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Author Interview: Michelle Hillen Klump

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Who doesn’t love a good cocktail? Well . . . perhaps not Mark, the victim in A Dash of Death, the first installment in the Cocktails and Catering Mystery series by Michelle Hillen Klump. Mark’s cocktail was spiked with deadly oleander, and since reporter-turned-mixologist Samantha Warren mixed the drink, all eyes are on her. Cue the sleuthing!

Michelle joined the February 8 edition of the Cluesletter to chat about her new release, journalism versus fiction writing, and, of course, cocktails.

Connect with Michelle on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and her website (and don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter for a free cocktail guide!). A Dash of Death is available to purchase from IndieBound, Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.

Michelle Hillen Klump-author photo

Hi, Michelle! Thanks for joining me. First, congratulations on A Dash of Death, which is out today! The first book in your new Cocktails and Catering Mystery series, it stars reporter-turned-cocktail mixologist Samantha Warren. In your opinion, what makes a great cozy sleuth?

Thank you so much for the invitation! For me, a great cozy sleuth has similar characteristics to a reporter—they are innately curious and willing to dig for answers until they are satisfied they’ve uncovered the truth. Sometimes they are driven by sheer nosiness, while other times, they reluctantly insert themselves into a case to help right a wrong or protect themselves or a loved one.

The best cozy sleuths have interesting careers or hobbies that put them in position to encounter multiple murders, but also introduce readers to activities they might want to learn more about. I doubt I’m alone as a cozy mystery fan in wanting to live vicariously through my favorite cozy sleuths, learning about everything from winemaking to home renovation.

Lastly, for me, the best cozy sleuths have room to grow. They aren’t perfect, they sometimes make rash decisions or poor judgements, but they learn from their mistakes and try to do better.

Since this is your debut cozy, do you have any thoughts on writing mystery? Are you an outliner, or do you like to write and see how the mystery unfolds? What does your writing process look like?

I wish I was more of an outliner, but I am really more of a pantser than a plotter. I start out with a basic idea and write a very rough, bare-bones outline. Usually I know the victim and their manner of death, but I may not even know the killer’s identity when I start writing. I tend to write in short bursts—I try to write a minimum of 500 words a day—so I’m usually only thinking about what needs to happen in those 500–1000 words, or, if I’m really on a roll, maybe the next 500–1000 words. I piece together a really messy first draft, letting the story unfold as I go along.

During the second draft, I go in and add the finer points of the plot and add more clues or red herrings. That’s when I get a beta reader involved to make sure the story makes sense. Once I’ve received their input, I make changes and do the final polishing before turning it over to my editor.

A Dash of Death-Michelle Hillen Klump

I know you started your writing career as a newspaper reporter, just like Sam, your protagonist. How does writing fiction compare to journalism?

Journalism is all about the facts. There is definitely still room for creativity, but facts must take priority over everything else. In fiction writing, if some piece of information isn’t working with the flow of the story, I can just change it and make up something entirely new. That’s very freeing!

That said, some skills are very applicable. As a newspaper reporter, I wrote nearly every day, usually on deadline. That kind of daily exercise helps to develop muscle memory, which can carry you through the hard parts of fiction writing, like writer’s block.

I’ve also carried over some of the writing strategies I developed as a reporter. Long, in-depth feature stories were always my favorite to write, because they provided the best outlet for my creativity. But they also provided the greatest opportunity to blow my deadline. I used to agonize so much over the finer details of the writing, sometimes spending an hour or more on the first paragraph, trying to make it perfect. That became problematic on deadline, so I had to adjust my method.

I learned to write in chunks, skipping parts I hadn’t quite figured out yet. By the time I wrote all of my chunks, I had the bulk of the story written, and I had the time left to finesse the finer points and massage the language. I use that same process today in writing my mysteries. If I come to a sticking point, I skip it and come back to it when I’m ready.

Also, more than just the writing, I’ve found the reporting skills have come in useful. As a journalist, you strive to tell a complete story with all the facts covered. In mystery writing, you are piecing together clues in a similar way to provide readers with all the information necessary to solve the mystery. The reporter’s eye trains you to pick out what is missing in a story, whether it is an alternate point of view, or an explanation for a confusing topic. I think that training has helped me spot plot holes or logic problems that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Considering the theme of your book, I have to ask: What are your favorite cocktails? Are there any you recommend to pair with a good cozy mystery, like A Dash of Death?

I have different favorites, depending on the season. In the fall and winter, I love anything with apple brandy, or allspice dram. One of my favorite winter drinks is called the Lion and the Lamb. It’s made with bourbon, lime juice, orgeat, allspice dram and bitters. It has a warm, spicy sweetness to it that makes it a perfect pairing for a cozy mystery. In the summer, I’m all about tiki drinks. It’s hard to go wrong with a good, homemade piña colada, or a flavorful rum punch.

There are definitely a few cocktail recipes in A Dash of Death, and you can find more on my website or in my newsletter.

I’d love to hear about where Sam’s adventures in cocktails and catering will take her. Can you tell us anything about future books (plot, themes, anticipated release date)?

Yes! I am hard at work on book two right now. In it, Samantha is roped into catering cocktails for a Fourth of July festival, and gets sucked into a bit of controversy surrounding the construction of a new tennis club. There are definitely some fireworks… and some murder. The title was just approved a few months ago. It will be called Murder Served Neat. There’s no release date yet, but it should come sometime in 2023.

Thanks so much to Michelle for the interview. Sleuths, I hope you enjoyed it! If you aren’t already subscribed, please be sure to sign up for the Cluesletter and get author features like this alongside other mystery goodies, delivered to your inbox every other Tuesday.

Author Interview: Lydia Lane

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Love, or rather the complications that may arise from it, is one theme in the books from today’s featured author, Lydia Lane. Lydia’s debut cozy, Mai Tais & Murder, stars recently jilted Tessa Tidwell who, despite a failed wedding, decides to embark on her honeymoon anyways. The solo trip brings her to the Golden Hibiscus Resort, where she finds herself ensnared in murder. In the below interview, Lydia chats her books, social media, the publishing process, and more.

Connect with Lydia on Instagram and Facebook, and her website (don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter, The Tip-Off!). Buy Mai Tais & Murder today, and preorder Dying for Daiquiris, which comes June 2022.

Lydia Lane author

Hi, Lydia, thanks for joining! Huge congratulations on last month’s launch of Mai Tais & Murder, the first installment in your Beach Cocktail Cozy Mystery series. This series opener follows recently brokenhearted sleuth Tessa Tidwell and wealthy, four-times-married Sibyl Vine as they solve a murder at a beach resort. Where did you find inspiration for these strong female characters? What do you think makes a great, strong protagonist?

Sibyl actually came to me first—she kind of appeared, fully formed, in my imagination as a combination of Lucille Bluth from Arrested Development and Mrs. White from the 1970s  movie Clue. I was also inspired by something Cher said once. Her mom told her she should find a rich man, and Cher replied, “Mom, I am a rich man.” I wanted the character of Sibyl to embody that energy.

And Tessa has been kicking around in my mind for a while. I’ve always loved the word “jilted,” and it’s fallen out of use! It calls up Charles Dickens’ Miss Havisham, who is such a fascinating character. I kind of thought, “What would Miss Havisham do in 2021 if she wasn’t, in fact, anything at all like Miss Havisham?” So instead of sitting around in her wedding gown for the rest of her life, Tessa went on her honeymoon. 

As far as great protagonists, I love a protagonist who thinks. My favorite characters are always very smart, very sharp people (usually women), and I hope my characters read that way, too. 

Also, it should go without saying, but a strong protagonist actually, well, does things. I am very conscious of making sure that my protagonist is the one driving the action forward; she’s assisted (sometimes very significantly) by other characters, but ultimately, she is making the choices and dealing with the consequences that drive the narrative forward.

I love how you infuse humor into your writing, whether it be in your book(s) or on your website/social media. (I especially love Sibyl’s advice essays, what a fun read!) Do you have tips for writers looking to inject humor into their work? Do you think it’s important to have humor in a cozy mystery?

Oh, gosh, humor is a tough one! Here’s how I see it—I am the funniest person I know, and that is a gift I give myself. Does anyone else think I’m funny? Possibly not. (Probably not?) 

But I make myself laugh all the time, and it’s such a joy to be able to do so. It’s fun to be with myself, and I highly recommend everyone experiment with being their own personal comedian.

Now, to the writing, because the above is general life advice—I didn’t set out to write a humorous mystery, honestly, because we’ve all heard how difficult it is to be funny. For me, it started with Sibyl, and I just wrote the things she said. And when I’d go back and read what I’d written, I’d laugh out loud because it wasn’t me who said it, it was Sibyl, and I just thought some of the things she said were hilarious.

And then I relaxed a little bit. Because, frankly, I had been afraid to try to write funny stuff. But I found Sibyl funny, and I thought, “What if I just write what comes to mind, and if it falls flat, no big deal, it’ll be cut. At the very least, I can try to amuse myself.” 

So that’s what I do—I try to amuse myself. I try to make myself laugh. Sometimes it translates for other people, sometimes it doesn’t, but I think I’m hilarious. And in the first draft, that’s all that matters.

The topic of humor in cozies is interesting because humor doesn’t seem to be a core element of the genre as most people understand it. It’s important in what I want to read because I like to laugh, but I don’t know that most readers would agree that humor is key to a cozy. It’s just down to preference, right? There isn’t a right or wrong answer about what people enjoy. One of my dear friends likes to say, “Just let people enjoy things,” and that’s the view I take. If I pick up a cozy that is sweet and straightforward without much humor, it just isn’t for me. Doesn’t mean it’s wrong or bad; it just isn’t for me.

And to take it even further, people like different kinds of humor! I really enjoy smart, snappy dialogue, while other people might like more physical, slapstick comedy. There’s room for all of it.

Mai Tais and Murder-Lydia Lane

Between your social media, book covers, and writing style, you’ve cultivated a strong personal brand. How do you plan your social media? Do you have any tips for marketing, finding a personal voice/style, et cetera?

The way we spend our time is the way we spend our lives, so I’m very, very intentional about how I spend my time and how many things get my focus.

My approach to social media (and to life in general), is to pick something and focus. Cut out all the rest of the noise. Be relentless in reducing the demands on your attention. 

I am a big believer in scheduling my time—that includes my social media planning and execution, as well as my writing schedule and any other goals I’m pursuing at the time. In practice, I plan my social media about a month in advance, and I block approximately 2-3 hours over the course of a few days to draft, design, and schedule the posts. (And when something goes onto my calendar, it is a commitment to showing up. I don’t take this lightly!)

I am typically not on social media very often (I go through waves of activity), so if I relied on off-the-cuff posting, my readers would only hear from me once or twice a month for months at a time, and then three times a day for a week. So, scheduling is key.

I’m only active on Instagram. I have a TikTok with two videos, and then I just decided against putting my time there. Could I grow faster if I was on BookTok and Twitter and Facebook and all the things? Yeah, probably. But that’s not the way I want to live my life. I don’t want to be constantly thinking of content production and posting schedules. That’s mental energy I want to be putting into my books.

Focus is the key to momentum. It’s the key to getting the energy of your life going in a particular direction. So for my social media, that means one platform and a once-monthly commitment to showing up and doing the work.

Since this is your debut mystery, is there anything you have learned about the writing and/or publishing process?

I’ve learned so much about writing and publishing over the course of this book, but I think what’s more important is what we learn about ourselves through the process of creation. That’s probably a question for another time though!

What I learned in the process:

  1. Get help. Hiring a developmental editor took the book from mediocre to something I am very, very proud of. I highly recommend this, especially for newbies like I was.
  2. Feeling the emotional pain of humiliation and embarrassment will not kill you. Getting difficult feedback from my editor and negative reviews haven’t killed me yet. One-star reviews are something you’ll have to make peace with experiencing if you want to be an author. Just be willing to experience those negative emotions, and you’ll become unstoppable.
  3. Put your writing schedule on your calendar and commit to it. The key to this is not to put anything on your calendar that you aren’t 100% committed to showing up for. Commit to producing a specific result – for me, it’s 1000 words a day – instead of vaguely saying “work on book.” You’ll be amazed at what you produce.
  4. Just trust the process. I know everyone says that, but it really is magical when you let go and move on to something else while asking your brain to work on the problem. That’s what I do when I encounter a plot issue. Instead of freaking out (which used to be my default setting), I instruct my brain to figure it out. I literally say, “OK, I want you to figure out Plot Hole A, and we’ll reconvene tomorrow morning.” Magically, I have an answer the next day. I now have faith in my subconscious to work out the things my conscious brain is struggling with.

And better than any advice I can offer, just follow Andy Warhol’s: “Don’t think about making art. Just get it done. Let other people decide whether it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make more art.”

Just for fun—if you were to put together a playlist for your Beach Cocktail series, what songs would you pair with the book to set the mood?

Oh, this is such a fun question! I drafted this book almost entirely to a Spotify playlist called Tropical House Instrumental. Happy, beachy vibes! 

Lastly, let’s talk book two, Dying for Daiquiris. What can we expect from Tessa and Sibyl in this next installment? Can you give us any sneak peaks (plot, drama, murder)?

The Beach Cocktail series will have at least three books; the second two will both be out in 2022.

Dying for Daiquiris sees all the main characters back at the Golden Hibiscus Resort, with things kicking off with a non-murder crime. But don’t worry, a dead body does materialize in Act 1. We also dig more into some of Sibyl’s backstory, with an appearance by a new character who was briefly mentioned near the end of Mai Tais & Murder.

I also have an idea for a new series that I’m itching to write but am sitting on until the Beach Cocktail books are out. There are tarot cards and a runaway wife in this new series. . . . More to come on that!

Thanks so much to Lydia for the interview. Sleuths, I hope you enjoyed it! If you aren’t already subscribed, please be sure to sign up for the Cluesletter and get author features like this alongside other mystery goodies, delivered to your inbox every other Tuesday.

The Cluesletter 2022 Valentine’s Day Catalogue: 15 Gifts for Book Lovers

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For you lovebirds looking to shower your book-loving other half with gifts this Valentine’s Day, look no further. I curated this list of bookish goodies with you in mind. Read on for fifteen gifts perfect for writers, chocolate fiends, jewelry lovers, and more. (For other gift ideas, including some especially suited for mystery lovers, check out my Holiday Catalogue from 2021.)

This catalogue is brought to you by the Cluesletter, my biweekly email newsletter filled with goodies for lovers of the mystery genre. If you aren’t already, please subscribe here. I’d love to have you!

I hope you enjoy the products on this list! All were hand-selected by yours truly based on what I, as a mystery lover myself, would love to be gifted.

As a heads up, I may earn a commission on products purchased using some links (this does not affect the price you pay). Also, while I confirmed prices and availability as of 1/25/22, these are subject to change. Online listings may not match what is written in this post.

Eccolo Red Embossed Notebook-Cluesletter Valentines Day Catalogue 2022

Writer-at-Heart

Elsa Peretti Apple Bookmark-Cluesletter Valentines Day Catalogue 2022

That Little Blue Box

Endpaper Coasters-Cluesletter Valentines Day Catalogue 2022

Cheers to Love

  • Endpaper Coasters (pictured). $20, theliterarygiftcompany.com. This unique set of four coasters features marbled designs inspired by the endpapers of 19th and early 20th century books.
  • Rocks Glasses (Sherlock Holmes & The Phantom of the Opera). $16 each, welltolddesign.com. These 11 oz rocks glasses use the title pages of famous books as decoration—see the website for other literary designs.
Clio Muse of History NecklaceCluesletter Valentines Day Catalogue 2022

You’ve Charmed Me

  • The Beginning Is Always Today Necklace (Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley). $60, shop.nypl.org. Support the New York Public Library with this sterling silver Möbius strip pendant necklace—with, of course, a quote from the author of Frankenstein.
  • Stardust Diary Locket by Sofia Zakia. $1,615, loveaudryrose.com. If you want to splurge, this handmade, 14k gold and diamond necklace is the way to go. Consider personalizing with an engraving from your lover’s favorite book.
  • Clio Muse of History Necklace (pictured). $250, commonera.com. The ancient Greek muse of history holds a book in this pendant necklace in 18k gold vermeil. (There is a sterling silver option, too, but it’s currently sold out.)
  • Ex Libris necklace. $30, outofprint.com. This scroll necklace, stamped with “Ex Libris” (or, “from the library of”), is perfect for book lovers. 14k gold plating over brass.
Agatha Christie Scarf-Cluesletter Valentines Day Catalogue 2022

Bookish Comfort

  • Chocolate Bars (The Raven & Sherlock Holmes). $10 each, openbookchocolates.com. These handmade chocolate bars come in unique flavors: “The Raven” is violet in dark chocolate with milk, and Sherlock Holmes is Earl Grey tea and honey in white chocolate. True to their name, this small business has plenty of other literary-inspired chocolate bars.
  • “Antique Books” Hand-Poured Natural Soy Candle. From $13, etsy.com. The Driftwood Home has produced this handmade candle inspired by the scent of old books, with notes of cedar leaf, moss, cedarwood, rum, and vanilla.
  • Official Agatha Christie: Queen of Crime Scarf (pictured). £120.00 (about $161), karenmabon.com. You may remember the Karen Mabon pajamas with a similar Agatha Christie print from my Holiday Catalogue—here’s a 100% silk scarf patterned with a handful of colorful Christie novels, the perfect accessory to wear when you, say, go mysteriously missing for 11 days in 1926.

Like this gift guide? Consider sharing it with friends. I would really appreciate it!

Also, one last reminder, make sure you are subscribed to the Cluesletter for more fun mystery content like this.

The full gift guide is available on my Instagram. See the post below, or click here to view it on Instagram.

Author Interview: Sara Rosett

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The first Cluesletter featured author of 2022 is USA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett, who has four mystery series, three nonfiction books for writers, and a podcast under her belt. (You may also remember her mystery reader’s journal and planner, The Bookish Sleuth, which was featured in my 2021 Holiday Catalogue.)

Murder at the Mansions, the seventh installment in her High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series, hit shelves January 11, 2022. Learn more and find a retailer here. You can catch up with Sara on Instagram, Pinterest, BookBub, BingeBooks, and her website, sararosett.com.

Hi, Sara! Thanks for joining me. First, congratulations on the publication of Murder at the Mansions, which is out today! Book seven in your High Society Lady Detective series, it is set in 1920s London and features aristocrat-turned-detective Olive Belgrave. In your opinion, what makes a great literary sleuth? Did you draw on any specific inspiration when crafting Olive’s character?

Hi, Manon! I’m so happy to be here. Books and writing are two of my favorite topics, so this will be fun! Love this question. I think a good literary sleuth is someone you can identify with. You root for them to find the clues and figure out the puzzle. I enjoy sleuths who are smart and have interesting jobs or live in places I’d like to visit. 

I’m fascinated by the 1920s and as I read Golden Age novels and learned about the Bright Young People, the character of Olive emerged. I wondered what it would be like to be part of an aristocratic circle, but struggle to make ends. I thought the contrast of high society life and financial strains would be an interesting mix and make for some good plots!

Between your blog and website, social media, and Amazon page, you have a very active online presence. What advice do you have for authors looking to build their online platform?

I try to always write first—and if I’m not writing, I’m usually thinking about what comes next in the book. I don’t have a posting schedule for social media. I just try to share things that I think my readers would like—books I’ve read or an image that catches my attention. I don’t think you need to be everywhere on social media. I used to try and do that, but it wore me out! Now I focus on my newsletter, a seasonal reader-focused podcast called Mystery Books Podcast, and Instagram.

In addition to your High Society Lady Detective series, you also write contemporary cozy and travel mysteries. How does writing your historical mysteries compare to your other series? Do you have different approaches to writing historical versus contemporary stories?

Yes, I do approach the books differently. With the historicals, I do a lot more research into the time period, learning details about language and social customs, and clothes. I often go down research rabbit trails to discover facts like how many homes had telephones in the early 1920s or when medicine cabinets became a standard feature in bathrooms.

For my contemporary cozies, settings inspire me. I often get a book idea based on a location—that’s how the Murder on Location series came about. I was interested in the historic homes where Jane Austen movie adaptions were set. I thought what fun it would be to write a series with a location scout for a Jane Austen movie as a sleuth. Of course that meant I had to research country mansions, Jane Austen, and location scouts—it was an interesting mix! 

The writing process is basically the same for both the cozies and the historicals: I get a germ of an idea, read up on related things (1920s or location scouting or whatever it is) then create a rough outline with major plot points. Then the hard work of writing begins. I’ve never had a book flow easily from beginning to end. It often feels more like wrestling a bear! Once I have a draft, I revise it many times and I really enjoy that part. 

The writing style of the historicals is more formal, but I get to use lots of 1920s slang, which is fun. I have yet to work in “bee’s knees,” but I hope to get that phrase into one of my books in the future!

How has your experience been with producing audiobook versions of your books? Do you have any tips for new authors looking to release audiobooks?

If you decide to produce your own audiobook, I think the best thing you can do is find a narrator who “gets” the characters. Once I know that the narrator shares my vision of the characters and the story, then I back off and let them do their thing. Audio is a new interpretation of the story, a performance, and I’m happy to hand that off to an expert in that field. I use Findaway Voices [for distribution] to reach as many readers/listeners as possible, including library sites like Hoopla. I have so many people who tell me they found me because my audiobook was in their library. It’s opened up a new readership for me.

Lastly, just for fun, if you were to embark on another historical mystery series, what era would you choose to write in?

Oh, that’s a tough one. Perhaps something in the Victorian era—although I’m not really sure. I’d probably stay close to the 1920s with either a new character in that time period or maybe move slightly along the timeline to the 1930s. I’ve had some readers ask if there will be Olive books set during the 1930s and that’s a possibility, but still a long way off. I’m seven books in and just now made it to 1924! 🙂

Thanks so much to Sara for the interview. Sleuths, I hope you enjoyed it! If you aren’t already subscribed, please be sure to sign up for the Cluesletter and get author features like this alongside other mystery goodies, delivered to your inbox every other Tuesday.

Author Interview: Caleb Wygal

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Caleb Wygal is the author of the Myrtle Beach mystery series, the first installment of which, Death on the Boardwalk, won a Pinnacle Book Award for Best Mystery. I got the chance to interview Caleb for the December 14, 2021 edition of the Cluesletter. We chatted about his books and upcoming release, marketing strategy, and indie vs. traditional publishing.

Nab a copy of Death on the Boardwalk here and one of Death Washes Ashore here. Connect with Caleb on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and via his website.

Hi, Caleb! Thanks so much for joining. Your Myrtle Beach mystery series is set in (surprise!) Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. What made you pick this idyllic setting as the backdrop for murder mysteries?

Thank you for having me. My family moved to Myrtle Beach when my son was at an age where he didn’t want to take naps in his crib. As a stay-at-home working dad, I needed his naps almost as much as he did. I’d load him in the car and drive him up and down Ocean Boulevard so he could sleep and I could look at the ocean and assimilate myself to our new home. On one such trip, I realized that, while millions of people come to Myrtle Beach every year, the people who work here remain largely the same. Many cozies take place in small towns so that the readers (and the authors) don’t have to keep up with a large cast of characters and get to know those who do inhabit these settings. I did some research and found very few books set here. I thought I could write a series set in Myrtle Beach, but give it a small town feel. If I was able to write compelling books, I felt like I might be onto something.

​I notice that, while you have earlier self-published books, your recent titles are published by a small, full-service publishing company. What made you make the switch from indie to traditional publishing? Do you have tips for authors looking to make a similar switch?

Actually, the self-published novels were originally from a small traditional publisher. The contract ran out on them, so I redid the covers and self-published through Amazon. The original publisher did little beyond the cover design and book setup. The marketing was left entirely up to me. A few years ago, I met the owner of my current publisher, Franklin/Kerr Press, at a book signing after I went indie. They treat their writers well and put out polished products. One of my goals was to get into bookstores, and they offered that opportunity. Still, most of the marketing is left up to me, so I’m the one creating and mostly carrying out that plan. I have an eager college intern who’s been helping with some of those tasks since the start of November. She’s been a huge help. It didn’t take an agent to get published. It took having a book that stood out in the area where I used to live (and helps in my current location). I still think of myself as an indie as far as mindset, but have someone that takes care of the publishing side of the business. If I don’t market, the books wouldn’t have had the reception and sales they’ve had. That’s the case with many small publishers.

The protagonist of your series is bookstore owner Clark Thomas. In your opinion, what makes a great sleuth protagonist? Who are some of your favorite literary detectives?

In cozies, readers want a character who, above all, wants to do what is right. At the beginning of a series arc, it helps if the character has a mystery in their backstory they aren’t aware of that will need to be sorted out over the course of the series. A love interest that can be drawn out for at least the first few books helps too. A character, I think needs to have a quirk, hobby, job, etc. that makes him or her more interesting is a key too.

Some of my favorite literary characters are, in no particular order, Nelson Demille’s John Corey, John Lescroart’s Dismas Hardy, and Patrick Lanigan from John Grisham’s The Partner. I also enjoy characters from pop-culture who crossover into the book world such as Jessica Fletcher (Murder, She Wrote) and Adrian Monk (Monk).

Let’s talk book marketing. You are very active on social media, and you are also participating in many book signing events for your new release, Death Washes Ashore. What marketing advice do you have for authors?

Wow. That’s a loaded question. First, readers want to get to know authors on some level, so be authentic. Be yourself. You might think your everyday life is boring or uninteresting, but you’ll be surprised at how much readers enjoy seeing little slice-of-life moments, like, for me, taking a kayak out on the lake, showing my 4-year-old getting into mischief, or what I ate for dinner.

For social media (I learned this the hard way), don’t spread yourself too thin. If you don’t have much time (raises hand) or just starting out, pick one or two platforms to work on first. I’d always have Facebook as one of my two, but that’s because of the robust ad platform that crosses over to Instagram, and they have the most users.

Twitter and Facebook are great for networking with other authors. Get into marketing groups, general and genre-specific. Use the search function in Groups to seek answers and learn. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Create and send out a press release to your local media a few months in advance, announcing the release of your book. You never know who might nibble, and you could end up on TV or in the papers talking about your book. This, for me, was one of the biggest ways I generated buzz for my two most recent books. Post your book’s release in relevant Facebook Groups in your genre, and also post in local Facebook Groups. This generated a lot of buzz and helped cultivate relationships with local businesses that eventually led to signings.

If you’d like to get involved with book signings, go to local bookstores or boutiques, introduce yourself to the owner or manager and leave a complimentary copy and sell sheet if you have one. Offer to be of assistance if they need it. If they like your books, they’ll likely try to stock a few copies. If they sell, they’ll order more. Let them ask you to do a signing. Trust me, they will if they like you and your book.

I don’t see any audiobooks for your titles, and I know that mystery audiobooks are growing in popularity. Do you have plans to publish any?

They are definitely in the plans. Right now, with my primary focus being a dad, I don’t have the time or resources to devote to doing audiobooks. I’ve spoken with a few connected people who would like to aid me in that arena. Hopefully, it’ll happen in the next year or so.

Lastly, the third book in the Myrtle Beach series, Death on the Golden Mile, is slated for November 2022 (and is already available for preorder on Amazon!). What can you tell us about this installment?

Actually, we may move Death on the Golden Mile to an early summer 2022 release if I can get the first draft finished by the end of January (I love the flexibility). It takes inspiration from the movies Clue and Knives Out, but throw in a retired legendary Hollywood music composer and a moody hurricane. My favorite part is going to be the solve, because it took a stroke of genius to carry out the murder and an even bigger stroke of genius to figure out how it was done. 

Clark will continue to look into his wife’s death in future books, but will have many obstacles thrown in his way. He’ll have to figure out what really happened on the night of her death before he can cope and move on with his life. And there may be a romantic entanglement (or two) along the way.

Thanks so much to Caleb for the interview. Sleuths, I hope you enjoyed it! If you aren’t already subscribed, please be sure to sign up for the Cluesletter and get author features like this alongside other mystery goodies, delivered to your inbox every other Tuesday.

Author Interview: Brook Peterson

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Brook Peterson is the author of the Jericho Falls Cozy Mystery series. A History of Murder, the first in the series, follows amateur sleuth Chloe Martin as she solves a local murder in the small, touristy mining town of Jericho Falls, Nevada. The series also has a holiday novella, The Present Predicament, and the second book in the series, A Collection of Secrets, comes January 2022.

A History of Murder is available to purchase in print and Kindle edition on Amazon, and the eBook is also available from these retailers. You can connect with Brook on Instagram, Facebook, and her website. Also be sure to subscribe to her newsletter to stay up-to-date on her next release!

This interview is from the November 30, 2021 edition of the Cluesletter. For more author interviews and other mystery news and tidbits, be sure to become a subscriber.

Brook Peterson author books

Hi, Brook! It’s great to have you. Your Jericho Falls Cozy Mystery series is set in a fictional Nevada town once known as a booming gold mining hub, and now a quaint tourist spot. In your opinion, what makes a good cozy mystery town? Where did you get the inspiration for Jericho Falls? 

Thank you for having me, Manon, it is such a pleasure. We all love cozies set in places where you’d least expect something menacing going on. Jericho Falls fits nicely into this category today. However, it was a very different, rough and tumble mining town in the late 1800s. In its heyday, it definitely had its share of fights, disagreements, and even murders. This background gives me a lot of material to work with in upcoming stories. In fact, I have a novella in the works where the mystery hinges upon a hidden prospector’s map that’s found when a Main Street business does a remodel.

The seed of this series started after a trip my sister and I took to Virginia City, Nevada. We stayed in the Silver Queen Hotel, drank at the Bucket of Blood Saloon, and toured as many historic buildings as we could, including Piper’s Opera House. We were brought up doing this kind of exploring of old places with our parents, but something about that particular trip really stuck with me. I started a draft of the story right away, although it took me years to finish and publish it.

There are currently two published books in the Jericho Falls series: A History of Murder, book one, and The Present Predicament, a holiday novella. Since you are relatively early on in this series, do you have ideas of where the story will go? 

Originally, I planned to write just three novels in the series, a perfect set-up for Chloe’s overall character growth—and love story (wink).  But last holiday season, the idea for the novella came to me, and now another novella-length story is emerging. So, it’s safe to say the series will be longer than I first thought. Honestly, I love these characters and their historic town and I feel there are a lot more adventures left in store for them.

With the holidays coming up, do you have any gift recommendations for book lovers?

 One thing that’s on my Christmas list this year is a pair of writing gloves. I have been drooling over the handmade options on Etsy as well as these available at Storiarts.

As a writer with a very active online presence, how do you manage your time? Do you have any tips for writers looking to amp up their organization skills in 2022?

This is a big question. Balancing this business along with home and family is not easy. In my previous job in public relations, I managed projects by making a series of lists; what I needed to accomplish within a month, a week, and then, each day. Now, since I’m only accountable to myself, my schedule has a lot more wiggle room. But I still plan in the same manner. Sarra Cannon and Helen Redfern are both amazing teachers of this style of planning specifically for creatives. I highly recommend their YouTube channels.

My overall advice is to always prioritize writing. Since books and stories are our “merchandise” as authors, we have to be creating in order to stay in business. I try to spend time on my current work in progress first thing each day. This doesn’t always happen (I’m a weirdo who really enjoys doing the admin stuff and can get sucked in too easily), but when I maintain this focus I feel successful even if I don’t hit all of my self-imposed deadlines.

Lastly, let’s talk about your upcoming release, A Collection of Secrets, which is book two in your Jericho Falls Cozy Mystery series. What can you tell us about this one? 

I’m very excited about this story that picks up where Book 1 left off. Similar to A History of Murder, there are aspects of the past that continue to trouble our sleuth, Chloe Martin. But that’s not the only thing complicating her life; she also hits a snag in her burgeoning relationship with police chief, Lance Garner. Without giving too much away, I will say that readers of book one who wanted more information about Christy’s mysterious diary will be pleased. 😉

My favorite part of writing this story was incorporating the RV park scenes. In the past, my husband’s job required extensive travel and staying in RV parks was a way of life for us. It was fun for me to bring this part of our real life into the world of Jericho Falls.

Pre-orders will begin in December 2021 at all major eBook retailers at a reduced price of $1.99. The book will release by Jan 2022. After the launch period, the eBook price will go up to $2.99, so get it early!

A huge thanks to Brook for joining. Sleuths, I hope you enjoyed the interview! If you aren’t already subscribed, I would like to invite you to sign up for the Cluesletter and get author features alongside other mystery goodies.

Author Interview: Sarah M. Stephen

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Sarah M. Stephen is the author of the Journal Through Time Mystery series. The first book in the series, The Dead of False Creek, follows present-day museum archivist Riley Finch and 1890s detective Jack Winston as they work together to solve a crime. View it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and Kobo.

Her second book, The Hanging at the Hollow Tree, is slated for August 2022. Learn more about this release, including where you can pre-order the book, on her website.

I got the chance to interview Sarah for the November 16, 2021 edition of the Clueletter. For more author interviews and other mystery news and tidbits, be sure to become a subscriber.

Sarah M Stephen author photo

Hi, Sarah! Thanks for joining me. Your Journal Through Time Mystery series features a split narrative between Jack Winston, a detective from 1897, and Riley Finch, a museum archivist from 2017. How did you find writing in two different eras? Did you do any historical research to prepare?

First of all, let me say thank you for inviting me, Manon. I’m thrilled to be here. I’ve read a lot of historical fiction set in Victorian London and drew on that somewhat. Vancouver is much younger than London (only officially a city for just over ten years when Jack is solving mysteries) and was heavily influenced by English settlers (of course indigenous people had been living in the area for hundreds of years before that). I’m thankful that the City of Vancouver archives are extensive. The city’s first archivist, Major James Matthews, left detailed notes of interviews he did with residents from Detective Jack Winston’s time, and I had lots of fun reading those. I also referred to Making Vancouver by Robert A.J. McDonald and A Century of Service by Joe Swan for information about the early days of the city and its police force. 

My impression is that your books are (very professionally!) self-published. Is that correct? What was your experience with the publishing process?

Thank you! Yes, I’m independently published. I spent a lot of time researching how to set everything up and trying to understand what leads authors to success. Much of the guidance is to: 

  • Write a good story (which I think I have done, or at least tried to do);
  • Get a great cover (so I worked with a wonderful cover designer who is familiar with Vancouver, and he did an excellent job of incorporating current landmarks around False Creek and the historical element of the book in his design); and 
  • Make sure your books are edited professionally (my editor is fantastic and I loved working with her).
The Dead of False Creek by Sarah M Stephen

For the mechanics of publishing, I created the imprint and set up a company. My intention is to eventually publish other authors, so I wanted to be in a position to do that when the time is right. The initials WZE in my imprint reference the maiden names of my mother and grandmothers.

I noticed that you also have a corporate career. How does that compare with writing? Do you have any advice to aspiring authors who are also working an unrelated job?

I work full time in a corporate job, so for now, writing is something I squeeze in during the evenings and weekends. I actually drafted most of The Dead of False Creek while commuting on public transit. Because of the pandemic, I no longer have a commute, but you can find me dictating or typing on my phone while waiting to pick up my son from school in the afternoons. 

For as long as I can remember, writing has been something I’ve wanted to do. I have pages and pages of journals where I write about wanting to write. After years of thinking about it, I eventually registered for a creative writing course, and the idea of False Creek was sparked during that class. I worked on the draft for about a year, including workshopping part of it during a year-long creative writing program I was accepted into called The Writer’s Studio. After all that momentum, I put my manuscript aside when my son was born, though I was back to thinking about writing every day. I resumed working on the book again in 2019 and started working with my editor on it in the fall of 2020. It’s been a slow process, but I’ve learned so much, and I believe this was the process I needed to go through. 

The Hanging at the Hollow Tree by Sarah M Stephen

The other thing about writing for me—and I think this is true for a lot of people who aspire to write—is that I didn’t really tell many people about it. Most of my friends had no idea about my book until it had been released for a few weeks. I still struggle talking about writing in person (but once I get started, watch out, I’ll go on and on and on). I’m working on becoming more comfortable about telling people I’m an author, and I’m pleased to say that when I do, the response I get is so wonderful, it’s becoming easier and easier. 

If you were to compare Jack Winston with another literary sleuth, who would it be?

This is such a great question. I really wanted to create a character who was—at least at first—still figuring out how to be a detective. I admire the way Anne Perry’s character Thomas Pitt has developed and gained confidence throughout his series. Jack has a different arc ahead of him, but I think he and Pitt would get along if they ever met. 

Lastly, let’s talk about the second book in your series, The Hanging at the Hollow Tree, which is slated for August 2022. Where in the writing process are you with it? Can you tell us a bit about the story?

I just received some great developmental feedback from my editor on Book 2 and have a few areas to strengthen before it goes to copy editing in early 2022. In this one, Riley will be helping Jack solve another murder, but also trying to figure out a mystery in her own time. Once Book 2 is in copy edits, I’ll start my first round of revisions on Book 3.

Thanks so much to Sarah for the interview. Sleuths, I hope you enjoyed it! If you aren’t already subscribed, please be sure to sign up for the Cluesletter and get author features alongside other mystery goodies.

Author photo credit: Kent Kallberg Photography

The Cluesletter 2021 Holiday Catalogue: 36 gifts for mystery book lovers

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Holiday shopping for mystery book lovers shouldn’t be a mystery in itself. That’s why I curated this list of goodies specially picked for their ability to thrill any sleuth almost to death. Read on for gifts perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Nancy Drew, cozy mysteries, audiobooks, and more.

This catalogue is brought to you by the Cluesletter, my biweekly email newsletter filled with goodies for lovers of the mystery genre. If you aren’t already, please subscribe here. I’d love to have you!

I hope you enjoy the products on this list! All were hand-selected by yours truly based on what I, as a mystery lover myself, would love to be gifted.

As a heads up, I may earn a commission on products purchased using some links (this does not affect the price you pay). Also, while I confirmed prices and availability as of 11/15/21, these are subject to change. Online listings may not match what is written in this post.

Karen Mabon Agatha Christie pajamas-Cluesletter Holiday Catalogue 2021

For the “Christea” reader

  • Karen Mabon x Agatha Christie Book Covers Pajama Set (pictured). $170, anthropolgie.com. Get extra comfy with these colorful pajamas inspired by the original queen of cozy mysteries.
  • “Ivory Tea Time” Soft Enamel Pin. $10.95, thesimplybookishco.com. This cute enamel pin features a white teacup with a gold moon, star, and floral design.
  • Hercule Poirot Inspired Tea Caddy. $16, theliteraryteacompany.co.uk. Even the judicious Hercule Poirot would approve of this loose leaf black tea in a “chocolate fudge” flavor.
  • Agatha Christie Inspired Tea Infuser. $13, theliteraryteacompany.co.uk. Make the most satisfying cup of tea with this stainless steel tea infuser adorned with Poirot’s moustache, the Orient Express train, a magnifying glass, and other mystery-inspired charms.
Bookish Sleuth journal-Cluesletter Holiday Catalogue 2021

For the organized sleuth

  • The Bookish Sleuth: Mystery Reader’s Journal and Planner (pictured). $24.99, barnesandnoble.com. Tame your TBR and track your current reads with this hardcover journal specifically designed for mystery readers by author Sara Rosett.
  • Sherlock Holmes Bookwallet. $34, novelbookstore.co. Whip this vintage book-inspired wallet out during your next indie bookstore visit and impress every reader in sight.
  • Sleuth Style Hardcover Journal. $22.56, redbubble.com. Shout “Mystery Solved!” wherever you go with this adorable journal from designer Sleuth Style. Available with lined, graph, and blank paper, and also comes in pink, beige, orange, and blue colors.
  • Street Clock Pen and Magnifier. $6.95, amazon.com. Think of London street clocks when you use this novelty pen, complete with magnifying glass and sturdy base.
Olivia dagger earrings-Cluesletter Holiday Catalogue 2021

For the femme fatale

  • Quill & Ink™ Liner Kit. $39, storybookcosmetics.com. Create the boldest cat eye ever with this matte gel eyeliner, complete with a gorgeous golden quill brush and brush stand.
  • “Blood Red” Lipstick. $28, besamecosmetics.com. What’s a vixen without her red pout? Inspired by classic vintage colors, these Besame lipsticks are semi-matte, long-wearing, and moisturizing.
  • Freshwater Pearl Chain Necklace. $24.95, pavoi.com. Remember Linnet Ridgeway’s famously expensive pearl necklace in Death on the Nile? This is like that, but affordable enough for non-heiresses.
  • “Jezebel” Dagger and Heart Dress. $219 (currently on pre-order for $66), nicolettacarlone.com. Made using a 1938 pattern, this sumptuous stretch velvet dress with a hand-embroidered appliqué is perfect for ladies with a flair for the dramatic. (As an aside, I own a similar Nicoletta Carlone dress and can attest that the quality of her clothing is superb.)
  • “Olivia” Dagger Earrings (pictured). $17, nicolettacarlone.com. It was Olivia in the ballroom with the dagger . . . these dangling earrings are simple yet impactful, with a red rhinestone droplet of blood on the tips.
  • “Norma” Hand and Serpent Brooch. $23, nicolettacarlone.com. Nicoletta Carlone’s shop is filled with jewelry fit for even the most discerning femme fatale. This one is inspired by brooches of the 1940s.
Cozy mystery diner mug-Cluesletter Holiday Catalogue 2021

For the home decorator

  • Agatha Christie’s Murderers and Methods Poster. From $41.95, etsy.com. Sleuths who like aesthetically pleasing categorizations of murders will adore this poster print.
  • Nevermore and 221B Baker Street candles. $14.75 each, fromthepagecandles.com. These hand-poured soy wax candles inspired by famous literary works are perfect for burning while reading a favorite mystery.
  • Cozy Mystery Diner Mug (pictured). $15, etsy.com. From the Etsy shop of author Ellie Alexander comes this glossy mug, which matches the cover of Alexander’s Christmas cozy A Cup of Holiday Fear.
  • Agatha Christie Tea Towel. $13.35, theliterarygiftcompany.com. This 100% cotton tea towel features a hand-lettered quote from the celebrated queen of mystery.
Hitchcock film scores vinyl-Cluesletter Holiday Catalogue 2021

For the audiophile

* Please note that these products are used and could be tricky to find. You could possibly shop for them and/or similar vinyl records on other used sites like eBay and Etsy.

Nancy Drew socks-Cluesletter Holiday Catalogue 2021

For the teen sleuth

  • Hunt A Killer: Nancy Drew – Mystery at Magnolia Gardens. $29.99, amazon.com. When friends and family gather for the holidays, put on your sleuth hats and study testimonials, clues, and suspects to solve this detective-style game.
  • Nancy Drew Socks (pictured). $12, outofprint.com. These cozy socks feature a vintage design from the endpapers of Nancy Drew books first published around 1932.
  • Nancy Drew Inspired Charm Bracelet. $25, etsy.com. Who doesn’t love a good charm bracelet? Nancy Drew fanatics will adore sorting through the Nancy-inspired charms on this one.
  • Nancy Drew Wrapped Pencil Set. $14.99, etsy.com. Each of the five #2 pencils in this set is hand-wrapped with text from Nancy Drew mysteries.
Purrlock Holmes sticker-Cluesletter Holiday Catalogue 2021

For the sticker-obsessed

  • Trixie Belden Bob-Whites of the Glen Sticker. $3.50, etsy.com. Shopping for a Trixie fan? Initiate them into the Bob-Whites club with this waterproof sticker.
  • Sleuth Style stickers: Get A Clue and Jessica is My Role Model. From $2.57 each, redbubble.com. Sleuth Style has fantastic stickers for stylish mystery lovers. Here are two—check the shop for more!
  • Clue Cast Sticker. From $4, etsy.com. Get a clue? Got a clue! This cute sticker features the six main characters (plus the butler) from the 1985 classic.
  • Purrlock Holmes Sticker (pictured). From $2.39, society6.com. The Cozy Mystery Book Club mascot is looking mighty handsome in this vinyl sticker.
Qwerkywriter keyboard-Cluesletter Holiday Catalogue 2021

Bookish accessories

  • Cat Bookplates. $4, theliterarygiftcompany.com. What’s a cozy mystery sleuth without her feline companion? Adorn your books (and mark them as yours!) with these illustrated bookplates.
  • Murder Mystery Bookmark. $25, burntedgestudio.com. This wooden bookmark is handcrafted with an original design.
  • Qwerkywriter Typewriter Inspired Mechanical Keyboard* (pictured). $399, qwerkywriter.com. Because typing “It was a dark and stormy night” on a laptop isn’t nearly as satisfying as it would be on a typewriter.
  • Dracula Book Tote. $38, storiarts.com. This vintage-looking tote contains text and art related to Bram Stoker’s famous classic.

* This particular keyboard has an estimated ship date of December 2021. If you are keen on getting a keyboard in time for the holidays, there are other Qwerkywriter options available.

Like this gift guide? Consider sharing it with friends. I would really appreciate it!

Also, one last reminder, make sure you are subscribed to the Cluesletter for more fun mystery content like this.

The full gift guide is available on my Instagram. See the post below, or click here to view it on Instagram.

Author Interview: Kate Lansing

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Kate is an award-winning short story author and the author of the Colorado Wine Mystery series, which includes Killer Chardonnay and A Pairing to Die For. The third book in the series, Mulled to Death, hits shelves on October 19, 2021. I was thrilled to interview Kate for the October 19 edition of the Cluesletter.

Want to pick up a copy of Mulled to Death? View it on IndieBound, Bookshop.org, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

Kate-Lansing-author-photo

Connect with Kate on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and her website.

Hi, Kate! Let’s start with the main theme of your series, wine!  Your sleuth Parker Valentine is a wine aficionado. Do you consider yourself a wine expert too, or do you conduct some research to write your books?

Hi, Manon! I wouldn’t say I’m an expert, but wine tasting has been a hobby of mine for years and it’s fun to incorporate random tidbits I’ve picked up into my stories. That being said, with each book, I’ve researched and learned even more about wine, especially the chemistry behind winemaking, which is super cool! One especially fun “research” trip was to a local winery during harvest, where I got to see tubs of grapes in early stages of fermentation and smell the intense jammy aroma pervading the space.

I have to ask about your covers, created by artist Samantha Dion Baker, which are adorable. Can you describe your cover design process?

It’s definitely a collaboration between me, my publisher (Berkley), and the artist, Sam, who is mega-talented. Early on in the process, often before the manuscript is even finished, my editor and I toss around ideas for the cover (which, let’s be honest, usually involve exchanging pictures of cozy backdrops, classy wine glasses, and cute cats). After that, my publisher works with the artist and I’m always wowed by the final product. Seriously, I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot in the cover department!

Kate Lansing-mulled to death

How do you approach writing a cozy mystery? Are you an outliner, or do you like to write and see how the mystery unfolds? What does your writing process look like?

My writing process has evolved with my series. During the writing of the first one, Killer Chardonnay, I was very much a pantser (i.e., fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants), but have fully transitioned into an outliner. In part because outlines are part of my contract, but I actually prefer that method! I love brainstorming characters and mystery elements and putting together a detailed outline, and then diving into the actual writing. I set myself word count goals during the first draft, which helps keep me from getting lost in the weeds of wordsmithing. After that, there are multiple rounds of revisions—both solo and with my brilliant editor—until the manuscript shines!

Could you share some of your favorite mysteries, cozy or otherwise? Are there any upcoming releases you’re excited about?

Absolutely! One of my favorite series this past year has been the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache Series by Louise Penny—I devoured those books, savoring every sojourn to Three Pines. I’ve also read a few advanced copies of cozies lately that double as upcoming releases I’m excited about! Namely, Mimi Lee Cracks the Code by Jennifer Chow (I adore this series), How To Book a Murder by Cynthia Kuhn (gotta love a bookstore cozy), and A Dash of Death by Michelle Hillen Klump (such a great debut).

I loved the way you described Boulder and the broader Colorado landscape, in Killer Chardonnay. If you were to set your series in another state, where would you relocate Parker and Vino Valentine?

What a fabulous question!! It would probably be Seattle. I love so much about that city. The cool vibe with Pike Place Market and all the musical influences, the drizzly weather and hilly landscape that leads down to the waterfront, THE FOOD. Not to mention, Bainbridge Island has a definite cozy feel—and a few wineries, to boot!

You recently announced a fourth book in your Colorado Wine Mystery series, Til Death Do Us Port, which is slated for Fall 2022. Are there any interesting tidbits you can share about this release?

As the title portends, there will be a wedding, although not for one of the main characters . . . yet ;-). In it, Parker attends her favorite cousin’s wedding, where she’ll be providing refreshments in addition to celebrating the happy couple. Although, of course, murder throws everything awry. As for the cover, there’s a cat in the role of ring bearer so I can only imagine it will be something related to that!

Thanks so much to Kate for the interview. Sleuths, I hope you enjoyed it! If you aren’t already subscribed, please be sure to sign up for the Cluesletter and get author features alongside other mystery goodies.

Author Interview: Elle Wren Burke

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Elle Wren Burke is a paranormal cozy mystery author who writes witty, fun books with strong females as protagonists. She is the author of Mediums & Murder, the first installment in the Prickly Pear Psychic Mystery series. I got the chance to feature Elle in the October 5, 2021 edition of the Cluelestter.

Elle Wren Burke Author Photo

Read on for info about Elle’s books, as well as her thoughts on self-publishing, cozy writing habits, and paranormal mystery recommendations.

Sleuths can grab Mediums & Murder on Amazon and connect with Elle on Facebook, Instagram, and via her newsletter. Keep an eye out for Tea & Talismans, the second installment in the series, which launches November 17!

Hi, Elle! Let’s start with your new book, Mediums & Murder, in which reluctant psychic Alara Beatty gets involved in the murder of a close coworker. Where did you get the inspiration for Alara and her psychic powers?

Alara just popped into my head one day! I’ve always loved reading books featuring psychics, so I thought, why not write my own? I loved the idea of Alara coming into her abilities at a young age, but I wanted the story to feel authentic. It would be scary and isolating to have psychic experiences at a young age, so Alara tried very hard to push her gifts away. With such a strong desire to be normal, I knew that Alara would only wield her gifts for a cause close to her heart, such as the murder of a friend. Of course, Alara needs support and guidance, so I gave her a long-lost psychic aunt to help her develop her clairvoyance and a couple of dogs to make her feel better at the end of the day.

A paranormal cozy mystery is a perfect read during Halloween season. Do you have any other cozies, paranormal or otherwise, that you’d recommend for the fall season?

Mediums & Murder Ebook Cover

Yes! I’m a big fan of Amy Boyles—she’s another indie author who writes paranormal cozies. Southern Karma, book 6 of her Sweet Tea Witches series, takes place at Halloween, but the witchy setting of the whole series is great for the fall season. I also recommend the Mitzy Moon series by Trixie Silvertale. The sassy, smart main character inherits a bookshop in Michigan and upon arrival discovers her paranormal heritage. Lastly, I’m a big fan of Gigi Pandian’s The Accidental Alchemist series. Her descriptions of the Portland setting make me want to curl up with a cup of tea—perfect for fall—and one of the characters is a sentient gargoyle!

Your second book, Tea & Talismans, comes out November 17. What can you tell us about this sequel?

I’m very excited for this installment, as we get to meet Alara’s biological mother, uncle, and cousin and they are quite a hoot. Alara is pretty nervous to meet them, but she doesn’t have much time to dwell on it, as her cousin Todd receives a death threat shortly after arriving. Alara uses new psychic investigation techniques along with old fashioned sleuthing to search for the person threatening Todd. I can promise hilarious antics and a mystery woven with family secrets and lies. And Alara’s love interest Rudi might just be back to join in on the fun!

What have you learned about the publishing process? Has it been a rewarding experience for you? Do you have any tips?

Self-publishing is scary, but also very fulfilling. I feel like I’ve learned so much about it, but I know there’s so much more to learn. One of the most important things I’ve learned is to stop overthinking everything. I worked with a mentor who called me out on getting lost in the details and she was right!

Lastly, I have to ask—what are your go-to writing traditions?

I always try to write in my Harry Potter themed office, but sometimes I end up writing on the couch! Either way, my Pitbull Lucy joins me. I need near silence to write—no music or TV for me. I love writing with a cup of coffee or tea. Usually coffee, but for Tea & Talismans, I had to opt for tea more often!

Thanks so much to Elle for the interview. Sleuths, I hope you enjoyed! If you aren’t already subscribed, please be sure to sign up for the Cluesletter and get author features alongside other mystery goodies.