Chick Chat: What’s in a title?

When authors are submitting a proposal for a series or for more books in a series, we typically are asked to suggest titles for those books, as well. Sometimes they fly; sometimes they get shot down by the publisher. We think the Chicks have had some pretty cool titles, including The Semester of Our Discontent and Til Death Do Us Party. Ellen’s latest release, Long Island Iced Tina, is a contender for best ever! (Look here for a list of all the Chicks’ books to date.)

But today we reminisce about those titles that didn’t make the cut — or the cover.

Chicks on the CaseMarch 12, 2021April 4, 202558 Comments

Guest Post

Guest Chick: Kaye George

The Chicks are thrilled to welcome back our pal, the always delightful Kaye George. And we’ve stumbled onto an accidental theme this week – where do writers get their ideas? Leslie shared what she goes through on Monday. Today, Kaye gives us her take on it… The Dreaded Question Where do you get your ideas? Why do people always ask this? I got asked just … Continue reading Guest Chick: Kaye George

Chicks on the CaseMarch 10, 2021March 10, 202127 Comments

Leslie Karst

Where Do You Get Your Ideas?

This is probably the most common question asked of me by folks hearing for the first time that I write mystery novels. And my go-to answer is generally, “Why, everywhere!” But the other day, when a neighbor—who’s just now reading through my Sally Solari series—asked me this question, after providing the same stock answer as usual (with the addition of, “Hey, you might end up … Continue reading Where Do You Get Your Ideas?

Leslie KarstMarch 8, 2021March 3, 202142 Comments

Becky Clark

Calling All Murderinos

My husband and I have very similar tastes in almost everything. We play this game I made up called “Which is Becky’s Favorite?” We’ll be standing in the middle of an art gallery, or kitschy store, or display of lamps at Home Depot and I’ll ask him, “Which is my fave?” More often than not he’ll get it exactly right, because whatever it is will … Continue reading Calling All Murderinos

BeckyMarch 5, 2021March 6, 202147 Comments

Guest Post

Guest Chick: Marla Bradeen

The Chicks are thrilled to have fab author Marla Bradeen with us today. She talks about the importance of representation in mysteries, beyond the usual suspects, and shares some exciting information about new a grant opportunity through Sisters in Crime for LGBTQIA+ mystery authors! And be sure to check out her wonderful Cozy Cat Caper mystery series (written as Paige Sleuth). Take it away, Marla! … Continue reading Guest Chick: Marla Bradeen

Chicks on the CaseMarch 3, 2021October 11, 202129 Comments

Lisa Q. Mathews

Monday, Monday: Writers Pandemic Edition

The one in which Extra-Chirpy Chick does her best to build a case for Mondays. Inconceivable, you say? It’s all in how you look at things. Just grab your coffee and hear her out… Continue reading Monday, Monday: Writers Pandemic Edition

Lisa Q. MathewsMarch 1, 2021February 28, 202130 Comments

Kathleen Valenti

A Moving Experience

Welp…I’m moving. It’s just across town, mind you, and I don’t have a ton of stuff. But still…it’s the first time I’ve moved in 25 years. Here’s what I’ve discovered while packing up: I’m more sentimental than I realized. I’ve kept love letters, photographs, first grade drawings and college papers. Drawers and cupboards hide a zillion things I’d forgotten about and lost. Recipes. Missing glasses. … Continue reading A Moving Experience

Kathleen ValentiFebruary 26, 2021February 28, 202159 Comments

Guest Post

Guest Chick: Margaret Mizushima

Please join us in welcoming back the fantastic Margaret Mizushima, author of the award-winning Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries! The Joys of Being a Veterinarian’s Wife (or How Being a Vet’s Wife Inspired My Writing) I’ve been married to a veterinarian for almost forty years. (No applause needed, but sometimes I do think I deserve a medal.) During this time I’ve learned to deal with countless … Continue reading Guest Chick: Margaret Mizushima

Cynthia KuhnFebruary 24, 2021February 22, 202141 Comments

Ellen Byron, Mysteries

LONG ISLAND ICED TINA Launches Today!

Thrilled to share that today is the book birthday for LONG ISLAND ICED TEA, the second book in the Catering Hall Mysteries series by our very own Maria DiRico who is also Ellen Byron. In the second installment of Maria DiRico’s new Catering Hall Mystery series, Mia Carina is back in the borough of Queens, in charge of the family catering hall Belle View Banquet … Continue reading LONG ISLAND ICED TINA Launches Today!

Chicks on the CaseFebruary 23, 2021July 22, 202315 Comments

Vickie Fee

Where to start?

What’s the best point in the story to begin a book? I’ve gone through some rigorous writing exercises recently trying to figure that one out for myself! After three false starts, I think I’ve got it nailed down for my work in progress. (Fingers crossed.) With this in mind, I thought it might be fun to do a little writing exercise today on Chicks. Readers, … Continue reading Where to start?

Vickie FeeFebruary 22, 2021February 21, 202159 Comments

Jennifer. J. Chow

Your Book is Making Me Hungry

Dear Authors, While I appreciate you putting mouth-watering food descriptions in your books, I also charge you with making me hungry. Your excellent sensory prose has led to the revival of my sweet tooth, much snacking, and procrasti-baking. My evidence? Exhibit A: Pecan Pralines. I made these after reading Ellen’s Fatal Cajun Festival. Exhibit B: Cinnamon Rolls. These pastries aren’t even typically served at the … Continue reading Your Book is Making Me Hungry

Jennifer J. ChowFebruary 19, 2021February 16, 202154 Comments

Guest Post

Guest Chick—Elizabeth Pantley

Becky here … I’m so excited to introduce you to Elizabeth Pantley today as she talks about the inspiration and research she magically fell into for her new book Falling Into Magic. When Mountain Climbing becomes Book Inspiration Hayden, my protagonist, is a hiker, and fairly new to the sport, just like me. I used my own experiences trekking through the great Pacific Northwest over … Continue reading Guest Chick—Elizabeth Pantley

Chicks on the CaseFebruary 17, 2021November 13, 202032 Comments