The Halloween candy isn’t even stale yet and I’m already thinking about Thanksgiving. Because: I have much for which to be grateful. I love watching Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Miracle on 34th Street. And (who are we kidding), the annual feast! My list of Thanksgiving dinner must-haves: Turkey. I’ll admit here, somewhat red-faced, that I’ve never cooked a whole turkey by myself. My … Continue reading Thanksgiving thoughts, with all the fixin’s
This seems to be a week for poetry on the Chicks! Today, I’m discussing the fun, Japanese poetic form of haiku. I was first introduced to haiku back in 1977, when my law professor father initiated the Federal Jurisdiction Haiku Festival at the UCLA School of Law, inviting students and professors to submit original poems on this arcane subject. This was long before I became … Continue reading Murder Mystery Haiku (and a Giveaway!)
When we saw that we had a slot open for a guest post on Halloween, we immediately thought of Kirsten Weiss. Who better than a paranormal cozy writer to help us celebrate one of our favorite holidays? Kirsten answered the call with an original poem about Halloween — the perfect way to get in the Halloween mood and a Chicks first! Take it away, Kirsten…
Continue reading “Guest Chick Kirsten Weiss: A Halloween Night”
MARDI GRAS MURDER, my 4th Cajun Country Mystery, launched on October 9th. Yippee!! It revolves around the Cajun tradition of Courir de Mardi Gras. I thought I’d update and re-share this post about my own personal Mardi Gras experiences while a student at Tulane University. Laissez les bon temps rouler!!! I went to school in New Orleans for a couple of reasons. One, I was a … Continue reading Mardi Gras Memories
It’s no doubt obvious to anyone who reads this blog just how much fun the Chicks have together. But that begs the question: How exactly did the Chicks meet? What brought us together into one fun, fearless flock?
The Chicks are thrilled to share that our very own Vickie Fee is the newest hen in the Henery Press henhouse. The popular press has picked up her Café Cinema Mystery Series in a three-book deal. We’re all looking forward to the adventures of an amateur sleuth who inherits a time-worn movie palace. What a great location for a cozy series! Cheep cheep hooray to … Continue reading Congratulations, Vickie!
The Chicks welcome back the wonderful Diane Vallere, with a post AND the chance to enter a super cool giveaway! When One Door Opens, Another One Hits You In The Tush We’ve all heard the expression: when one door closes, another one opens. And while it’s easier to focus on the open door, the one that represents what’s new, unexpected, fresh, and possible, it’s not … Continue reading Guest Chick: Diane Vallere
Please welcome special guests Cindy Brown and Alexia Gordon! Last year, unbeknownst to us at the time, all three of us were writing books set in theaters. Not just theaters but specifically opera houses. And not just opera houses but haunted opera houses. We must have been plugged into the same cosmic channel while we were drafting…or perhaps the spirits had a little something to … Continue reading Three Hauntings
This week, we’re excited to introduce our second “Free-Range Chick,” the hilarious and delightful Kathleen Valenti, author of the Maggie O’Malley Mystery Series. Kathy also blogs at Mysteristas, and is helping fill in while the fabulous Kellye Garrett takes a much-deserved blogging hiatus. Take it away, Kathy!
Continue reading “Everything I Learned About Writing I Learned from Joan Wilder”
Please welcome Mary Angela, author of the Professor Prather academic mysteries! The third book in the series, A VERY MERRY MURDER, is out this month. Sugar Cookie Countdown Sugar cookies grace the covers of every supermarket magazine during the holidays. Stars, bells, trees—shapes we mastered in kindergarten. No wonder we fool ourselves into thinking they’re simple. But let’s admit it: sugar cookies, like all good … Continue reading Guest Chick: Mary Angela
I love a good ghost story. I’ve always wanted some great gather-round-the-campfire story of my own. One time my stepsister told me a story that was my go-to because it really seriously happened to someone I knew. Years later, after dragging it out at every slumber party ever, I mentioned it to her. She crinkled her nose and laughed and said, “I told you that? That’s hilarious.” Continue reading It’s October — Bring on the Ghosties!
In honor of Ellen’s brand-new Cajun Country Mysteries title MARDI GRAS MURDER, the Chicks are sharing their favorite party memories. Hey, you don’t have to be in NOLA to have fun (or not). Celebrations big or small, fun or disastrous, we’ve got a party for you! Continue reading “Chicks Gonna Party all the Time (or Not)”
Chicks on the Case 