Spice up Your Mysteries - Just in Time for Valentine's Day

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Tomorrow’s Valentine’s Day. I know not everyone celebrates, but I do because it extends the party from my birthday. This year, it’s on Friday the thirteenth, but that’s another story.

So, let’s talk romance. A few years back when I was the program director for our mystery writers’ group, I invited some amazing romance writers to visit and give us some tips for spicing up our mysteries. (Many thanks to Mary Burton, Tracey Livesay, Avery Flynn, and Lisa Dyson for all their great advice!) The writers’ genres variety from sweet to va-va-voom, and it was a hoot to listen to them describe how to write romantic situations.

I write cozy mysteries that are PG-13, so anything too racy happens behind closed doors. That works for cozy mysteries that are primarily based on bringing the guilty to justice and strong character relationships. But, the industry is changing with a whole lot of new subgenres that blend with other book genres like romancy, a combination of fantasy and romance.

In my first series, my character was devoted to her job, and she really didn’t have much of a social life. And I received a lot of feedback from readers that they wanted more romance to make her seem more like a regular person. (Delanie did have a fling in Secret Lives and Private Eyes, and that caused a lot of conflict for the storyline. Later in the series, she starts dating an FBI agent.)

For two of my cozy series, I’m currently writing books 7-9, and I’m toying with the idea of having a wedding. No spoilers yet.

I think romance is important to any story, and here’s why:

  • A little romance livens up the story line.

  • It can create conflict for the characters to move the plot forward (or attempt to derail it).

  • It makes the characters more human. Emotions are a part of life.

  • And romance add some fun elements for the characters and readers.

Do you like a little (or a lot of) romance in your mysteries?

What To Do While You're Waiting...

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I never realized how much I would be waiting in my writing life. I am not a patient person. I like websites that respond in three seconds, check-out lines that are short, and quick responses. And I’ve learned, not everyone is on my schedule. There is a lot of waiting when you decide to write or publish a book.

If you want to be traditionally published, there are things you will have wait for. You will wait months (if not years) to hear back about queries, for edits, and for cover designs.

Here are some things you can do while waiting:

  • Write your next book, especially if you are querying your first book. If you get a multiple book offer, you’ll need to have that second book ready for submission in year (or less).

  • Work on your newsletter and social media followings. If you are querying an agent or publisher, they do look at your web presence. After I sold my first book, I spent a lot of the waiting time between edits building up social media followings. It took a lot of time, but it was worth it to build up a base and a small street team.

  • Create or spiff up your website. Make sure it looks like you and your style of writing. Make sure that all of the buttons and links work. The colors, graphics, design, and fonts should be unified.

  • Join a writing group. They are wonderful for networking, finding opportunities, and learning about your craft and genre.

  • Find a critique partner or group to help you polish your manuscript.

Find Your Crew

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Lots of studies have been done recently that show the importance of connecting with others. Just Google the topic. There is an overwhelming number that show how we’ve become disconnected in the post-Covid, social media world. Writers need to pay attention to this. You need a team to help you with ideas, celebrations, and support through the bumpy times.

My advice to writers at any stage of their career is to find those people. It may be writing partners, a critique group, a writing organization, or a group chat with other writers. Regardless of whether you are online or in-person, you need to interact regularly with others.

Joining a writing group at the beginning of my journey was the best investment I made. I joined my national and local chapter of Sisters in Crime and James River Writers. I was fortunate that both had in-person as well as online programs.

Writing organizations offer wonderful programs, training, and meet and greet activities. When I had questions about agents, querying, publishers, there was always someone there who was willing to share their time and expertise. I have found critique groups, writing partners, and many many valuable contacts.

I also had my first publishing credit for a short story that was accepted into an anthology. I learned about editing, revising, following guidelines, and submitting work for publication.

The publishing business is like no other, and it is beneficial to be able to talk to people who understand the experience.

No matter what stage of your writing career you’re in, my recommendation is to find a group of writers to share the joy and provide support when there are road bumps.

Writerly, Bookish, and Fun Resources

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I subscribe to a lot of newsletters and podcasts, and I want to share some interesting ones with you. These are great for research and ideas.

Newsletters - I love keeping up with authors and what they’re writing, and bookish events. Here are a few that are worth checking out:

Podcasts

What are your favorite newsletters and podcasts?

Use Your Books to Generate Ideas for Social Media, Blogs, and Events

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Use your books to help you generate ideas for social media and blog posts and events.

Do some brainstorming. Make a list of 10 or 15 words that relate to topics and subthemes in your stories. Think about:

  • Settings/Locations

  • Hobbies

  • Your Character’s Job

  • Music

  • Popular Culture

Examples from my Series:

  • Delanie Fitzgerald: Sassy Private Eye, Richmond, Computer Hacker, English Bulldog, Sears Catalog Houses

  • Jules Keene: Glamping, Blue Ridge Mountains, Vintage Trailers, Jack Russell Terrier

  • Jade Hicks: Beach Town, Christmas Shop, French Bulldog, Tuxedo Cat

  • Cassidy Jamison: Event Planner, Blue Ridge Mountains, Chihuahua, Music, Honky Tonk, Cave, Serenity Garden

Then create social media and blog posts that highlight these. Look for groups and hashtags on social media that are similar and follow people with similar interests.

Connect to a “holiday.” There are lots of online calendars that show all kinds of holidays for any occasion or celebration (e.g. Taco Day, Chocolate Lovers’ Day, Dog Lovers’ Day). Target posts for these special days and highlight your book.

You can use your list to come up with some creative book signings. I was part of a wine-themed anthology, and we scheduled signings and readings at wineries all across our area. There are all kinds of places and small businesses that may work with you to do a signing or to sell your books. Think beyond bookstores, libraries, and conferences.

What would you add to my list?

Some Things to Think about if You Write a Series

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If you think you want to write a series, there are some things to think about when you’re writing and revising.

  • Create connectors or mentions (of characters and events) and sprinkle them in without providing spoilers.

  • Think about your character arcs. Do you want them to grow or change? Some series, the character is basically the same age. In others, the change jobs, get married, get divorced, and age as time passes.

  • Have an idea for the plots and stories as you’re writing. You may want to have some kind of reference at the end that sets up the story for the next book.

  • Think about whether readers can read the series out of order and still enjoy the book. Some dedicated series readers read them only in order. Other readers find you mid-series.

  • Make sure there is going to be a next book if you write a cliffhanger. Readers don’t like to be left “not knowing.”

  • For fiction series where you have recuring characters and new ones, you may want to have a short list at the beginning for a reader reference.

What else would you add to my list?

10 Things I Learned Along My Writing Journey

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There have been a lot of lessons learned along my writing journey, and I am sure that there are more to come. Here’s my list of the top ten so far.

  1. Don’t give up. Keep writing.

  2. Treat your writing like a business.

  3. Guard your writing time. It’s precious.

  4. Find your crew to help you celebrate and get through the rough times.

  5. Keep your biography and your headshot current.

  6. Write your synopsis and marketing documents after you finish a round of editing. Your characters and story will be fresh in your mind.

  7. Keep a up to date character list for your book and series.

  8. Record dates, contacts, and key information when you agree to do something, and keep your calendar up to date.

  9. Keep good records. Keep all your receipts. Tax time always seems to be around the corner.

  10. When you type “the end,” put down your manuscript for a few days before you start editing and revising.

Ways to Spark Your Creativity

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Sometimes, you just don’t feel like writing or the words won’t flow. Or maybe, you just have a case of the blahs. Here are some ideas you may want to try to recharge or reenergize.

  • Start another creative project where you have to use your hands. Learn a new craft or a new skill.

  • Volunteer. Many organizations are looking for people to do a variety of tasks. A change of scenery is always good. And giving back is important.

  • Take a class or a course. It’ll spark ideas, and you have the opportunity to learn something new. There are so many few free or low-cost courses.

  • Go for a walk, hike, or bike ride or start a new exercise routine. It’s good for your health, and the endorphins always stimulate creativity. And if you have a dog, he or she would love to go on an adventure.

  • Get out your camera or phone and go on a photo safari. You can always blog about your adventures, share them in your newsletter, or use them on your social media sites.

  • If you can swing it, plan a get-away. Mini-vacations are a great way to recharge. If your budget or schedule doesn’t allow for a trip, plan a get-away day near your home. Play tourist or just visit some interesting sites. A change of scenery will do wonders for your outlook.

  • Schedule a meet up or online call with your writer buddies. A “plotting” party where everyone throws out ideas for stories is a great way to get recharged and ready to write. I always leave with some new ideas that I want to explore.

  • Organize a closet, your desk, or your junk drawer. Putting things in order creates a sense of accomplishment and spruces up your space.

  • Make sure you do have a writing crew. Writing is lonely, and you do need your support folks. Get together and plan a new project or just chat. Sometimes, you need a break.

What would you add to my list?