Lynn Cahoon's Blog, page 22
October 1, 2014
Mission to Murder giveaway
Kensington’s doing it again… This time they have Mission to Murder on the Goodreads giveaway – check it out. Giveaway ends October 7th…. (which I think really means October 6th at midnight.)
In the California coastal town of South Cove, history is one of its many tourist attractions, until it becomes deadly. Jill Gardner, proprietor of Coffee, Books, and More, has discovered that the old stone wall on her property might be a centuries-old mission worthy of being declared a landmark. But Craig Thomas, the obnoxious owner of South Cove’s most popular tourist spot, The Castle, makes it his business to contest her claim. When Thomas is found murdered at The Castle shortly after a heated argument with Jill, even her detective boyfriend has to ask her for an alibi. Jill decides she must find the real murderer to clear her name. But when the killer comes for her, she’ll need to jump from historic preservation to self-preservation. 
September 29, 2014
Proof of life…
One of my dart friends in Idaho babysat his granddaughter this last week while mom and dad headed out for an anniversary road trip. 
The first day, the picture showed Gramps and toddler reading a book together, then a second picture came on Facebook with her reading the daily paper.
The next day, the paper was in front of Gramps and toddler. Gramps looked a little weary.
The third day, we got a paper and Gramps, but no toddler.
I was concerned that maybe the baby had taken over the house, but my friend clarified that the package and the dvd copy of Frozen had been safely transferred to the other set of grandparents.
I haven’t seen any posts from that cell, probably because they don’t have the same sense of humor as my friend.
***
What does this all have to do with Lynn? This post is my proof of life. I hit send on book number 4 of the Tourist Trap series yesterday. Title? Dressed to Kill. And yes, we’re adding a new shop to South Cove’s main street. I love how the cover artist is building my fictional town, one shop at a time. I can’t wait to see what Vintage Dud’s will look like. But since I don’t have my new cover (yet.) I thought I’d show you the three I do have. And add in a bonus cover for the audio book that just released.
Here’s the South Cove Main Street – GUIDEBOOK; MISSION; and releasing November 10th -IF THE SHOE KILLS.
Here’s the audio cover for GUIDEBOOK – released September 22nd.
Which one do you like better?
September 20, 2014
What’s the best part of dinner? Dessert, of course.
September 18, 2014
Crickets chirping…
I’m on deadline, so I’ve been quiet. Saving the words for Tourist Trap #4.
So, I’ll leave you with a few pictures of my trip. Yes, I have more…
Yellowstone – The Cascades
Idaho – above Crouch and Banks
Mount Rushmore – of course
Shell Falls – Wy.
September 9, 2014
Want a chance to own GUIDEBOOK TO MURDER? Act now!
September 7, 2014
Crazy For Cowboys?
You know I am.
Crimson Romance has bundled The Bull Rider’s Brother into an all cowboy treat. Check it out where ever fine digital books are sold. Limited time offer. And a bargain price – #99cents.
August 31, 2014
Six Things I’ve Done Wrong In My Writing Career—and Did I Fix Them?
So Bob Mayer is the bomb. Read one of his books on writing and I think you’ll agree. Loved this take on his failures and fixes…
Originally posted on Write on the River:
25 years, over 60 books, and I still screw things up. Here are six things I’ve done “wrong” according to most accepted practices for a successful writing career and a note on whether I’ve corrected each, will correct each one, or screw it, it’s just the way I am.
Not networked enough.
This is a people business, just like any other. Early in my career I really believed I could just sit at home, write books, and everything would go fine. Not. I should have made more of an effort to get to know agents, editors, publishers and especially other writers.
Fixed? This is something I’ve worked hard to correct, especially since forming Cool Gus. I try to make it to Seattle once a year to meet with Amazon; in New York to meet with Barnes & Noble. Been to Toronto to sit down with Kobo. Go to BEA to…
View original 1,006 more words
August 27, 2014
Back from Idaho – pictures to follow
It’s been a busy year here at Casa Cahoon. Last week we were visiting family in Idaho. We spent some time in Bowmont, then headed to the mountains for some relaxing camping time. Lovely place near the middle fork of the Payette River.
I’ll post pictures once my husband releases the camera cards.
But let’s get back to Texas – and the RWA convention.
First night was the literary signing. My first ever. So much fun meeting my virtual friends who are really nice people. (Practicing my signature, just in case…)
Then I got to meet the Kensington crew – Esi Sogah, my editor, and Ellen Chan, my publicist. 
The next morning Esi and I had breakfast at my hotel since it was haunted… LOL – but what a view! 
Then we hurried to the Kensington signing. (Three other people have that same dress – one author from my chapter.) 
By the time I rushed to lunch with my lala group, I was exhausted. After lunch, I attended a few workshops and then ran back to the hotel to get ready for the evening activities. 
Mostly I had a lot of fun on Thursday – can you tell from the photos?
Lynn
August 8, 2014
GUARDED by Mary Behre – A First Friday Author Alert
First Friday Author Alert!
Mary Behre is my first victim, I mean guest, for First Friday Author Alert where I bring my blog peeps a chance to meet the amazing people I have in my virtual life.
Mary is part of my lalala sister group and is definitively the cruise social director. You might have met her checking badges at the recent RWA Nat’ls convention for the Thursday lunch. Or signing her amazing books.
So, here she is…
Hi Lynn,
Thank you for inviting me onto your blog! I’m excited to be here. :)
How long does it take you to write a book?
That’s an interesting question. I write in fits and starts, because I do, I have to document times I’m working. Adding up the time, it works out to be about two months to complete the first draft and six months to get through copy edits.
What does your family think of your writing?
I’m very fortunate to have a family who’s completely supportive of my writing career. For the launch of my debut novel, my extended family drove in from three different states just to support me. My children proudly tell everyone they meet that their mom writes romance. My husband and my father-in-law are part of my beta readers. And let me tell you, if I make the guy too wimpy, they let me know. :) It’s really amazing how supportive they are and I’m thankful every day.
What is the most important thing you do for your career?
Treat it as a career, not a part-time job. There’s a different mentality between having a career and having a part-time job. One implies a future in a business, with measurable goals and achievements. The other implies being present only when the time requires it.
Amen, sister. I get so crazy when I’m talking to a ‘writer’ who does everything in their life, except write. What do you enjoy most about writing?
Getting lost in the world. There comes a moment when writing a story that stops being words on a screen but becomes a world in which I am completely immersed. It’s such an exciting feeling.
How many hours a day to you spend writing?
When I’m in full blown writing mode, I can write for 12 hours a day. But I can only keep that pace for a short period of time, then I need down time. Typically, I’ll write like that for a weekend, then settle into writing eight hours a day for four to eight weeks. Long enough to write the first and second drafts. But then I’m fried for about a month which is good. That’s when I’ll send the manuscript off to my critique partners. By the time I get it back, I’m ready to go again.
I’m a second job writer, so getting 8-12 hours a day into a book seems like heaven. Speaking of day jobs, w hat are some jobs you’ve done that would end up in a book?
Let’s see, I’ve had a colorful life of jobs since I worked my way through college sometimes holding down three jobs at once. So far, I’ve had a preschool teacher in SPIRITED and a CPR Instructor in GUARDED. But in book three, ENERGIZED (working title), I have a caterer and a waitress. And there are bound to be more of my jobs in future books including a disaster worker, a tour guide, and a photographer.
I’m reading GUARDED right now and totally enjoying the ride. What’s not to love about a character who can ‘talk’ to guinea pigs. (My son had the little creatures when he was growing up, piles of cuddly fur. – Tribbles to the sci-fi set.)
And now, GUARDED….
A psychic veterinarian who can talk to everything from naked mole rats to ferrets, stumbles onto an exotic animal kidnapping ring. When a zoo owner is murdered and all signs point to the vet as the killer, she enlists the aid of her super sexy cop friend.
Will he be able to help her clear her name before he’s forced to arrest her?
Mary Behre is the author of The Tidewater Series. Stories with humor, suspense, and a psychic love-connection.
Her debut novel, SPIRITED (Tidewater Novel #1) was an award-winning manuscript before it sold to Berkley Sensation. GUARDED (Tidewater Novel #2), is already receiving praise from reviewers and readers.
The Tidewater Series features three sisters separated years before in the foster care system. They search for love, each other, and a way to live with their psychic abilities. In each book, they’re tossed into the middle of mysteries that only their unique gifts can help solve.
Excerpt from GUARDED
“Dev, the last time Jules and I saw each other—”
“You were both children.” Dev scooted closer to her on the couch and took her hands in his. “I don’t know everything about what went on with you two, but I remember enough to know the last time you saw her was hard. On both of you. Shells, give her a chance. I’ve gotten to know her. She’s a great person. A lot like you. And I know she misses you.”
“She does?” There was no missing the doubt and confusion in her eyes.
“She does.” He nodded. “Give yourself a chance. You deserve to know your family. Take it from someone who will never get an opportunity like this. What you have here is a gift. Grab it with both hands, Shells.”
The touch of her cool, delicate hands between his much larger ones sent a jolt of awareness through his body. From the way her eyes widened, she must have felt it too.
Shelley sucked in the right corner of her bottom lip. The sight of it thundered straight to his tightening groin. “All right. I’ll go with you to Tidewater, tomorrow. But that ocean view had better be spectacular,” she joked.
“Satisfaction guaranteed.”
“Thanks, Dev.” She beamed at him, then cleared her throat and pulled free from his touch. “Your girlfriend is one lucky woman.”
“Shelley, that relationship ended a long time ago. I . . . uh, don’t have a girlfriend.”
“You broke up? I’m sorry to hear that.” But the smile on her face and the dilation of her pupils belied that statement. She licked her lips and leaned closer to him. Her soft fingers entwined with his rougher ones again. “Really sorry.”
Awareness rocketed through him.
“Don’t be. I’m not.” And, oh God, her lips were right there. The scent of Shells, vanilla and sugar, teased his senses. His mouth watered for just a taste. Dev craved a taste of her, just a sample. Slowly, giving her time to pull back, he lowered his head.
Social Media:
Website: http://marybehre.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/MaryBehre.Author
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MaryBehre
Email: mary@marybehre.com
Buy Links:
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/guarded-mary-behre/1118329731?ean=9780425268629
Books-A-Million: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Guarded/Mary-Behre/9780425268629?id=5991298991366
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/guarded/id808322619?mt=11
WANT YOUR OWN COPY OF GUARDED? Mary will gift one signed copy with swag to one lucky commentor. Giveaway ends August 11th. So what’s your favorite type of pet?
August 3, 2014
San Antonio Wrap up Part 1
What happens when 2000 plus writers and industry professionals descend on a city? A lot of fun. (Although the seat mate on the flight back home thought I was a Mary Kay professional as they had their conference in Dallas the same week.) 
First up, I booked a room at the Menger and hoped it was within safe walking distance to the conference hotel. Score! I loved it.
The lobby was filled with fun antiques – including these telecommunication devices.
But if you wanted a little privacy for your call…
My room had a writing alcove. How cool was that? Of course Eileen Dreyer got a balcony with her room. I guess being a best selling author comes with perks. :) 
The Alamo next door – yes, this was taken from my window. 
And the lighted carriages that parked on the street.
Oh, and the pool.
First day, I visited the Alamo. The site started as a mission (which you know I love my missions. :)) 
Here’s a few of the highlights – The tour was FREE. 
No pictures allowed inside – of course, I got reprimanded, but I didn’t get my phone taken away. :) This is the courtyard and the original well. 
They had cannons – that this little girl couldn’t pass up… 
And tons of history… 
Then I hit the gift shop and went a little crazy.
After that, I actually went to the conference. :) More next week.
