Becky Clark

Do You Have Paraskavedekatriaphobia or Friggatriskaidekaphobia?

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?

Unknown's avatarBecky38 Comments
Guest Post

Guest Chick: Jessica Laine + GIVEAWAY

Jen here, and happy to welcome Jessica to the blog. I’m kind of a scaredy-cat in general, but I find eco-horror fiction fascinating. What Scares Me Gracias to Jen and all the Chicks for having me as your guest today. You are the best! It’s October and the spooky season of Halloween is well underway here in Minnesota. There’s something you should know about me: … Continue reading Guest Chick: Jessica Laine + GIVEAWAY

Unknown's avatarChicks on the Case32 Comments
Leslie Karst

Forget the Comma; Oxford Rocks its Signs

City of deaming spires. Birthplace of Stephen Hawking, J.R.R. Tolkien, Dorothy L. Sayers, and P.D. James. Creator of the most celebrated dictionary of the historical development of the English language. And home to almost 200 pubs. Not to mention that comma. But one of the things I most love about Oxford—where I’ve been staying the past three weeks—is its wealth of whimsical signs. They’re everywhere: … Continue reading Forget the Comma; Oxford Rocks its Signs

Unknown's avatarLeslie Karst30 Comments
Guest Post

Guest Chick: Shari Randall/Meri Allen

Ellen here, so happy to welcome my friend Shari Randall, a wonderful author – and occasional convention roomie! Shari writes the delightful Ice Cream Shop Mysteries. Today, she’s talking about what lies beneath the masks people present to the world. A perfect way to kick off the Halloween season! Wikimedia Commons Ellen, Many thanks for inviting me to visit. You and the Chicks are some … Continue reading Guest Chick: Shari Randall/Meri Allen

Unknown's avatarChicks on the Case36 Comments
Kathleen Valenti

It’s a tough job, but–well, you know.

As a writer, writing is job one—unless you’re writing about jobs. Then it’s job one, plus one. We’ve had a slew of recruitment-related clients at the ad agency where I work, and the projects have called to mind my own jobs and job searches. I began my career in writing as anyone would: by selling pantyhose. Back when hosiery was part of the dress code … Continue reading It’s a tough job, but–well, you know.

Unknown's avatarKathleen Valenti45 Comments
Guest Post

Guest Chick: Judy Penz Sheluk

Lisa here, delighted to play hostess today for amazing mystery author, anthology editor, and indie publishing expert Judy Penz Sheluk. Welcome back to Chicks, Judy–and hold onto your feathers, Everyone, because Judy’s here to tell us about her new step-by-step guides (1 recently published, 1 coming soon) that are sure to provide both inspiration and information to countless aspiring (and veteran) authors, no matter which publishing path they choose. Continue reading Guest Chick: Judy Penz Sheluk

Unknown's avatarChicks on the Case36 Comments
Jennifer. J. Chow

Who Likes Quizzes?

I like quizzes. What about you? Well, actually, I don’t like pop quizzes. I feel my kids’ pain when they talk about those—something clearly along the lines of feeling crushed by books: (Honestly, I still get stress dreams about taking exams.) Nevertheless, I’ve often enjoyed quizzes. These are the kind of questionnaires that come with glossy magazines. Nowadays, we can take fun tests online. Caveat: … Continue reading Who Likes Quizzes?

Unknown's avatarJennifer J. Chow33 Comments
Giveaway, Guest Post

Guest Chick: Kathleen Donnelly and a Giveaway!

Becky here to introduce you to my friend Kathleen Donnelly. We’re both in Colorado and in the same Sisters in Crime chapter. We once did a field trip to a locale where Kathleen put her adorable Sparky and Gracie through their paces to find the narcotics she had hidden. Absolutely fascinating to see her and the dogs work. In addition to having smart and adorable … Continue reading Guest Chick: Kathleen Donnelly and a Giveaway!

Unknown's avatarChicks on the Case38 Comments
Ellen Byron

Back from Bouchercon – All the Pix and Feels

I’ve been back from Bouchercon for two weeks and you’ve probably seen a million pix by now, including some of mine. But… I feel a need to share. I haven’t been to a Bouchercon since 2016. I was all set to go to B’con in New Orleans in 2021 – and I actually did go, even though it was cancelled. My daughter was in college … Continue reading Back from Bouchercon – All the Pix and Feels

Unknown's avatarEllen Byron52 Comments