JB Lynn

Hijinks, Hilarity and Heart

Process Progress Publication

A Challenging Choice

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I’ve made the decision to isolate myself.

I won’t be leaving my home (except to walk my dog).

I’m not sick. I’m not panicking. I’m trying to be a responsible citizen.

I’ve been wrestling with this decision for a few days now. If I’m honest, I don’t really want to do it. 

I can, because I work from home, but does anyone really want to give up their normal activities? I certainly don’t. 

Also, since I live alone, I’m finding the idea of going without human interaction for an extended period to be a bit daunting.

But the more I read about how the efforts to #flattenthecurve  can mitigate the spread and effects of COVID-19, the more I feel I have an obligation to do my part. 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/11/coronavirus-flattening-curve-quarantine-stop-spread/5021564002/

This isn’t just about the coronavirus, it’s about a healthcare system that has finite resources in terms of workers, space, and supplies. I cannot, in good conscience, inadvertently contribute to the stress on the system and endanger those in my community, just because it’s inconvenient and uncomfortable for me as an individual.

Wish me luck!  (And congratulate my mutt who’s suddenly going to have A LOT more company than she’s accustomed to.)

So many books, so little time

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A reader recently asked how I manage to write so many books, so I’m going to try to write a series of posts explaining my process.

My answer to her was, “I started dictating”…which is true, but it’s not the whole answer. Sure, dictating has streamlined my process. Staying in “flow” instead of fixing spelling and punctuation errors definitely makes it easier to maintain my creativity. And yes, I have a great team working with me, and that alleviates a lot of pressure. But honestly, one of the reasons I write so many books is that I’ve got so many rattling around in my head….ALL THE TIME.

This week I started a book, a spinoff of the Neurotic Hitwoman series, that I first conceived of more than three and a half years ago. I wrote a blurb. I worked on character sheets. I did some plotting.

But the timing wasn’t right. So for years I let it roll around in the back of my head like a rabid dust bunny picking up bits and pieces, here and there. Then, while writing THE HITWOMAN GOES TO PRISON, the time for this new series suddenly felt right. So I dug a hole and planted a seed.

And in Hitwoman 23, I did the necessary watering and weeding. Now it’s a seedling of a story…with a complete plot sketched out and the first chapter done.

I’m doing this while working on the Psychic Consignment Mysteries.

If you’re keeping count…that means I’m actively working on three series at the moment: Hitwoman, Consignment and the Hitwoman spinoff. (We won’t even talk about the passion project I’m working on…which will probably never see the light of day.) 

Each one is at a different level of development. I’m writing the spinoff, preparing Hitwoman for my story editor and working on the story edits I’ve gotten back for Consignment 3. Each takes a different kind of thinking. 

And don’t even ask about the stories still inside my head!!!

Week 5 of 2020 recap

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Smudge and I both had a stomach bug over the weekend. We’re both on the mend and she gave me quite the chuckle when I caught her in the laundry basket. That’s what I get for putting it down and answering the phone instead of taking it straight to the washer, lol.

I’m gearing up for the release of GENTLY USED, STILL WORKS. That means there’s a bunch of administrative work to do (which isn’t my favorite kind of work). That said, I can’t wait for everyone to read the second Psychic Consignment Mystery. And I’m happy to report that like ONE WOMAN’S JUNK it will be available in print on Amazon.

I’m also working on the story edits for the next book in that series AND the manuscript for Hitwoman 23….cuz I’m a busy writer like that.

I’ve also started a two month class. I LOVE LEARNING STUFF!!!! Once I’ve finished it, I’ll be telling you all about it.

Today I learned that I really like a salad dressing made with greek yogurt, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, and grated ginger with a salad of arugula, poached salmon, and orange sections. I know the picture is terrible, but it tasted good!

Have you learned anything good recently? Or eaten anything good? 😉

Writing Talismans

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Do you believe in talismans?

Here’s the definition according to Merriam-Webster:

I love calling the objects I use “talismans” not because I believe they’re magical, but because they connect me to the magic of writing. They serve as a constant reminder of what I’m trying to achieve.

So what are my writing talismans?

For the first few years my talisman for my CONFESSIONS OF A SLIGHTLY NEUROTIC HITWOMAN series was a lizard necklace. Now it’s this guy, given to me by an amazing friend to celebrate the sale (or maybe it was the release? Can’t remember it was a long time ago, lol) of the first book in the series. Godzilla hangs in my kitchen so that I see him every day.

For the Psychic Consignment Mystery series, I wore these crystal bracelets (that represent items that figure heavily in the books) and this little fella who is the inspiration for one of the characters was my constant writing companion.

It’s Pim!!!

I had to search for quite a while to find the perfect talisman for the upcoming spinoff series of the Hitwoman books. It’s too early to show you that, I don’t want to jinx it, lol.

I believe that a physical reminder of what you’re trying to achieve (it doesn’t have to be writing related!!!) can be a potent tool for achieving your goals.

Do you use talismans?

This and that

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My brain is fried (a combo of working hard and a cold) but here are a few random things I wanted to share

Did you know that motorcycles have their own tow trucks? I didn’t until I was at the gym today and saw a red Ducati being loaded on a tiny little flatbed tow truck. The bike’s owner didn’t look very happy, but the whole scene amused me.

Sometimes I do things just to amuse myself, like I named an ad campaign “junk” (for One Woman’s Junk) just so that I could an email with this header back:

It’s the little things that entertain me.

I hope I keep YOU entertained.

Just a heads up to keep an eye on this Facebook page. I’m celebrating an anniversary and there’s going to be some exclusive content posted later this week.

Week 2 of 2020 recap

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I’ve been contending with a cold for the last week or so, and that slowed down progress on some of my projects, but I’m starting to feel better and soon it’ll be full steam ahead again.

But it’s not like I got nothing done. I made progress on Hitwoman 23 and Psychic Consignment Mysteries 2 and 3. (Don’t forget to preorder your copy of GENTLY USED, STILL WORKS so that it can magically appear for your reading pleasure on the release date.). Gently Used is going to the proofreader next week AND the third book in the series is going to my story editor. Every step in the process makes them feel a little more real.

Speaking of real, we’ve finalized the cover for the third Psychic Consignment Mystery. I just love it and can’t wait to share it with you next month.

I’ve also written the flash fiction story for my next newsletter which is going out on the 24th of January. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter so that you get to read it. I’m also sharing the latest recipe I tried. Yum!

Also, I’ve been working on developing the new trilogy I’m about to start writing. I’m having so much fun with it…I hope that comes across on the page once it’s in book form!

Okay, time for me to go down yet another cup of tea in an attempt to control this annoying cough I’ve developed. I hope that 2020 is going well for you and that you’re moving in the direction of your dreams/goals/best life.

Word of the Year

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That’s the word I’ve chosen to focus on in 2020. If you subscribe to my newsletter, you already have an idea of some of the things I’m hoping to accomplish.

Today, most of my creative energy has been spent working on Gently Used, Still Works which is available for pre-order. I’m so excited that everyone will be reading the Concordia sisters’ next adventure in the Psychic Consignment Mystery series in February!

What about YOU have you chosen a word for the year?

Week 1 of 2020 recap

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My writing year is off to a busy start.

I’ve been working on edits for GENTLY USED, STILL WORKS, the second of the Psychic Consignment Mystery series.

At the same time I’ve been going back-and-forth with the cover designer about the cover for Book 3. ( I just love it!!)

I’m also plugging away at the manuscript of Hitwoman 23 and having sooo much fun with it!

I’m also working with the cover designer to develop the logo for a new series…more information about that coming soon.

AND I’m working on my passion project book (which is separate from all of the above, lol).

Unfortunately, because I’ve been working so much, I’ve slacked off on one of my life goals for the year, which is to develop a hobby.

Did you set any goals for the year? How are you doing with them?

New to me

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One of my goals for 2020 is to try at least 24 “new to me” recipes.

To find out more about what else I have planned (including upcoming books!) make sure to sign up for my newsletter.

BAKED FETA AND GREENS WITH LEMONY YOGURT was my first attempt of the year.

I must confess that I don’t love kale, but it was good in this dish.

That said, next time I’ll sub in spinach or bok choy and just cook it on the stovetop since I didn’t think the feta added much and I’ll be taking that out.

If you want to find the recipe, you can find it here.

What new things are YOU trying this month? Do you have any recipes you think I MUST try?