Me, Myself, and My Characters
It’s said that writing is a solitary pursuit. Or is it? Continue reading Me, Myself, and My Characters
Category: Lisa Q. Mathews
Through the Dark Forest: Ted Lasso for Writers
Recently I mentioned I’m a fan of the TV show Ted Lasso. Don’t worry, I won’t give anything away here, if you haven’t seen it yet. This is what you need to know: The bumbling, ever-positive Ted (played by an amusingly mustachioed Jason Sudeikis) is an American college football coach hired to coach a ragtag football (“soccer” to Americans) club across the pond. He literally knows zip about British football. But what he does have to offer is folksy advice—often unsolicited, but always on-point—to those who need a little motivation. Or a lot. Continue reading Through the Dark Forest: Ted Lasso for Writers
Staying the Course
Early this morning I received an alert from my no-fail personal emergency broadcast system: my black cat, Lucy. Said emergency had nothing to do with the approach of Choose-Your-Category-Take-Your-Best-Guess Storm Henri. Her concern? Breakfast service, STAT. Continue reading Staying the Course
It Was a Dark and Stormy Morning…
If you happen to be a Peanuts fan—or a writer—you’ve probably seen the cartoon of Snoopy on top of his doghouse, hard at work on his novel. He has the perfect opening line: “It was a dark and stormy night…” Continue reading It Was a Dark and Stormy Morning…
Gone to Malice 2021
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
Hey, Look–Squirrel!
While flipping through my high school yearbook recently in an odd fit of nostalgia, I reread the caption under my senior picture. Somehow, I’d forgotten I had a sort-of nickname: Squirrel. But there it was, listed first thing. Continue reading Hey, Look–Squirrel!
Yes, You May Take One Giant Author Step
Some of us authors and readers can’t wait to hit the road to conferences, bookstores, and libraries. Others are more hesitant, or unsure where to start. Recently, one semi-wary Chick had the perfect opportunity to dip one talon into the waters… Continue reading Yes, You May Take One Giant Author Step
In Defense of Spring Hygge
As I pen this post from my New Hampshire kitchen, it is a quiet Easter morning—sunny peacefulness broken only by muffled sounds of cursing outside the window. Yes, over my pitiful objections, my husband is taking down our outdoor Christmas lights from the roof. And yes, I know what you’re about to say, dear readers. APRIL? The Shock. The Horror. The Disgust. But wait, hear me out… Continue reading In Defense of Spring Hygge
Monday, Monday: Writers Pandemic Edition
The one in which Extra-Chirpy Chick does her best to build a case for Mondays. Inconceivable, you say? It’s all in how you look at things. Just grab your coffee and hear her out… Continue reading Monday, Monday: Writers Pandemic Edition
Risky Business: NaNoWriMo 2020 Edition
November is just around the corner, and we writers know what that means. Yes, the all-important Nov. 3rd (please vote!!), but also that exhilarating, frustrating, triumphant, despairing roller coaster of National Novel Writing Month, a/k/a NaNoWriMo. It’s a crazy 30 days, and we’re ready–but are some of us clinging a little too tightly to the safety bar? Continue reading Risky Business: NaNoWriMo 2020 Edition
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Computer
After our entire writers’ worlds moved online this past spring, I was stunned to realize that I am actually surviving–even thriving–in Cyber Land (with a few spectacular exceptions). Over the span of just a few short, er…decades, this Chick has come a long way, baby! Continue reading A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Computer
Back in the Saddle (Again)
So it’s officially Monday and I’m at the keyboard, ready to plunge back into my manuscript-in-progress. Maybe “progress” isn’t quite the right word, but I’ve been thinking about it. And “plunge” might not be exactly the correct description, either. But I’m here, prepping to work, and that counts, right? Cue a few background bars of that inspiring oldie “Back in the Saddle Again.” On the other hand, please don’t. Continue reading Back in the Saddle (Again)
Chicks on the Case 