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?
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
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
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
A few of us Chicks on the Case bloggers are excited to attend Malice Domestic 2022 this week! If you’re going, please come find us! Where will we be? Glad you asked: 🫖Friday 10:00-11:45 am Malice Go Round: It’s Like Speed Dating, But With AuthorsBecky Clark, Jennifer Chow 2:00-2:50 pm Blurring Genres: Blending a Cozy with Romance? With Fantasy?Moderator: Elizabeth CrowensPaula Gail Benson, Kaye George, Leslie Karst, … Continue reading Join Us at Malice Domestic
The last road trip I took involved going up the coast of Oregon, and it was amazing! I have fond memories of camping in Northern California, exploring the Oregon beaches, visiting the Tillamook factory, and checking out Powell’s Books. When I discovered that Left Coast Crime was happening in Albuquerque, I figured we could drive to New Mexico. (And by we, I mean my other … Continue reading Road Trippin’
The first time my husband read a book of mine, I waited with bated breath. Would he like it? Laugh at the right parts? Encourage me to continue spending gobs of time doing who knows what the writer’s life in my office? (Dear reader, he enjoyed the book. And that is why we’re still married. Just kidding. Obviously, it’s only one of the reasons…) The … Continue reading When Your Kid Reads Your Book…
Happy Lunar New Year! 2022 arrived with the roar of the tiger (#yearofthetiger–see what I did there?). If, like me, you need a fresh start, here’s your chance. The Lunar New Year can also be referred to as Spring Festival, and festivities can last up to fifteen days! That’s right. You can still join in on the fun. Cue gratuitous New Year treats: These nut-embedded … Continue reading Want a Do-Over?
Hooray! It’s the official release day for Mimi Lee Cracks the Code! The third book in the Sassy Cat Mystery series has been on the following lists: Best Upcoming Cozy Mysteries for the Second Half of 2021 (Book Riot) All the Best Books Being Released in November (BuzzFeed) The 13 Best New Mystery and Thriller Books of November 2021 (POPSUGAR) ABOUT THE BOOK: When murder … Continue reading Happy Book Birthday, Jennifer!
Once upon a time there was a little girl who was afraid of the dark… That was me. I relied on my special star night light for years. Something about the midnight hour spooked me. Who knew what lurked out there in the darkness? That’s why I have a certain fondness for pretty lights and lanterns: One evening, I grew bold and turned off the … Continue reading In the Midnight Hour
