Magnolia Marie Doucet, Vampire Slayer?

On a recent trip to Louisiana, I toured several plantations and saw some fascinating nineteenth century artifacts. There was a flycatcher that lured flies with a mixture of sugar and arsenic. (Why-oh-why didn’t I know about this before I used arsenic as a murder weapon in my debut mystery, Plantation Shudders?) A parlor in Houmas House featured extraordinary tapestries that took Ursuline nun novitiates years … Continue reading Magnolia Marie Doucet, Vampire Slayer?

Ellen ByronJanuary 4, 2016July 27, 20202 Comments

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Resolved: The Chicks’ New Year’s Resolutions

It’s a brand new year, time for black-eyed peas, the Rose Bowl Parade, and new year’s resolutions! Today, the Chicks are ringing out the old and ringing in the new as we talk about our intentions for 2016.
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Chicks on the CaseJanuary 1, 2016February 13, 20174 Comments

Marla Cooper

The 2015 Cooper’s Choice Awards

As the year winds down, awards season heats up. And since I’ve yet to be approached about becoming a member of the Academy—nor have I ever voted in the People’s Choice Awards, despite my being clearly qualified as a Person—I’ve created my own awards. Herewith, the Cooper’s Choice Awards. The envelope, please….

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Marla CooperDecember 28, 2015July 29, 202015 Comments

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Holiday Horror: Our Biggest Holiday Disasters

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—if you’re lucky enough to avoid travel disasters, family feuds and the worst gift at your office’s White Elephant exchange. Join the Chicks as we relive our worst holiday memories. Continue reading “Holiday Horror: Our Biggest Holiday Disasters”

Chicks on the CaseDecember 18, 2015February 13, 2017Leave a comment

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Party Food for Thought

We’ve all debated what delicious dish we should contribute to a holiday party, and our characters face the same dilemma. The Chicks have landed on a few fab choices for their protagonists. You can decide whether their party guests are in for a treat—or out of potluck.

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Chicks on the CaseDecember 11, 2015February 13, 2017Leave a comment

Ellen Byron

Party Like It’s 1865

One great thing about being a writer is that you can allow a character to make up for your own personal failings. My case in point… I attended Tulane University in New Orleans, and loved it. But there was a fraternity, Kappa Alpha, which celebrated an event called “Old South.” The guys in the chapter rented Confederate soldier uniforms, and their dates rented southern belle … Continue reading Party Like It’s 1865

Ellen ByronDecember 7, 2015December 7, 201511 Comments

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En-titled?

Sometimes it’s easier to come up with a three-hundred page book than a three-word title. The journey can be brutal, with dozens of contenders considered and then discarded. Or, miracle of miracles, the first title you come up with can be an instant winner. Which way did it go for our Chicks?
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Chicks on the CaseDecember 4, 2015February 13, 20175 Comments

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Black Friday: How We’re Celebrating the Day after Thanksgiving—Or Not

Cheers or jeers for Black Friday? Love it or hate it, everyone seems to have an opinion—including The Chicks. Back away from the leftovers and spend it with us!
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Chicks on the CaseNovember 27, 2015February 13, 20171 Comment

Lisa Q. Mathews

Confessions of a (Closet) Pantser

November has been a big month for me. My first book CARDIAC ARREST was published and—miracle of miracles—Book Two is safely in my editor’s hands. So now I’ve turned my attention to a few things I may have neglected for a while. Like my closet. But before we get to that (I’d rather not), I should tell you that I am, by nature, a Pantser. We’re … Continue reading Confessions of a (Closet) Pantser

Lisa Q. MathewsNovember 24, 2015August 1, 20209 Comments

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What We’re Thankful For This Thanksgiving

It’s been an amazing year for the Chicks. We met each other. We celebrated two book birthdays. We even started this blog! With Thanksgiving next week, we wanted to share our appreciation for all the good things that made us most happy this year.

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Chicks on the CaseNovember 20, 2015February 13, 2017Leave a comment

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That one time? In Florida?

While we’ve never been the subject of a crazy Florida news story, we do have some stories of our own about the Sunshine State. This week, we’re keeping the Florida party going, in honor of Lisa’s debut novel, Cardiac Arrest.

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Chicks on the CaseNovember 13, 2015July 29, 2020Leave a comment

Ellen Byron

WWDVD? What Would Diane Vallere Do?

Since the publication of my first book, Plantation Shudders: A Cajun Country Mystery, I’ve learned that I am more than just an author. I am a brand. And I’m okay with that. My late father was a “Mad Man,” and I grew up in a household where a good ad campaign wasn’t just admired, it was revered. But how to create my brand, a look … Continue reading WWDVD? What Would Diane Vallere Do?

Ellen ByronNovember 9, 2015May 6, 201819 Comments