Here on Diane Capri Reveals, we’ve featured some of the biggest names in our genre, including my friends and colleagues Lee Child, the father of Rambo, David Morrell, my colleague at the Bar, Steve Berry, the dynamite writing duos Maxine Paetro (and James Patterson), Grant Blackwood (and James Rollins), and more. You can check out those posts by clicking HERE.
For the next few weeks, by popular demand and as a service to our readers, we’re introducing Licensed to Thrill readers to new authors and new voices in this continuing series because the marketplace is crowded and finding good new authors is more confusing than it needs to be. So check out our entire series and see whether you’ve missed a few authors and books you’d like to sample for yourself or gifts for your favorite readers.
One of the best things about the internet is how it allows us to connect with delightful people who live in distant lands. Such is the case with the refreshing and fun CC MacKenzie, today’s victim, er, guest here at Diane Capri Reveals. Her blog posts at Romance With Fizz & Fangs often make me laugh out loud. Christine Claire MacKenzie lives in South Cheshire, United Kingdom. She has two daughters and one son. If you haven’t met CC, you’re in for a treat. Just look at this mug shot. She looks like mischievous trouble, doesn’t she?
CC MacKenzie
CC MacKenzie: Hey! That’s not fair!
Diane Capri: *laughs* See what I mean? Scrappy, to be sure. Before we get too far into this, I want readers here to know that CC was one of the most generous contributors several weeks back to the Buy Books for Steve bone marrow transplant fund raiser. CC didn’t know Steve Brown. She doesn’t write mystery or thriller or suspense, which are the genres Mystery Writers of America supports. Nor was she a member of our Florida MWA Chapter, as Steve and his good friend, Jeffrey Phillips are. But when CC heard Steve Brown needed help, she was one of the first to raise her hand. CC’s generous support was greatly appreciated then and not likely to be soon forgotten. For many reasons, I’m thrilled to feature CC MacKenzie — But mostly because she tells me she’s willing to do dishes!
CC MacKenzie: *blushing* I hate cooking, though.
Diane Capri: Works for me. Well, your books are getting a lot of buzz and raves from readers. A born storyteller, CC MacKenzie creates a fast paced blend of humour, poignancy and a deep sensual warmth that speaks directly to her readers. About Reckless Nights in Rome, one reader said, “CC MacKenzie can write a sex scene like no other. She even beats out JD Robb (Sorry, Nora). Hot and sensual, and well *stops to fan face* did I mention hot?” Tell us about your latest.
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CC MacKenzie: My contemporary romance is out now – A Stormy Spring features an award winning choreographer haunted by personal tragedy and a charismatic PR Guru. Think Flashdance meets PS I Love You. Music was her life, choreography her only passion. Becca had buried her heart with the love of her life, but when she spends a scorching night with a gorgeous Spaniard the lonely dancer finds there’s a price to pay to a man who refuses to take no for an answer.
Diane Capri: Wow! *blushing* And then what’s next?
CC MacKenzie: Run Rosie Run is book three in the Ludlow Hall series and will be out on November 26, 2012. Think Easy Virtue meets No Reservations. She’d wasted enough of her life madly in love with a man she could never have. Perhaps it was time to give another man a chance. But now Rosie has two men who want her and will stop at nothing to win her heart. Which one will she choose?
Diane Capri: You write so passionately! Like you do everything else. In fact, I’d known you for a long time before I found out you are a breast cancer survivor. What a strong person you are! What is the story with this photo?
CC MacKenzie Dancefit
CC MacKenzie: *laughs* I really believe that life is not a dress rehearsal. We can’t go back and do it again if we get it wrong. I took to heart the advice to live my life as if each day is the last.
Diane Capri: Good for you! And what’s next, after Rosie?
CC MacKenzie: The big project I’ve been working on for four years – futuristic paranormal set in an urban future with Vampyres, witches, magic and alternative realities. Humans have been decimated by a swine/avian flu pandemic. A pharmaceutical company run by a Vampyre has come up with a vaccine and saved what is left of mankind. The earth’s polarity is shifting triggering natural disaster on an epic scale. Add in a love story that spans the series and a conspiracy to destroy our world. I think that might be enough! *Laughing*
Diane Capri: Me, too. Okay, and who is this lovely lady? Is that you, having lunch with the Vampyres?
CC MacKenzie
CC MacKenzie: I’m following the writing advice that changed my work for ever. “Enter a scene late and leave it early!” Doesn’t get any better than that. Thank you very much for having me, Diane. You’re a wonderful woman.
Diane Capri:Thanks for coming by to chat with us today, CC. And if you’d like to connect with CC MacKenzie you can find her at her blog: http://ccmackenzie.wordpress.com/ Or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CCMzie
“Enter a scene late and leave it early.” LOVE this! It’s such a simple and yet powerful writing device. Christine, I absolutely adore your platinum pixie cut, you darling thing!!
OMG! Hugo (my DH) said, put this one up, it’s so you. No idea what I was thinking at the time, but my hairdresser has been the most supportive person in recovery. I suppose I should be lucky it’s not pink or purple! Thank you for commenting, Ginger.
And Thank You, Diane for featuring me here today.
Thanks for reading, Ginger, and you are absolutely right – on all counts about CC MacKenzie. She’s always fun to chat with and never so much as she was for this interview. Thanks, CC!
“Life is not a dress rehearsal” – love it! CC is such a hoot – thanks for a fun reveal!
Hello, Jennette,
You’re right, life isn’t a dress rehearsal, we can’t go back and get it right if we get it wrong.
So true, Jeannette!
This interview is so full of good sound bites of advice I can’t choose just one. Thanks for giving us a fun interview ladies 🙂
Hi, Marcy,
Thank you for stopping by, if anyone helps writers with sound advice it’s you and Marcy!
Thanks for reading, Marcy!
Fun interview ladies! Christine you look super cute in that pixie do! 🙂
Hey, Colleen!
It’s been a long time since I’ve been called ‘cute’ – thank you for that, lol!
I agree, Coleen!! Maybe we should all go to CC’s hairdresser! He sounds like a with-it dude, doesn’t he?
Thanks, Diane, for giving more readers their first look at a wonderful author and a better friend. To call Christine “passionate” is rather like describing lightning as bright. In either case, one will not fully appreciate the truism until struck.
Dale, I’m laughing here!
Did I strike you with lightning? Bless you, you must still be stunned. Actually, you and Diane’s genres will mesh beautifully. She’d really enjoy The Anvil of the Craftsman.
Dale, even if CC hadn’t mentioned it, I’d have guessed you’re a writer. Terrific insight to CC’s personality. Thanks for reading, and do come again!
Fab interview, Christine (and Diane, of course)! Like your books – a balance of poignant and funny. I’m sooo going to embarrass you if I gush too much and I know I’ll pay for it, so I’ll just say “more of the same, please!” Oh, and purple would work…
Thank you for stopping by, Lindsay!
Are you saying I’m a scary person? You could be right with the purple hair, I’ll mention it to Peter, my hairdresser.
Thanks for reading, Lindsay. Enjoyed having you here and do come back!
Love this! You are such a hoot, Christine. I love your attitude and your spirit. You’re an awesome friend. {{{hugs}}}
Sooooo totally awesome, Rhonda!
Hellooooo, Rhonda.
Thank you for dropping by!
Love that advice! I will have to use that “enter a scene late and leave it early.” Nice!
Two of my faves in one place! It doesn’t get any better!
Thanks for reading, Susie! I’d have thought you’d already metabolized that bit of advice, though. You’re always in such a flash. Good to see you here — albeit briefly! 😀
It’s the flash fiction Queen!
Thanks, Susie.
Fabulous! The white blonde is like day n night for you. I have always changed my hair, never platinum though, hell, never say never. I agree about those hairdressers, I mean therapists, lol. You are on my list, reading list.
Hi, Kim. Whew! I was a little worried about you putting CC on your list before you clarified! 😀
LOL!
Actually, she could be right, any good therapists here?
CC, I’d read your Post It notes if I could get my hands on them. 🙂 Can’t wait for the release of Run Rosie Run and your new vampire series sounds amazing!
Diane, thanks for another great interview!
Wouldn’t it be fun to read CC’s post-it notes, Sheila? What a great idea!
LOL! Actually, I’m just looking at my post it notes on my wallboards and I’ve counted eighty! One of them says ‘humanist’ and I’ve no idea what it means or why I wrote it.
I’m with Sheila. You could make a shopping list sound funny, CC!
I love your spunk and your writing. Waiting with bated breath for Rosie!
Thanks for reading, Kassandra!
HI Christine.
Interesting interview. I defy any guy to look at that dance photo and not think nice pom-poms. The matching socks are pretty good, too.
What were you thinking…?
Cheers!
Nigel – that mustache suits you, you devil! And CC’s a doll, no matter what size her pom-poms are!
Haha!
Ah, yes, the pompoms! And I don’t know what I was thinking. I used to always wear co-ordinating slouch socks with T-Shirts. Those were the days!
I love the pixie cut on you! I also love how I can totally hear an accent in the way you write *grin*. Nice interview ladies, nice to get to know you CC!
You can hear me, Melinda! I think that’s the ultimate comment – have a gold star and a hug!
Christine is an amazing woman, friend, and author. I love her sense of humor and her sweet, outgoing personality. She’s the best!
Another wonderful Reveal, Diane. Thanks so much!
Thank you very much, Lynn. I’m not sure about being sweet, lol, just ask Dale, ahem!
Thanks again, Diane, for having me!
Great interview, ladies. Love the line: “Enter a scene late and leave it early!” And your covers are beautiful.
Thank you very much, Karla.
I love yours too!
Hi, CC and Diane! I remember fondly the days of tee shirts and matching slouch socks, but maybe it’s a good thing that style left the scene early.
What, you had to rush off, CC? I see you subscribe to another piece of valuable advice: Leave ’em laughing.
Thanks for another great reveal, Diane.
Hi Pat,
Actually I miss the days of the matching slouch socks. I had hundreds of pairs of those with matching T-Shirts. I try to leave them laughing and if not, then I leave them crying, lol!
Thanks for the fun interview! I’m going to watch out for scrappy CC!
Aaaand Tamara Ward is in the house!
Hello, you. Scrappy? Whatever do you mean, lol!
CC, I love all your pictures. Each captures a different side of you! That was so generous of you to donate to such an important cause. Great interview Diane–you definitely showcased CC’s personality and talent! 🙂