Today the Chicks are pleased to welcome debut author Christina Estes, winner of the Tony Hillerman Prize for Best First Mystery Set in The Southwest. Off the Air, which was published on March 26, is the first in a series featuring Jolene Garcia, a TV reporter investigating the suspicious death of a controversial radio talk show host. Christina is giving away a copy of Off … Continue reading Guest Chick: Christina Estes
Lisa here, peeking around the door of my office—aka Writer’s Jail. I’m trying hard not to panic with a looming publisher deadline and the launch of THE JIG IS UP next week. Hope you’ll enjoy this encore presentation post–because, hey, these inspirational comments for mystery writers never get old! Continue reading 13 Helpful Comments to Inspire a Mystery Writer (Redux)
My calendar is pretty open these days. It’s summer, after all. And I’m waiting on a much-needed knee replacement surgery, so I try not to walk much. I’m obsessed with made-up holidays, so I decided to look up what’s on tap for August. I’m talking to the right crowd to let you guys know: Today (August 9) is Book Lovers Day! Start reading or writing … Continue reading Make up your own holiday
Today we Chicks are delighted to welcome our good friend, newbie author Tammy Barker, who’s sharing one of her favorite places for mystery inspiration. Take it away, Tammy! Continue reading Guest Chick: Tammy Barker
One reason I decided to double my major—and my fun—by adding psychology to my English literature studies was my fascination with dreams. Okay, sure, the idea of psychoanalyzing coworkers when I wasn’t diagramming sentences or analyzing Swift (two tasks I was certain I’d perform with my lit degree) had more than a little appeal. But it was the thought of being tasked with interpreting dreams … Continue reading Dream On
There’s this recurring dream I have where I’m taking a timed test. Did I mention that it’s a stress dream for me? For someone who’s a total nerd (confession: I was part of my high school’s Academic Decathlon team), you’d think I would enjoy exams. But I always felt the heavy weight of expectations. This was why I had to push myself to contribute to … Continue reading Pushing Myself
Today the Chicks are pleased to welcome Judy Penz Sheluk, author, editor, and publisher extraordinaire, whose newest anthology, Larceny & Last Chances, released just last month. Take it away, Judy! THE FINE ART OF COVER ART It’s said a good cover can sell a book. I’m not sure if that’s true but I do know, from personal experience, that some of my books have better … Continue reading Guest Chick: Judy Penz Sheluk
Hi, it’s Ellen! Sorry about the late post. I had four events – three events in one weekend – to shill for, I mean celebrate the launch of A Very Woodsy Murder, my first Golden Motel Mystery. Two out of the three were policed by those of a furry persuasion: bookstore cats. I don’t know why I haven’t paid attention to this phenomenon before. There’s … Continue reading Bookstore cats
Welcome to our new Chick Chat series: WIPs & RIPs, a bookish report of what we’re writing (a.k.a. Works In Progress), what we’re reading (i.e. Reads in Progress), and which projects we’re bidding a fond Rest in Peace. Read on, then chime in to tell us what’s occupying your WIP & RIP lists.
Continue reading “WIPs and RIPs”
We adore Nancy Cole Silverman and we double-adore having her on Chicks on the Blog. Today, the award-winning, multi-series writing author talks about old passions and new beginnings. Take it away, Nancy! I used to have a great aunt who, at 66, decided to go back to nursing school because she wanted to be a travel nurse and, at 70, build a harp because she … Continue reading You’re Never Too Old
It’s release day for A Very Woodsy Murder, the first book in Ellen Byron’s new Golden Motel Mystery series. What happens when Dee Stern, a burned-out sitcom writer, impulsively buys a retro rustic motel in California’s Gold Rush Country with her best friend-turned business partner who also happens to be her short-lived first husband? And their very first guest checks in but doesn’t check out… … Continue reading Happy Book Birthday to A VERY WOODSY MURDER!
With the Olympic Games starting soon, the excitement is palpable. Athletes coming together from around the globe is an amazing thing–conceptually, emotionally, and logistically. And even though the main goal is competition, so many other aspects can be marvelous to witness. The races, matches, and events themselves can be thrilling to watch, of course. The demonstration of talent and determination can be impressive and inspirational. … Continue reading Olympics Week is Here!
Chicks on the Case 