As a young reader, I tore through the different series featuring Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew, Bobbsey Twins, and Hardy Boys. As a teenager, I favored mysteries by Phyllis Whitney, Agatha Christie, and too many others to count. Yet I have no memory of reading a mystery for school (other than the mystery of math word problems). Knowing at least the basic conventions of mystery is crucial for … Continue reading The Curious Case of the Classroom
Sheesh, how many times you gotta check facts?? I got an email recently from Rebecca, my production editor. She was alerting me that I might have a mistake in the manuscript for FATAL SOLUTIONS, the third Crossword Mystery that comes out in November. She was getting it ready to go to typesetting, but something caught her eye. In one scene Quinn Carr, my main character, … Continue reading Re-Re-Re-Research
We are very excited to have author Kia Dennis, writing as K.D. Richards, as our guest today. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome! Character Names What’s in a name? Well, a lot if you are looking for names for the character in your novel. Just as in real life names are important. There are several resources out there that will give you … Continue reading Guest Chick: K.D. Richards
As some of you are no doubt aware, my wife and I split our time between two homes, spending half the year in Santa Cruz, California, and the other half in Hilo, Hawai‘i. I’ve lived in Santa Cruz since the mid-1970s, and my love for the locale inspired me to create my Sally Solari mysteries, which are set in the once-sleepy fishing and retirement community, … Continue reading Writing from Afar
Everyone has Significant Others in their lives, but today the Chicks are looking back on how we met our Publishing Significant Others. Continue reading “Chick Chat—How we met our agents/editors/publishers”
Leslie Karst here, pleased to bring you another fun post from my pal, Mary Keliikoa, author of Denied, the terrific new (released yesterday!) mystery featuring PI Kelley Pruett, sequel to her Lefty, Agatha, and Anthony award-nominated Derailed. And one lucky commenter will win a copy of Denied! Take it away, Mary: Monday–Fun Day? Okay – I have a confession to make. I’m one of those … Continue reading Guest Chick: Mary Keliikoa
Some of us authors and readers can’t wait to hit the road to conferences, bookstores, and libraries. Others are more hesitant, or unsure where to start. Recently, one semi-wary Chick had the perfect opportunity to dip one talon into the waters… Continue reading Yes, You May Take One Giant Author Step
“Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home.” —Anna Quindlen
Reading is the best, even if it’s just the back of a cereal box! Today, we talk about what we’re currently reading and enjoying.
Ellen here and I’m so happy to welcome my pal Terrie Farley Moran as a guest Chick. In addition to her impressive career as a solo mystery author and co-author of Laura Childs’ New Orleans Scrapbooking Mysteries, she’s now joined forces to write with “Jessica Fletcher!” Today, she’s going to tell us how she scored this awesome honor… MURDER, SHE’S WRITING My name is Terrie … Continue reading Guest Chick: Terrie Farley Moran
I’m entering a new season of life marked by more than a few challenges and a whole lot of different. One especially bright spot: my new puppy, Olive. Everyone, Olive. Olive, everyone. Olive was a lovely little surprise that came by way of a family friend. She joined me just one week ago and has taught me so much in the short time we’ve been … Continue reading Meet Olive
I almost cried when I heard my local library was reopening. Not curbside service but actual in-person browsing. Why? Because I’m a bonafide book nerd. I didn’t realize there was a term for this before, but it explains a lot of things. Reasons I know I’m a book nerd? Needing to finish another page, even in the dimmest of light Mispronouncing words because I originally … Continue reading Book Nerd
Jennifer here. Super excited to introduce you to Mia P. Manansala, whose debut book, Arsenic and Adobo (May 4, 2021), is getting a lot of well-deserved buzz. Filled with great food, nosy aunties, and a cute Dachshund, what’s not to love? The role of food in a murder mystery By Mia P. Manansala Food and murder. What a combination, right? Who thought to create an … Continue reading Guest Chick: Mia P. Manansala & Giveaway
