Lynn Cahoon's Blog, page 11
August 21, 2017
Waiting for a sign...
I think all of us are going to get one today. 
It's Monday and the solar eclipse is supposed to happen around lunch time. We're hanging around the house today, relaxing and waiting for the big event. I can't help thinking about when the first of these happened. There would have been no warning, just light then dark. Now, everything is planned out and we even have maps that will tell you exactly how long you'll be in total darkness. Moon pies, eclipse gum, sun chips... Must haves for this event. Me, I'll be at my computer hoping to finish up the second book in The Farm to Fork series. 
It's Monday and the solar eclipse is supposed to happen around lunch time. We're hanging around the house today, relaxing and waiting for the big event. I can't help thinking about when the first of these happened. There would have been no warning, just light then dark. Now, everything is planned out and we even have maps that will tell you exactly how long you'll be in total darkness. Moon pies, eclipse gum, sun chips... Must haves for this event. Me, I'll be at my computer hoping to finish up the second book in The Farm to Fork series.
August 15, 2017
COVER REVEAL - WHO MOVED MY GOAT CHEESE
It's here, it's here... The first book in my new Farm-to-Fork series set in River Vista, Idaho. Don't go looking for it on a map, but if you're familiar with the Treasure Valley, you might just recognize some settings. Angie Turner hopes her new farm-to-table restaurant can be a fresh start in her old hometown in rural Idaho. But when a goat dairy farmer is murdered, Angie must turn the tables on a bleating black sheep . . . With three weeks until opening night for their restaurant, the County Seat, Angie and her best friend and business partner Felicia are scrambling to line up local vendors—from the farmer's market to the goat dairy farm of Old Man Moss. Fortunately, the cantankerous Moss takes a shine to Angie, as does his kid goat Precious. So when Angie hears the bloodcurdling news of foul play at the dairy farm, she jumps in to mind the man's livestock and help solve the murder. One thing's for sure, there's no whey Angie's going to let some killer get her goat . . .Ready????
Isn't it adorable? Like the cover, digital pre-orders are available now with audio and print coming soon. http://www.lynncahoon.com/farm-to-for...
Isn't it adorable? Like the cover, digital pre-orders are available now with audio and print coming soon. http://www.lynncahoon.com/farm-to-for...
August 6, 2017
Re-filling the Well
If you're a Stephen Covey fan, you know what I'm talking about. 
Refilling the well, is taking the time to relax, rejuvenate, and recharge. I've been pushing my limits for a few weeks, maybe months, and I knew it was time to take a step backward. 
The trip to RWA Nationals was supposed to start on Wednesday. Instead, I went down a day early and went to the land of Harry Potter for a visit. I'm not a big ride person, so I didn't go on the crazy big roller coaster. And I hesitated for a second when my partners in crime wanted to go on King Kong's Skull Island ride, but I went and had a blast. 
Butter beer was like drinking a icy milk shake. And the Hogwarts Express made me imagine I was going off to school. 
I chose my wand, but my friend had her wand chosen by the wand maker. We ate at the Leaky Cauldron (fish and chips, what else). And rode both the Hogwarts ride and the Grigolts ride after we snuck into the bank.
I know the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an imaginary place, but for a day, I was part of the books, part of the world. And my writer's mind started thinking about story and the way characters are developed, especially in a series. 
My well is refilled.
Refilling the well, is taking the time to relax, rejuvenate, and recharge. I've been pushing my limits for a few weeks, maybe months, and I knew it was time to take a step backward. The trip to RWA Nationals was supposed to start on Wednesday. Instead, I went down a day early and went to the land of Harry Potter for a visit. I'm not a big ride person, so I didn't go on the crazy big roller coaster. And I hesitated for a second when my partners in crime wanted to go on King Kong's Skull Island ride, but I went and had a blast. Butter beer was like drinking a icy milk shake. And the Hogwarts Express made me imagine I was going off to school. I chose my wand, but my friend had her wand chosen by the wand maker. We ate at the Leaky Cauldron (fish and chips, what else). And rode both the Hogwarts ride and the Grigolts ride after we snuck into the bank.I know the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an imaginary place, but for a day, I was part of the books, part of the world. And my writer's mind started thinking about story and the way characters are developed, especially in a series. My well is refilled.
August 3, 2017
What happens when you run your car out of gas?
It stops working. My body did the same thing this last week. I've been going 100 miles an hour for over a month. My day job was busy, my writing life was busy, and my home stuff was crazy. 
As soon as I closed out my last Facebook party for Killer Party's release, my nose started running. I thought maybe it might just go away, but no luck. I was sick all during RWA Nat'ls. I'm still fighting the tiredness, but I worked out this afternoon, so I'm hoping I'm on the other side of this mess.
As soon as I closed out my last Facebook party for Killer Party's release, my nose started running. I thought maybe it might just go away, but no luck. I was sick all during RWA Nat'ls. I'm still fighting the tiredness, but I worked out this afternoon, so I'm hoping I'm on the other side of this mess.
July 16, 2017
Why I love writer conferences - Part 2
It was insightful for me to read my blog post from last week. I'd written that over five years ago, when my writing career was just starting. 
Back then, I didn't know what I'd need as a writer. I joined up with too many goal setting groups, wrote too many different genres, and wasn't focused on a career. It was a few years of throwing spaghetti on the wall. 
Now that I'm more settled, I still like a good Bright and Shiny, but they are put aside until I get my work done. And sometimes, that doesn't happen. 
I'm a cozy mystery author with a side serving of romance, Robyn Carr style. I like my big cast of characters in my romances as well as in my mysteries. That doesn't fit the current mold that traditional publishers have for romance, so I'm self publishing those stories. (Check out the Castle View series if you want a taste.)
At the end of the month, I'm going back to the RWA Nat'l convention in Orlando. Even though romance isn't the main course in my writing life, the conference is a learning bonanza of opportunities. I'll be taking workshops on self publishing, writing craft, and talking the writing business to my peers and friends. 
And there might be a few adult beverages at night, just to keep up with the Jones's.
Back then, I didn't know what I'd need as a writer. I joined up with too many goal setting groups, wrote too many different genres, and wasn't focused on a career. It was a few years of throwing spaghetti on the wall. Now that I'm more settled, I still like a good Bright and Shiny, but they are put aside until I get my work done. And sometimes, that doesn't happen. I'm a cozy mystery author with a side serving of romance, Robyn Carr style. I like my big cast of characters in my romances as well as in my mysteries. That doesn't fit the current mold that traditional publishers have for romance, so I'm self publishing those stories. (Check out the Castle View series if you want a taste.)At the end of the month, I'm going back to the RWA Nat'l convention in Orlando. Even though romance isn't the main course in my writing life, the conference is a learning bonanza of opportunities. I'll be taking workshops on self publishing, writing craft, and talking the writing business to my peers and friends. And there might be a few adult beverages at night, just to keep up with the Jones's.
July 8, 2017
Why I love going to Writer's Conferences - Part I
I thought I'd do a two week special on writer's conferences. The first is all about FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). I wrote this in 2012 when I didn't go to the national RWA conference. I'd just released a book - The Bull Rider's Brother and I was working getting out as much content that year as possible. This was my take on why I wanted to go... Next week I'll tell you what I'm looking forward to for this year's trip to Orlando. 
The I’m Not Going to California for Nat’ls BlogBitter? No. Sad, depressed, grumpy I’m at work? Probably. Face it, RWA Nat’ls ROCK. When you walk in the door, they give you a bag with books.In my opinion, that ranks right up with a restaurant that gives you a loaf of hot bread right out of the oven the moment you walk in the door. Those kind of places get me.
And that’s how I felt at the conference. I was with 2000 people who understood me when I said, “The voices said…” Or “I was going to kill him off after the dinner, but it felt too staged.” Try having that conversation at the family reunion. You’ll have cousin Ed ducking under the table.Getting ready for the trip is an event all on its own. I plan out all my workshops, my agent/editor pitches, and my book signings (where I get MORE free books.) Last year, I had a highlighted daily schedule with clothing options for each day all planned.So, what’s a girl to do when heaven is just outside her financial reach? I’m going to spend my evening finishing my project. While the rest of you are partying, riding the teacups at Disney, and networking, I’ll be polishing my words. I’m also going to finally finish my Plot and Structure workbook (James Scott Bell). Just me and Mr. Bell, a private study session. (At least in this writer’s mind.) (AUTHOR NOTE - This didn't happen. Yet.)And since my husband is planning a fishing trip, I’m adding in some local research stops for my weekend, including traipsing through two cemeteries where more Union and Confederate soldiers are buried in close proximity than any other place in the United States. Along with some famous beer barons.Finally, I’m buying me a nice bottle of wine and watching as many romantic comedies as I can muster. So, you going to Nationals? If not, what are your plans for the week?Anyone want to watch Sleepless in Seattle with me?
The I’m Not Going to California for Nat’ls BlogBitter? No. Sad, depressed, grumpy I’m at work? Probably. Face it, RWA Nat’ls ROCK. When you walk in the door, they give you a bag with books.In my opinion, that ranks right up with a restaurant that gives you a loaf of hot bread right out of the oven the moment you walk in the door. Those kind of places get me.And that’s how I felt at the conference. I was with 2000 people who understood me when I said, “The voices said…” Or “I was going to kill him off after the dinner, but it felt too staged.” Try having that conversation at the family reunion. You’ll have cousin Ed ducking under the table.Getting ready for the trip is an event all on its own. I plan out all my workshops, my agent/editor pitches, and my book signings (where I get MORE free books.) Last year, I had a highlighted daily schedule with clothing options for each day all planned.So, what’s a girl to do when heaven is just outside her financial reach? I’m going to spend my evening finishing my project. While the rest of you are partying, riding the teacups at Disney, and networking, I’ll be polishing my words. I’m also going to finally finish my Plot and Structure workbook (James Scott Bell). Just me and Mr. Bell, a private study session. (At least in this writer’s mind.) (AUTHOR NOTE - This didn't happen. Yet.)And since my husband is planning a fishing trip, I’m adding in some local research stops for my weekend, including traipsing through two cemeteries where more Union and Confederate soldiers are buried in close proximity than any other place in the United States. Along with some famous beer barons.Finally, I’m buying me a nice bottle of wine and watching as many romantic comedies as I can muster. So, you going to Nationals? If not, what are your plans for the week?Anyone want to watch Sleepless in Seattle with me?
June 25, 2017
Keeping Secrets
Since I've been out of town this week at a librarian's conference, I thought I'd pull out a retro blog for you. I think you'll enjoy. See you next week...
What’s a guy to do when he’s trying to reinvent himself? Rule number 1- Don’t tell your siblings who already think you’re a screw up and rule number 2 –don’t quit the day job.When I started writing The Bull Rider’s Keeper – which is Jesse’s, the bull rider, story—I knew he had a secret. I just didn’t know how big of a change it would be from his cowboy persona. The boy loved art. So much that he was taking classes to become an artist. All without breaking the above listed rules.
I knew where Jesse was coming from. After working for over 18 years in social service, I decided to open my own consulting business. Naively, as I look back at my path. But with risk comes reward, or bankruptcy. Even though the business didn’t thrive, I learned important lessons about what I’m good at and what I’m not. At a family dinner, my sister in law (the one no one likes) made my new venture into a joke. “Oh, you didn’t like your job? Sorry, princess, I didn’t realize liking work was implied.”Rule #1 broken.I had to quit the day job to consult in this very narrow aspect of Medicaid law. Too narrow of a focus, now that I look back at the adventure.Rule #2 demolished.But I did manage to reinvent myself. I hadn’t done this massive of a change since the high school’s good girl started dating the drop out bad boy. I learned what I liked to do. I learned how to put together a business. And I learned that failing, isn’t the worse that can happen.Doing nothing is the worst thing that can happen. Ever.
What’s a guy to do when he’s trying to reinvent himself? Rule number 1- Don’t tell your siblings who already think you’re a screw up and rule number 2 –don’t quit the day job.When I started writing The Bull Rider’s Keeper – which is Jesse’s, the bull rider, story—I knew he had a secret. I just didn’t know how big of a change it would be from his cowboy persona. The boy loved art. So much that he was taking classes to become an artist. All without breaking the above listed rules.I knew where Jesse was coming from. After working for over 18 years in social service, I decided to open my own consulting business. Naively, as I look back at my path. But with risk comes reward, or bankruptcy. Even though the business didn’t thrive, I learned important lessons about what I’m good at and what I’m not. At a family dinner, my sister in law (the one no one likes) made my new venture into a joke. “Oh, you didn’t like your job? Sorry, princess, I didn’t realize liking work was implied.”Rule #1 broken.I had to quit the day job to consult in this very narrow aspect of Medicaid law. Too narrow of a focus, now that I look back at the adventure.Rule #2 demolished.But I did manage to reinvent myself. I hadn’t done this massive of a change since the high school’s good girl started dating the drop out bad boy. I learned what I liked to do. I learned how to put together a business. And I learned that failing, isn’t the worse that can happen.Doing nothing is the worst thing that can happen. Ever.
June 18, 2017
Enjoying Summer, one day at a time
When I was married before, my life was different. I worked, cleaned my house, raised my child, grew a garden, cross stitched, crocheted -- basically I kept busy. I always thought one day when this thing happened, I'd be happy. But I figured out, life doesn't happen that way. You can't wait for happiness. You have to build it, one day, and one memory at at time. 
This weekend The Cowboy and I went to Cincinnati. It's our third trip and this time, we stayed downtown across from Fountain Square. The first time we stayed at a cheap motel a little over a mile from the ballpark. The walk was brutal. But now, a few years later, we can laugh about it. Because we survived. 
The statue at Fountain Square became a bit part of the second book in The Council series, and Prudence is probably one of my favorite characters. Seeing the fountain again made me itch to get back to the fourth book in this modern day witch out of water series. (Just as soon as I finish the Farm to Fork story that's due in a few months, plus a few other commitments.)
We had a lovely dinner and people-watched our evening away after the ball game. 
Thanks Cincinnati for a lovely weekend.
This weekend The Cowboy and I went to Cincinnati. It's our third trip and this time, we stayed downtown across from Fountain Square. The first time we stayed at a cheap motel a little over a mile from the ballpark. The walk was brutal. But now, a few years later, we can laugh about it. Because we survived. The statue at Fountain Square became a bit part of the second book in The Council series, and Prudence is probably one of my favorite characters. Seeing the fountain again made me itch to get back to the fourth book in this modern day witch out of water series. (Just as soon as I finish the Farm to Fork story that's due in a few months, plus a few other commitments.)We had a lovely dinner and people-watched our evening away after the ball game. Thanks Cincinnati for a lovely weekend.
June 12, 2017
Authors in Deadwood
The Cowboy drove me out to South Dakota this weekend to attend Wild Deadwood Reads. Such a great reader event! And I met some amazing authors in the mix. The planning for next years event is starting now.
We (meaning he) decided we should camp out rather than stay in the host hotel. Since we took the boys, it probably was a better decision and it turned out to be an amazing weekend. 
I'm still getting my real life legs under me after the weekend, but I loved road tripping out to South Dakota. My parents were from small towns in the state, so memories from childhood trips were my companions on the ride. 
How about you? Are you a camper? Or do you enjoy staying in an upscale hotel?
We (meaning he) decided we should camp out rather than stay in the host hotel. Since we took the boys, it probably was a better decision and it turned out to be an amazing weekend. I'm still getting my real life legs under me after the weekend, but I loved road tripping out to South Dakota. My parents were from small towns in the state, so memories from childhood trips were my companions on the ride. How about you? Are you a camper? Or do you enjoy staying in an upscale hotel?
June 4, 2017
Spring cleaning...
Okay, so it's almost summer, but the Cowboy and I took the weekend and finished up a lot of projects around the house. My office has been painted, new blinds installed and I got the whole room to myself. It still needs a few things, but at least I have no excuse to not write now. :) 
This is the first house I've been able to talk him into painting with a color that wasn't white. The office and several of the rooms are terracotta pot, a brownish orange lovely color that picks up the lights. 
I also culled my library just a bit. I still have too many books for my five bookshelves, but a girl's gotta have a TBR pile, right?
I'm pulling out my WIP and getting back to Angie Turner and the gang. I don't even have a dead body yet but it's coming soon. I think you're going to enjoy this Farm-to-Fork series that's releasing in 2018. 
I'll see you all soon.
This is the first house I've been able to talk him into painting with a color that wasn't white. The office and several of the rooms are terracotta pot, a brownish orange lovely color that picks up the lights. I also culled my library just a bit. I still have too many books for my five bookshelves, but a girl's gotta have a TBR pile, right?I'm pulling out my WIP and getting back to Angie Turner and the gang. I don't even have a dead body yet but it's coming soon. I think you're going to enjoy this Farm-to-Fork series that's releasing in 2018. I'll see you all soon.
