Here is another guest blog. He has written several popular “cozy mysteries.” I’m sure some of you are unsure what a “cozy mystery” is. I asked Chat GPT for a definition of a “cozy mystery.”
Here it is:
- Amateur Sleuth: Cozy mysteries often have amateur detectives as the main characters. These can be everyday people like bakers, librarians, or retirees who stumble upon a crime and take it upon themselves to solve it. They use their wit, intelligence, and sometimes a bit of luck to crack the case.
- Non-Violent Crimes: Cozy mysteries usually involve non-violent crimes, such as theft, blackmail, or small-scale fraud. The emphasis is more on solving puzzles and unraveling mysteries rather than graphic violence or intense action.
- Quirky and Engaging Characters: Cozy mysteries feature a cast of interesting and quirky characters who are often involved in the protagonist’s personal life or the community. They add depth, humor, and sometimes act as suspects themselves, creating a sense of intrigue and fun.
- Welcoming Setting: The setting of a cozy mystery is typically cozy and inviting, like a charming village, a bookshop, or a café. The location often becomes a character itself, providing a comforting backdrop to the story.
- Limited Gory or Explicit Details: Cozy mysteries generally avoid graphic violence, explicit language, and explicit scenes. While there may be a crime, the focus is on the puzzle-solving and the development of relationships rather than explicit descriptions.
- Solvable Puzzles: Cozies offer readers the chance to solve the mystery alongside the amateur sleuth. Clues are provided throughout the story, allowing readers to piece them together and make their own deductions.
- Themes of Community and Friendship: Cozy mysteries often highlight the importance of community, friendship, and interpersonal relationships. The amateur sleuth is typically well-connected within their community and relies on these relationships to gather information and support during their investigations.
Guest blog
I enjoy writing cozy mysteries. I would like to see more writers try their hand at writing cozy mysteries. They are fun to write. They are easy to sell. I what to see more people writing them because new writers bring new ideas to a genre.
If you are interested, there is a Facebook group is called the “Cozy Mystery Crew.” It’s a fun group where people with a passion for cozy mysteries can come together. Websites like Wattpad and Goodreads often have cozy mystery writing communities or genre-specific groups. Joining these communities allows you to connect with fellow writers, seek advice, and share your work.
Please join us in writing cozy mysteries.
