Through the Dark Forest: Ted Lasso for Writers

Recently I mentioned I’m a fan of the TV show Ted Lasso. Don’t worry, I won’t give anything away here, if you haven’t seen it yet. This is what you need to know: The bumbling, ever-positive Ted (played by an amusingly mustachioed Jason Sudeikis) is an American college football coach hired to coach a ragtag football (“soccer” to Americans) club across the pond. He literally knows zip about British football. But what he does have to offer is folksy advice—often unsolicited, but always on-point—to those who need a little motivation. Or a lot. Continue reading Through the Dark Forest: Ted Lasso for Writers

Lisa Q. MathewsSeptember 27, 2021September 26, 202135 Comments

Lisa Q. Mathews

Yes, You May Take One Giant Author Step

Some of us authors and readers can’t wait to hit the road to conferences, bookstores, and libraries. Others are more hesitant, or unsure where to start. Recently, one semi-wary Chick had the perfect opportunity to dip one talon into the waters… Continue reading Yes, You May Take One Giant Author Step

Lisa Q. MathewsMay 10, 2021May 11, 202140 Comments

Lisa Q. Mathews

In Defense of Spring Hygge

As I pen this post from my New Hampshire kitchen, it is a quiet Easter morning—sunny peacefulness broken only by muffled sounds of cursing outside the window. Yes, over my pitiful objections, my husband is taking down our outdoor Christmas lights from the roof. And yes, I know what you’re about to say, dear readers. APRIL? The Shock. The Horror. The Disgust. But wait, hear me out… Continue reading In Defense of Spring Hygge

Lisa Q. MathewsApril 5, 2021April 5, 202136 Comments

Guest Post

Guest Chick: Olivia Matthews

We Chicks are just warming up for National Library Week–and what better way to celebrate than to welcome back awesome author Olivia Matthews (a/k/a Patricia Sargeant) as our guest–and introduce you to her brand new Peach Coast Library Mystery series? Take it away, Patricia! Continue reading Guest Chick: Olivia Matthews

Lisa Q. MathewsMarch 24, 2021March 22, 202159 Comments

Lisa Q. Mathews

Monday, Monday: Writers Pandemic Edition

The one in which Extra-Chirpy Chick does her best to build a case for Mondays. Inconceivable, you say? It’s all in how you look at things. Just grab your coffee and hear her out… Continue reading Monday, Monday: Writers Pandemic Edition

Lisa Q. MathewsMarch 1, 2021February 28, 202130 Comments

Lisa Q. Mathews

When Write Goes Wrong: Blame Murphy

So I wrote this post for Chicks a couple of years ago. But it seems wildly appropriate for our current times, so I thought I’d bring ol’ Murphy back for a spin. He’s hard to get rid of, as it turns out. Don’t say I didn’t warn you… Continue reading When Write Goes Wrong: Blame Murphy

Lisa Q. MathewsJanuary 25, 2021January 23, 202118 Comments

Guest Post

Guest Chick: Angela M. Sanders

Which bewitching author joins us on Chicks today to tell us about her new Witch Way Librarian series? One of our very favorite guests: Angela M. Sanders, known for her Joanna Hayworth vintage clothing mystery series and (as Clover Tate) kite shop mysteries. Fly us away, Angie! Continue reading Guest Chick: Angela M. Sanders

Chicks on the CaseJanuary 20, 2021February 3, 202125 Comments

Giveaway, Guest Post

Guest Chick: Kaitlyn Dunnett

Lisa here, chirping in to announce that Kaitlyn Dunnett, a/k/a Kathy Emerson, is visiting us here on Chicks today—and offering a giveaway of A FATAL FICTION, the latest title in her Deadly Edits series. Take it away, Kaitlyn! Senior Advantage In my “Deadly Edits” series, my amateur sleuth starts out as a woman in her late sixties, and she’s seventy in the most recent entry, … Continue reading Guest Chick: Kaitlyn Dunnett

Chicks on the CaseOctober 7, 2020June 9, 202146 Comments

Vickie Fee

Our Missing Links

The virtual version of Bouchercon, which was originally set to be held in Sacramento, California, happens online the middle of October. I’m truly glad they’re going ahead with a virtual event, in light of the Covid-19 crisis. But, seeing the posts this week about the upcoming convention has got me feeling a bit blue about missing the in-person connections of conferences, and has me reminiscing … Continue reading Our Missing Links

Vickie FeeOctober 5, 2020October 5, 202027 Comments

Giveaway, Guest Post

Guest Chick: C.L. Bauer

Lisa here, and I’m excited to introduce C.L. Bauer, who definitely has some stories to tell: She happens to be a wedding planner as well as a cozy mystery author. C.L. has generously offered our Chicks readers a chance to win an e-library of her LILY LIST MYSTERY SERIES. Walk us down the aisle, C.L! Continue reading Guest Chick: C.L. Bauer

Lisa Q. MathewsJuly 29, 2020June 9, 202142 Comments

Guest Post

Guest Chick: Olivia Matthews

Lisa here, and do we Chicks have a treat for you today: a visit from Olivia Matthews, a/k/a Patricia Sargeant, author of the very popular Sister Lou Mystery series. Take it away, Olivia! Continue reading Guest Chick: Olivia Matthews

Lisa Q. MathewsJuly 3, 2020July 1, 202061 Comments

Lisa Q. Mathews

Back in the Saddle (Again)

So it’s officially Monday and I’m at the keyboard, ready to plunge back into my manuscript-in-progress. Maybe “progress” isn’t quite the right word, but I’ve been thinking about it. And “plunge” might not be exactly the correct description, either. But I’m here, prepping to work, and that counts, right? Cue a few background bars of that inspiring oldie “Back in the Saddle Again.” On the other hand, please don’t. Continue reading Back in the Saddle (Again)

Lisa Q. MathewsJune 29, 2020July 27, 202053 Comments