Recently, my older daughter had to create a braided narrative for her English class. This means she wove together present and past timelines, along with different perspectives. Since the true story was supposed to contain a medical element, she decided to do an in-depth interview with my dad for inspiration. It’s been six years since my dad got a heart transplant, and it feels long … Continue reading New Year, New Heart
Season’s greetings, beloved readers! We hope you enjoy the yearly sharing of our holiday baby Chicks cards. We’re taking a break for the holidays, but we’ll be back on January 5th. Until then, we wish you and yours the happiest of happy seasons and a bright New Year! Ellen Byron Lisa Q. Mathews Vickie Fee Cynthia Kuhn Kathleen Valenti Becky Clark Jennifer J. Chow … Continue reading Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays!
The Chicks are pleased to feature today Susan McCormick, author of the fab Fog Ladies mystery series, the latest of which–Date With Death–released in October. And lucky for us all, she’s here just in time for the holidays bringing some delectable cookie recipes! Take it away, Susan! Death Doesn’t Go With Cookies This time of year, my mind always turns to cookies. I love to … Continue reading Guest Chick: Susan McCormick
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.
Chicks on the Case 