Guest Chick: Michele Drier

We’re so happy to welcome back the wonderful Michele Drier. Setting is a huge component of mysteries and Michele’s take on the topic is spot on. I’ve always considered setting as a character, both in my reading and my writing. Although I don’t write much detail about my characters—leaving it up to the readers to picture them for themselves—I do include details about where the … Continue reading Guest Chick: Michele Drier

Guest Chick: Deborah J. Benoit

Spring has sprung, and if you are a gardener–or someone who appreciates gardens–do we ever have the perfect guest with the perfect book for you (and she has kindly agreed to give away an autographed copy to one lucky commenter)! Please help us give a warm welcome to Deborah J. Benoit, author of  The Gardener’s Plot… Anyone who knows me knows that two of my … Continue reading Guest Chick: Deborah J. Benoit

A Visit with Jason Powell

Cynthia here–at Left Coast Crime, I had the great fortune to meet the wonderful Jason Powell, who kindly agreed to visit us and answer some questions about his book No Man’s Ghost, which is out now. Please join us in welcoming Jason! What made you interested in writing this particular story? I’m always glad to answer this question because it gives me the opportunity to … Continue reading A Visit with Jason Powell

Where’s the Crime?

Several years ago at a former job, I was promoted to a supervisory position. The transition was rough. Management was making stupid decisions. Direct reports were (understandably) rebelling. I was in the middle. Fun times. One morning, I was leaving for work. I turned the key in my ignition—and nothing happened. My first thought was, “OMG! Someone planted a bomb in my car!” Yes, that … Continue reading Where’s the Crime?

Guest Chick: Barbara Nickless

Happy Wednesday, my friends! Patricia here, and I’m grinning from ear-to-ear. I’m excited to be hosting my first-ever Guest Chick. Barbara Nickless is a bestselling and award-winning author of thrillers novels. She’s joining us to explore the concept of “failing” with grace. Barbara, thank you so much for visiting with us. Take it away! I was a few minutes late meeting my cousin at a … Continue reading Guest Chick: Barbara Nickless

It’s 2025. Do You Know Where Your Manners Are?

Sure, everyone is super “busy” these days.  With the 24/7 demands of work, family, intrusive ads, creeping new technologies, and the current state of the world, most people have their heads down, just trying to survive. Maybe the good ol’ days were in many ways awful, but are there a few things we should save from the past? Continue reading It’s 2025. Do You Know Where Your Manners Are?

Idea Doppelgängers

When Someone Else Writes Your Brilliant Thought Have you ever had an idea that that felt fresh, personal, and totally original, then someone else comes up with an idea that’s suspiciously similar — or even exactly the same? It’s tempting to think that they stole it. And while I’m not saying that never happens, it’s just as likely to be a total coincidence. Our ideas … Continue reading Idea Doppelgängers

Red, white, and tomatoes

If you hail from West Tennessee, as I do, you’ve heard of Elvis, and you’ve eaten Ripley tomatoes. Around the first of July, many of you will have set out driving up Highway 51 looking for a sign on the side of the road advertising Ripley tomatoes. They’re beefsteak tomatoes, so some people may assume they’re nothing special. But, they’d be wrong. Folks will actually … Continue reading Red, white, and tomatoes