Dolly Parton died Aug. 25, 2026, from cancer. May her soul rest in peace. She was a businesswoman, a performer, an actor, an author, and a philanthropist. But, of course, her greatest impact on the world was through her songs. This is my modest tribute to a singer/song writer I admire—never past tense—so much. I hope I don’t mess this up. Continue reading The Indelible Dolly Parton
We are delighted to have author Laura Jensen Walker visit us on Chicks today . . . please join us in giving her a warm welcome! Confessions of a Genre Butterfly Thanks for having me. It’s always fun to be back with the Chicks! Recently, a writer friend called me a “genre butterfly because I flit from one genre to the next. That flitting has … Continue reading Guest Post: Laura Jensen Walker
Consider these two sentences: I bet you had two completely different visceral reactions to the word “moist” in those sentences, am I right? moist cupcakes So what is it about that word—moist—that causes such varied reactions? Because supposedly some twenty percent of people shudder when they hear the word (though I’m guessing the number is actually higher). And what about other similarly hated words such … Continue reading What Is It About the Word “Moist”?
Today we Chicks are talking about writing rules. First, are they even real? If so, which are our personal faves–and which might we prefer to ignore? Continue reading Chick Chat: Rules of the (Writing) Road
It’s mid-August here in the Phoenix area and if my brain hasn’t completely turned to mush from the heat and humidity, just give it a few more days. Continue reading Guest Chick: J.C. Eaton & #Giveaway
These days, every time we venture online–or open our email–we’re bombarded with information. True or false, all those details must be processed by our frazzled brains and sorted into a cerebral in-box system: Keep, Ignore, Discard. But what happens when SOME people’s brains refuse to let go? Continue reading Trivial Pursuits
I’m a huge proponent of getting out in nature, whether it’s to relax or remove oneself from digital devices. I find it literally grounding, and though my family opted to travel to Leslie’s stomping grounds this summer (the Big Island), it was my first time, and I wasn’t sure what I’d discover. We did plan for nature-y things like hikes (that journey to Papakōlea Green … Continue reading Waiting on Hope
Birdie Horne is the combined pen name of former enemies Eden Robins and Mary Winn Garguilo. Over the years, they have been love rivals, co-godmothers, and neighbors across an alley in Chicago. Separately, they have published over twenty books, and together they have a resume full of the kinds of jobs that genuinely worry their parents. One of them was nominated for—and lost—Chicago Crossing Guard … Continue reading Guest Chick: Birdie Horne
I had a fever dream the last day of July. I usually have late summer dreams about tennis where I set my sights on young Americans, usually in sync with the U.S. Open. This time, it was the newly minted Memphis Classic and a 16-year-old Russian girl. She was as cute as they come and she kept playing like she just couldn’t lose. And even … Continue reading Dreams of tennis, teen, and Memphis
Not really, I made that up. Technically, today is Marla Shows You Her Office Day; it’s just not as catchy! The other day I was sitting in my co-working space wondering what I should write about this week. I was looking around, thinking how much I love going into my office, when it hit me: I should give you a tour! I have a desk … Continue reading Today is Take Your Readers To Work Day!
Lisa here, delighted to welcome fabulous author and good friend M.A. Monnin back to the blog as this week’s Guest Chick! Mary’s Intrepid Traveler Mysteries, including her upcoming (August 11th) DEATH IN LUXOR, are wonderful reads for travelers and armchair travelers alike. Readers who enjoy mystery, romance, and art heist thrillers will especially love this 4th book in the series. Take it away, Mary! Continue reading Guest Chick: M.A. Monnin
Back-to-back releases in different series? Talk about a high-class problem! Congratulations to Ellen on the release of A Murderer’s Guide to Mardi Gras, the 5th book in her award-winning Vintage Cookbook Mystery series. “A vivid description of Mardi Gras season in the Big Easy. Byron lets the good times roll, and then some.” Kirkus Book Review ABOUT THE BOOK: It’s cozy. It’s culinary. It’s Mardi … Continue reading Another Book Birthday for Ellen Byron!
Chicks on the Case 