Tag Archive for: #cozymystery #lynnmcpherson #girlsdressedformurder

Planning Inspiration

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 By Lynn McPherson

Looking for inspiration these days can be tricky. Where do you go to find it? I am happy to report that I’m planning mine to come by way of my sister’s upcoming birthday. Weird, right? Let me explain. My sister has a milestone coming up this fall and has organized a trip to celebrate. Not a big surprise since she loves to travel. It’ll be her first time away for over two years, but she and her husband are finally ready to head out again to explore the world, one destination at a time. This time, her plans include me!

The destination is Paris. The trip will include my sister and her husband, my parents, and myself. I’d love to bring my husband, too, but that would mean bringing the kids. And that would be a different trip. 

Posing in front of Basilique de Sacre-Coeur 

I love Paris. I haven’t been in many years(!) and I am already counting down the days. I used to visit more often, having lived two years in London and having much easier access to the City of Lights. I’ve included a few photos from back then…

The first question my sister had for me is what I want to do. She shared her list and wanted to know mine. I had no answer. It had been so long since I planned a vacation without the kids, I didn’t even know where to start. So, I decided I should start with a book (of course). I downloaded Paris, by Edward Rutherford on Audible, and picked up a copy of The Paris Apartment, by Lucy Foley.

I’m already thinking about the people and places I’ll see, the fun I’ll have, and the memories I’ll keep. I’m also thinking about how I can bring Paris into a mystery.

I’m excited and inspired. And I’m not even there yet!

Where do you find inspiration?

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.  



Reading with Your Ears–Hooray for Audiobooks!

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 By Lynn McPherson

I have to talk–gush–about audiobooks because I’ve been obsessed with them since the beginning of the pandemic. Many of you may be familiar and well-versed on the many wondrous things about them, but for those of you who haven’t yet indulged, I’m here to encourage you to give them a try.

The books in my Izzy Walsh series aren’t available as audiobooks (at least not yet) but some of my Stiletto Gang sisters are, like Debra H. Goldstein. Her Sarah Blair Mystery series is a whole lot of fun and I highly recommend it! 

Today, I’m going to share my top three reasons why audiobooks are fabulous.

1. They are a great reason for a walk! I’m always ready to head outside when I’m deep into a fun new mystery. My dog is a fan too because whenever she sees me pull out an earphone it’s guaranteed to be an extra long outing. As soon as I get back inside I inevitably get busy with something else, but walks are my time to dig in. If I had to rely on traditional reading, I’d get through way fewer books!

2. It’s a great way to travel around the world. I’ve devoured all the Carlene O’Connor mystery books I could get my paws on and have been delighted to listen to the lyrical Irish accent in her Irish Village Mystery Series. So much fun!

3. You can listen anywhere, anytime. I mentioned walking but that’s just the beginning. I listen to audiobooks when I’m driving, cooking, and even in the pool! 

Hot tip: libraries are an excellent place to discover new authors and/or new series to discover!

Have you been a longtime listener, are you a new fan, or have you yet to try? 

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.  


Something New? I Dare You!

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 By Lynn McPherson

I’m a cozy mystery reader and writer. I love whodunnit mysteries with familiar characters who make me feel at home. Most recently, I’ve finished the first book in a new cozy series. I’m in the process of querying (not recommended for the faint-hearted) and while I wait for responses, I’m in a bit of a conundrum. What should I do now?

The correct answer? Write, of course! Like everything in the book business, things move slowly and it could take months to get a response. But if my book doesn’t snag the attention of a literary agent, should I keep going with it? It’s a tough choice.

For now, I’ve decided to try something new.

I’m going to leave the cozy world behind (very briefly!) to see what it is like on the other side–the darker side. I have a few ideas brewing. Why not venture somewhere different while I wait? To become a better writer, there are two things an author should do. The first is read. The second is write.

Wish me luck on my new literary adventure abroad!

Have you ever stepped outside your comfort zone? What did you do?

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.  

Social Media Musings

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By Lynn McPherson

Everyone knows the beast that is social media. It’s everywhere. How can an author manage the good, the bad, and the ugly? Today, let’s look at how to find a balance.

Let’s start at the beginning. Why use it?

There are lots of reasons social media is worthwhile. To begin with, it can help sell books. By having an active and interactive online presence, people get to know you and what you write. It is an opportunity to introduce the world to what’s important to you. If you focus on subjects and topics that align with the themes in your book, you can help build your brand–and your audience.

Next, it is a way to be part of a (virtual) community. Social media gives authors a way to connect with their peers–other authors, booksellers, librarians, industry folks, and readers. You can stay at home and still interact with likeminded people. Finding a connection with others is what life is all about.

Finally, it can be a way to learn. Why not take the opportunity to improve your craft with tips and tidbits from quality sources–from Youtube videos created by literary agents, to author interviews, to informative podcasts from industry insiders–it’s all there for the taking. Want to know about industry pitfalls? Find out manuscript wishlists from agents? Get advice on how to improve your writing? If you look around, there are gems to be found.

So, with all these great benefits, why not be connected all the time? Because you need to write.

Social media can be like a black hole, taking up minutes, hours, or even days. It is important to be aware of how much time and thought you are spending online. If you often find yourself distracted by it, maybe you should consider removing it from your laptop or desktop–whatever you use to write. If you are getting popups and alerts, you will be constantly interrupted, making it difficult to immerse yourself into your fictional world. Another option is to set specific times you go online. Fifteen minutes in the morning and a half hour at night, for example. Whatever works for you. Just make sure it doesn’t use up the time and energy you need to write.

How much time to you spend on social media? Do you find it a worthwhile use of your time?

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.  

Starting the New Year Write!

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 By Lynn McPherson

The holidays are a great time to sit back and take a deep breath. It is a time for reflection and rejuvenation. Today I’d like to talk about preparing for a great year of writing and how the holiday break fits in. There are three things I’d like you to consider. Three things that could set you up for a productive year ahead. Let’s take a look.

1. Brain Drain. Say what? Yes, one of the best ways to prepare to start the year fresh is to let your mind decompress. Life is busy. 2020 has been intense and difficult. The end of the year we are given the opportunity to step away from schedules and deadlines. It is the best time to allow our mind the freedom to roam and wander and let everything slow down. When the year kicks in and life starts up again in full force, it will be refreshed and ready for new challenges and new ideas to take shape. There is no better time to let the creative juices flow.

2. Read. The end of the year is a great time to catch up on the year’s titles you’ve been trying to fit in. Turn on the fireplace, put on some cozy slippers, and dive in. Late at night, when the house is quiet and the moon is out, indulge your imagination. What better way to inspire your own writing than by reading something new?

3. Plan it Out. When you have time to yourself, without looming deadlines and conference calls, why not grab a calendar–a personal calendar–and start to jot down some ideas? What would you like to accomplish? Set some goals–reasonable goals you can aim for in the coming weeks, months, and year.

Life is busy and complicated. Now is the best time to sit back and think. Sometimes we are so busy doing things, we forget what and why we are doing them in the first place. Embrace the quiet holiday this year and let your mind wander and linger and relax. It is the best way to prevent a burn out and take some much needed time for yourself. There is no better way to get ready for the year ahead.

Watch out 2021!

Do you have plans for the coming year? What are you hoping to accomplish?

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.