Language changes, evolves. I love that we find new ways of describing things and that we add helpful vocabulary. Unfortunately, I’m also currently feeling like I need to play catch-up. It’s like I’m Vizzini in The Princess Bride, and Inigo Montoya is telling me, “I do not think it means what you think it means.” Case in point: I often find myself asking my kids … Continue reading Slippery Meanings
Jennifer here, offering a warm welcome to Denise Swanson! She’s here to share about the fascinating hunt for great names. Thanks, Denise! The Name Game I’ve always been fascinated with names. Maybe because I always hated my first name. Granted, Denise is better than the one my parents first considered—Ernestina after my father. But I would have much preferred a more elegant name like Kathryn … Continue reading Guest Chick: Denise Swanson
I’m working on a new manuscript, and in it, I reference a rainbow. The mnemonic I learned in school, ROYGBIV, popped into my head. Great! Now I could label the colors! Wait a minute. Shouldn’t I know the hues without needing a reminder? How much do I rely on these mind tricks to help me? Certainly, when I competed in Science Olympiad (nerd alert!) in … Continue reading Mnemonic Devices—Love Them or Hate Them?
Jennifer here, and I’m super happy to have Fleur Bradley on our blog again. Fleur and I met online years ago, and I always enjoy her stories for young readers. (Don’t tell the kids that I read Fleur’s books first before I pass them on!) What’s Your Daybreak? Or: My Pandemic Book By Fleur Bradley I’m a big Elly Griffiths fan and preorder all her … Continue reading Guest Chick: Fleur Bradley and #Giveaway
I’ve been having an almond croissant craving recently. And I’m picky about my croissants. They need to be flaky and not too crispy on the outside. I also like them with plenty of almond paste filling and a dusting of powdered sugar on top. Maybe I want a croissant because I’m in the middle of edits. I’m in my revisions cave attempting to incorporate comments … Continue reading The Perfect Croissant/Word
I’ve always loved Chinese lanterns. Maybe it was because we had one hanging up in my childhood home. Or the fact that I did a school presentation on their use in the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival. There’s something beautiful about a row of lanterns displayed together: Maybe I just like their vivid colors or the lights contained inside them. Lanterns always seem so cheerful. I once … Continue reading Little Lanterns of Hope
Jennifer here, and I’m happy to welcome Faye Snowden today! Faye is offering a generous combo giveaway to one lucky winner. She’ll be sharing about how she used her bookshelf as a resource for A Killing Rain and give us some great writing self-help book recommendations. My self-help journey By Faye Snowden If you’ve listened to any of my podcast interviews or seen me on … Continue reading Guest Chick: Faye Snowden (And #Giveaway)
Hurrah for Jennifer’s new book, Death by Bubble Tea! It’s the first in her new L.A. Night Market Mystery series with two cousins who run a food stall and get dished some murder. “Jennifer J. Chow pens an evocative L.A. cozy seasoned with suspense, family drama, and a smart and engaging amateur sleuth. Death by Bubble Tea is a clever and cunning culinary mystery that is sure … Continue reading Happy Book Birthday, Jennifer!
I begged my parents for my first camera. Those were the days when you couldn’t tell what photos you had taken—until they got developed. I’m pretty sure 99% of my shots were worthless. In fact, here’s an example of one: I believe I was trying to capture an interesting insect swimming in the water. When digital pictures came along, I was so happy. Now I … Continue reading My Nonphotographic Ways
Jennifer here. Please give a warm welcome to Krysti Meyer, a cozy mystery podcaster and an award-winning author! Here’s a fun conversation about her new Get Cozy podcast: How did you get into podcasting? I’ve been a fan of cozy mysteries ever since the pandemic started. They’ve been such a delightful escape from the serious issues we’ve been facing globally in the past few years. Before … Continue reading Guest Chick: Krysti Meyer
Over the years, I’ve had different ways of remembering important dates and duties. First, it was pen and hand—literally ink on palm. Then it progressed to sticky notes and a day planner. Eventually, I chose a wall calendar and then a dry erase board and now a phone. I honestly have to whip out my cell in the morning to double-check my schedule for the … Continue reading Queen of the Juggle
Jennifer here, and I’m welcoming J.C. back to the blog. Cheers for an ardent Chicks on the Case fan and a fun shirt enthusiast. Special congrats to J.C. on his 31st wedding anniversary! 31…and Counting! Hi, friends! It’s always a thrill to be back hanging out with the Chicks on the Case, especially today. You see, today is special because it is the 31st anniversary … Continue reading Guest Chick: J.C. Kenney
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