What this folder is for.

[ஐ Katya (Book Queen)ஐ, Cozy Mysteries Group Owner]

I created this folder after we've had a couple authors, in various other threads and folders, posting questions that they'd like cozy readers opinions on, concerning something they're writing.

So authors feel free to use this folder to ask for help. However, this is not the appropriate space to self-promote new releases. For that, please use the Self_Promotion and Giveaways folder.

Please create your own thread under this folder.

~Group Owner

[Virginia]

Ok, I already know this is a dumb question . . . :) I'm a mystery author, and I really have researched what a "cozy" is, but I can't quite get a handle on it. So far, what I've gotten is that they aren't bloody, don't have twisted psychological maniacs in them, can be light-hearted (but don't have to be), have an "amateur" sleuth, and are more focused on the intellectual puzzle aspect of mysteries than the uglier side of murder. That's the sort of mystery I like to read (and write)--so like Earlene Fowler . . . ? Am I on the right track?

Virginia
http://www.virginiaslachman.com

[Melodie]

Virginia wrote: "Ok, I already know this is a dumb question . . . :) I'm a mystery author, and I really have researched what a "cozy" is, but I can't quite get a handle on it. So far, what I've gotten is that they..."

Earlene is probably my absolute favorite cozy author, so yes, you're on the right track!

[Virginia]

Oh, good. Thanks. That's a relief :)

Virginia

[Tina]

Yes. Toss in an old estate, spooky mansion, haunted castle, snowed in cottage, gossipy villagers, secret passageways, hidden compartments and a séance or two for extra kick. Least that's what I like in my cozies.

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

Hi Virginia,


Have you checked out the discussion, What do you Consider a Cozy? You might find it useful in your research. ;)

[Virginia]

Gosh, no I didn't know it existed. I will--many thanks!

Virginia
http://www.virginiaslachman.com

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

Glad to help! ☺

[Elgin]

Hi there =)
I'm from Malaysia and I've written a short novel which I think fits as a 'cozy' and well, like any other excited first-time author, I'd be really interested to share a bit about the book with all of you. I know there is a separate folder for self-promotion, but I'm a bit unclear about the rules regarding using that folder. I read from the guidelines that we have to be active members before we can post about our book? How do I go about that, and how active is active? The last thing I want to do is get kicked out, so a huge thank you to anyone who can offer me advice on this =D

[ஐ Katya (Book Queen)ஐ, Cozy Mysteries Group Owner]

What we are trying to avoid Elgin is spamming authors. Some authors troll through and join dozens of groups to do nothing but post ads for their book. We have a lot of active members who are authors, who want to share their new releases. I also set up this author area where other authors or group members can help authors struggling with ideas, covers, anything really. As long as you participate in the groups other discussions, then your active. We still limit blatant advertising, even by member authors, to the self-promotion folder. Asking for help though, can go in this folder.

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

Authors: As mentioned in the first post of this topic, please be sure to post your question in it's own thread, not someone else's. On the main board in this section, over on the right-hand side above "recent activity," click on "new topic" (I don't know why GR makes that as small and difficult to see as they do). Enter the subject of your post where it says "topic" -- it is best to keep this as short and concise as possible to draw attention to it. Post a description in the comment box as usual, and hit "post."

[❂ Murder by Death]

and Please please please don't use ALL CAPS.

[Linda]

Virginia wrote: "Ok, I already know this is a dumb question . . . :) I'm a mystery author, and I really have researched what a "cozy" is, but I can't quite get a handle on it. So far, what I've gotten is that they ..."

That is a good question, Virginia. This is what I have learned during my research. A cozy is meant to be a series of stories and the main character is an intelligent woman. A cozy always focuses on the main characters as they solve the case. As she investigates the mystery, you become part of her life and get to know her personally. This genre should always be G-rated.

There are always exceptions to every case. I have read some cozies where the main character is a man instead of a woman. There are cozies where the main character is an amateur or a new P.I. A cozy is usually a “who-done-it” mystery, but not necessarily. It can be a mystery of a stolen object.

There are many types of mysteries such as a cozy mystery, soft-boiled, and hard-boiled. The hard-boiled mystery has violence, plenty of action, and is R-rated. The soft-boiled mystery is PG-13 and has light humor.

[Mary]

Tina wrote: "Yes. Toss in an old estate, spooky mansion, haunted castle, snowed in cottage, gossipy villagers, secret passageways, hidden compartments and a séance or two for extra kick. Least that's what I lik..."

And maybe a few weird (quirky) characters who don't turn out the way you'd think they're going to. Ain't it fun???

[Preston]

I'm looking for reviews for one of my books. It's a cozy mystery, a historical fiction set in the 1850s: A young female graduate from Oberlin College sets out to establish herself in a frontier town as a journalist and gets caught up in a mystery to solve. Includes dancing, gun play, a wild stage coach ride, a touch of romance, and all sorts of misadventures. If interest just email me at pdshires@gmail.com

[Kathryn]

I've been considering a cozy series. The only problem is, my main character is an FBI agent. She's on leave, but law enforcement still the same. Will having a "non-amateur" sleuth deter readers?

[Sally]

The definition of a cozy is that it must have an amateur sleuth, so it looks like your series would be a police procedural, not a cozy. If you want to make it a cozy, the FBI agent would need to retired and take up a civilian occupation.

[Kathryn]

Sally wrote: "The definition of a cozy is that it must have an amateur sleuth, so it looks like your series would be a police procedural, not a cozy. If you want to make it a cozy, the FBI agent would need to re..."

What is the mystery is not being solved by her as an FBI agent and really has nothing to do with her job? In the story, she has been injured and is on leave and is in no way acting on behalf of the FBI to solve this neighborhood mystery...?

[Prafulla]

Hello cozy mystery lovers!

I have written my first cozy mystery.
What kind of protagonist do you like? The suffering kind or the one that fights for her life.
Do you like to see all the tropes of a cozy murder mystery?
I just want to know your likes and dislikes for my next cozy mystery.
Really appreciate your comments.
Prafulla

[Rebecca]

Cozy mysteries are books with a murder that does not go into gory bloody corpses. Kinda like Murder She Wrote. You might have one lady or 2 that try to solve crimes (sleuths) they are not cops in fact most have a police friend or boyfriend that is always telling then not to stick their pretty little noses in the crimes. Of course they never listen. Or maybe a lady sleuths has a cat or 2 or even a dog who helps solve the crimes. These books do not cause nightmares and usually have no triggers, just great Who Done It books.

[Heather L , Cozy Mysteries Moderator]

Rebecca wrote: "Cozy mysteries are books with a murder that does not go into gory bloody corpses. Kinda like Murder She Wrote. You might have one lady or 2 that try to solve crimes (sleuths) they are not cops in f..."

Not all main characters in cozies are female. There are a few with male protagonists, such as the “Cat in the Stacks” series by Miranda James.