Becky here, jumping up and down, waving wildly to get your attention. Have I got it? Good. Now I can introduce you to Samantha Lien. She’s a dynamo in the best sense of the word. When I was looking to hire a publicist, I put out the word and everyone pointed me toward Sami. She definitely knows her industry, so I wanted to make sure … Continue reading Guest Chick: PR Maven Samantha Lien
Today the Chicks are thrilled to welcome Elka Ray, who lives in and writes about both Vietnam and Vancouver Island. Her new Toby Wong novel is DIVORCE IS MURDER. So glad you could visit us here, Elka! When my daughter was five or six, like many little girls, she said she wanted to be an actress when she grew up. She’s a great mimic with … Continue reading Guest Chick Elka Ray: On Character Diversity
Let’s take a moment to acknowledge that writing can be very challenging. There are days when it seems extremely difficult to create something from nothing…or even downright impossible to wrangle words effectively. In such cases, the words of others who have engaged in the business of writing may be helpful, whether as commiseration or inspiration. I think the hardest thing about writing is writing. ~ Nora Ephron … Continue reading In Good Company
It’s been a busy couple of weeks in BeckyLand. On August 16, my seven siblings and I gathered for a reunion with our spouses in Manitou Springs, Colorado. We took over the entire Avenue Hotel Bed & Breakfast, a fantastic place to stay. We’d planned the reunion long before my dad died, so used the opportunity of having us all together to conduct his inurnment … Continue reading One Chapter Ends While One Begins
Bob Dylan famously proclaimed to the world that “he not busy being born is busy dying,” thereby dividing life into two segments: the period when we consistently make the most of our life and move forward, after which we merely exist and begin marching towards our grave. But now that I’m in my sixties, and thus entering the last third of my existence, I’ve been … Continue reading Learning, Working, Resting
Writing can be a difficult process, and there are times when we all need some sort of inspiration to urge us on. So today the Chicks share with you the lucky charms, talismans, or knick-knacks that we keep on our desks to inspire and prompt us when our muse has temporarily flown the coop.
And Julieanne Holmes, and J.A. Hennrikus, and… I think that’s it? Ellen here, welcoming Julie to the Chicks, AND she’s offering a giveaway! I can’t believe it’s only her first visit, considering how prolific and wonderful she is. Today’s she’s going to share about the genesis of her latest work, The Garden Squad Series. Thank you to the Chicks on the Case for having me … Continue reading Guest Chick: Julia Henry
Lisa here, furiously throwing clothes (we won’t call them actual outfits) into a suitcase. Ellen and I are switching coasts this week–I’m headed West and she’s Eastern-bound. We’ll just miss each other! I hope y’all enjoy this updated encore post as you sip that late-summer lemonade… Continue reading Detectives on the Catwalk: Who Wore it Best?
When I do a reading or other author-y event, I tend to hear the same questions: “Where do you get your inspiration?” “Is Maggie based on a real person?” “Where’s the bathroom?” I think my favorite is, “With work, author duties, and a family, how do you not go crazy?” I laugh maniacally at that one, causing the question-asker to back slowly away as if … Continue reading Sanity Savers
Leslie here. When I started writing my Sally Solari culinary series, one of the first authors I turned to for inspiration was Daryl Wood Gerber, who—also as Avery Aames—has written a host of fabulous culinary cozies. So you can imagine how thrilled I am, along with all the other Chicks, to welcome Daryl here today. But writing without food? Is that even possible? Read on, … Continue reading Guest Chick, Daryl Wood Gerber: Writing Without Food
If you’re on social media much, then you’ve likely seen posts listing wacky, made-up holidays. You know, like Today is National Popcorn Day (Jan. 19). These holidays are fun to think about and provide easy content on days when you’re stumped about what to post on Facebook (or your blog). Some of the made-up holidays provide suggestions that are just generally a good idea. … Continue reading I Missed Put a Pillow on Your Fridge Day
Ever wonder about the behind-the-scenes stories of the book publishing industry? Well, wonder no more, because each month we’re featuring an interview with a well-known book blogger, editor, or agent. Today, we are excited to welcome Terri Bischoff, Senior Acquisitions Editor for Crooked Lane Books. Read on to find out things she dislikes, and what makes her deliriously happy. What was your first job in … Continue reading Guest Editor: Terri Bischoff
Chicks on the Case 