Heidi McCrary

I just discovered this in the frozen pizza aisle…

When my Chicago friend insisted that I had to experience Vito & Nick’s

My hairstylist knows what I like… The color, length, and whether I’m feeling bangs or no bangs. She also knows I like visiting new places and trying new things, so it didn’t take long for us to land on what she calls the “Best pizza place in the world.” (My words, not hers, but she was pretty adamant.)

The problem is, this quaint family-owned pizza joint is located on the wrong side of Chicago for me, and I still haven’t gotten there.

And then I saw it. Sitting in the frozen food section in the local grocery store…

Enlisting an elite group of taste-testers, I opened the packaging and was surprised with how good it looked. The sauce-to-cheese ratio just perfect, along with plenty of toppings that covered the pizza.

And we threw it on the grill, which was a great decision. 425 degrees on a pre-heated stone. Be sure to let the pizza cool. Unlike most frozen pizzas, this pizza will drip with wonderful messiness … like a real pizza.

Our grade for Vito & Nick’s Pizza? A+

And yes, I still have to get to that quirky pizzeria on the outskirts of Chicago. I promise, Kathy!

The original Vito & Nick Pizzeria is located at 8433 South Pulaski Road in Chicago, Illinois. And you can also find it in your frozen food aisle at Meijer and other grocery stores.

Relive the Quirky Charm of Northern Exposure with Best Medicine

Thirty-five years ago, a quirky TV show premiered on CBS about a big-city doctor forced to set up his practice in a remote town in Alaska. Northern Exposure was funny and heartfelt, with a cast of characters you fell in love with. ALL of them. The writing was smart, and the actors knew how to play up and underplay the weirdness.

The Salty Breeze food and lodging sign in Port Wenn with a pig walking by.

For those who miss the gang from Cicely Alaska, do yourself a favor, and get to know the colorful folks living in the fictional town of Port Wenn, Maine. Best Medicine, airing on FOX, also centers around a fish-out-of-water doctor surrounded by a colorful cast of characters. Is it a coincidence that Best Medicine ALSO features a nontraditional animal wandering down the street, in front of a restaurant?

Best Medison stars Josh Charles and Abigail Spencer, along with the fabulous Annie Potts. Apparently, this new show is the American reboot of the English TV series, Doc Martin, and for those who enjoyed that show, the reviews have not been kind. While this show may not do justice to the British series, it’s a welcome comfort for those who miss Joel and Maggie, and those lovable quirky characters that can only be found in a small town.

Best Medicine airs Tuesdays on FOX.

Author of Chasing North Star and publishing soon, I’m Your Person.

Heidi McCrary

When the female voice … isn’t

Is it OK for a man to write from a woman’s perspective?

Cozy mysteries are a popular genre in the literary world and provide readers with a quick enjoyable read which is why they continue to grow in huge numbers. Mysteries also often come in sets, allowing the reader to keep up with the protagonist as the hero encounters a never-ending list of quirky suspects and entertaining escapades.

The series format works because readers grow fond of the central character, and if done correctly, each new book grows with help from a captured audience. And with each new book, we get to know the protagonist all the more—as comfortable as reconnecting with siblings when we go home for Christmas.

A beach scene featuring an open book with a red cover and sunglasses resting on a straw mat, accompanied by the text 'I have NEVER said that...'

But what happens when the central character in a book or a series of books is a woman, and the author is male? Does it matter? Should it?

This probably isn’t a yes/no answer. A variant of this question is being asked today in the movie industry, as we ask if it’s art or misogyny for actors to play roles outside of their gender/race/identity.

While reading a book recently, told from the perspective of a female crime solver, I couldn’t help but cringe at the many passages written by this male author. No woman says that, I caught myself thinking more than once as I read the flowery prose, sighing at the numerous sex scenes where our central character basked in the strong arms of her man. Again, and again, and… (Cue the eye roll.)

Of course, many authors write in a voice that differs from their own. Where would we be if authors weren’t allowed to reach beyond their own personal opinions and identity. Authors are in the glorious position of being able to embrace every character—male, female, old, young, angry, timid or brash. Every character within the pages is part of the author, and a good writer embraces the many different nuances, actions and feelings of each role. It’s part of the writing process.

But … is it another thing, when a male author writes from the sole perspective of a woman, in not just one, but in a complete series of books? As a self-described feminist who champions women’s voices, I ask, “Do we need another man telling us how women feel?” It’s an honest question … and I’m listening.

Author of Chasing North Star, and coming January 2027 – I’m Your Person

Heidi McCrary

When Characters Say Bad Things…

Is it ever okay to use the F bomb in your writing?

After the publication of my first novel, I excitedly went on the author tour, meeting with appreciative readers at local libraries and other facilities to read from my novel and share anecdotes.

A woman sitting at a desk, looking surprised and covering her mouth with her hand while using a laptop.

During the usual Q&A at one such appearance, a women rose from her seat and introduced herself as the mother of a childhood friend of mine. As she told me how much she liked the book, she paused for a moment before saying she was also disappointed in me. With raised eyebrows, I listened as she explained that she was sorry that I felt the need to include swear words in the book.

“Ah, yes,” I replied. “I have a feeling I know what word you’re specifically talking about. I actually used the word twice in dialogue. I didn’t use it lightly. I felt that the scene warranted the reaction of the characters, and was necessary for realism.” I thought for a moment, because I didn’t want to discredit her concern, and I appreciated her honestly. “I do understand that you may not appreciate it, and I hope you are able to look beyond it.” I didn’t know what else to say, so I thanked her for her comment and moved on.

Are swear words necessary in novels? It’s a fair question, and I believe the answer is, “Yes, when it moves the story along in a realistic fashion and is true to the character’s situation and reaction.”

I recently read a bestseller that contained the F bomb casually throughout the pages, and curious, I went to the Amazon reviews to see if readers had an issue with it’s liberal usage. Turns out, a fair percentage of reviewers did indeed cringe at the number of times profanity appeared, and some even stopped reading the book.

While I don’t pretend to take any moral high ground, my question of whether to use profanity is more of a business question. Does the inclusion of swear words diminish sales? It’s a real question that authors have to ask themselves, and it’s a balancing act between being authentic in writing and character development, and wanting to sell books.

As I finish the manuscript for my second novel, I am comfortable with the true language spoken by my characters, and I’m just going to have to stand there and take it when my childhood friend’s mother stands before me and tells me she’s disappointed in me, yet again.

F*ck!

Author of Chasing North Star and the upcoming I’m Your Person

Heidi McCrary