I’m very excited to welcome debut author J.C. MCKENZIE to my blog today. Her first book, SHIFT HAPPENS, releases this month on the Kindle Select Program. I have the special privilege of being J.C.’s critique partner, and although I was not her CP at the time of SHIFT HAPPENS, I have been fortunate enough to be her CP on the 2nd book in the series. I also got an early read of SHIFT HAPPENS, which personal bias aside, I thought was a wonderful book!
Be sure to read through to the end of this post as J.C. is offering a rafflecopter chance to win a copy of SHIFT HAPPENS.

So J.C., tell my readers a little bit about yourself.

I like walking on moon-lit beaches, chocolate and dark, twisted stories. The unknown fascinates almost as much as the known. I have a degree in Biology, have worked for a marine research company, and I love to play and coach volleyball. ….Bit of a volleyball fan here, too.

Do you have a process for coming up with character names and book titles?

Character names are always a challenge for me. As a teacher, I’ve come across a lot of names and struggle to find ones that don’t elicit a strong connection to someone I know in “real life.” I also don’t want to inadvertently have someone think I’m writing about them. I sometimes use Scrivener’s name bank, or one of the various online baby name books. In addition to wanting the name to potentially mean something, I try to find ones that allow for nicknames or shortened names as well.

As for book titles, I really like double entendres, so I pick out a few key words that my story is about and then brainstorm possibilities. I decided on Shift Happens for my first book when I saw a “Shift Happens” earthquake sticker on the side of my cabinet! …Love it!

Tell us about your current book.

Shift Happens is an Urban Fantasy with strong romantic elements about a government agent named Andy McNeilly. It’s being published by The Wild Rose Press and it is the first book of a five book series. I’ve completed the second and third installment, and am working on the fourth book. Andy has to go through a lot before the end, but never fear, she’ll get her happily ever after (and there’s some sweet & spicy moments along the way as well). …You write wonderful characters J.C. While I love Andy, you know who my two favorite characters are! (but no spoilers for our readers)

How about a blurb from SHIFT HAPPENS?

Andrea McNelly’s job as a government agent is not asking questions, but then a routine assignment turns into a botched assassination of a Master Vampire’s human servant. Answers become a priority. Her search to discover the truth is riddled with obstacles, the largest being an oversized Werewolf who resembles a Norse god. Andy can’t afford the distraction he offers, because if she fails, she faces eternal enslavement.

Wick’s job is to monitor Andy, but he prefers more intimate activities, none of them G-Rated. His choices, however, are often not his own. His ability to help Andy is limited by his bond to the Master Vampire.

Facing many trials and challenges along her path to redemption, Andy learns the value of her freedom might be set too high. …Great blurb, thanks J.C.

OK, quick quiz.
1. Desert island book or movie? Roger Zelazny’s Chronicles of Amber Omnibus (okay, that’s a bit of a cheat. It’s a very large book that contains 10 books!)
2. Favorite meal? Lamb shoulder with Greek salad and rice. Mmmmmmmmm. Sushi is a close second. (You are definitely from the west coast!)
3. Pet peeve? Oh gosh, I have so many! I really hate it when people pause in their speech often for dramatic effect. Once or twice is okay, but if it’s every sentence, I’m going to wring your neck or shake it out of you!

Well, I’ll keep that in mind. LOL.
Thank you so much J.C. for visiting today and much success with SHIFT HAPPENS.

J.C. can be found at: http://www.jcmckenzie.ca

SHIFT HAPPENS, a book from The Wild Rose Press, is currently available on Kindle through Amazon at: Shift Happens@amazon.com and Shift Happens@amazon.ca
General release in print and all other electronic formats is scheduled for July 16th, 2014

About the Author:
Born and raised on the Haida Gwaii, off the West Coast of Canada, J.C. McKenzie grew up in a pristine wilderness that inspired her to dream. She writes Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance.

J.C. is doing a rafflecopter giveaway, so be sure to click to enter below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway