Choosing a title for a cosy mystery can feel deceptively simple. After all, how hard can it be to come up with a few words involving a nice location, something comforting… and a body?
There’s something irresistible about cosy mysteries. Maybe it’s the quaint village bakeries. Maybe it’s the adorable cats that seem oddly good at crime solving. Or maybe it’s the fact that classic murder gets served with tea and scones rather than guns and guts. Whatever the reason, cosy mysteries are like literary comfort food—minus the calories but with all the guilty pleasure.
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of a cozy mystery? Well, let me confess: after I write “The End,” the real detective work begins! I fire up my computer, get a steaming mug of hot chocolate, and start the ruthless self-edit. In this post, I’ll walk you through my personal editing journey step by step. Think of me as a writer-detective inspecting each clue (and cringeworthy phrase) to polish the manuscript before it ever sees the light of day.
If you’ve ever wondered why so many mystery writers talk about fog rolling in, thunderstorms rumbling ominously, or that suspiciously too-sunny afternoon right before all hell breaks loose, you’re not imagining it. Weather and nature aren’t just scenic fluff in mystery writing—they’re secret weapons in our storytelling arsenal. It’s almost as if Mother Nature herself is a bit of a drama queen… but in a good way.
Happy New Year, dear readers — and welcome to 2026! ✨ I’m excited to share what’s coming next in my writing journey and invite you to be part of it.
Every year I tell myself I’m only going to read for pleasure.
Every year I immediately lie to myself and start “casually” analysing best sellers like a literary detective with a corkboard and far too much string.
2025 was no exception.