Inspired by Lisa’s enchanting post last Monday about decorating for the holidays and her adorable Christmasville village-turning-into-a-metropolis, I thought it would be fun to give you all a glimpse of what the holiday season looks like across the continent—as well as half the Pacific Ocean—from New Hampshire, in my little Hilo Town on the Island of Hawai‘i. Like our fellow Americans five hours ahead of … Continue reading A Very Hilo Holiday
Today the Chicks are bubbling over with holiday joy as we bring you the marvelous Catriona McPherson, whose newest addition to her hilarious Last Ditch Motel mystery series, HOP SCOT, released on December 5. Take it away, Catriona, and thanks so much for visiting with the Chicks! OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES In HOP SCOT (Last Ditch Motel mystery No.6) Lexy Campbell and the … Continue reading Guest Chick: Catriona McPherson
We’re giddy to welcome John Gaspard to the coop! John is a verbal magician and multi-series author who recently released two books in his Eli Marks mysteries, including the ninth(!!) book in the series. Today John examines what happens when we conjure our heroes for a confab. John is also giving away one eBook copy (of the winner’s choice!) from the Albert’s Bridge Books site. … Continue reading Guest Chick: John Gaspard
My dad loves to say that my job is writing slogans and jingles. Although I have only jingled on a few occasions (or if we’re being fancy, written “song-beds with sing-out”—and I’m not making that up), slogans are bread and butter for copywriters like me. And honestly? I’m here for it. The verbal equivalent of a logo, a slogan (a.k.a. tagline) reflects a brand’s promise, … Continue reading Tag!
Jen here, and I’m happy to have Delia on the blog. We’re now imprint sisters at St. Martin’s, and I love the wealth of knowledge she’ll be sharing today. Delia has been able to switch voices in her writing with great skill. Check out her tips below! Switching Voices Delia Pitts When I started writing my latest mystery, Trouble in Queenstown, the voice of private … Continue reading Guest Chick: Delia Pitts
We don’t have any little ones on our gift list this year, and I miss shopping for them. When our niece Molly, who is nineteen now, was about two, we gave her a bouncing Tigger doll for Christmas. While enthusiastic with the idea, my husband later became less than enamored with this gift. After I had already wrapped the box and slipped Tigger under the … Continue reading The joy of Christmas shopping
I’m not talking about Cascade pods, though those keep my dishes clean. Or coffee pods (#TeamTea here, and I use bags or loose leaf). I’m referring to dolphins. Over Thanksgiving weekend, my extended family went whale watching. The last time we tried (at a different location), the kids were young, and one of them did not enjoy the rocky ride. Alas, that previous experience had … Continue reading Why I Love Pods
Ellen here, happy to host Maya Corrigan, author of the always entertaining Five-Ingredient Mysteries. She’s talking about the genesis of her super fun cozy mystery titles. Take it away, Maya! Thank you so much for hosting me, Ellen. I’m happy to be here visiting the Chicks. I’ve gotten to know several of you at mystery conventions and hope to meet all of you at future … Continue reading Guest Chick: Maya Corrigan
A few years ago, my cousin Marie and I met up for lunch at some trendy Manhattan restaurant. I don’t remember what we were talking about, but she suddenly went, “You’re a Californian.” My jaw dropped. I was appalled. I quickly corrected her. “No, no, no. I’m a New Yorker who lives in California.” I’m sure my instant reaction comes as no surprise. New York’s … Continue reading A cover reveal and a change of heart.
Fabulous author Marla Bradeen has returned for a visit and brought some very special guests along–warmest welcome, one and all! Thank you so much to the wonderful Cynthia Kuhn for inviting me to guest post again! Last time I visited, I came solo. Today, I’ve brought along some of my fellow Malice, Matrimony, and Murder authors. What is Malice, Matrimony, and Murder? I’m glad you … Continue reading Malice, Matrimony, and Murder
Mysteries happen all the time. Even to mild-mannered college professors. At work. (This is a true story.) After class one day, I went to my office to catch up on some grading. On the floor in the hallway, there was a small, saucer-shaped pod with what looked like a puddle of oil underneath. I yelped at the sight of it, and my neighboring colleague came … Continue reading Mysteries Everywhere
PROLOGUE… When Becky’s power went out, she and her hubs realized their battery back-up for their important stuff wasn’t working. Hubs got a new one and hooked it all up before leaving for work one morning. ACT ONE BECKY ENTERS, a look of befuddlement fixes to her face, and remains for an uncomfortably long time. Why? Because while she is finishing her morning’s work, the … Continue reading The Teriyaki Salmon Saga
Chicks on the Case 