Since you’re a writer (and I know you are or you wouldn’t be here reading this), if you love reading cozy mysteries, you’ve probably thought about writing a cozy mystery.
And since cozy mysteries continue to attract loyal readers, it’s a good subgenre to get into.
But it helps to have some general guidelines or tips for writing cozies, so here are a few to help you get started.
1. Plan out your story well before you start writing it.
It’s good to have an outline, so you know where the story is going.
But if you don’t want to outline the story, chapter by chapter (which is what I like to do), then at least know what the crime is and who committed it (and why and how).
Also, have an idea as to how your main character (who will be your amateur sleuth) will be able to solve the case before anyone else.
And, of course you want to present all the characters who will eventually become suspects, so we have some idea who they are even before they are connected to the crime.
That way, you won’t have suspects simply popping up out of nowhere later in the story.
2. Don’t think you have to start your story with the crime.
Although many mysteries do start with the crime (usually a murder) happening in the first chapter, with a cozy, it’s good to get readers interested in your cozy setting and meet your main character and some supporting characters in the first few chapters.
The crime can take place (or the discovery of the crime) a few chapters into the story (chapter 3 or 4, for example).
But remember, no matter how soon you present the murder, it is never described in graphic detail in a cozy.
3. Write your first cozy mystery with a series in mind.
Most, if not all, cozy mysteries published today (at least those that are traditionally published) are part of a series, so be sure you really like your cast of characters and the setting for your story because you’ll need to use these same elements in story after story.
4. Have some unique element to your series idea.
Your setting can be your unique element or your main character can have a job or special interest that constantly puts her in the path of a crime.
But you can also have other interesting elements, as in the Aunt Dimity series.
5. Avoid long bits of background information, otherwise known as information dumps.
Instead, weave this information, little by little, into the action of the story.
While you do want to include plenty of sensory details about your setting, don’t simply write paragraph after paragraph of description.
That gets boring for the reader.
Instead, have your character(s) do something in the setting and weave in your details while the character is busy taking action.
6. Develop a few subplots to enrich the story.
In many cozy mysteries, you’ll find the main character has a love interest, but things don’t always go smoothly for the couple.
Readers love this kinda thing.
7. Chunk out the writing.
Once you’ve outlined your story (and don’t think you have to create a traditional outline with Roman numerals, you can outline it any way you want), divide each chapter into scenes and then write two or three scenes per chapter.
Chunk out your writing sessions like this to keep things manageable.
You won’t get overwhelmed, for example, if you just write one or two scenes, or even just one chapter, per writing session.
8. Don’t worry about getting it all perfect, just get that first draft finished.
For most writers, the toughest part of writing any kind of novel is getting that first draft finished, so try to finish it as quickly as you can.
You can go back and revise, layering in additional details, later.
Okay, so these tips should help you get started with your first cozy mystery.
But, if you need regular guidance and accountability, learn more about my Let’s Get Cozy: Write a Cozy Mystery coaching program here.
Have fun writing,
