Let's Get Cozy with Mysteries: Author Interview with Karen Sue Walker

You’ve now published several books, but what inspired you to write your first mystery? How long did it take you to write your first book that was published?
I had read at least 50 cozy mysteries (maybe even a hundred!) when I thought I’d try my hand at writing one. “How hard could it be?” I asked myself.

As it turns out, quite hard! Three years later, I found an editor and decided to publish it myself since it didn’t meet the requirements of the Big Five traditional publishers. They have very strict requirements on length, and I didn’t want to spend another year or two when there was no guarantee I’d get a contract. I was also inspired by Jana de Leon, one of the most successful indie mystery authors.

Your tea book covers attracted my attention immediately as I’m an avid tea drinker. What made you decide to go with the idea of just using a tea cup and teapot for the covers rather than an image of a shop like your bridal shop mysteries? 
My cover artist, the brilliant Mariah Sinclair, offered the covers I now have as a premade. That meant that I could change the title and author name but nothing else. Since my budget was tight, I bought them, although they weren’t exactly what I was looking for—after all, there’s no hint of the ghost or murder on the cover! Or the Victorian Tearoom! But they have brought exactly the right readers to me, which is the job of a cover, so I’m very happy I made that choice.

Mariah Sinclair did the covers for the Arrow Investigations series which I absolutely love! But I’m not sure they’re attracting the right reader, so we’re discussing making a change.

I had two other sets of covers for my first series—the Bridal Shop Cozy Mysteries—that I was never all that happy with. I ended up doing my own, which are the ones I have now. The only reason I could do my own was because of everything I’d learned over the previous several years—and going forward, I only do my own covers for stories I’m giving away.

Do you ever have that middle book slump? If so how do you handle it?
I have don’t have a midpoint slump, although in my early books, I rushed from the midpoint to the conclusion. I began plotting using Save the Cat beats, which fixed that. I’ve learned that all the story structure theories are pretty much the same, but I like how the STC beats are described and presented. For instance, Jessica Brody suggests a party or gathering at the midpoint or introducing a ticking time clock, among other things. A second murder works quite well as the midpoint twist, but I try not to overuse that. I don’t want readers to expect it.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
The best encouragement has come from critique partners but most of all - from readers. There’s nothing better than an email or review that says a reader can’t wait for the next book!

Marketing is the biggest key to getting sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produces more sales rather than just clicks?
My best marketing has been my newsletter. I’ve also used free promos for the first in series extensively, which work great especially for long series. They are becoming less effective since I hear that many readers have hundreds of free books loaded to their kindles.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
I wish I’d known that what works for other people often does not work for me. And what worked last year or even last week may not work. For me, writing is almost like jumping off a cliff with no idea of where you’ll land—it’s exhilarating, terrifying, and liberating.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Just write. Keep writing.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Writing is better than therapy if you are willing to face your demons!

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
Tea is for Talisman released last week. Here's a short blurb about it.

April May takes her assistant Jennifer on a long-promised trip to New Orleans. Their relaxing trip turns into chaos when George and Pearl, two ghosts from the vaudeville era, follow them to The Big Easy. The ghosts show up in April’s room the first morning with another ghost in tow. Cedric LeBlanc has been murdered and everyone, including Jennifer, think April should help find his murderer.

Their investigation takes them through the back alleys, voodoo shops, and cemeteries of the French Quarter and surrounding areas and attracts the attention of a police detective who thinks April knows a little more than she should.

That's all for today's interview. The new book intrigues me as I'm going to be in New Orleans next month! If you'd like to learn more about Karen's books, check out these links.
Bridal Shop Cozy Mysteries:  https://karensuewalker.com/

Haunted Tearoom Cozy Mysteries: https://karensuewalker.com/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  Karen's eBook, Tea is for Trouble. So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next Tuesday!