Lynn Cahoon

It's finally here - book 10 of the Tourist Trap mysteries. I'm so excited to get this book in your hands. It’s October in South Cove, California, and the locals in the quaint resort seem to be happily pairing off in the lull before the holidays. Everyone, that is, except for Jill Gardner’s elderly aunt, who just dumped her besotted fiancé—and she won’t say why. When Jill hosts a talk at Coffee, Books, and More on the topic of elder abuse, all that’s really on her mind is l

This essay was the first thing I'd ever had published besides a review of a dinner theater show for my local paper. The Sweet Smell of Summer tells the story of my family and the process of putting up corn for the winter. This gathering and preserving of food was my mom's hobby. She loved canning, making jelly, or freezing food for later meals. I do the same with memories. Mix them up into a story, then put it away for later. Here's one I can pull out for you. Enjoy. #summ #s

A Visit from St. Nicholas... 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not 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 #Goals #memories #family #LynnCollins #LynnCahoon

I went to Canada last week. It was my first time out of the country. Customs is all very electronic now. A machine reads your passport, takes your picture and asks you a bunch of questions. Then a border guard looks at the information and asks why you are visiting. "I'm attending a mystery conference." She looked at me, surprise in her eyes. "I've seen a lot of you this morning." I guess I didn't look like a mystery author type. But by the time I got to the hotel where the co

On my Facebook page this week, I did a week of gratitude. Sometimes it's so easy to think, I'll be happy when... Or If only I had (enter word here), I'll be happy.... This fall, I'm trying to be happy in the moment. So this post is all about what lately has made me happy... Harry Potter visit Baseball game with my cowboy NASCAR race with my cowboy Vacation with my son and the cowboy. I had at least to moments I won't forget. The ocean walks The dolphin cruise My furry babies

When does summer end for you? Back home, it was after Labor Day. Schools started that first Tuesday in September, I had registered for school and got the classes I wanted. Of course, I was a bit of a Hermione as I wanted to take all the classes. I still have trouble with that concept. Maybe it's the writer in me that wants to explore every opportunity. I've found some things are not in my wheelhouse. Like watching a machine make plastic milk bottles and putting labels on the

Hey, I'm back from vacation and getting things ready to start the new week off right. Which means lots of laundry, cleaning, and unpacking. But one of the things I thought about a lot while I was walking on the beach last week was what it would be like to be fearless. I don't mean rash, or stupid, but to face things head on, without over thinking them (as I'm prone to do). Taking the second step when you know what you need to do. And the third... A little girl was body board

If you're a Stephen Covey fan, you know what I'm talking about. Refilling the well, is taking the time to relax, rejuvenate, and recharge. I've been pushing my limits for a few weeks, maybe months, and I knew it was time to take a step backward. The trip to RWA Nationals was supposed to start on Wednesday. Instead, I went down a day early and went to the land of Harry Potter for a visit. I'm not a big ride person, so I didn't go on the crazy big roller coaster. And I hesitate

Memorial day weekend. When I was growing up, we used to visit the graves. My father died when I was young so the ritual held a special place for me. A pilgrimage to a man I didn't get to know. My paternal grandparents were also buried in the same cemetery. When I was older, I'd go to his grave to think through the big decisions in my life. It helped me feel more centered and as I talked through the issues, I felt closer to the man I don't remember as my father. Now, my mom ha