Alligators, witches and a spooky mansion aren’t your average neighbors unless you live at the edge of the Ornofree swamp in the backwater town of Hadleyville. The town’s bad boy, Pete Riley, may only be twelve, but he’s up to his eyeballs in big trouble, and this time he isn’t the cause. This time the trouble arrives when a legendary hundred-year-old mansion, materializes next door and the Ornofree alligators declare war to save their swamp from bulldozers. Things only get worse when Pete’s guardian aunt and several of her close friends vanish while trying to restore order using outdated witchcraft. Now Pete must find his aunt and stop the war. He might stand a chance if his one friend, Weasel, sticks with him, but even then, they may not have what it takes.
Tell us a little about yourself and your journey as an author.
It’s interesting how characters have a life of their own, and I’m glad that you met Shawna and got into fiction writing! Your previous books, like Sliding on the Edge, have found your characters in emotionally trying situations. What challenges have you faced portraying their lives and how they overcome their self-doubts?
It’s great that you were able to connect with your characters on an emotional level, though I can see how it can also be emotionally exhausting. I saw on your blog that your cats are protesting because Alligators Overhead doesn’t have cats in it like your previous books. Why the “big change”? What inspired you to write about alligators, witches, and spooky mansions?
That was an excellent marketing tactic (and a great way to let the cats speak up). I understand the feeling of turning to books for younger readers for fun. That’s why I still read Middle Grade books! What have you learned from delving into a new genre?
As much as I love YA fantasy, I’m glad that you wrote an MG fantasy because it’s another favorite genre of mine. If you got to hang out with a character from any of your novels, who would it be and what would you do?
I would love to read more of Kenny’s story should you get around to writing it. If you were a witch, what would you do with your powers?
As much as the rest of the world could use some help from a good witch, it would certainly be tempting to keep myself young and beautiful had I the ability to do so! What are your working on right now?
I hope it works out. I’d love to read your ghost story. Thanks for interviewing!
A native Californian, C. Lee McKenzie lives on the edge of a redwood forest with her husband and assorted cats. When she’s not writing or blogging she’s hiking or practicing yoga. She wrote her first young adult novel, Sliding on the Edge, after reading a news article about “self-abuse” among ivy league students. Since then, she has gone on to explore magick and some uniquely talented alligators in her middle-grade novel Alligators Overhead.
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Jinky says
Wonderful interview. I enjoyed getting to know more about Ms McKenzie through this interview. I like her versatility as an author. I absolutely loved The Princess of Las Pulgas and looking forward to reading Sliding on the Edge ..Kenny sounds deep. –Hoping to win Alligators Overhead ..I think my kids would enjoy it too. 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
I agree, Alicia. Knowing about an author makes reading his or her books so much more exciting. Of course, for me, meeting the author is the best. I'm so likely to gawk and be nervous when an author signs a book for me. I'm such a fangirl.
Alicia Batista says
Great inteview! I always love to reading about the author and how the book became a book! 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
@Ben Glad you stopped by, and very glad you took the time to leave a comment!
@Mary, talk to me about magic and backfiring. I have some insider info. 🙂
@Natalie, really appreciate your being here today.
Natalie Aguirre says
Great interview. Loved learning more about Lee and her books. I didn't realize she had written so many.
Mary Preston says
I wish that I had Witch magic. Knowing my luck it would backfire though.
A great post thank you.
Ben Woodard says
Fun interview. I enjoyed learning about Lee's motivation for writing fiction. I loved Alligators Overhead, but haven't read the others. Maybe I'll win one.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks for the visit, Candace!
Candace says
I really like middle grade adventure fantasy too and have been reading more of it since my daughter is coming to the age where she enjoys it as well. I hadn't heard of any of these books so I'm off to look them up!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I've been tied up with tons of family issues this week, Kris! So I'm late in responding. Sorry. Thanks for hosting me. Your post looks great.