Lynn Cahoon's Blog, page 13
February 12, 2017
The accidental horder
Have you ever felt like a horder? I'm getting close. I have enough books in the house to open my own small library. I've have a pile of receipts on my desk to record in my accounting system. And my husband says we have enough coffee cups for a roadside diner.
It's time to thin the madness. But that's hard for me. I love having my choice reading material. And what if I donate a book, just to find later, I love that author?
I'm reading the life-changing magic of tidying up and have a strong connection to the joy-sparking idea. I'm starting with my closet. I know what clothes I love and what ones I keep because either I spent too much money on it to get rid of, or I think I'll love it someday.
What about you? Do you hold on to things?
It's time to thin the madness. But that's hard for me. I love having my choice reading material. And what if I donate a book, just to find later, I love that author?I'm reading the life-changing magic of tidying up and have a strong connection to the joy-sparking idea. I'm starting with my closet. I know what clothes I love and what ones I keep because either I spent too much money on it to get rid of, or I think I'll love it someday.What about you? Do you hold on to things?
February 8, 2017
And we're off...
Do you ever feel like you have everything under control, and then, poof, the floor drops out from underneath you. Welcome to my current world.
I'm not sure how things got so frantic, but I'm having stress dreams again. That's how I roll, saving roaming puppies and kittens from certain harm while I try to rest my mind.
But I've got a plan. Now I just have to work the plan. The good news is I haven't given up on my thirty minute work out time (Country Heat rocks) and this has given me more energy which I need to finish up some stuff before release week explodes in just over two weeks. Not that I'm counting.
Have you pre-ordered Fatality by Firelight yet? Nervous and inquiring authors want to know.... :)
I'm not sure how things got so frantic, but I'm having stress dreams again. That's how I roll, saving roaming puppies and kittens from certain harm while I try to rest my mind.But I've got a plan. Now I just have to work the plan. The good news is I haven't given up on my thirty minute work out time (Country Heat rocks) and this has given me more energy which I need to finish up some stuff before release week explodes in just over two weeks. Not that I'm counting.Have you pre-ordered Fatality by Firelight yet? Nervous and inquiring authors want to know.... :)
January 29, 2017
January...
We're already almost one month into 2017. Where are you with your new years resolutions?
I decided to focus on two things this year, at least outside my career as an author.One is exercise. My goal was to work out more times a week than I don't. I'm trying to lose weight. And I want to feel better. I've been doing good, but it's been a struggle. I don't love running. I don't love most exercise, but last year I bought a CIZE workout program. I wasn't the best at it, but I kept trying. This year, I bought Country Heat.
I love it. It's dance based. I know, it's early in the process, but I feel stronger. I can feel the workout. And I like the music.I don't dread going to exercise. The session is 30 minutes, with a countdown clock which makes it easier to push through to the end. Liking what I do makes it easier to be consistent.And consistent is my second word. More consistent with workouts, with writing sessions, with touching base with friends.[image error]Both of these words are up on my white board - right under Liliana Hart's quote - "Dreams don't fall into your lap. Make it happen."Exercise plus Consistent equals work. Work plus luck equals success.May you be successful might just be a curse. :)
I decided to focus on two things this year, at least outside my career as an author.One is exercise. My goal was to work out more times a week than I don't. I'm trying to lose weight. And I want to feel better. I've been doing good, but it's been a struggle. I don't love running. I don't love most exercise, but last year I bought a CIZE workout program. I wasn't the best at it, but I kept trying. This year, I bought Country Heat.I love it. It's dance based. I know, it's early in the process, but I feel stronger. I can feel the workout. And I like the music.I don't dread going to exercise. The session is 30 minutes, with a countdown clock which makes it easier to push through to the end. Liking what I do makes it easier to be consistent.And consistent is my second word. More consistent with workouts, with writing sessions, with touching base with friends.[image error]Both of these words are up on my white board - right under Liliana Hart's quote - "Dreams don't fall into your lap. Make it happen."Exercise plus Consistent equals work. Work plus luck equals success.May you be successful might just be a curse. :)
January 22, 2017
Re-create... or Filling the Well
The weekend's almost over and for once, my time was mostly spent on fun stuff. Call it a bonus for finishing a book at the first of the month, but I needed a weekend where I didn't think about writing. So we went out to the cabin.
I started reading a book - and got drawn in by the author's deft use of conflict between the love interests. What he wants and what his secret is - is the total opposite of what she needs and her own secret. In the middle, their mutual attraction to each other. Only, he doesn't know she thinks she knows his secret. He just wants a wife.I went trail riding with my husband and as the group we ride with gathered and talked, one of the kids took off on his dad's side by side. With permission. In the passenger seat? A little girl from another family. They did circles, going in and out of the mud, and generally, had fun. But my writer mind took off and caused a horrible accident and a chance meeting later in life. Where they might fall in love.
Then the kid hit a bolder with the side by side. Joy ride and story ended. (No kids were harmed in the telling of this story. But the side by side had a bent brush guard. )
So yeah, even when I'm not writing, I'm writing. Story telling has always been the way I deal with reality. If he says this, I'll say that...Stories where the smart girl winds up with the misunderstood bad boy... and sometimes, it all starts with a meet cute set in personal history.
I started reading a book - and got drawn in by the author's deft use of conflict between the love interests. What he wants and what his secret is - is the total opposite of what she needs and her own secret. In the middle, their mutual attraction to each other. Only, he doesn't know she thinks she knows his secret. He just wants a wife.I went trail riding with my husband and as the group we ride with gathered and talked, one of the kids took off on his dad's side by side. With permission. In the passenger seat? A little girl from another family. They did circles, going in and out of the mud, and generally, had fun. But my writer mind took off and caused a horrible accident and a chance meeting later in life. Where they might fall in love.Then the kid hit a bolder with the side by side. Joy ride and story ended. (No kids were harmed in the telling of this story. But the side by side had a bent brush guard. )So yeah, even when I'm not writing, I'm writing. Story telling has always been the way I deal with reality. If he says this, I'll say that...Stories where the smart girl winds up with the misunderstood bad boy... and sometimes, it all starts with a meet cute set in personal history.
January 15, 2017
Fatality by Firelight - Tour Stops
One of the funnest parts of being an author is meeting readers. It warms my heart that so many people have taken to Cat and the Aspen Hills gang.I'm finishing up my Fatality Tour and have the following dates/places where I'll be... Stay tuned for more listed on my website as they get scheduled.
March 1 - Middendorf-Kredell Branch Library2750 State Hwy K, O'Fallon, MO 63368Program Starts at 7pm - Books will be available for purchase.March 4 - Highlands-Shelby Park Branch LibraryMid City Mall, 1250 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204Program starts at 2pm - Books will be available for purchase.March 18th - Poison Pen Bookstore4014 N Goldwater Blvd #101, Scottsdale, AZ 85251Joint book signing with Laura Bradford, Paige Shelton, and Chevy Stevens.Signing runs from 2-3pmMarch 19th - Barnes and Noble - TucsonFoothills Mall, 7325 N la Cholla Blvd #100, Tucson, AZ 85741Joint signing with Laura BradfordSigning runs from 1-2pm
Can't make it to any of the in person events? I'll be virtual touring as well. And Fatality by Firelight will be available at your local B&N or independent bookseller, like Main Street Books in St. Charles, MO.Lynn
March 1 - Middendorf-Kredell Branch Library2750 State Hwy K, O'Fallon, MO 63368Program Starts at 7pm - Books will be available for purchase.March 4 - Highlands-Shelby Park Branch LibraryMid City Mall, 1250 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204Program starts at 2pm - Books will be available for purchase.March 18th - Poison Pen Bookstore4014 N Goldwater Blvd #101, Scottsdale, AZ 85251Joint book signing with Laura Bradford, Paige Shelton, and Chevy Stevens.Signing runs from 2-3pmMarch 19th - Barnes and Noble - TucsonFoothills Mall, 7325 N la Cholla Blvd #100, Tucson, AZ 85741Joint signing with Laura BradfordSigning runs from 1-2pmCan't make it to any of the in person events? I'll be virtual touring as well. And Fatality by Firelight will be available at your local B&N or independent bookseller, like Main Street Books in St. Charles, MO.Lynn
January 8, 2017
When is it a goal, and when is it a dream
So here are two items from Lynn's list...I want Jill and the gang from The Tourist Trap mysteries to be part of a movie deal this year.
I want to write all three books in the new Angie Turner mystery series about a farm-to-fork chef and set in Southwestern Idaho (my old stomping grounds.)
Which one is a dream and which one is a goal? And why?The first one is a dream. Mostly because I have NO CONTROL over the outcome. I can send queries to film agents and do a lot of wishing, but that's about it.The second one is a goal. I CAN control what I write and what I turn into my publisher.
Why am I talking about this? Because I think newbie writers set themselves up for disappointment by goaling for things they have no control over. You can't goal to make a list or to win a contest. You can goal to enter the contest and write the best darn book possible.I'm seeing a lot of goal setting that more dream based. Now don't get me wrong, I believe in the power of dreams. I love the story of Jim Carey and how he wrote himself a multi-million dollar check postdated years in the future for acting services. That's putting your wishes into the universe.
The goal is working your butt off in creating today's wins to build up to tomorrow's success.So what's your goal for 2017? I'm focusing on consistency. In my writing life and in my personal life.
I want to write all three books in the new Angie Turner mystery series about a farm-to-fork chef and set in Southwestern Idaho (my old stomping grounds.)Which one is a dream and which one is a goal? And why?The first one is a dream. Mostly because I have NO CONTROL over the outcome. I can send queries to film agents and do a lot of wishing, but that's about it.The second one is a goal. I CAN control what I write and what I turn into my publisher.Why am I talking about this? Because I think newbie writers set themselves up for disappointment by goaling for things they have no control over. You can't goal to make a list or to win a contest. You can goal to enter the contest and write the best darn book possible.I'm seeing a lot of goal setting that more dream based. Now don't get me wrong, I believe in the power of dreams. I love the story of Jim Carey and how he wrote himself a multi-million dollar check postdated years in the future for acting services. That's putting your wishes into the universe.The goal is working your butt off in creating today's wins to build up to tomorrow's success.So what's your goal for 2017? I'm focusing on consistency. In my writing life and in my personal life.
January 2, 2017
Happy New Year
New Years Eve went by way too fast. I wrote for a bit, read through my current pages, and then we went riding.
Later in the evening, we joined up with other trail riders at the community center to dance 2016 away and welcome the baby new year.
But what I love most about the new year, is the new chances we get to improve our selves, our lives, and our communities. I'm a believer that change starts inside so this year for me is about consistency.
I'm a terrific starter. One thing that writing has taught me, it's not so much about how you start, but what you do day to day to get the job done. That's consistency. That's the magic.
I've made goals with my best friend who also writes. She gets it when I'm trying to explain and better, she knows when I'm fooling myself.
What are your goals for the year? Do you have a word that encompasses 2017 like me?
Later in the evening, we joined up with other trail riders at the community center to dance 2016 away and welcome the baby new year.But what I love most about the new year, is the new chances we get to improve our selves, our lives, and our communities. I'm a believer that change starts inside so this year for me is about consistency.I'm a terrific starter. One thing that writing has taught me, it's not so much about how you start, but what you do day to day to get the job done. That's consistency. That's the magic.I've made goals with my best friend who also writes. She gets it when I'm trying to explain and better, she knows when I'm fooling myself.What are your goals for the year? Do you have a word that encompasses 2017 like me?
December 25, 2016
Happy Holidays...
We're holding the traditional Christmas dinner tomorrow due to my husband's work schedule. We had a lovely date night last night for our Christmas present to each other.
I know you all are busy with family events or bringing down that TBR pile, one lovely book at a time, so I'll keep this short.
I hope you all have a restful and recharging holiday season.
Lynn
I know you all are busy with family events or bringing down that TBR pile, one lovely book at a time, so I'll keep this short.I hope you all have a restful and recharging holiday season.Lynn
December 18, 2016
Cold, with a touch of snow...
We had summer here for a long time. It was 70+ degrees the night of my last library signing mid-November. And I was perfectly happy with that. It reminded me of my San Diego trip.
But now the weather has turned cold -my watch tells me it's 10 degrees out there, and so I'm making some chicken broth and a chicken and rice soup for lunch.
I want to make cookies.
But I know if I do, I'll eat them all. Every last one. The cowboy likes his Oreo's rather than homemade. He doesn't know what he's missing.I'm sending out my Killer Party cover reveal in my newsletter today. If you're not part of the fun, you can sign up on the website at www.lynncahoon.comHappy holidays, keep warm, and I'll chat with you soon.
But now the weather has turned cold -my watch tells me it's 10 degrees out there, and so I'm making some chicken broth and a chicken and rice soup for lunch.I want to make cookies.But I know if I do, I'll eat them all. Every last one. The cowboy likes his Oreo's rather than homemade. He doesn't know what he's missing.I'm sending out my Killer Party cover reveal in my newsletter today. If you're not part of the fun, you can sign up on the website at www.lynncahoon.comHappy holidays, keep warm, and I'll chat with you soon.
December 12, 2016
A bonus trip - just the thing I needed to wind up 2016
I went to Galveston with the Cowboy this weekend. We ate too much, walked the beach and took a ton of pictures. And we talked.
We've done a couple of these end of year trips now and I'm always thankful for the couple time to talk about what we did right this year and what didn't work out so well. We also focus on our plans for the upcoming year, just to make sure we're on the same track.We both get busy with our lives, sometimes it's nice just to have a time to check in with each other.
The nice thing for me was this was a completely unplanned trip. I have most of my travel planning done for 2017, (and even some for 2018) but maybe we'll be able to sneak in another one of these impromptu outings for just the two of us.
We've done a couple of these end of year trips now and I'm always thankful for the couple time to talk about what we did right this year and what didn't work out so well. We also focus on our plans for the upcoming year, just to make sure we're on the same track.We both get busy with our lives, sometimes it's nice just to have a time to check in with each other.The nice thing for me was this was a completely unplanned trip. I have most of my travel planning done for 2017, (and even some for 2018) but maybe we'll be able to sneak in another one of these impromptu outings for just the two of us.
