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
I’ve been promoting FRENCH QUARTER FRIGHT NIGHT all over the place, which has brought up the irony that I wasn’t a fan of Halloween growing up. I have one photo of me in a costume from my childhood and I can barely muster up a smile. Partly because my mother pulled my hair into the tightest, most painful bun of my life, and partly because … Continue reading Memories of Halloween
I Things I love about October: leaves changing color, widely available pumpkin spice options, and Halloween decorations and movies. Leaves are ablaze with color here in the Marquette area. The most spectacular fall displays in the Upper Peninsula are actually in the Keweenaw Peninsula, in case you’re planning a visit. It’s a couple of hours drive from our home to the middle of the Keweenaw. … Continue reading Pumpkin Spice and everything nice
When I joined SoCalMWA, the local chapter of Mystery Writers of America, I lucked out. Every year, the chapter kicks into gear in the fall with a gumbo party, hosted by chef extraordinaire Bill Fitzhugh and his lovely wife Kendall. If you know my connection to New Orleans, you know how happy this makes me. (Bill is from Mississippi, but his gumbo is so good … Continue reading It’s Gumbo Season… in SoCal?
I missed the Chicks last week when some of them were in Nashville. Not that I would’ve seen them in person anyway. But, because they were in Tennessee — and I wasn’t! I do get a bit homesick. Not because I’ve ever lived in Nashville. I lived in and around Memphis for most of my life. My brother and his wife lived in Nashville for … Continue reading I’d like to be on the road again
The Chicks are beyond thrilled to welcome back one of our favorite authors and human beings, Catriona McPherson. Remember how Winston Churchill supposedly said, “Guests and fish stink after three days?” You’re in for a treat as Catriona shares her usual hilarious take on the subject of guests, which plays into the plot of her 16th – yes, you read that right, 16th – irresistible … Continue reading Guest Chick: Catriona McPherson
“The worlds of Hollywood and New Orleans collide in a fantastic whodunnit.” J.C. Kenney, author of the Elmo Simpson Mysteries It’s release day for FRENCH QUARTER FRIGHT NIGHT, the third book in Ellen Byron’s Vintage Cookbook Mystery series! Halloween isn’t just a day, it’s a month of celebrations in New Orleans. Ricki James-Diaz and her friend at Bon Vee Culinary House Museum are ready to … Continue reading Happy Book Birthday to FRENCH QUARTER FRIGHT NIGHT!
Hi, Ellen here, writing from my hotel room. I know Lisa gave you a taste of Bouchercon Nashville. I’m here to give you the whole meal today. I thought I’d do this day by day but honestly, it’s hard to keep the days straight at a con, so there will be some guesswork involved. Here goes nuthin’! WEDNESDAY: I kicked off the day by meeting … Continue reading Greetings from Bouchercon! (Although I’ll be home when you read this)
Lisa here, peeking around the door of my office—aka Writer’s Jail. I’m trying hard not to panic with a looming publisher deadline and the launch of THE JIG IS UP next week. Hope you’ll enjoy this encore presentation post–because, hey, these inspirational comments for mystery writers never get old! Continue reading 13 Helpful Comments to Inspire a Mystery Writer (Redux)
Hi, it’s Ellen! Sorry about the late post. I had four events – three events in one weekend – to shill for, I mean celebrate the launch of A Very Woodsy Murder, my first Golden Motel Mystery. Two out of the three were policed by those of a furry persuasion: bookstore cats. I don’t know why I haven’t paid attention to this phenomenon before. There’s … Continue reading Bookstore cats
Chicks on the Case 