Lynn Cahoon's Blog, page 15
September 4, 2016
Vacation, my way
So we took off last week for an adventure. We drove down to North Carolina, visited my son in his new digs, and then headed to the coast. The Outer Banks.
Now, my husband wasn't convinced that this was a good idea. The Outer Banks are barrier islands and have water on both sides. He's not big on water since he had a boating incident on the Snake River years ago.
I had us scheduled into a cabin on Hatteras but changed our reservation to a rental house farther north. With Hermine's arrival, I was glad I did. Hatteras had some flooding and visitors were asked to leave the more southern parts of OBX.
We had amazing weather. A few light showers, but still warm enough to swim our last night. I got a lot of beach walks in with and without the dogs. And I made a daily swim in the pool mandatory.
But I also worked. A STORY TO KILL released in the middle of my vacation. I had two Facebook parties that night. And stalking your numbers on Amazon takes some time and mental energy.
The book had twenty 'five' star reviews by the end of the day. I took a chance on this book. Not only does it have the normal cozy mystery, there's an ongoing mystery about Cat's ex husband. And there's a touch of romance with her first love. I adore the book and my new imaginary friends. I hope you enjoy them too.
In addition to the release, I'm working on a new Tourist Trap book. So I had a daily word count to reach. So the pool became my 'reward' for getting my words in. Now that I'm back home, I'll have to use discipline and the joy of seeing the numbers (and the story) build as I work toward the end.
Next year, I'm blocking off the days I'm on vacation and not working at all.We'll see if I keep that vow. :)
Now, my husband wasn't convinced that this was a good idea. The Outer Banks are barrier islands and have water on both sides. He's not big on water since he had a boating incident on the Snake River years ago.I had us scheduled into a cabin on Hatteras but changed our reservation to a rental house farther north. With Hermine's arrival, I was glad I did. Hatteras had some flooding and visitors were asked to leave the more southern parts of OBX.We had amazing weather. A few light showers, but still warm enough to swim our last night. I got a lot of beach walks in with and without the dogs. And I made a daily swim in the pool mandatory.But I also worked. A STORY TO KILL released in the middle of my vacation. I had two Facebook parties that night. And stalking your numbers on Amazon takes some time and mental energy.The book had twenty 'five' star reviews by the end of the day. I took a chance on this book. Not only does it have the normal cozy mystery, there's an ongoing mystery about Cat's ex husband. And there's a touch of romance with her first love. I adore the book and my new imaginary friends. I hope you enjoy them too.In addition to the release, I'm working on a new Tourist Trap book. So I had a daily word count to reach. So the pool became my 'reward' for getting my words in. Now that I'm back home, I'll have to use discipline and the joy of seeing the numbers (and the story) build as I work toward the end.Next year, I'm blocking off the days I'm on vacation and not working at all.We'll see if I keep that vow. :)
August 21, 2016
Chicago on my mind
So this summer, I took three trips up to Chicago. I drove with some local authors for a library event.
For the second trip, I flew by my self and attended BookCon. The event is part of BEA and is huge.
After giving away all my books at the RWA booth - I wandered through the rest of the exhibit.
Then I did what I really came to Chicago for - I walked to the Field Museum and then went to the Terracotta Warriors Exhibit.
Wow.The third trip was for Printer's Row and I joined up with a few of my fellow mystery authors to talk about our books and why we kill people off. (In the stories.)
After the panel and signing, I went back to my room and had a mini writer's retreat. Room service, quiet, and by the time I reached back home, I had 10000 more words on my WIP. And a Russian Stacking Doll that will be a major clue in my next cozy.
What did I miss? I didn't get to the bean. Maybe next trip.What's your favorite part of Chicago? And if you haven't been, what city do you love to visit?
For the second trip, I flew by my self and attended BookCon. The event is part of BEA and is huge.After giving away all my books at the RWA booth - I wandered through the rest of the exhibit.Then I did what I really came to Chicago for - I walked to the Field Museum and then went to the Terracotta Warriors Exhibit.Wow.The third trip was for Printer's Row and I joined up with a few of my fellow mystery authors to talk about our books and why we kill people off. (In the stories.)After the panel and signing, I went back to my room and had a mini writer's retreat. Room service, quiet, and by the time I reached back home, I had 10000 more words on my WIP. And a Russian Stacking Doll that will be a major clue in my next cozy.What did I miss? I didn't get to the bean. Maybe next trip.What's your favorite part of Chicago? And if you haven't been, what city do you love to visit?
August 13, 2016
A Story to Kill is coming soon!
It's been a long time since I first met Cat Latimer on a 1600 mile road trip to Boise, Idaho. My husband and I were on our way for a camping trip with friends and to see our family in August 2014. As we drove, I mused about a new series to pitch to my publisher and the story evolved from there.
I wanted Cat to have the old house I'd always dreamed of having - So she got a version of this house from Warm Springs, near by where I lived when I went to Boise State.
And finally, I wanted her to live in or near the mountains.So there's a taste of Cat's world. I hope you check outA Story to Kill. It's available forpre-ordernow.A Story to KillFormer English Professor Cat Latimer is back in Colorado, hosting writers’ retreats in the big blue Victorian she’s inherited, much to her surprise, from none other than her carousing ex-husband! Now it’s an authors’ getaway—but Cat won’t let anyone get away with murder…The bed-and-breakfast is open for business, and bestselling author Tom Cook is among its first guests. Cat doesn’t know why he came all the way from New York, but she’s glad to have him among the quirkier—and far less famous—attendees.Cat’s high school sweetheart Seth, who’s fixing up the weathered home, brings on mixed emotions for Cat…some of them a little overpowering. But it’s her uncle, the local police chief, whom she’ll call for help when there’s a surprise ending for Tom Cook in his cozy guest room. Will a killer have the last word on the new life Cat has barely begun?
I wanted Cat to have the old house I'd always dreamed of having - So she got a version of this house from Warm Springs, near by where I lived when I went to Boise State.And finally, I wanted her to live in or near the mountains.So there's a taste of Cat's world. I hope you check outA Story to Kill. It's available forpre-ordernow.A Story to KillFormer English Professor Cat Latimer is back in Colorado, hosting writers’ retreats in the big blue Victorian she’s inherited, much to her surprise, from none other than her carousing ex-husband! Now it’s an authors’ getaway—but Cat won’t let anyone get away with murder…The bed-and-breakfast is open for business, and bestselling author Tom Cook is among its first guests. Cat doesn’t know why he came all the way from New York, but she’s glad to have him among the quirkier—and far less famous—attendees.Cat’s high school sweetheart Seth, who’s fixing up the weathered home, brings on mixed emotions for Cat…some of them a little overpowering. But it’s her uncle, the local police chief, whom she’ll call for help when there’s a surprise ending for Tom Cook in his cozy guest room. Will a killer have the last word on the new life Cat has barely begun?
July 31, 2016
San Diego Dreaming
A couple weeks ago, 2000 romance authors and industry professionals descended on the unsuspecting community around the San Diego marina. We were shopping, drinking, talking, eating, drinking, well, you get the picture.
I had a lovely time meeting up with my publisher's crew and talking opportunities for new Tourist Trap stories as well as the upcoming exciting release of A Story to Kill - The first in the Cat Latimer Mysteries. (The next three photos by DesertRosePhoto.com)
My room had two balconies. Two! I felt like a rock star.
The weather was a balmy 70 degrees all the time I was there, and, I got to meet up with many of my on line friends I only see during conferences. I even spent some time at the pool.
One woman stopped me as I was rushing to my panel to thank me for the letter I'd sent her from a contest I judged. I don't often reach out to contestants so I knew her story must have been darn good! She'd followed my career since that time and now she had her own contract.
It's stories like hers that remind me of how small our writing world really is. And how important it is to support each other in our journey. You never know when what you said years ago is going to bear fruit.
So I leave you today with one thought. Be nice to each other. You never know what the other person is battling.
I had a lovely time meeting up with my publisher's crew and talking opportunities for new Tourist Trap stories as well as the upcoming exciting release of A Story to Kill - The first in the Cat Latimer Mysteries. (The next three photos by DesertRosePhoto.com)My room had two balconies. Two! I felt like a rock star.The weather was a balmy 70 degrees all the time I was there, and, I got to meet up with many of my on line friends I only see during conferences. I even spent some time at the pool.One woman stopped me as I was rushing to my panel to thank me for the letter I'd sent her from a contest I judged. I don't often reach out to contestants so I knew her story must have been darn good! She'd followed my career since that time and now she had her own contract.It's stories like hers that remind me of how small our writing world really is. And how important it is to support each other in our journey. You never know when what you said years ago is going to bear fruit.So I leave you today with one thought. Be nice to each other. You never know what the other person is battling.
July 5, 2016
July update-Fireworks and Fun
Happy late Canada and 4th of July! I had a lovely weekend, spending it at the lake with good friends and a ride or two on the beast. My husband, The Cowboy, calls our night riding - Date Night.
I've finished Hospitality and Homicide so it's on my editor's desk in NYC waiting for her to have time to read. But just because I finished one book, doesn't mean I'm not working. I've got a book to write in the Castle View series along with edits for book 2 in the Cat Latimer series - Fatality by Firelight.This month we're heading out to a new to us NASCAR track to see a race. I'll give you a full update when we get back.
And mid-month, I'll be in San Diego with 2000 romance writers learning more about craft, the business, and playing writer dress-up. You won't see me in crazy heels, but the rest of them? Probably.
If you're in the area, check out the Literacy Signing. July 13th at the Marriott in San Diego. If there's more than one Marriott in town, we'll be at the one where we can watch the Navy guys working on the ships outside our windows.Then I get to see my sister for a couple of days in Arizona. I'll have bookmarks with me, so if you're in Tucson, let me know.When I get back home, it's time to put my head down and write. I've got two more books with 2016 deadlines to write. I have the opening scene for Tourist Trap #9 already planned out in my head. Now to make sure it comes out as perfect as I'm imagining it.Oh, one more thing. Dressed to Kill is on sale for $1.99 for e-book. Get it while you can.
See you soon...Lynn
I've finished Hospitality and Homicide so it's on my editor's desk in NYC waiting for her to have time to read. But just because I finished one book, doesn't mean I'm not working. I've got a book to write in the Castle View series along with edits for book 2 in the Cat Latimer series - Fatality by Firelight.This month we're heading out to a new to us NASCAR track to see a race. I'll give you a full update when we get back.And mid-month, I'll be in San Diego with 2000 romance writers learning more about craft, the business, and playing writer dress-up. You won't see me in crazy heels, but the rest of them? Probably.If you're in the area, check out the Literacy Signing. July 13th at the Marriott in San Diego. If there's more than one Marriott in town, we'll be at the one where we can watch the Navy guys working on the ships outside our windows.Then I get to see my sister for a couple of days in Arizona. I'll have bookmarks with me, so if you're in Tucson, let me know.When I get back home, it's time to put my head down and write. I've got two more books with 2016 deadlines to write. I have the opening scene for Tourist Trap #9 already planned out in my head. Now to make sure it comes out as perfect as I'm imagining it.Oh, one more thing. Dressed to Kill is on sale for $1.99 for e-book. Get it while you can.See you soon...Lynn
June 26, 2016
Summer time and it's HOT.
First, a message from our sponsor. (That would be me...) Guess who's going to be at the 2017 Barbara Vey Readers Appreciation Weekend? Yep, this girl. Stay tuned for more info, but tickets go on sale July 30th, 12:01 CST and sell out fast. Back to talking about summer. No, this post isn't about the type of books I write. It's about the heat. We've had heat advisories for over a week. It's cooler now, but the clouds overhead look a little scary. For a girl from Idaho where it typically didn't get
June 21, 2016
Updates and bits and pieces
What have I been doing? Yep, I'm on deadline for Hospitality and Homicide. So I'm head down, fingers on keyboard for the next few days. Last weekend, I headed to Nebraska to meet up with family. They had a tub of memories for me from when they cleaned out my mother's house. Long drive, lots of time to think, and talk. Tea Cups and Carnage has been getting some excellent reviews - like this one from Linda at Chatting about Cozies - "...always my cup of tea..." And Kristine at A Cozy Bookmark
June 1, 2016
June update
I've got a lot to celebrate this month. I've got a book releasing next week. (Tea Cups and Carnage.) I'm signing at Printer's Row in Chicago. (June 11th)And I've got a brand new website. Check out www.lynncahoon.com It's been a busy year here at Casa Cahoon. We've been out to the cabin a few times, in between my book travels. And last weekend, all I did was enjoy the warm weather, the company, and the scenery. It was like plugging into a recharger. Now I've got a book due in less than a month
April 24, 2016
The Magical Mystery Tour
Lynn’s version. So this was week two of my book touring for the summer. I’ve got 7 events between last weekend (Chicago) and the end of August when I go on a long awaited vacation. Then I’ll be back and promoting the release of A Story To Kill. This weekend was Bowling Green KY for the Southern Kentucky Book Fest. So much fun. Lots of readers, lots of authors, book nirvana.Next week I’ll be heading to Milwaukee to meet up with 500 of Barbara Vey’s closest friends for the annual Reader’s
The Magical Mystery Tour
Lynn’s version.
So this was week two of my book touring for the summer.
I’ve got 7 events between last weekend (Chicago) and the end of August when I go on a long awaited vacation. Then I’ll be back and promoting the release of A Story To Kill. 
This weekend was Bowling Green KY for the Southern Kentucky Book Fest. 
So much fun. Lots of readers, lots of authors, book nirvana.
Next week I’ll be heading to Milwaukee to meet up with 500 of Barbara Vey’s closest friends for the annual Reader’s Appreciation Luncheon. I’ve got some special giveaways just for my table that I hope they enjoy. 
Then a weekend off, and, I’m back to Chicago for BookCon.
A signing in St Charles with a fellow local mystery author is on May 21st, and then in June, I’m going back to Chicago for Printer’s Row.
Then in July, I’m flying out to San Diego to party (and learn of course) with the romance writers and will be signing on Wednesday July 13th in the literary signing. (Hopefully.)
But today, I’m tired. And I have five more events to go. And a book due July 1st. 
If you see me winding down during one of these events, feed me chocolate. That always seems to help.[image error]
