We recently had the Los Angeles Marathon, and two of my family members (spoiler: not me) ran it! It’s been said that writing is like a marathon, but is it really? The quote is often attributed to Robert McKee, and as I combed through running pics, I reflected on this analogy. Here’s my takeaway: SIMILARITIES Mileage 26.2 miles. Friends, this is long. Runners trekked from … Continue reading Is Writing Really Like A Marathon?
Hi, Ellen here, welcoming Laura Jensen Walker back to Chicks. Enjoy her journey from inspiration to publication for her latest mystery – and a giveaway! Authors, have you ever been told, “It won’t sell?” Laura was. But it didn’t stop her… Senior Sleuths – A Look Behind the Scenes of my New Cozy (Giveaway) Thanks so much to Ellen and the Chicks for having me … Continue reading Guest Chick: Laura Jensen Walker #giveaway
I’ve yet to meet a mystery convention I didn’t love. Each offers its own benefits. Thanks to Malice Domestic’s William F. Deeck-Malice Domestic Grant for Unpublished Writers, I have a mystery writing career. I have filled my belly with free hors d’oeuvres at Bouchercon parties hosted by publishers. And Left Coast Crime offers something you won’t find anywhere else: Author-Reader Connections. The concept is simple. … Continue reading Left Coast’s Author-Reader Connections
here are two distinctly different approaches to getting things done: There are the noble early birds who like a good lead time and believe that if you’re five minutes early, you’re ten minutes late. And then there are the clutch performers who thrive under pressure and love a good deadline, especially if they get to do jazz hands and yell “Ta-Da!” as the clock strikes midnight. Where do the Chicks fall on the spectrum? Let’s find out! Continue reading Chick Chat: Are you an early achiever or a deadline sprinter?
Please join us in welcoming Lois Winston back to Chicks on the Case: Lois Winston writes mystery, romance, romantic suspense, chick lit, women’s fiction, children’s chapter books, and nonfiction! Her latest publication is book 15 in the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery series: Embroidered Lies and Alibis. A Life in Several Acts I have a degree in graphic design and illustration. After graduating college, I worked … Continue reading Guest Chick: Lois Winston
Given the state of everything, I wanted to make a little space for sharing community and uplifting spirits. So you are hereby invited to a Virtual Potluck, right this very moment! I’ve already set the table and turned on the music. Now it’s up to us. What is a go-to recipe that you make whenever you’re invited somewhere? Please share it now, if you … Continue reading You’re Invited
Humor is subjective. I think we can agree on that. What we each find humorous depends on a slew of things, including life experiences, mood and whether we have even one humorous bone in our bodies. Continue reading What’s so funny?
With Valentine’s Day behind us for the year, I am reminded of how I transitioned from writing romance to writing stories with characters that don’t make it to the end of the book. Continue reading Guest Chick: Deborah Fletcher Mello
Before I get to today’s actual post, I want to share a photo from last Saturday night, when I was awarded a real live (okay, not live, live) Maltese falcon for my role as Toastmaster at Left Coast Crime: San Francisco Schemin’, which took place last weekend. The falcon was cast in the same mold as the one used for the movie, and the Black … Continue reading “Gourmet” Doesn’t Quite Say It
Five of the Chicks are currently at Left Coast Crime: San Francisco Schemin’, where our very own Leslie Karst in the toastmaster! (And where Ellen, Jen, and Leslie are all up for Lefty Awards!) For any of you in attendance–or who would merely like to see what we’re up to at this fab con–here’s the schedule for those of us there. (And of course you can find us after hours at the various hotel restaurants–and at the bar!) Continue reading Gone to Left Coast Crime!
The Chicks are tickled to have author pal Gianetta Murray hanging out with us today on the blog. She will give us the inside scoop on spouses helping out with writing about murder (and various challenges involved). The Danger of Writing from Life The second Vivien Brandt Mystery, Dug to Death, almost ruined my marriage. To give credit where it’s due, my husband is funding … Continue reading Guest Chick: Gianetta Murray
Today, the Chicks have a special treat. We’re celebrating two book birthdays! Our book birthday twins are Lisa Q. Mathews and Patricia Sargeant. Continue reading Book Birthday Twins
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