And here is the next author interview, from the Cozy up to Crime storybundle. Leah R Cutter and “Witches and Waterways”.
Why are you attracted to writing cozy? What’s special to you about the genre?
I’ve written much more fantasy than mystery. Fantasy is all about setting, putting your reader in this new place and time. Regular mystery is about the puzzle and solving the crime. Whereas cozy is equal parts setting and puzzle. You get to delve into the lives and quirky characters in a cozy. Plus, it’s an exercise in keeping the reader’s curiosity engaged while at the same time, not ramping up the tension.
What was one of the most surprising things you’ve learned while writing cozy?
The amount of plotting that I do for any given novel is always, “It depends.” As I just finished my seventy-fifth (75th) novel, I figure it’s safe to say that my process doesn’t always have a pattern.
What I’ve learned with cozy, and the Water Witch mysteries in particular, is that I need certain elements before I can write. 1) Who dies (or what the crime is) 2) Who did it 3) Why.
Everything else I can come up with on my own. Just those three things need to be figured out before I can proceed.
What do you love most about the story or novel that’s in this story bundle?
This novel has two sisters in it. They have banter. Lots of banter. The way that they talk with one another, how much grief they give each other, and their snappy comebacks, all make this novel series a joy to write!
What are you working on right now, and what’s coming out next?
The fifth Water Witch mystery, “Witch Mirror” just came out. All the books in the Water Witch series can be read on their own, or you can start with the first one (“The Witch is Inn”) and work your way across.
Where can people find you and more of your work?
You can get all of my books on the Knotted Road Press store: https://www.knottedroadpress.com/store.
I have a weekly newsletter (https://www.leahcutter.com/newsletter) that people seem to really like. I also have a Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/leahcutter) where I do a regular “Peek Behind the Curtain”—life as a fulltime author. Patrons get early access to my essays, a free short story every month, and if you sign up at a higher level, I’ll send you a postcard one a month via snail mail as well.
The Cozy Up to Crime storybundle is still running, but it’s just about over! Get your copy now! https://www.storybundle.com/crime
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