This time of year, there’s a lot of talk about hauntings. Frankly, I’m jealous. Having cut my reading teeth on The Shining, I’ve always been fascinated by a possible rending of the veil between the material and spirit worlds, whether that rift is fueled by a burial ground disturbance, traumatic worldly departure, or a particularly salty bartender. So far… no dice. And no hauntings. … Continue reading Old Haunts
Things I love about October: leaves changing color, widely available pumpkin spice options, and Halloween decorations and movies. Leaves are ablaze with color here in the Marquette area. The most spectacular fall displays in the Upper Peninsula are actually in the Keweenaw Peninsula, in case you’re planning a visit. It’s a couple of hours drive from our home to the middle of the Keweenaw. Hubs … Continue reading What’s fab about October?
I’m working on a new manuscript, and in it, I reference a rainbow. The mnemonic I learned in school, ROYGBIV, popped into my head. Great! Now I could label the colors! Wait a minute. Shouldn’t I know the hues without needing a reminder? How much do I rely on these mind tricks to help me? Certainly, when I competed in Science Olympiad (nerd alert!) in … Continue reading Mnemonic Devices—Love Them or Hate Them?
Lisa here, and I’m delighted to welcome first-time Chicks guest Lori Roberts Herbst, who recently burst onto the cozy mystery scene with her fabulous Callie Cassidy Mystery series. Book One, SUITABLE FOR FRAMING, was just awarded the 2022 Silver Falchion for Best Cozy Mystery, as well as 2nd Runner Up for Best Book of 2021. Take it away, Lori! Continue reading Guest Chick: Lori Roberts Herbst
Much as I despise admitting it, words don’t always come to me as quickly as they once did. There’s nothing like having a word on the tip of your tongue, then have it dart away and zip around your brain like a fly trying to dodge a swatter. Recently I endured a particularly bad bout of what-is-that-damn-word-I-had-it-a-minute-ago-and-it-went-away-and-then-came-back-and-then-went-away-again-itis. The little devil of a word taunted me, … Continue reading The Most Inane – or Most Useful Writing Tip Ever. You decide.
Cozy readers—and especially 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! In the comments, give us a couple of sentences … who is this? What’s her back story? Victim, criminal, detective, murderer, spy? The more ridiculous the better! The subject may look familiar, but remember, things aren’t always as they … Continue reading Chick Pic Time!
Leslie Karst here, pleased as rum punch to welcome my pal Maddie Day (aka Edith Maxwell), whose brand new mystery, Murder in a Cape Cottage, released just yesterday. Edith and I roomed together at my very first mystery writers convention, Left Coast Crime back in 2014 in Monterey, CA, and we’ve been buddies ever since. Be sure to read to the end, as there’s a … Continue reading Guest Chick: Maddie Day
🍁 Happy First Week of Fall, my very favorite season. There’s something about the cooler temperature that perks me right up. Not to mention snuggly sweaters, all the pumpkins, and everything Halloween. But perhaps most of all, it’s the Fall Foliage. Yes, it has to be capitalized like that because it is a thing on the east coast. People travel miles–even states–to see it. When I … Continue reading It’s Fall, Finally
The other day I stumbled on a list of Top Ten Irritating Phrases, as one does when one is searching for yet another synonym for “looked.” • At the end of the day• Fairly unique• Hashtag blessed• At this moment in time• With all due respect• I’m just being honest• Shouldn’t of• 24/7• It’s not rocket science• I could care less I would like to … Continue reading The Ear of the Beholder
We are so pleased to welcome the talented Marie Sutro the nest! This award-winning, best-selling writer has been described as “one helluva author” and we couldn’t agree more. Today the author of the newly released Dark Obsessions discusses setting the perfect setting. Sometimes the hardest part of writing a book can be the quest for authenticity. While drafting my new release, Dark Obsessions, a furry … Continue reading The Quest For Authenticity: How Far Is Too Far?
No, I have not, alas, been offered a contract or even an option for a movie or TV show based on my Sally Solari mystery series. But I thought it would be fun, nevertheless, to fantasize about who I would cast as the characters, were that ever were to occur. Let’s start with Sally: She’s a fourth-generation Italian, part of the community of fishermen who … Continue reading Casting Sally Solari, the Movie
Cozy readers—and especially 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: Who is this character? What’s their back story? Victim, murderer, nosy neighbor, innocent suspect? The more ridiculous the better! Each comment can build on the next until we have a fully-fleshed out … Continue reading Time for a Chick Pic!
Chicks on the Case 