Guest Chick Nancy Lynn Jarvis: Sometimes Characters Surprise Their Creators

Leslie Karst here. I’m pleased to welcome today Nancy Lynn Jarvis, one of my fellow members of Santa Cruz Women of Mystery, whose new book, The Glass House, has just been released. And I’m also tickled that, back in my days as a research and appellate attorney, while spending long days researching cases at the county law library, I too became friends with the fabulous … Continue reading Guest Chick Nancy Lynn Jarvis: Sometimes Characters Surprise Their Creators

Chicks on the CaseSeptember 11, 2019January 24, 202021 Comments

Lisa Q. Mathews

Writer on the Stress Express

As you read this, I am (hopefully) chugging along on the Acela Express from Boston to New York City, where my daughter is getting married on Friday. Please forgive me that I am re-sharing a post from a while back because, well…I’m a wee bit stressed and running behind schedule. But really, the cautionary tale of poor old Charlie, who rides the train forever through the streets of Boston, bears repeating… Continue reading Writer on the Stress Express

Lisa Q. MathewsApril 23, 2018August 1, 202011 Comments

Guest Post

Guest Book Blogger: Marie McNary

Ever wonder about the story behind some of your favorite book bloggers’ websites? Well, you’re in luck, because once each month Chicks on the Case features an interview with a well-known blogger. Our February spotlight is our good friend Marie McNary of A Cozy Experience. Continue reading Guest Book Blogger: Marie McNary

Chicks on the CaseFebruary 22, 2018June 9, 202123 Comments

Guest Post

Guest Book Blogger: Mark Baker

Ever wonder about the story behind some of your favorite book bloggers’ websites? Well, wonder no more because the new year brings a new addition to Chicks on the Case. Once a month we’ll feature an interview with a well-known blogger. Kicking it off today is Mark Baker of the always entertaining review blog, Carstairs Considers. Continue reading Guest Book Blogger: Mark Baker

Chicks on the CaseJanuary 18, 2018January 24, 202032 Comments

Vickie Fee

All the things I’m (not) going to get done in November

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 … Continue reading All the things I’m (not) going to get done in November

Vickie FeeNovember 8, 2017August 1, 202027 Comments

Lisa Q. Mathews

You’ve Got Kleenex

This past week hasn’t been the greatest. I somehow came down with a miserable cold, just when I had Very Important Things to Do. I’ll admit, I am not ordinarily the most patient of patients, and I usually try to power through my regularly-scheduled programming, but this time all efforts were futile. Continue reading You’ve Got Kleenex

Lisa Q. MathewsOctober 23, 2017August 1, 202023 Comments

Vickie Fee

Mastering the Art of the Title

“So how do you come up with book titles? And how much say do you have about the final title and cover art?” These are questions that often come up at author events. Generally, when you’re under contract with a traditional publisher, they have the final say on the cover art, cover copy and the title, as well as a host of other things. But … Continue reading Mastering the Art of the Title

Vickie FeeSeptember 13, 2017July 27, 202027 Comments

Ellen Byron

The photo they didn’t want you to see.

Contrary to my ubiquitous jabbering on Facebook, I’m a little uncomfortable when it comes to actually trying to get people to buy my books. A CAJUN CHRISTMAS KILLING, the third in my Cajun Country Mystery series, launches October 10th. I want to make my publisher happy with decent sales, which means I need to promote the hell out of the book. So I decided to … Continue reading The photo they didn’t want you to see.

Ellen ByronSeptember 11, 2017July 27, 202038 Comments

Guest Post

Busted!

Award-winning author and all-around delightful person Catriona McPherson is our Guest Chick today, and we’re thrilled to have her. Take it away, Catriona!

Continue reading “Busted!”

Chicks on the CaseSeptember 6, 2017October 22, 201825 Comments

Lisa Q. Mathews

Farley and Me: A Writer and her Anti-Muse

Newsflash! There’s an extra-special bond between writers and their pets. But maybe you knew that already. Just click on practically any author’s Facebook page, and there’s a good-to-excellent chance you’ll see plenty of pics featuring their loyal keyboard companions. Continue reading Farley and Me: A Writer and her Anti-Muse

Lisa Q. MathewsAugust 28, 2017July 27, 202012 Comments

Ellen Byron

The Zen of Picking up Dog Poo

Yes, you read that post title right. And no, this isn’t an Onion article. I love dogs. I mean, LOVE them. A guy’s lack of interest in canine parenting was the potential deal-breaker in any relationship. “You don’t see a dog in your future? Then we have no future. Buh-bye.” But with dogs comes responsibility for their care and feeding. They need vet visits. Grooming. … Continue reading The Zen of Picking up Dog Poo

Ellen ByronJuly 17, 2017July 27, 202027 Comments

Lisa Q. Mathews

Off With a Bang: Camp NaNoWriMo 2017

Okay, so maybe my first couple of days at writer’s boot camp–cleverly disguised as an idyllic online summer camp, with cabins and marshmallows and a lake–didn’t start off with a bang. But it wasn’t exactly a whimper, either. Continue reading Off With a Bang: Camp NaNoWriMo 2017

Lisa Q. MathewsJuly 3, 2017July 27, 202027 Comments