A funny thing happened to me on the way to writing this post. I went to a comedy show. As a writer—and reader—of mysteries that endeavor to tickle the funny bone while putting the spine on ice, I am a big fan of comedy. Sitcoms. Romcoms. Dramcoms. Basically if -com is involved in any way, I’m in. I saw the ever-funny, never-for-children’s-ears Taylor Tomlinson in … Continue reading Funny Business

As a writer, writing is job one—unless you’re writing about jobs. Then it’s job one, plus one. We’ve had a slew of recruitment-related clients at the ad agency where I work, and the projects have called to mind my own jobs and job searches. I began my career in writing as anyone would: by selling pantyhose. Back when hosiery was part of the dress code … Continue reading It’s a tough job, but–well, you know.

Last year, my  daughter sported clothes that looked as though they were pilfered from my high school closet. She rocked neon. She popped her collar. She Laupered (if that’s a verb) her hair. I suspected a 70s fashion homage wasn’t far behind. And I was right. We just went back-to-school shopping and the racks were rife with bell bottoms, earth tones, and take-me-to-Funkytown prints.  Honestly? … Continue reading Back by (Un?)popular Demand

As some of you know, my boyfriend is a Brit. Ian is a delight, and I’m crazy about him. There is a problem, however.  The language barrier.  As many in Britannia are wont to do, Ian speaks UK English, a.k.a. English English. Or as I like to say, English2. Sure, we understand each other most of the time. As a Python-quoting, Austin-reading, English lit-majoring Anglophile, … Continue reading What do you fancy?

In my (mumbles number) years on the planet, I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’ve discovered that I can go an alarming amount of time without water or vegetables. That I have ridiculously strong opinions about punctuation, but little else. And that I’ll channel my inner Weird Al to belt out a parody of “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” in order to sell a … Continue reading The Art of Arting

Welcome to “Behind the Book,” our fun new Chicks on the Case feature! Join us as we Chicks share the real stories behind our stories. Inspiration, motivation, frustration, jubilation–you’ll find them all right here…  Well, hello! It’s Kathy, and I’m here to regale you with the origin story of 39 WINKS. The second book in my medical mystery series finds our pharmaceutical protagonist, Maggie, losing sleep … Continue reading Behind the Book: 39 WINKS

A few weeks ago, I ran my second half-marathon. The first was about twenty years—and two kids—ago, back when I didn’t make a noise every time I got out of a chair and my concept of gravity involved apples—and not other things—falling. My goals were simple: avoid getting med evac’d out or experiencing any major (and majorly embarrassing) gastroenterological events. Things started out tough even … Continue reading Tough Stuff

You GUYS. I am so stressed. It’s National Stress Awareness Month, and I’m already behind. I mean, I’ve already started celebrating by overthinking, making endless to-do lists, worrying about things I can’t control, and running through scenarios that will never happen. But it’s too little too late. Or maybe it’s too much too soon? Either way, I’m stressed that I’m not giving National Stress Awareness … Continue reading Stress Out

I have a love/hate relationship with surprises. I love to hate them. Yes, yes. I know that surprises are part and parcel to the mystery writing/reading world. I mean, what’s a mystery without, well, some mystery? Even if it’s not a whodunnit, it should at least be a whydunnit or howdunnit. But, overall, I’m just not a fan of the unexpected. If I’m going to … Continue reading Surprise!

As mystery readers and writers, danger is never far from our minds. Turns out, it’s never far from our homes, either. Our collective abodes are rife with hidden risks, like slippery bathtubs, defective wiring, or—if things get interesting—ice cream sprinkled with rat poison. But lesser-known dangers lurk in our lives, as well. Here’s a quick overview featuring my recent brushes with peril. Errant EmojisMaybe it’s … Continue reading Hidden Dangers

I’m going to be 10,000% honest—and please feel free to check that math: I’m a wee bit nervous about Thanksgiving. This is the first year in three decades that I’ll be spending it with different people in a different state doing different things. But with all of that differentness comes new experiences, a wealth of opportunities, and heaps of things for which to be grateful. … Continue reading Thanks a Little

This time of year, there’s a lot of talk about hauntings. Frankly, I’m jealous. Having cut my reading teeth on The Shining, I’ve always been fascinated by a possible rending of the veil between the material and spirit worlds, whether that rift is fueled by a burial ground disturbance, traumatic worldly departure, or a particularly salty bartender. So far… no dice. And no hauntings.   … Continue reading Old Haunts