Be A Dating Dahling

Confessions of a Princess: Q&A with Myrtle Beach Author Candace Mckenzie
Once upon a time there was a young princess who dreamed of meeting the perfect knight and ended up writing a book about how to meet him.

Candace Mckenzie came home to Myrtle Beach from the "real dating world" to promote her new book, “Be a Dating Dahling” at various locations around the Grand Strand. In her words, "If you have time to complain about dating, then you have time to do something about it!" The newly crowned "Dating Princess" has made appearances and provided relationship coaching in national radio, newspaper, and magazines. So let's take a few moments to learn more about the princess.

I like the fairy tale introduction, but when it comes to family getting involved in your relationship business, do you feel that sometimes they don't know what they are talking about?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: I have learned the hard way that our Mothers are always right, but how they give advice to their kids can be a tough pill to swallow. Also, parents may not grasp that times have changed socially for women and men in the dating world. So, if you can't take it from your parents, go to a sibling instead who can give you some softer honesty.

Speaking of siblings, do you have a big family?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Just me, my brother, Dad, and Mom. We are known as "The Sheik" family.

Your family owns and operates a Johnny Rockets, an international retro diner chain, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Did you ever work there?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: My Father demanded I manage there for past summers. I was horrible at it. Now looking back I am so glad he made me. It gave me the utmost respect for all the staff. It's really hard work and they are all so good to my family! For now, I have been too busy promoting my book so I have hung up the Johnny Rockets' hat.

What was your job, besides being able to sneak away and work on your laptop?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Managing partner. I did like doing the fries though...it was a free facial! The cooks wouldn't let me near the grill!

I guess you didn't have to sing. Speaking of which, why singing waiters/waitresses?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Dancing is a must! The staff loves it and it is what Johnny Rockets is all about Entertainment! If you can sing even better! The staff is happy to break away from all the madness of a busy day or eve.

Do you plan to take the helm of Johnny Rockets in the future or will that be passed to your brother?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: I am looking to expand with my brother, and our DOP at JR's. We are currently in the works with new locations.

What were your dreams and aspirations growing up?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: I thought I’d go to LA and try acting, I ended up a Dating Coach. Ha!

So, you're an actress also. How is that career going?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: I did acting for years and was lucky to get gigs in both TV and Film. Then.... it just wasn't fun anymore. Sitting for hours at a casting, prepping for a role, and then not booking it was just exhausting after awhile. I felt like I was beating my head against a wall. Now, I really have found better success at hosting. I love just being me and not pretending to be anyone else. Hosting just comes naturally, and I don't stress like I used to about how I look, or if I'm convincing enough. It just "is" for me.

Well, are there any projects that you have out now or in the horizon we should look for?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: I am pitching a pilot called, "The Traveling Heart." It's about me traveling around the US helping lovelorn individuals in different cities while promoting local establishments to go on dates 1, 2, and 3. Remember, each city will have a specific dating issue.

Well we'll be on the lookout for that. About your book, how did you feel when you added the last word to “Be A Dating Dahling?”
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Unbelievably relieved. With someone who has ADD (attention deficit disorder), getting a book finished is like crossing the Nile River, jogging to Africa, and then somersaulting to India!

Well, if you didn't do any of that, what did you do to celebrate?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Turned on 80's music while going to see a really cheesy horror flick with my best friend Jen. Of course, we had a huge tub of popcorn and M and M's. Totally decadent!

Do you have another book in mind? If so, what do you think you'll write next?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: “Be a Dating Dude," and "Senior and Sexy."

That sounds interesting. Do you write often?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Most of my time is spent writing back to students who did not feel comfortable asking certain questions at a lecture I spoke at. I also get Q and A sent to me from trades as well. I like short and to the point writing. Also blogging is fun!

Where is your favorite place to write?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: 5:30am early, early morning in my La apt (it’s a total shoe box I promise) with a Venti Starbucks drip and Etta James in the background.

What do your folks say about Be A Dating Dahling?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: They think it’s hysterical! At first I think they just kindly scratched their heads and now they are so supportive!

You received your BFA degree in “If You Are A Loser Come Date Me Now,” what is your formal education?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Serial Dater at ECU

Your book sheds some new light on dating, especially online dating, so have you found Mr. Right/Prince Charming?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: No, but I certainly enjoy looking. For me, that George Clooney will be a bitter sweet find. Cultivating me is my number one priority now....all the rest will come later.

In regards to online dating, and I'm sure you've been asked this before, but isn't sitting in front of a computer screen with a camera kind of impersonal? Safe? Yes; but nonetheless, impersonal.
CANDACE MCKENZIE: If you’re referring to web dating then no. If the lighting is good and you are smart to not show where you live etc., then why not? It's live, in action, and real. Emails are not, phone calls are better.... but you still can't see their face. Put it this way, if web dating feels impersonal then just meet for a cup of coffee Monday-Thursday for 45mins tops. Sorry, not a fan of running any risks of a weekend 4 hour dinner.

When it all comes down to the money, the bottom line is (fill in the rest)
CANDACE MCKENZIE: It can't buy you love.

Last book you have read (not yours)
CANDACE MCKENZIE: The Secret

Last movie you've seen?
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Running With Scissors

Three things you like, in general
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Coffee, chocolate, and stars in the sky.

Three things you dislike, in general
CANDACE MCKENZIE: Cell phone abuse, pens that give out, and rudeness to waiters.


Be a Dating Dahling: Confessions of a Princess And How She Left Fairyland for the Real Dating World by Candace Mckenzie

No matter what your age, or dilemma, you can learn how to safely and quickly find your mate with author and relationship coach, Candace Mckenzie, The Dating Dahling.For more information or to schedule lectures: www.TheDatingDahling.com

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