You’re probably aware today is Labor Day —especially if you have the day off from work! Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894 in recognition of American Labor and in conjunction with the rise of trade unions. Some lesser known “national holidays” this month include: Yesterday (Sept. 4) was National Pet Rock Day. Sorry I missed that one. I actually had a pet rock … Continue reading A perfect day for… whatever
I’ve been having an almond croissant craving recently. And I’m picky about my croissants. They need to be flaky and not too crispy on the outside. I also like them with plenty of almond paste filling and a dusting of powdered sugar on top. Maybe I want a croissant because I’m in the middle of edits. I’m in my revisions cave attempting to incorporate comments … Continue reading The Perfect Croissant/Word
The Chicks are excited to welcome Susan Kimmel Wright for a return visit to the blog today. (But we’re glad it’s not Friday the 13th!) Susan has generously offered one lucky US commenter—chosen at random— to receive a candle from the iconic Mystery Lovers Bookshop in Oakmont, PA, in their signature “Bookshop” scent, which sounds heavenly to us Chicks! Not (Very) Superstitious My daughter Maria … Continue reading Guest Chick: Susan Kimmel Wright
Not that long ago, I started receiving emails from OneDrive titled “Your memories from this day.” At first, I didn’t really pay attention to them. My motto, stolen from a book called The Year of Jamie’s Diary (which I’m ashamed to admit was also stolen by yours truly from the Scarsdale junior high school), is “Forward ever, backward never.” But eventually, driven by a combination … Continue reading Your memories from this day are… what????!
Today we Chicks share our (mostly) humorous experiences from real life that inspired an element in our writing: books, series, characters, scenes–you name it. Read on and feel free to add a few of your own!
Continue reading “Chick Chat: Seeds of Mirth–or Murder?”
I met Linda when I was invited to join (along with Ellen) the Cozy Mystery Crew group over on Facebook. I’ve been a fan ever since. If you haven’t read her new Grilled Cheese mysteries, heat a can of tomato soup and grill up a sandwich of your own. Trust me on this … if you didn’t want one before you started reading, you will … Continue reading Guest Chick: Linda Reilly
One night seven years ago, I woke up in the dark completely terrified and–long story short–ended up in the emergency room. (The most memorable part of that experience was when, in response to the 911 call, several gorgeous firemen burst into the bedroom and carried me out to the ambulance. If I were writing a Rom Com, hello meet-cute!) Turned out to be the first in … Continue reading Surprise! Everything Just Changed
I was out with writer friends recently and the discussion turned to language, as it does. We were at Happy Hour after our Sisters in Crime meeting. During the meeting that morning, someone used the word “peripatetic.” Because I’m me, I loudly confessed my ignorance and demanded a definition. (Turns out I wasn’t the only one who didn’t know, so YOU’RE WELCOME, CLASS!) The only … Continue reading But Officer, I’m Sure That’s Right!
The Chicks are tickled to welcome back Agatha award-winning author pal Leslie Budewitz as our guest chick today! The sixth entry in Leslie’s wonderful Spice Shop Mysteries, Peppermint Barked, is just out. And she is giving away a fab swag package to one lucky commenter on today’s blog! Take it away, Leslie! Killing it on the village streets “When people get arrested in your books,” … Continue reading Guest Chick: Leslie Budewitz
There was a time in my life when I believed that once your manuscript was written, revised, edited, and sent off to the publisher to be made into a real live book, the work of the author was basically done. Then I had an actual book come out. No. It turns out [spoiler alert] that once the book is finished, the work of an author … Continue reading Bloggin’ My Days Away
Chicks on the Case readers are some of the most creative folks on the planet so we’re asking you to play Chick Pic with us! Give us a couple of sentences … What’s the back story? Victim, criminal, detective, murderer, spy? The more ridiculous the better! Each comment can build on the previous until we have a fully fleshed out character, or even the beginnings … Continue reading Time for a Chick Pic!
Please join us in welcoming back our wonderful friend Liz Milliron, author of The Laurel Highlands Mysteries series and The Homefront Mysteries! We are very excited to hear about her newest book–check out the gorgeous cover below. Hello to all the Chicks and thanks for having me back (again). Yes, it feels like I was just here. Maybe because I was. That’s life when you … Continue reading Guest Chick: Liz Milliron
Chicks on the Case 