Spotlight Author with Lee McKenzie

Almost five months have passed since I met my friend and newest Spotlight Author, Lee McKenzie. She is another one that I had the opportunity to meet up with at The Emerald City Romance Writers conference. She is a Harlequin writer for their American Romance line and a great one at that. I would like to welcome her here at Micole Writes Romance. Hope you enjoy getting a glimpse into her writing life and the new and exciting things that she has in store for everyone in 2010.

Micole, thanks for inviting me to join you and your readers today. I am thrilled to be here!

Well, Lee we are happy to have you here!!! Why don't you tell us a little bit about your latest release.


I write for Harlequin American Romance. My last book, WITH THIS RING, was a December 2007 release. It's a runaway bride story with a bit of "riches to rags" twist on the Cinderellla story. WITH THIS RING is still available as an ebook at eHarlequin.com.

What do Lee McKenzie fans have to look forward to in 2010?

I'm currently working on a series set in San Fransisco. In FIREFIGHTER DADDY (July 2010), sparks fly when a confirmed bachelorette meets a devoted dad. The second book in the series, (tittle TBA) will come out in January 2011.

That's exciting! What would you consider your writing process? Plotter or Panster?

I am definitely a panster, and a messy one at that. I start with two characters and a vague premise. The story reveals itself as I write, which means I go back to the beginning... a lot!... to set things up a long the way. Each book is a unique and challenging adventure!

I know what you mean, Lee. I am a panster for the most part myself. How long does it take you to write a manuscript?

There are days when I wish I was one of those writers who can produce thirty pages a day, but I'm not. For now, two books a year is a comfortable pace for me.

What is the hardest part about your job?

Writing a proposal is a challenge because it means having to produce a synopsis for a book that has yet to be written. Not as easy for a panster who often doesn't know how the story will end until I have written "the end." The wonderful thing about romance, though, is the gaurantee of a happily ever after, and at American Romance we especially love to add an "aw factor" to our HEAs.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

I worked really, really hard to become a published author and am so proud to be writing for Harlequin. One of my favorite things, hands down, is the reaction I get when I tell people I'm a Harlequin romance author. Doctors, lawyers, business people, scientists, teachers, customs officers, hotel desk clerks, family, friends, neighbors... both men and women... are always so impressed when I tell them I'm a Harlequin romance author. I've often heard romance writers say they get the eye rolls and snide comments, but I'm happy to say that has never been my experience.

How long was your road to publication?

The first book I sold, THE MAN FOR MAGGIE (June 2007), was my sixth complete manuscript. I'm a four-time Golden Heart finalist so I'd like to think I came close with a couple of others. I had been trying to write romantic suspense, which I love to read, but it turns out that my voice is better suited for more lighthearted contemporary romance.

Any advice for aspiring authors?

If this is your dream, if being a romance author is what you really and truly want, then you have to be persistent, see yourself as a professional, and look at writing as a career.

Everything you've been told about joining RWA, learning the craft, studying the market, finding a critique group, submitting, rewriting, resubmitting... it's all true. Commit to it.

Most of all, believe in yourself. Know in your heart that your current manuscript is the best thing you've ever written. If it doesn't sell, move on to your next project. It'll be even better.

That is great advice, Lee! Do you have any tricks of the trade that you are willing to share with us?

After you've studied the market, write what you lve, not what you think will sell. Don't compare your success to anyone else's. You'll make yourself crazy. Be modest about your success, or you'll make everyone else crazy.

Some writers say that they have a story that has to be told, other's say that the characters come to them and demand their story be told... how does it work for you?

I'm a panster, remember? For me writing romance is all about the characters. As I Get to know the hero and heroine, they gradually reveal their story. Letting them lead me is downright terrifying at times, but it's also what keeps the process fresh and fun.

Now for a little fun... here are your FAST FIVE.

Briht Sunny Days or Cozy Moonlit Nights-

The short answer is... both. Here's why. A couple of years ago, my husband built a folly for me in our backyard. It's a perfect place to sit with a book or my laptop on a warm sunny day, and it's just perfect at night with a cozy fire and glass of wine.






Milk or Dark Chocolate-

Dark

Coffee or Tea-

Coffee in the morning. Tea in the afternoon.

Love Letters or Serenade-

Love letters, because I can read them over and over and over again. Unless of course you're Michael Buble, and then bring on the song.

Cowboy or Businessman-

I can't have both?

Sure you can Lee. I won't be the one to tell you, you can't. Thank you so much for joining me today. I look forward to your guest blog appearance on July 13th.

Micole, thank you so much for inviting me to join you today! I look forward to coming back in July when FIREFIGHTER DADDY is released!

Hugs and happy writing to all!
Lee

Thank you all for stopping by my blog. All of my faithful readers out there... your visits mean so very much to me! Please make sure to keep stopping by my blog and do me a favor... tell a friend! I know all of you will want to visit Lee at her website: http://www.leemckenzie.com or her blog: http://thewritersideoflife.blogspot.com and on the 24th of every month at Harlequin American Romance Author's blog: http://harauthors.blogspot.com/ You can also find her books at eHarlequin.com or Amazon.com

Until next time friends.

Hugs

Micole Black