Behind the Quill with CC MacKenzie
I’m telling you right now, you are going to love today’s Behind the Quill author interview. Why? Because chatting with me today is the spunky and spitfire CC MacKenzie, author of Reckless Nights in Rome and A Stormy Spring. I’ve only known CC for a short time, but she has inspired, supported, and encouraged me in so many ways. Not to mention, her writing is ON FIRE! Don’t believe me? Grab a copy of Reckless Nights in Rome, which is now free on All Romance Ebooks. This book revived my interest in the contemporary romance genre.
I could go on all day about this book but instead, let me share with you what CC had to say:
Me: When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
CCM: I think I was seven, but when I told my family they just laughed and said I was a dreamer. I remember telling them I’d do a better job than Enid Blyton, which made them laugh even harder.
Me: What led you to writing contemporary romance and urban fantasy?
CCM: I’ve been a huge fan of vampires since Nosferatu and Dracula, especially the scary Christopher Lee Hammer House of Horror films. As for romance, it was the great Georgette Heyer’s Regency romances that whet my appetite. Never wanted to write historicals, which is strange because I love them if they’re well done. Then I found a couple of the real legends in Mills & Boon like the early work of the late Penny Jordan and that was it.
Me:Does your husband read your books? And what about other family members? What do they think about them?
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CCM: Ahh, the age-old question. My DH didn’t in the beginning because he reads biographies and rarely reads fiction unless it’s Wilbur Smith for the characterizations and local history, but he likes Patterson for the page turning quality. He’s always been 150% behind my ambitions and me. But since I started winning and finaling in competitions he became interested and now he does the technical stuff so he does need to read them. I’ll be totally honest and say it’s changed the way he sees me because he can’t decide whether to be proud or terrified with the love scenes. However, now he understands that the scenes are not about ‘me’ but about what the characters feel and do. My immediate family does not read my books, ever. I’m a mother first and writer second. If they ever want to read them then fine, but I never, ever ask them to have an opinion. I wouldn’t put them on the spot like that. Also the feedback would not be true or real. I have two girls and neither read fiction because they’re too busy with their own lives and careers.
Me: How did it feel when you published your debut novel, Reckless Nights in Rome? And was it any different for you when you published A Stormy Spring?
CCM: Yes, absolutely. With Reckless it was like sending a toddler out into a jungle without protection and I felt physically ill for weeks. With Stormy it was still hard but not as gut wrenching. One of the things I’ve learned is that once the book it out there it no longer belongs to a writer, it belongs to the reader, so we need to let go – bit like a child leaving the family and becoming their own person. We cannot take a criticism as a personal attack; every one is entitled to an opinion, no matter how hard it is to hear it.
Me: What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
CCM: In Reckless Nights In Rome, it was the scene where Bronte is listening to music too loud on her iPod deck and boogies around the kitchen with a bottle of water as a microphone. She’s swinging her hips and strutting her stuff with no idea that Nico is watching her from the door. He’s biting down hard on his knuckles and enjoying the show. She turns and sees him and screams on the spot in shock. That actually happened to me once so I used my utter mortification in the scene. In Stormy it has to be the scene in the café where Becca and Lucas are talking about her pregnancy and the ramifications. The part where he says ‘I have never made love to a pregnant woman before. I am a big man. I might hurt the babies.’ And Becca’s response made my readers howl with laughter, I know this because they’ve told me and it was a fun scene to write. So I think it’s the fun scenes that do it for me every time. Just like in real life I don’t believe two people can fall in love without laughter.
Me: If you could be a character from one of your novels for a day, which one would you be and why?
CCM: Goodness me. It would have to be Coco Monroe (you haven’t met her yet, she’s due out in January 2013.) Coco is an absolute pistol and beloved by my crit partners and beta readers. She’s the adored daughter of a business tycoon and haunted by the paparazzi and the celebrity press. On the surface it looks as if she leads a charmed life and has everything any woman could ever want. But she has no freedom, no love and can’t trust. She’s trapped in a gilded cage and has worked hard to escape it. We meet her when her great plan to be independent and give back to others less fortunate in society goes spectacularly wrong. She needed a strong hero to be her match and Rafael Cavendish was just the boy. She’s a gutsy, independent, fun and very naughty heroine. I hope the book is going to strike a chord with my readers.
Me: Where do you get the inspiration for your contemporary romance novels and all those steamy scenes?
CCM: From everywhere. Magazines like GQ (always good to get the male perspective) Vogue, Cosmo etc. I spend a lot of time in cafés people watching and I’ve traveled extensively for work and pleasure throughout my life. I’ve met powerful and wealthy men with my husband’s career. I’ve seen the very best of people and the very worst too, so nothing surprises me. There are scenes and events that have happened in real life I could never make up. I don’t use specific events or people, but I can imagine the ‘what if’ question and that’s what turns ideas into stories. The love scenes are a form of intimacy that’s difficult to write without making them sleazy or uncomfortable for the reader. If I’ve struck a chord and made them ‘real’ then I know I’ve hit the spot. I spend a lot of time choreographing scenes and getting in the zone with music and peace and quiet. No one must disturb me. My betas are great at telling me if they’ve worked, they guide me. If anything they pull me back. The key to writing them is that they must always be relevant to the story and be an emotional pivotal moment for one or both characters.
Me: Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with in the future?
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TODAY!
CCM: I’m in the middle of a couple of drafts for two stories in the Ludlow Hall series of which Reckless Nights In Rome is the first. A Stormy Spring is linked, but Run Rosie Run is out in October and is the official number two of the series and is the story of Rosemary Gordon and Alexander Ludlow and how they get together – at last – jeez, if they’d been any slower they’d need Zimmer frames, but once the romance starts it all happens and Rosie’s determined to find a man who loves her the way she needs to be loved. She’s another great character and a lot of fun.
I’m also in the process of outlining a huge Angel paranormal series. No one’s written the definitive Angel character yet and I hope to do that with an alternative reality futuristic police series I’ve been mulling over. My son’s actually been assisting with world building on that one, so it’s all good.
Me: What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
CCM: Gosh, this is hard because any criticism from people who know what they’re talking about isn’t criticism it’s a gift! I think a submission I did for a publisher and the response was a rejection, but a good rejection which because I was new I didn’t realize was good until I thought about it and mulled it over and realized the editor was absolutely right – I did need more character development. I did need to down play a secondary character. The theme did not work.
The best is from readers who’ve connected with the characters and really ‘got’ them and the story. My first reader fan mail was so exciting I was pumped up for days and I’ve a dialogue going with my fans. These are the girls I write for and it’s made the journey so worthwhile.
Me: What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
CCM: Good question. I can work on four things at once. I need my environment to be ‘right’ which means peace and quiet with no distractions. However, being indie published that’s almost impossible to attain which means things can get angry and loud in the house if anyone disturbs me. I’ve had to learn to multitask and to give a little. But when I’m in the zone, no one is permitted to intrude. I just wish the people I live with would remember that.
Me: When you aren’t writing, what do you like to do?
CCM: I get out and about with friends and family. I’m not doing enough of that and they’ve been hassling me. I like to travel but again haven’t done enough of that recently either. I’m hoping to do more next year.
Me: What would you like your readers to know about this book or you in general? What do you want readers to see in your books?
CCM: With A Stormy Spring I’d like them to connect with realistic characters who although they’ve found each other and the attraction between them is seismic, they have a hard road ahead, just like the rest of us. Shit happens in life. Things happen when we least need or expect it and sometimes from the people you love the most and it’s how we deal with it that matters rather than letting our feelings and emotions rule us. There are times we need to reach out, ask and accept help from others. That’s an incredibly brave thing to do for a person who is suffering. But an even braver thing is for the person who loves them to stick with them when it might be easier to walk away. Lucas Del Garda in A Stormy Spring refuses to walk away. He’s a true hero in the very best sense of the word.
Me: Tell us about your current or upcoming release. Will you have a new book coming out soon?
CCM: Reckless Nights In Rome is free on All Romance EBooks and will be migrated to Kobo, iTunes and Amazon ASAP – it takes a while for the price matching to happen. A Stormy Spring has been out for three weeks. I have Run Rosie Run coming out in October 2012; readers are waiting for Rosie’s story.
Me: What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring authors?
CCM: Understand that you will never stop learning the craft; it’s part of the joy of writing. Write what you’d love to read and cannot find. Write with confidence. Write with authority. And tell the story.
Me: Truly great advice, CC. And I’m looking forward to October so I can grab a copy of Run Rosie Run. Thank you so much for talking with me today.
Here’s a little more about CC MacKenzie:
CC MacKenzie is a wife and mother of three and lives in Cheshire, United Kingdom.
Her first career was as an International Banker where she ran the trade finance department. After meeting her husband, she then married the bank(!) and had over twenty house moves covering six countries and continents over the following twenty years. During that time she taught a dance fitness programme, ran an interior design business and brought up her family.
Want to know more? Then check out CC on her Amazon Author page, subscribe to her blog and don’t forget to follow her on Facebook, too!
So, what did you think? Do you have other questions for CC MacKenzie? If so, post them in the comments and I’ll see if I can get her answer a few of them for us. And because CC loves her readers, she has decided to give away a copy of A Stormy Spring to one lucky commenter! The winner will be picked Friday, Aug. 10 at noon (EST). Isn’t she awesome? Tell her so in the comments!
BEHIND THE QUILL – I’M A GUEST WITH THE LOVELY JENNIFER OLIVER « CC MacKenzie – Romance With Fizz & Fangs
August 9, 2012 @ 8:45 AM
[…] can find us HERE and did you really think I’d not have something to give you? Yes, a lucky commenter will win […]
August 9, 2012 @ 9:08 AM
What a great read, Christine. (And Jennifer – terrific questions.) That scene in RNIR where Bronte is dancing around in the kitchen to her iPod is definitely my favourite so far too. It was a real snigger moment. You could just feel her mortification oozing off the page. Classic. And you know I’m just itching to read your paranormal series. Here’s wishing you continuing success. You’re a talent and a fabulous lady with it. Linds 🙂
August 9, 2012 @ 9:32 AM
Hello Lindsay,
Thank you very much for stopping by and commenting. The paranormal series isn’t out until 2013 and if I don’t get a move on and knuckle down it might be later.
August 9, 2012 @ 11:54 AM
Thank you Lindsay! I loved that scene with Bronte, too! How many times have I done the same thing, dancing around in the kitchen while doing chores? But if someone had caught me – OH MY! LOL!
Thanks for stopping by!
August 9, 2012 @ 9:43 AM
Thanks for that. Great questions and answers! I like the write with confidence and with authority. I am new at this and not sure I’m writing what I like to read, just writing what feels right to me, so maybe that confidence will come after I’ve done a few. What does the cc stand for and how many words do you go for? How long does it take per book? After you’ve written one is it easier to get an editor or representative?
August 9, 2012 @ 9:45 AM
I wanted to add Congratulations and much success, glad to have met you!
August 9, 2012 @ 11:20 AM
Hi Kim,
Christine Claire, but I answer to virtually anything.
Yes, write what feels comfortable to you, absolutely. Confidence is a tricky thing. It’s never a constant companion it sort of ebbs and flows. I’ve learned to keep going. Over confidence in my writing is something I know I’ll never suffer from because it will never be good enough.
My books are between 65,000 – 85,000 words depending on the story. The great thing about being indie is that I decide. My paranormals might be longer. A discovery draft when I’m on a roll can take about four-six weeks. With A Stormy Spring (83,00 words) the last 50% took me two weeks but that’s unusual. Then I usually put work aside for three/four weeks before starting edits. I do three edits. One for structure/character development. One for big picture/scene strength. And a copy/edit. Then revisions, usually two/three depending on whether or not I’m happy. Then it goes out to the betas.
I must be one of the luckiest writers here because two of my critique partners are editors, professional editors, one of fiction and the copy editor is non fiction. And I met them four years ago – they believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.
Hmm, representation. Agents roles are changing and the good ones are changing with the revolution in publishing that’s just begun imho. I’ve been approached by an agent in the UK via another author. At the moment I’m happy as I am with full control since I have the technical support etc., I need. However, I’ve left the door open should a miracle happen and I become hugely successful and she’s happy with that and is watching me closely. I’m not good under external pressure since I have enough on my plate and need to keep an eye on my health.
The whole point for me going indie is to have total creative control, I don’t do writing by committee. The most important people who are a constant in all I do is the reader. If he/she’s happy, I’m happy.
Does that help you at all? You’re doing great btw., I meant to email you, but have been up the wall this week. I enjoyed the excerpt on your page in your blog very much indeed. In my humble opinion you have nothing to worry about and I’m never wrong about these things.
August 9, 2012 @ 11:23 AM
I should have added about the write with Confidence and Authority and Tell The Story – the key is to get your head in the right place and by that I mean focus on how you’re feeling before you begin. We’re human and some days we’ll think – yep that hit the spot – then two days later read it and think – that’s crap. Do Not Delete Work Ever. Because if your DH or whoever has annoyed you, you won’t be in the right frame of mind to decide what’s good or bad – so never fiddle with a first draft, ever. Keep going.
August 9, 2012 @ 11:56 AM
Hi Kim!
I’m so glad you stopped by, and asked these questions, too! CC does know her stuff!
August 9, 2012 @ 11:07 AM
Fab interview, Jennifer! And CC, you’re at your finest as usual, sweetie! Luv your books.
August 9, 2012 @ 11:29 AM
Hi Alicia!
Thank you for stopping by and the support!
I should have thanked the fabulous Jennifer right at the beginning *Head Slap* She’s done a great job and enjoys these interviews, I can tell!
August 9, 2012 @ 11:52 AM
You are absolutely right – I do enjoy these interviews! Getting a sneak peek at what the author is like and learning from their experiences, what more could I want? LOL!
Thanks for being here CC!
August 9, 2012 @ 11:55 AM
Thanks Alicia!
August 9, 2012 @ 2:52 PM
I loved Reckless Nights in Rome and am excited to hear that you’re writing Rosie’s story, CC. A Stormy Spring is waiting on my kindle to be read. Yay! Can’t wait to get to it.
Thanks for the wonderful interview, CC & Jennifer!
August 9, 2012 @ 5:23 PM
Hello Sheila,
Yes, Rosie’s story is the one everyone wants. It’s interesting how a character leaps into your head when you least expect it. Every heroine needs a side kick and Rosie’s a pistol. I thought it would be easy writing her story, but nope.
August 9, 2012 @ 9:59 PM
“Spunky and spitfire”: my thoughts exactly! Thanks for the interview.
August 10, 2012 @ 5:47 AM
LOL! Oh dear, I’m getting a bit of a reputation. Thanks for stopping by, Tamara.
August 10, 2012 @ 12:43 AM
I really enjoyed the interview. Interesting questions and exciting answers full of great information.
Thanks for sharing so much, Christine. I feel a little overwhelmed sometimes and can be very critical and just want to kind of drop everything. Your comments are very encouraging.
August 10, 2012 @ 5:49 AM
Hello Jo,
At times writing can feel overwhelming, especially writing a full length story which is why it’s good to break it down into bite sized pieces. I tend to write in scenes. Another good tip is to enter a scene late and leave it early. Can’t remember who said that I think it was a screenwriter.
August 10, 2012 @ 10:18 AM
Fab interview, Christine, and your spirit comes through! I love how you said that once you get the book out, it doesn’t belong to you any more, it belongs to the reader. That will stay with me. This was a fun read!
August 10, 2012 @ 11:55 AM
Hello Natalie,
Thank you for dropping by. Yes, it’s a hard thing to get our head around that the story no longer belongs to us when we’ve sweated over a story for months (years) and then let it go. Like everything else the first time is the worst.
August 10, 2012 @ 12:00 PM
“Just like in real life I don’t believe two people can fall in love without laughter.”
That’s a great quote and something I need to think more about. Thanks for the interview, and all the best with your new book, Christine!
August 10, 2012 @ 12:09 PM
Hi Liv,
It’s true though, isn’t it? There’s no problem with angst in a romance or heartbreak too. But I just can’t see two lovers really getting it on if they don’t laugh in a good way with each other or find that warm fuzzy feeling of a genuine affection for one another.
Thank you for commenting and for the good luck.
August 10, 2012 @ 3:41 PM
Okay, I am crawling in here to make a quick comment cause you all know I’ve been sick and I don’t want to spread my germs. Cyber germs that is. Loved “Restless Nights in Rome” and can’t wait to read “A Stormy Spring!” Oops, did I say Restless again. I meant Reckless. I think Christine’s book left me restless. LOL! Congrats on your new release Christine! Sending you both huge hugs! 🙂
August 10, 2012 @ 4:25 PM
Haha! Restless Nights, yep, they had that too. Good one, Karen.
Thank you so much for stopping by.
August 10, 2012 @ 6:17 PM
Wonderful interview, ladies. Congratulations on your success with your first two books, Christine. I know you’ll see that streak continue with your following works. I have your stories sitting here on my Kindle and I can’t wait to get to them. I do my best to write with confidence and authority and I’m definitely telling the story I feel in my soul. Hopefully someday I’ll see something come from it like you have. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
August 11, 2012 @ 8:27 AM
I’m late to the party but does the work excuse count? Ha! Love the spunky and spitfire CC. And I particularly love one of CC’s later replies within the comments about not deleting anything ever. So true. Great interview. Always love to see another author’s “process.”
August 11, 2012 @ 10:12 AM
Hi Denise,
Working is never an excuse. I’m lucky enough to write full time. How other girls with young children, running a house, working full time and being a goddess for her partner do it, I do not know.
Thank you for stopping by!
August 11, 2012 @ 10:10 AM
Hi Debra,
Thank you for stopping by and hope you enjoy the stories.
August 11, 2012 @ 10:55 PM
great interview ladies. I love the idea that a book is mine until it is pubbed and then it belongs to the reader. what a fabulous idea.
August 12, 2012 @ 9:41 AM
Hi Louise,
Thank you for stopping by.
We need to let our books go and get on with writing the next one. She says(!)
August 12, 2012 @ 9:09 PM
What a great team you two make! I love you both. Can’t wait to find out how things go for Rosie this fall.
Kass lamb
August 12, 2012 @ 9:10 PM
What a great team you two make! I love this interview. Can’t wait to see how things go for Rosie this fall.
Kass lamb
August 12, 2012 @ 9:10 PM
Oops, didn’t mean to post my comment twice. I thought it didn’t go through the first time.
August 13, 2012 @ 3:13 PM
*waving at you!* Loved the interview! 😀
August 26, 2012 @ 12:38 PM
*Waving back* Kat, thanks for stopping by!