The Chicks are attending More Than Malice (July 14-17)! Some of us will be at the Author Speed Dating events, and our own Ellen Byron is nominated for an Agatha Award (Best Contemporary Novel)–huge congratulations and cheers!–and you can watch the recorded nominee panels here. The More Than Malice schedule offers information about the many wonderful panels happening this week if you are attending. Also, if you … Continue reading Gone to Malice 2021
The Chicks welcome back Esme Addison, whose newest Enchanted Bay Mystery, A Hex for Danger, launched yesterday. Today, Esme tackles a great topic… On Finding Inspiration Everywhere Most writers probably know that inspiration for stories can be found everywhere. I have a hard time turning that off – the ability to see something, meet someone or experience something and get an idea for a story. … Continue reading Guest Chick: Esme Addison
If you know me for more than, say, five minutes, you know that the only thing I like as much as reading is watching movies. So perhaps it’s no surprise that movies that feature books—specifically authors—hit the sweet spot in my entertainment Venn diagram. Fortunately, there’s plenty of material. I’ve waxed poetic (or perhaps prosaic?) about my love for Joan Wilder (yes, THE Joan Wilder) … Continue reading You Oughta Be in Pictures
Every year in recent history (with the exception of 2020), my family has gone on a camping trip. We’ve been to Zion, Joshua Tree, Redwood National Park… This summer, we explored Kings Canyon National Park. Besides being in beautiful nature, I was forced to UNPLUG—in a good way. Here are lessons I learned while being out in the wild, which can apply to both my … Continue reading Unplugged
Jennifer here, and I’m welcoming Diane Kelly to the blog. I got to read an ARC of Diane’s newest book, The Moonshine Shack Murder. Here’s my blurb for it: “A shining example of a cozy mystery, complete with a business savvy protagonist, an irascible granddad, and a brewing romance.” Okay, take it away, Diane! This Little Light of Mine . . . I have always … Continue reading Guest Chick: Diane Kelly (and a giveaway)
I’ve spent a good portion of my life obsessed with Peter Pan and Neverland. When I was little, I fantasized about Peter materializing at my window, holding out his hand, and flying me off to his magical island. Then one night, I discovered a real magical island much closer to home. We lived in Queens at the time, on a street that happened to be … Continue reading Neverland in New York
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 … where is this place? What’s the back story? Include a victim, murderer, nosy neighbor, or even innocent suspect. The more ridiculous the better! Each comment can build on the next until … Continue reading Time for a Chick Pic
Ellen here, happy to welcome DonnaRae Menard, soon to be a debut author! These are exciting – and a little scary – times for her, as she shares today, along with the lifechanging event that motivated her to commit to a writing career. IT’S TOUGH BEING NEW IN TOWN Like a lot of writers, I came into the business through the back door. That is, … Continue reading Guest Chick: DonnaRae Menard
On Tuesday July 20, 2021 at 7 pm EST, please join the Chicks on the Case for a panel at North Brunswick Library–via Zoom–we would love to chat with you! Free registration: https://bit.ly/2SvXSW0 Continue reading Virtual Authors Festival
With Bouchercon coming up in August, I thought it might be useful to share a few tips for anyone who is going for the first time…some things may be useful for mystery cons in general. (And experienced con attendees, please add your suggestions too.) Panel Hop (It’s Fine). There are so many panels scheduled that choosing among them seems impossible. But at Bouchercon 101, the very … Continue reading Some Things to Know Before You Go
I read an article by Heather Murphy in the New York Times recently about a lost manuscript of John Steinbeck’s. I’m never surprised to find out that famous authors have written other works, but this one piqued my interest because I think of Steinbeck as a very literary writer who explores deep themes in his work. Yet this newly discovered manuscript was a “lighthearted detective … Continue reading Steinbeck’s Fictional Swamp Monster
Ellen here, and I’m so thrilled to welcome Gigi Pandian. Gigi was one of my first mystery pals and we’ve shared some adventures together. Today she shares about the silver lining of a terrifying health ordeal. June 2021 is a strange anniversary for me. Ten years ago this month, my life turned upside down when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had just turned … Continue reading Guest Chick: Gigi Pandian
