Hey, all! Would you look at this, three posts from me in a week, haha. Today, I am welcoming the wonderful C. Lee McKenzie to the blog to s...

Why You Should Try Writing for a Themed Anthology: Guest Post by C. Lee McKenzie

31 Comments
Hey, all! Would you look at this, three posts from me in a week, haha. Today, I am welcoming the wonderful C. Lee McKenzie to the blog to share about the awesome new anthology she is a part of called Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime.
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Hi Alexa,

Thanks for sharing news about Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime on your blog today.


Why is it a good idea to submit a short story to one of these themed anthologies? In my opinion there are several:

  • If you're an unpublished author, this is a great opportunity to be in print and have credits to put on your bio. 
  • If you'd like to try out a different writing style or switch from your usual category, this is the perfect time.
  • If you've written novels and want a change, the short story gives you that opportunity.
  • If you love to write short stories, here's a chance to perfect this genre. 
  • If you've never written to a theme with the idea of putting your unique spin on it in a prescribed number of words (an excellent writing exercise), here's your chance. You'll learn a lot.
  • If you're interested in expanding your author network, the anthology will put you in touch with other writers.
  • If you're a seasoned book promoter you get to use your experience, but with support of other authors. 
  • If you're not familiar with book promotion, here's a chance to learn from those with more experience.
  • This will be my fourth themed anthology. With each one, I've learned something new about writing, publishing, and promoting, so I'm kind of a cheerleader.  I think readers will find this one has some excellent stories.
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Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime
An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology

The clock is ticking...

Can a dead child’s cross-stitch pendant find a missing nun? Is revenge possible in just 48 minutes? Can a killer be stopped before the rescuers are engulfed by a city ablaze? Who killed what the tide brought in? Can a soliloquizing gumshoe stay out of jail?

Exploring the facets of time, eleven authors delve into mysteries and crimes that linger in both dark corners and plain sight. Featuring the talents of Gwen Gardner, Rebecca M. Douglass, Tara Tyler, S. R. Betler, C.D. Gallant-King, Jemi Fraser, J. R. Ferguson, Yolanda Renée, C. Lee McKenzie, Christine Clemetson, and Mary Aalgaard.

Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these eleven tales will take you on a thrilling ride into jeopardy and secrecy. Trail along, find the clues, and stay out of danger. Time is wasting...

$14.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 204 pages, Freedom Fox Press
Mystery & Detective (FIC022000) / Crime (FIC050000) / Thrillers (FIC031000)
Print ISBN 9781939844545 eBook ISBN 9781939844552
$4.99 EBook available in all formats

Reviews:
“Each story is fast paced, grabbing the reader from the beginning.”
- Readers' Favorite, 5 stars

“I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of thought-provoking crime stories.” - Denise Covey, author

Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter, and a monthly newsletter. www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com

Tick Tock links:

Thanks again for hosting us, Alexa.

Lee
***
No problem! Thank you so much for coming!

So, have you ever written for a themed anthology? Ever read one? Have a favorite? Can’t wait to hear from you, and thanks so much for coming, C. Lee!




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31 comments:

  1. cleemckenzieApril 28, 2018 at 10:42 AM

    Did I write all of that? My goodness I can be wordy when I'm not writing to a word limit. :-)

    Thank you for the feature here today. We do appreciate blogger out there who showcase new books. I'll tell my friends to stop by and say hello.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alexa MintahMay 5, 2018 at 5:09 PM

      Lol, well, they're all great tips, so I'm glad you weren't limited. :)

      No problem! And thanks for letting them know! I hope they enjoy the post and the blog. :D

      Delete
  2. Jemi FraserApril 28, 2018 at 11:06 AM

    I think I tick off 6 of those bullets! This has been a GREAT experience!
    Thanks Alexa for hosting Lee & the shoutout! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieApril 28, 2018 at 10:49 PM

      This is probably why the group has worked so well together. I think we appreciate the experience of collaboration.

      Delete
    2. Alexa MintahMay 5, 2018 at 5:10 PM

      No problem, Jemi! I'm glad your experiences have been so good, and that I got to host it! :D

      Delete
  3. Mary AalgaardApril 28, 2018 at 11:31 AM

    Yes! And, my story was also selected for this anthology. I love having a theme, a deadline, and a work count. Then, I'm left to use my own creativity to come up with a story. This is a great group of authors. I am honored and thrilled to share the pages of the Tick Tock anthology with them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieApril 28, 2018 at 10:51 PM

      This post was sent before your great trailer, Mary, or I would have included it. It showed how much of your time and creativity you put into this effort.

      Delete
    2. Alexa MintahMay 5, 2018 at 5:12 PM

      Oh, awesome! Yeah, that all would definitely help to narrow down the story you get to write, yet still leave plenty of room for your creativity!

      And a book trailer; I'll have to check that out!

      Thanks for commenting!

      Delete
  4. Gwen GardnerApril 28, 2018 at 12:37 PM

    Excellent reasons to take part in an anthology, Lee. I've loved the experience and meeting new people. Thanks for hosting us, Alexa.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieApril 28, 2018 at 10:52 PM

      Thanks Gwen. It's been fun working with you.

      Delete
    2. Alexa MintahMay 5, 2018 at 5:15 PM

      No problem! I'm glad it was such a great experience for you!

      Delete
  5. Skye HoffertApril 28, 2018 at 1:28 PM

    Anthology's are great! This one sounds interesting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieApril 28, 2018 at 10:52 PM

      I hope our readers enjoy the stories. The are each unique.

      Delete
    2. Alexa MintahMay 5, 2018 at 5:16 PM

      Yeah, I've definitely read some great ones! It's always interesting to see the unique combination of styles in an anthology. So neat to see how different people write the same basic ideas.

      Delete
  6. Keturah LambApril 28, 2018 at 11:00 PM

    I love short stories, so thus I love anthologies ;D I will have to look over this post later again and see if I should enter a story ;D

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yolanda RenéeApril 29, 2018 at 4:41 PM

    All great reasons, plus, besides the challenge it's just FUN! Thanks, Lee.

    Thanks, Alexa, for hosting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieApril 30, 2018 at 12:52 PM

      Hi Yolanda. I agree. Lots of work, but always FUN!

      Delete
    2. Alexa MintahMay 5, 2018 at 5:18 PM

      Haha, yeah, it sounds like it! No problem; I was glad to! :D

      Delete
  8. L. Diane WolfeApril 30, 2018 at 7:23 AM

    Those are all excellent reasons. All of them mean growth and exposure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieApril 30, 2018 at 12:53 PM

      Absolutely. And today writers and publishers must have as much of that as possible. You've done a super job at the helm, Diane. I know we all appreciate you.

      Delete
    2. Alexa MintahMay 5, 2018 at 5:21 PM

      Very true! Growth and exposure are two things writers always have to be shooting for.

      Thanks for commenting!

      Delete
  9. Rebecca M. DouglassApril 30, 2018 at 7:11 PM

    That is a perfect list! I can really relate to the part about learning about promotion, not to mention getting great support from those with better knowledge and skills in that area! Getting to be part of this anthology has inspired me to work more on short stories, and I'll definitely be submitting to more themed collection, too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alexa MintahMay 5, 2018 at 5:22 PM

      Oh, that's awesome! It's always great when we find things that motivate us as writers!

      Delete
    2. cleemckenzieMay 7, 2018 at 4:22 PM

      I hope you do submit more, Rebecca. The Tide Waits was a great story.

      Delete
  10. Jemima PettMay 1, 2018 at 11:40 AM

    Hi Lee! That's a great list. I've just been accepted for as different themed anthology and I endorse all you say. So please to be reading TickTock.. today!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alexa MintahMay 5, 2018 at 5:24 PM

      Oh, congratulations!

      Delete
    2. cleemckenzieMay 7, 2018 at 4:23 PM

      Huge congratulations, Jemima! Be sure to let us know when it comes out.

      Delete
  11. Keturah LambMay 2, 2018 at 5:24 PM

    I tagged you for a fun writing thing!

    http://keturahskorner.blogspot.com/2018/05/7777.html?m=1

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alexa MintahMay 5, 2018 at 5:25 PM

      Awesome, thank you!!! I'll be sure to check it out! :D

      Delete

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Alexandria, better known as Alex or Alexa, is a strange Christian-fangirl-YA-writer medley tucked away in an undisclosed location in Virginia. She loves creating worlds out of keystrokes, discovering adorable ships (platonic or romantic), and becoming besties with clever characters who wow her with love and brilliance. When only half spellbound by her many worlds of words, she can be found working amongst the stacks in her local library.

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