Before I became an author, I held the common assumption that authors live seriously cool lives. In fact, I felt pretty darn confident they lived glamorous lives.
It may be true for some authors. As for me, I’ve come to accept the old adage—you can’t fight City Hall. (Okay it sounds a bit off. But seriously, the futility of me reaching for the glamorous life is spot on.) Continue reading Guest Chick: Marie Sutro
Ah, the upside of writing series set in beautiful location. I thought that today, I’d share a little backstory on what inspired my Golden Motel Mysteries and how it led to two glorious vacations, I mean research trips, to Cali’s Gold Rush Country. If you drive 4-5 hours west from this spectacular view, you’re at the Pacific Ocean. I love this state! In the late … Continue reading The Perks of “Research”
Let’s give C.B. a very warm welcome to the blog! I love how she shares about her unique journey in finding her author voice. And the dog pics are too adorable!! Finding Your Voice: An unexpected journey Early in my writing career, a mentor shared wisdom that puzzled me at the time: “To find your voice, you must write what moves you.” I thought I … Continue reading Guest Chick: C.B. Wilson & #Giveaway
We must have been the last people in the world to hear that nonstick pans are not so great for you. And we had the same ones since we got married; even if they weren’t all scraped to heck (they were), they were way past the 10-year deadline for use. Oops! So we decided to take the leap/plunge/bait and trade our old faithfuls for stainless … Continue reading Never Too Late
I’ve never considered myself to be a competitive person. We can’t control what other people accomplish or the rewards their achievements earn. It seems frustrating to try to “beat” someone when so much is out of our control. Continue reading Wanna Arm Wrestle?
Ellen here and I’m happy to welcome Tori Eldridge today. Her books always transport me to fantastic locations. I dare you not to dream of a trip to Kaua’i after her post today about her new release, Kaua’i Storm! Malasadas, Feral Roosters, and Kaua‘i Storm One of the best parts about writing a novel set in a glorious location like Kaua‘i, is the immersive research … Continue reading Guest Chick: Tori Eldridge
I go on two longish bike rides a week, and to pass the time—and take my mind off my burning calves as I climb steep hills—I think about various things. Often, I use this time to brainstorm ideas for my books, and right now, as I try to come up with a plot for book four in my Orchid Isle mystery series, that’s largely on … Continue reading Massive Questions
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Rosalie Spielman, author of the Hometown Mysteries series! We’re so delighted for her visit today. Setting inspirations: New Oslo, Idaho What better place to set books about “coming home” than my old hometown? Have you ever wondered what inspired your favorite fictional locales? As I write this, I am with family in Idaho. They live in … Continue reading Guest Post: Rosalie Spielman
We are thrilled to be hosting Lucy Burdette, author of the Key West food critic mysteries! Please join us in giving her a warm welcome. WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS First, thank you for inviting me to be part of the Chicks today! It’s an honor to be here. I know that there are authors who don’t read reviews, especially anything negative. I … Continue reading Guest Post: Lucy Burdette
It’s release day for Solid Gold Murder, the second in the awards-shortlisted Golden Motel Mysteries, a series inspired by Ellen’s prior life as a sitcom writer. Read on for the synopsis… Dee Stern’s Golden Motel promises a tranquil getaway for outdoor lovers in the scenic Californian village of Foundgold. But when Dee accidentally triggers a modern gold rush, she suddenly turns her peaceful retreat into … Continue reading Happy Book Birthday, Ellen Byron!
It’s July, and most of us are baking. No, not whipping up fabulous snacks in our kitchens. Just…in general. Some of us Chicks have had it up to our feathery necks with the soaring summer temps, smoky skies and endless rains of the New Normal. Grab an ice pack from the freezer and read on… Continue reading Your New Go-To Summer Recipe: Pre-heat Oven to 4000 Degrees
It’s hard being a grammar geek in the digital age. When you’re online, it seems like the rules are more like… suggestions. Anyone who spends any amount of time on social media will run across all SORTS of crimes against the English language. And you know what? Some of them, I’m not even mad at. “I can’t even”? It’s an incomplete sentence, but I know … Continue reading Grammar Crimes of the Digital Age
Chicks on the Case 