursday, and I’ll have a confession to make about a certain pair of shoes.

Rrrrooowf!

Max

Lee’s note: remember that Max and I are running a contest this week, and the prize is a DVD of The Shaggy Dog. Every time you post a comment, you’re eligible to win. The winner will be announced on Tuesday.

Tuesday News

Lots to tell you about today, starting with the news that today is the official release of my newest Harlequin American Romance, With This Ring!

To celebrate, Max and I are running a contest. Everyone who posts a comment here on the blog between now and next Monday will be eligible to win the DVD version of Disney’s 1959 classic, The Shaggy Dog. Yes, the one that features Fred MacMurray and Annette Funicello!

This is “the wild and woolly edition” that includes both the original B&W and the color version. It’ll make a great holiday gift for yourself or someone on your list. Max and I will announce the winner on Tuesday, December 11, so be sure to check back then.

I’m thrilled to tell you that With This Ring received a wonderful 4-star review from Cataromance:

“. . . Lee McKenzie gifts readers with a Christmas story that showcases a rich princess and a blue collar Prince Charming. Brent and Leslie will surely win a place in reader’s hearts. With This Ring is a lovely holiday story to emphasize the notion that love comes from all walks of life and all you have to do is reach out and grasp it.”

I’ll be signing copies of With This Ring and The Man for Maggie this weekend at Chapters in Victoria. Please drop by if you’re in the area.

Tomorrow I’ll be guest blogging at with Trish Milburn at Reading, Writing & More, Oh My!

And remember, Max the Old English Sheepdog will be back on Thursday with the inside scoop on Brent's visitor.

Lee

Guest Blogger—Max

Hi. My name’s Max. Not short for anything like Maxwell or Maximilian. Just Max.

My owner’s name is Brent. He’s a laid-back dude and all-round nice guy. He buys my favorite dog chow, lets me sit on the furniture, and doesn’t freak when I come in the house with muddy paws. As owners go, they don’t come any cooler.

Life wasn’t so good before I moved in here, but me and Brent, we don’t talk about that. We met at this place called the SPCA. If you’re a dog, you don’t want to end up there. If you’re a human like Brent, it’s a very excellent place to go and get yourself a dog. Like me, for example.

I’m an Old English Sheepdog, by the way. Not old as in old, but old as in not a New English Sheepdog.

Most of the time I think Brent’s glad to have me around. Especially when we go to the park to play frisbee. Not to brag or anything, but I do have a way with the ladies. Seriously. You can even ask Brent. A lot, and I mean A LOT of women stop to admire me. Then they end up talking to him, and sometimes he even gets their number. All thanks to me.

And just between you ‘n’ me, the guy needs all the help he can get. Once in a while a woman comes to visit but it never seems to work out. I, on the other hand, am not so picky.

He says we have a nice little house but I hafta tell you, it’s not that little. There’s plenty of room for more. Like a pretty little girl sheepdog for me and a fine-looking woman for Brent, if you catch my drift. And since Brent goes to work everyday and leaves me here on my own, I’d kind of appreciate the company.

Today is one of those days. I’m pretty sure it’s the weekend but Brent still got up early, put on his work clothes and left the house. There’s a serious rainstorm going on, so he put me in the porch at the back of the house. What can I say? The rain makes a mess of my fur, especially when I lie on my back and roll around in the muck. If you knew how good it felt to roll around on your back in the rain, you’d understand why I do it.

Wait. Was that a truck door? I know that sound! It’s the middle of the day and Brent’s home. Maybe he didn’t go to work after all.

And now here he is, letting me into the house. “Hey boy, glad to see me? Come on. Yeah, good boy. Come on. Somebody wants to meet you.”

Cool. Visitors mean LOTS of attention for yours truly.

Want to find out who Brent brought home? Be sure to pick up a copy of With This Ring (Harlequin American Romance) by Lee McKenzie. It’ll be in stores on Tuesday, December 4.

I’ll be blogging again next Thursday, and I’ll have a thing or two to say about plumbing. And about Brent’s visitor.

Rrrrooowf!

Max

Lee's Note:
To celebrate the release of With This Ring next week, Max and I will be running a contest. For details, please check back on Tuesday!

Photo by Ray Salmon of Sheepie Hollow. Thanks!