A while back, I said, “BRB: There’s something I have to go do!” That “something” was moving halfway across the country, back to Austin. I swore it wasn’t a goodbye, just a “see you soon.” Readers, that was six years ago. So, first of all — hi, I’m back! Told you I couldn’t stay away. But the world is such a different place than it … Continue reading Okay, I’m back. What did I miss?
I’m so happy to be able to welcome Rhonda Blackhurst to Chicks on the Case today. We’ve been friends for a long time. She’s a delight and a constant source of inspiration! [picture Becky waving madly] This year is a milestone for me— I turn the big 6-OH! In any other career, that would be nearing retirement age. And, in fact, I took an early … Continue reading Guest Chick: Rhonda Blackhurst
Sometimes I’m pretty forgetful. I’m average smarts and only occasionally brilliant. But this week I remembered reading an article a couple of years ago by some woman who thought herself an expert on cozy mysteries. She started the article by mentioning Agatha Christie and “Mrs.” Marple. I skimmed through the article but could hardly take her seriously. I mean, really? If you’ve read anything by or … Continue reading It’s Miss Marple, not Mrs.
As a kid, our field trip to the Capitol was to…Sacramento. I always envied those kids on the East Coast who got to visit DC. And even though I’ve been to Malice Domestic a few times, the closest I got to the National Mall was watching it stream by a window. This past President’s Day weekend, though, we traveled to Washington, D.C. to cheer on … Continue reading Whirlwind DC Weekend
We’re so excited to have Valerie/V.M./Kallie join us today! And we’re doubly excited to meet the wonderful dogs in her life! All these cute photos! 🐶 My Favorite Supporting Characters Anyone who’s read my books (or even just looked at the covers) might have figured out that I love dogs. In fact, the dogs on the covers of the Mystery Bookshop Mystery Series were based … Continue reading Guest Chick: Valerie (V.M.) Burns and Giveaway
Greetings from New Orleans, where it’s Carnival Season. That’s right, Mardi Gras is one day – Fat Tuesday – but the partying in NOLA starts on the Epiphany, January 6. (Technically, partying is a year-round event here, but I’m talking MG specifics.) When hubby Jer learned this, he said, “Let’s not go for the actual day, when it’s insane there. Why not do the week … Continue reading Mardi Gras Paradin’, Ellen Style
I’ll toast to that! We’re sharing our favorite cocktails and mocktails today! 🍸 Continue reading Chick Chat: Favorite Cocktail (or Mocktail!)
The Chicks are so happy to welcome back wonderful author and HFOC (Honored Friend of Chicks) Liz Milliron. What happens when grab an opportunity to write – and then go blank? Read on to find out and also learn about the first book in a brand-new series from Liz! (It sounds awesome!) What am I going to write? Thanks to the Chicks, and Ellen, for … Continue reading Guest Chick: Liz Milliron
Usually the “Just a Friendly Note” series addresses the things that are perhaps not working so well—and it’s both fun and cathartic to articulate them. This week, however, I’m going to focus on the positive because many of us are feeling like we could use a lift. ☀️ Dear Packable Puffer Jackets: Thank you for the option to keep warm in a streamlined manner rather … Continue reading Just a friendly note (gratitude edition)
There’s nothing we Chicks love more than great books with a strong dose of humor (even more than coffee!). So of course we’re delighted to welcome the hilarious and massively talented Lois Winston to the blog today. Enjoy, Everyone–and take it away, Lois! Please. Continue reading Guest Chick: Lois Winston
Hi, Ellen here, and I’m so happy to be hosting one of my favorite people. Cozy mystery fans know Patricia as “Olivia Mathews,” but she also writes romantic suspense for Harlequin. She almost wound in Hawaii with five fellow Harlequin authors as research for a new series. What happened? Read on… “Pack your bags, baby! We’re going to Hawaii!” Last year, my wonderful editor at … Continue reading Guest Chick: Patricia Sargeant (aka/Olivia Mathews)
Chicks on the Case 