When I first sat down to pen my debut mystery novella series, I had a head full of tangled plot threads and characters who wouldn’t stop talking to me. Like many writers, I was driven by an almost compulsive need to get these stories out of my mind and onto the page. But as I reflect on my journey as a mystery author over the years, I’ve come to recognize how much my purpose—my “why”—has evolved. Continue reading Guest Chick: Barbara Howard
The Chicks are thrilled to have Delia Pitts as our guest Chick today. The Library Journal touts Death of an Ex as “a literary, absorbing whodunit encompassing murder, human compassion, and grief.” It was just released this month from Macmillan books. Below Delia gives us the author’s scoop of “dropping the body” — a key moment of any whodunit. Take it away, Delia. Where Do … Continue reading Guest Chick: Delia Pitts
It’s always a special day when our fabulous author friend Leslie Budewitz is our guest here on Chicks. Today Leslie discusses “the other” stuff that makes good stories great–and she’s giving away a signed copy of her Spice Shop mystery LAVENDER LIES BLEEDING to one lucky winner! Continue reading Guest Chick: Leslie Budewitz & #Giveaway
We are thrilled to be hosting a special guest today: Randal Brandt is Head of Cataloging and Curator of the California Detective Fiction Collection at The Bancroft Library (University of California, Berkeley). Randal has also been announced as the Fan Guest of Honor at Left Coast Crime in 2026 (where our own Leslie Karst will be the Toastmaster). Please join us in giving Randal a … Continue reading Guest Post: Randal Brandt
Today the Chicks are happy to present the marvelous Jenny Dandy, author of the Houses of Crime mysteries: The Brownstone on E. 83rd and The Penthouse on Park Avenue. Today she’s talking about characters inhabiting her dreams. Take it away, Jenny! What Are All These Characters Doing in My Bed? Well, more accurately, in my dreams. Yes, I dream about my characters. I don’t mean … Continue reading Guest Chick: Jenny Dandy
Happy Wednesday! Patricia here, and it’s truly my pleasure to welcome Ann Claire to Chicks on the Case. I love her post. As a writer and runner, it especially resonated with me. Whether you’re an aspiring author or a published author with millions of words under your fingers, I think you’ll find it inspiring, too. Welcome, Ann! Take it away! Mid-pandemic, my husband confessed. He’d … Continue reading Guest Chick: Ann Claire
Embrace the spirit of triskaidekaphobia: Friday the 13th is here! As luck would have it, superstition holds that bad luck may befall us due to any number of events, calendar-based or otherwise. We’re sharing our views on this most inauspicious of days, along with the ways we may (or may not) try to avoid bad luck. Chime in with your Friday the 13th thoughts and … Continue reading Chick Chat: Friday the 13th June Edition
It’s always a pleasure to host our beloved Canadian friend Judy Penz Sheluk, whose career is awe-inspiring. Not only is she an accomplished author, she’s also launched her own publishing imprint to resounding success. Today she’s going to talk about the inspiration for the theme of her latest short story anthology. I’m back visiting the Chicks once again, this time to tell you a bit … Continue reading Guest Chick: Judy Penz Sheluk
Spring has sprung, and if you are a gardener–or someone who appreciates gardens–do we ever have the perfect guest with the perfect book for you (and she has kindly agreed to give away an autographed copy to one lucky commenter)! Please help us give a warm welcome to Deborah J. Benoit, author of The Gardener’s Plot… Anyone who knows me knows that two of my … Continue reading Guest Chick: Deborah J. Benoit
Happy Wednesday, my friends! Patricia here, and I’m grinning from ear-to-ear. I’m excited to be hosting my first-ever Guest Chick. Barbara Nickless is a bestselling and award-winning author of thrillers novels. She’s joining us to explore the concept of “failing” with grace. Barbara, thank you so much for visiting with us. Take it away! I was a few minutes late meeting my cousin at a … Continue reading Guest Chick: Barbara Nickless
Who hasn’t suffered through a terrible job–or an even more insufferable boss? Just for fun, we Chicks are holding a little contest to see who had the worst job or most challenging employer. And of course everyone is welcome to play. Cuing theme song… Continue reading Chick Chat: Who Worked it Worst?
It’s always fun when we Chicks get the chance to host prolific author DonnaRae Menard. Today DonnaRae is back to tell us about her latest mystery THE AFFILIATE: A Postmaster on the Case Mystery. Take it away, DonnaRae! Continue reading Guest Chick: DonnaRae Menard
Chicks on the Case 