Cozy Chicks

The Winnie the Pooh Syndrome

2012-02-10T00:29:00.003-05:00

By Heather Blake / Heather Webber

If you follow my personal blog, you know that one of my resolutions was to exercise more. After a slow start (ahem, a full month went by), I finally dusted off the treadmill (known not-so-fondly by me as the DreadTread), and got on it.

I even turned it on and everything.

I started off slowly. Very. Snail pace. But over the last few weeks I’ve gotten stronger. My pace has increased. My muscles are toning. Sure, I ache, but every time my heart pounds, I try to think of my arteries being cleared out.

It’s good to keep a visual in mind like that. (Yes, that’s sarcasm.)

Anyway, one thing I’ve found is that I’m actually gaining weight. Yes, you read that right. Gaining weight. It seems like a cruel joke. Not that I needed to lose weight, but still. Gain? Not amusing.

I blame the Winnie-the-Pooh syndrome. Here, watch. He says it all:

It’s true! I do improve my appetite when I exercise. Almost immediately from the time I get off the DreadTread, I’m starving. I’ve been eating myself out of house and home. Doesn’t matter what it is, nothing’s safe. So. Hungry.

I haven’t figured out how to deal with this. I mean, after all, the exercise is good for me, right? Yet all that eating has to be bad, right? Such a Catch-22.

But maybe I need to take another cue from Pooh Bear:

With a hefty happy appetite I'm a hefty happy Pooh. (Er, Heather.)

Or, I could cut back on the cookies, Dr Pepper, and chips...

Decisions, decisions.

Does the Winnie the Pooh Syndrome happen to you?

Ellery's Cozy Mystery Contest

2012-02-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

By Ellery Adams

It's that time of the month again - your chance to win an card to the store of your choice. Because it's the officially the month of love, I want to show you some by making this month's gift certificate worth $20!

I'll give you two lines from a contemporary cozy and you have six days to email me the title and author at elleryadams@verizon.net.

Please DO NOT POST the answer. You can certainly post a comment, but no title or author name in the comments, okay?

Here are the lines: "Now it's your turn, China. I'd like to hear all about that night—the night you found the trailer on fire."

Ellery's hint: The titles of this series play off flower names.

The Mysterious Male Explained

2012-02-08T00:15:00.001-05:00

by Deb Baker/Hannah Reed

“Guys are simple… women are not simple and they always assume that men must be just as complicated as they are, only way more mysterious. The whole point is guys are not thinking much. They are just what they appear to be. Tragically.” ~ Dave Barry

I really wish I’d read that quote eons ago. It might have saved me countless years of frustration. Hours of trying to figure out what my significant other really meant by some random comment he’d made. Always digging deep into his psyche, wanting desperately to understand the inexplicable.

Hubby and I went on a trip once – six hours together in the car. I popped an audiobook into the CD player called Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus (remember that oldie goldie?).

My guy displayed his remarkable sense of humor and actually listened to it (talk about a captive audience). According to John Gray, men are problem solvers. If you and I have a bad day and complain about it to him, all we want is for him to hug us, love us, tell us how awful that must have been, rub our shoulders.

But no, he thinks he has to fix it.

“Did you try this?” He asks. Then, “You should have said/done this.” And eventually, “Next time….”

By the time he’s done making suggestions and pointing out what I should have done, he’s become my bad day.

Back to my husband story before I go off on a tangent. When we were home from our trip for a few days, I mentioned that the garbage was piling up. His response, “I feel for you, sweetie. Come here. Let me rub your shoulders.”

Smart ass.

Anyway, sometimes I need a reminder that we really are wired differently. Today, I’m going to take it in stride. I suggest you do the same.

E.J. Copperman asks: What's In A Name?

2012-02-07T00:13:00.001-05:00

by Guest Blogger E.J. Copperman

E.J. Copperman--No. Seriously.

I'll get it right out of the way: The third book in my Haunted Guesthouse mystery series, OLD HAUNTS, will be published February 7. I think it's good, and hope you will, too. And I wouldn't have brought it up but for two things: 1. A couple of incidents related to OLD HAUNTS prompted this post and 2. I'd be an idiot not to promote my book on this blog.

Here's the thing--In the past week, I've seen the first review of OLD HAUNTS, and someone listing their favorite mysteries of 2011 was kind enough to include my AN UNINVITED GHOST among those. The review was very complimentary and generous, and I appreciated it greatly. Never let it be said I reacted badly to any review, but especially a positive one. And it was honestly a thrill to be included among someone's favorites of the year. Authors live for such moments. I'll never complain about them, I promise. There was, however, one point on both the review and the list that attracted my attention, and I'll admit in both cases, it concerned me.

Both the reviewer and the kind reader think my last name is "Cooperman."

Now, I realize that the name "Copperman" is easy to misread and just as easy to mis-type. I get that. I don't blame anybody for the error, which believe me happens all the time. It's been a problem for as long as I've been named Copperman. I live in fear that one day even I will get it wrong.

I have, in fact, considered actually CHANGING my name to "Cooperman," so that those people would be right. But I worry that then they'd start spelling it "Copperman," and I'd be out of options.

The fact is, as long as people remember the title of the book (which in this case, I might have mentioned, is OLD HAUNTS), a letter or two misplaced in the author's name is probably unimportant. Still, there is a certain visceral response when you see your own name misspelled. You feel like people don't really care who you are, that you are secondary to the process, that you might as well be named something else for all they care.

All of which is essentially true and perfectly natural, but it's just a couple of letters, for crying out loud.

After all, do I spell YOUR name wrong?

----------------------------------------

E.J. Copperman is the author of the Haunted Guesthouse mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime. The latest in the series, OLD HAUNTS, publishes February 7. Previous titles include NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEED and AN UNINVITED GHOST. You can find out more at www.ejcopperman.com

Find OLD HAUNTS here: Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Books A Million ~ Indigo ~ Indie Bookstores ~
Kindle ~ Nook

A Fitting End

2012-02-06T00:37:00.000-05:00

By Melissa Bourbon / Misa Ramirez

You can never predict where your interests will take you, or what path they will provide for you to follow. Love for my husband and his Mexican culture led me to create the Lola Cruz mystery series (Bare-Naked Lola, book 3, comes out in April).

I never imagined I’d write a second series, and I certainly never imagined that learning to sew when I was in elementary school would factor into the concept behind that second series.

I learned to sew in elementary school. It takes determination, fine motor skills, patience, and sheer will to learn to sew, especially when you’re young. And I had those things. I was a homebody, even then, and sewing quickly turned into one of my favorite things to do. If Project Runway had been around then... watch out!

Fast forward to post college. I spent hour after hour making the bridesmaids dresses for my wedding--and I had 7 bridesmaids in a very traditional Catholic ceremony! A few years later, we were having kids and I sewed and dressed my children in homemade wonders which makes them burst out in laughter over now. “Mom! We looked like clowns!”

True.

I’m not inordinately skilled at sewing, so simple works best ;) Baggie one piece outfits were my specialty for a while. And infant and toddler clothes should have tons of color, que no?

I also love magical realism and pretty much wish it was the way the world really worked. And old outlaws? There’s just something about them that gives me a thrill

So (sew) when it came time, eons later, to develop a book concept (you know how cozy mysteries need that all important hook), sewing was the first thing that popped into my mind. I added a touch of magic, and a few old outlaws, and, voila! A Magical Dressmaking Mystery Series was born.

From Pleating for Mercy, book 1:

All the Cassidy women possess special gifts. Harlow Jane Cassidy’s is creating beautiful dresses. But she’s about to discover secrets in her own family, and another gift—one that can reach beyond the grave…

When her great-grandmother passes away, Harlow Jane Cassidy leaves her job as a Manhattan fashion designer and moves back to Bliss, Texas. But soon after she opens Buttons & Bows, a custom dressmaking boutique in the turn-of-the-century farmhouse she inherited, Harlow begins to feel an inexplicable presence…

One of her first clients is her old friend Josie, who needs a gown for her upcoming wedding. But when Josie’s boss turns up dead, it starts to look as if the bride-to-be may be wearing handcuffs instead of a veil. Suddenly Josie needs a lot more from Harlow than hemming a dress. Can Harlow find the real killer—with a little help from beyond?

I love Harlow’s world, intertwining history and ancestry with her contemporary world, and most of all, I love all the books on fashion I’ve had an excuse to buy... all in the name of research!

A Fitting End releases tomorrow and I’m so excited to share Harlow’s continued journey in Bliss, Texas. You don’t have to love sewing in order to be spellbound by the Margaret Moffette Lea Pageant and Ball and the mystery at the Bliss Country Club.

From A Fitting End:

Former Manhattan fashion designer Harlow Jane Cassidy has a gift for creating beautiful dresses. But when Harlow becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation, she’ll more than her sewing skills to unravel the mystery…

Business is booming at Harlow’s custom dressmaking boutique, Buttons & Bows, even with the presence of her great-grandmother’s ghost hanging around the shop. But thanks to the fast approaching Margaret Moffette Lea Pageant and Ball, Harlow has her work cut out for her when Mrs. Zinnia James hires her to make her granddaughter’s pageant gown.

With the debutant ball getting the whole town of Bliss, Texas into a tizzy, Harlow knows her dress has to be perfect. But when a local golf pro is found stabbed to death with dressmaking shears, the new deputy thinks Harlow and Mrs. James conspired to commit the crime. Now Harlow has to finish the dress on time and clear her name before the next outfit she designs is a prison jumpsuit…

So tell me... if you were to write a cozy mystery series, what would the hook be?

Read an excerpt

Pre-Order

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Connect with Melissa:

Website: MelissaBourbon.com

Facebook: Author Misa Ramirez/Melissa Bourbon

Twitter: @MelissaBourbon

Goodreads: Misa Ramirez / Melissa Bourbon

Love and Murder

2012-02-05T01:43:00.019-05:00

by guest blogger Nancy J. Cohen

Love can fuel passions as deep as jealousy, as sharp as envy, and as agonizing as unrequited affection. It can become an obsession as dark and dank as a cellar or a bright light as intense as one shining from heaven. With such potential to create havoc, is it any wonder that love is the basis for so many tales of murder?

Yet the two go hand in hand. Witness the genres of romantic suspense, intrigue, and mystery. Cozy mysteries often include a romantic relationship between the sleuth and the handsome detective or reporter or other town official. Why is this? The answer is clear. Our heroine sleuth, besides solving murders, has normal relationships with those around her. She has friends, relatives, and love interests and goes about her business when not investigating the crime.

My sleuth, Marla Shore, is a South Florida hairdresser. Over the course of the series, she’s fallen in love with Detective Dalton Vail. The ultimate mix of love and murder comes together when she’s a bridesmaid at her friend Jill’s wedding, at the same time that she’s weeks away from her own nuptials. Wedding rituals and new beginnings form the theme for Shear Murder, the latest tale in my series. Just when everyone is deliriously happy at Jill’s reception, Marla finds the matron of honor dead under the cake table. Joy turns to horror.

Haven’t you seen this happening at your own family gatherings? Have you gotten together at Thanksgiving or the holidays when everyone is polite on the surface but resentments run deep? Love, such a positive emotion, can quickly turn sour. That’s why it’s such a wonderful motivator for a villain. Weddings can be the perfect backdrop for chicanery. Everyone is supposed to be happy, but are they? What are people really feeling when they gaze at the fortunate couple? How many of them harbor murder in their hearts fueled by jealousy, greed, or envy?

Hopefully, my sleuth’s nuptials will go off without a hitch, but in a mystery, you never know. Danger lurks around the corner. Appearances can be deceiving. And that’s what makes writing about family events so juicy and enticing for an author.

Do you like for a sleuth to have an ongoing romance throughout a series, or do you prefer love to lead to murder in the stories you read?

<><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><>

Shear Murder Who knew weddings could be murder? Hairstylist Marla Shore is weeks away from becoming a bride herself when she walks down the aisle as a bridesmaid at her friend Jill’s ceremony. Things take a turn for the worse when the matron of honor ends up dead, the cake knife in her chest. Now what will they use to cut the cake?

BUY NOW!

Follow Nancy on her Social Networks: Website ~ Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

Leave a comment during Nancy’s blog tour and enter to win a free signed book.

Do women ever stop loving their dolls?

2012-02-04T00:16:00.001-05:00

by Lorna Barrett / Lorraine Bartlett / L.L. Bartlett

I mean it? Do women ever stop loving their dolls? I don't think I did. But then I don't have children. (I have cats. And don't tell me that's easier -- ha! They fight like ... well, like little kids. "He's looking at me, Ma!!!!")

That's not to say that girls don't like other toys. I can remember many happy hours spent playing with tinker toys, my brother's erector set, Lincoln Logs, the Playdoh extruder (and the Fun Factory!), model gas station (with a deluxe elevator to move the cars to the roof for extra parking), Legos, and one of the best boy toys ever, the Kenner Building set. (Man, I loved that. Green girders and plastic window panels. how 1960s was that!)

But then there were my dolls. I had a few of the greats. Thumbelina, Tiny Tears (with the rockabye eyes). I loved (and still have) my Barbies (and her friends and assorted relatives). And BTW, my Barbie flew in G.I. Joe's space capsule long before Mattel ever thought of putting her in space).

My protagonist, Katie Bonner of the Victoria Square Mysteries, had an opportunity to think about dolls in my latest release, THE WALLED FLOWER. One of her vendors is selling handcrafted dolls and misrepresenting their pedigree. That causes Katie to buy a box lot of assorted dolls at an auction she attends. She figures she'll rehab the ailing dolls (such as amputee Raggedy Ann), and sell them. But . . . will that really happen? Will Katie be able to part with her new-found dolly friends AND solve a murder that's over two decades old?

I hope you'll be intrigued enough to find out by reading THE WALLED FLOWER. It'll be "officially" available on Tuesday (but I've heard rumors that some people have already found copies on the shelves) in bookstores and online.

The Love/Hate Relationship

2012-02-03T00:53:00.001-05:00

By Heather Blake / Heather Webber

I have a love/hate relationship with technology. Part of me loves having my cell phone, cable TV, Wi-fi...

Then there are times I long for simpler times. Thirteen TV channels. One land-line phone (that didn’t cost an arm and a leg). Atlases instead of GPSes.

I mean, really. When was the last time you saw a road atlas? When I was little, I thought they were the coolest things ever.

Recently, my daughter and I went to a play downtown. An hour, round-trip, tops. And we both forgot our cell phones at home. It was then that I realized how dependent I’d become on mine. Not just for communication or emergency calls. Oh no. But for a clock. A camera. Light in the dark theater.

And then a few days ago I turned on the computer, opened Skype, and was able to talk to my oldest son, face to face. He’s in the Army and currently stationed in Arizona, and I haven’t seen him in person for months. Technology allowed me to see his big smile, to hear his voice—and nothing made this mom happier that night.

Then the next night, I turned on the computer, opened Skype, and talked to son # 2, who's away at college. I was very happy to see his smile, too. It was a very good mom week.

So right now, I’m thinking my relationship with technology is leaning more toward love. But I still kind of wish atlases would make a comeback.

How do you feel about technology?

Looking For Title Help! (You Could Win a Bucket of Brownies)

2012-02-02T00:02:00.000-05:00

I like starting off a new book with a title in mind. Sometimes the title is completely changed by the time the powers-that-be get ahold of the manuscript, but I still like to write with a working title.

Here's the problem. I've started the next Supper Club book and this time, there won't be any powers-that-be because this installment is going straight to the market as an ebook. That's good news for fans of the Flab Five because you don't have to wait 9 months after the book is done to read it.

But the title! I saved the first chapter using the title Weapons and Weigh Ins, but I'm not in love with that title. As many of you know, the Supper Club books are about food and murder, so I try to combine food items with a synonym for corpse, but I think I've used all of them.

So I need help! James and the Flab Five are going to spend 12 weeks on a Biggest Loser-type show. This one's called Big, Fat Lies and of course, a few of the contestants will be bumped off. The gang will be doing lots of calorie counting and I'd love to use calories, but Killer Calories has been used by multiple mystery authors.

Friends, I've seen you come up with some killer titles before and I hope you can help me. And the person who comes up with the best title will win a bucket of brownies (see pic) and my gratitude!

Comfort and Pasta

2012-02-01T00:01:00.002-05:00

by Lucy Arlington

In the winter months I crave comfort food. You know the warm, stick-to-your-ribs stuff your mom made—oatmeal, macaroni and cheese, fresh bread. When I lived in Ontario, Canada with its ice and snow, those cravings made sense. Who doesn’t love to burrow on the couch under a blanket, with a good book and a warm oatmeal cookie, while the wind howls outside?

But currently I’m living in Bermuda, and although the winter temps can go as low as the high 50s, the weather hardly calls for snuggling inside to stay warm. So why am I still craving those chicken and dumplings?

Today, I’m sharing a recipe that, in my opinion, falls into the comfort food category, but is lighter and healthier. A friend of mine gave me this recipe, and it fits the bill on so many levels—it’s pasta, it’s easy, and it’s delicious. Make it for dinner sometime this week and see if you agree.

Do you crave comfort foods in the winter? What is your favourite comfort food?

(By the way, less than a week to the release of BURIED IN A BOOK! I can’t wait.)

MUSHROOM PASTA

1 ½ cups bow tie pasta (farfale)

½ lb. mushrooms

½ onion, chopped

1 Tbsp butter

1 4.4 oz package of garlic-herb cream cheese (Boursin is the best)

¼ cup chicken broth

pepper, to taste

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.

2. While it’s cooking: In a large skillet, sauté mushrooms, onions, and pepper in the butter until tender.

3. Add cheese and broth and stir until blended.

4. Drain pasta, add to skillet, and toss to coat.

5. Serve with Parmesan cheese.

January Energy

2012-01-31T00:03:00.002-05:00

by Maggie Sefton

I believe in something I call "January Energy." Call me crazy, but I think there's a special energy or determination or ability to focus that occurs each January. An old year has passed, and it's the beginning of a new year. It's a time when we naturally start to review what we've done over the past year and what we'd like to do in the upcoming year. Maybe we'd like to run a marathon for the first time. My NYC daughter Melissa sent us all a text w/photo last weekend saying she'd just completed her first 10K race. Yay, Melissa! Her photo showed her standing in Central Park with a coffee in her hand. Race organizers had made sure there were coffee stands at various points throughout the race. (This photo, of course, shows a man breaking through the winner's tape). :)

Most people use January Energy to help them get back on track with their diets or exercise plans, especially after all the holiday excess. I don't know about you folks, but I always indulge myself during the holidays.

But a lot of us use January as a starting point for new projects, new paths, sometimes, new careers. I know I have. In fact, I've done it all my life. I didn't know how many times I'd started new projects or directions until I reflected on it and actually discovered that EVERY new project or new life direction I've taken has started in January. For some reason, I find January Energy the perfect time to "re-create" myself in several ways:

---Years and years ago, I started running as a way to speed up losing leftover "baby weight" after my fourth daughter was born. Running became a regular part of my life. I no longer run outside but inside at tracks or treadmills at gyms, where I never have to worry about being rained out;

---in 2003, I listened to my instinct and began a non-fiction writing project which eventually led me into the knitting shop here in Fort Collins, CO. I went there to interview knitters for a magazine article, and I fell down the rabbit hole into a world of color and texture and sensuality. Five months later, after I'd been sitting in on weekly get togethers around the knitting table at Lambspun, Kelly Flynn and friends "walked onstage" in my head. I recognized her story as an amateur sleuth mystery, and I started writing down the scenes playing through my head. This June, the 10th in the Kelly Flynn Knitting Mysteries will be published.

---there are other examples like that throughout my life. The latest is this January, when I submitted my very first published amateur sleuth mystery, DYING TO SELL, as an e-book. It's now available on Kindle, Nook, and soon on Apple, Sony, Kobo and others. A whole new world awaits.

What about you? Are there any new projects you'd like to attempt in 2012? Did you get any new ideas in January?

Forget the Freshmen Fifteen… what about the Author Eight?

2012-01-30T00:01:00.002-05:00

By Amanda Flower

2011 was a whirlwind as my agent snagged two more cozy mystery series contracts for me. She asked me, “Are you sure you can do both?”

“Yes, yes, of course,” I said while thinking, OMG! How am I going to do this?

“Are you going to keep your library job?” She asked because in addition to being a mystery author, I am a fulltime college librarian.

“Yes. I have to. I get dental!”

“Okay. They are fast tracking the first series. The first book is due in eight weeks.”

Deep breath. “Sure, no problem. I can do it.” I mean how hard can it be? It was only 80,000 words, right? Right?!

Somehow, I turned the first book, A PLAIN DEATH, in on time. Sure, I looked a little crazed about the eyes and had given up brushing my hair on a regular basis, but the book was DONE. I felt on top of the world when I emailed it my editor. At least I felt that way until I stepped on my bathroom scale. I gained eight pounds. Eight! A pound for every week of writing.

During that eight week period, I spent every waking minute at work or writing. Before the new contracts, I exercised almost every day and gave it up in order to make my deadline. Also, I admit my eating habits deteriorated too. Some nights, I ate dry cereal straight from the box for dinner. I was tired, and opening the refrigerator door seemed like too much trouble.

While staring at that fear-inducing number on the scale, I realized I hadn’t read a book for fun in four months. Forget the weight gain; the loss of reading time had to change. Is life worth living without reading? I don’t think so. But how was I going to find the time to exercise and read with five more back to back deadlines looming over me?

While walking across campus one day, the solution hit me. The college fitness center! It’s free to college staff, and I could use the treadmill on my lunch hour and read ebooks on my Kindle.

I must confess I was nervous going to the fitness center the first time. What would the students think when they saw a librarian outside of her natural habitat? Wouldn’t it be like seeing a tiger in the middle of a suburban street?

You know what, they ignore me. They are too busy with their own quarter life crises to worry about mine.

I suppose the question is would I have signed both contracts had I known how hard it was going to be. The answer: absolutely yes in a heartbeat. I think all the Cozy Chicks will agree that we have the very best jobs as cozy mystery authors. Being able to do what I love is worth every extra pound on the scale.

Thank you to Heather and rest of the Cozy Chicks for letting me stop by!

~Amanda, who still sometimes eats cereal straight from the box for dinner

**************************
Amanda Flower writes the India Hayes Mystery Series. The first novel in the series, MAID OF MURDER,was nominated for an Agatha Award. The sequel, MURDER IN A BASKET,releases February 8, 2012. A PLAIN DEATH,first in a new Amish mystery series, releases July 2012. To learn more visit Amanda online at http://www.amandaflower.com/. You can also follow Amanda at http://www.facebook.com/authoramandaflower and http://twitter.com/aflowerwriter.

How Did My Kitten Become the Boss?

2012-01-29T00:01:00.000-05:00

by Leann

My dog Rosie, a very bright labradoodle, lives on a schedule. She knows when every treat is due, what time to go to her bed in the utility room and even what time I take my meds. If I forget, she is there sitting at my feet and staring up at me. She even brings my husband his shoes when it's time for a walk. Who knew I'd get another pet with a schedule?

Wexford, my 9 month old rather large kitten, isn't so big on regular meals, but if I am out, when I come home he is there to greet me and expects--yes, you guessed it--a treat. He also gets on top of his scratching post when it gets dark so he can reach the light switch. He can't turn the lights on yet, but I figure it won't be long.

But he has started becoming a little more than demanding about one thing: bed time. I usually head for the sack somewhere around 10 PM. Of late, Wexford has decided he needs to persuade me to get there on time, if not early. First, he worms his way between me and my laptop and sprawls out. I pet him, but don't get up. So his latest trick is to get up on the table next to me and swipe of any items near me. The tissue box. My inhaler. Any book I have put down. Pens. Pencils. Snacks. The TV remote. It's all fair game until I get up and give him what he wants. A race to the bedroom.

As I go through the routine--put on PJs, brush teeth, get the glass of water, put in the night guard, turn on the MP3 player--he watches each step intently. And then what does he do once I am in bed with the lights off? He leaves to do whatever cats do in the dark. But when I wake up later like the good insomniac I am, he's there beside me or above me. Never below. He is the boss of me, after all.

How about you? Are your pets as dedicated to routine as mine are?

Planning My Garden

2012-01-28T00:16:00.002-05:00

by Lorna Barrett / Lorraine Bartlett / L.L. Bartlett

Okay, it's still January, but is it every too early to start planning the garden for spring.

For YEARS, we have had problems with bunnies and ground hogs eating our veggies. It's enough to make you rip out y our hair. Yes, the animals need to eat to live, but why my garden? (We have a farm behind us. Yes, they eat there, but seem to have dessert in our yard. And the farm only harvests a fraction of what they grow. We wonder ... is it a tax write off? Can you say government subsidies???)

Last summer, Mr. Ground Hog ate my potato plants. Since he loved our Brussels sprouts so much the year before, we tried growing them in containers but learned they have really large root systems pots just don't cut it.

And while the ground hogs and bunnies didn't eat our tomatoes, the chipmunks did. And since it has rained a lot these past couple of years, our tomatoes have had blight. (Nasty leaves and --ick-- black (rotten) spots on our tomatoes.

Our parsley did really well last summer, as did our green beans (well, those that survived the bunnies)--at least until the tail-end of a hurricane came through and broke the bean poles, making it difficult to find and harvest the crop.

Are you planning a garden this year? If so, what will you plant?

Not So Camera Shy

2012-01-27T04:20:00.000-05:00

By Heather Blake / Heather Webber

It’s about that time again. Time for my official author photo to be updated. It’s been a couple of years, and even though I haven’t changed all that much (just a few more wrinkles!), it’s good to keep current.

Once upon a time, the thought of having my picture taken would have freaked me out. I didn’t like cameras. Posing. Anything about it. A trait I figured I inherited from my photo-phobic mom.

Then, about five years ago, as I was going through old photo albums, I realized something. I hardly had any pictures of my mother. And barely had any photos (maybe one or two) of me and my mother together.

It was a light bulb moment. I suddenly realized that there were hardly any pictures of me with my kids. Lots of the kids. Tons. Albums full. But not too many of us together (like mother like daughter!). Not of the baking lessons, the puzzles, the bedtime stories. Not of trips to the park, swims in the pool, playing in the yard. And it made me sad. Full of regret. All those Kodak moments I missed capturing forever. Because I was camera shy. It suddenly seemed so silly.

From that point on, I've made a point of being in pictures. It’s not easy, I’ll admit, but I’d rather be in a photo than not. I’m a long way from being a ham, but when I get my next author shots taken, I’ll definitely be saying cheese. And the pics with my kids? Just try keeping me out of them! I’m making up for lost time. It doesn't quite wipe out the regret, but it helps.

Are you camera shy? A ham? Somewhere in between?

Cozy Guy in a Cozy Chick World

2012-01-26T00:01:00.000-05:00

By Guest Blogger Miranda James (aka Dean James)

“What do you mean, you’re writing a cozy series with a guy as the main character? Don’t you know that a cozy series has a female amateur sleuth as the protagonist?”

Well, yeah, most cozy series these days do feature female leads, but that’s no reason to discriminate against a guy who isn’t a hard-boiled private eye. I don’t walk the mean streets, and I don’t see any reason why my hero, just because of the chromosomal difference, has to walk them either.

There have been other cozy male characters in mysteries. Anybody remember Lord Peter Wimsy? And he of the “little grey cells,” M. Hercule Poirot? For all that he was a professional detective, one can’t get much cozier than the Grande Dame, Agatha Christie herself. There’s also Margery Allingham’s Albert Campion(my personal favorite) and Ngaio Marsh’s Roderick Alleyn (who, even though a Scotland Yard ‘tec, is pretty dang cozy, too).

So I didn’t see any reason why the main character in my “Cat in the Stacks” series shouldn’t be a guy. After all, the cat in the series, a Maine Coon named Diesel, is also male. Plus, after having written a couple of series (as Jimmie Ruth Evans and Honor Hartman) from the female point of view, I wanted a change. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the female characters in those other series, but I thought it would be an interesting challenge, to write a male amateur detective in a genre that’s currently dominated by “cozy chicks.”

Reader response so far has been gratifying, although I must admit that the character that everyone likes best is Diesel, but Charlie gets a lot of favorable comments for being a nice, caring, family-oriented guy. One of the reasons I write cozy mysteries is that I like writing about decent people who sometimes find themselves mixed up in murder and mayhem. People who aren’t paid to deal with crime, like professional crime solvers. I’ve loved amateur detectives ever since I first discovered Nancy Drew longer ago than I care to admit these days.

Why shouldn’t an ordinary guy have fun solving crimes? And if his cat is along for the adventure, so much the better.

A Tour of Inspiration Valley

2012-01-25T07:21:00.000-05:00

By Guest Blogger Lucy Arlington

I’m Lila Wilkins, the brand new intern at A Novel Idea Literary Agency, and it’s my pleasure to take you on a tour of Inspiration Valley, North Carolina, the setting of Buried in A Book: A Novel Idea Mystery. You could reach my bucolic berg by car, but the road is curvy and winds through the blue-green mountains curling around our little town like a sleeping cat. So let’s take the train. On the Inspiration Express, you can relax on plush seats and read a novel or select a cappuccino and cinnamon roll from the pastry cart and watch the scenery go by.

The moment you step off the train you’ll inhale a breath of pure air scented with a hint of jasmine from the trellis at The Secret Garden, the plant and flower store. As we get closer to my office, we’ll pass by Six Pence Bakery and the heavenly aromas of baking bread and chocolate croissants fresh from the oven will have you drooling, but I promise to buy you a treat at EspressoYourself, the coffee shop located right below A Novel Idea.

Here’s the quaint brick building where I work. I have a view of the park and the Nine Muses Fountain. And did you notice that the streets are all made of cobblestone and are lined with urns bursting with marigolds and snapdragons? This is the prettiest downtown I’ve ever seen.

Come on into the coffee shop and meet Makayla, the beautiful barista. Not only does she make the world’s best caramel latte, but she also keeps a little lending library in the café and she and I talk about books every day. And take a look at all the walls! Local artists created all of these gorgeous watercolors and oil paintings. Inspiration Valley is loaded with writers, potters, photographers, weavers, musicians, foodies, and book lovers.

After I show you around the literary agency and try to not to feel too guilty about the stack of query letters and proposals pilling up on my desk, we can have lunch at Catcher in the Rye, which is an amazing sandwich shop, or head over to the hot food bar at our local grocery store, How Green Was My Valley. For dinner, I recommend trying out Voltaire’s. I’ve been dreaming of sharing a candlelight dinner there with Officer Sean Griffiths, the dashing policeman I met when an aspiring writer died at A Novel Idea.

Yes, there’s been a murder in this Southern paradise! But don’t let that keep you from visiting. My mother’s a psychic and she’s predicted that with the help of Makayla, Sean, and the other literary agents, I’ll find out who decided to silence an innocent author forever.

Would you like to spend some time in Inspiration Valley?

DYING TO SELL---an EBook at last!

2012-01-24T00:05:00.000-05:00

by Maggie Sefton

I'm SO excited! I've finally released the ebook version of my first amateur sleuth mystery, DYING TO SELL! I've watched several of my fellow Cozy Chicks release their previously published books, both mysteries and romances. Their advice and encouragement--and hand-holding--has been essential throughout this entire process.

I spent six hours on Sunday afternoon loading various formatted versions of DYING TO SELL onto all the main ebook platforms: Amazon's Kindle, Barnes & Noble's Nook, Apple's iPad, and Sony & Kobo. So, it should be available for all platforms by today, Tuesday. For those of you with Kindles, the Amazon link to DYING TO SELL is:

http://www.amazon.com/DYING-TO-SELL-ebook/dp/B0070OINJO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1327327694&sr=8-2

Here's a brief description for DYING TO SELL:

Real estate agent Kate Doyle knew divorce was messy, but she didn’t expect it to be bloody. Kate agrees to sell the home of old friends who’re locked in a bitter divorce. She’s hoping the upscale house will be an easy sell in the Colorado college town. But her hopes turn to horror when she walks into the lawyer-client’s study to find him brutally murdered—stabbed in the throat. “A crime of passion,” says Kate’s police detective brother-in-law. The prime suspect is Kate’s close friend, the spurned wife, who begs Kate to help her.

Kate’s meddling turns up some surprising suspects. The successful lawyer deceived numerous ex-lovers as well as his wife. He’d also played off one land developer against another, dangling a choice tract of land as bait. Businesses were ruined and fortunes lost. Had the loser taken revenge on the wily lawyer? Or had an ex-lover killed in jealous rage?
Kate’s real estate license helps her dig into the scheming lawyer’s dealings as she sifts clues from cyberspace to crawl space. Unfortunately, her snooping tempts the killer to exercise his own license—to kill.

Dying to Sell was originally published in hardcover by Five Star/Tekno Books in 2005 and subsequently published in paperback by Worldwide Mystery Library.

If you give DYING TO SELL a try, I'd love to hear your comments. You can post them on my Facebook page or email me personally at maggie@maggiesefton.com

What's Coming Next Month from Two Chicks!

2012-01-23T12:00:00.000-05:00

by Leann

Two more Cozy Chicks will have books released in February! Jennifer Stanley writing as Lucy Arlington (in collaboration with Sylvia May) and Lorraine Bartlett (aka Lorna Barrett and LL Bartlett). These are talented writers and I know you won't be disappointed if you invest in these wonderful cozies. They are available for pre-order, well--EVERYWHERE!!

Oh, and we'd LOVE to hear what you think about these
covers. Do they make you want to visit these characters?

When Prescriptions Attack!

2012-01-22T00:01:00.001-05:00

by Leann

After three weeks of every miserable respiratory symptom you can think of, I am finally getting better. Both my husband and I were down with this bug--yet "bug" seems too small a word. We were both pretty darn sick, so ill my husband missed a week of work. Since I have asthma, I developed bronchitis almost immediately and the doctor threw everything in the book at the illness. I had an antibiotic shot, a cortisone shot, antibiotic pills and prednisone. After a few days I could breathe without needing my inhaler every fifteen minutes.

But I knew the aftermath was coming. I always get depressed after I have a course of prednisone and boy did it hit me Saturday. But I have found a new side effect: stupidity. Since I was crying for no reason and feeling very sorry for myself, I decided to make a batch of cookies. The smell coming from the oven always seems to cheer me up. So, what did I do? I grabbed the hot cookie sheet without a pot holder!! Okay, add burned and blistered fingers to the list of maladies. The joy of cooking became the agony of baking. Add to that, more crying over nothing. At least I tried to cheer myself up!

I decided this day was a wash. Before I did anything else in the imbecile department, I chose to sit down (with my delicious cookies) and watch college basketball. It won't upset me and I can't injure myself, right?

How about you? Are there any medicines you absolutely must have or anything you must do--and yet you know there will be unpleasant consequences down the road?

Can you say VACATION?

2012-01-21T00:01:00.003-05:00

by Lorna Barrett / Lorraine Bartlett / L.L. Bartlett

Around about January, people start dreaming of a warm vacation. I'm usually not one of them. For the most part, I'm pretty happy living here in Western New York.

Of course, my favorite place to vacation is England. Since I no longer fly, that makes the UK as a destination rater a difficult place to go.

So I'm stuck in the Northern Hemisphere. Where would I like to go? (And preferably in warm weather -- because while I fear crashing in a plane, I also fear crashing in a car -- and have done so in winter. NEVER AGAIN!)

How about Mackinack Island in Michigan? Ever since I saw the film Somewhere in Time, I've wanted to go to the Grand Hotel. Sadly, one-night's stay is far above my budget, but a girl can dream, can't she?

Biltmore, in Ashville, NC. Nuff said.

Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum. Okay, truth be told, I've already been there, but I remember the museum far better than I do Greenfield Village. I must've missed the Cottswold Cottage, but then we may have only spent a morning there, and you need far more than that.

What are you vacation plans for this summer?

The First-Ever Cozy Chick Pet of the Month!

2012-01-20T00:02:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Kaye Barley - bibliophile, animal lover, and blog hostess to many a mystery writer. You can read more about her (and her dog Harley) at Meanderings and Musings. Today, she'll tell us how she met Harley, her beloved Corgi. The Chicks will send a donation to the ASPCA in Harley's name. Post a comment and we'll add your pet's name to our donation!

Donald and I went to the Humane Society in Atlanta the day we came home from our honeymoon to get a kitty. This was to help us during our grieving process for our beloved black kitty Pyewacket whom we had recently lost. We came home with two kitties. Litter mates as different as night and day, but totally devoted to one another. George was with us for 15 years, Martha for 18.

When we lost these sweeties, we didn't think we could ever bring ourselves to go through the heartache of losing another pet. But, it turned out harder than we imagined to come home to a house without a loving furbaby waiting for us after working all day. As soon as we met Harley, our hearts were his. This is a picture of him the day we brought him home from a Corgi breeder who had been recommended. Who could resist this adorable furball with big ears?!
My love for animals extends somewhat into my reading.

When I first discovered Ellery's Books by the Bay series, I was immediately hooked. One of the most appealing aspects of this series is the bond between Olivia Limoges and her companion, Captain Haviland, a standard poodle of above-average intelligence. This relationship is so realistically written, and so poignant without being forced or over-done that it always manages to touch my soul.

My thanks to the Cozy Chicks for inviting me by - I think you all just rock andI'm tickled to be here!

A New Feature! The Cozy Chick Pet-of-the-Month

2012-01-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

Animals play such a huge role in most of our lives that we decided to highlight a special pet once a month (or every other month, depending on our schedule).

A guest will tell us how they met their pet and share the title of the last book they read that featured an animal character.

These posts will benefit needy animals too, because the Chicks will make a donation to the ASPCA in the pet-of-the-month's name.

We hope you enjoy these posts and get to add to your TBR list at the same time!

An Intro to Handguns (From a Gal Who Knows Nothing about Handguns)

2012-01-19T00:01:00.000-05:00

Ellery Adams

With my sixteenth published mystery novel, Buried in a Book (written under the penname Lucy Arlington) coming out this February, I’ve killed lots and lots of people in print. They’ve been strangled, poisoned, electrocuted, stabbed, hung, drugged, pushed down stairs, drowned, etc.

What I’ve avoided thus far is death by gunshot. Why? Because I don’t know much about guns. True, I don’t know what it’s like to be choked to death either, but I can find an answer to most medical questions at our local hospital (my husband works there and most of the doctors are used to seeing me, notebook in hand, grilling a pathologist or cardiologist in order to get my facts straight).

Guns are trickier. They have calibers and specific ranges and particular bullets and grips and firing patterns. And I have no idea what they really feel like to hold or sound like when they’re being fired. Knowing Hollywood action films and TV cop shows, what I’ve seen on the big screen isn’t very accurate. One can research guns like any other subject, but I like to do firsthand research, so I called the closest shooting range and made an appointment for a private lesson. (Not for the Bullets and Beer event, however!)

My first impression was of the noise. Guns are loud, folks. The gunshots you hear on TV are muted. And a big gun, like a rifle, machine gun, or shotgun, is really loud. Even wearing headphones, I was surprised by how loud the guns I shot were.

Because the character in my upcoming pie shop series (written under the name Ellery Adams and due out in July) is going to start toting around a concealed weapon, I wanted to find the perfect handgun for her. Therefore, I fired several handguns to see which felt the most comfortable and I ended up picking the Colt .45 (the gun with the wood on its handle).

Turns out, I’m a decent shot. I killed that paper mugger but good (only missed him twice) but I was so horrible at loading the magazines for the Smith and Wesson M&P 9 and the Colt .45 that I would have been dead a thousand times over if speed was a requirement in a gunfight. The Smith and Wesson Model 60 was a revolver and easy to load, but I tended to jerk the trigger a bit when I fired and therefore shot my mugger in the gut instead of in the face or in the heart.

And speaking of hearts, mine was hammering throughout the whole lesson. The noise, the power of the bullet exploding from the gun, the shells flying through the air, the smoke rising to the rafters, the smell of gunpowder—it was all strange and new and both terrifying and exciting.

My instructor was amazing. He taught me loads about gun safety, maintenance, various weapons’ ranges, and shooting posture. He even gave me a run-down on different ammunition and which guns most women prefer. The guy was a font of gun wisdom.

Am I am expert now? Not by a long shot. (ha, ha) But am I going to know exactly how my heroine feels when she handles that Colt .45? You bet.

Have you ever fired a gun? Ever wanted to?

Love That Mac and Cheese

2012-01-18T00:15:00.001-05:00

by Deb Baker/Hannah Reed

Snow is falling and tonight the fire will be crackling. Now all I need to complete the picture is a big bowl of mac and cheese. Boxed or homemade, I love it all. But I’m a purist. Don’t you dare add cauliflower or shrimp or peas or…well…Maine lobster might work…or bacon. No really, I like my pasta and cheese without any foreign objects.

Give it to me with Velvetta or Brie, Cheddar or Parmigiano, or add three or four kinds. Give it to me with Cheese Whiz or Gouda or Ricotta. I love them all.

Creamy golden on the inside, crisp and crunchy on the top. Yum.

And some day down the road, when they finally come and take me away to the old folks home, I better get my mac and cheese, or else. Just saying.

And how do you like yours?

Losing A Good Friend

2012-01-17T00:05:00.023-05:00

by Maggie Sefton

Last Thursday I had a shock. A jolt I wasn't expecting. A mystery novelist friend called me from Southern California and told me my dear friend and colleague, Diana James, had died suddenly. I was so shocked I had trouble finding words. "What happened? Was it a car accident?" were my first thoughts. No, it was not. It was a pulmonary embolism. It happened so suddenly that Diana's husband, mystery author Darrell James, had no warning. Ambulances came at the first call, but Diana passed quickly after arriving at the hospital.

It was a tragic, out-of-nowhere, no warning occurrence that snuffed out a smart, vivacious, bright, hard-working, sweet, kind, and lovely woman. . .and a dear, dear friend. I still can't believe her light is gone from our world. Diana and I were planning to chat via phone that Thursday afternoon. How I wish we had been able to talk before.

Diana and Darrell had been busy promoting Darrell's first mystery, NAZARETH CHILD, which came out just this last September. www.darrelljames.com

Those of us who were fortunate enough to know Diana will miss her and the light she brought with her. We miss you already, Diana.

Attention: Call or email your friends today. Don't wait. There are no guarantees they will be around tomorrow. Take care, everyone.

He Made A Difference

2012-01-16T11:11:00.004-05:00

by Kate

Today is a holiday to celebrate a man who made a difference because he had a dream.

What's your dream?

Dru's Cozy Report: January 2012 Reading List

2012-01-15T06:00:00.011-05:00

Welcome to Dru's Cozy Report. This month we have four new series for your reading pleasure. The fourth one is a gem I found in my TBR pile and I'm so glad I read it.

An Appetite For Murder by Lucy Burdette is the first book in the new "Key West Food Critic" mystery series. Publisher: Obsidian, January 2012
Hayley Snow is a woman of many passions. She's followed her soul mate to funky, foodie Key West, but when their romance loses its sizzle, she's determined to find a new life in this island paradise. She's always been a foodie, so when she applies to be a food critic for Key Zest, the new Key West style magazine, it seems like a perfect pairing. Then Hayley discovers that her potential new boss is Kristen Faulkner—the woman who stole her boyfriend. Hayley can't see how things can get worse now that she's loveless, possibly working for her romantic rival, and living on her friend's boat—until Kristen is murdered and the police pull Hayley in as a suspect. Unfortunately, Hayley's got more motive than Key Lime pie has meringue. To clear her name she'll have to find the real killer fast or the only restaurant she'll be reviewing is the prison cafe.

What a great read. All Hayley wanted was to stay in Key West and work as a food critic, but instead she becomes the prime suspect in the murder of her soon-to-be boss and it doesn’t look like the police are looking elsewhere. To prove her innocence, Hayley will have to create a recipe that will expose a killer. This engaging and page turning murder mystery kept me guessing throughout most of the story. The evenly-paced story boasts a perfect backdrop that is Key West, delicious meals interwoven into the story and likable characters. I especially like Hayley who is funny, strong yet vulnerable and has a zest for living that made this well-written tale come to life. This is a fantastic beginning to a delectably entertaining series.

Visit Lucy at http://lucyburdette.com

FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book

Stay At Home Dead by Jeffrey Allen is the first book in the new "Stay at Home" mystery series. Publisher: Kensington, January 2012
It’s a day like any other for Deuce Winters, a stay-at-home dad in sleepy Rose Petal, Texas, where he and his three-year-old daughter Carly are making their weekly trip to the grocery store. But the discovery of a dead body in his mini-van quickly throws his quiet life into disarray. In a town where gossip spreads faster than a brush fire in July, it doesn’t help that the victim ruined Deuce’s high school football career and married his ex-girlfriend. As the number one suspect in the court of public opinion, Deuce is determined to clear his name, with a little help from his wife Julianne, a high-powered attorney who lovingly refers to him as her “househusband.” His search for the killer leads him to a business plan gone awry and a gaggle of jilted lovers. All the while, he’ll have to contend with a diminutive but feisty detective, the ruthless preschool PTA, and more than his fair share of Texas-sized hairdos—not to mention the laundry.

What a fun debut! Stay-at-home dad, Deuce, finds a dead body in his minivan and when the town’s gossip has him all but convicted, Deuce looks into this case to clear his name with help from unlikely sources. This is a light-hearted, fun-filled, and well-written who-dun-it that I enjoyed immensely. The mystery was a good one and when I thought I had the killer’s identity in my grasp, the author changed direction. I love the people in Deuce’s world; especially scene-stealer Carly. With a clever plot, a comfortable ambiance, an enjoyable banter and a likeable cast, this is great start in this charming and amusing series.

Visit Jeffrey at http://jeffreyallenbooks.com

FTC Full Disclosure - I bought my own copy of this book

If Fried Chicken Could Fly by Paige Shelton is the first book in the new "Country Cooking School" mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, January 2012
At Gram's Country Cooking School, Betts and Gram are helping students prepare the perfect dishes for the Southern Missouri Showdown, the cook-off that draws lots of summer visitors. Then they discover the body of local theater owner Everett Morningside in the school's supply room—and Everett's widow points the finger at Gram. Betts must clear Gram's name and keep the cook-off preparations on schedule—all while worrying about a mysterious cowboy only she seems to be able to see. And after shots are fired at her, Betts has to dig deep into Broken Rope's history to find the modern-day killer—before the last wing is served.

I like this book. When Betts and her grandmother find a dead body in their school’s supply closet, it doesn’t look good for Grams when she becomes the primary suspect. To save Gram’s reputation, Betts and Jerome will have to find a killer before Grams becomes dead meat. This was an enjoyable read that kept me going until the last sentence. This well-designed tale of mystery had worthy suspects and I enjoyed watching Betts blend the clues from Jerome’s past memories to expose the killer before more harm was done. The small *old-west* town atmosphere; the casual conversations; and a charming cast makes this a delightful read in this wonderful and appealing debut series.

Visit Paige at www.paigeshelton.com

FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book

Skeleton in a Dead Space by Judy Alter is the first book in the "Kelly O'Connell" mystery series. Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press, August 2011
Kelly O’Connell never thought real estate was a dangerous profession, until she stumbled over a skeleton in a dead space in an early-twentieth-century Craftsman house she was transforming into a coveted modern home in an older urban neighborhood in Fort Worth, Texas. From that moment, she runs into teen-age gang members, a manipulative ex-husband, a needy and single pregnant friend, a cold-blooded murderer, and a policeman who wants to be more than her protector. As free-spirited as the chocolate-peanut-jalapeño candy she craves, Kelly barges through life trying to keep from angering her policeman-boyfriend, protect her two young daughters, pacify her worried mother a thousand miles away, and keep her real estate business afloat. Too often she puts herself in danger, and sometimes it’s the girls, not Mike, who come to Kelly’s rescue.

All Kelly wanted to do was finish the house she was renovating, but instead she got a dead skeleton and threats against her family. What a great read that I could not put down. The author had me quickly turning the pages in this suspenseful who-dun-it and the many twists and turns kept the plot moving towards a rewarding conclusion. With a comfortable tone, lovable and quirky characters, great conversation, especially the internal dialogue that Kelly has with herself, and a hint of romance, this was an enjoyable debut and I look forward to the next book in wonderful new series.

Visit Judy at http://judyalter.com

FTC Full Disclosure - I bought my own copy of this book

Keeping Lenny's Clock Alive

2012-01-14T00:54:00.003-05:00

by Lorna Barrett / Lorraine Bartlett / L.L. Bartlett

Not long after I moved into my second house, my Dad gave me a grandfather clock. My Dad gave all three of us grandfather clocks. Well, almost. The first clock he made -- yes, he made them from an Emperor Clock kit -- was a grandmothers clock. That means it looks like a grandfather clock, but it's considerably smaller. It was the first clock from a kit that he made. (My Dad fixed clocks and watches for a hobby, so making one was to be expected.) My grandfather, who was visiting from England, helped him make it. My older brother HINTED VERY STRONGLY that he would be thrilled to own it. Hence, the first gifted "grandfather clock." Since my Dad's favorite wood was cherry, that first one was a cherry clock.

Since my favorite wood is oak, my clock (which I believe I either got for my birthday or Christmas) is made of oak. You don't see many light-colored grandfather clocks, and I've had a lot of compliments. I've had it for about 25 years now, so it's mellowed into a nice golden color. My clock is medium sized. I'm the middle child, so I thought that was appropriate. (And maybe my Dad did, too.)

My younger brother got a MASSIVE cherry clock. The biggest one. When it bongs, you know it. Which is why the clock hasn't run in at least 20 years. (My sister in law doesn't like it bonging.)

My clock is a little temperamental. Quite often I would let it run down (duh--I forgot to wind it) and would have a hard time getting it started again. We'd go to the cottage on the weekends and the clock would be silent. We'd come back on Sunday (my Dad was our pet sitter) and the clock would be back to its chiming self ... until I forgot to wind it again.

Since my Dad passed away, Mr. L has become the keeper of the clock. While my Dad was in the hospital/nursing home, during his last months, we had a hard time keeping the clock going. Mr. L had many conversations with Dad about how to keep it going.

The clock stopped rather suddenly just before Christmas. Mr. L and I tried about 150 times to get it going. Mr. L was getting quite upset that nothing he did made it work. He played with it and played with it to no avail.

The other day, my mother jammed her sewing machine. She spent hours trying to unjam it. Finally she said, "Lenny, what would you do to fix this thing?" and suddenly it came to her. Break the needle. I broke it for her and voila! Unjammed. With this in mind, I went home and looked at my Dad's picture (not far from the clock) and said, "Dad, what's it going to take to get this clock working?"

I went back to working on my book.

Several hours later, I was sitting on the couch and looked up. Miraculously, the clock was BONGING! (Oh, how I have missed that sound!!!!! My sister in law doesn't know what she's missing.) Somehow, Mr. L got it working again. (He won't tell me exactly how--and I don't care.)

Now, I'm not one who believes in messages from the great beyond ... but sometimes ... ya gotta wonder.

Anything like that ever happen to you?

What It Takes To Be A Biographer

2012-01-13T04:59:00.017-05:00

By Jeff Marks

Heather kindly offered to let me chat today on the Cozy Chicks. I’m currently finishing a biography of Erle Stanley Gardner, which has consumed my life for nearly 3 years now. It’s nice to be able to write something else, even if it is related to Mr. Gardner still.

I’m finishing work on my third full-length biography and about to begin my fourth, and I’ve learned a few things about what you have to do in order to write a good biography. I thought I’d share a few lessons learned.

Perseverance

If a short story is a sprint and a novel is a marathon, then a typical biography is a race across America. A biography is 200+ pages of facts, each one which needs to be accumulated and synthesized. It’s not enough to just have those broad outlines sketches of the people in the subject’s life, you have to know each person and find out about each one of them as well. So parents, partners, spouses, children and more are all involved.

And dead ends abound! I’ve run into many promising leads, only to have them evaporate like a puddle on a summer’s day. Stories that went nowhere, people who did not want to be quoted on the record, and those who simply got their facts wrong.

It also means a lot of reading. I’m happy to do that, but 200 letters between the subject and the green grocer or financial statements with the banker can become a bit tedious. Still even in the smallest of places you can find tidbits. One of the best pieces of information on Erle Stanley Gardner was tucked away in a brown paper grocery bag at the library.

Details

I make a joke that I know it’s time to start writing when I begin to correct the correspondence I’m reading. Craig made a mistake about how much she’d made the previous year, and I knew it. Gardner said that he’d sent a copy of a particular book to Marlene Dietrich, and I knew better.

And the devil is definitely in the details. For some reason, marriages seem to take an inordinate amount of time in my books. You’d think they would be easy – were they or weren’t they, but they’re never black and white in my books. Was Craig married to this man, or just saying so? For “husband” number two, I had to finally assume that they weren’t married. I scoured courthouses in the Chicago and Milwaukee areas but couldn’t find anything to support a marriage, even though she called herself a wife.

Why did Gardner not divorce wife #1 for his secretary? Many answers have been posited through the years, but no one knows for sure. All of these things have to be answered and answered correctly.

Curiosity

I’ll admit that I’m nosy. I can watch those silly gossip shows all night, if they had them. So it’s not bad for me to read other people’s letters and notes. There is a small twinge when I’m reading some poignant like the break-up letters between Erle Stanley Gardner and his wife, citing their reasons for separation? I highly doubt that 80 years ago, he expected anyone to ever read those and comment on them. Even more so, the letters where he complained vigorously about other mystery authors and their books, but all of it has to be read and commented on.

Do I ever draw the line at anything? I have. There are some items that I’ve merely alluded to, rather than write about in detail. I couldn’t see that it served any purpose other than to cause needless pain and suffering. Other than that, everything has a place in a good biography.

Jeff

www.thelittleblogofmurder.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jeffrey-Marks/271929135155

https://twitter.com/#!/Jeffrmarks

Guest Author Kate Carlisle on Her Passionate Love for Book

2012-01-12T00:02:00.001-05:00

Kate Carlisle is the New York Times bestselling author of the Bibliophile Mystery series, which launched in 2009 with HOMICIDE IN HARDCOVER. The latest Bibliophile Mystery is PAGES OF SIN, an ebook exclusive novella, which will be followed on February 7 by ONE BOOK IN THE GRAVE in paperback and ebook. The Bibliophile Mystery series follows book restoration expert Brooklyn Wainwright as she attempts to restore classic texts to their former glory, and to solve the contemporary murders that are linked to each book.

I love books. I don’t just mean that I love reading, although I do, of course. I mean something more than that. I love the books themselves, especially antique books with embossed leather covers and a gilt edge on each page.

I view an antique book as a survivor in the war against time. Somehow, against all odds, this book made it.

I view the book as an art form, in the visual arts sense in addition to the literary arts sense. If you’ve ever seen a painstakingly detailed illustration from a fine, antique text, you’ll know what I mean. Back in the day, a skilled craftsman poured days of his life into producing a thing of beauty that would be treasured through the ages.

So it’s pretty sad to find one of these treasures in poor shape, sitting outside in the rain at a local flea market. Sad but exciting, too, because I know that it can be brought back to full health by a master bookbinder. Since long before I started writing the Bibliophile Mystery series, I have taken classes in the book arts. Even so, I’m a hobbyist, nowhere near as professional as my protagonist, Brooklyn Wainwright. She’s one of the world’s foremost experts on bookbinding. She’s the person you call with the worst cases, and she gets all tingly with excitement when presented with a book that desperately needs to be saved. (She’s less tingly with her unfortunate proclivity to discover victims of murders that are somehow linked to the latest book on her worktable.)

So you might ask… as a passionate bibliophile, how do I feel about the ebook revolution? The truth is, I’m okay with it. Ebooks are bringing a resurgence of readers back to the written word. People who hadn’t read a book since high school are suddenly reading ten books a month because of the convenience of being able to order it on the fly.

Mass market paperbacks and even most of today’s hardcovers are not the same thing as those fine, leather-bound antique books whose aesthetic virtues I just extolled. The binding is more disposable, never intended to last 100 years or more. With these contemporary books, the story is the thing, and the story is the same, whether read from a physical book or a digital one.

The latest Bibliophile Mystery novella, PAGES OF SIN, is an ebook exclusive. (ONE BOOK IN THE GRAVE, out on February 7, will be available in both paperback and ebook formats.) I have great news for those of you who don’t have an ereader: You don’t have to miss out on an ebook exclusive ever again. You can get free software that lets you read books on your computer!

Kindle for PC - http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=kcp_pc_mkt_lnd?docId=1000426311

NOOK for PC - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/nook-for-pc/379002322

Sony Reader for PC - http://ebookstore.sony.com/download/

I'm so excited about my first e-book adventure, I hope you will consider buying (or at least downloading the free sample of) PAGES OF SIN. And while you're at it, you can pre-order ONE BOOK IN THE GRAVE in the format of your choice!

Have you embraced the ebook revolution? If so, when did you buy your first ereader? If not, what do you love about physical books that you feel you’ll miss with digital books? What other technology have you been reluctant to accept, but that you came to love?

Ellery's Mystery Cozy Contest - Answer

2012-01-12T00:01:00.008-05:00

Here's your answer! Lots of correct guesses this time, but this month's $10 card goes to Paula Miller.

Congrats!

Tune in next month for another contest and thanks for playing!

Meet Five Aging Female Sleuths

2012-01-11T00:15:00.004-05:00

by Deb Baker/Hannah Reed

When Gertie Johnson started talking to me in my head, she was 77 years old. "But they want their heroines young," I was told. Over and over. As a newbie writer, I caved to peer pressure and made her 66 (not exactly what my advisers meant). At first I thought 'they' equaled readers. But as it turned out it was the publishers who didn't want older protagonists. That's still true. My publisher turned down my last proposal for a group of 'mature' women for that very reason. Have they completely forgotten about the famous Miss Marple?

I love, love, love writing and reading about older folks. They don't have all those issues young people have. They aren't afraid to take risks, don't care what others think, and have accepted themselves exactly as they are. Peer pressure doesn't scare them one bit.

So, without further ado, I bring you five contemporary older sleuths.

1. Ninety-two year old Victoria Trumbell (by Cynthia Riggs). She live on Martha's Vineyard and has quite a reputation for her investigation skills.
The Bee Balm Murders(Martha's Vineyard Mysteries)

2. Mrs. Jeffries (by Emily Brightwell) keeps house in nineteenth century England and also keeps villains at bay. Mrs. Jeffries Forges Ahead (A Victorian Mystery)

3. Agatha Raisin (by M. C. Beaton) isn't quite as old. She's 53 and lives in Cotswold's. Agatha isn't everyone's cup of tea, but readers who start with the first in the series (The Quiche of Death) learn to love her. The Quiche of Death (Agatha Raisin Mysteries, No. 1)

4. Gladdy and the girls (by Rita Lakin) reside in a Fort Lauderdale retirement community and never lack for interesting adventures and laugh out loud fun. Getting Old Can Kill You

5. Okay, I had to thrown in Gertie (she made me.)Murder Passes the Buck: A Gertie Johnson Murder Mystery

Anymore to add to the list??

Looking Forward, Not Back

2012-01-10T00:02:00.001-05:00

by Maggie Sefton

I just saw this quote a couple of days ago. It's a quote from Stephen Covey for the New Year:

"I can change. I can live out of my imagination instead of my memory. I can tie myself to my limitless potential instead of my limiting past."

I agree with Stephen Covey. Years ago, my dream was to create an entirely new life out of my imagination. My dream was to become a successful published novelist, supporting myself financially with my writing. I have accomplished that.

Was it easy? Heck, no. It was hard. Darn hard. A lot of hard work, late nights, lack of sleep, and doing without. Doing without a lot of things---new clothes, semi-luxuries, travel, even food, sometimes. Just a few years ago, when my frugal budget monthly allocation ran out before month's end, I lived on peanut butter, bread, and milk. Boring, yes, but nutritious. Dogs never did without. I always had enough food for them. :)

But through it all I never lost my dream. I KNEW inside I could do it, even before I sold my Kelly Flynn mystery series. So, I kept working.

I believe we CAN achieve our dreams and re-create our lives. I've met lots of people who've done it. It's not easy, but, boy. . .is it worth it. It also involves risk. More about that in another post. But one of the points Covey makes in that quote is we also have to be willing to surrender our limiting past. I've learned that some people can't do that. They've used their past experiences to define themselves for so long, they don't know how to give that up. Who would they be? Well. . . I think that's Covey's point. We're all free to create new lives for ourselves out of our "limitless potential." But that requires looking forward.

I realize this post is a little different than most that I've written for Cozy Chicks. Blame it on the New Year. Or, January. I'll be posting more about January next week. But, I would be curious to know how many of you agree that we are free to re-create ourselves if we choose. If not, what's stopping us?

Great Month For Cozies!

2012-01-09T00:01:00.008-05:00

by Kate

Since I am busy finishing a book, I thought I'd take time to simply remind all you readers out there that two of our Cozy Chicks have books out this month. They were released last Tuesday and to keep these wonderful writers in business, they need sales.

So if you can spare the time and the money for some great reads, try out the first in Heather Webber's new mystery series (writing as Heather Blake) It Takes a Witch,

or the latest Queen Bee mystery from Deb Baker (writing as Hannah Reed) Plan Bee!

If you enjoy these two, write a few sentences and post it on Amazon or B&N.com. Our editors LOVE when readers do that!

(click on the links above for more information)

Happy reading in 2012!

The "Cheers" Song? Really?

2012-01-08T00:01:00.001-05:00

by Leann

I understand musicians, like writers, deserve money for their work. I'd probably sell a book to Hollywood and say "have at it" while hoping they'd do a good job, but knowing I'd have little say. (I would ask for input as far as casting the cats, however. LOL) I sure hope the people who wrote the Cheers theme song so many years ago are getting MEGA royalties for it right now.

You've seen the commercial, right? It's a big insurance company now using that theme to push their business. Trouble is, I really don't think "everybody knows my name" at aforementioned insurance company. No, I'm pretty sure they don't. This is the first time I've been quite annoyed at a song being used to hawk something. I want to shout "NO! Quit with the lies!" every time it comes on. Silly, huh?

I've seen some songs used wonderfully to sell everything from coffee to diamonds. Plus, when any sports play-off comes along, they'll use a song about heroes or super-people or dreams. I can handle it. But this song? Nope. Doesn't work for me. I think if they used the M.A.S.H. song for a commercial, I'd have trouble with that one, too. What about you? Any song used in an ad that bothers you? I'd love to hear your reasons as I think my reaction is based on pure emotion. Certain stuff should just be left alone. It's a little bit sacred.

Beer for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

2012-01-07T01:00:00.001-05:00

by Lorna Barrett / Lorraine Bartlett / L.L. Bartlett

Lots of people are on diets after the holidays, and I'm no exception. I've tried every one of them, too, and the only one I was really successful on was Weight Watchers. The only problem is, you have to keep a food diary, and I really don't have that kind of time right now.

But I'm not completely doomed to never losing weight. Another tried and true that as worked for me is lettuce for lunch. I eat a really big salad (from the generic iceberg bag from Wegmans -- a 99 cent special) and I'm pretty much set to go. So far in the past year I've lost 25 pounds on this method. I went off of it for the summer, but now I'm back at it. I hope to lose another 15-20 pounds, and if I'm good I know I can do it.

I find myself reading all the AOL diet success stories. This person lost 100 pounds by cutting out soda and french fries. Another lost 150 pounds by doing that AND giving up something else. Ya know, I don't drink soda. (I mostly drink water and fat-free milk.) I hardly ever eat fast food. I don't eat bags of chips or cookies, either. (I try to keep that kind of stuff out of the house because if it's there, it'll get eaten.) I guess my problem is portion control. I've been working on that, too. But it takes a l-o-n-g time for me to lose weight. I've been wrestling with the same 3-4 pounds for months now. (They're on, they're off. They're on, they're off.) But I'm determined. I've even starting seriously exercising. (Although all I seem to be doing is adding muscle weight.)

So I'm really fascinated by author Joe Konrath going on an all-beer diet. Yup. If Trappist monks can do it, why can't he, he figures. (They give up food for lent and subsist entirely on beer for the entire 40 days.) He's got all basis covered heath wise. And guess what? He's making a documentary and then he'll write a book. (And probably make a fortune.) You can read all about his diet here.

Have you ever gone on a crazy diet before?

Humbled

2012-01-06T00:02:00.003-05:00

by Heather Webber / Heather Blake

My husband always jokes that people never seem impressed with his job, yet whenever he mentions what I do, they perk up and ask tons of questions.

It’s an interesting profession, writing.

Yet, it’s often a lonely profession. A writer, a computer. Hours on end of blocking out real people so we can focus on imaginary ones.

But there are times when writers emerge from their fake worlds to interact in the real one. To interact with real people. Other authors, readers. Facebook is great for this. So is this blog and other writers’ blogs. Twitter.

A strange thing happens with all that interaction, though. People who are strangers slowly become friends.

And the writing profession isn’t nearly as lonely as it used to be. Not when talking to friends is just a click away.

Lots of friends.

I didn’t know quite how many until this week, with the launch of my new series with It Takes a Witch (also the launch of my new pen name, Heather Blake).

To say I’m humbled by all the posts, emails, tweets, reviews...is an understatement. I’m beyond humbled. Beyond grateful for all the support. So grateful that I feel like I’ve said “thank you” a thousand times this week—if not more—yet it doesn’t feel like it’s enough. Sometimes, even a writer is at a loss for words.

THANK YOU, everyone. Truly. A friend of mine often says, “Feel the love.” I’m feeling the love. I hope you’re feeling it, too.

Ellery's Mystery Cozy Contest!

2012-01-05T00:01:00.000-05:00

By Ellery Adams

It's that time of the month again - your chance to win a $10 ecard to BN.com, Amazon.com or the book store of your choice (as long as I can send you an ecard).

I'll give you a line or sometimes two from a cozy and you have six days to email me the title and author at elleryadams@verizon.net.

Please DO NOT POST the answer. You can certainly post a comment, but no title or author name in the comments, okay?

Here's the line: "As to what it had all been about, Lieutenant Dubosc was still in the dark, but to him had been delegated the duty of seeing off M. Poirot by the Taurus Express."

Ellery's hint: This book was written by the Queen of Cozies and is a true classic. I love this fastidious detective and his world-famous mustache and the mode of transportation mentioned here should clue you in on the title.

Picking Pet Names

2012-01-04T00:15:00.001-05:00

by Deb Baker/Hannah Reed

The Cozy Chicks are big animal lovers, and it shows up in our writing. In Plan Bee (which came out yesterday), Story Fischer dates a cop who has a K-9 partner named Ben. I love that dog, and can't imagine 'tales' without him.

I know finding the perfect name for a new pet can be just as difficult as naming a newborn baby. But to make the process easier, here is a list of the most popular dog names in 2011 according to this poll:

Bella
Max
Buddy
Daisy
Bailey
Lucy
Molly
Coco
Charlie
Rocky

And for cats:

Kitty
Tiger
Bella
Kitten
Smokey
Max
Tigger
Shadow
Chloe
Lucy

So what is the name of your favorite four-legged friend?

A Very Happy New Year to Us All!

2012-01-03T00:06:00.000-05:00

by Maggie Sefton

I hope all of you had a wonderfu, fun, exciting, and/or peaceful and quiet New Year's Eve. We had sunny skies for New Year's Day and temps in the 50s here in Colorado, which was perfect. It was also great for football fans, because the Denver Broncos were playing at home Sunday afternoon. (Don't worry, I won't lapse into a football rant).

My Christmas holiday visit with three of my four girls in Texas was wonderful. We had cloudy weather and rain, but that was all right. Everything's okay when you're having a good time. We ate entirely too much rich food and desserts, so it was back on the Straight and Narrow (as I call it) once I returned home on December 27th.

Since then, I've been getting organized for the new year. . .or trying to. I did bills, wrote checks, and went over writing income. . .so I could send in the 4th Quarter Estimated Income Tax Payment. For those of us who are self-employed and operating our own businesses, we don't receive W-2s from an "outside" employer. And we don't have taxes taken out of our royalty income when it arrives twice yearly from publishers. Oh, no. We have to send Uncle Sam quarterly income tax payments. I know, I know. . .no one wants to think about taxes right now, so I won't mention it again. Not until April 15th, that is. :)

January is always a great time for me to begin new projects and take new directions in my life. I've done it for years. There's a special "energy" to January, and I have always tapped into it by taking stock. . .and often, taking a new direction. Sometimes in my writing, sometimes in Life, itself. This year, I'm getting my first published mystery novel, DYING TO SELL, readied for submission as an ebook. Next month, I hope to have readied my earlier published historical western romance, ABILENE GAMBLE. I'll keep all of you posted on the progress of each one.

Meanwhile. . .what new projects or directions/paths/projects have you started or are thinking of starting for 2012? Tell us!

In the Cards

2012-01-02T00:00:00.001-05:00

By Guest Blogger Lucy Burdette

I’m not a big believer in fortune-telling, palm-reading, tarot cards or any other methods of calling the future. Still every once in a while I can’t resist a peek. Because who really knows. Right?

A couple of years ago, a tarot card reader set up in a local coffee shop in our town. So I went down to meet her. I can’t say I learned anything earthshaking, but the experience got me thinking about why a character might rely on reading tarot cards. (Mostly in the case of Hayley Snow, her mother relies on tarot cards. And she’d much rather get her cards read than go to psychotherapy!) And those ideas led to a wonderful, recurring character in my Key West food critic mystery series.

Every night in Key West, to celebrate the sunset, street performers and tourists gather in Mallory Square. One of the regulars is Ron, a tarot card reader. As you can see, he dresses the part—of course I couldn’t resist a reading. And I couldn’t resist developing a character who looks and acts like him in AN APPETITE FOR MURDER (which is out tomorrow by the way from NAL/Obsidian—yippee!)

Here’s my main character, Hayley Snow, making a visit to Lorenzo. She’s just heard about the murder of an ex-boyfriend’s new flame:

“Lorenzo was there without any customers, shuffling his cards and looking pensive. Probably wondering what kind of dinner was in his future.

I slid into the chair across from him and handed over a crumpled twenty-dollar bill. Some people go to therapy every week, I get my cards read. A tarot reader saved my mother’s sanity when I was a kid—not psychiatry. So consulting the cards felt natural. Mom has long since moved on to doing her own readings, but for me, Lorenzo’s insights are like training wheels still welded to my psyche.

“Back again,” Lorenzo said, smiling under that goofy mustache. “Another crisis?”

He has proven to be very big on that old saw “crisis equals opportunity,” even in the short time I’d known him. He had to be an optimist, taking money from all those tourists and then giving life direction, night after balmy night.

“The universe seems a little crazy right now,” I said. “I’d like to get your opinion.”

He had me sterilize my hands with a witch hazel spritzer and cut his deck of oversized, colorful cards, sticky with age and use. Then he laid out the first row, placing a metal lizard on top so they wouldn’t blow away: the Chariot, reversed, the Five of Pentacles, and the Eight of Swords.

“Hmmm,” he said, his brow creasing into the biggest worry lines I’d ever seen him wear. “You may be pulled in many directions…self-sabotage…a feeling of neediness? Seems like you’re feeling a little out of control?”

“Tell me something I don’t know,” I said, leaning in closer to the cards.

Now I’m looking forward to weaving Lorenzo into all the books. And my sister gave me my own pack of tarot cards to study as I write. And, should I need one more way to procrastinate, I can get a free three-card reading every day for me, or for Hayley. And here’s the link for you:

http://www.salemtarot.com/threecardreading.html

How about you all? Any tarot card believers out there? And even if not, do you mind a touch of supernatural in the books you read?

================

Lucy Burdette (aka Roberta Isleib) is the author of the Key West food critic mysteries, debuting January 3 with AN APPETITE FOR MURDER. Read more at her website, www.lucyburdette.com, or visit her on www.Twitter.com/lucyburdette or on www.Facebook.com/lucyburdette or on her group blog, www.jungleredwriters.com.

New Year and Grapefruit

2012-01-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

by Lucy Arlington

Happy New Year to you all!

If you're like me, January 1st is like a fresh white page on which to create a better me. I make a list of goals and resolutions and begin the year with abundant optimism that I'll follow through on all of them. Of course, that

optimism falters now and then, and by December 31st, inevitably there are items not crossed off. But, the calendar turns to January and there is my fresh white page again.

Although my list varies from year to year, some items keep reappearing. The main one? To live healthier by eating better, exercising more and losing some weight. So when I was deciding what recipe to share with you today, that was in the back of my mind.

However, several weeks ago I baked a fantastic loaf that I know many of you will enjoy, and I had decided that it would be my next Cozy Cuisine recipe. So I was faced with a dilemma. How could I justify posting the recipe for this Grapefuit Poppy Seed loaf when I was supposed to curb sweets and baked goods from my diet?

And then I remembered my Aunt Helen. Whenever she wanted to lose a few pounds, she would eat an abundance of grapefruit. "Grapefruit helps you lose weight," she maintained. So there was my justification for this recipe. I hope you enjoy this unique twist on a lemon poppyseed loaf. It's delicious!

Are you making any resolutions for 2012?

Grapefruit Poppyseed Loaf

5 large eggs, at room temperature
5 tablespoons poppy seeds
2 tablespoons grated grapefruit peel and 1/2 cup grapefruit juice
1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1-2/3 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups sifted cake flour
2 cups confectioners' sugar

Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease and flour a 5-by-9-inch loaf pan; line the bottom with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, poppy seeds, grapefruit peel and vanilla.
Grapefruit syrup: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup grapefruit juice until the sugar is dissolved.
Using an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, 30 seconds. Gradually beat in the remaining 11/3 cups granulated sugar and the salt on high speed, scraping down the sides, until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Beat in the egg mixture, a bit at a time. Scrape down the sides; mix for 3 minutes. Mix in the flour in 3 parts on low speed. Scrape into the prepared pan.
Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 60 to 70 minutes. Transfer the pan to a rack placed on a sheet of parchment paper. Using a skewer, poke holes into the loaf; brush with half of the grapefruit syrup. Let cool for 10 minutes.Run a knife around the sides to loosen, then invert onto the rack and brush with the remaining grapefruit syrup. Turn right side up and let cool completely, about 1 hour.
Whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and the remaining 1/4 cup grapefruit juice. Drizzle over the cake and let set before slicing.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T06:18:00.004-05:00

From Lorna Barrett / Lorraine Bartlett / L.L. Bartlett

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right."
--Oprah Winfrey

This year I resolve to exercise more.

Have you made any New Year's resolutions?

Have a happy!

I'm Dreaming of Hot Chocolate and Organization...

2011-12-30T00:14:00.003-05:00

By Heather Blake / Heather Webber

My wish for myself in 2012 is to become more organized! Practical, yes, and really, really needed. If anyone has some tips, I'm listening. :)

As for a recipe to share...here is a hot chocolate recipe that can be found in my newest ebook, Trouble Under the Tree (ANina Quinn Mystery). Stir with a leftover candy cane for an extra sweet treat.

Celeste Madeline Chambeau Quinn’s Hot Chocolate

2 cups whole milk

1 tsp. white sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped

Pinch of salt

Heat milk in a pot, stirring frequently with a whisk. When steam starts to rise from the pot, whisk in sugar and vanilla. Slowly whisk in chocolate until it’s fully melted then add the pinch of salt. Heat for five minutes on low, stirring frequently so milk doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Serves two. Top with a dollop of whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings.

(Nina uses semi-sweet chocolate chips as a shortcut.)

Wishing everyone a very happy (organized) New Year!

My Favorite Reads of 2011

2011-12-29T00:01:00.009-05:00

I love to post this every year because I end up with a huge TBR list to start off 2012. You voracious readers always let me know which great books I missed over the course of the year, but first, let me share some of my favorites.

You'll notice I don't put any cozies on this list, because this is my "other favorites" list. I could never narrow down all the mysteries I loved, but I will start off with a traditional mystery that was beautifully written and a powerful read to boot.

"Adjusting to civilian life after a tour in Iraq proves difficult for Rev. Clare Fergusson in Spencer-Fleming's resonant and timely seventh mystery featuring Clare and her not-so-secret lover, police chief Russ Van Alstyne."

Another character-driven novel is Michael's Connelly's The Drop. I adore Harry Bosch and though he seems on his way to retiring, I hope he continues to investigate for a few more novels!

"Harry Bosch has been given three years before he must retire from the LAPD, and he wants cases more fiercely than ever. In one morning, he gets two."

I read Kate Morton for the Gothic atmosphere. A few times a year, I need to escape to an English Country Mansion filled with family secrets. This installment does not disappoint!

"It starts with a letter, lost for half a century and unexpectedly delivered to Edie’s mother on a Sunday afternoon. The letter leads Edie to Milderhurst Castle, where the eccentric Blythe spinsters live and where, she discovers, her mother was billeted during World War II."

And lastly, I discovered a new-to-me author this year and have since read 3 of her novels. These are my fun books, but they aren't fluff. Keyes tackles some tough

issues and many I can identify with, but she keeps me laughing too!

"Keyes' latest novel about hipster singles in the city takes place in Dublin, where they live and play and bemoan their romantic and professional fates."

Your turn! What non-cozy page-turners do I need to rush out and buy?

Hopes and Dreams for 2012

2011-12-28T00:15:00.000-05:00

By Deb Baker/Hannah Reed

…that we come closer to world healing

…that we take one more step toward Martin Luther King's world imagined in I Have a Dream

…that we ourselves begin to imagine the possibilities and act on them

Enjoying the Holidays!

2011-12-27T00:02:00.000-05:00

By Maggie Sefton

Like most of the Cozy Chicks, I'm celebrating the holidays with family and/or friends. I'm here in the Houston, TX area with daughters Serena, Maria, & Melissa. I hope all of you are enjoying this joyous season. For those who like holiday-themed movies, here are some of our family's favorites. I'm sure you can find them online or in libraries and video rental stores: It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol (1980's with George C. Scott), Charlie Brown Christmas, Scrooged, Joyeux Noel, Holiday Inn, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. Those are a few. :) Enjoy, Everyone! Peace and Joy to All!

Cozy Chicks Newsletter

2011-12-26T08:58:00.001-05:00

Did you miss our latest Cozy Chicks newsletter?

Fear not, you can access it here: http://p0.vresp.com/zmiPLM

But wait! Have you even signed up for our newsletter? You will find the sign-up form on the left hand column. (You might have to scroll down a bit.)

Come on along for the Cozy Chicks ride!

Happy Holidays, Cozies!

2011-12-25T00:01:00.002-05:00

by Leann

The Yule Log

2011-12-24T06:15:00.002-05:00

by Lorna Barrett / Lorraine Bartlett / L.L. Bartlett

Years ago, our cable company included WPIX from New York as one of our channels. Every Christmas Eve they ran The Yule Log . . . an endless video of a crackling fireplace with cheesy holiday music playing in the background.

Because there was nothing else on TV to watch, and we almost NEVER turned off the TV once it was on for the day ... we had it on in the background. Like millions of other people, we sucked it up like a milkshake through a straw. (Read about the history of the yule log here.)

Well, it's been a long time since we got that channel. I'm a grown up now ... have a home of my own (albeit without a fireplace). And guess what? I have a DVD of the Yule Log. Today is Christmas Eve and we're going to go down to our pub, turn on the TV and DVD player and have the Yule Log playing in the background while we raise a glass or two, eat our roasted chestnuts (done in the oven, not on an open fire), and sit back with our three cats and read. (I'll be reading holiday magazines or a cookbook, while Mr. L reads ... something else.)

Will this become a tradition? I don't know. We'll have to see how it goes.

How will you spend Christmas Eve?

The Phantom Phone

2011-12-23T04:56:00.000-05:00

By Heather Webber / Heather Blake

I’m having an issue.

I call it “phantom phone.”

I’ll be sound asleep and I hear it. The phantom phone—the sound of a text message coming in on my cell phone.

I get out of bed, trundle downstairs, and check the message.

Nothing. No message.

So I started keeping the phone on my nightstand. I can just reach over and check to see if I’m losing my mind instead of stumbling around in the dark looking for my sanity.

It’ll be days, sometimes a week if I’m lucky, without a phantom message. But just when I think I’m done with them, the phone will blurt its chirpy little text message sound in the dead of night.

I’m beginning to think the universe is trying to tell me something. But what? And why won’t it write something? Why just make the noise? Is it just trying to keep me awake at night?

Of course I’m the only one who hears the phantom phone. So what does that mean? Is the phantom message only for me? Ugh.

Have I completely lost my mind??? I’m certainly beginning to think so. Do any of you hear strange things no one else hears?

--

PS: Wishing everyone very happy holidays. We’ll be celebrating Christmas here, and I’m happy to say (despite the sleep deprivation of the phantom phone) that almost everything has been bought and wrapped. Am planning to relax and enjoy the holiday. Ahhh.

The Best & Worst Holiday Songs

2011-12-22T00:01:00.001-05:00

I’m sure you all have a radio station similar to Richmond’s Lite 98. They play soft rock, top 40’s, and a few oldies. On Thanksgiving Day, they happily announce that for the next month, they’ll be playing nothing but Christmas music.

This statement is immediately followed by a groan from my other half. He can’t stand the barrage of joyful tunes. I clap and smile. I’m always ready and willing to sing along to a holiday tune.

Still, there are a few I can’t stand. Seriously. I have to change the station or simply turn the radio off. Here they are:

1. The Chipmunk Song

(Christmas Don’t Be Late) – I can’t stand to listen to this song. I don’t think it’s cute. The voices are annoying, and Alvin’s tardy lead-in to each stanza in maddening. Not only that, but for the rest of the day I’m walking around squeaking, “Me? I want a hula hoop.” It’s like getting the Meow Mix song stuck in your head (sorry if I just did that to you).

2. All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth – Cute idea that goes on way too long.

3. Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer – Okay, the first time I heard it I laughed, but that was enough.

Now that I’ve listed my least favorites, I’ve got to try and narrow down my top three favorites. Much, much harder.

1. All-time favorite Christmas Song…drumroll….O Holy Night (I like the Michael Crawford and Clay Aiken versions, but I’ll get teary-eyed to almost any version)

2. The Little Drummer Boy – David Bowie and Bing Crosby

3. Do You Hear What I Hear – Whitney Houston or the Faith Hill version

(For fun, I’d add You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch song, because how many times a year do you get to sing the lyric, “Given the choice between the two of you I’d take the seasick crocodile.” Or croon out, “stink, stank, stunk!”)

Your turn! Share your favorites and the ones that make you cringe. I promise to listen to any I haven’t heard of before on YouTube.

Jingle all the way…

If Men Ran Christmas

2011-12-21T00:15:00.001-05:00

by Deb Baker/Hannah Reed

I just read a fun article titled Christmas: What Would Happen If Men Ran It?

Women don’t have to be told that we still do most of the holiday planning, shopping, baking, cooking, wrapping, tree trimming…but what would be different if men handled everything?

According to this survey, they would:

Do away with sending cards
Ditch the turkey in favor of steak or carry-out
Have those gifts wrapped at the store
Make the kids help out more
Refuse to visit the in-laws

One place the sexes didn’t differ? Family is top priority!

I bet homemade cookies would go the way of the dinosaur.

What else would change?

Holiday Goodies

2011-12-20T00:08:00.018-05:00

by Maggie Sefton

Today, Tuesday, 12/20, I'm flying from Colorado to Houston, Texas to spend the Christmas holidays with three of my four daughters. Melissa is flying in from NYC and Maria is flying in from Washington, DC, and we'll all be joining daughter Serena at her home in between Houston and Galveston. I've already wrapped and shipped all my holiday goodie packages and gifts to arrive at Serena's this week. Plus, I've wrapped and shipped all the goodies & gifts for daughter Christine (NoVa suburbs of WashDC) and family. They'll be traveling to celebrate Christmas with my son-in-law's family in Crown Point, IN. I'm really looking forward to celebrating the holidays in a warm climate for a change. And you know. . .I don't think I'll miss the snow and ice one little bit. :) Nope. Not a bit. What about you folks? Are you staying home? Traveling? Relatives coming? Tell us. Meanwhile. . .here's the recipe I promised so you can enjoy it during your holiday celebrations. Enjoy, Everyone!

MAGGIE’S CHOCOLATE MINT FUDGE

One medium-to-large jar of marshmallow crème
1 can evaporated milk
1 stick of butter (use regular salted butter and NOT a butter substitute)
3 cups granulated white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 12-oz packages of semi-sweet chocolate chips/morsels
1 Tablespoon of peppermint flavoring

Makes 2 8x8” pans of fudge (also needed---aluminum foil to line pans)

A large thick-bottomed pot is recommended in order to keep the fudge from overcooking.

Before starting: Line 2 8x8” pans with foil. Grease lightly with butter, not oil or margarine.

Place marshmallow crème in pot over medium heat, then stir in evaporated milk, stirring slowly. Cut stick of butter into 8 pieces and drop into simmering mixture. Stir in salt. Adjust heat to medium-high and add sugar, one-half cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. Continue stirring as sugar mixture starts to bubble. Cook for five minutes, no more, STIRRING CONSTANTLY. I cannot emphasize this enough.

Remove from heat and immediately stir in the packages of semi-sweet chocolate chips/morsels, one package at a time, stirring vigorously. Add peppermint flavoring, stirring well until blended. Pour fudge into the two pans. Let cool on counter for several minutes, then place pans in fridge to set up and cool completely.

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?

2011-12-19T13:35:00.000-05:00

by Kate Collins

For many years, the tradition in my family on Christmas Evehas been to come together for a lightmeal, open presents, attend the candlelight service at our church, and head backhome to eat cookies before going our separate ways. After my husband passedaway, these traditions helped me get through what could have been a terriblypainful, lonely time, but simply knowing that my family would be there tocelebrate in a way I’ve known all my life has not only comforted me, butenabled to move forward. I think of themas gifts under the tree that my parents left for me, my sister and my brotherto share with our loved ones. They are things I want my kids to remember andpass along to their loved ones, too.

This year, my daughters Natasha and Julie and my niece Linciare going to help me make a Greek meal that we know my late husband would haveloved. When the Cozy Chicks cookbookcomes out after the first of the year, I will be sharing it with you, so, ifyou’d like to find out what we made in my late husband’s memory, be watchingfor it. I’ll tell you the name of the recipe in another blog. (I love temptingmy friends.)

So now I’d like to know something about you. What are thetraditions that matter to you and your family? What customs would you like yourchildren to remember and hopefully pass along to the important people in theirlives? It doesn’t matter if you’re Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim or have noreligion at all, I would really appreciate your sharing customs that matter toyou.

Movies and Christmas. What to See?

2011-12-18T00:01:00.001-05:00

by Leann

First of all, an update: My carpet WILL be installed by Christmas, or so I am told. Thursday and Friday. Yay for that!

I have turned my attention to the movie releases because we will have family here and that's sort of a tradition. Go to the movies the day after Christmas. But I am concerned because we will also have two young ones visiting. I don't think The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is something my son and daughter-in-law will want their girls seeing! (But it is on my list!) Sherlock Holmes might be okay, but I doubt it will hold the baby's attention and the oldest will probably get bored, too. I know I would at her age.

This topic reminds me of all the movies I saw when I was a kid--because we had a movie theater within walking distance of our house. It was always a double feature and you could stay all day if you wanted for the price of one ticket. The Blob scared me to death, as did a few others. I was little then--between 5 and 7 years old. I always went with my older brother--but he wasn't that much older. He, however, LOVED The Blob. One movie really had my complete attention though, maybe because I was scared, but in a way I'd never been scared before. The movie? The Bad Seed. Little did I know psychological suspense would become one of my favorite genres. But, though sitting through The Blob all day seemed fine with my mother, to my complete surprise, she and the usher came with a flashlight, found me and she dragged me home. My brother got to stay. I think this was the first time I felt true embarrassment. I mean, everyone was watching because I was being a tad stubborn about leaving.

So, no scary movies. My question for all of you is, what movies are out now that the whole family might enjoy? Because I don't know. Or should we make popcorn, stay at home and watch something On Demand? Which sounds like a nice option. I will make my husband go with me to see Dragon Tattoo one day, though. One of my favorite books ever cannot be missed--and yes, I know not everyone liked it. Guess it's the "bad seed" in me that wants to see a woman kick butt mostly using her brain!

Creating Cookies, or Why Did I Ever Think That Sounded Good?

2011-12-17T00:05:00.001-05:00

by Guest Blogger Norma Huss

Since I love to cook, and love to mix up something new and tasty, I create mystery characters who do the same. In my first mystery, my amateur sleuth researches the homeless by acting as a bag lady. She repays any favors or overnight stays by cleaning house or cooking a meal from whatever she finds in the kitchen. In my newest book it isn’t the protagonist Cyd, but her sister Kaye who is village-wide famous for her delicious desserts that she freely shares as a way to encourage help with her schemes.

After the books were in print, I decided to showcase these dishes on my website. Problem was, those recipes didn’t exist. As I typed merrily away, I threw together something that sounded great. Like, garlic chicken with peanut sauce, noodles and assorted leftover vegetables. When it came to throwing together the actual food I discovered that what sounds good on the page may not taste good in the kitchen, especially not without a great deal of experimentation. (My hubby doesn’t usually mind that part at all.) That chicken recipe took several failed tries to perfect. Eventually, it rated the raves I craved. (Or, at least, a nod and a second helping.)

Now I’m trying recipes to go with the second book. I started experimenting the other day.

Coconut blossoms sounded good when I included it in the manuscript. I fancied plump little petals surrounding a raised center. Should I add food color to part of the dough? Recently I saw directions for adding color to coconut. Hmmm. I searched recipes. Lots of coconut cookies. Coconut macaroons? A snicker doodle recipe looks interesting. Hmmm. Add coconut? Why not?

How about something truly experimental? I scanned my spice cupboard. Let’s see, turmeric is yellow. Paprika for red. On the other hand, those spices sound too kooky. I really should use food coloring instead. Much better idea, I’m sure.

I mixed up a slightly changed snicker doodle recipe: reduced sugar by 1/4 cup and added a cup of coconut.

What the heck—I tried it both ways. If the spices turned out, I’d have something remarkably creative. Right? I divided a couple of dabs of dough, added turmeric to the smaller and paprika to the larger. One teaspoon redish dough, push thumb into the center, then add a small ball of the yellowish dough. Bake. Came out flat and crispy, but with definite color differences. Definite flavor differences too!

Too creative. Why do I remember an experiment of my mother’s, chocolate pie crust with orange filling? She never lived that one down.

Okay, I decided to forget using spices to color my cookies. Fortunately I didn’t experiment with all the dough. I put some coconut into a plastic bag, added a few drops of red food coloring, then shook and massaged the bag until the coconut was a lovely shade of red. Then I rolled teaspoon-size dough bits in coconut, did the thumb-print thing, then added tiny wads of undyed dough in the center. Baked. Tasted. Presented both to the ultimate taster (Hubby), and accepted the verdict (which I agreed to).

Forget the weird spices.

Now I have a new recipe to include on my website (and here). Coconut Blossoms, a crispy confection that keeps well so could be baked ahead for my Christmas treats or enjoyed any time of the year. However, I do wish I’d named them something else in the manuscript. Coconut Crisps maybe. Much easier to just mix, drop teaspoon-sized wads of dough on the cookie sheet, and bake.

Kaye’s Coconut Blossoms
½ cup butter, softened
½ cup shortening
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
2 1/4 cup flour
2 teaspoons cream of tarter
1 teaspoon soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Red food coloring
1/4 cup additional sweetened flaked coconut (about)

1. Mix softened butter and shortening together
2. Stir in sugar and eggs.
3. Mix dry ingredients together, then add, alternating with adding the coconut
4. Color additional coconut (place in plastic bag with a few drops of food coloring and shake)
5. Roll teaspoon-sized bits of dough in red coconut, place on ungreased cookie sheet and push thumb into center. Place smaller bits of plain dough into indented center of each cookie

Bake 10 minutes at 400° Cool on sheet for a few minutes, then remove to a paper towel-lined rack. After cool, store in a closed container at room temperature.

The first recipe, from Yesterday’s Body, is on my website: www.normahuss.com (Click the recipe title at bottom of recipe page.) The coconut cookies are mentioned in my new mystery, Death of a Hot Chick.

Some cooks are strictly by-the-book. (I actually met one once.) Do you like to experiment or stick to the recipe? If you are an experimenter, like me, do some of your improvements leave much to be desired?
-------------------------------------------

Norma Huss, at 82, is a wife, mother, and grandmother whose first full-length mystery was published a month before her 80^th birthday. She likes to call herself, "The Grandma Moses of Mystery." The original Moses was an artist who started late, became famous at 80, and painted until she was 102. Since her mother is now 102, walking for exercise and doing word puzzles, Norma has the genes to do the same. She lives and writes in Pennsylvania. She and her husband are glad their children, although spread from north to south, all live in the same time zone. Visit her website: www.NormaHuss.com Her latest book is Death of a Hot Chick .

Searching High and Low

2011-12-16T04:52:00.000-05:00

By Heather Webber / Heather Blake

How many of you have searched high and low for just the right holiday gift? Whether it was a Cabbage Patch kid years and years ago or a Wii more recently, there are just some presents that are impossible to find.

I've had my own searches lately. One, a blue cotton blanket. This is mostly my own fault, if I’d realized how hard it would be to find locally, I would have ordered it online. BUT, I thought a blue cotton blanket could be found just about anywhere. Wrong. Oh, there are plenty of white cotton or beige cotton...but blue? Not so much. And the senior citizen my critique group adopted for Christmas wanted blue, so the hunt was on.

The next search came when my daughter casually mentioned that she’d like the first three Star Wars movies (technically #4, 5, 6) on DVD (we have them on VHS tapes). I didn’t think that would be so hard. WRONG. It was nearly impossible. I checked lots of stores before figuring out that these disks are the equivalent of being out of print. Online shops wanted $179 and up for “new” disks of these “collector’s items.” I want to know what I ever did to George Lucas to deserve this punishment. Well, I HAVE to get these disks for Baby Girl (she doesn’t ask for much), so I did what any sensible mom would do. I went to EBay. Where “new” disks were selling for upwards of $200. I want to know what I ever did to EBay to deserve this punishment.

The blue blanket I finally found at Kohl’s (thankfully!!!)—and just a mere 24 hours before it was due to be turned in. And the good karma kept coming when I stumbled on an EBay post a half-hour old. Three disks, never opened. And it had a “buy now” button. $89. SOLD. I don’t think I ever clicked so fast in my life.

(Really hoping Baby Girl isn’t reading this post.)

Have you had an impossible search lately?

Dru's Cozy Report: December Reading List

2011-12-15T06:13:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Dru's Cozy Report. This month we have one new series and two recurring ones for your reading pleasure.

Double Booked for Death by Ali Brandon is the first book in the new "Black Cat Bookshop" mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, December 2011
As the new owner of Pettistone's Fine Books, Darla Pettistone is determined to prove herself a worthy successor to her late great-aunt Dee...and equally determined to outwit Hamlet, the smarter-than-thou cat she inherited with the shop. Darla's first store event is a real coup—the hottest bestselling author of the moment is holding a signing there, which brings hordes of fans and some protestors. But when the author meets an untimely end during the event, it's hardly good for business, even though it's ruled an accident—until Hamlet digs up a clue that seems to indicate otherwise. Now, Darla fears a killer might be lurking about...Can the interfering Hamlet point the paws at the culprit without losing one of his own nine lives?

What a good start! Imagine getting the hottest author to come to your bookstore and an accident causes her demise or did it? That’s what faces Darla in this fun-filled and engaging who-dun-it when she uncovers a clue that can change the outcome of the police’s investigation. The writing was crisp and the alluring storylines kept me engrossed in this story as I tried to figure out the mysteries contained in this nicely done tale. The characters are likable and the setting made me feel at home. This is a lovely beginning to what I hope are many adventures with Darla and her friends in this charmingly entertaining new series.

Ali Brandon is the pseudonym of Diane A. S. Stuckart and you can visit her at http://alibrandon.com

FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book

Dead Bolt by Juliet Blackwell is the second book in the "Haunted Home Renovation" mystery series. Publisher: Obsidian, December 2011
General Contractor Melanie Turner's latest restoration is a historic Queen Anne Victorian in San Francisco's Cow Hollow neighborhood. Trouble is, she'll have to work around the owners, the Daley family, who refuse to leave during the construction. But when eerie things start happening around the site, the Daleys threaten to call off the renovation for fear the work is disrupting ghosts who live on the property. But the ghosts aren't the only ones getting in the way of the renovation. The Daley's neighbors aren't exactly thrilled by the muss and fuss of the construction project. When Mel's father finds a dead body, Mel must tack on one more task to her growing to-do list. She has to finish the job, bring the house back from the brink, and complete her greatest renovation project yet: restoring her reputation.

All Mel wanted to do was bring an old house back to its glory days, but no, she has to deal with owners who want to live on the premise, ghosts who wants all of them out and a dead body. Mel will have to ghost-bust some clues to find a killer among the living. Oh man, I was so wrapped up in the telling of this story that I could not put this book down. With witty and amusing conversations, a strong, lovable and down to earth protagonist, great supporting cast and a mystery to die for, this well-written tale is an enjoyable read in this delightfully captivating and fantastic series that will leave you with an urge to renovate.

Visit Juliet at www.julietblackwell.net

FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book

Crops and Robbers by Paige Shelton is the third book in the "Farmers' Market" mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, December 2011
Bailey's Farmer's Market is all abuzz with the impending visit of the Central South Carolina Restaurant Association. Becca is pleased about the visit, but with her jams and preserves already flying off her market table, it's her parents’ unexpected visit she is truly excited about. With her family watching from the sidelines, Becca happily hands out samples. But when Joan Ashworth, the president of the association vetoes the strawberry preserves, Becca finds herself reeling from the snub. After pulling herself together, Becca heads home, only to find Joan's body in her kitchen and her mother with blood on her hands. Now, Becca has to figure out what really happened to Joan and get her Mom out of a terrible jam.

With her parents in town and the restaurant association looking at her wares Becca is one happy vendor, that is, until her mother is arrested for a crime she didn’t commit and Becca will do what needs to be done to dig up the truth to find a killer. This was a good read that I practically devoured from the minute I picked up the book. The mystery was good as it had me quickly turning the pages and I was surprised when the killer was revealed. With a great cast of characters, pleasant conversations and a feel-good atmosphere, this is the best one yet in the pleasing and delectable series that is tantalizing as fresh apple pie.

Visit Paige at www.paigeshelton.com

FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book

O Christmas Tree

2011-12-14T00:15:00.002-05:00

by Deb Baker/Hannah Reed

It's that time of year again. Boy, it sure does come around fast these days. The gift buying, cookie making, snow- dusted time of year.

I love seeing what others are doing with their Christmas trees. Here are a few of my favorites so far, both spotted by moi on Facebook, which is my favorite place to hang out.

A rosemary tree by pal and cozy author Wendy Watson. Wish mine was that large. I managed to grow one tall enough and strong enough for a few small ornaments, but after a few seasons, it passed away.

I bet Wendy had fun shaping her tree and cooking with the sheared off boughs.

This one has been circulating around the internet, not sure who created this winner though. (BTW, clicking on the photos should enlarge them for a richer experience.)

An entire tree crafted from books! What style!

Then there is mine. Here's the story:

My family owns a Christmas tree farm in the Michigan Upper Peninsula (just like my protagonist Gertie Johnson). Every year our good friend and tree caregiver cuts a special tree for me. Each year I let him know that we have eight-foot ceilings. Every year he brings me a really full, really tall tree.

My husband and I looked at this year's tree and wondered what to do.
"How are we going to get it through the door?" Mr. Deb asked.
"We could cut it in half," I suggested, actually meaning it.
After serious debate, we took a 'stand', decided a new tradition was in order.

Tada....Falalalala...Hubby got blue & white LED lights, so we need sunglasses to view it at night.

Then he found shatterproof ornaments, which I didn't even know existed and will come in handy when young children are around the tree. Not to mention our cat.

Tada...the really neat thing about our outdoor tree is that we can admire it from the living room, or the entry way, in our bedroom and down the hall. Every window facing the tree is alive with brilliance. And the windows not facing the tree? Still illuminated with reflections.

I plan to add some treats for the birds and leave it up.

Have you spotted a Christmas tree that really stands out? If it's online, share the link with us. Tell us about your tree too.

Did You Miss These TV Shows?

2011-12-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

by Maggie Sefton

I know I mentioned these new TV shows earlier this Fall after I first discovered them, but I wanted to mention them once more. . .just in case you didn't see them. Hopefully, you had a chance to check them out earlier. They're all excellent programs with good actors and intriguing plotlines. Not often found in most TV series.

"Person of Interest" -- on Thursdays, CBS. The two lead actors are excellent and involved in an intriguing quest of "saving" people that a super computer warns have become targets for murder. It's a Redemption Story at its heart, because the "hero" is a refugee from high level paramilitary/espionage hit squads who's trying to make up for all the deaths he's caused by saving others now.

"Ringer" -- on Tuesdays, CW Network (same network that carries another fave program, NIKITA. Nikita returned for its 2nd season and has found more ways to up the ante for all the players. Excellent). In Ringer, two twin sisters are involved---the heroine is the "screw up" sister, always getting into trouble. She runs from a Very Bad Criminal---who's out to keep her from testifying against him---to her "good rich proper" sister in NYC to hide. Problem is, "good rich proper" sister turns out not to be all that good or proper, but she is rich. And the next day, Good/Proper disappears on a boat trip with "Screwup" Sis. Screwup assumes her sister's ID, and then. . . oh, boy. . .do things start to happen. . .for both of them. Needless to say, Good/Proper is still alive & doesn't know that ScrewupSis has asssumed her ID. Really keeps you guessing + acting is very good with lots of interesting characters.

"Revenge" -- on Wednesdays, ABC: This story takes the classic revenge tale and upends it plus gives it a very modern hi-tech twist. Plus the actors are excellent. Daughter of a betrayed/jailed/executed father returns after she's all grown up and rich on money Daddy left her in Swiss bank acct. Daughter assumes identity and starts taking vengeance on the people responsible for her father's fate. But---other cast characters add their own twist to the action, complicating Daughter's quest for revenge. Plus, falling in love with Nasty Witch Villain's son wasn't part of her plans. Neither was the return of someone from her recent past who could throw a wrench into her well-laid plans.

And, of course, my fave, FRINGE, returned for a 2nd season and has managed to complicate characters' lives and plotlines. Always fascinating with excellent, endearing actors.

If you haven't had a chance, folks, try to catch these programs in re-runs. You will be glad you did. Enjoy!

Stamp Out the Blog Blahs

2011-12-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

By Kate Collins

So many Blogs. So many bloggers. And way too manyboring blog topics, I’d bet. We Cozy Chicks don’t want to be guilty of causingany blog boredom, so help us take action to Stamp Out the Blog Blahs righthere, right now. Are you with me?

What makes you keep coming back to a particularblogsite (hint: Cozy Chicks) to read more?

Does the title attract you? Or conversely, keep youfrom clicking on the link?

Do certain subjects pique your interest, such as:

TV/movie discussions

About our (The Cozy Chicks) books/characters

About our personal lives/joys/woes

Motivational subjects

About our backgrounds – what we did before we becamewriters, or our childhoods.

Shopping/clothing/make up

Tech/computer/digital reader discussions

Health/diet/exercise (which those of us who sit atcomputers all day need desperately)

Food/restaurants

Travel tips

And with that, I’m officially out of ideas. Pleaseshare your thoughts with me. Mama Kate wants to know.

Why Do They Do That?

2011-12-11T00:01:00.001-05:00

by Leann

The inside painting is done and after two weeks, the mess of having furniture moved all over the place and having to sleep in three different spots during the last week is making me a little nuts. But since we planned to have carpet installed now that the painting is done, why move furniture until afterward, right?

So after searching online for reviews of those carpet places that tell you "buy it today, we'll install it tomorrow" I read comments from a lot of very dissatisfied customers. In fact, there was hardly any carpet company that really made happy customers. But one home improvement store seemed to have fewer complaints than others. I went to the one nearby, found very nice carpet and they even advertised "special-order carpet in 7-10 days." I had plenty of time to get it installed before Christmas--when my family arrives. Plenty of time. Sure.

But no. After I paid in full, I get a call from a totally separate department at this very famous chain store home improvement center telling me my carpet would arrive AT THE WAREHOUSE on December 21. NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I complained that the sales people assured me this carpet would be installed before Christmas, that I had "plenty of time." I then received a lecture from this person on the phone saying that if I wanted carpet installed before Christmas, I should have ordered it by Thanksgiving. Um, tell that to the painters, lady. After much haggling, my carpet installation is "penciled in" for December 22 and 23. NO GUARANTEES.

Meanwhile, because we believed the sales people at unnamed chain home improvement store (big mistake), we had the painters cut away carpet so they could paint the baseboards. I now have exposed carpet nails all over my house. Two toddlers will be here for Christmas and if that carpet isn't installed, what do I do? Plus, there can be no decorating until the last minute. The good news is, my family is coming no matter what. We will have a wonderful time. But why do they (the salespeople) do that? Lie? I guess I know the answer, but it is disappointing. If anyone has any ideas what to do about these exposed carpet nails if we must take care of them at the last minute, I'd love any and all suggestions. Oh -- and when you have carpet re-installation, do they replace those wood slats that hold the carpet nails? My husband swears they don't. I'd sure like to know for certain, because I might have to take a hammer to them!

Does Santa diet during the holidays?

2011-12-10T00:19:00.000-05:00

by Lorna Barrett / Lorraine Bartlett / L.L. Bartlett

Whoever heard of dieting during the holiday season? Well, that's what my new doctor wants me to do. Mind you, I've already lost 20 pounds in 2011, but I hit the wall and plateaued in June. She wants me to lose another 20 pounds.

I lost those 20 pounds eating a LOT of ice burg lettuce lunches. After five months of those monotonous meals, I had to eat something else before I went completely bonkers. So ... I went back to REAL food. I had a wonderful summer of tuna, chicken salad, or ham sandwiches, and while I went up and down three pounds (that olive oil mayo is almost half the calories of regular mayonnaise and it tastes delish), it was never any more than that. Right now I'm actually at T minus 21 pounds ... and why? Because I started eating salads once again. I figure I can probably eat them for another four or five months before I get absolutely sick of them again. (Tossing in a hard boiled egg at least gives me some protein without a lot of extra calories or fat. Yum-yum! I love hard boiled eggs.)

But let's get back to this holiday time. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, this is the time of year when you get food you don't get any other time of year. I have successfully resisted all the stuff in the stores. No candy. No cut-out cookies, no cake. No eggnog. (This must be the first year since I was about four that I haven't had ANY eggnog!)

But I've got a hankering for three things, and two of them have chocolate in/on them. Chocolate covered pretzel rods with jimmies. Homemade toffee with chocolate and chopped walnuts. Homemade pumpkin bread. (Which I thought about making at Thanksgiving, but never got around to doing.)

All week I have been resisting the urge to bake or melt chocolate for something. (It helps if you're missing the vital ingredient for each recipe.) But that urge is growing stronger every day.

I have to go to back to the doctor next week and she's expecting to see a weight loss and I intend to deliver. But then what? How long can you cheat on your diet and how bad will the consequences be? Can you cheat for a few days and then go back to being good? Should I only cheat on Christmas Eve and Christmas day? And what about all the leftovers?

I think the answer might involve the chest freezer out in my garage. Make the stuff, put it in single-serving containers ... and then dole it out slowly (like a once a week treat) over the course of the next 10-11 months. (Will chocolate covered toffee last that long?)

What would you do in my shoes?