When Life Gets Away From You

Well, hello there! If you’re wondering to yourself,” “Wow, this post is late,” it’s because yours truly dropped the ball. I blanked. While there’s no such thing as a good excuse for flaking, here was my week last week: Tuesday night – cross our beloved dog Pogo over the rainbow bridge; Wednesday – pack for the first MWA board meeting of the year in New … Continue reading When Life Gets Away From You

Ellen’s Extraordinary, Ridiculously Age-Inappropriate Playlist

I’m always surprised when writers say they need music playing when they write. Not me. Music is what I dance or sing to, which is probably a result of my years as a performer. (This is also why I don’t read my drafts out loud like a lot of authors do. I start acting them out and lose all focus on the writing. Once a … Continue reading Ellen’s Extraordinary, Ridiculously Age-Inappropriate Playlist

The Most Inane – or Most Useful Writing Tip Ever. You decide.

Much as I despise admitting it, words don’t always come to me as quickly as they once did. There’s nothing like having a word on the tip of your tongue, then have it dart away and zip around your brain like a fly trying to dodge a swatter. Recently I endured a particularly bad bout of what-is-that-damn-word-I-had-it-a-minute-ago-and-it-went-away-and-then-came-back-and-then-went-away-again-itis. The little devil of a word taunted me, … Continue reading The Most Inane – or Most Useful Writing Tip Ever. You decide.

Sunsets in Studio City

When Covid closed my gym forever in 2020, the increase in my weight and blood pressure – both of which still prove annoyingly difficult to reduce – necessitated an alternative exercise plan. Luckily, power walks in my hilly neighborhood have provided just that until I find another gym offering the dance classes I love. Sometimes I walk with friends, sometimes alone. In addition to exercise, … Continue reading Sunsets in Studio City

Happy Book Birthday, Jennifer!

Hurrah for Jennifer’s new book, Death by Bubble Tea! It’s the first in her new L.A. Night Market Mystery series with two cousins who run a food stall and get dished some murder. “Jennifer J. Chow pens an evocative L.A. cozy seasoned with suspense, family drama, and a smart and engaging amateur sleuth. Death by Bubble Tea is a clever and cunning culinary mystery that is sure … Continue reading Happy Book Birthday, Jennifer!

Newsflash: Chicks Book Deals

We’re excited to share some great savings on books from your favorite authors – us! Here are June specials, listed alphabetically. NOTE #1: prices sometimes fluctuate, so make sure to confirm the sale price before purchasing. Also, check out our other books because there might be sales for them that we’re not even aware of! NOTE #2: The Amazon links may be a bit wonky. … Continue reading Newsflash: Chicks Book Deals

Happy Book Birthday, Ellen Byron!

It’s Release Day for Bayou Book Thief, the first book in Ellen Byron’s new series, The Vintage Cookbook Mysteries! Says the Library Journal, “Fans of Byron’s award-winning ‘Cajun Country’ mysteries will enjoy her return to New Orleans with an engaging, fun cast of characters.” Congratulations, Ellen! You can pick up a copy through the link below. And read to the end of this post for … Continue reading Happy Book Birthday, Ellen Byron!