We’re so happy to welcome back the wonderful Michele Drier. Setting is a huge component of mysteries and Michele’s take on the topic is spot on. I’ve always considered setting as a character, both in my reading and my writing. Although I don’t write much detail about my characters—leaving it up to the readers to picture them for themselves—I do include details about where the … Continue reading Guest Chick: Michele Drier
It’s been a week since I returned from this year’s Malice Domestic convention and I’m still on a high from it. Malice felt exceptional this year. It’s like it got its con battery recharged and reached 100% positive energy. There were a ton of first-time attendees representing a wide range of ages. There were even more guys than usual, which added just the right touch … Continue reading Malice Memories – and a Misconception
Howdy, all! I noticed a blank space on our calendar, so I’m swooping in to share that Kensington is running a Goodreads Giveaway for 100 copies of the trade paperback edition of A Very Woodsy Murder from now through May 11. You can click here to enter. Good luck and have a great weekend! I’ll be back on Monday to share some memories of last … Continue reading A Goodreads Giveaway from Ellen
Sometimes I’m pretty forgetful. I’m average smarts and only occasionally brilliant. But this week I remembered reading an article a couple of years ago by some woman who thought herself an expert on cozy mysteries. She started the article by mentioning Agatha Christie and “Mrs.” Marple. I skimmed through the article but could hardly take her seriously. I mean, really? If you’ve read anything by or … Continue reading It’s Miss Marple, not Mrs.
Greetings from New Orleans, where it’s Carnival Season. That’s right, Mardi Gras is one day – Fat Tuesday – but the partying in NOLA starts on the Epiphany, January 6. (Technically, partying is a year-round event here, but I’m talking MG specifics.) When hubby Jer learned this, he said, “Let’s not go for the actual day, when it’s insane there. Why not do the week … Continue reading Mardi Gras Paradin’, Ellen Style
Today the Chicks are happy welcome the marvelous (and prolific) author Vicki Delany, who has penned more than fifty books! (Wow.) Today she talks about research–the fun kind–as she wings her way to the United Kingdom. Are we jealous? Yes, indeed! Take it away, Vicki: My Research Trip to England It can sometimes be difficult to take the characters in a cozy mystery series out … Continue reading Guest Chick: Vicki Delany
As regular readers of this blog already know, our beloved Chick Kathleen Valenti has flown the coop to wing her way off and engage in other fabulous adventures–though she promises to come back and visit! As a result, we find ourselves in need of a replacement. Not surprisingly, our thoughts turned to Marla Cooper, one of the founding members of Chicks on the Case. But … Continue reading A Job Interview with Marla Cooper
Hi, it’s Cammie, ruler of the Byron-Remillong household. Last week I heard Mom going on and on about how this dog Lily was “soooooo cute,” and not gonna lie, I got kinda jealous. So I hijacked Mom’s computer to tell you about another pooch who is “sooooo cute.” ME! First, a little backstory, as my mom calls it. I wound up as a pregnant stray … Continue reading My turn, Lily!
Today, the Chicks are pleased as wine punch to welcome back the marvelous Edith Maxwell, who has a new book releasing next week. Take it away, Edith! My Chickie Inspirations Thanks so much to the Chicks for inviting me back to celebrate the release of Deadly Crush, my second Cece Barton mystery! The book will be out next Tuesday. Since this is the Chicks on … Continue reading Guest Chick: Edith Maxwell
Like many people I start each January with a list of resolutions of all the things I’m going to accomplish during this calendar year. You know the list – ambitious, optimistic, unrealistic goals. Most people give up on their New Year’s resolutions by March and have forgotten all about them by April. Not me. I stop actively pursuing those goals by March, but I tell (lie to) … Continue reading Never too late to start writing
Hi! Ellen here, on the road from Chicago to L.A. after a lovely day spent at the Midwest Mystery Conference and long weekend in this awesome city where many of hubby Jer’s college friends live. (He went to Marquette in Milwaukee, if you’re wondering, and is from St. Louis. He’s got some serious Midwest bona fides.) I never intended to be on and off the … Continue reading Big Tree Energy
We’re so happy to welcome back wonderful author Kim Davis! Kim is the baker behind the delicious website, cinnamonsugarandalittlebitofmurder.com. Today she shares about how the website inspired her cozy mystery career. She’s got a giveaway for one lucky reader too… A huge thank you to Ellen and all the Chicks for hosting me on your blog today! It’s an honor to be amongst such talented … Continue reading Guest Chick: Kim Davis and a Giveaway
Chicks on the Case 