a slight swerve

Here at Chicks, we talk a lot about books—particularly mystery, obviously—but it’s been a minute since we’ve discussed film. It’s on my mind since I’m currently teaching a course that explores the rise and influence of film noir (which has of course adapted numerous crime novels for the screen, so perhaps it’s not that far from our usual beat). We’ll sidestep the whole is-it-a-genre-or-a-style scholarly … Continue reading a slight swerve

Olympics Week is Here!

With the Olympic Games starting soon, the excitement is palpable. Athletes coming together from around the globe is an amazing thing–conceptually, emotionally, and logistically. And even though the main goal is competition, so many other aspects can be marvelous to witness. The races, matches, and events themselves can be thrilling to watch, of course. The demonstration of talent and determination can be impressive and inspirational. … Continue reading Olympics Week is Here!

Guest Chick: Valerie Burns

The Chicks are thrilled to have Valerie Burns (aka VM Burns aka Kallie E. Benjamin) visiting us today! Valerie writes multiple wonderful series, so she has to come up with many interesting things to write about. If you’ve ever wondered how authors manage to generate plotworthy ideas, here is your answer!  Where do Authors Get their Ideas? I’m often asked where I get ideas for … Continue reading Guest Chick: Valerie Burns

a marathon, not a sprint

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about difficult long-term projects: how much endurance they require, how there are points where the desired outcome seems impossible, and how giving up may actually seem like the logical (and more attractive) option. For example, in my teaching job, it has been necessary to produce scholarship. Here’s how that process has tended to go. Have jolt of awareness that … Continue reading a marathon, not a sprint

Just a Friendly Note (kit edition)

Dear Kit Maker: Just found this picture in my photos and had a minute of confusion. Then it all came flooding back… Ah yes, the Great Cape Kit Conundrum. Initially, when I saw this at the store, I thought: hey, a cape kit seems like a cool idea! It could come in handy for costumes! (The kids seemed to have endless opportunities for dressing up … Continue reading Just a Friendly Note (kit edition)

It’s Here…

The day of the total eclipse has arrived! It has been suggested that eclipses affect us psychologically: the moments of darkness can be deeply unsettling but thrilling–and enhance our sense of being human/connected to others. I have been registering varying levels of interest both online and offline, ranging from great enthusiasm to shrugs. One news channel has had a countdown clock going for days while … Continue reading It’s Here…

Just wondering. Again.

Let’s begin by establishing that I am a person who wonders about things quite a lot. My husband, who is much calmer than I am in practically every way (unless he’s watching sports), has helped me realize that not everyone has the need to question, like, everything. It’s useful in some ways–I believe that being curious about something is a genuine path to discovery. And … Continue reading Just wondering. Again.

It’s Halloween Season

The first year we lived in our current house, it felt as though we’d been transported to Disneyland for Halloween–people up and down the street decked out their homes with oversized decorations and all sorts of curious items that spewed mist or growled sporadically or otherwise scared trick-or-treaters. Spooky music was blasted from various houses and neighbors dressed in elaborate costumes. There was a fantastic … Continue reading It’s Halloween Season

Just a Friendly Note (idea edition)

Dear Store Where I Love To Shop: I remember when we used to be able to email you and say hey, I have a fabulous idea! Think of that, free feedback submitted by your dedicated customers…so much cheaper than paying a focus group, am I right? But now our only options are “chat” or “call.” (Who has time to chat or call these days? There … Continue reading Just a Friendly Note (idea edition)