Author Michelle L. Clifton Interview Q&A on writing a cozy mystery.

Michelle Clifton is the Author of the Taryn O’Kelly Mysteries. She also designs guided journals, handy log books, educational books, and games. She grew up in Colorado and lives in Florida. The second book in her series will come out in the spring of 2025. Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses a Tayrn O’Kelly Mystery.

What inspired you to write cozy mysteries?

I wasn’t much of a reader when I was younger. I would get headaches and fall asleep whenever I read. I discovered I needed glasses in my early twenties. The glasses helped foster a new love for books However, I fell in love with the Stephanie Plum series. Janet Evanovich has been my favorite author for years. I have not found many authors who write like she does. She writes cozy mysteries but hers are unique. They border on the edge of cozy, romance, and mystery. Her books are easy to read, her characters are relatable, and her mysteries are fast-paced. I wanted to be an author who would appeal to readers like myself who enjoy her style.

Can you tell us about your writing process?

I start with a very basic outline and let the characters lead me from there. Sometimes I need to rework parts of the book where my characters maybe moved too fast or I need to work out the pieces to the puzzle better. But honestly, I sit and write daily. Some days I write hours without stopping and others only a couple of good hours happen. It’s all about what’s happening in my life and what I want to happen in my character’s life. Finding inspiration can be difficult but taking a moment to meditate or sit quietly in nature usually helps,

Who are your favorite cozy mystery authors, and how have they influenced your work?

Janet Evanovich, Kate Collins, Cleo Coyle, and Kyra Davis are my favorite authors. Their work is fast-paced and easy to read. Each author has an edge that keeps me wanting more! I try to write with the same fast-paced suspense they do.

What’s your favorite part of writing a cozy mystery?

The relationships and the heartfelt moments. When things can’t possibly get worse they do. That’s when the miracles happen. I am a hopeless romantic at heart and feel like the world can be so dark. I want my movies and books to be lighthearted and always have a happy ending.

How do you develop your characters? Do you have a favorite character?

My characters are usually a mix of several people I know or have encountered. I try to take the best and the worst in people and blend them into a whole new being. It’s hard to pick a favorite character. It’s like asking you to pick your favorite child. I created all of them with love and they each have a special spot in my heart. They all have different strengths, weaknesses, flaws, and perfections.

What cozy mystery themes do you enjoy exploring in your stories?

My series involves an event planner, who is excellent at planning parties but somehow ends up investigating crime. I love holidays, parties, and any excuse to get together with family and friends. Planning parties with a murder twist sounded perfect to me. I also enjoy animal themes, psychic abilities, and mythical realms. I have plans on writing a series in each of those themes as well.

Where do you find inspiration for your plots and settings?

Not sound vague or cliche but everywhere. Sometimes it’s from life experiences, a mean person you encounter, or a life tragedy. I like to listen to people and take mental notes. Usually, ideas come streaming in and I get so excited. I wish I could write several series at once. Maybe someday!

Do you incorporate real-life experiences or locations into your mysteries?

Yes! I change a few details and embellish others but I do pull from life experiences, the news, and places I have been.

My Writing buddies! They helped develop the pets in my series.

What challenges do you face as a cozy mystery author?

The biggest challenge I face is myself. I want to write all day every day, but life isn’t smooth enough for that. Trying to find time to write and market my books is difficult. You need a social media presence but I am no good at that. I don’t have enough time in the day to write everything I want to write and juggle the other aspects of being a self-published author.

How do you balance writing with other aspects of your life?

I write goals for the day and try to stick to them. My office hours are all over the place but at the end of the day, my tasks are complete. My typical day starts at 6:30. I stretch and pray then head straight to work. It’s a quiet time in the house so it’s perfect for writing. I take a short breakfast break around 9 am and work a little more. Take my dog on a 30-minute walk around 11:30 work a little more then eat lunch around 1 pm and hang with my husband for a couple of hours by 4 pm I am back at work with a dinner break around 8 pm. I usually work until 10:30 pm. I do this most days even the weekends if we don’t have big plans. Sundays we go to Mass at 10:30 so I usually work later in the day.

What advice would you give to aspiring cozy mystery writers?

Visit my blog. I write several articles for aspiring authors.

– If you have a story you are passionate about then write it.
– Let the fear fall away and go for it!
– Love or hate your characters, you need a strong emotional attachment to them or they will never come to life.
– Thank whoever you live with or a family member for understanding that while you are writing or your mind is elsewhere you still love them. Thank them for their support.
– Last tip EDIT!! EDIT! And EDIT AGAIN! Hire someone or have at least two friends or family members who are good with grammar edit it.

Can you share a funny or memorable moment from your writing journey?

My daughter happens to be my editor and she is amazing! My first draft has so many hilarious notes and markups from her. I look forward to reading her constructive criticism, she has a way of saying things that make you laugh. I fear I will keep every manuscript she edits just for the memories.

What do you hope readers take away from your books?

I hope my readers enjoy the world of Silver Springs. I want them to get lost in my story allowing them a break from their own life. To know true love does conquer all and good friends and family are a necessity. I hope my readers are ready to go on another adventure with the Silver Springs gang. I have through book 6 outline so let’s see what that crazy bunch is up to!

Are there any upcoming projects or books you can share with us?

Book 2 in the series, Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses releases this spring. I also have a couple of children’s books and possible mystery coloring books in the works.

What role does humor play in your writing?

I wish I was funnier! I love books with a little humor. They lighten the suspense and danger the characters are in. It helps to keep the book from getting to dark. Let’s face murder is no picnic!

Do you have any quirky writing habits or rituals?

I love creating murder boards. They help me to keep track of my clues and who knows what. But I think the quirkiest thing I do is imagine my characters are real and when I see or hear something I imagine my characters around me doing it. They are like family members coming over to visit. My daughter and I talk about them as though they are real.

How do you engage with your readers and build your community?

I try very hard to be on social media when possible however, my favorite way to engage with my readers is book fairs, festivals, and special events. I love to see people’s faces light up when they ask questions about my character or why I became an author. I love giving words of encouragement to aspiring authors. I could talk to people all day long!

What are your favorite cozy mystery tropes or elements?

I love the unexpected hero. Amateur sleuths are funny and unconventional. Typically they have an invested interest in the victims or something related to the crime. Oftentimes, they find themselves in dangerous situations. I also enjoy the Love triangles, a little romantic tension is exciting to me.

If you could host a dinner party with any literary characters, who would you invite?

I would invite Winnie the Pooh because he is my favorite childhood character, Sherlock Holmes because of his intellect, Joseph Morelli because I secretly have a crush on him, and of course the whole Silver Springs gang because they are family.

What’s a fun fact about you that your readers might not know?

I love it when the power goes out. I love the silence you get. I know it’s not great for writing but it’s soul healing for me. I also can’t go a day without coffee and Yes, I drink it black and love it!

To see interviews with the residents of Silver Springs – Check out our posts under Taryn O’Kelly Mysteries.