Happy Labor Day!
We Chicks would like to wish all of our author and reader friends a fantastic holiday as we celebrate workers everywhere. See you on Wednesday! Continue reading Happy Labor Day!
The Case of the Last-Minute Conference Attendee
Why I almost skipped the biggest mystery conference in the U.S. — and why I changed my mind. (Spoiler alert: it’s about the community!) Now, who’s with me? Continue reading The Case of the Last-Minute Conference Attendee
Guest Chick: Christina Estes
Today the Chicks are pleased to welcome back Christina Estes, winner of the Tony Hillerman Prize for Best First Mystery Set in The Southwest for Off the Air. The sequel, The Story That Wouldn’t Die, was published August 19 and involves a plot twist that not even Christina saw coming. She is giving away a copy of The Story That Wouldn’t Die to one lucky commentator. … Continue reading Guest Chick: Christina Estes
Gather your clan, large or small for a family reunion
If you have a union job, you may make a bigger deal out of Labor Day than hubs and I do each year. In the U.S. Labor unions brought us the weekend. Working most of the past 30+ years for newspapers, and not for union presses, my husband and I haven’t always had the pleasure of having Labor Day off. Or, even weekends, for that … Continue reading Gather your clan, large or small for a family reunion
Guest Chick: Amanda Chapman
Jen here, and I’m thrilled to welcome Amanda Chapman (a.k.a. Amy Pershing) to the blog. As you know, I’m an avid Christie fan, so I’m delighted Amanda is our guest and that she’s written a mystery with a huge nod to Dame Agatha. Plus, our very own Ellen Byron blurbed the book! Take it away, Amanda/Amy! Getting to Know the Queen of Crime In Her … Continue reading Guest Chick: Amanda Chapman
Guest Chick: Marie Sutro
Before I became an author, I held the common assumption that authors live seriously cool lives. In fact, I felt pretty darn confident they lived glamorous lives.
It may be true for some authors. As for me, I’ve come to accept the old adage—you can’t fight City Hall. (Okay it sounds a bit off. But seriously, the futility of me reaching for the glamorous life is spot on.) Continue reading Guest Chick: Marie Sutro
The Perks of “Research”
Ah, the upside of writing series set in beautiful location. I thought that today, I’d share a little backstory on what inspired my Golden Motel Mysteries and how it led to two glorious vacations, I mean research trips, to Cali’s Gold Rush Country. If you drive 4-5 hours west from this spectacular view, you’re at the Pacific Ocean. I love this state! In the late … Continue reading The Perks of “Research”
Guest Chick: C.B. Wilson & #Giveaway
Let’s give C.B. a very warm welcome to the blog! I love how she shares about her unique journey in finding her author voice. And the dog pics are too adorable!! Finding Your Voice: An unexpected journey Early in my writing career, a mentor shared wisdom that puzzled me at the time: “To find your voice, you must write what moves you.” I thought I … Continue reading Guest Chick: C.B. Wilson & #Giveaway
Never Too Late
We must have been the last people in the world to hear that nonstick pans are not so great for you. And we had the same ones since we got married; even if they weren’t all scraped to heck (they were), they were way past the 10-year deadline for use. Oops! So we decided to take the leap/plunge/bait and trade our old faithfuls for stainless … Continue reading Never Too Late
Wanna Arm Wrestle?
I’ve never considered myself to be a competitive person. We can’t control what other people accomplish or the rewards their achievements earn. It seems frustrating to try to “beat” someone when so much is out of our control. Continue reading Wanna Arm Wrestle?
Guest Chick: Tori Eldridge
Ellen here and I’m happy to welcome Tori Eldridge today. Her books always transport me to fantastic locations. I dare you not to dream of a trip to Kaua’i after her post today about her new release, Kaua’i Storm! Malasadas, Feral Roosters, and Kaua‘i Storm One of the best parts about writing a novel set in a glorious location like Kaua‘i, is the immersive research … Continue reading Guest Chick: Tori Eldridge
Massive Questions
I go on two longish bike rides a week, and to pass the time—and take my mind off my burning calves as I climb steep hills—I think about various things. Often, I use this time to brainstorm ideas for my books, and right now, as I try to come up with a plot for book four in my Orchid Isle mystery series, that’s largely on … Continue reading Massive Questions
Chicks on the Case 