Cozy Mystery Authors: Some Ideas on How to Succeed in the Cozy Marketplace!

By James Moushon and 16 outstanding Cozy Authors

 

So, you have written a Cozy Mystery. Or you want to start writing in the Cozy genre. You ask: What do I need to do to be successful?

Your ready. You have strong woman who wants to solve the crime. And your small town with likeable characters is filled with suspects. Your fiction novel is ready to market. Oh, and your dog is ready for the hunt and your recipes are ready to cook. What's next?

As more and more authors tackle the Cozy marketplace, I needed to get some ideas from some Cozy authors. Of course, I knew the best source for information was from my Spotlight Crew. I have interviewed over the years (10 years, 1300 interviews and book showcases). 

What is a Cozy mystery?
What are the usual characteristics of a Cozy Mystery?
How to Succeed in the Cozy Marketplace!

Cozy Mysteries are a sub-genre of the Crime and Mystery genres. Here is a list of the common elements found in a Cozy.

An amateur sleuth - likeable person – usually a woman
An unsuspecting victim
A quirky supporting cast - characters are likeable
A trail of clues and red herrings are put out there for the readers
Small town or village setting
Several twists and turns - reader has the opportunity to solve the murder
Food or animals and a cartoonish cover are a part of a Cozy

As all marketplaces this genre is changing. It is a long way from Agatha Christie, Nancy Drew, and Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote.

Here are some ideas the group came up with:

 

Dianne Harman

We will start with Dianne Harman. She has written will over 100 novels included in 10 Cozy Mystery series.

Dianne is an Award-Winning Bestselling Cozy Mystery, Suspense and Romance author.
Website - Twitter: @DianneDHarman - Facebook - Goodreads

I won't go into the obvious, good book, good cover, covering the basics, etc. I think a strong newsletter list is crucial. I discount my preorders and let my readers and Facebook followers know. The day before a launch, I send out a newsletter and again, put it on Facebook, that that day is the last one for them to save 20%. I can always count on a number of buys from it.

Some authors are afraid of competition and don't want to work with others. One of the best ways to reach new readers, and we all need them, is to promote one another's books through newsletters. And I think just putting out one newsletter a month isn't worth it. I put one out several times a week, and I have never had a complaint that it's too often, because I give them value. Almost every newsletter has news of an author's sale or new release. My open rate is quite high because of it.

It's very important to cultivate influencers. I have several people I send a gift certificate to each time I publish a new book. And always send a gift certificate. If you send them the book, Amazon doesn't count it as a sale and it doesn't help your ranking. Almost always, these influencers will promote my book in their newsletter, on their blog, or on their Facebook pages. It's a very cheap way of advertising. 

My audience:

I'm not sure it's a "one size fits all" type thing. My readers are predominantly female, over 50, well-educated, and generally well-off. I think that may be because my books tend to have women in them who reflect my readers' lifestyles, so they feel a sense of connection with the protagonists. Another cozy author may write with much younger people in their books and would appeal to a younger audience.

Too Good To Be True - B0B4KR6G4J - Dianne Harman
Northwest Cozy Mystery Series Book 25
Available at Amazon

Ellen Mansoor Collier

Ellen feels a unique setting or hook is important.

Ellen is the author of a Jazz Age mystery series set in 1920s Galveston. She is a Houston-based freelance writer and editor.  Facebook - Goodreads

I think what’s most important is standing out from the crowded cozy mystery genre, especially if you’re self-published.

Does your mystery have a unique setting or hook or feature that captures a reader’s attention?

Does your character like to play sports or travel or have a fun hobby readers may like? Consider offering your books in alternative retail outlets like gift/hobby/sports/coffee shops, not just bookstores.

My Jazz Age mysteries are set in 1920s Galveston and feature Jazz Cross, a young society reporter whose barkeep brother is constantly dodging crooked cops and the local Prohibition agent. 

Lucky for me, Galveston is a historical beach town that draws visitors from all over the world (my target market). My books have sold in various retail outlets in or near major tourist attractions on the island and in the Southwest region, including a museum, hotels, restaurants, gift shops, resorts, and for a while, even a casino in Louisiana.

I know several authors who create fictional towns which does give them creative license but I enjoyed writing about a town with such a rich and colorful history—and an illicit gangster past.

My audience:

My Jazz Age series seems to attract a wide variety of readers, from teens to seniors. Since my protagonist is 21, I think younger readers can relate to her as well as the 50+ group. I’ve had all sorts of people come to my book signings, from high school girls to middle-aged women and men. I think the Galveston setting has something for everyone! 

Deco Dames, Demon Rum and Death by Ellen Collier
A Jazz Age Mystery #5
Available at Amazon

Dianne Krogh

Dianne feels a unique setting and the target age group is critical part of her novel.

Dianne is a self-published Contemporary Fiction Author who writes Family Sagas.
Website - Twitter: @kroghdianne - Goodreads

Why I Wrote The Yellow Belles

I had been intrigued with the idea of writing a novel where the setting is a critical part of the plot. The Yellow Belles is a mystery set in an over-55 community, a setting that provided an opportunity to explore a whole new cast of characters in an environment unfamiliar to many readers. A late-night assault in an exclusive retirement neighborhood leads to the investigation of a group of feisty elderly ladies known as the Yellow Belles. As the investigation careens through accusations of attempted murder, blackmail, fraud, and the improper wearing of a Speedo, the Yellow Belles gives the readers an amusing but thoughtful look at aging and an inside look at the lifestyle and characteristics of the people who live behind the gates of retirement communities.

The Yellow Belles by Dianne Krogh
Available at Amazon

Meg Mims

To Meg writing Cozy is a craft that is very important to an author's success.

Meg is an Award-winning mystery author and a part of the writing team of D.E. Ireland with Sharon Pisacreta.  Website - Twitter: @megmims - Facebook - Goodreads

LEARN THE CRAFT -- how to write beginning, middle, end using Michael Hauge's plot structure (very helpful) or other kind of outline. Do in-depth studies of your protagonist and antagonist. Nothing hurts the flow of writing if you get stuck, not knowing where to go in the plot. Make sure the motivation of the killer is strong enough.

LEARN HOW TO EDIT AND PROOFREAD -- relying on others isn't always a good thing. Catch as much as you can by revising, revising, and revising again, giving yourself a breather between each step. Run the Word Tool "Spelling and Grammar" as well. 

My audience:

Cozies usually have an audience of older teens (we hope!) up to 100+, mostly women but why not men also! 

With A Little Bit of Blood by D.E. Ireland
Available at Amazon

RJ Blain

RJ likes the comforting feeling of a Cozy Mystery.

RJ is a Fantasy and Cozy Mystery writer. She is the author of Requiem for the Rift King and Witch & Wolf series plus the A Magical Romantic Comedy collection.  

Website - Twitter: @rj_blain - Facebook - Goodreads

More than anything else, Cozy is about the tone and vibe of the book. Readers picking up a cozy want to feel like their book is giving them a warm hug. Anything that disrupts that mood may turn the reader off. 

Cozies are comforting, which is what I like about them.  

My audience:

One thing I do quite like about the Cozy genre is that it typically is more age friendly; most of the ones I have read are 13+ With some minimal risk of adult subject matter or themes of the non-sexual variety. 

But that isn’t a guarantee. But most of the time, that is usually how it rolls. 

Plaidypus by RJ Blain
A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) Book 19
Available at Amazon

Debra S. Sanders

Debra feels character development is the key.

Debra writes thrillers and mysteries. She is a member of Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths.
Website - Twitter: @DebSanders01 - Facebook - Goodreads

Keep a character bible. Cozy mysteries are series with recurring characters. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to keep track of every detail from the color of a character's eyes to the flowers planted in a garden. Cozy readers are vigilant amateur sleuths who look at every element in your story as a clue. They'll be the first to catch a consistency blunder and are not shy about letting you know.

Know the subgenre. No gore. Crime and violence occur off page. Your main character is an amateur sleuth, typically a woman. Settings take place in a small town or community.

DEAD MEN CAN'T DANCE by Debra S. Sanders
Available at Amazon

Heather Day Gilbert

Heather feels a readers expectations are important.

Heather is an Amazon Norse Bestseller author. She is the author of Hemlock Creek Suspense, Vikings of the New World Saga, and A Murder in the Mountains series. Heather writes Historical Fiction and Mystery Novels.  Website - Twitter: @heatherdgilbert - Facebook - Goodreads

I would strongly recommend reading bestselling cozy mysteries (indie cozies, if you're an independent author) and writing down the popular tropes (ie: pets, inheriting a business, etc.) to replicate to a certain extent in your own books. Cozy mystery readers have clear expectations for the genre, and they are not happy when expectations are not met (for example, never kill a beloved pet!). When I launched my cozy series, I modeled the series pricing and the Amazon landing page/book blurbs after bestselling indie authors, and I have found that works very well.

I participate in cozy reader groups online and have made connections with cozy mystery authors over time. 

My audience:

I know the typical cozy reader skews age 40s and up. I do have teen readers, however, since my cozies are clean and I think my sleuth’s “hobby jobs” also appeal to younger readers (exotic pet-sitting, cafes, video gaming, etc.). It really depends on the sleuth’s job/locale, I feel. So I have readers from teens into the 80s (maybe 90s!). I’d say the majority of my readers are in their 30s-80s.

Cold Drip by Heather Day Gilbert
Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery Book 6
Available at Amazon

Emma Jameson

Emma feels lovable character development is the important.

Emma is the NYT bestselling author of the Lord & Lady Hetheridge series and the Dr. Benjamin Bones Mysteries.  Website - Twitter: @msemmajameson - Facebook - Goodreads

To love and respect the genre. There's a curious belief out there that cozies are easy to write, and that the market is easy to break into. While it's true that mystery readers are very open to new voices, which is wonderful, I caution authors not to jump into the genre because it appears simple. Any actor will tell you that drama is easy, but comedy is hard. It's the same with cozies. You need a light touch, engaging and loveable characters, and a little bit of magic. Those things are acquired by reading lots of cozies over many years.  

My audience:

Cozy mysteries are for anyone who loves a good read, or for anyone who likes engaging characters who seem like old friends.

The real answer I'd tell a fellow writer is, women 45 years old and up. But a male reader or younger reader might take that the wrong way!

A Death at Silversmith Bay by Emma Jameson
A Jemima Jago Mystery Book 3
Available at Amazon

If your just starting in the Cozy marketplace, here is some good feedback from some award-winning authors.

Lucinda Race - Starting Cozy

Award winning author Lucinda Race writes about family, love and happily ever afters.
Website - Twitter: @LucindaRace - Facebook - Goodreads

I would love to read this report when it's complete as I'm just entering the genre of Cozy and plan to release my first book in a series. 

But I will share what I've done so far. 

I'm part of 2 groups on Facebook, cozy related. Which has been a great help. 

I plan on using a reader magnet with BF to garner interest for the books. I plan to release the first book at a regular price of 3.99 and when I'm getting ready to release the 4th put the 1st on sale for a bit hoping for read through. 

I'm hoping my romance/ romantic suspense readers currently on my list will cross over to my cozy. We shall see.

I'm just adding a new section to my website and updating my tag line to include both. As I don't want to create and pay for 2 websites.  

My audience:

I think cozy mystery readers are any age range due to the non-graphic violence and the absence of sex in the books. I read a lot of Agatha Christie and Nancy Drew growing up and they both fit in the genre. 

I would say teenage to elderly can read and enjoy a cozy mystery. 

BARRETT by Lucinda Race
Last Man Standing - Book 2
Available at Amazon

S.R. Mallery - Starting Cozy

Sarah is the award-winning author who writes Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction, and Mysteries.
Website - Twitter: @SarahMallery1 - Facebook - Goodreads

I've been relatively new in the Cozy World compared to many others!
First a preview about starting out in a new genre: When I started my Brooke Abby
Cozy series I decided to make my books somewhat different from so many others in
that genre. After all, there is SUCH a bevy of cozy authors out there who are far more
knowledgeable in this specific genre promotion area than I.
 
Since I’ve been basically an historical fiction writer, I wanted to include time
traveling back in time in order to get answers to modern murders. Besides that, I
definitely wanted a very different looking cover than the usual cozy fare.
 
I’ve also been doing a lot of Newsletter Swaps with various authors I know in
general and working with the site, StoryOrigin.com, specifically, both of which have certainly helped with Eyes On and buys/downloads. 

My audience:

“Despite some push a few years back toward cozy mysteries reminiscent of Nancy Drew, or more targeted for younger readers, the profile of a typical cozy mystery reader is “overwhelmingly female, and overwhelmingly over 40,” says Josh Getzler, a literary agent with HSG Agency in New York City.”

Tea, Anyone by Sarah Mallery
Available at Amazon

Toby Neal - Starting Cozy - Kindle Vella

Toby is starting in the Kindle Vella environment with her Cozy writing which could be a great opportunity for others.

Toby is a bestselling Author. She is author of the Lei Crime Series. 
Website - Twitter: @tobywneal - Facebook - Goodreads

I'm venturing into cozy mystery for the first time with COCONUT WIRELESS, Paradise Crime Cozy Mystery #1. 

Here's the blurb and link to the story on Kindle Vella, where I'm market testing it...with great results!

link: https://tobyneal.net/z91w

 

Escape to Hawaii with a funny cozy mystery!

"The coconut wireless is humming in Ohia, Maui, and the latest topic of gossip is me, Kat Smith. I'm Secret Service, not Postal Service, but what I feel like is a criminal when I'm appointed postmaster to a cozy little town on Maui. 

 

Important to know:

 

This is my first venture into cozy, but I'm going all in with a trilogy planned to start. I think it's really important to study how this genre differs from regular mystery or thriller, which I'm very familiar with.

 

To get ready, I read several "how to write a cozy" books, and then dove into reading in the genre exclusively for months. I have also never written "funny" before, but I knew I could do it because I wrote vignettes on my travel blog that were well received with chuckles, the highest compliment!

 

The response to my Vella story has been phenomenal and writing Coconut Wireless has been the most fun I've had in ages. I was really craving something lighter after so many years of exploring the "dark side" of human behavior, and though this genre does do that with similar themes, there's no gore and more time is spent on character development, small town life, romance "lite" and pets. ALWAYS A PET which I had in my regular mysteries and thrillers, but this time I came up with a grumpy cat sidekick that I'm just loving.

 

So what's important? Study the genre and write until you're familiar, and then test with readers! I have had them vote on covers, give input to blurbs and scenes, all in the name of teaching me about the genre.

 

 I tested a scene with readers in my fan group (discovery of the body) and got feedback that it was "too detailed and creepy" so I dialed back the icky info, which readers LOVE in my regular mysteries. 

 

There really are a lot of key differences and it’s important to know them. 

My audience:

I believe that the main group of readers for Cozy Mystery are 40+ older folks who may be nostalgic for simpler times and more positive themes. 

When I ran ads for my cozy on Kindle Vella that was the audience that clicked most, even though they generally don't love phone reading. 

COCONUT WIRELESS by Toby Neal
Paradise Crime Cozy Mystery #1
Available at Amazon

Patricia McLinn

Patricia feels that being entertaining is very important in the Cozy Marketplace.

Patricia McLinn is an award-winning,best-selling author. She writes Romance, Women's Fiction,and Mystery novels.  Website - Twitter: @PatriciaMcLinn - Facebook - Goodreads

The most important thing for any author -- cozy or not/new or not -- is to write sustainably. For me, that means writing what entertains me, so I'll (happily) continue writing.

The other area I see facing cozy authors is the nomenclature. It feels like "cozy" has been narrowed to a very specific type of book . . . which would exclude the original cozies of Agatha Christie and other authors of her era writing non-bloody/violent, non-procedural whodunnits.  I've been told my books aren't cozies because my titles aren't cute, the sleuths don't own small shops/bakeries.

I wish cozy would widen again to include those and other variants.

Cross Talk by Patricia McLinn
Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 11
Available at Amazon

Wendy Corsi Staub

Wendy feels the reader wants to meet engaging people.

Wendy is a New York Times bestseller Wendy Corsi Staub is the award-winning author who writes Mystery & Thrillers.  Website - Twitter: @WendyCorsiStaub - Facebook - Goodreads

The publishing landscape is constantly changing, so from a business standpoint, the approach that might make you successful now might be entirely different next year. But creatively speaking, if I'm writing a series, I focus as much on world-building as I do on plot. Readers hope to meet engaging people and spend time in places they'll want to revisit. That means zeroing in on the unique and memorable details that will bring to life your characters and setting.  

How did you create the reader list?  Through Social Media, my website, my email marketing list, reader feedback through different media, etc.

The Other Family by Wendy Corsi Staub
Available at Amazon

Abby L. Vandiver

Abby is an Amazon Bestsellers author. She is the author of Logan Dickerson Cozy Mystery Series and the Mars Origin "I" Series. Abby writes Cozy Mystery novels.
Website - Twitter: @AbbyVandiver - Facebook - Goodreads

You have to produce a lot of books. In the traditionally published world, to catch the eye of an editor, you have to have a good hook.

I have an email subscriber list. I contract with promotion groups, I ask people to sign up on my website and I get emails from people at in-person events. 

My audience:

All ages. Especially now. Where cozy mystery demographics were older women (40-65), publishers are now seeking books that appeal to Millennials

A Ticket To Murder by Abby L Vandiver
An ABC Murder Mystery Book 1
Available at Amazon

Have you developed a reader list? How did you create the list?

Meg Mims

Meg is an Award-winning mystery author and a part of the writing team of D.E. Ireland with Sharon Pisacreta.  Website - Twitter: @megmims - Facebook - Goodreads

Using my Facebook page and website, plus posting on Instagram, I sent out "quarterly" newsletters to readers who subscribed.

With A Little Bit of Blood by D.E. Ireland
Available at Amazon

Patricia McLinn

Patricia McLinn is an award-winning,best-selling author. She writes Romance, Women's Fiction,and Mystery novels.  Website - Twitter: @PatriciaMcLinn - Facebook - Goodreads

I have a reader list. I generally send newsletters to both mystery and non-mystery readers. I offer a list for those who want only mystery info, but fewer than 80 people of 17k opted for that.

That combined with polls of my reader list -- Patricia's ReadHeads -- asking their favorite (other) authors to read. It's always a wildly eclectic list ... and has persuaded me that readers are not as niched as we sometimes believe they are. At least mine aren't. 

Cross Talk by Patricia McLinn
Caught Dead in Wyoming, Book 11
Available at Amazon

Emma Jameson

Emma is the NYT bestselling author of the Lord & Lady Hetheridge series and the Dr. Benjamin Bones Mysteries.  Website - Twitter: @msemmajameson - Facebook - Goodreads

I have a newsletter that I've grown over the years by offering a reader magnet in exchange for an email address. Of course, the individual can unsubscribe at any time. Over the years, I've developed real friendships with some readers, and lovely cordial relations with many more. There's no shortcut that I know of. You ask readers to sign up, you send them updates from time to time, and see what happens. It's better to have 10 subscribers who really like your books than 10,000 names you bought from an author or gained through a series of giveaways.

A Death at Silversmith Bay by Emma Jameson
A Jemima Jago Mystery Book 3
Available at Amazon

Debra S. Sanders

Debra writes thrillers and mysteries. She is a member of Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths.
Website - Twitter: @DebSanders01 - Facebook - Goodreads

It's important to engage with readers these days, especially cozy readers! They want to build a relationship with authors beyond the marketing/author appearance/book sales type newsletters. I utilize a reader magnet option for my newsletter that sends a free short story each month to my subscribers. I know another author who sends out a short segment of one of her backlist titles each week. They're teasers and readers love them. 

I am in the process of setting up a couple of promos to build my newsletter list but want to make sure I'm targeting my demographic. No one should waste their time or money on platforms that are not reaching the right market. I have a successful TikTok platform but cozies are not one of the more popular genres on BookTok. The amount of time it took to build my following just hasn't produced results that warrant a continued media assault. 

DEAD MEN CAN'T DANCE by Debra S. Sanders
Available at Amazon

Dianne Harman

Dianne is an Award-Winning Bestselling Cozy Mystery, Suspense and Romance author.
Website - Twitter: @DianneDHarman - Facebook - Goodreads

My feelings about readers lists are above. I spent money over the years advertising my books with advertisers who asked people to sign up to my newsletter in order to win a free book or whatever. At the conclusion of the sale, they would send me the list of people who signed up, and I would send it to my newsletter server. At the end of each of my books, I ask for a review, and I leave the Amazon link. Also, in the beginning and at the end of each book is information for signing up for my newsletter, where they can get free books for doing so. Lastly I run a cheap ad on FB daily for signups. 

Too Good To Be True by Dianne Harman
Northwest Cozy Mystery Series Book 25
Available at Amazon

Heather Day Gilbert

Heather is an Amazon Norse Bestseller author. She is the author of Hemlock Creek Suspense, Vikings of the New World Saga, and A Murder in the Mountains series. Heather writes Historical Fiction and Mystery Novels.  Website - Twitter: @heatherdgilbert - Facebook - Goodreads

I've developed my reader newsletter over time. I have participated in a couple of Booksweeps giveaways to increase my mystery reader list, but many are organic subscriptions from readers of my series (this can't happen until you have books out, although some will giveaway a novella connected with the upcoming series and build a newsletter list that way).

Cold Drip by Heather Day Gilbert
Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery Book 6
Available at Amazon

Cozy author support groups

Debra S. Sanders

Debra writes thrillers and mysteries. She is a member of Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths.
Website - Twitter: @DebSanders01 - Facebook - Goodreads

I am a member of Sisters in Crime National and Grand Canyon Chapter, as well as a SINC break-out marketing group. They've been so helpful in keeping me focused and accountable for my efforts. We all write mystery/crime of some sort so most of the programs provide useful information that applies to my genre - and the presenters are top-notch. Plus Sisters in Crime National offers an online library of genre-specific resources that are available with a click of my mouse.

DEAD MEN CAN'T DANCE by Debra S. Sanders
Available at Amazon

Dianne Harman

Dianne is an Award-Winning Bestselling Cozy Mystery, Suspense and Romance author.
Website - Twitter: @DianneDHarman - Facebook - Goodreads

I think the most important thing is getting an email list and continuing to make it grow. I also think another thing that's important is to cross-promote with other authors. Because of that, I send out emails when I have something, and it can be anywhere from once or twice a week to three or four times. I don't put a lot of fluff in or personal things, and I've never had a complaint that I send out too many.

I belong to several cozy groups, but I'm not particularly active in them. I am the moderator of a cozy tweet team where we retweet each other's tweets regarding something or other about our cozy books, like a new release or price drop. I don't know whether it's really effective, but it does get my name and books out and it takes very little time.

Too Good To Be True by Dianne Harman
Northwest Cozy Mystery Series Book 25
Available at Amazon

Rhys Bowen

Rhys thinks knowing your audience is very important to an author's success.

Rhys is the New York Times bestselling writer of the Molly Murphy Mysteries and A Royal Spyness Mystery series.  Website - Twitter: @RhysBowen - Facebook - Goodreads

Most important is to know your audience. No graphic sex or violence and try to come up with. Unique heroine/ situation

Make use of all aspects of social media. Post regularly on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter. Interesting posts about you not your book. The cozy audience likes a personal connection with their authors 

Offer giveaways and build a newsletter list from the answers

Sisters in Crime, especially the Guppies are invaluable to a new writer

And finally be prepared to build your audience one reader at a time by writing good books. 

Wild Irish Rose by Rhys Bowen
Molly Murphy Mysteries Book 18 
Available at Amazon

Terry Ambrose

Terry is the author of the McKenna Mystery series and the Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast Mystery series.  Website - Twitter: @terryawriterguy - Facebook - Goodreads

These days, it feels like most cozy mysteries are rehash together with the same old characters—curious heroine, detective boyfriend, etc. While this formula currently works, I suspect that the authors who succeed will do so because they find a way to differentiate their characters/series from the competition (of which there’s a LOT!) 

I belong to a blogging group called Booklovers Bench. Our group is currently all cozy writers. The main purpose of the group is marketing. This mostly includes rotating postings to our site, but we also ask the others in the group questions about various marketing topics.

My audience:

While there are no hard-and-fast rules, the majority of my target audience consists of women aged 40-70. Many of those cozy readers held professional jobs and have since retired, however, there are also a good percentage who are still in the workforce. There’s also a bit of a shift going on as younger readers, i.e., 25-40, decide they need a break from the grit and gore found in other genres.

Lies, Spies, and the Baker's Surprise by Terry Ambrose   
A Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast Mystery Book 6
Available at Amazon

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Authors: Working Together to Tell a Story

There are many outstanding duos and groups in the writing world and their planning and organization is very important for the success of their novels. There is a lot of teamwork needed to complete a project by co-authors.

I was approached by a group of authors who wanted some help in bringing their novel to market. Of course, I had my own ideas, but I knew the best source for information was from the Spotlight Crew. You know the authors that I have interviewed over the years (10 years, 1300 interviews and book showcases).

Some of the ‘Rules’ I came with:

1.      A good manager/leader is essential to the success.

2.      Member selection is a major part of the process.

3.      Established a strong outline to work from.

4.      Develop powerful characters and story line.

5.      Willing to commit the time and interact with other authors.

This article looks at co-author DUOs, Group projects, Novel series, Booksets and Publisher driven theme series. 

James Patterson is the Master co-authored best-selling novels.

The key to his success is his control of the process.

A strong detailed outline including the plot and the characters is his primary tool. He rewrites the outline until he is satisfied the story is complete. 

He follows his outline completely for his first draft. To him the outline is what makes the book. Editing is a part of his book’s success.

The co-author is given notes and an outline which is very long. The co-author drafts the chapters trying to keep them short, which is Patterson’s style. The co-author sends him pages periodically for feedback.

The product is returned to Patterson who completes the novel.

Patterson has a team of editors and assistants who produce the novel.

Patterson maintains complete control of the process like jacket design and the novel’s release. 

Here is a snapshot the thoughts and ideas the Spotlight Crew came up with.

D. E. Ireland – Co-Author Duo (PEN NAME)

Meg Mims and Sharon Pisacreta 
An Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins Mystery

Partner

Sharon and I have been friends since college and helped critique each other to publication of other books - her in historical British romance, me in American western historical mystery. When I came up with the idea of pairing up Eliza/Higgins as amateur sleuths, I knew Sharon had done far more research and had knowledge about Edwardian England -- and we'd long been seeking an idea to collaborate on, so voila. We both made up a "partnership agreement" to share in everything, the writing, the revisions, the research.

The Outline

Sharon's talent is in coming up with extensive outlines for each book (there are 4 in our series), but I absolutely helped brainstorm the plot points, the characterizations, the setting details, etc. Our outlines sometimes exceeded 20 pages.

Characters and the Story Line

We used George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion book and play (which helped in the making of My Fair Lady), plus his author's notes -- which absolutely set in stone that Eliza and Higgins were NOT romantic at all. Which is why we decided on making them friends and sleuths. As for the story lines, our first book was easiest -- the "hairy Hungarian" and former student of Higgins, Nepommuk, was a blackmailer, so we had to kill him off.

Interaction

We alternated chapters, and then edited each other's work, and then revised again, and again, until it seemed pretty seamless with two co-authors. As for marketing, we wanted a major publisher. Once we had the first book in finished manuscript form, I sent a query to an agent -- who called me back within an hour! With an OFFER of representation!! That was a shock, and he sold the book in two weeks to Minotaur. Of course, that was in 2014. Things are much different now, so many changes over the last seven years, especially with COVID and paper shortages, etc.. We got our rights back and are putting the books out on our own with new covers on Amazon. 

Sparkle Abbey - Co-Author Duo (PEN NAME) 

Mary Lee Woods and Anita Carter - The Pampered Pets Mystery Series

Partners

Our author picture is a shot of us with the real Sparkle and the real Abbey. Don't you love the stare down? Our real names are Mary Lee Woods and Anita Carter. We write the Pampered Pets mystery series together. We're also friends and neighbors so you'll often find us writing at ML's dining room table or at our local Starbucks.

We chose to use Sparkle Abbey as our pen name on this series because we liked the idea of combining the names of our two rescue pets - Sparkle (ML's cat) and Abbey (Anita's dog).

Characters/Story Line

We have a very unique approach in that we take turns with the books. So what that means is that one of us (Mary Lee) writes the odd numbered books, and one of us (Anita) writes the even numbers books. The odd numbered books feature, Caro Lamont, a pet therapist; the even numbered books feature, Melinda Langston, a pet boutique owner. The two protagonists are cousins, so they share background information. And the books share setting, locale (Laguna Beach, CA), and secondary characters.  We create the plots together and work closely on the storylines to keep everything consistent.

Interaction

We live in the Midwest, but if we could write anywhere, you would find us on the beach with our laptops and depending on the time of day either an iced tea or a margarita.

We have had so much fun writing this series and we hope you enjoy Caro and Mel's adventures!

Traci Wilton - Co-Author Duo (PEN NAME) 

Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton - Salem B&B Mystery

Partner

Patrice Wilton and I were critique partners for years before we decided to write a story together—a romance. Then we did the Salem B and B cozy mysteries.  We knew each other’s writing style and thought it would be compatible. We agreed to compromise and be respectful as our friendship would always come first. When one person really thought it should be a certain way, usually the other compromised, or we had a tally of who got to choose for that time, and the other person would get the win the next round. We try to keep the ego out of it lol.

Detail Outline

Yes, we worked off of a synopsis and plot that was approved by our publisher. We used images from the internet so that we had the same visual going into the story. We followed that system for our indie series.

Characters and the Story Line

Our editor had the story idea—he wanted something like the Ghost and Mrs. Muir. We had our own take on it of course and developed the characters together. We used images from the internet to make sure we both saw the same thing. Now, after six books, we both know exactly what Charlene would do, and Jack, and Sam, in a given situation. 

Interaction

Patrice wrote chapter one in the first book, and so I wrote chapter one in the second book, and we alternated for each book after that. If Patrice wrote chapter one, then I would write chapter two, and so forth—we followed our synopsis and plot. We go through many revisions, at least six if not more, and by the end of the book, the story has its own voice that is a blend of both of ours. We have a newsletter and an assistant to help with a review team. For our indie series, Patrice put us on Draft 2 Digital—they have split payments for collaborations.

Paige Terner – Group Writing (PEN NAME) 

The DEADLY WATER HAZARD: A Cactus of the Valley Mystery

Lead: Judy A. Knox
Other Authors: Doreen Lechner, Larry Meath, Carol Redmore, Martha Jo Tisdale

Partners

Paige Terner is the pen name for a group of writers who meet weekly in a senior community very similar to Cactus of the Valley via Zoom. Meetings usually consist of writing on an assigned topic, or in response to a challenge. Activities are varied, and the writers’ levels span the gamut from beginners to published authors with a wide range of interests. What they have in common is an interest in writing and the willingness to share their work with the rest of the group.

Outline

One day someone had a brilliant idea for a long-term project: a group written mystery story. Easy, right? Outline a basic plot, insert characters, divide into sections, and assign one to each writer. Voila! In two or three months, put them together and out will pop a story. That’s what we thought! Three years later, it didn't exactly just pop out, but it did materialize as The Deadly Water Hazard, a story to be proud of. Here are our comments on the experience. We had weekly writing assignments.

Characters/Story Line

My first question when someone suggested writing a murder mystery as a class project was, “Where do you start?” One Joy of Writing participant suggested we set the murder in a 55+ adult park, similar to ours.

Never having considered a novel, my first thought was that it would be simply a continuation of any story written for an assignment. I learned quickly that there would be a myriad of pieces that would need to be carefully put into place. Part of the challenge was learning that those various pieces were called “back stories,” “vignettes,” and something called a “denouement.” I learned that writing a murder mystery was far more complicated than I ever imagined. More than just a plot, there are characters to create.

As time went on and various parts of the mystery moved forward, my interest in participating intensified. It was reassuring to see more pieces of the puzzle being put out there to consider. Interestingly enough, the deletion of those extraneous words, which only “take up space,” was of interest to me. I especially like the word “camaraderie” when it applies to the Joy of Writing writers!

~ Martha Jo Tisdale

Interaction

Working with this group of talented, creative writers was a delight. The project was a learning experience for everyone involved. We had fun making up scenes and dialogues and watching our characters come to life. We improved our writing skills. We learned to give and receive constructive criticism as we problem solved together. Above all, the group stayed committed to “getting ‘er done” without forsaking quality or wrecking relationships in the process.

~ Judy A. Knox

Our writing group’s journey has been a wild ride and a wonderful gift. Without the guidance of our fearless leader and dedicated editing team, we would have been adrift. Writing is easy; editing is tough. Our Joy of Writing group members are the best editing team an aspiring writer could have. But I do have to add, arriving at our destination has been a joy.

~ Doreen Lechner

Writing a mystery by committee posed challenges, rewards, and gratitude.  Gratitude goes to Judy for an incredible amount of work just to keep this project going.  At times it seemed a bit like herding cats.  Challenges were embedded in the gratitude.  

Combining a dozen or so writers with varying styles and ideas necessitated a degree of humility, not to mention patience. But in the end I think we all felt rewarded with the product, not to mention our ability to see this through. If we had known from the outset how difficult it would be, I'm not sure we would have started it in the first place.

~ Larry Meath

Working as a team to write The Deadly Water Hazard was invaluable; in addition, it was fun. It was a challenge when some in our group who are snowbirds returned to home states in the summers, making it hard to stay in rhythm. The arrival of Zoom this past year helped greatly, as we juggled characters and time lines and made many changes.

The camaraderie of working toward one goal was a great pleasure, and strong leadership from Judy kept us in line. I learned so much about writing techniques and editing. The experience was a treasure!

~ Carol Redmore

EDITING

Editing group input and participation in the editing sessions was invaluable, adding dimension and clarity to the overall final product.

Group editing is a unique experience. Every person commented on the excerpts. Some positive, some negative, but all beneficial. They received insight to the bigger picture for publishing a novel. 

Danger Cove Series - Publisher driven theme series

Gemma Halliday Publishing 

Author comment: T. Sue VerSteeg

Partner

Gemma Halliday reached out to me. She had already hit the NY Times and USA Today lists and wanted to expand her growing backlist. She chose to co-author with a few fellow writers she trusted. I'd met her on an online chat group, and she'd critiqued a few of my books. It also helped that I wanted to be her when I grew up as a writer. LOL We had such similar styles, so it wasn't too much of a stretch. She led the first book in the Tahoe Tessie Mysteries. As for the Danger Cove Mysteries, the situation is quite different. There are many other authors writing in that fictitious setting. Elizabeth Ashby is also fictitious. Gemma Halliday has creative control over all of the books.

Outline

With the first Tahoe Tessie, Gemma Halliday sent out the outline and a base character sheet. I wrote the book, breathed life into her characters, and fell in love with each and every one of them. She then had creative control to shape it back into her vision. With Danger Cove, each author has to submit an outline for approval. This can go through several edits back and forth before coming to an agreement on something that works for the writer and the publisher. 

Characters and the Story Line

I think I rambled on too much in the last question. LOL With Tahoe Tessie, it was mostly Gemma. She did give me a lot of room to grow the characters, though. I'm forever grateful for her trust in me. In Danger Cove, the main characters are all ours. We do have shared secondaries that the editing team keeps a close eye on. 

Interaction

Interaction is a nice back and forth. I'm truly blessed that Gemma and her team are such wonderful, talented people. With Tahoe Tessie, the creative control is all Gemma's. So, editing and marketing are pretty much at her discretion. With Danger Cove being different, it's more of a hybrid. My questions and concerns are taken into account, and we always go back and forth with ideas on how to make it work for all of us. Marketing is hybrid as well. They do a lot and we kick in as well.

  

Last Chance Beach – Book Series 

Romance Gems - 22 great authors strong - debuted February 1, 2019

Individual novels with the same setting.

LAST CHANCE BEACH is the island paradise where Dreams go to live again and Wishes may come true. It's Summer's End on the island, and the cottages, condos, hotels, and bungalows are filled to capacity.

LAST CHANCE BEACH ROMANCE is a line of single title, full-length romance novels, united by the setting of Last Chance Beach.

Joan Reeves - Deceptively Yours

From an interview

Partners

When I organized Romance Gems, I set it up with an Executive Team and invited my friends to join in. The marvelous Bonnie Edwards, Jan Scarbrough, and Nancy Fraser did so for which I'm eternally grateful. We invite authors to join our group based on their body of work, professionalism, and personality. We read some of the nominated author's work and discuss whether she will be a good fit in the group dynamic. We want not only good writers but also an author who is professional and plays well with others. No drama divas or authors who aren't willing to work for the success of the group and each other. That's basically our mission statement. Support each other, support the group blog, work together, and have fun doing all of that.

Nancy Fraser - Return of the Runaway Bride

From an interview

Partners

The main objective was—obviously—sales. More than that though was to widen our collective audience. Being that all the authors belong to our private group, The Romance Gems, we posted a call for participation and were delighted with the results when over half the group joined in this first joint venture. The actual process of creating the box set fell to the group of fourteen, with volunteers taking up different jobs under the watchful eye of our leader, Joan Reeves. For hovering over thirteen highly talented and opinionated authors, she deserves sainthood.

Interaction

Romance Gems support group. Friendship. The occasional virtual slap upside the head when it’s needed. I think the biggest professional benefit would be the encouragement of 22 like-minded Romance authors who will bend over backward to see their Gems Sisters succeed.

   

A Touch of Passion – Book Bundle

Individual novels under one cover. This bundle is now available by the individual titles only.

Tamara Ferguson - That Unforgettable Kiss

From an interview

Group

The romance bundle for A Touch of Passion is comprised with full-length novels. When my dear friend Uvi Poznansky invited me into the group, I immediately said yes. She is the most amazing organizer I’ve ever met when it comes to putting together an anthology, and setting up promotions and Facebook events, and she’s very talented graphic designer as well. It takes a lot of patience to work in a group; particularly when some members don’t have the ability to contribute as much time as others, because of previous commitments. 

Goal

The goal, of course, is to boost the sales of books for each author in the group. And, if in the process, we take it to the next level and become Amazon bestsellers (which we did), it would assuredly boost our sales even more. 

What many authors don’t realize is the category rankings for anthology sales will also be associated individually with your numbers. 

A bestselling anthology can definitely boost your career as an author, and you should always think carefully before turning an offer down.

 

Spring Into Love Anthology – Book Bundle

Individual novels under one cover. This bundle is now available by the individual titles only.

Marcia James - Love Unleashed

From an interview

Group

I love participating in romance ebook anthologies (or boxed sets, as many people call them). Not only do I get to work with a great group of authors, but we each get one of our stories in front of the other authors' readers. This can and does lead to an increase in sales of our other books and novellas. So these boxed sets are a way of co-promoting with other authors.

Theme

It's very important to network with other authors. Most of these boxed set opportunities come about when a group of author friends decides to join together to do a boxed set. The group comes up with a theme, like the sports-theme of this summer's Score One For Love. Each author in the group has to write a story (or have one already written) that fits the theme.

Interaction

That saves time and money, since we're splitting the jobs (running a Facebook page, contacting advertisers, coordinating the cover and formatting, etc.) and the cost (paying for advertising, the cover, the formatting, etc.) And the boxed sets are a great deal for readers, too, since most of them include at least ten stories for 99 cents.

I think all boxed sets are a win-win for both the authors and readers.

Danger Cove Mysteries Series - Multi-Author Series

Individual novels with the same setting.

Partners

Gemma Halliday

Gemma Halliday is the #1 Amazon, New York Times, and USA Today bestselling author of several cozy mystery and suspense thriller novels. Gemma's books have received numerous awards, including a Golden Heart, two National Reader's Choice awards, a RONE award for best mystery, and three RITA nominations. She currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her large, loud, and loving family.

​Gemma opened up her own boutique publishing house in 2013. Since then she has published over 200 titles from more than 40 authors and taken almost half of those from debut authors to USA Today bestsellers.

https://www.gemmahalliday.com/

https://www.facebook.com/gemmahallidayauthor

Gemma Halliday Publishing

https://www.gemmahallidaypublishing.com/

https://www.gemmahallidaypublishing.com/multi-author-series

Gemma Halliday Publishing is a small, boutique publisher of quality women's genre fiction who work with a select number of authors per year. We enjoy stories with laughter, heart, and lots of clever plot twists. We don't publish books with graphic gore or sexual content, which makes our books perfect for sharing with your eighteen-year-old daughter or your eighty-year-old grandmother. Our titles are available in most major online retailers and by special request from brick & mortar bookstores and libraries. 

Our multi-author series follow different heroines in our favorite fictional towns where murder mixes with love and a healthy dose of laughter! 

Each series contains sub-series written by one author, focusing on one heroine. Books can be read in any order! 

Aloha Lagoon

Welcome to Aloha Lagoon, one of Hawaii's hidden treasures. A little bit of tropical paradise nestled along the coast of Kauai, this resort town boasts luxurious accommodation, friendly island atmosphere...and only a slightly higher than normal murder rate. While mysterious circumstances may be the norm on our corner of the island, we're certain that our staff and Lagoon natives will make your stay in Aloha Lagoon one you will never forget!

Danger Cove

Welcome to Danger Cove! We're a sleepy little town in the Pacific Northwest and home to renowned mystery novelist, Elizabeth Ashby. While Elizabeth swears the stories she writes are fiction, you can find the inspiration for her murderous tales all over Danger Cove...from the intriguing cast of local characters to the places to eat, play, and explore in Danger Cove. 

https://www.gemmahallidaypublishing.com/danger-cove-mysteries

Outline

Characters/Story Line

Interaction

Summary 

Problems I saw:

1.      Need for better social media. At times it looks like the authors were hiding from the readers.

2.      Need for an effective Amazon Profile

3.      Weak marketing

4.      Breaking up is hard to do. Conflicts can arise.

Doing this project was a great experience. The consence was that you need the following to be successful co-authoring a project. It sounded like fun was had by all.

1.      Need a strong leader

2.      Need a detailed outline.

3.      Great characters.

4.      Solid Story Line.

5.      Effective Interaction

Contributors Outline

Author: Sparkle Abbey
Author Genre: Mystery, Crime, Humor And Comedy

Website: Sparkle Abbey - pampered pet mysteries
Author's Blog: Sparkle Abbey
Twitter: @sparkleabbey
E-Mail: SparkleAbbey@gmail.com
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

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Author Description:
Our author picture is a shot of us with the real Sparkle and the real Abbey. Don't you love the stare down? Our real names are Mary Lee Woods and Anita Carter. We write the Pampered Pets mystery series together. We're also friends and neighbors so you'll often find us writing at ML's dining room table or at our local Starbucks.

We chose to use Sparkle Abbey as our pen name on this series because we liked the idea of combining the names of our two rescue pets - Sparkle (ML's cat) and Abbey (Anita's dog).

We live in the Midwest, but if we could write anywhere, you would find us on the beach with our laptops and depending on the time of day either an iced tea or a margarita.

We have had so much fun writing this series and we hope you enjoy Caro and Mel's adventures!

Author: Elizabeth Ashby
Author Genre: Mystery, Chick Lit, Romance

Website: Danger Cove Mysteries
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads

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Author Description:
Local resident Elizabeth Ashby was born and raised in Danger Cove and now uses her literary talent to tell stories about the town she knows and loves. Ms. Ashby has penned several Danger Cove Mysteries, which are published by Gemma Halliday Publishing. While she does admit to taking some poetic license in her storytelling, she loves to incorporate the real people and places of her hometown into her stories. She says anyone who visits Danger Cove is fair game for her poisoned pen, so tourists beware! When she's not writing, Ms. Ashby enjoys gardening, taking long walks along the Pacific coastline, and curling up with a hot cup of tea, her cat, Sherlock, and a thrilling novel.

Author: Tamara Ferguson
Author Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Suspense

Website: TALES FROM DRAGONFLY
Tales of the Dragonfly homepage
Twitter: @Tammysdragonfly
E-Mail: Tammysdragonfly@gmail.com
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

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Author Description:
Writing steamy yet sweet compassionate stories of fate that are wonderfully romantic, Tamara Ferguson is the multi-award winning, USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR of the Tales of the Dragonfly Romance Suspense Series, the Kissed By Fate Series, the Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Series, the Daydreams & Dragonflies Sweet Romance Series and the Tales From Dragonfly Pointe Short Story Series.

If you don't believe in the power of fate, you shouldn't read her stories, because Tamara always writes a happily-ever-after for her heroines and heroes, since it doesn't always work out that way in real life.

Since 2015, she has earned more than thirty awards, twenty of those for her Two Hearts Wounded Warrior romances, including five Readers' Favorite International Book Awards with Two Hearts In Accord (2019) and Two Hearts Unbroken (2018) earning the BRONZE, Two Hearts Under Fire (2019) and Two Hearts Unspoken (2016) earning the SILVER and Two Hearts Find Christmas earning the GOLD Medal in Military Fiction (2018.) Two Hearts Surrendered was also a New Apple Romance Selection for excellence in Indie Publishing and 2018 Top Shelf Finalist. Two Hearts' Christmas Wish is a 2017 IAN Book of the Year Finalist. And it's the #13 BEST INDIE BOOK of 2017.

Along with the 2015 Romance Reviews Readers' Choice Award Winner That Unforgettable Kiss, Two Hearts Surrendered and Two Hearts Unspoken were also finalists for the 2016 IAN Book of The Year. Tales of the Dragonfly In Tandem was a romance finalist in the Indie Excellence Awards, while Tales of the Dragonfly In Flight was a romance suspense winner at the Readers' Favorite International Book Awards.

A member of the RWA, the Authors' Billboard and the Authors' Independent Book Network, her stories have been included in several #1 bestselling anthologies.

Since she remains a full-time caregiver for an autistic son (along with a bunch of adopted pets!), you can usually find Tammy working at home, where she spends a lot of time not completing her numerous home improvement projects, because she's writing or helping author friends promote their books on twitter.

Author: Nancy Fraser
Author Genre: Romance

Website: Nancy Fraser
Author's Blog: Instagram
Newsletter Sign-Up
Twitter: @nfraserauthor
E-Mail: romwriter96@gmail.com
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

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Author Description:
Award-winning author Nancy Fraser has been writing since the early 1990s. Published since 1996, she writes in multiple romance genres. From sweet 1960's vintage romance, to paranormal/time travel, to sizzling erotic romance, she never knows where her muse will take her.

When she's not writing (which is almost never), Nancy loves to travel with Las Vegas being her favored destination. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.

NANCY FRASER—Jumping Across Romance Genres with Gleeful Abandon—is an Amazon Top 100 and Award-Winning author who can’t seem to decide which romance genre suits her best. So, she writes them all.

Author: Gemma Halliday
Author Genre: Mystery & Thrillers, Romance

Website: Gemma Halliday Author
Author's Blog: Gemma Halliday Publishing
Gemma Halliday Publishing Authors
Twitter: @gemmahallidayca
E-Mail: gemma@gemmahallidaypublishing.com
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

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Author Description:
Gemma Halliday is the #1 Amazon, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of several mystery series, suspense novels, and young adult books. Gemma's books have received numerous awards, including a Golden Heart, two National Reader's Choice awards, three RITA nominations, and a RONE award for best mystery. She currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her large, loud, and loving family.

Author: Dawn Greenfield Ireland
Author Genre: Mystery Thrillers, Fantasy,Professional & Technical

Website: Dawn Ireland Writer
Twitter: @dawnireland
E-Mail: dawn@dawngreenfieldireland.com
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

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Author Description:
Dawn Greenfield Ireland is the CEO of Artistic Origins Inc, a writing and editing company that has been doing business since 1995. Her first book, The Puppy Baby Book (hardcover), was a finalist in the IPPY book competition (2001) and has been selling steadily ever since.

Novels include The Alcott Family Adventures cozy mystery series (Hot Chocolate, Bitter Chocolate, and Spicy Chocolate). Science Fiction includes Prophecy of Thol, and The Last Dog (dystopian/futuristic), Forced Dreams, and Gifts from Thol. Steamy shifter romance by DG Ireland includes Bonded and Tothars.

In addition to the novels, Dawn is an award-winning screenwriter with 14 feature film scripts, 2 of which were optioned. She also creates nonfiction/self-help books and products. Writers Preparation Handbook is an online course, eBook and audiobook. What's Breaking Your Budget is currently an eBook and will be available as an audiobook and an online course someday soon.

Originally from Feeding Hills, MA, Dawn migrated to San Antonio in 1968 then moved to Houston where work was more plentiful. She built a 34-year career as a technical writer/editor.

Dawn has been a member and benefactor of Women in Film and Television (Houston) for decades. Her current day job is writing, creating online courses, and editing books and all things written.

Author: Marcia James
Author Genre: Romance

Website: Marcia James Web Site
Author's Blog: James Gang
Twitter: @Marcia_James
E-Mail: Marcia@MarciaJames.net
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

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Author Description:
Marcia James finaled in eleven Romance Writers of America contests before selling her first contemporary romance. Her releases include Sex & the Single Therapist (the first in a comic romantic mystery series) and the "Klein's K-9s Service Dogs" contemporary romance series. A national and international ebook bestseller, she writes hot, humorous romances featuring heroines you can root for, heroes to die for, and funny dogs.

In her eclectic career, Marcia has shot submarine training videos, organized celebrity-filled nonprofit events and had her wedding covered by People Magazine. After years of dealing with such sexy topics as how to safely install traffic lights, she is enjoying “researching” and plotting her novels' steamy love scenes with her husband and hero of many years.

Author: Judy A. Knox
Author Genre: Christian, Nonfiction, Memoir, Cozy Mystery

Website: Judy A. Knox
Twitter: @JudyAKnox
E-Mail: judy@judyaknox.com
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

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Author Description:
Judy Knox, a retired high school teacher, now teaches Christians how to get more from their relationship with God. Judy began writing seriously after the death of her husband in 2012 as a way to inspire and encourage believers to see evidence of God's love and grace in their everyday lives.

She and her husband, Alan, grew up in Iowa, and were married in 1961. They both accepted Christ in 1972 while living in Kansas City. Four years later, due to a job transfer, they moved to the Chicago North Shore area. After Judy retired in 2003, they moved 200 miles west to a smaller town in Illinois to enjoy a more leisurely lifestyle.

After 51 years of marriage, Alan died, and Judy returned to the Chicago North Shore area to live near her son, daughter, and six grandchildren. It was then that writing, which she had always enjoyed but seldom had time for, became a passion. After spending three winters in Arizona, she now resides there permanently. She is the leader of the Joy of Writing Group in Mesa, AZ, and is a member of Christian Writers Critique Group in Mundelein, IL, and American Christian Writers Association. She participated in the Write to Publish Conference in Wheaton, IL in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

Judy serves as a volunteer with China Vision, a missionary organization headquartered in Columbia, MO, editing and distributing missionary Pete Snyder's newsletter. In 2014 she edited his book "What's Missing in Missions?" Later that year she appeared on Andrew Wommack's television program "The Gospel Truth," which airs world wide, relating a testimony about prosperity.

Author: Joan Reeves
Author Genre: Romance, Chick Lit, Nonfiction

Website: Joan Reeves
Author's Blog: Joan Reeves - Sling Words
My Newsletter/Mailing List
Twitter: @JoanReeves
E-Mail: Joan@JoanReeves.com
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

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Author Description:
Joan Reeves is a New York Times and a USA Today bestselling author of Contemporary Romance. Her novels--Keeping Romance Alive...One Sexy Book at a Time--have been published in a half dozen languages, and her ebooks are available at most ebook sellers with audio book and print editions also available.

When not writing romance--or nonfiction to share what she has learned in life--Joan divides her time between the hustle and bustle of Houston and a house in the Texas Hill Country. At their country house, Joan and her hero, her husband, sit on the porch at night, look up at the star-studded sky, and listen to the coyotes howl.

Joan lives the philosophy that is the premise of all of her romance novels: "It's never too late to live happily ever after."

Author: T. Sue VerSteeg
Author Genre:

Website: T. Sue VerSteeg
Author's Blog: T. Sue VerSteeg
Twitter: @tsueversteeg
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

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Author Description:
USA Today Bestselling Author T. Sue VerSteeg was born and raised in the small town of Grinnell, Iowa. At the age of 21, she moved her family--parents and all--to the beautiful Ozarks region of Missouri where they have lived since. She is blessed with an adoring husband, two wonderful kids, the best sister in the world, and amazing parents. Writing has always been a passion in her life, to which family and friends can attest. From her first attempt at a spin-off of Dick and Jane, to her latest novel, her heart and soul has been poured into each word. Her most sincere wish is that you will find as much enjoyment in reading her stories as she did in their creation.

Author: Patrice Wilton
Author Genre: Romance

Website: Patrice Wilton
Author's Blog: Patrice Wilton
Twitter: @PatriceWilton
E-Mail: patricewilt@yahoo.com
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

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Author Description:
Patrice Wilton was born in Vancouver, Canada, and knew from the age of twelve that she wanted to be a writer. She became a flight attendant for 17 years, then moved to Australia and England, before settling in Ormond Beach, Florida. She is a NY Times & USA Today best selling author and has written around forty books, mostly romance series. Here are her personal favorites:

The Candy Bar, Paradise Cove, Heavenly Christmas, and The Wounded Warrior series. Now a new exciting adventure has begun. She has joined forces with her good friend, Traci Hall to write a Salem B&B Cozy Mystery series for Kensington under the name of Traci Wilton. They have written 5 books in the Mrs. Morris Bed and Breakfast series, and will be starting book six soon. We are loving it and hope our readers do too!

Author: Traci Hall
Author Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Young Adult

Website: Traci Hall
Twitter: @Tracihallauthor
E-Mail: Traci@TraciHall.com
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
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Author Description:
From contemporary seaside romances to cozy mysteries, USA Today bestselling author Traci Hall writes stories that captivate her readers. As a hybrid author with over fifty published works, Ms. Hall has a favorite story for everyone.

Mystery lovers, be on the lookout for her Salem B&B Mystery series, co-written as Traci Wilton, and her Scottish Shire series, which takes place in the seaside town of Nairn, as Traci Hall. Whether it's her ever popular By the Sea series or a fun who-done-it, Traci finds her inspiration in sunny South Florida, by living right near the ocean.


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Post Created by: James Moushon
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