Lynn Cahoon's Blog, page 7
July 29, 2018
Summer winding down
Can you believe it's the end of July? Soon school will be in session, and fall will be on its way. 
Back home, school didn't start until after the State Fair. Most kids had projects or animals or both showing in the 4H booths and barns. Which made going to the fair one of the last bursts of summer. At least for me. I loved everything about our fair. First, it was in Boise which to me, seemed like a huge city. I remember being so excited as we walked toward the ticket gates. Then the first thing I wanted was a corn dog. They made them fresh so when they handed it over, swathed in mustard, it was too hot to eat. So I always burnt my mouth. But it was so worth it. 
I loved walking through the buildings. Some of the exhibits were for companies selling their services and products. Others were candy and trinkets. And then there were the craft contests. I love quilts. I've made several small hangings or patchwork throws, but never a real quilt. Someday....Then the carnival rides. I'm a tiltawhirl girl. And I like the haunted house ride. The lights, the cotton candy, the laughter...It's all part of the experience. 
Do you like to attend fairs? What's your favorite part?
Back home, school didn't start until after the State Fair. Most kids had projects or animals or both showing in the 4H booths and barns. Which made going to the fair one of the last bursts of summer. At least for me. I loved everything about our fair. First, it was in Boise which to me, seemed like a huge city. I remember being so excited as we walked toward the ticket gates. Then the first thing I wanted was a corn dog. They made them fresh so when they handed it over, swathed in mustard, it was too hot to eat. So I always burnt my mouth. But it was so worth it. I loved walking through the buildings. Some of the exhibits were for companies selling their services and products. Others were candy and trinkets. And then there were the craft contests. I love quilts. I've made several small hangings or patchwork throws, but never a real quilt. Someday....Then the carnival rides. I'm a tiltawhirl girl. And I like the haunted house ride. The lights, the cotton candy, the laughter...It's all part of the experience. Do you like to attend fairs? What's your favorite part?
July 22, 2018
Slowing down
I hear it's a philosophy. Slowing down to get more done. Stop and smell the roses. 
The universe is talking to me and it's demanding that I slow down. It's not in my DNA. But I'm trying. So this weekend we spend some time with the new trailer at the Lake of the Ozarks. We had to pull over off the freeway because of torrential rains that tried to stop us. Or maybe we just got stuck in a rainstorm. 
When we got to the RV site, the road to our reserved site had been washed out. So we were re-assigned a spot. Then our hot water heater wouldn't work. The next morning, we were without power due to storms during the night. 
We almost gave up and came home. But we persevered. We got out the generator. Having electricity allowed us to make coffee which always makes the morning brighter. Then we watched some YouTube videos about RV hot water heaters. The solution was easier than expected. The heater had been unplugged at the tank. After that, we relaxed and just enjoyed relaxing in the outdoors. I got a lot of reading done. It was glorious. 
The universe is talking to me and it's demanding that I slow down. It's not in my DNA. But I'm trying. So this weekend we spend some time with the new trailer at the Lake of the Ozarks. We had to pull over off the freeway because of torrential rains that tried to stop us. Or maybe we just got stuck in a rainstorm. When we got to the RV site, the road to our reserved site had been washed out. So we were re-assigned a spot. Then our hot water heater wouldn't work. The next morning, we were without power due to storms during the night. We almost gave up and came home. But we persevered. We got out the generator. Having electricity allowed us to make coffee which always makes the morning brighter. Then we watched some YouTube videos about RV hot water heaters. The solution was easier than expected. The heater had been unplugged at the tank. After that, we relaxed and just enjoyed relaxing in the outdoors. I got a lot of reading done. It was glorious.
July 15, 2018
Cover reveal
SANTA PUPPY, the third Tourist Trap novella was super fun to write. Jill's trying to solve a mystery that will make one lucky woman's Christmas seem miraculous. And Kensington went all out for the cover... Do you believe in Christmas magic? 
July 8, 2018
Killer Green Tomatoes - Release post
Killer Green Tomatoes, book 2 of the Farm-to-Fork Mystery series released on Tuesday. And you all exceeded my expectations! Thank you, readers. 
Having good release numbers matter to my publisher who makes decisions on my future based on these numbers. And I love getting reviews. They help me know that I'm on the right track with my books or if I've jumped the shark. Elle's Book Blog said this..."Her characters just seem to speak to me. They are realistic, relatable, and easy to love.""Everything about this series is totally engaging." - Carol - Goodreads Reviewer"The characters and location are well written and developed." -Sheri - Goodreads Reviewer"So much going on in this book that you cannot put it down." - Sharon - Goodreads ReviewerAnd I love the Idaho reviewers who are trying to guess what real town River Vista is modeled after.If you haven't picked up a copy, what are you waiting for?
The time seems ripe for success as Angie Turner opens her farm-to-table restaurant in her Idaho hometown—until her new tomato supplier is accused of murder and Angie has to pick the real killer . . . To Angie, nothing tastes more like summer than her Nona's fried green tomatoes. Eager to add the recipe to the menu at the County Seat, she's found the perfect produce supplier—her sous chef Estebe’s cousin, Javier. Just one problem: ladies’ man Javier’s current hot tomato Heather has turned up dead, and he’s the prime suspect. Somehow, between managing her restaurant and navigating a romantic triangle between Estebe and Ian, the owner/manager of the farmer's market, Angie needs to produce evidence to clear Javier—before this green tomato farmer gets fried . . .
Having good release numbers matter to my publisher who makes decisions on my future based on these numbers. And I love getting reviews. They help me know that I'm on the right track with my books or if I've jumped the shark. Elle's Book Blog said this..."Her characters just seem to speak to me. They are realistic, relatable, and easy to love.""Everything about this series is totally engaging." - Carol - Goodreads Reviewer"The characters and location are well written and developed." -Sheri - Goodreads Reviewer"So much going on in this book that you cannot put it down." - Sharon - Goodreads ReviewerAnd I love the Idaho reviewers who are trying to guess what real town River Vista is modeled after.If you haven't picked up a copy, what are you waiting for?The time seems ripe for success as Angie Turner opens her farm-to-table restaurant in her Idaho hometown—until her new tomato supplier is accused of murder and Angie has to pick the real killer . . . To Angie, nothing tastes more like summer than her Nona's fried green tomatoes. Eager to add the recipe to the menu at the County Seat, she's found the perfect produce supplier—her sous chef Estebe’s cousin, Javier. Just one problem: ladies’ man Javier’s current hot tomato Heather has turned up dead, and he’s the prime suspect. Somehow, between managing her restaurant and navigating a romantic triangle between Estebe and Ian, the owner/manager of the farmer's market, Angie needs to produce evidence to clear Javier—before this green tomato farmer gets fried . . .
July 1, 2018
Mid Year report
Happy July! I've taken some time today to go over my progress for the year on my resolutions. What gets measured, gets done. 
So here's my report. I've written two books and one novella. (I still have two books and two novella to go by end of November.)I've lost about 15 pounds - Depends on the scaleI've started a budgeting process I've released four books (or will by Tuesday)What I need to focus on the last half of the year:Continuing the budgetingWorking out more consistently. I've been walking most days, but I need to put in my work out 30 minutes.Stay on word count for the books during the week so I can take Sundays off. Exercise, Consistent, Abundance. The Year of Marketing. Those were my words for 2018. I'm learning a lot about marketing as it relates to the book business. I still have a lot to learn, but as I learn new things, I'm implementing them with my self published works under Lynn Collins. Right now, I'm finishing the release of the fifth book but I'm also going back and changing the titles for books 2-4 to focus more on the romance. (PROJECT DETOUR is now HEALING HEARTS) You can follow my progress on my Lynn Collins facebook page. 
Try, fail, try harder, fail bigger. Then succeed. It's a proven method. What are you failing at today? Lynn
So here's my report. I've written two books and one novella. (I still have two books and two novella to go by end of November.)I've lost about 15 pounds - Depends on the scaleI've started a budgeting process I've released four books (or will by Tuesday)What I need to focus on the last half of the year:Continuing the budgetingWorking out more consistently. I've been walking most days, but I need to put in my work out 30 minutes.Stay on word count for the books during the week so I can take Sundays off. Exercise, Consistent, Abundance. The Year of Marketing. Those were my words for 2018. I'm learning a lot about marketing as it relates to the book business. I still have a lot to learn, but as I learn new things, I'm implementing them with my self published works under Lynn Collins. Right now, I'm finishing the release of the fifth book but I'm also going back and changing the titles for books 2-4 to focus more on the romance. (PROJECT DETOUR is now HEALING HEARTS) You can follow my progress on my Lynn Collins facebook page. Try, fail, try harder, fail bigger. Then succeed. It's a proven method. What are you failing at today? Lynn
June 26, 2018
The disappearing month...
June just got away from me. I've had some additional activities. We sold our boat after a week of two hundred plus inquiries on Facebook. I took a local class given by my RWA chapter. Later that day I gave myself food poisoning and lost two days. Bad bacon. Then I had a conference the next weekend. I've been having some medical issues (besides the food poisoning) and had to have a minor surgery. Oh, and my husband rolled the toy (side by side) during this crazy month. 
Long story short, I haven't been blogging much. But somehow, page by page, word by word, I finished the fifth book of the Cat Latimer series and turned it into my editor ten days past our second agreed deadline but a day before the third. :) 
So today all is well in the Cahoon household. I'm just wondering what surprises July has in store for us.
Long story short, I haven't been blogging much. But somehow, page by page, word by word, I finished the fifth book of the Cat Latimer series and turned it into my editor ten days past our second agreed deadline but a day before the third. :) So today all is well in the Cahoon household. I'm just wondering what surprises July has in store for us.
June 3, 2018
Summer days...
Oh, those summer days…Kid Rock has a song called All Summer Long that reminds me of my first summer out on my own. It was after my first year of college and I hadn’t met my first husband yet. The guy I was dating and I went down to the river to meet friends and talk. There may have been a few alcoholic beverages involved and an illegal campfire.It was a glorious day and one that has stuck in my memory.It wasn’t because the guy was so wonderful, we broke up soon after this day. I can remember his last name, but have no idea on his first name. Or what we were doing so memorable. It was the simple act of getting a group together, talking and laughing. The day was hot and clear with a blue sky so deep, I swear you only see it in Idaho. The Boise River hummed nearby and a few of us took advantage of the hot summer day to cool off in its icy waters. The river gets its water from the surrounding mountain run off so it’s never warm, not even in August. 
These are the memories of growing up in a small town that I love to write about in my books. I’m a romance and mystery author, so there may or may not be a dead body in the story, but there will always be a sense of community. A small town feel.Fun, laughter, and love. What more can you ask for from a Summer of Love. I wish you one perfect day for your memory chests.~LynnPS - ROCKETS' DEAD GLARE is releasing on Tuesday, June 5th. This Tourist Trap novella is set just after IF THE SHOE KILLS and has some of my favorite untold South Cove stories. You can order at my websiteor where ever quality digital books are sold. :)
May 20, 2018
What cha reading?
On my author Facebook page, we do a roundup of all the books we've been reading over the last week. I'm always amazed at how many readers pause and comment on other posts. It's like going to the bookstore with a bunch of friends. 
"Hey, I've read this book and it's great." Friend #1 picks up IT'S RAINING CATS AND DOGS, A MEMOIR OF A HUMANE SOCIETY MANAGER"Really? I've thought about it but I was concerned that it didn't have enough puppies in the plot." Friend number two touches the cover which has two cats and a puppy."More than enough puppies..." The first friend assures her. And with that one conversation, a book is hand sold from one reader to the next. And isn't that the best way to find out about a new author in your favorite genre?I helped a friend pick out some beach reads for her upcoming trip. The first question I asked was what do you like to read? I could have sent her with all my cozy mysteries, but since she loves paranormal romance (witchcraft specific) and she's already read my The Council series, she would have been disappointed. 
Instead I grabbed a book I'd read, then looked at the also boughts on the digital bookstore we were in. She took the suggestions and went to wander through the local bookstore to find her stash. 
One book at a time. One reader at a time. When was the last time you suggested a book you loved? And, if you're not following me on Facebook, stop by some Friday and tell me what cha reading. Lynn
"Hey, I've read this book and it's great." Friend #1 picks up IT'S RAINING CATS AND DOGS, A MEMOIR OF A HUMANE SOCIETY MANAGER"Really? I've thought about it but I was concerned that it didn't have enough puppies in the plot." Friend number two touches the cover which has two cats and a puppy."More than enough puppies..." The first friend assures her. And with that one conversation, a book is hand sold from one reader to the next. And isn't that the best way to find out about a new author in your favorite genre?I helped a friend pick out some beach reads for her upcoming trip. The first question I asked was what do you like to read? I could have sent her with all my cozy mysteries, but since she loves paranormal romance (witchcraft specific) and she's already read my The Council series, she would have been disappointed. Instead I grabbed a book I'd read, then looked at the also boughts on the digital bookstore we were in. She took the suggestions and went to wander through the local bookstore to find her stash. One book at a time. One reader at a time. When was the last time you suggested a book you loved? And, if you're not following me on Facebook, stop by some Friday and tell me what cha reading. Lynn
May 13, 2018
A new cover - SLAY IN CHARACTER
Today kicked off right with a cover reveal on Dru's Book Musing. I so love this cover and it's getting great comments from readers. 
So what do you think? 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 . . .Available for pre-order now. Amazon * Nook * Kobo *iBooks
So what do you think? 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 . . .Available for pre-order now. Amazon * Nook * Kobo *iBooks
May 8, 2018
Fitting in a little fun
I don't know about your schedule, but mine's pretty booked. But all work and no play makes Jack an axe waving maniac. I took last weekend off and went down south. 
We camped at an off road ranch with acres of trails. But it wasn't all riding. There was plenty of time to sit in the new lawn chairs and, well, just relax. I got some reading in. Spent some quality time with the Cowboy and the boys. And had some fun. 
This week, I'm going to the theatre after work with a buddy. Phantom of the Opera. So excited to see the classic story. 
From trail riding to theatre, my life is a series of contrasts. Just the way I like it....Lynn
We camped at an off road ranch with acres of trails. But it wasn't all riding. There was plenty of time to sit in the new lawn chairs and, well, just relax. I got some reading in. Spent some quality time with the Cowboy and the boys. And had some fun. This week, I'm going to the theatre after work with a buddy. Phantom of the Opera. So excited to see the classic story. From trail riding to theatre, my life is a series of contrasts. Just the way I like it....Lynn
