The Chicks are so pleased to welcome the lovely Linda Lovely! Linda is an accomplished writer with 11 books under her belt(!!). Today Linda shares her author origin story and offers wise words about the world of writing. Take it away, Linda! What A Book Club Taught Me About Writing A dozen years back, when I signed a traditional publishing contract for my first novel, … Continue reading Guest Chick: Linda Lovely
The One Where the Writer Tries to Write a Book in a Month. Seen this episode already? Or maybe the storyline sounds vaguely familiar… Welcome to the joys and potholes of National Novel Writing Month! Continue reading Look, Ma–No Hands!
A funny thing happened to me on the way to writing this post. I went to a comedy show. As a writer—and reader—of mysteries that endeavor to tickle the funny bone while putting the spine on ice, I am a big fan of comedy. Sitcoms. Romcoms. Dramcoms. Basically if -com is involved in any way, I’m in. I saw the ever-funny, never-for-children’s-ears Taylor Tomlinson in … Continue reading Funny Business
We Chicks have a treat to share with you to kick off Native American Heritage Month: a lovely post from Marcie Rendon, author of the Cash Blackbear crime novels–and listed in Oprah’s 2020 list of 31 Native American Authors to Read. Marcie’s also offering a giveaway to one lucky commenter: a half-hour Zoom chat! Take it away, Marcie… Continue reading Guest Chick: Marcie Rendon
I’m not donning a costume for Halloween this year. In fact, it’s been quite a number of years since I put on a disguise for All Hallows Eve. But I did spend some time over the weekend thinking back on Halloweens Past. One year when I was still in high school, I went out a double date with one of my best friends, her boyfriend … Continue reading Costumes I have known
Last weekend, I participated in the inaugural Ashland Mystery Festival. It took place in Ashland, OR (not to be confused with Ashland, OH—as one reader pointed out to me). Anyway, I had a wonderful time there! Unlike most mystery conventions, which happen in the same hotel, this one (organized by the amazing Ellie Alexander) spread out the activities. There were loads of things to do: … Continue reading A First Time for Everything
Today we welcome Julie Mulhern, author of the Country Club Murders and the Poppy Fields Adventures, whose new book, Killing My Softly, releases in December. Welcome, Julie! When I wrote the opening line of what would become my Country Club Murders series—”My morning sun doesn’t usually involve corpses”—I never dreamed I’d still be writing about Ellison and Frances and Grace ten years later. Ten years. … Continue reading Guest Chick: Julie Mulhern
Okay, this is a gimme. It’s New Orleans, of course! NOLA never met a holiday it didn’t celebrate on steroids and given its boast that it’s the most haunted city in America, Halloween is particularly popular with those who love to decorate. I’ve spent the last three years here in the Big Easy around Halloween time. I’m that very rare kid who dreaded Halloween growing … Continue reading And the winner for Best Halloween City is…
Welcome to “Behind the Book,” our fun new Chicks on the Case feature! Join us as we Chicks share the real stories behind our stories: Inspiration, motivation, frustration, jubilation– research, rewrites, tidbits– you’ll find them all right here… Hiya! It’s Kathy, and I’m delighted to offer a peek into my first book, Protocol. A large portion of its plot revolves around odd messages my protagonist receives … Continue reading Behind the book: Protocol
Kathy here, and so excited to welcome Wendy Tyson (a.k.a. Liv Andersson, a.k.a. great writer and human person) to Chicks! Wendy is multitalented and multi-series’ed. Today, she talks about the paths we follow and the progress that can be made when following the Wright–or write–way on our journeys. Take it away, Wendy! The Wright Way Thank you for having me here today, Kathi! I’m thrilled … Continue reading Guest Chick: Wendy Tyson/Liv Andersson
The first year we lived in our current house, it felt as though we’d been transported to Disneyland for Halloween–people up and down the street decked out their homes with oversized decorations and all sorts of curious items that spewed mist or growled sporadically or otherwise scared trick-or-treaters. Spooky music was blasted from various houses and neighbors dressed in elaborate costumes. There was a fantastic … Continue reading It’s Halloween Season
If you do, you’re probably cowering under your covers instead of reading this because today is Friday the 13th. Both of those delightfully king-sized words describe a fear of this supposedly evil and unlucky day. Paraskavedekatriaphobia comes from the Greek word for Friday, Paraskevi. Here’s how to pronounce it … Friggatriskaidekaphobia comes from the Norse Goddess for Friday—Frigg— in mythology. Here’s how to pronounce it … Continue reading Do You Have Paraskavedekatriaphobia or Friggatriskaidekaphobia?
Chicks on the Case 