The Elements of a Cozy Mystery: Author Interview with Shannon Symonds

How do you go about plotting your mystery? Do you pick the victim or the murderer first? What do you think makes for a perfect murder mystery?

I love plotting. I begin with the characters. If you don’t love the main character, and aren’t hooked on page one, you probably won’t read on. I create a character relationship map with the main character smack in the middle. Then I create a small community around her. I always make a minimum of three love triangles for motivation. When I see a clear motive, the victim and killer become obvious. I create a minimum of 5 red herrings using the relationships on my chart. I try to create flawed, three-dimensional, characters. 

I use a program that I have loaded with the basic outline of most great mysteries. Once I have an outline, I reach out to my kids! My kids include two medical examiners, a nurse, a detective, a veteran, and more! I share the plot with them and they give me ways to spice it up.

I had no idea I was creating a fun think tank for murder when I was raising my kids!

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?

In thIn the beginning, my sister was my greatest inspiration. She walked with me through the entire process of writing and finding a publisher for my debut novel. Sadly, she passed from cancer. I was able to show her a copy of the book the last day I spent with her. 

After my first novel was released, I learned the incalculable value of good reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. I care about what readers think. I read each and every review. Good reviews bring me great joy.

Marketing is the biggest key to getting sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?

I recently had a blast connecting with The Cozy Mystery Tribe's book club. I spent the day with their facebook group and gave away books! It was so fun and my sales were excellent. I find Facebook takeovers and getting to chat with reader's fun and a great way to get my books out there. 

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?Everything! When I wrote my first book, I knew nothing about the process. From the second my publisher accepted, I began learning at an overwhelming pace. Marking your book matters. I am still working on ways to reach readers and have fun doing it.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?

Just write! Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone has a story in them, I believe. If you want support in the process, reach out to Storymakers conferences or writer's groups in your area. 

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?

I love strong heroines, flawed and real people. Some of the greatest women in history had difficult experiences, but went on to find joy and change the world, like Maya Angelou or Oprah. I hope that when you read my books you see yourself in the pages, and stay up all night turning pages.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?

Book 2 in the Balefire Bay Series is due out in April. I still have to have a cover made, finish the book, and find a new copy editor. So! Cross your fingers and pray for an April launch. 

In book 2, Ivy is settling into living in Balefire and happy, when Xander's mother returns with an entourage of friends and family. Her name is Rhoda. Just as Ivy tries to get acquainted with her, Rhoda reminds her that she is just an employee. Is it any wonder someone is murdered? 

John Ivy and Balefire at the Saturday Market and help Ivy solve the mystery of the Cinnamon Roll.

I love the fun titles of cozy mysteries, and their stories. If you'd like to learn more about Shannon's books, here are some links to get you started.

Website: http://shannonsymonds.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/shannonsymondsauthor/ 
FB Author page: https://www.facebook.com/shannonsymondsauthor 
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B06Y5X6BYN 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16539647.Shannon_Symonds 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shannonsymonds7 
BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/shannon-symonds?list=author_books 

And here's a bonus for my readers, leave a comment on this post and we'll pick one reader who'll receive a copy of one of  Shannon's eBook, Booked for Murder.  So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next Tuesday!