Leslie Karst here, pleased to welcome the marvelous Ellie Alexander to the coop, to talk about the benefits of boredom–something we could all perhaps use a little bit more of. And she’s giving away a copy of her new mystery, A VERY NOVEL MURDER, to one lucky commenter! The Beauty of Boredom When we think about what sparks creativity, a long list might come to … Continue reading Guest Chick: Ellie Alexander
Newsroom controversies can arise in unexpected places. For instance, the Oxford comma, sometimes referred to as the Harvard comma, is a coma placed after the penultimate term in a list (just before the conjunction) when writing out three or more terms. For example, a list of three countries might be punctuated with the Oxford comma as “France, Spain, and Italy.” The Oxford comma, or Harvard … Continue reading The case of the Oxford comma
I was on a panel the other day and had to answer a question about deliberateness—that is, do I insert particular messages and themes? I answered that I’m an organic writer, but upon reflection, I do incorporate intentional elements: family, community, justice, self-discovery… And now as I’m working on my current draft, I’ve been more mindful about word choice and contemporary issues—not to the extent … Continue reading Practicing Mindfulness
Marla here! Leslie and I ran into the awesome Carmela Dutra at Left Coast Crime this year, and as Chicks, we couldn’t help but notice her adorable chicken-themed swag. So of course we invited her to come visit the blog! Carmela’s Food Truck Mysteries feature twins who run the “Kluckin’ Good” food truck. Read on for the inspiration behind her series and enter to win a … Continue reading “Twins, Fried Chicken, and a Lifetime of Mysteries” — by Guest Chick Carmela Dutra (Giveaway!)
Help the Chicks celebrate book release day twins Ellen Byron and Patricia Sargeant (writing as Olivia Matthews). Continue reading Book Release Day Twins
When I created Miss Vee’s Vintage Cookbook and Kitchenware Shop, the setting and premise for my Vintage Cookbook Mysteries, I thought I was being so creative. I mean, who ever heard of a shop like that existing in the real world, right? Well, guess what. Not only do they exist, there are least two of them. One in New Orleans – where my series is … Continue reading A Real-Life Vintage Cookbook and Kitchenware Shop
Marla, here, introducing my wonderful friend Cindy Brown. I’ve known Cindy since my first Left Coast Crime back in [mumble mumble]. You may know Cindy from her delightful Ivy Meadows Mysteries, set in the world of theatre, or her “Slightly Silly News,” but Cindy’s new book takes on a more serious tone and I can’t wait to read it! Today, she’s talking to you, dear … Continue reading “The Magical Power of Being a Reader” — by Guest Chick Cindy Brown (Giveaway!)
Jen here. It’s always a pleasure to host our current guest… You had me at cowboys in Hawai’i, Tori! Take it away! Paniolo Dreams: My Quest to Cowboy in Hawai‘i Rage Hey, Jen, mahalo for inviting me back on fab Chicks on the Case blog. I’m hyped on adrenalin because my newest Ranger Makalani Pahukula mystery just hit the shelves, and this one is set … Continue reading Guest Chick: Tori Eldridge
We have been focused on replacing our old kitchen things and bringing in more healthy options. Bye forever, nonstick pans and other culprits! Once we cleaned out the cupboards, we turned our attention to the products we are using too, right down to the dishwasher detergent. We’ve used the same thing for decades—a brand that has been popular since we were young. It was okay … Continue reading How Very Goldilocks
One of the many things I love, love, love about storytelling is channeling the characters who inhabit the worlds I create. Becoming those characters during my writing sessions is like playing virtual dress-up. I can be clever, courageous and well-organized. And while I spend time in their world, my coffee mug is never empty—or at least not for long. Continue reading Character Lessons
I’m thrilled to welcome Michael Rigg, my Mardi Gras parade whisperer and fellow NOLA chronicler, to Chicks today. He’s been on quite a ride as he anticipates the release of his second Jonathan Gray, M.D. mystery – which is great, BTW! Thanks for the opportunity to update “the Chicks and Krewe” since my last visit on November 5, 2025. What a six-months it’s been! In … Continue reading Guest Chick: Michael Rigg
I was talking with someone at Malice Domestic a couple weeks back about the use of MacGuffins in mystery novels and films and afterwards got curious about the origin of the term—and the literary device, itself. So down the research rabbit hole I went. First, I wondered, what exactly is a “MacGuffin”? Basically, it’s an object, person, or secret in a story that drives the … Continue reading A MacGuffin By Any Other Name…
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