Lynn Cahoon's Blog, page 14

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Or replace your favorite holiday.I went to all the local bookstores yesterday to touch base and sign any stock they had for A Story to Kill.  I really enjoyed meeting with the local managers and talking about my book. But wow, the traffic, parking, and crowds reminded me what time of year it is, even if it's raining outside my window instead of snowing.For my crafty holiday, I made Lighted Garland. The instruction video ishere- I hope you check it out and enjoy the days before and after your holidays because as we all know, it's the journey, not the destination.Back to my writing. See you all soon.

Reflecting and Reviewing 2016

I'm a huge believer in goals. Setting, working toward, achieving, I love the entire process. So as I wind down the 2016 edition, I'm looking at different ways to make 2017 Totally-Awesome-Sauce.  (Like this Monkey Lamp.)Today, I reflected on the things I've done for 2016. It's been a busy year with lots of book related travel, a real vacation, and lots of writing in between.I wrote (as of October) 284,266 words. November will add another 15K and hopefully, December, another 44K. Yes, I'm on deadline.  Looking just at the first 10 months, that's approximately 28500 words a month.That breaks down to writing Fatality by Firelight, Killer Party, Hospitality and Homicide, and a proposal for Who Stole my Goat Cheese.  I also finished contemporary romances Roadside Attraction and Project Detour. I wrote two shorts, both unpublished as of now. And I'm working on the third Cat Latimer book, Of Murder and Men.I released three cozies and two contemporary romance novellas.  One of the cozies was A Story to Kill, my first mass market paperback (which was one of 2015's dreams.)I traveled to Chicago (3x), Milwaukee (and once to Green Bay), Kentucky, San Diego, New Orleans, and took a family vacation to North Carolina.I learned while I'm traveling to do more than stay in the conference hotel. I have to schedule some Lynn time in there including swimming, walking, workouts, and finding the most amazing restaurants.I'm grateful for all the experiences I've had this year. And I'm using that experience to plan goals and travel plans for 2017. Mostly, I want to plan to be happy, healthy, and enjoying my new career.

Thanksgiving anticipation...

With Thanksgiving (US) on my mind today, I wanted to pop in and let you all know how thankful I am for my readers and my writing career. It's been a wild four years since The Bull Rider's Brother was published. Now, I have over 20 books available for readers and lots more on my planning board.This weekend, I worked on the housekeeping chores that get put off during my deadline phases. I'm happy to announce I've got two of the five rooms downstairs cleaned and with three more to go, the house will smell all clean and fresh come Thursday.  (Those chandeliers are murder to get clean...)(Just kidding, not my house...)I also put together a craft project for a Craft Off that Kensington is putting together for the holidays. I can't show you my entry, but you're going to love it.Laura Bradford and I are planning a special holiday party for our readers. And in January, I'm hosting a book club for A Story to Kill. We'll talk about the book and there will be prizes...So stay tuned for all of these fun events coming up soon.Have yourself a warm and family filled Thanksgiving. I'm trying out a new chocolate pumpkin pie for our celebration. How about you? Celebrating?

Consistency... it's what matters

So, I'm back on the health train. Working out more often, eating healthy, adding fruits and veggies, and limiting sugar. Why?I have several health conditions that could be better at a healthy weight. I've had three doctors and a husband tell me that my inactivity might be hampering my health. (The husband did it in a nice way, which kept him from being in the dog house.)So I'm taking it one day and one meal at a time.  This was a travel weekend for me. So I wasn't totally in charge of what was set in front of me for meals. But I could control my portions and limit my sugar. I didn't succeed as well as I'd wanted, but I had some victories.And more importantly, I got on the treadmill every day this weekend for a workout.Getting in shape is like writing a book. It's the little choices you make every day that makes a difference. At least for me. I know some writers binge write - sit and write for hours upon hours, especially at deadline. That's their process, not mine.I like a more leasurely path. If I write every day, I keep the story growing in my head and don't have to go without sleep for a week to get the book done.I'm thinking my road back to health will be this slower path too.What about you? Are you waiting for the new year to change some habits? What little thing can you do today, and tomorrow, to make a better future?

Coming Soon - 10-11-12

Yep, it's official. I just mailed off a contract extending the Tourist Trap series to books 10, 11, and 12. I have no idea what the books will be about, except of course, Jill, and Greg, and Aunt Jackie, and Toby, and Josh, and of course, Deek.Oops, you haven't met Deek yet. But you will, next summer. I love writing the going's on in South Cove, so if you love reading them, make sure you pre-order both Hospitality and Homicide (May 17) and Killer Party (July 17). That way, my publisher knows you love South cove too.

Of Murder and Indy...

The city of Indianapolis didn't know what they were in for this weekend when The Columbia Club opened their doors and rooms to Magna Cum Murder. Mystery writers and readers from all over the country (and the world) descended on the lovely club for a weekend of book revelry. Panels, meals, signings, it was truly, all about the book this weekend.I had my first moderating assignment, and except for a few mistakes (Sorry JR Ripley), I thought it went really well. We talked a lot about the world of cozy and mystery writing in general and a little about our own books and experiences.Then I took off for a short walk around Monument Circle and downtown. Indy's a lovely place to enjoy, especially in the fall.Big city fun. What's your favorite city to visit?

Finishing up a book

So I just sent off book 9 of the Tourist Trap Mysteries to my editor. I like saying "I'm done" but I know I really am not. I still have three/four rounds of edits but it's time for someone else to look at the story and see if it makes sense.Now, I have to start a new book. First, it's time to clean house, clean my desk, and get some food in the house. Yep, when I'm on deadline, the cupboards get a little bare. And our take out/delivery bill gets a little high. But it's all for a good cause.Yesterday, I spent the day with a bunch of aspiring writers celebrating Indie Author Day at the Carbondale Public Library. I loved talking to other authors about how I got started, the industry, and what they can do to be successful. The library also showed a nationally aired discussion on the life of an indie author. They had a library rep, an author, and several people from the self pub industry.  It was interesting to listen to the questions and the answers. But mostly, it came down to one thing.It's all about a good book. Work on your craft, do some marketing, and hope for good luck. Because that's all that is in your control.Speaking of work, I need to get cleaning.

October events

One, it's my birthday month. So celebrate! I'll be celebrating all month, not just on the 7th.Two, it's breast cancer awareness month, so I've joined up with a group of authors to give a little love - Check out the websitehere...Three, I have a free copy of Wild Hearts available through this Forget about Halloween, Read a Romance promotion. Gohereto find out more...I'll also be visiting Carbondale, IL and attending a library program. I reached out to this library via a reader request. If you have a request, let me know and I'll see what I can do about visiting your favorite library. More infohere...Finally, at the end of the month, I'll be atMagna Cum Murderin Indianapolis. I'm moderating my first panel (eek) on Saturday and participating on one as soon as the conference starts on Friday.Hope to see you around, either our virtual world or in person.And if you want to get me a gift, visit your local bookstore and buy your copy of A Story to Kill... You'll love your gift. :)

Reporting back from NOLA

I've been back from Bouchercon and Nola for exactly a week. And since then, I've been busy working on a new Tourist Trap mystery for release next summer. But I thought I'd share some of my favorite moments from my second Bouchercon.First night, my BFF Laura Bradford and I window shopped our way to The Court of the Two Sisters where we were having dinner. Apparently I wanted a closer look at the slate sidewalks because I face planted as I was stepping up from the street. Not my best moment, but with the kindness of strangers (two pretty hot guys) I was back on my feet and only a little shaken.When we got to the restaurant, the challenges in getting there was totally worth it.The next day was all about my publisher. I had a meeting with the wicked smart Alexandra Nicolajsen, Associate Director of Social Media and Digital Sales for Kensington. Or at least that was her title on the last business card I got. We ate at Criollo, the restaurant in the Hotel Monteleone. Fried green tomatoes and a Mimosa were mandatory. Later Kensington hosted a librarian tea and an author party later in the evening.  Love talking to readers and authors about the world of books.Friday was another breakfast with new Lyrical authors. And after that was done, Laura and I hopped a trolley for the Garden District. Commander's Palace was on our schedule for lunch. Service, food, atmosphere, all amazing. And as we left, they walked us through the kitchen. Holy smokes batman, I thought I'd died and gone to Top Chef heaven.Later I had my panel...which of course was all about the food.So was that it? NO! I had to run from my book signing after the panel to drop off my bags in the room and get downstairs and get my new blue parasol for the Second Line parade down to the Orpheum Theater for an interview with David Morrell (Rambo) with Lee Childs (Jack Reacher) asking the questions. Even my husband was impressed when I told him.Saturday was our jaunt to Jackson Square and Cafe Dumont. The coffee was so hot, it burned my mouth.The rest of the day was filled with appointments and meetings and Laura's panel. But we took the evening to visit The Court of Two Sisters again. And like usual, New Orleans made it seem like we'd never been on that street before. Except we had. Two days before. It's weird that it can feel that way. This is my second visit and I could have sworn Jackson Square was farther away from our hotel than it really was.The House of Blues hosted us in the Voodoo Garden for a party that night. Rubbing shoulders with such mystery gods as Lee Child, Harlan Coben, Heather Graham, made me giddy.The next morning, I wrote in the room until it was time to fly my way back home. NOLA, you did

Over 1000 mystery authors walk into a bar in New Orleans...

Yep, it's not a joke, it's next week's plans. Bouchercon, a mystery reader and mystery writer convention is taking over the Big Easy for the week. Several of my mystery friends are already there, soaking up the atmosphere and probably making up stories to write when they return home to their normal life.Yes, authors do have normal lives. We have to feed the cat, do laundry, and even, sometimes dishes, as we're thinking about our imaginary friends and the adventures they are having.This week, the adventures are all for the writers.My plan is to hit as many of the restaurants as possible. I'd love to visit Toups Meatery - owned and operated by Top Chef participant, Issac Toups. And The Commander's Palace, where Emeril got his start. And of course, Cafe Du Monde.I'm also going to book a ghost tour. My feet are going to kill me after this visit, but I love walking through the French Quarter and the graveyards. And I'd like to check out Cemetery #1 again and see if I react the same way this time. Or if it was a touch of heat stroke that drug me down.What about you? Do you believe in ghosts, ghouls, and things that go bump in the night?