Tough Stuff

A few weeks ago, I ran my second half-marathon. The first was about twenty years—and two kids—ago, back when I didn’t make a noise every time I got out of a chair and my concept of gravity involved apples—and not other things—falling. My goals were simple: avoid getting med evac’d out or experiencing any major (and majorly embarrassing) gastroenterological events. Things started out tough even … Continue reading Tough Stuff

Guest Chick: E. J. Copperman

Leslie here, pleased to present the fabulous E.J. Copperman, whose newest mystery, UKULELE OF DEATH, released just last week. And if his many hilarious past books are any guide–and based on his hilarious post today–it’s a good bet this new one will be a hoot, as well! Who Do I Write For? Okay, fine; it should be, for whom do I write? You feel better? … Continue reading Guest Chick: E. J. Copperman

An international weekend at home

Friday was May 5 – Cinco de Mayo! I don’t have any Mexican heritage that I’m aware of. But hubs and I didn’t let that prevent us from celebrating in our own quiet way. I made taco salad. We imbibed some margaritas. Viva tequila! And we watched Nacho Libre, a fun movie we’ve seen several times before. Saturday, we moved from tequila to tea, watching … Continue reading An international weekend at home

The Lines Are Blurring

Well, yes, my eyes are getting worse. But this post isn’t about failing eyesight but boundaries, particularly with my “professional” and “personal” self. In my previous career as a social worker, we used to talk a lot about setting boundaries. It’s better for your emotional health to have rigid lines. As an author, I’ve found the lines blurring. Want some examples? CHICKS. Clearly, here at … Continue reading The Lines Are Blurring

Guest Chick + Giveaway! J.C. Kenney

Kathy here, and I’m so pleased to welcome back J.C. Kenney! The bestselling author of multiple series, including The Allie Cobb Mysteries, The Darcy Gaughan Mysteries, and The Elmo Simpson Mysteries, J.C. is also a webcast co-host, wonderful supporter of the mystery community, and a good friend of the blog. Today, J.C. rocks our world with a rock ‘n roll retrospective. Take it away, J.C.! … Continue reading Guest Chick + Giveaway! J.C. Kenney

Gone to Malice Domestic 2023

  This week marks the 35th Malice Domestic, the convention celebrating the traditional mystery. If you’re attending, please say hello–we’d love to see you! Ellen Byron/Maria DiRico “Cozy Or Traditional – What’s The Difference?” panel (Friday at 2 pm) “Simply the Best: Our Agatha Best Contemporary Novel Nominees” panel (Friday at 4 pm) Book Signing (Saturday at 10 am) Kensington Multi-Author Book Signing Event (Saturday … Continue reading Gone to Malice Domestic 2023

Guest Chick: Michelle Corbier

Jennifer here. A warm welcome to Michelle! Read on for her inspiring words about pursuing your passions! Indulge Your Passions Recently I read “Rat,” a short story by Stephen King, about a professor who is obsessed with completing a novel. The professor’s first serious attempt at writing resulted in him suffering a mental breakdown. Although the negative impact of this attempt scarred him and his … Continue reading Guest Chick: Michelle Corbier

After a Medical Crisis: What They Don’t Tell You.

I’ve had three medical May Days in my life. (I’m not counting an emergency C-Section because the preeclampsia that necessitated it had been rearing its ugly head for weeks.) When I was twenty-five, a cramp that wouldn’t go away turned out to be a rare tumor. (You can read about that particular adventure here.) Five years ago, a routine angioplasty revealed 70% percent blockage in … Continue reading After a Medical Crisis: What They Don’t Tell You.

Guest Chick: Damyanti Biswas

Ellen here, thrilled to introduce you all to Damyanti, an author of Indian descent currently living in Singapore. She offers an absolutely fascinating perspective on what it’s like to write for an audience in another country – namely us, here in the good old U.S. of A. (And FYI, due to the time difference between countries, Damyanti’s responses to comments will probably be delayed.) Writing … Continue reading Guest Chick: Damyanti Biswas

Behind the Book: Hot Pot Murder

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–you’ll find them all right here…  Hello! Jennifer here, and I’m going to talk about HOT POT MURDER–and cooking disasters. As some of you know, I grew up in a family restaurant. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t … Continue reading Behind the Book: Hot Pot Murder