Spotlighting C. Lee McKenzie's SLIDING ON THE EDGE

C. Lee McKenzie was one of my first EVER crit partners and helped me go through one of my first EVER novels! So, it's a special thrill to spotlight her debut novel, SLIDING ON THE EDGE. I remember this novel when it was still in the manuscript stage, so it's soooo exciting to see it in print.

A native Californian, C. Lee McKenzie has always been a writer, but to eat and make contributions to children's college funds, she’s also been a university lecturer and administrator. Writing for teen readers keeps Lee in touch with the young members of her family, and allows her to re-visit those wonderful years in life when everything is possible. When she isn’t writing, Lee’s hiking in the Santa Cruz Mountains in Los Gatos, California.

I bet those mountains are beautiful!

In SLIDING ON THE EDGE, Shawna Stone is a heartbeat away from making the worst mistake anyone can. She’s close to taking her own life. Kay Stone is a grandmother Shawna has never known, and at sixty-four Kay feels there is little left in her life to look forward to. When they are thrown together they circle each other in a crucible of secrets and distrust until saving a doomed horse unites them and gives each a reason to live.

When I read this book in draft form, I was completely taken in by the relationship between Shawna and her grandmother. I wanted to know what was going to happen to Shawna and I worried about her more than any sane person should worry about a fictional character. She was sooo real to me!

Now here is Lee to answer the Thorough Three:

NM: What is the age of your protagonist/s?

CLM: Shawna is 16 going on twenty-five. Kay is 65, but says she's 63.

NM: Ha! I guess that just goes to show that age really is nothing but a number! So, what is the single, most important bit of advice you'd give to the You that was the same age as your protagonist/s?

CLM: I guess I'd say to forget about the past. There's nothing you can do about it. Let the future come to you in its own time. Accept and appreciate the moment, and don't give up when everything seems to be working against you.

Wow! That's a lot of advice. Maybe I should take one of my minor character's position and not give advice.

NM: That's great advice. I always struggle with both of those (forget the past and let the future come to you) at different times in life.

Okay, so now complete the following sentences:

Everyone should definitely, for sure _____________.

You should NEVER, EVER ___________. But if you absolutely must, make sure to ____________.

CLM: Everyone should definitely, for sure be kind.

You should NEVER, EVER lose your sense of humor. But if you absolutely must, make sure to get it back.

*nods* Definitely agree with those.

To find out more about C. Lee McKenzie and her work, visit her site. To buy a copy of SLIDING ON THE EDGE, click here.

Thanks, Lee!