During a gathering at my house not too long ago, my sister Laura mentioned how as a kid she often wondered what a “donzerly” light looked like, having always heard the first line of our national anthem as “Oh say can you see, by the donzerly light…” “I always imagined it to be some sort of amazingly beautiful kind of illumination,” she told us, “and … Continue reading The Donzerly Light
What’s so funny about crime? Well, nothing. But crime writing is an altogether different story, no pun intended. The Chicks got together recently to chat about some funny situations we’ve found ourselves in over the course of our writing career. Continue reading “Chick Chat: Funny Situations We’ve Endured … Or Caused”
We Chicks have a very special treat for you today: magical mystery author, locked-room expert and our good friend Gigi Pandian, whose latest Under Lock & Skeleton Key has just hit the shelves. Take it away, Gigi! Thanks so much to Lisa and Ellen for inviting me to join the Chicks today! Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about something that’s not a new idea, … Continue reading Guest Chick: Gigi Pandian
It’s March in the Northeast, the blustery month that comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. Smack in the middle are St. Patrick’s Day, the Spring Equinox, and–for one Chick–another ever-green holiday, Christmas… Continue reading The One with the Lion, the Lamb, & No Snakes
In my day job as copywriter, I spend a decent amount of time coming up with names for companies, products, and services. Sometimes it’s an easy lift like, say, when I’m tasked with incorporating the owner’s namesake. (The George Foreman Grill comes to mind.) But more often than not, it’s a process that requires in-depth research, tedious trademark queries, and copious complaining. It isn’t just … Continue reading The name game
Happy Wednesday, Everyone–which means we Chicks have a wonderful new guest for you to meet, if you haven’t already: the very inspiring Karina Bartow, whose latest book BROTHER OF INTEREST is now available. Take it away, Karina! Continue reading Guest Chick: Karina Bartow
Like so many things, the writing life is easier if you celebrate the small victories along the way. Example: If I hit 1,000 words in my work in progress – Yay! Although, if you’re like me, it’s more like: I hit 1,000 words – gosh, only 79,000 more to go. It’s that feeling of stepping on the scales at Weight Watchers after being really, really … Continue reading How to tip the word count scales in your favor
The first time my husband read a book of mine, I waited with bated breath. Would he like it? Laugh at the right parts? Encourage me to continue spending gobs of time doing who knows what the writer’s life in my office? (Dear reader, he enjoyed the book. And that is why we’re still married. Just kidding. Obviously, it’s only one of the reasons…) The … Continue reading When Your Kid Reads Your Book…
Hi, Ellen here. I met Francelia Belton when I visited Colorado to teach workshops for the Sisters in Crime – Colorado chapter and we totally hit it off, both as writers and human beings. 😉 I’m thrilled to welcome her to Chicks with this wonderful post… “First Sentences are Doors to Worlds.” First, I’d like to thank Ellen and the other Chicks for having me … Continue reading Guest Chick: Francelia Belton
About ten years ago, I was keeping my brother company while he browsed an antique store in northwestern Connecticut, and I spotted this old cookbook: Attracted by the vintage 1950s artwork and historic eateries, I bought the book. The purchase kicked off a hobby of collecting vintage cookbooks – a hobby that’s spawned a new cozy series, the Vintage Cookbook Mysteries, which launches with BAYOU … Continue reading The Cookbooks of Our Lives.
The Chicks are thrilled to welcome the talented, prolific, and super-lovely author Julie Anne Lindsey to the blog today. She shares a wonderful post about her passion for cozies. Read on and then share what you love about them! Confessions of a Cozy Mystery Writing Addict Thank you so much to Ellen and the Chicks for inviting me over today! Chatting about cozies, inspiration, craft … Continue reading Guest Chick: Julie Anne Lindsey
Recently, I heard that many people were having trouble concentrating these days because we’ve been on high alert for so long. That definitely resonated with me. We all have much to handle, with global events and political tensions adding to the existing pressures of our personal duties and challenges. But this week has felt even more overwhelming and distressing than the previously heightened sense of being overwhelmed … Continue reading Pausing
Chicks on the Case 