Lynn Cahoon's Blog, page 9
February 6, 2018
Home again, home again...
Part of the fun of traveling is when you have a partner in crime. Mine is Laura Bradford. She's expanding her writing world into women's fiction this year with her Amish book, A PORTRAIT OF A SISTER. 
We work hard when we're together. We plot. We brainstorm. And help each other develop marketing plans. Like this trip to Alabama. 
And that's in between all the events we came to the area to do. It's fun having someone to bounce ideas off and to share experiences with. But it was so lovely to be home again last night with my guy and the boys. 
First trip is in the books. Lynn
We work hard when we're together. We plot. We brainstorm. And help each other develop marketing plans. Like this trip to Alabama. And that's in between all the events we came to the area to do. It's fun having someone to bounce ideas off and to share experiences with. But it was so lovely to be home again last night with my guy and the boys. First trip is in the books. Lynn
January 28, 2018
Alabama bound...
So I'm getting on a plane this week to head to Alabama. Although I've been in the airport before for a lay-over, this is my first real trip to the state. I'm looking forward to soaking in some Alabama hospitality and meeting new readers. 
But before that, I've got a few things to get off my list. I've already finished final edits, formated, and uploaded my new Castle View romance, OFF SIDES. It will release on February 1st. So excited to get this story of second chances out into the world. 
And, I've sent off the third in the Farm to Fork series, ONE POTATO, TWO POTATO, DEAD, to my editor. 
Now a set of copy edits, a set of page proofs, and a developmental edit to get done. And then I get to write my Christmas novella. (Which explains why I haven't put away my Santa display yet. I need the inspiration.)
That's my story anyway. See you around, Lynn
But before that, I've got a few things to get off my list. I've already finished final edits, formated, and uploaded my new Castle View romance, OFF SIDES. It will release on February 1st. So excited to get this story of second chances out into the world. And, I've sent off the third in the Farm to Fork series, ONE POTATO, TWO POTATO, DEAD, to my editor. Now a set of copy edits, a set of page proofs, and a developmental edit to get done. And then I get to write my Christmas novella. (Which explains why I haven't put away my Santa display yet. I need the inspiration.)That's my story anyway. See you around, Lynn
January 21, 2018
Fighting to come up for air
Kind of figuratively and literally. I got sick a week ago Friday. I know when I'm coming down with something. I get grumpy, things make me cry, and all I want to eat is sugar. Well, typically, it passes with a good night's sleep. This time, not so much. It put me down and out for over a week and sent me scurrying to the doctor's office for drugs. 
But, I've also received three new 'projects' I've been expecting but hoped to be farther on the current WIP's that I have on my desk to finish before my trip to Alabama. 
So I'm in the weeds. Good news is I'm feeling somewhat better and hope to be cough free before I go meet and greet my Alabama fans. And I've gotten one of the pesky projects off my desk and am back making progress on the others. 
As one of my friends quotes me, "It will be fine." And it will, but I'm feeling the strain. What's your best kick the cold to the curb cure?
But, I've also received three new 'projects' I've been expecting but hoped to be farther on the current WIP's that I have on my desk to finish before my trip to Alabama. So I'm in the weeds. Good news is I'm feeling somewhat better and hope to be cough free before I go meet and greet my Alabama fans. And I've gotten one of the pesky projects off my desk and am back making progress on the others. As one of my friends quotes me, "It will be fine." And it will, but I'm feeling the strain. What's your best kick the cold to the curb cure?
January 14, 2018
2018 Goals/resolutions/projects
I had my accountability partner call this week and we went over our goals. I never feel like they're quite complete until after that talk, so here goes, in no specific order. #1 Finish my 2018 contracts. This one has been already on my radar as I'm on book deadline, have a set of developmental edits due this month, a set of copy edits due next week, and some marketing posts due to my publisher this month. 
#2 Learn more about Marketing. I've signed up for a copywriting class that started this week. I'm also part of a marketing masterminds group that I always find something interesting in when I leave the meeting.
#3 Get healthy - lose weight, workout more, eat better. And I promptly got sick. Hoping I'm over the worst of it. 
#4 Focus more on the Self Published books. Of course, that means I have to have the work done for the first resolution. 
#5 Get my financial house in order. I like this goal because it doesn't just talk about paying off credit cards. I want to look at the whole of my financial house. 
There are a few more that I'm not going to share, but this is the major ones. What about you? What are your goals? Lynn
#2 Learn more about Marketing. I've signed up for a copywriting class that started this week. I'm also part of a marketing masterminds group that I always find something interesting in when I leave the meeting.#3 Get healthy - lose weight, workout more, eat better. And I promptly got sick. Hoping I'm over the worst of it. #4 Focus more on the Self Published books. Of course, that means I have to have the work done for the first resolution. #5 Get my financial house in order. I like this goal because it doesn't just talk about paying off credit cards. I want to look at the whole of my financial house. There are a few more that I'm not going to share, but this is the major ones. What about you? What are your goals? Lynn
January 7, 2018
First item checked off for 2018
I've spent the week writing romance as my other author name. The book I just finished and sent to my editor was one I started in early 2017. I'm really glad to get it off my to do list and out in the world. But I'd forgotten how emotional romance is to write. I cried on Saturday when I wrote the black moment where there was no way the couple could be together. Then as they solved their issues in the last chapter, I cried again. Now that I've read through the story, I'm really proud of it. Stories are like that. You finish one, then go on to the next. It's more like crafting a quilt than sitting on a production line, but it's still work. 
This week it's back to the third Farm-to-Fork book. Angie is trying to keep her dishwasher out of jail and figuring out why her boyfriend took an impromptu trip out of the country. 
And I'm taking a copywriting class this month. I'll be busy. With the weather being too cold to do much outside, it's a good time to get things done inside.What are you working on this week?
But I'd forgotten how emotional romance is to write. I cried on Saturday when I wrote the black moment where there was no way the couple could be together. Then as they solved their issues in the last chapter, I cried again. Now that I've read through the story, I'm really proud of it. Stories are like that. You finish one, then go on to the next. It's more like crafting a quilt than sitting on a production line, but it's still work. This week it's back to the third Farm-to-Fork book. Angie is trying to keep her dishwasher out of jail and figuring out why her boyfriend took an impromptu trip out of the country. And I'm taking a copywriting class this month. I'll be busy. With the weather being too cold to do much outside, it's a good time to get things done inside.What are you working on this week?
December 31, 2017
Goodbye 2017
As the night falls here in Illinois, I'm thinking about what this year brought to me and the lessons I learned. Lesson 1- You gotta have friends... (Yep, you're singing along with me now, aren't you?) I've had the joy of reconnecting with old friends this year along with keeping connected with friends who are no longer in my daily universe. I have several local writer friends I make sure I spend time with frequently, typically over a meal. I've learned a lot from these connections about life and my chosen profession. 
Lesson 2 - Families are foreverGood or bad, your family is part of you. I may not reach out enough, but I'm trying to keep those connections solid. 
Lesson 3 - If it's going to be, it's up to me. As an adult, no one is going to be looking over your shoulder to see if you're following up on your goals. No one (except my husband when I whine) tells me to get back to writing. If I miss a deadline, that's on me. Not the friends who talked me into going shopping every Saturday for the last three months. 
And I think there's one more lesson I learned this year. Lesson 4- Celebrate your accomplishmentsI didn't have parents who rewarded me for good grades. So I'm used to putting in a lot of effort for little accomplishments. But even though I wasn't raised that way, I can teach myself to be kind and gentle to myself. Which means giving props when they are due. Like when I finish a book. Or release a book. Or hit a list. 
What are some lessons you've learned this year?
Lesson 2 - Families are foreverGood or bad, your family is part of you. I may not reach out enough, but I'm trying to keep those connections solid. Lesson 3 - If it's going to be, it's up to me. As an adult, no one is going to be looking over your shoulder to see if you're following up on your goals. No one (except my husband when I whine) tells me to get back to writing. If I miss a deadline, that's on me. Not the friends who talked me into going shopping every Saturday for the last three months. And I think there's one more lesson I learned this year. Lesson 4- Celebrate your accomplishmentsI didn't have parents who rewarded me for good grades. So I'm used to putting in a lot of effort for little accomplishments. But even though I wasn't raised that way, I can teach myself to be kind and gentle to myself. Which means giving props when they are due. Like when I finish a book. Or release a book. Or hit a list. What are some lessons you've learned this year?
December 24, 2017
Seasons Greetings...
A Visit from St. Nicholas...'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the houseNot a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there... --Clement Clark Moore 
Happy holidays, Lynn
Happy holidays, Lynn
December 16, 2017
Ending 2017 with a bang
As I review my 2017 posts, I see I talked a lot about work life balance and being so busy I wanted to take off by myself in the desert. 
Not good. So next year, I'm going to change some of that. I'm still on a writing schedule that should be a full time job but I'm also still at the day job. I have contracts to fulfill. But I also want to be able to breath. I'm cutting down my travel schedule for a year. I'll be going to fewer conferences and more reader events. And I'm going to continue my new tradition of doing one JUST FOR LYNN thing during my travel time. It's a reward system that seemed to work. I'm going to continue to develop relationships and network with other authors in my genre or where I want to be. I don't have to be part of a club to network, but sometimes it helps. I'm going to take the time to read one book a month on top of the audio books I devour on my commute. That way I can study different author styles and voices. 
I'm starting 2018 as the year of Marketing. By the end of the year, I should know more about marketing and be more effective and efficient with my writing business. 
Because this is a business. If I'm a traditional author (with a publisher) or self publishing, one thing is the same.If it's going to be, it's up to me. Have you started thinking about 2018 goals?
Not good. So next year, I'm going to change some of that. I'm still on a writing schedule that should be a full time job but I'm also still at the day job. I have contracts to fulfill. But I also want to be able to breath. I'm cutting down my travel schedule for a year. I'll be going to fewer conferences and more reader events. And I'm going to continue my new tradition of doing one JUST FOR LYNN thing during my travel time. It's a reward system that seemed to work. I'm going to continue to develop relationships and network with other authors in my genre or where I want to be. I don't have to be part of a club to network, but sometimes it helps. I'm going to take the time to read one book a month on top of the audio books I devour on my commute. That way I can study different author styles and voices. I'm starting 2018 as the year of Marketing. By the end of the year, I should know more about marketing and be more effective and efficient with my writing business. Because this is a business. If I'm a traditional author (with a publisher) or self publishing, one thing is the same.If it's going to be, it's up to me. Have you started thinking about 2018 goals?
December 10, 2017
Praise for OF MURDER AND MEN
OF MURDER AND MEN released last week and has been getting some great reviews from the cozy reader world. Linda Langford from Chatting About Cozies said - "I love the Cat Latimer writer’s retreat mystery series. Book 3 is excellent!"Dru from Dru's Book Musing - "It's the best one in the series..."Cozy Mystery Book Reviews said - "Of Murder and Men is my FAVORITE book so far in this series !!" Cozy Up with Kathy said - "OF MURDER AND MEN is a well balanced novel combining dual mysteries with a touch of romance amid an intriguing backdrop."Thanks to everyone who bought, read, and/or reviewed OF MURDER AND MEN. I love my new Aspen Hills gang and I'm really glad you do as well. Thankfully, Lynn
December 3, 2017
Release week - OF MURDER AND MEN
Yes, its time for the third installment in the Cat Latimer series, OF MURDER AND MEN. Want a taste? Here's an excerpt. Buy a copy at your favorite digital and physical book store. Check out more here.Trust. It was a hard word to put into practice. Especially when you applied it to humans, who—with the little thing called free will—didn’t seem to worry about breaking promises.Cat Latimer sank into the leather chair her ex-husband—well, now deceased ex-husband—Michael had purchased through an online estate sale. The soft leather chair had been advertised as part of Tom Clancy’s writing office. She had a feeling that, at the price Michael had paid for the item, it probably was just an old chair. But it was lovely and comfortable, and still, after almost a year, smelled like Michael’s aftershave.The television was turned on to the Cooking Channel and a celebrity chef whom Cat didn’t recognize was making cinnamon rolls. Normally, the house would smell like baked goods since they had a new group of writers coming in for the January retreat, but Shauna Mary Clodagh wasn’t baking in the kitchen. Her best friend and partner in the retreat business wasn’t even in the house. Shauna had promised to be here late tonight so there would be fresh baked goods available as soon as guests started arriving sometime around two. She’d talked Seth into doing the airport runs so all she had to do was cook and manage the lodging part of the retreat.Cat wasn’t holding her breath. Of Murder and Men…. Love is in the air in Aspen Hills, and it’s making a terrible mess of Cat Latimer’s writers’ retreat—especially when blood stains the plot . . .Ever since her business partner, Shauna, fell for a wealthy landowner in town, Cat has been working double time to keep her writers’ retreat running. And with the January session almost underway, that spells trouble. As if scheduling mishaps aren’t disastrous enough, Shauna skips out on kitchen duties one morning, forcing Cat to serve unsuspecting guests store-bought muffins . . .But best laid plans really go awry when Shauna discovers her beau missing from their bed. When his body later turns up in the horse barn, they quickly find out the victim’s scandalous lifestyle left many dying for revenge. While balancing an eccentric group of aspiring writers and a suspect list for the record books, Cat soon finds herself on the heels of a killer—and authoring her most deadly conclusion yet . . .
Want a taste? Here's an excerpt. Buy a copy at your favorite digital and physical book store. Check out more here.Trust. It was a hard word to put into practice. Especially when you applied it to humans, who—with the little thing called free will—didn’t seem to worry about breaking promises.Cat Latimer sank into the leather chair her ex-husband—well, now deceased ex-husband—Michael had purchased through an online estate sale. The soft leather chair had been advertised as part of Tom Clancy’s writing office. She had a feeling that, at the price Michael had paid for the item, it probably was just an old chair. But it was lovely and comfortable, and still, after almost a year, smelled like Michael’s aftershave.The television was turned on to the Cooking Channel and a celebrity chef whom Cat didn’t recognize was making cinnamon rolls. Normally, the house would smell like baked goods since they had a new group of writers coming in for the January retreat, but Shauna Mary Clodagh wasn’t baking in the kitchen. Her best friend and partner in the retreat business wasn’t even in the house. Shauna had promised to be here late tonight so there would be fresh baked goods available as soon as guests started arriving sometime around two. She’d talked Seth into doing the airport runs so all she had to do was cook and manage the lodging part of the retreat.Cat wasn’t holding her breath. Of Murder and Men…. Love is in the air in Aspen Hills, and it’s making a terrible mess of Cat Latimer’s writers’ retreat—especially when blood stains the plot . . .Ever since her business partner, Shauna, fell for a wealthy landowner in town, Cat has been working double time to keep her writers’ retreat running. And with the January session almost underway, that spells trouble. As if scheduling mishaps aren’t disastrous enough, Shauna skips out on kitchen duties one morning, forcing Cat to serve unsuspecting guests store-bought muffins . . .But best laid plans really go awry when Shauna discovers her beau missing from their bed. When his body later turns up in the horse barn, they quickly find out the victim’s scandalous lifestyle left many dying for revenge. While balancing an eccentric group of aspiring writers and a suspect list for the record books, Cat soon finds herself on the heels of a killer—and authoring her most deadly conclusion yet . . .
