Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Friday 18 May 2018

Some Very Messy Medieval Magic

Isn't that a wonderful book title?
Most of you know that I am an unashamed bookaholic.  And read widely, across genres and age groups.
I have been remiss of late.  I owe several blogging friends reviews.  I will get to them.  I promise.
So when C.Lee McKenzie asked for some bloggy support for her latest book I turned a new leaf (a leaf I hope to keep turning).  While I have read the earlier books in this series I haven't read her latest work.  Yet.  I assuredly will and have loved everything of hers I have come across.
So I have asked her to do a Guest Post and tell us a little about her work.  I hope that you will succumb to temptation and buy one (or more) of her books.

Please give Lee a huge welcome.

***

Hi Sue and thanks for hosting me in your paradise today I always leave here with visions of beautiful plants or birds or art.

You asked me a couple of questions that I really love, so here goes.


Do you or your characters call the shots/direct the action?

 I try to be the boss, and in the beginning, I pretty much am. I think. I visualize how they look and sound. I name them. I set them on the path that I want them to travel. This all happens before I write a word, but when I have a solid image, I put my fingers on my keyboard and let ’er rip. The problem is that once the words are on the screen, I often don’t recognize the characters. They come down from my head to my fingertips and in that brief journey, they’ve morphed into people I must deal with. By that I mean, I need to know them better. And I want them to trust that I’ll “get” them right. That’s the best way I have of explaining what happens, and it most likely means they call the shots from the get-go. I just like to think I’m important.



Am I right in thinking they become very, very real to you?

Yes. And they never go away. I still carry on secret conversations with Shawna (Sliding on the Edge). She’ll always be full of sass, but now it serves her because she’s running Kay’s horse ranch and making it profitable.





Carlie (The Princess of Las Pulgas) is all grown up. She and Juan Pacheco are happy together and I see 2.2 kids in their home. I love following Hutch (Double Negative) as he goes through life. In my mind, he’s on his Masters Degree in college and going into social work to help kids. I’m sure he’ll be at the forefront of literacy campaigns. Cleo (Sudden Secrets) is all grown up and out of Morgan Heights. I’m sure she’s in touch with Beleza. Cleo didn’t marry Rudy, but they’re great friends. I have the sense her parents divorced. Odd, isn’t it? I almost feel I should go back to their house on Queensbury Circle and find out for sure.

That was all about my young adult books, but I also write middle-grade novels. I call these my vacation stories. In them I shake off as much of the real world as possible and step through one of those magic portals like the one in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.





With Pete and Weasel I get to venture into a dangerous swamp, talk to a few alligators and travel through time. In Alligators Overhead, I got to save a swamp and tweak some politicians’ noses. Yay! In The Great Timelock Disaster, I visited Dickens’s England and saw Queen Victoria crowned. How great is that? With Some Very Messy Medieval Magic the last book in this series, I met Richard The Lion Hearted. What a guy.





 I love Chinese mythology and astrology, so in Sign of the Green Dragon I played with both. I also happen to love anything about the California Gold Rush, so I set the story in an old boom town and explored a bit of that history that the early Chinese were such a large part of.



While my YAs takes on some serious issues that a lot of teen experience, my MGs are wacky fun with the ideas of friendship, honesty, and doing the right thing at their core.



 Well, this has been fun. I loved your questions; they let me go back and do some reminiscing. I haven’t done that in a while.


All my books are available online. 

Some Very Messy Medieval Magic is available at these locations. 

AMAZON . B&N . KOBO  . SMASHWORDS . YABC 
Print ISBN 9781939844460 / EBook ISBN 9781939844477

Order through Ingram, Follett, or from the publisher


EBook available in all formats 


My publisher has created a library request letter that I'm including. If people want to check out the book, rather than buy a copy, this is one way to make that possible.


78 comments:

  1. Each title is so intriguing and Lee's description of the characters makes them come alive before I've read a single word, great interview.

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    1. That is one of the best compliments I could ever have. Thank you so much, Linda.

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    2. Linda Starr: They are definitely characters that stay with you.

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  2. Firstly, let me confess that this author is new to me. Very interesting interview and your questions were quite wonderful - reflective of your literary bent to be sure.

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    1. I'm new to so many, but now not to David Gascoigne! And that's thanks to Elephant's Child, who has the eye of an artist, and I know has a very literary bent. Thanks, David.

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    2. David Gascoigne: Literary bent? Greedy reading is more accurate. I do read literary fiction but I don't stop there. Fiction, non-fiction, agreeable trash...

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  3. Library requests! That sounds like a great idea.
    There is a trail that leads from this blog, to my personal list, to my local library.Sometimes, a requested title is available within days[from another branch] and sometimes the librarian will, herself, make a request.But I almost always read whatever Sue reads, even if it takes a while.

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    1. That library request was the brilliant idea of my publisher. She has many of those ideas, and I'm ever so grateful for them. My TBR list stretches out beyond sight, so I understand when you say "it takes a while."

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    2. dinahmow: It does doesn't it. And if the library becomes aware of a book/author the sky is the limit.

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  4. Congratulations to C. Lee on another prolific addition to the literary world. I think that we know we're on a worthy path when our characters start to boss us around.

    Hope life is good for both you ladies.

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    1. Hi Robin! So great to read your comment. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

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    2. Rawknrobyn: Thank you. I am so very grateful to all writers - you two included. Both of you have enriched my world.

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  5. I'd gladly step through a portal into Narnia.
    Big congratulations, Lee!

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    1. Wasn't Narnia a superbe place, though?

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    2. Alex J. Cavanaugh: There are quite a few other worlds I would happily visit. Other worlds, other times...

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  6. This is wonderful. I have found a new author to read. I'm a bookaholic as well and am heading now to Amazon to put these on my wish list. Thank you.

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    1. I owe a huge debt to Sue because she has been absolutely so supportive of my work, and she's introduced me to many people I wouldn't have met without her. And you are one.

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    2. mxtodis123: Lovely to hear. I hope you enjoy Lee's work as much as I do. And please let me know which one you are going to start on.

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  7. Thank you for introducing another great author to me!

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    1. I had fun creating the story. It's greatness is debatable, but I hope people will enjoy the adventure.

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    2. Jamie Ghione: So many books, so little time.

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  9. " In The Great Timelock Disaster, I visited Dickens’s England and saw Queen Victoria crowned. How great is that? "
    VERY!!!!!!

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    1. I always wished I could see great moments in history firs-hand. I guess that's why writing about actually doing that excites me. I can do it in real life, but I can let my characters do it. Great to meet you, Cloudia.

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    2. Cloudia: Authors (you included) thrill and delight me. Thank you all so much.

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  10. A wonderful, interesting post....thank you for the introduction, EC. :)

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    1. Lee: It was a privilege to be given the chance.

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  11. It sounds like your characters come to life in both your mind and your books!

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    1. messymimi: Lee's characters CERTAINLY came alive for me. I hope they will for you too.

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  12. An enjoyable interview. I'm always up for learning about new authors or series. Thanks!

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    1. e: So am I, though I tend to say thank you and drat you. My unread towers are humongous.

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    1. Lady Fi: I have every expectation that it will be.

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  14. A very interesting and informative post. I enjoyed both the questions and answers. I have never read any of hese books however someday I woould be very tempted to get one as it seems all the characters coe a live when you are reading it.

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    1. Margaret Adamson: I hope you give in to temptation. Soon.

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  15. I hope the books do very well for C. Lee McKenzie. The titles and cover pictures are excellent.

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    1. River: They are, and the contents of the ones I have read have more than lived up to the promise.

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  16. Thank you for this fascinating look into the world of books. I too love to read and always wish I had more time to just sit back with a good book. I was wondering if you also like to read poetry. I recently came out with my first book of poems Poetic Thoughts Fly on Amazon in paperback and Kindle. I wanted to know if you would like to do a review for me? You could respond to me through my email spidrella@gmail.com

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    1. Rasma Raisters: I make/steal time to read. I have emailed you about the review.

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  17. I like how the characters live on in your imagination even as the story ends. I do that sometimes when I read. I envision them going on with their lives. Great interview. I loved Sign of the Green Dragon.

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    1. Mary Aalgaard: Welcome and thank you. Sign of the Green Dragon was excellent wasn't it? I have a huge weakness for dragons.

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  18. Wonderful post, EC, with interesting answers by Lee. I've read about authors whose characters come alive in the way described, and I wish I could experience that! The books sound enticing :)

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    1. jenny_o: I have really liked those of Lee's books I have read. Double Negative I have read twice. It spoke loudly to me.

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  19. I'm always fascinated by anything magical, and these titles all grab my attention! Thanks so much for sharing these new to me novels. Hugs...and Happy Friday! RO

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    1. RO: Lee is an incredibly varied writer. Some develop a voice/style which is instantly recognisable. Lee's range is too big for that. Have a wonderful weekend. And hugs.

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  20. I love Chinese mythology too. I'm excited to read Lee's book.

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  21. It's funny how characters have a way of ripping the reins from writers' hands. They ingrates wouldn't even exist without their benevolent creators, and yet, they think they're in charge... :) I used to think that whole concept was a bunch of hooey, but now I know better.

    All of these books sound terrific. One of the best things about books for young people is while entertaining them, talented writers like Lee also educate them. Very foxy!

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    1. Susan: This older reader has certainly learnt from Lee's work. And been entertained. Win/win.

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  22. Wow! Your friend is prolific. All of these titles look like something I would like to read.
    R

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    1. Rick Watson: I hope you get the chance. I really hope it.

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  23. My characters were so real to me, I dreamed about them sometimes.

    Thank you for featuring Lee today.

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    1. DAncing Lemur Press LLC: Welcome and thank you. It was a pleasure and a privilege to feature Lee. I like the idea of characters infiltrating dreams too.

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  24. Well, I admit to never having heard of the author (sorry!) or read any of these books, but I'll make a note of the titles and keep an eye out for them at the library. Yes.... I use the library and don't actually buy very many books. No storage room.
    Fascinating how the fictional characters in the books become real and start to almost take control of the writer. Sort of scary when you think about it, like being taken over by an alien!
    I don't write, although I was good at writing essays at school but that was many moons ago. Now I concentrate on art.

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    1. Shammickite: Space is an issue here too. I still buy books but I also use the library. Wonderful places.

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  25. I have read many of Lee's books. I am a big fan of MG- so I love the series with Pete and Weasel. The Princess of Las Pulgas was one of my favorites though (YA). It really grabbed hold of my heart. Wonderful to see Lee here. Wishing her all the best!
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~Jess: The Princess of Las Pulgas is one I havent (yet) read. I think that Double Negative is my favourite so far.

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  26. Wow...your friend sounds really talented!
    I will certainly give some of these titles a go just as soon as my workload eases a little.
    I have always been an avid reader...but sadly, haven't had the time of late.:/
    And I SO miss reading...

    Big Hugs xoxoxo

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    1. Ygraine: Lee is talented. And hard working. And generous. Which describes so many of the people I have met in the blogosphere - yourself most definitely included.

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  27. Isn't Lee a wonderful writer? And so are you on this very blog that I read and wonderful for providing her an opportunity to talk about her book.

    Teresa C.

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    1. T Powell Coltrin: Thank you. She is indeed a wonderful writer. It was a privilege to have her here.

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  28. Hi EC and Lee ... what a fun read ... of what appears to be a Very Messy Medieval Magic book ... Mr Dickens and the Queen ... and lots of other interludes with visitations ... delightful - cheers to you both - Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: Lee really brought this post to life didn't she? Have a wonderful weekend.

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  29. How nice of you to host your friend and her book. I confess I'm not a reader. When I do read it's historical something usually. I've never enjoyed Medieval, or magic, make believe. Not sure why. A friend once asked me if when I read I envision what the person looks like and she was surprised to learn I don't. I guess that's why I don't read much, I don't "get into" it. Thanks, I always appreciate your visits to my blog and your opinion on a name for the ghan. Maybe as I progress with it, the name will fit. I like your idea,just not sure yet.

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    1. sandy: I read across genres - including historical works. Though historical fiction is not my first choice. I prefer my history real. Reading is an entirely subjective thing. I am loving your afghans.

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    1. Cara Memupuk Cabe Rawit: Welcome and thank you. I am sure Lee will be glad to hear of another fan.

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  31. I read Sliding. It's definitely a keeper!

    Have a wondrous weekend, EC:)

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    1. Sandra Cox: I suspect that is a phrase every author longs to hear. I hope your weekend is wonderful.

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    1. Terry Stynes: Thank you. The credit should go to Lee though.

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  33. Good to read this post.
    Thank you.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: I am very glad. Lee will be too.

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  34. Congrats Lee! Wow, your friend is talented EC!!! Thanks for such a great post! Big Hugs!

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    1. Magic Love Crow: She is very, very talented. And industrious.

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