Thursday, July 24, 2014

WHAT'S A DOUBLE NEGATIVE? .... FIND OUT!

Remember, dude…always remember…

This is my life. The only way for me to survive.

The bell rings and I’m off to yet another class. I don’t know how much more I can take. 

I coast through the halls, avoiding eye contact with the cool kids. Their snide remarks ricochet off me like a quarterback hit by a linebacker.  

After entering into science class, I drop into the desk behind Jenny and Mark, pricking my ears to hear anything that may help me pass.

Beads of sweat mist on my forehead as Mr. Sanders hands out the test. 

This is hopeless…

After school I search for the one person who knows my secret. Fat Nyla. I overhear the loud voices and high-pitched laughter of Cassy and her gang, badgering Nyla as I approach.

Cassy pushes Nyla into the lockers and the crunch of the metal clenches my fingers into a tight fist.

“Back off!” I call out. 

“Mind your own business, loser,” Cassy says. Her tone cuts through my like a razor, but draws me to my full height. 

“I said, back off.”

She takes in my brooding stance and stiffens. “Let’s go girls. Our work is done for today.” She faces Nyla. “I’ll get you later. Count on it.”

Fat Nyla lets out a deep breath as she watches her nemesis retreat.

“Are you alright?”

“I’ll live.” Her dark eyes raise and stare into mine. “You look like hell. What’s up?”

“Do I really need to spell it out for you?” I turn from her penetrating eyes. “I can’t cover it up much longer.”

“Dude, you need to get help. You’re just one step away from Juvy.”

She rummages through her locker, takes out a pad and scribbles something, tearing off the bottom and hands it to me.

“I’ve heard she’s helped a lot of guys like you. Give her a call.”

I glance down and barely make out the name and numbers.

“Can you read it? Her name's, Maggie. 529-6613. Memorize it. 529-6613.

I mouth the name and numbers several times, forcing them into my brain.

“I hope she can help me…”

“I’ve gotta go. Later, Hutch. And…thanks.”

 I stare down at the jumble of letters and numbers. Remembering what they say, I head for home…


Will Hutch get the help he needs?


Will Maggie be able to help him or does Hutch slam into another dead end?
DOUBLE 
NEGATIVE 

by

C. Lee Mckenzie


Time is running out… but for who? 

Hutch?

Maggie?

Or both?

 Whoa... now this is intense... I know I want to know more! Lee certainly knows how to PEAK our interest!

 Available TOMORROW, July 25TH! Here's the link...

CONGRATS LEE! 

 I hope you all enjoyed my interpretation of Lee's book.  Here is the logline for DOUBLE NEGATIVE...

Sixteen-year-old Hutch McQueen is a smart kid who can barely read. He makes one bad choice after another, trying to find a way to escape his rotten life at home and at school. Each time he gets into more trouble.


 Do drop by Lee's blog and say hi.... 




Lee is also having a giveaway! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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75 comments:

  1. Alex J. CavanaughJuly 24, 2014 at 12:01 PM

    Awesome intro for Lee's book!
    And good to hear from you, Michael.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieJuly 25, 2014 at 12:22 AM

      I was worried about him and then here he comes with this great post!

      Delete
  2. cleemckenzieJuly 24, 2014 at 12:01 PM

    You're the best, Michael. Thank you for the post today. I really do appreciate your support.

    ReplyDelete
  3. klahanieJuly 24, 2014 at 12:11 PM

    Greetings Michael,

    Ah, my illustrious, articulate friend. Thine intro for the amazingly awesome Lee and her next wonderful book, exemplifies the ambience. Well done, good sir.

    Of course, hearty congrats to Lee. You do realise that I'm her starstuckest fan! :)

    I shall duly take the liberty of sharing your post via all those social networks. Yep, even good old "Farcebook"!

    Delighted to see you, Michael.

    Gary :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieJuly 25, 2014 at 12:24 AM

      So we need to decide: Farcebook or Facebark. You've got me in a tizzy here. Of course, IWSG now has only one meaning--very secretive meaning, but I can't write that without saying to myself that I'm searching for somebody.

      Delete
  4. L. Diane WolfeJuly 24, 2014 at 12:34 PM

    Better call her, dude.

    Another wonderful introduction. You are so good at these.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Elizabeth SeckmanJuly 24, 2014 at 1:39 PM

    Good to see you back Michael!! Best of luck to Lee.

    ReplyDelete
  6. MorganJuly 24, 2014 at 1:54 PM

    You're so amazing, Michael. No one touches your intros. You're easily one of the most talented people I've ever met. Hands down. Seriously LOVE your writing. Hope you're staying sane in this summer weather!

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    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieJuly 25, 2014 at 12:26 AM

      What a great compliment to Michael.

      Delete
    2. Michael Di GesuJuly 29, 2014 at 4:02 PM

      Thanks Morg...... you'er my biggest fan! Big cheesy grin like on the cat on my right... lol.

      Delete
  7. Carol KilgoreJuly 24, 2014 at 2:17 PM

    You have such a great talent, Michael. I'm looking forward to Lee's book.

    ReplyDelete
  8. RobinJuly 24, 2014 at 4:20 PM

    Wow, this book looks great!

    And now I feel really stupid because I couldn't figure out cleemckenzie broke down to C. Lee McKenzie. duh.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieJuly 25, 2014 at 12:27 AM

      I can't figure that out either, so we're even.

      Delete
  9. Loni TownsendJuly 24, 2014 at 4:43 PM

    Great intro, Michael! Grats Lee!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Natalie AguirreJuly 24, 2014 at 5:29 PM

    Loved your intro. Very excited for Lee.

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    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieJuly 25, 2014 at 12:28 AM

      I appreciated Michael's time in writing this for my book. How sweet is that?

      Delete
    2. Michael Di GesuJuly 29, 2014 at 4:01 PM

      Thanks Natalie... Me, too.

      Aw, shucks, Lee.... you'll make me blush...

      Delete
  11. Janie JunebugJuly 24, 2014 at 7:32 PM

    That sounds good.

    Love,
    Janie

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  12. MelissaJuly 25, 2014 at 7:47 AM

    I don't usually read YA, but I'm gonna make and exception for this book. Congratulations, Lee! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieJuly 25, 2014 at 10:36 AM

      Thanks for making the exception, Melissa. Big cyber hug coming your way.

      Delete
  13. AnonymousJuly 25, 2014 at 9:24 AM

    Awesome post about DOUBLE NEGATIVE. I definitely want to know more. CONGRATS to C. Lee! Happy Release Day!

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    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieJuly 25, 2014 at 10:37 AM

      Thanks, Susanne. I'm pleased the story has interested you.

      Delete
  14. LD MastersonJuly 25, 2014 at 9:33 AM

    Aw, Michael, you're just so good at this. Great intro.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieJuly 25, 2014 at 10:37 AM

      He's a wonder, isn't he?

      Delete
    2. Michael Di GesuJuly 29, 2014 at 4:00 PM

      Thanks, L,D, I have had LOTS of practice, LOL. Between the TWO A-Z and all the others I have closet to a hundred of these intros so far... I must admit I do enjoy writing them...

      Delete
  15. Susan Gourley/KelleyJuly 25, 2014 at 12:28 PM

    Congrats to Lee. I think I could get caught in this one.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Chrys FeyJuly 25, 2014 at 12:37 PM

    Oh, that was so good! I'm hooked. I want to know what Hutch did and what's going to happen.

    Congratulations, Lee!!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Lexa CainJuly 25, 2014 at 4:17 PM

    I'm so excited for Lee! The book looks great, and I'm wishing her huge success! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieJuly 29, 2014 at 12:50 PM

      Thanks, Lexa. You've been in my corner for a while now, and I love that.

      Delete
  18. Mark MeansJuly 25, 2014 at 7:12 PM

    As always, an awesome intro and it definitely had me wanting more.

    Congrats to Lee and much success!!

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    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieJuly 29, 2014 at 12:51 PM

      I'd love a guy's opinion on Hutch. After all, I'm not a 16-year-old boy and I may have screwed up his character all together. I'll have to wait to hear from some male readers.

      Delete
  19. Denise CoveyJuly 25, 2014 at 10:56 PM

    Your prose hooked me in Michael. Love that cover, too.

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    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieJuly 29, 2014 at 12:52 PM

      Michael works hard for those of us privileged enough to visit his great blog. It shows.

      Delete
  20. Michelle WallaceJuly 26, 2014 at 2:33 AM

    ... and he strikes again! The Blurb King... doing what he does best!
    Great intro, Michael!
    Congrats to Lee, The Queen Of Glib! The cover is great!

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    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieJuly 29, 2014 at 12:52 PM

      So we make a good combo, heh? King and Queen. I like that idea.

      Delete
    2. Michael Di GesuJuly 29, 2014 at 4:04 PM

      Okay. So where are our crowns?

      Delete
  21. SouthpawJuly 26, 2014 at 8:14 AM

    Fantastic intro! This is a great stop for Lee!

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  22. JoJuly 26, 2014 at 8:45 AM

    Great intro Michael. I was worrying about Hutch from the first words. Not buying at the moment, too many to read as it is. But I would if ......

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    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieJuly 29, 2014 at 12:53 PM

      I worried about Hutch from start to finish. I still have a few concerns.

      Delete
  23. Cathrina ConstantineJuly 26, 2014 at 10:08 AM

    Michael, As always a wonderful blurb for Lee's book! And Lee congrats, your book sounds amazing!

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    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieJuly 29, 2014 at 12:54 PM

      You can let me know if it's a hit or a miss, Cathrina.

      Delete
  24. Madeleine SaraJuly 26, 2014 at 11:03 AM

    Hooked from the start. Great intro Michael as everyone has said.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieJuly 29, 2014 at 12:54 PM

      Thanks for taking the time to comment, Madeleine.

      Delete
  25. Empty Nest InsiderJuly 27, 2014 at 3:56 AM

    I also enjoyed your creative interpretation! I'm impressed with how easily you slid into their roles. Congrats to Lee!

    Julie

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    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieJuly 29, 2014 at 12:55 PM

      I like it when guys chime in on Hutch. It helps me gauge if I've gotten that boy down the way I should. Michael's take was great.

      Delete
    2. Michael Di GesuJuly 29, 2014 at 3:57 PM

      Thanks Julie.... Glad you did. I love writing in male teen pov. There is so little of it out there.

      Delete
  26. mshatchJuly 27, 2014 at 7:52 AM

    This sounds like such a good book and great intro, as always, Michael.

    Good luck in the query trenches; I'm hoping to join you soon!

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    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieJuly 29, 2014 at 12:56 PM

      Thanks for the visit and good luck in the query trenches.

      Delete
    2. Michael Di GesuJuly 29, 2014 at 3:56 PM

      Thanks, Marcy....I'm still bailing out all the water trying to keep from drowning. It will be nice to have company...

      Delete
  27. Stephanie FarisJuly 27, 2014 at 8:07 AM

    Amazing intro...makes me want to read the book. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieJuly 29, 2014 at 12:57 PM

      I have to increase Michael's salary, I guess.

      Delete
    2. Michael Di GesuJuly 29, 2014 at 3:53 PM

      LOL... Am I getting a raise, Lee? COOL!!!!!!

      Delete
  28. Carrie ButlerJuly 28, 2014 at 1:12 AM

    Now I'm ready to read the book! :) Great job, Michael, and congratulations to Lee!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieJuly 29, 2014 at 12:57 PM

      Thanks, Carrie. I'm so far behind in my reading that I may never catch up.

      Delete
  29. Michael Offutt, Phantom ReaderJuly 28, 2014 at 11:47 AM

    Yeah that's a great intro for Lee's book. You are a great wordsmith.

    ReplyDelete
  30. S.K. AnthonyJuly 28, 2014 at 12:45 PM

    Oh Michael that was a great intro! Loved it. Congrats to Lee :D

    ReplyDelete
  31. JackJuly 29, 2014 at 7:27 AM

    That was one of those times I couldn't STOP reading, I love it when that happens. Teen books aren't my favourite genre, but I would read this one if the rest is like the sneak peek!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieJuly 29, 2014 at 12:59 PM

      I'm hoping this one will cross over, just as my others have. They're marketed as YA, but I do believe they have wider appeal. Hope so anyway.

      Delete
  32. Joylene Nowell ButlerJuly 29, 2014 at 12:26 PM

    It is so kewl to see Lee's cover everywhere. Go, Lee!

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    Replies
    1. cleemckenzieJuly 29, 2014 at 1:00 PM

      You're great, Joylene. I've seen you at every site. Thanks so much.

      Delete
  33. Michael Di GesuJuly 29, 2014 at 3:55 PM

    IT is, Joylene!!!! It's great to see so much fantastic support for Lee.

    ReplyDelete
  34. DMSJuly 30, 2014 at 3:36 PM

    Love to see Lee's book around and hope she is selling books like hot cakes, or likes ice cream on a hot day. :)

    I liked your interpretation!
    ~Jess

    ReplyDelete
  35. Tara Tyler RJuly 31, 2014 at 10:20 AM

    what an image! awesome intro for Lee's book! but of course, you're the pro!!
    way to go!
    (and thanks again for mine - i feel a hug every time i read it!)

    ReplyDelete

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