Writing a Christmas Cozy

October 17, 2022 / Mystery Writing Tips, Uncategorized / 8 COMMENTS

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig 

Hi everyone! I’m guest posting at David Farland’s blog today on the process of writing a Christmas cozy mystery. Hope you can pop over and join me! 

Tips for Writing A Christmas Cozy Mystery: https://bit.ly/3eJieGi @davidfarland @elizabethscraig Share on X

Image by Michelle Raponi from Pixabay

  1. I couldn’t find a place to comment on David Farland’s site so here I am. My favorite takeaway from the article was that you stay true to the cozy mystery, but redirect how much and what type of murder is committed, keeping the story tone light and Christmasy. I can’t wait to read it.

    Teresa

  2. Hi Elizabeth, commenting here because I couldn’t find a way to comment on the other site. Fab post! I went through this fairly recently, with last year’s novel, THE TWELVE THIEVES OF CHRISTMAS. Combining murder with Christmas is definitely a challenge, isn’t it? You want to create a walkable line between suspense and light moments.

    My protag is a professional (1880s Pinkerton) and the book opens with her stalking holiday shoplifters in a dept store. From there, I have her investigating an off-stage, year-old death (not so much of a downer) before the body count rises. I agree with you that humor helps to relieve tension, especially Christmas-themed humor! So much fun to write.

    Looking forward to your new release!
    ~Kathy

  3. Feast of the 7 Fishes, the first book in my Chantelle McBride y, takes place at Christmas. The murder occurs in Chantelle’s home on Christmas Eve. The only children in the book are 8 month-old twins and there is a little humor involving them, but I made no attempt to lighten things because of the season.
    Murder is murder, no matter what time of year.

  4. Hi Elizabeth – well I guess even I could use this delightful expose of how to draft up a story line – makes it easier for me to understand being based around the timeline of Christmas. I loved the way you’ve shown us … congratulations – cheers Hilary

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