Five of the Chicks are currently at Left Coast Crime: San Francisco Schemin’, where our very own Leslie Karst in the toastmaster! (And where Ellen, Jen, and Leslie are all up for Lefty Awards!) For any of you in attendance–or who would merely like to see what we’re up to at this fab con–here’s the schedule for those of us there. (And of course you can find us after hours at the various hotel restaurants–and at the bar!) Continue reading Gone to Left Coast Crime!
The Chicks are tickled to have author pal Gianetta Murray hanging out with us today on the blog. She will give us the inside scoop on spouses helping out with writing about murder (and various challenges involved). The Danger of Writing from Life The second Vivien Brandt Mystery, Dug to Death, almost ruined my marriage. To give credit where it’s due, my husband is funding … Continue reading Guest Chick: Gianetta Murray
CONGRATS TO SARAH, WINNER OF RACHELE’S VENGEANCE IN THE VINES! Today, we are pleased to present Rachele Baker, author of the Rylie Sunderland cozy mystery series. Today, she talks about unexpected friendships. And there’s a giveaway of her new book, Vengeance in the Vines to one lucky commenter! Take it away, Rachele: Unexpected Friendships and the Places We Find Them I think we all enjoy … Continue reading Guest Chick: Rachele Baker
My fellow chicks and I write about murder. We would absolutely NEVER consider killing someone in real life. (I think?) But when it comes to plants, if their death was considered a punishable crime, I’d be charged with involuntary manslaughter. I was recently a keynote speaker for a local nonprofit that supports pediatric orthopedics. It was a wonderful event, and the hosts gifted me with … Continue reading For the love of plants, keep me away from plants.
Having a Chick serve as toastmaster at a mystery conference is big news. But in 2026, not one but TWO Chicks will step up to take center stage, at two of our favorite mystery conferences, and we couldn’t be more excited! First up, at the end of the month, Leslie Karst will serve as Toastmaster for Left Coast Crime in San Francisco. Then, in April, … Continue reading Toasting the Toastmasters
In honor of the wonderful and beloved Catherine O’Hara. From Delia Deetz to Moira Rose and everyone in between…what a sublime collection of unique, hilarious, and unforgettable characters she created! What are your favorite performances or moments, if you feel like sharing? Here are some of mine: Schitt’s Creek: Moira Rose filming the winery commercial, the way she takes her role in “The Crows Have … Continue reading In Honor of Catherine
Ellen here, welcoming Suzanne Trauth. As a Theatre Arts major, I can totally relate to her post! And she’s hosting a giveaway for a copy of her new book, The First to Die. Read on… Location, Location, Location! I’ve spent my life in the theatre—writing plays in grade school, directing the class play in high school, majoring in speech and theatre in college, while performing … Continue reading Guest Chick: Suzanne Trauth #giveaway
We’re so happy to be hosting Kerry Peresta, author of the Olivia Callahan Suspense and Back Before Dawn. Please help us give her a warm welcome! When a Character is Cornered, the Claws Come Out Suspense is often mistaken for momentum (short chapters, ticking clocks, escalating perils), but none of that matters if the character at the center remains unchanged. In my own work, I … Continue reading Guest Chick: Kerry Peresta
We had a significant snow dump right after Christmas. winter has been pretty steady for us so far here in the U.P. We’ll continue to have some snow through May, and it’s not at all unlikely that we’ll still have some chunks of ice floating in Lake Superior in June. I’m not complaining. The city keeps our streets ploughed. Our heating works well where we … Continue reading How’s it snowing?
It takes some effort to drag oneself out of bed on the first workday of the new year. But an e-blast from Left Coast Crime made it much easier for a few of our Chicks. Congratulations to Ellen and Jen for Lefty nominations in the category of Best Humorous Mystery and Leslie for a Best Mystery Novel nomination! And congratulations to all the nominees… For … Continue reading A wonderful start to the New Year…
Y’all. Y’ALL. I have started five different posts, each with a solid theme. But really what I want to do is put on my cozy pajamas, make a cup of hot cocoa, and sit around the fireplace laptop and chat. Can we just do that? I just got back from a five-day trip to New York — the first time I’ve ever been in December. … Continue reading Patience, Fortitude, and other things a writer needs
Hi all, Ellen here! I’m thrilled to welcome back popular author Daryl Wood Gerber, who I am also lucky to call a good friend. I think you’ll find her post as inspiring as I do. And she’s hosting a giveaway for two books! Why Do I Write What I Write? By Daryl Wood Gerber Savor the Mystery! People ask me all the time: why do … Continue reading Guest Chick: Daryl Wood Gerber
Chicks on the Case 