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

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

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

On Saturday, June 19 my critique partner Rachel Goldsworthy and I are presenting a fun, interactive workshop - Blog a Little, Blog a Lot, or Not - to the Greater Vancouver Chapter of Romance Writers of America. Guests are welcome.

Last Tuesday I forgot to mention that four new Harlequin American Romances were released.

The Sheriff and the Baby
by C.C. Coburn

Walker: The Rodeo Legend
by Rebecca Winters

The Best Man in Texas
by Tanya Michaels

Second Chance Hero
by Shelley Galloway

Check out the covers and back cover blurbs at eHarlequin.com. Rebecca Winter's Walker: The Rodeo Legend is the first book in Harlequin American Romance's first-ever not-to-be-missed continuity series. 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

Eagle Watch

Today I'm blogging with the Harlequin American Romance Authors about the Hornby Island Eagle Cam. Drop by and see some wonderful photos of a baby bald eagle!

Until next time,
Lee

This Week’s News

I’m deep into revisions of The Wedding Bargain (Harlequin American Romance, January 2011) right now, which partly accounts for my having been MIA for a bit. I thought the book was “done” when I submitted it, but my editor has made some wonderful suggestions that will make the story so much better. I’m excited!

Last Saturday’s foray into the farmers’ markets yielded a glorious bunch of fresh leeks that immediately went into a pot of leek and potato soup. Delicious. As the weeks pass, there'll be a greater variety of fruit and vegetables at the markets. Good things to come!

The official times for the Mother’s Day 10K Walk that my daughter and I participated in were finally posted. I finished in 1:25:47, shaving a little over two minutes off my time in the race I did two weeks earlier. Yay me!

On the home front, I have hired a housekeeper to come in twice a month. She starts next week and I can hardly wait! In addition to cleaning, she’s going to help with some decluttering. You might remember the ambitious office overhaul I embarked on last winter. Well...I did make some progress but then got stalled. Got started again this week and cleared out the storage closet, but there’s still much to do. Having someone to help will keep me motivated. I hope. I’ll keep you posted.

Until next time,
Lee

This Week’s News

Did you watch Glee last night? Wow. I think it was the best episode yet. Incredibly well written, and even with the all the musical numbers there so many engaging and fully developed storylines.

On a personal note, I’m looking forward to hearing my son’s band perform on Thursday evening.

And please join me on the Harlequin American Romance Authors’ blog on Saturday.

This Sunday I'm walking in a 10K race. Please keep your fingers crossed that it doesn't rain! I'll post my results next week.

That’s it for this week’s news and reviews. Short and sweet.

Until next time,
Lee

Tuesday News

After an extremely stressful month that included surgery—very minor and all is well, I’m happy to report—and the loss of a close and very dear family member, I’m starting to feel more settled and better able to focus on writing. Right now I'm working on book proposals and anticipating revisions on my January 2011 book.

Tonight I’ll be tuned in to Glee, which is back after an insanely long hiatus. Can’t wait!

Four fabulous new Harlequin American Romances hit the shelves today.

His Baby Surprise
by Lisa Childs

A Mother's Wedding Day
by Rebecca Winters and Dominique Burton

An Unexpected Father
by Lisa Ruff

The Officer's Girl
by Leigh Duncan

Check out the covers and more at eHarlequin.com.

Happy reading!

Until next time,
Lee

This Week's News

Today's headline:

Norway gives nod to romance author

I'm blogging about it with the Harlequin American Romance Authors. Hope to see you there!

Until next time,
Lee

Fitness 101

I'm blogging today with the Harlequin American Romance Authors about my new fitness regime. Please join me if you can.

Until next time,
Lee

This Week’s News

Here it is, the middle of February, and I’m way behind with many of my 2010 goals. To be honest, I still haven’t finished setting my quarterly goals for this year. My office overhaul is still in progress, my intention to blog more frequently is still an intention, and my website is in desperate need of an update. I think I need an assistant.

On the plus side, I’m writing more—a lot more—and loving it. Even better, it’s fun again. After two years of health challenges, this feels wonderful!

I have more energy and I’m getting quite a bit of exercise. Instead driving everywhere, I’ve starting riding my beautiful polka dot bike. And I’m taking part in a walking clinic. I’ll be doing a 5K walk on March 7 and a 10K walk on April 25. Me! Walking 10 kilometers! Who could have predicted that?

Other news:

• on the weekend I completed the page proofs for Firefighter Daddy (July 2010) and sent them to my editor

• four February Harlequin American Romances were released yesterday—be sure to check them out

• on Wednesday, February 24 I’ll be blogging with the Harlequin American Romance Authors—I hope you’ll join me!

Until next time,
Lee

Sunday Fun - How Much Is That Doggie In The Window?

Woof, woof!

Today is my blog day with the Harlequin American Romance Authors. If you have a moment, please drop by and check out some fun photos from our vacation in San Francisco.

Until next time,
Lee

Tuesday News

I'm writing like crazy and that means I won’t be posting very often this month. More than once in a blue moon, though.

Speaking of blue moons, how cool was it that we got to wrap up the decade with a blue moon on New Years Eve 2009? I was in San Francisco and snapped this photo on December 30, when an almost blue moon was shining on Macy’s Christmas tree in Union Square. I’m glad I took this picture when I did because the next night - New Years Eve - was overcast. If I had waited, I would have missed my chance.

Today is Harlequin American Romance release day, which means you’ll find four wonderful new reads on the shelves. To find out what you have to look forward to, please click here to visit the eHarlequin website.

Happy reading!

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.

Sunday Fun—What Would You Do...?

If you were at the mall and encountered a group of firefighters signing calendars, what would you do?

I stopped to buy a couple of calendars and have the guys autograph them.

Then, if you were a romance author who had a blog, what would you do?

After having the calendars signed, I decided to take a couple of photographs to post here on The Writer Side.

So I got my husband to hold my bag of calendars, found a good vantage point for taking photos, and before I could snap even one picture...they took off their shirts.

Seriously.

Well, I’m sure you would have done the same thing I did.

I snapped these.






The last one's a little out of focus. I guess my hands were getting shaky.

My husband was having a good laugh by the time I rejoined him, and I was congratulating myself for having such impeccable timing.

The calendar is great, by the way...you can take a sneak peek here...and all proceeds go to charity.

So...to celebrate the July 2010 release of my next Harlequin American Romance—Firefighter Daddy—I’ll be running a contest throughout December here on The Writer Side of Life. Contest details will be posted here on December 5 and the lucky winner will be announced on December 31.

What would you do for a chance to win an autographed 2010 firefighter calendar?

I hope you’ll enter my contest!

Until next time,
Lee

Food for Thought

How do you make pancakes? From a mix or from scratch? That's the topic of my post today on the Harlequin American Romance Authors blog. Drop by if you can!

Until next time,
Lee

Firefighter Daddy—the setting

I'm currently working on revisions to my next book for Harlequin American Romance—Firefighter Daddy—and of course that leads to a little extra research. The story was inspired by William R. de Avila Elementary School on Haight Street, just a few blocks from the famous Haight-Ashbury intersection, in San Francisco. As far as I know, it's no longer an elementary school and has most recently served as a satellite campus for a community college.

When I first saw the school, my initial thought was, what would it have been like to to be a student (and the product of hippie parents) at that school back in the '60s and '70s?

The answer to that question became Rory and Mitch's story in Firefighter Daddy.

I loved a couple of things about the school, including the absolutely gorgeous tile mosaic on the front of the building facing Haight Street, and the hopscotch courts and other play areas painted on the paved schoolyard. Believe it or not, hopscotch plays a significant role in the storyline. The playground is visible from the sidewalk on Waller Street and can also be seen in this satellite image from Google.


View Larger Map

Although I don't live anywhere near San Francisco, it sure is fun to zoom in and check out the neighborhood where Firefighter Daddy is set.

Click on "View Larger Map" to see the entire schoolyard. Can you recognize any of the other painted game courts in this playground?

Until next time,
Lee