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?
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
I’ve been messing around with my email signature lately. Sometimes I get signature envy when I scroll to the bottom of people’s emails and see how much effort they put into personalizing the end of their messages. I’m honestly in awe of others who offer excellent quotes (maybe some Lasso-isms for Lisa?) I don’t know what quote I would choose. Growing up, we even had … Continue reading How Do You Sign Your Emails?
There’s an exciting time that happens right before a book launch—sweepstakes season. That’s when my brilliant marketing team at Berkley runs giveaways. Hooray for giving back to the reading community! My next Sassy Cat Mystery, Mimi Lee Cracks the Code, will release on November 30, but its first sweepstakes happens now! That’s why S equals September Sweepstakes. This exciting giveaway features four books AND a … Continue reading S is for September Sweepstakes
I recently relocated a beloved piece of art from one area of my home to a different and more prime location: my Zoom backdrop. I love the brushwork of the golden calligraphy. The main framed Chinese character means “patience.” Ironically, this trait is what I’ve lately needed in my life. As I reflect on my own writing journey and author’s life, I realize I’ve had … Continue reading The Patient Writer
The Chicks are attending More Than Malice (July 14-17)! Some of us will be at the Author Speed Dating events, and our own Ellen Byron is nominated for an Agatha Award (Best Contemporary Novel)–huge congratulations and cheers!–and you can watch the recorded nominee panels here. The More Than Malice schedule offers information about the many wonderful panels happening this week if you are attending. Also, if you … Continue reading Gone to Malice 2021
Every year in recent history (with the exception of 2020), my family has gone on a camping trip. We’ve been to Zion, Joshua Tree, Redwood National Park… This summer, we explored Kings Canyon National Park. Besides being in beautiful nature, I was forced to UNPLUG—in a good way. Here are lessons I learned while being out in the wild, which can apply to both my … Continue reading Unplugged
I am not an artistic person. Despite taking a class in college, I still revert to stick figures when drawing people. That’s why it fascinates me to watch cover art unfold. ICYMI, I did a book cover reveal for my third Sassy Cat Mystery, MIMI LEE CRACKS THE CODE, on the fabulous Dru Ann’s blog! Step one of cover design involves art concepts. Since MIMI … Continue reading ICYMI: Cover Reveal
I almost cried when I heard my local library was reopening. Not curbside service but actual in-person browsing. Why? Because I’m a bonafide book nerd. I didn’t realize there was a term for this before, but it explains a lot of things. Reasons I know I’m a book nerd? Needing to finish another page, even in the dimmest of light Mispronouncing words because I originally … Continue reading Book Nerd
I have a love-hate relationship with giveaways. I’m a sucker for raffles and the possibility of winning prizes. I’ve entered my share of contests at in-person local events. Never won a single thing. True story: At one event, there was nobody clamoring after this particular salt and pepper shaker. I placed *two* raffle tickets into the box. At the last minute, someone entered their single … Continue reading Do Giveaways Really Work?
Dear Authors, While I appreciate you putting mouth-watering food descriptions in your books, I also charge you with making me hungry. Your excellent sensory prose has led to the revival of my sweet tooth, much snacking, and procrasti-baking. My evidence? Exhibit A: Pecan Pralines. I made these after reading Ellen’s Fatal Cajun Festival. Exhibit B: Cinnamon Rolls. These pastries aren’t even typically served at the … Continue reading Your Book is Making Me Hungry
Okay, this is definitely a book lover’s dilemma. My TBR pile keeps growing perilously taller. Death by falling books is just waiting to happen. Having a (literal?) ton of books means that I keep upgrading to bigger bookcases. Unfortunately, during this timespan, my home has not expanded. I also house books in this ornate wooden trunk my mom gave to me. Side note: She used … Continue reading What Should I Do with All These Books?
Chicks on the Case 