Lynn Mcpherson's Blog, page 5

Great Movies from 1953

Dear Readers,

I have been watching some old movies lately – all from the early 1950’s. There are some really good ones, my favourites being Roman Holiday and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

Audrey Hepburn won an Oscar for her performance as Princess Ann in Roman Holiday. It’s one of those movies I could watch over and over. It follows the adventure of a princess who escapes her regular scheduled life to let loose and have a spontaneous, whimsical day with a worldly, handsome stranger. So romantic!

Along that line, has anyone seen the Netflix original show, The Crown? It’s a must-see. The show is a great pairing with Roman Holiday, since the movie’s popularity was attributed to the somewhat scandalous relationship between the real-life Princess Margaret of the British Monarchy and Peter Townsend, a commoner. If we are to believe that there is any truth to the Netflix show, the movie version is much more fun and appealing. I’m not sure that there is much to be envied in the life of an actual princess.

My all-time favourite is Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. I have to admit, the first time I saw Jane Russell’s portrayal of Dorothy Shaw, I was surprised. Dorothy was sharp-witted, outspoken, and sarcastic. I loved it. I just couldn’t believe how much attitude she had – it was a far cry from the sweet, submissive stereotype I expected from a female character from the fifties.

Then there’s Marilyn Monroe. She plays Lorelei Lee, Dorothy’s best friend, a dim-witted, naïve young woman obsessed with wealth and jewels. In spite of her misguided priorities, Monroe is able to create a loveable character in Lorelei, which serves as a perfect pairing to the noble, yet jaded, Dorothy Shaw.

In case you’re wondering, the reason I’m writing about these old movies is to introduce you to the era my story takes place in. I think this is the first time I’ve mentioned any specifics about my book, scheduled to come out in April, 2017. As my Scooby-Doo-obsessed kids would say, it’s the first clue…

Stay tuned. I’ll be talking about the location next.

Onwards,

Lynn

Social Media Makes Me Want to Caterwaul

Dear Readers,

It’s only about four months until my book is scheduled for its release. Someone mentioned to me it might be time to start working on my social media presence (yuck), and think about marketing strategies for myself and my book (ewwww). This may come as a surprise (nope) but it is not something I look forward to; it is a daunting task that inspires feeling of alarm and confusion.

What I like about writing a book is the actual exercise of writing. I enjoy the escape of diving into a story and immersing myself into a fictional world where I steer the plot although as the characters develop they seem to drive the events more than me(!?). It is healthier than immersing myself into a bottle of wine and it is even more entertaining since the characters in my book quite delight me. I am that weird woman in the giggling at her laptop in the corner of the cafe.

So, I am dipping my toe in cautiously as I attempt to foray into the intimidating world of social media. As a creature of habit, I naturally turn to the blogosphere first since writing is a big part of it. The next step is… next. Ha, just kidding (kind of). As soon as I finish this paragraph, I will try to learn how to market my blog (is that a thing or am I confused already?). Get people to read it. There. That is what I mean.

This blog was meant to start introducing you to my book—give you an idea of what its about and its charming characters (I may be biased but I can’t tell). I might have to write another blog soon to do that. Maybe I’ll do that before I venture into the next step of social media… I’m just not ready!!

Thanks Mom Readers for continuing to visit my blog.

Onwards,

Lynn

Christmas Shopping Fun!

Dear Readers,

After reading the title of this blog, you may be wondering if I’m in a delusional state by associating fun with Christmas shopping. Long lists, long lines, long bills. I get it. But I have some easy tips that I am happy to share with you that have made my outings over the years go from dreadful and hectic to enjoyable and relaxing.

I will never forget the year I decided I had to change the way I shopped. It was a moment of shame that had even my most masculine of friends shake their heads at, in disapproval. You know who I’m talking about: those guys whose idea of Christmas shopping is to wait until the late-night man-friendly evening allocated to them by our wise local shopping mall executives. They go in for an hour and buy anything and everything suggested to them by a kind sales associate willing to take pity on them as they wander aimlessly, looking lost and pathetic.

So here it was, Christmas Eve, and I had yet to buy my father a gift. I scrambled earlier in the day and managed to find everything else on my list. But the latest Billy Joel album I had in mind to get him was sold out everywhere and I didn’t have a backup plan (um, yes this was a few years ago). All of a sudden, the stores closed, much to my horror, and I was faced with one, singular store to buy my gift: the local, late-night grocery store. I wandered up and down the aisles, cursing myself and swearing I would never repeat this mistake, wishing I was drinking eggnog with my friends at our annual Christmas Eve party. My father ended up with a paperback novel and seemed happy enough, of course he would never complain of any gift he received. But I assume, if only for a fleeting moment, he must’ve paused to wonder if I really thought he would enjoy reading the juicy details of the latest former celebrity who turned their off-track life around and dished all the details in a tell-all bestseller.

Yup. True story. So, there are a few key things that now make my holiday shopping fun. First, I keep an open list on my Iphone all year and take note if I see something that has potential. This is not something that I think about much, and takes minimal effort. But if I come across an item that I think would make a great gift, why not keep it in mind?

Second, I limit those on my list. I don’t buy presents for my entire extended family or my friends. It’s just too much. Instead, we draw names. One from my husband’s side, one from my side. That means I only have to buy for two adults other than my husband and kids.

Finally, I buy almost everything on line. I don’t buy clothes for anyone, so size isn’t a concern. I can spend an hour and compare prices and have everything shipped free as I make sure everything has been ordered early. By the beginning of December, all I have left is stocking stuffers. Then, I can then enjoy going to the mall to watch the hustle and bustle. I may even stop for a glass of wine at the restaurant, rejoicing that my only requirements are a few odds and ends.

So there you have it, dear readers: my simple, stress-free guide to Christmas shopping. You may sense the pride I take in this method, as it is one of the few times I actually experience the notion of organization during this busy, amazing, fun, crazy time of year.

Onwards,

Lynn

Autumn Celebration

Dear Readers,

As the new fall season begins to emerge, I feel energized by the cooler weather and inspired by the brilliant colours nature has generously shared with us. Sometimes I find when I express my excitement that autumn is here, I’m met with surprise and doubt. I surely can’t be the only one who feels relief that the heat of the summer has passed?

I’ve been asked if I celebrate fall because the kids are back at school. The question makes me giggle, thinking back to a few moments I glanced desperately at the calendar mid-summer, but the truth is the kids going back to school is one of the few things I don’t look forward to. Instead, it’s the crisp fall air, the hue of the sky (which I am quite certain is bluer than any other time of year), and all the traditional celebrations from days past signalling that the harvest is ready. It’s almost time to slow down the daily pace and enjoy time with family and friends.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are two of my favourite holidays. The magic of these times with kids just can’t be beat. I’ll admit that by January, I am ready to pack it all up, clean the house, and get back outside. But I never want to rush to that time. From the first weekend in September through to the end of the year, I am happy and comfortable in my quiet, cozy town.

I hope you can unwind and treat yourself well this long weekend, whether you are celebrating Thanksgiving in Canada or Columbus Day in the U.S. (UK readers, you deserve a break, too!)

Cheers,

Lynn

Writing notes…

Dear Readers,

I received my first-round edits back on my debut novel. I am excited to report that the editor said she really enjoyed the book and that it was a pleasure to edit. I must admit I felt some genuine relief being told by an industry professional that my book is good. I signed with the publisher months ago, but the acquisitions editor only read a short blurb about the book (aka a query) and the first few chapters. Having a professional read it from beginning to end feels like an entirely different feat. I am now more confident starting the second book.

I still have lots of time to work on book two before the first one comes out since there is second-round edits still to come. My book is once again at the back of the queue and I have been told to expect another 16-18 weeks before I hear from another editor. I’ve only written about thirty pages so far in book two, but I know the basics of where it’s going so now it’s up to the characters to show me how they’re going to get there. I came to realize that as the characters develop they seem to do things their own way. I only get so much say. I cannot tell you if this is typical for writers but it has certainly been my experience. Luckily for me, the protagonists in my story go about things in a way I enjoy writing about. They keep me entertained and often make me giggle, while stumbling through the intrigues I have set out before them—always involving murder and mystery, of course.

Thank you, readers, for visiting my site. I look forward to any questions or comments you want to share. Please don’t hesitate to send me a note.

Onwards,

Lynn

In defense of the Cozy

Dear Readers,

Do you ever get teased by friends or family about reading cozy mysteries? I certainly do. The first time it happened to me, I was on vacation in Panama. It was my first trip there and I was renting a house for a few weeks with a group of friends, I think there were about 12 of us. We found a gem: a six-bedroom house with a pool, a large yard with hammocks and a huge bar are complete with ample seating and a disco ball – not to mention the lazy 10 minute walk to the beach.

I have known most of these friends for years, some even as far back as high school. So, naturally, it was on course for us to be looking for ways to relentlessly tease each other the way most teen comrades do, or for those adults who seem to morph back into their teen persona when they are with said friends (I reluctantly acknowledge you must know I include myself in this idiotic yet highly pleasurable practice).

One morning I was swinging in a hammock, innocently reading a fabulous mystery by the lovable feline Sneaky Pie Brown and his human companion, Rita Mae. I was quite absorbed in the book, Pawing Through the Past, when I suddenly heard a snicker come from behind a thick wood pillar, which held up one side of my swinging seat. I paused, looked around, and went back to the book. Getting the distinct feeling I was being watched, not to mention the ever growing sound of shuffling and muffled giggles, I sighed and put the book down, hoping a bucket of ice wasn’t going to soon interrupt my blissful solitude. I spotted my not-so-subtle peeping toms, completely not surprised to see there were, in fact, four eyes attached to the snickering sounds, two friends who often teamed up to find fodder for their evening commentary that usually accommodated after-dinner drinks.

When my friends saw they had been spotted, they pretended to be discussing the surrounding vegetation and quickly sauntered off, elbowing each other as they went. It was then no surprise when, later in the evening, my name was brought up and they began questioning my reading choices, not just the feline detective but also remembering seeing a photo of Jessica Fletcher on a cover (from the beloved Murder She Wrote TV Mystery series).

Here’s what I had to say to them and to any other naysayers: I love cozy mysteries. There are many reasons why and I’d like to outline just a few. First of all, I have yet to cry while reading one – cover to cover, not once. This is not an easy task for much of the modern-day literature. I’m not saying it is necessarily a bad thing to inspire such a response and get a reader to connect so emotionally with a book, on the contrary I think it is a great accomplishment and deserves much praise. But, as a reader, I don’t always feel like crying. I could turn on the evening news and get the same effect virtually every day. There is so much sadness and suffering in the world, it is not difficult to find something almost every person could relate to. There are many times in my life or throughout the day even, where I would rather smile, or even giggle in a fictional world of my choosing.

Secondly, I love trying to figure out the who-dunnit part of a cozy. I like to relate to my detective, usually an amateur sleuth with a curious mind, and it is a fun challenge for me to go through the book, questioning each character and hoping I am able to figure it out before the last page. I don’t always do it, but I love to try.

Finally, I enjoy becoming invested in a series where I get to know the town, usually a small one, and the people in it. Each book has a new story but I become familiar with a lot of the recurring characters and the quirks and relationships they have.

I could go on, but these are the reasons off the top-of-my-head that come to mind. I feel good when I put the book down and I always look forward to picking it back up. I think it’s okay to celebrate reading in any form. In a world where looking at a screens has become the norm for business and pleasure, our imagination could use a boost. Why not allow it to enter a world where it doesn’t have the burden of emotional exhaustion? Join the fun, light-hearted challenge of figuring out who killed the bad guy. After all, you might just forget yourself and have enjoy it!

There it is. That’s all I’ve got to say on the matter.

Until next time readers! Thanks for visiting.

Lynn

Victoria Day weekend 2016

Dear Readers,

It is a glorious long weekend for us Canadians, formally known as Victoria Day weekend, or affectionately referred to as May 2-4 by many. The holiday was initially established to celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday, in 1845, 27 years before the official birth of Canada as a nation. It is therefore considered a distinctly Canadian holiday and the unofficial welcoming of summer. For that reason I would like to focus my thoughts today on a little Canadian history.

One of the reasons I consider this a uniquely Canadian holiday is because of how different the modern sentiment of the holiday is when considered in contrast to the name. What comes to mind when I think of the holiday is letting loose and often celebrating the great outdoors. Whether that means exiting the city to go camping or cottaging, going on a picnic, having a barbecue with wobblypops and spritzers, or lighting up the sky with fireworks, most Canadians are ready to shake off the winter cobwebs and get outside. Little thought of is the second longest reigning monarch who was a fierce supporter of the British Empire, and has been long associated with the famous adage “The sun never sets on the British Empire.” Not to mention the connotation of her very name, which brings to mind the notion of austere and inhibited behaviour and sentiment, whether or not that is an accurate portrayal of the time in question (a topic which I will save for some other time).

Interestingly enough, in spite of her support of the British Empire, Victoria was an important figure in the establishment of the separation of Canada from Britain. She strongly endorsed it and was very influential in maintaining a peaceful transition towards our nation’s independence. In fact, loyalty to the crown was one of the few common bonds that the very different provinces shared.

I must reference Quebec here, where the holiday is known as National Patriotes Day, in honour of the leaders of the 1837 Rebellion, such as Louis-Joseph Papineau. It may raise some eyebrows that English Canada celebrates the Queen while French Canada celebrates a rebellion against the Crown. However, if one looked into just a little deeper, one would learn that not only did Victoria favour Canadian independence, as I mentioned earlier, but for her coronation in 1838, an amnesty was granted to the leaders of the rebellion as part of the celebration.

So, if anyone has been able to withstand my indulging our nation’s past and is still reading, I must thank you for your patience and hope it may give a little background into some pretty cool history (at least for this history-loving Canadian!). Now I must bid you adieu and go in search of a cool chardonnay while I watch while my kids wear themselves out in the beauty of the day.

I hope everyone in Canada can take a break today and enjoy some leisure time, maybe even giving a quick thought to the long considered mother of confederation, Queen Victoria.

Lynn

The meaning of life.

Dear Readers,

I recently turned 42 and have been wondering if I should now have some better understanding of the meaning of life. When I turned 40 I was super pregnant (not exactly how I foresaw that milestone) and preoccupied with the alarming speed at which my belly was growing. That was, of course, second only to my growing excitement of having a son to join my delightful 3-year old daughter.

Two years later I’m hit with the notion of being well in to my forties and wondering if anyone else feels like the older we get the faster time goes? Is that an known expression or intuition that most people have already come to terms with? It wouldn’t be the first time I was a passenger on the slow boat.

OK… back to the writing. I am working on the second novel in my murder mystery series. It’s in the initial stages but I have a clear story in my head of at least the beginning and the end. I said initial, right? Yes, there is a lot in between that needs work. But my sassy characters seem to lead me to where they want to go after I first set the premise of the book.

So, there you have it. I’m excited, I’m focused and I can’t wait to continue the daring and daunting process of writing book two.

Onwards…

Lynn