Tag Archive for: #amwriting #mystery #lynnmcpherson

On The Road Again…

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By Lynn McPherson
As another summer comes to an end, it’s time to grab hold of the remaining time and run with it. It’s been a challenging stretch and we’ve decided to do something special this year. That’s why, after much talk and contemplation, we’ve decided to hit the road. Yes folks, we’re heading out on an adventure, to see where the wind (and Google Maps) takes us.
It’s time for a family vacation!
Since we are not good at packing light, we decided to go big, try something new, with more space and more comfort. We are renting an RV. A shiny 28-foot vehicle will be waiting for us, complete with a kitchen, a bathroom and beds for four. We are driving north, completing a 1,500-mile circle. I said adventure, right?
Our first stop is The Canadian Polar Bear Habitat, whose mission it is to promote polar bear sustainability through research and educational tourism. There are four polar bears currently living in the 24-acre enclosure. It sounds fantastic. The kids are stoked. We are confident this will be a smashing success.
Next on our tour is Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes of North America. The facts surrounding the massive body of water are impressive. The shoreline, for example measures 2,726 miles (4,385 km), according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). There are hundreds of shipwrecks and loads of interesting history, worthy of research and reading. The beaches look beautiful, if cold, and it will provide endless opportunities to explore and enjoy its natural beauty and its one-of-a kind fun.
Finally, we will head to Manitoulin Island, the largest fresh water island in the world. Rich in history, beauty, and community, it is the perfect place for a final stop. Our plans include going to the beach and star-gazing, exploring and relaxing.
So, what are my final thoughts on hitting the road? What do I hope to accomplish? There are three things I want to do. The first is to have fun with the family. Second, explore new places while meeting new people. Finally, take time to appreciate the joys of a new experience.
While images of Chevy Chase and Wally World invade my dreams, I remind myself of all the fun things that are out there to see and enjoy. If anyone has suggestions for not-to-miss places along the way, please let me know.
How are you spending the last weeks of summer?
Lynn McPherson has worked for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, ran a small business, and taught English across the globe. She has travelled the world solo where her daring spirit has led her to jump out of airplanes, dive with sharks, and learn she would never master a surfboard. She now channels her lifelong love of adventure and history into her writing, where she is free to go anywhere, anytime. Her cozy series has three books out: The Girls’ Weekend Murder and The Girls Whispered Murder, and The Girls Dressed For Murder.  

Spring forward!

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By Lynn McPherson
Spring is emerging and I couldn’t be more grateful for it. No matter what is happening in the world, seasons change and time moves forward. Daffodils and tulips are coming up. Beauty surrounds us in spite of the dark days.
It is a great time to discover a new book, a new series, or a new author. Have you been looking? There are so many great new stories emerging, it may be time to peruse your local bookstore—online, of course.
Independent bookstores have been working hard to meet the demands of social distancing. You may be surprised to find that many are temporarily delivering right to your door.
My local independent book seller, A Different Drummer, has closed its doors, but is providing free delivery. As a big supporter of local authors like myself, it is important to keep them in mind.
Not sure what to read? Why not check out some of The Stiletto Gang members’ new books?  With so many fabulous options, it could take a whole day trying to choose which one.
We can all do our part to help each other. If staying home and reading a book is a start, you will not hear me complaining.
Take care of yourself and be well.

Lynn McPherson has worked for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, ran a small business, and taught English across the globe. She has travelled the world solo where her daring spirit has led her to jump out of airplanes, dive with sharks, and learn she would never master a surfboard. She now channels her lifelong love of adventure and history into her writing, where she is free to go anywhere, anytime. Her cozy series has three books out: The Girls’ Weekend Murder and The Girls Whispered Murder, and The Girls Dressed For Murder.  

Community!

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By Lynn McPherson
Some say writing is a lonely profession. There is an assumption authors sit solo in a quiet room day after day, typing away on a computer as the rest of the world carries on around them. There are days I’ve felt like this—after a long stretch of typing, getting up and walking outside, my eyes squinting at the bright sunlight coming down from above. Writers need a space where they are not distracted and can focus on transferring their thoughts into words.
Outside of writing time, however, I would argue that being involved with the greater community is a valuable and important part of being an author. We no longer have to toil alone in a dark corner lit only by the flame of a small candlelight. With the connectivity of the world today, it is almost essential to get outside of one’s comfort zone and interact with others. I’m not talking about random conversations at your local coffee shop—I mean joining established groups who have dedicated themselves to helping authors connect. There are several groups like this. I will highlight a few that have helped me build my community of support and fostered relationships that have become an important part of my life.
First of all, there is Sisters In Crime. SinC is an international network made up of thousands of authors, readers, and associated professionals from around the globe. It was founded in the mid-eighties. Since then, they have never lost focus on their mission, “to promote the ongoing advancement, recognition and professional development of women crime writers.” They have been instrumental in helping to develop many authors careers through their network of mentoring, online and local chapter communities, as well as education and promotion.
There is also Crime Writers of Canada (CWC), akin to groups such as Mystery Writers of America and The Crime Writers’ Association in the UK. I am the Toronto representative for CWC and have had many friendships develop as a result of my participation in the group. The mission is “to promote crime writing in Canada and to raise the profile of the genre’s established and aspiring authors.” Through my time as a member, I have made valuable connections and had a lot of fun.
 I would encourage writers at any stage of their career to reach out to their peers. It is a great way to meet like-minded people and throw about ideas about the industry, their career, and their work-in-progress, too. Who else are you going to find with so much enthusiasm when listening to ideas about how to kill off a fictional character?
There is so much fun to be had and always something to learn. Go ahead and see what you can find. The writing community is there for you!

Lynn McPherson has worked for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, ran a small business, and taught English across the globe. She has travelled the world solo where her daring spirit has led her to jump out of airplanes, dive with sharks, and learn she would never master a surfboard. She now channels her lifelong love of adventure and history into her writing, where she is free to go anywhere, anytime. Her cozy series has three books out: The Girls’ Weekend Murder and The Girls Whispered Murder, and The Girls Dressed For Murder.  


Character Development: The Protagonist

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By Lynn McPherson

January is a great time for new beginnings, in life and in
writing. Today I’m going to focus on the importance of writing a good
protagonist in a mystery series. It is an essential part of a story and one
that should be considered carefully.
There are a number of characteristics that must be decided
about a central figure in a book. As a mystery writer, I always consider the
sleuth first. Who am I going to be working with on a daily basis? Big question.
First of all, a writer must decide if their character is
going to be a professional detective. If the crime solver is a police officer,
they must follow official protocol. There are specific methods used by the
detective, subject to the laws of the particular location where the story is
based. It would belong to the sub-genre known as a police procedural. A great
example is Louise Penny’s Chief Inspector Armand Gamache Series. If you are
interested in writing one, read these. They are fabulous.
If the detective is not a professional, the books fit into
the Amateur Sleuth category. Do you want to create an insightful character who
stumbles onto mysteries? Like Jessica Fletcher from Murder, She Wrote, or Joanna Fluke’s Hannah Swensen Series? These are typically light-hearted whodunnits
that incorporate fun into murder. The trick is to be mindful of how and why the sleuth is able to
solve the mystery as opposed to the police. Amateur Sleuth books are my favourite. Mine fit into this category. My amateur sleuth, Izzy Walsh, is a busy 1950’s homemaker who has great intuition and a knack for trouble.

Other considerations to consider are strengths and
weaknesses. No one is perfect so it is important to create a likeable yet
flawed character. Are they observant but clumsy? Perceptive yet disorganized?
You must decide how to give your character a leg up on others around them so they are successful in their quest to solve the crime. But make sure they are worth rooting for. If the main character is rude or arrogant, it’s a tough sell and makes it difficult to pull the reader into the story. Make
sure you create someone who fans can cheer on and invest in.
Finally, you need to make sure there is a reason for the
protagonist to be in the story. What is their motivation? If you are writing a
police procedural, this is less of a concern, other than to have an
understanding of what compelled them to become a police officer in the first place. For
the Amateur Sleuth, we need to know why they are there. Has their friend been
wrongly accused? Do they have a personal connection to the crime? Or, do they have a natural curiosity that drives their determination?
There are so many choices and decisions to consider when
creating your protagonist. These are just a few suggestions of where to start.
Good luck and, most importantly, have fun with it!


Lynn McPherson has worked for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, ran a small business, and taught English across the globe. She has travelled the world solo where her daring spirit has led her to jump out of airplanes, dive with sharks, and learn she would never master a surfboard. She now channels her lifelong love of adventure and history into her writing, where she is free to go anywhere, anytime. Her cozy series has three books out: The Girls’ Weekend Murder and The Girls Whispered Murder, and The Girls Dressed For Murder.