Tag Archive for: #lynnmcpherson

Interview with a Literary Agent!

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By Lynn McPherson

I’m super excited to announce that I’ve found an agent to represent my work! Carol Woien from Blue Ridge Literary Agency. While I dig into initial edits, I thought it might be fun to find out more about Carol, and her journey to becoming an agent.

What is a literary agent?

A literary agent represents authors to publishers, helps build careers, negotiates contracts, and can also offer creative guidance such as book edits.

How, and why, did you become an agent?

I’m friends on Facebook with agent Dawn Dowdle, owner of the Blue Ridge Literary Agency. In one of her Facebook posts she mentioned that she’d hired an agent. I commented that I’d be interested in becoming an agent, too if she had another opening. She messaged me back, we talked, and here I am!

What are some of the most recent books you’ve read and enjoyed? Any all-time favorites?

So many! I love most all cozy mysteries, especially those by J.C. Eaton, Valerie Burns, and Leslie Budewitz. I’m also a big fan of psychological suspense by Shari Lapena, Ruth Ware, and the writing team of Greet Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. I also confess to loving Danielle Steel. All-time favorite? Daphne by Rebecca Du Maurier is certainly up there.

What do you look for in an author?

Patience, creativity, imagination, good writing skills, and flexibility. Did I mention patience?

Any querying tips?

Queries ideally should hover around 250 words. You need to get to the point quickly with your hook and pitch, and the obstacles your character faces. It’s okay to query several agents at a time, but make sure you personalize each query. Be professional.

What is on your #MSWL?

Cozy mysteries, romance, true crime, and suspense.

Where can we find you?

Carol Woien, Literary Agent 

https://www.facebook.com/carolwoien

Carol lives in Indiana with her husband. Under a pseudonym, she is the author of two previously published cozy mysteries.  She spends her free time reading, writing, at the beach or a pool, visiting with family, and avoiding math. 

The Senses of the Season

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By Lynn McPherson
With Thanksgiving just days away,
it’s time to kick off the holiday season. As I opened up all the boxes with
lights and decorations, my festive feelings were thrown into high gear with just
one whiff of a gingerbread-scented candle.
It was a great reminder of the
importance of using all five senses in writing. Let’s look at how much of a
difference it can make if a writer incorporates more than just what the eye can
see. I thought we could use a Thanksgiving setting as our demonstration…

What could be the highlights of a
Thanksgiving meal, if we were restricted to the sense of sight: a big turkey,
decorative pine cones, family gathered together, a festive tree, sparking
lights, a dimmed room with a roaring fire. Now, add in the smell of turkey
cooking in the oven. And the scent of fresh pine of a crisp after-dinner walk.
Doesn’t that start to bring the scene alive?  How about the murmur of happy chatter and the
warmth emanating from the fire? With the addition of sound, smell, and touch, the reader is given a fuller experience—perhaps even
initiating their own memories of holidays past. Without this, the scene may seem hollow—and that’s never good when you’re trying to
entice the reader into your character’s world.
How about if we switch the scenario
to a busy city street?  Other than the
sights around, there might be a pungent smell of a passing garbage truck, the
loud honking of nearby taxis, or the firm brush of hurried passersby. Another
example could be a busy coffee shop. Look around next time you’re in one—think about
what’s happening. Would you miss the buzzing of friendly chatter? The grinding
sounds of a coffee maker preparing to serve fresh brew? And the delicious smell of fresh brew. All these things can
help the readers set their imagination in motion. This is particularly
important at the beginning when you want to hook the reader.
            So
as you unpack your ornaments and prepare your festive dinner, let it be a
reminder to be aware of all the wonderful sensations the holiday season has to
offer and to enjoy each one.
            I
wish everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving weekend. May you have the chance
to see your loved ones and curl up in front of the fire with a good mystery—I
know that’s what I’ll be doing…


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.  

The Joys of Getting Out!

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By Lynn McPherson

On Saturday, I had a book launch for my third book, The Girls Dressed For Murder. Accomplished and hilarious author, Melodie Campbell, shared the stage with me. We did short readings and answered questions by talented artist and reviewer, Don Graves. It was at our local independent bookstore and had an excellent turnout—made up of local authors, supporters, and readers. It was a wonderful afternoon and reminded me of the fun that can be had by doing something different.
It is often hard to tear myself away from the laptop. Other than my regular procrastination hobbies, such as tidying and organizing my writing area (nothing too in depth, of course!), I have been known to be somewhat of a homebody. Today I want to talk about fun stuff to do outside of the comforts of home--things to get us moving past the front door. I'm going to share my top picks. Hopefully, this will serve as a good reminder to you, as it has for me, that there's a lot going on out there--and some of it is truly worthwhile. Maybe you'll have a few ideas to add. I'm always looking for suggestions!
First of all, there’s nature. The natural beauty of the outdoors is unparalleled. Venture into it and look around--take in the red, orange, and yellow hues mixed in with the never-changing coniferous trees that fall has to offer. It is a great reminder that the magic Mother Nature provides us deserves our attention--even a jaunt in an urban park will give people a glimpse of the colours and crispness of the season.
There is also the importance of socializing. Friend time is not just for the young. It is important to take time out of our busy lives to connect with our favourite people and have a laugh. It has been proven to lower stress and cause spontaneous moments of joy!
The last reason is for all the writers out there—inspiration! How can someone write about life when they are shut away? Lone dogs may make for a mysterious character, but if a writer isn’t out and about, how can they accurately portray the way people interact and behave on a daily basis? Connection is key.
So there you have it, folks. A gentle reminder to dust off the old walking shoes (or stilettos!) and get out of the house—you’ll be glad you did.

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.  

Move Over, Partner!

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By Lynn McPherson

I’m in the process of developing a new cozy mystery series.
Part of that is figuring out all the characters. I’ve known for a while who the
protagonist is. But now I need an ally —someone trustworthy enough for her to
share secrets with. How else am I going to bounce ideas off about who the
murderer could be with the readers?

Today I’ve decided to share my top three characteristics in
a sidekick. I’m sure there are lots of ideas. Here are mine:
1.    
Good
Listening Skills!
What is the point of having great insight
if there is no one around to share it with? A sidekick in a mystery must be
willing to indulge the protagonist no matter what they are prattling on about. It
goes beyond the passive ability to hear. The character must absorb what the
sleuth is saying and sometimes even help progress ideas along so they are not
mere musings. The amateur sleuth can either turn them into coherent theories,
or pass them off as sheer observations.
2.   
Loyalty
Of all the qualities in a friend, this one
always tops of the charts. The main character in a cozy needs someone to rely
on through thick and thin. This is especially important in the business of
amateur sleuthing since the protagonist is almost always mixed up in murder!
It’s important for the reader to have faith in the friendship, as well. With so
many suspects on the loose, there should be at least one dependable friend at
all times—someone who will always be there, even when things go awry.
3.   
Humor
Part of the charm of mysteries is the
knowledge that a solution lies at the end of the book. The puzzle will be
solved, order will be restored. Light mysteries require an element of joy that
is brought about through close relationships within the surrounding
community—most notably, with her ever-present true friend and confidante. Why
not make them a funny? It’s a great way to lighten the mood and show the sleuth
doesn’t take herself too seriously all of the time.
So there you have it, folks. My take on what
makes a good sidekick. Agree? Disagree? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Until then, happy reading! 

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.