Writing is many things: creativity, craft, escape — and, increasingly, brand identity. Over the years I’ve discovered that using different author names for different kinds of stories is more than a convenience. It’s a deliberate strategy that helps me stay true to each genre’s spirit and meet reader expectations without confusion. That’s why I write cosy mysteries, mysteries, and thrillers under Chris Hills Farrow (my real name), and fantasy and science-fiction under Orlan Drake. Here’s why that choice makes sense — and why I believe it strengthens both “brands.”

Ever tried planting a fake clue in your story, only for your beta readers to hurl their Kindles across the room yelling "Cheat!"? We've all been there. Red herrings are the spicy salsa of cosy mysteries, adding zing without overwhelming the dish. But get them wrong, and your readers feel tricked instead of thrilled. The secret? Craft them like a magician's sleight of hand: divert attention smoothly, never shove the rabbit up their sleeve.​

Ah, the life of an author—pouring your heart into your manuscript, dreaming of readers clamoring for your book, and then... your inbox pings. Another marketer or "book club" eager to spotlight your latest masterpiece. The catch? They want you to pay upfront. On spec. With no promises of sales. Sounds like a plot twist worthy of a thriller, doesn’t it?

Cozy mysteries are a lot like a cup of tea: warm, familiar, and best enjoyed while avoiding actual responsibilities. Readers curl up expecting a charming small town, quirky neighbors who have way too much free time, and a murder so politely conducted it almost sends a thank-you note.

But every now and then, it’s fun to knock that teacup right off the table.

I didn’t set out to write a thriller. Honestly, I just wanted a quiet story about sun, sea, and maybe a glass (or three) of local wine. Then a swimming pool collapsed — and everything went downhill from there.