Interview with a Cozy Author

Tess Baytree (also writes as T.M. Baumgartner) is an author, sofware engineer, veterinarian, and a friend in my writing group. I caught up with her on what it's like to write the Penelope Standing cozy mysteries, especially her Christmas cozy.

Q: What inspired you to write about a dog walker as a sleuth?

Penelope is a person who rarely sits still, and she also doesn't take direction very well. Working a desk job would be a disaster for everyone involved. Dog walking is the perfect job for her. And it's great for me, as the author, because it puts her in a position to learn so much about everyone in her community. 

Q: What makes Penelope Standing tick?

She is both incredibly kind and incredibly stubborn. She'll do anything for her friends. But if someone wrongs her and she wants revenge, she'll cut off her nose to spite her face if that's what it takes. The best part? She's in her fifties, she's comfortable with her flaws, and she has no intention of correcting any of them. 

Q: Who is your favorite side character—and what makes them your favorite?

I love all my side characters, but I'll go with Brutus. He's Penelope's mastiff (a very large breed of dog). He's equal parts destructive and lovable, just like a real mastiff.  Brutus might protect Penelope from an attacker, but he also might take out her knees when they go running together if he decides to sniff something on the other side of the path. He's a big goof.