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, 202136 Comments

Lisa Q. Mathews

Staying the Course

Early this morning I received an alert from my no-fail personal emergency broadcast system: my black cat, Lucy. Said emergency had nothing to do with the approach of Choose-Your-Category-Take-Your-Best-Guess Storm Henri. Her concern? Breakfast service, STAT. Continue reading Staying the Course

Lisa Q. MathewsAugust 23, 2021August 22, 202134 Comments

Lisa Q. Mathews

Hey, Look–Squirrel!

While flipping through my high school yearbook recently in an odd fit of nostalgia, I reread the caption under my senior picture. Somehow, I’d forgotten I had a sort-of nickname: Squirrel. But there it was, listed first thing. Continue reading Hey, Look–Squirrel!

Lisa Q. MathewsJune 14, 2021June 13, 202128 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

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

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

Lisa Q. Mathews

Risky Business: NaNoWriMo 2020 Edition

November is just around the corner, and we writers know what that means. Yes, the all-important Nov. 3rd (please vote!!), but also that exhilarating, frustrating, triumphant, despairing roller coaster of National Novel Writing Month, a/k/a NaNoWriMo. It’s a crazy 30 days, and we’re ready–but are some of us clinging a little too tightly to the safety bar? Continue reading Risky Business: NaNoWriMo 2020 Edition

Lisa Q. MathewsOctober 26, 2020October 26, 202034 Comments

Guest Post

Guest Chick: Laurie R. King

Lisa here, delighted and honored along with my fellow Chicks to welcome New York Times bestselling, Edgar/Creasey/Agatha/Anthony-award winning author Laurie R. King to the blog today. Read about RIVIERA GOLD, her latest novel featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes–and a particularly nefarious real-life villain! Continue reading Guest Chick: Laurie R. King

Lisa Q. MathewsAugust 19, 2020September 17, 202040 Comments

Guest Post

Guest Chick: Jean Rabe

Lisa here, and I’m so happy to introduce Jean Rabe, author of the newly pubbed THE DEAD OF JERUSALEM RIDGE, as our Guest Chick today! She has also been kind enough to offer our readers a chance to win a signed copy of one of her books, Winner’s Choice. Take it away, Jean! Continue reading Guest Chick: Jean Rabe

Lisa Q. MathewsJuly 17, 2020July 20, 202044 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

We’re Gonna Zoom, Zoom, Zoom-a, ZOOM!

The other day I read a piece in the LA Times in which the writer advocated dressing up to Work From Home. Actually, he used the acronym WFH, which stumped me for a moment a two. (I kept reading it as WTH, which is something else entirely, also not to be confused with WTF). Anyway, he was outfit-shaming people for not looking “professional” enough for … Continue reading We’re Gonna Zoom, Zoom, Zoom-a, ZOOM!

Lisa Q. MathewsApril 20, 2020July 27, 202071 Comments