Library Conference Theme: Beaches, Blogs, and Books

I had the pleasure of attending a Georgia COMO library conference with the theme Beaches, Blogs and Books. I really enjoyed Claire Matturo's presentation on Chick-Lit, Pink mysteries, Chickton, Dick-Lit and Tart-noir.

So what exactly is the popular Chick-Lit? Taken from my notes at Matturro's session, this is the pattern for Chick-Lits:

• Targets female readers


• Mystery with romance, no sex


• Young heroine, 20 – early 40 age group, she’s hip, fashionable, perfect hair and figure


• Heroine relies on wits not weapons, not violent


• Heroine is amateur sleuth, smart, competent


• Heroine is sassy


• Fast paced, snappy dialogue


• Humorous tone


• First person narrative


• Urban, big city setting


• Female friendships critical or gay male friend


• Bad guy is likeable

Pink mysteries are similar yet different:

• Targets female readers


• Romance novels with a dead body


• Book cover is pink


• Book begins and ends in paperback


• Women are quirky

Claire Matturro's new book is Sweetheart Deal.