Lynn Cahoon's Blog, page 5
January 6, 2019
New Year's Resolutions
I did a week's worth of resolution planning on my Facebook page LynnCahoonAuthor this year. But you know me, I love my planning posts. I'm a little behind on my goals as we lost a family member last week. He was attacked in his own yard and after a week of trying, we realized he wasn't strong enough to fight back. #HomerLove #wreaked.
But I'm still trying to hit my goals. First up? Finish Cat Latimer #6 and get it off my computer screen and on to my editors. That's always such a good feeling. I came into this book really, really late, and life kept putting up roadblocks to get it done. 
Which is why you should always add in margins in your planning time. #talesfromthe edgeAnyway, here's January's goals -Finish Cat #6Write mystery essayWrite first chapter of secret projectBarbara Vey cruiseStart new Council novellaEdit Bull Rider's Brother for releaseWork out 5x a weekAdd 4-5 fruits/veggies in meal dailyMeal planWhat are you getting done this month?
But I'm still trying to hit my goals. First up? Finish Cat Latimer #6 and get it off my computer screen and on to my editors. That's always such a good feeling. I came into this book really, really late, and life kept putting up roadblocks to get it done. Which is why you should always add in margins in your planning time. #talesfromthe edgeAnyway, here's January's goals -Finish Cat #6Write mystery essayWrite first chapter of secret projectBarbara Vey cruiseStart new Council novellaEdit Bull Rider's Brother for releaseWork out 5x a weekAdd 4-5 fruits/veggies in meal dailyMeal planWhat are you getting done this month?
December 31, 2018
Happy New Year
What can you expect in terms of books from me for 2019? 
Wishing you a full and exciting 2019. LynnCorned beef and Casualties – February 6, 2019One Potato, Two Potato, Dead – 2019 – March 19, 2019Mother’s Day Mayhem - April 2, 2019Sconed to Death – May 28, 2019Blood on Bayou – The Council – October 1, 2019 A Lynn Collins releaseA Very Mummy Holiday – October 29, 2019Memories and Murder – December
Wishing you a full and exciting 2019. LynnCorned beef and Casualties – February 6, 2019One Potato, Two Potato, Dead – 2019 – March 19, 2019Mother’s Day Mayhem - April 2, 2019Sconed to Death – May 28, 2019Blood on Bayou – The Council – October 1, 2019 A Lynn Collins releaseA Very Mummy Holiday – October 29, 2019Memories and Murder – December
December 25, 2018
Season's greetings...
So much going on this week. But first, I wanted to wish you a very, merry holiday season. I love this time of year when I can reflect back on 2018 and forward to 2019. It's like we all take a pause, a breath between the two years. Grateful for the year behind and hopeful for the year ahead, I'm excited that you're part of my life. Kensington is giving away 100 review copies for One Potato, Two Potato, Dead, book 3 of the Farm to Fork series. As of today, we're at 362 entries. If we hit 1000 by the close of the giveaway (01/05/19), I'll give one reader an audiobook from my Farm to Fork stash. Just email me at lynn@lynncahoon.com after you sign up for the giveaway and let me know. https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh... See you next week.Lynn
December 16, 2018
Disappearing December
Is it just me or does it feel like this year has rushed by...I'm taking a long winter break from the day job starting next Friday and I've got so much to do before I can even start. 
But first, what have I done this year?I released three full size cozy mysteries along with three Tourist Trap novellas. Two of those novella's (A Deadly Brew and Santa Puppy, hit the USA Today list on release week.) 
I've written the other three novellas, a new Farm to Fork Mystery, a Tourist Trap mystery, and wrote one Cat Latimer mystery and am currently working on another that I hope to send in to my editor before the ball drops on the old year. 
I've attended 9 out of town reader events. Loved meeting you all! I've joined three online reader groups including Down on the Farm Mystery Writers, Sleuthing Women, and, continued to be part of Killer Characters. 
And I've had a full, non-book life this year including attending Phantom of the Opera and riding side by sides with my husband. 
Whew, I'm tired just writing that. Next year doesn't seem to be slowing down, but that's a good thing, right? What was your year like?
November 28, 2018
Cat Latimer returns in Slay in Character
It's here, it's here!! Slay in Character arrived yesterday at all online and bookstore venues. If you're near a local bookstore, I'd love to see a picture of Slay in the wild. Shoot me a snapshot. Slay was fun to write since the retreat group hits a historic Old West town for their pre-writing adventure. And of course, the shootout in the streets isn't the only death in the story. I hope you enjoy and please leave a review. Staying in character can be murder when Cat Latimer and the members of her writers’ retreat head for a ghost town . . . Cat and the members of her writers’ retreat have just arrived in Outlaw, Colorado, an “Old West” tourist town complete with inhabitants dressed up as famous figures from history. But this authentic slice of Americana takes a murderous turn when a college student masquerading as a 19th-century saloon girl becomes history herself. Was she the intended target? Or did she take a hit meant for someone else? With a cast of suspects to choose from—including some notorious gunslingers and the sleazy town founders—Cat must unhorse the real culprit before a real-life ghost story is given a killer twist . . . Find out more at www.lynncahoon.com
November 22, 2018
Happy Thanksgiving
The dinner is over. The guests have gone home. And the kitchen is almost clean. Football is playing in the other room and I'm working. It was a lovely day. The dogs were good, which didn't used to happen. No barking just because someone stood up or moved. Dinner went well, except for me burning my cranberry sauce. But the MIL brought over the canned stuff, so the day was saved. Hope your day was special, even if you aren't celebrating Thanksgiving. We all deserve a little magic in our lives. I'm going downstairs for a slice of pumpkin cheesecake. Lynn
November 12, 2018
What I learned in Home Economics class…
(This is a reprint of a 2011 blog, but with the weather changing and my mind turning toward home projects, it's surprisingly applicable.) 
As a high school senior, I had two conflicting goals. One, I was going to get my degree in marketing and go work in NYC as a buyer in the fashion industry. The other, I was going to meet my Mr. Right and have twelve kids, being the perfect stay at home mom.Neither plan came true. And for that, I bless the fates.Why was I thinking about this? I’m a planner. I always have been. I planned my high school class schedule with a tight contingency plan. I had my fun classes – even then I knew I wasn’t going to be a musical prodigy, but I did work my way up to first chair – third position clarinet. But it was a small school.When I wasn’t in Band class, I took college prep courses like Algebra – Geometry –and Algebra II – at which time I exceeded my math skills and finished my requirements. I took office occupation classes and found typing a chore – 55 words is my max before deducting for mistakes. Accounting however was a breeze and oddly, comforting in its rules and lines. I won first place in my district competition. An award that allowed me to go on to state, but I was already committed.I was an officer in Future Homemakers of America organization. If you live in a rural area, you’re probably familiar with the brother organization, Future Farmers of America. At our school, the mainly boy group got all the cool stuff. But we were determined.As an officer, I attended their district, state and national conventions. Funny thing is the conventions I attended as a youth; bear a striking resemblance to the business conventions I’ve attended as an adult. I took at least one home-economics course each semester, cooking, baking, canning, sewing, and crafts. I learned how to sew, knit, crochet, can foods, and bake. I learned how to run a fund raiser – and in the club, I earn my service awards, setting goals and meeting them – to progress through the ranks. But instead of preparing me to be a homemaker, the time I spent in Mrs. Higgins’ classes prepared me for life. I still have the small apron I made out of shared fabric with my best friend and her sister. I love seeing a row of canned peaches, sitting on my kitchen cupboard, cooling, their lids popping sealed. And I have made several baby blankets this spring, crocheting the pink or blue yarn into something that feels warm and heavy in my hand.Learning to complete the task at hand. Learning to plan for the future. Learning to set goals. Learning how to fit into a world where I was different. All these were lessons I didn’t realize I was learning until years later. Thank you, Mrs. Higgins. And I swear, I’m going to try to make popovers, one more time.
As a high school senior, I had two conflicting goals. One, I was going to get my degree in marketing and go work in NYC as a buyer in the fashion industry. The other, I was going to meet my Mr. Right and have twelve kids, being the perfect stay at home mom.Neither plan came true. And for that, I bless the fates.Why was I thinking about this? I’m a planner. I always have been. I planned my high school class schedule with a tight contingency plan. I had my fun classes – even then I knew I wasn’t going to be a musical prodigy, but I did work my way up to first chair – third position clarinet. But it was a small school.When I wasn’t in Band class, I took college prep courses like Algebra – Geometry –and Algebra II – at which time I exceeded my math skills and finished my requirements. I took office occupation classes and found typing a chore – 55 words is my max before deducting for mistakes. Accounting however was a breeze and oddly, comforting in its rules and lines. I won first place in my district competition. An award that allowed me to go on to state, but I was already committed.I was an officer in Future Homemakers of America organization. If you live in a rural area, you’re probably familiar with the brother organization, Future Farmers of America. At our school, the mainly boy group got all the cool stuff. But we were determined.As an officer, I attended their district, state and national conventions. Funny thing is the conventions I attended as a youth; bear a striking resemblance to the business conventions I’ve attended as an adult. I took at least one home-economics course each semester, cooking, baking, canning, sewing, and crafts. I learned how to sew, knit, crochet, can foods, and bake. I learned how to run a fund raiser – and in the club, I earn my service awards, setting goals and meeting them – to progress through the ranks. But instead of preparing me to be a homemaker, the time I spent in Mrs. Higgins’ classes prepared me for life. I still have the small apron I made out of shared fabric with my best friend and her sister. I love seeing a row of canned peaches, sitting on my kitchen cupboard, cooling, their lids popping sealed. And I have made several baby blankets this spring, crocheting the pink or blue yarn into something that feels warm and heavy in my hand.Learning to complete the task at hand. Learning to plan for the future. Learning to set goals. Learning how to fit into a world where I was different. All these were lessons I didn’t realize I was learning until years later. Thank you, Mrs. Higgins. And I swear, I’m going to try to make popovers, one more time.
October 29, 2018
My top ten witches (and warlocks)
Happy Halloween Month … This is another special blog from my other self - Lynn Collins.
I love the feel of fall. October is a special month for me as it’s my birthday (waving hands in the air). Add in amazing weather that begs for walks and bike rides and I’m a happy girl. When I started writing The Council Series, I knew I wanted a witch out of water story. Parris McCall started life in a magical family. But she’s blocked those memories away and is living a different but real life as the owner of The Alibi, a dive bar. Before Parris was outed as a witch, her grandmother had protected the secret, even from Parris. Because that was what she wanted. She thought. 
I love the idea of exploring ways to be in charge of your own destiny, even when life throws you curveballs. Like you’re a witch. And your parents were witches. And… well, I can’t give away all the plot points. Instead, I thought I’d celebrate October with my top ten favorite witches.#10 – Samantha Stevens – Bewitched. My first witch out of water story. I did think she should have cast a better spell and made Darren more Rock Hudson looking.#9 – The sister witches of Charmed. One year while I was undergoing breast cancer treatments, they admitted me for a few days to the inpatient ward (mostly for exhaustion.) I bet you didn’t know you could watch four hours of Charmed back to back by just changing channels. #8 – The Salem witches who made it through the trials. I always wondered if I’d be sneaky enough not to get caught.#7—The Craft – Sara was the only good witch of the bunch and they all learned that unrestrained power can corrupt.#6—Jack Nicholson in The Witches of Eastbrook. Nuff said, right? #5—I’m really digging the new crop of Fairy tale witches being highlighted in Once Upon a Time. Maleficent is even getting her own Disney movie. #4—A Discovery of Witches – Deborah Harkness. I loved this book.#3—Harry Potter and Crew#2—Wizard of Oz – Are you Team Glenda? Or Team Theodora?#1— Ty Wallace, the bachelor rogue witch hunter that finds Parris in A Member of the Council, Book 1 of The Council Series. He’s dark, and mysterious, and head over heels with Parris, but of course, he won’t admit that to anyone, especially himself.Which witch have I missed?Lynn
Return of the Fae – Book 2 of The Council SeriesA witch in training, a hunter on the prowl, and a world in jeopardy.Learning the rules of being a witch takes years, but Parris McCall needs to master them in only weeks. Ty Wallace is going mad with his desire for Parris, but she’s a distraction in his quest to find Coven X before they take The Council and everyone he knows down.Check out The Council trilogy at www.lynncollinsauthor.com
I love the feel of fall. October is a special month for me as it’s my birthday (waving hands in the air). Add in amazing weather that begs for walks and bike rides and I’m a happy girl. When I started writing The Council Series, I knew I wanted a witch out of water story. Parris McCall started life in a magical family. But she’s blocked those memories away and is living a different but real life as the owner of The Alibi, a dive bar. Before Parris was outed as a witch, her grandmother had protected the secret, even from Parris. Because that was what she wanted. She thought. I love the idea of exploring ways to be in charge of your own destiny, even when life throws you curveballs. Like you’re a witch. And your parents were witches. And… well, I can’t give away all the plot points. Instead, I thought I’d celebrate October with my top ten favorite witches.#10 – Samantha Stevens – Bewitched. My first witch out of water story. I did think she should have cast a better spell and made Darren more Rock Hudson looking.#9 – The sister witches of Charmed. One year while I was undergoing breast cancer treatments, they admitted me for a few days to the inpatient ward (mostly for exhaustion.) I bet you didn’t know you could watch four hours of Charmed back to back by just changing channels. #8 – The Salem witches who made it through the trials. I always wondered if I’d be sneaky enough not to get caught.#7—The Craft – Sara was the only good witch of the bunch and they all learned that unrestrained power can corrupt.#6—Jack Nicholson in The Witches of Eastbrook. Nuff said, right? #5—I’m really digging the new crop of Fairy tale witches being highlighted in Once Upon a Time. Maleficent is even getting her own Disney movie. #4—A Discovery of Witches – Deborah Harkness. I loved this book.#3—Harry Potter and Crew#2—Wizard of Oz – Are you Team Glenda? Or Team Theodora?#1— Ty Wallace, the bachelor rogue witch hunter that finds Parris in A Member of the Council, Book 1 of The Council Series. He’s dark, and mysterious, and head over heels with Parris, but of course, he won’t admit that to anyone, especially himself.Which witch have I missed?LynnReturn of the Fae – Book 2 of The Council SeriesA witch in training, a hunter on the prowl, and a world in jeopardy.Learning the rules of being a witch takes years, but Parris McCall needs to master them in only weeks. Ty Wallace is going mad with his desire for Parris, but she’s a distraction in his quest to find Coven X before they take The Council and everyone he knows down.Check out The Council trilogy at www.lynncollinsauthor.com
October 22, 2018
Researching or how to make it to the front of the line at the bookstore.
Just for Halloween… Here’s a blog from the other me– Lynn Collins. The witchcraft series is called The Council and available on all digital platforms. For more information – check out my (her) website – www.lynncollinsauthor.comWhen I was thinking about The Council series, I wanted to be accurate in my portrayal of a witch out of water. Parris McCall doesn’t know she’s a witch when the story starts. Sure, weird things are more likely to happen to her than to others. And once, when head cheerleader, Brittany the bright, made fun of Parris, one too many times, the queen bee’s hair turned pink. In English class. In front of the entire junior class. When she got home from school that day, Gran had weaved this fairy tale about her powers and her parents, but even then, Parris had refused to accept or even listen.So what was an unknowing witch to do?I didn’t have a clue. As in most cases, when I’m looking for answers, I visit the information mecca. No, not the internet. I went to the library. There I found all sorts of historical books about the Salem witchcraft trials along with some basic Wiccan handbooks. Not a lot. Most of the how to books were in the area of Tarot reading or horoscopes. I live in a small, conservative town.After racing through all those books, and probably getting a warning code attached to my library card in case of a plague of locusts or roving witch hunters, I hit the book store.Visiting the book store actually gave me more options in books. I bought a handbook of spells, one on elementary magic, and one boasting an encyclopedia of spells, castings, and potions.When I got in line with my treasures, you could see the tension when people around me noticed my choice of reading material. Several stepped aside, mumbling how they’d forgotten something. And I hadn’t cast even a little spell.I’m still researching for the last book of the series. Picking up bits and pieces here and there, I’ll use my writer magic to weave together into a story that finishes Ty and Parris’s quest. Or at least that’s my plan today.What’s the most unusual subject you’ve researched?A Member of the Council – The Council #1A rogue hunter, a clueless witch and a mission to save an unknowing world.Parris McCall, owner of the dive bar, The Alibi, has finally constructed a life where herlittle quirks don’t show or matter to anyone. As for her grandmother's warnings that she’s different, well, she'll cross that bridge if she comes to it.But when Ty walks into her bar, both lives are instantly changed.Ready to try out a Halloween Treat? A Member of the Council is the first book in the Council trilogy. Find out more here – www.lynncollinsauthor.com
When I was thinking about The Council series, I wanted to be accurate in my portrayal of a witch out of water. Parris McCall doesn’t know she’s a witch when the story starts. Sure, weird things are more likely to happen to her than to others. And once, when head cheerleader, Brittany the bright, made fun of Parris, one too many times, the queen bee’s hair turned pink. In English class. In front of the entire junior class. When she got home from school that day, Gran had weaved this fairy tale about her powers and her parents, but even then, Parris had refused to accept or even listen.So what was an unknowing witch to do?I didn’t have a clue. As in most cases, when I’m looking for answers, I visit the information mecca. No, not the internet. I went to the library. There I found all sorts of historical books about the Salem witchcraft trials along with some basic Wiccan handbooks. Not a lot. Most of the how to books were in the area of Tarot reading or horoscopes. I live in a small, conservative town.After racing through all those books, and probably getting a warning code attached to my library card in case of a plague of locusts or roving witch hunters, I hit the book store.Visiting the book store actually gave me more options in books. I bought a handbook of spells, one on elementary magic, and one boasting an encyclopedia of spells, castings, and potions.When I got in line with my treasures, you could see the tension when people around me noticed my choice of reading material. Several stepped aside, mumbling how they’d forgotten something. And I hadn’t cast even a little spell.I’m still researching for the last book of the series. Picking up bits and pieces here and there, I’ll use my writer magic to weave together into a story that finishes Ty and Parris’s quest. Or at least that’s my plan today.What’s the most unusual subject you’ve researched?A Member of the Council – The Council #1A rogue hunter, a clueless witch and a mission to save an unknowing world.Parris McCall, owner of the dive bar, The Alibi, has finally constructed a life where herlittle quirks don’t show or matter to anyone. As for her grandmother's warnings that she’s different, well, she'll cross that bridge if she comes to it.But when Ty walks into her bar, both lives are instantly changed.Ready to try out a Halloween Treat? A Member of the Council is the first book in the Council trilogy. Find out more here – www.lynncollinsauthor.com
October 14, 2018
A Deadly Brew is today's Kindle Daily Deal
Pretty cool, huh? (And I wanted to remind you that A Deadly Brew hit the USA Today bestseller list last month...)
So if you haven't gotten the halloween novella, there's no excuse now. It's only .99 cents. And if you like your stories in audio form, A Deadly Brew is available at your local digital seller. But that version isn't .99cents. 
Have a great week. Lynn
So if you haven't gotten the halloween novella, there's no excuse now. It's only .99 cents. And if you like your stories in audio form, A Deadly Brew is available at your local digital seller. But that version isn't .99cents. Have a great week. Lynn
