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I’m happy to welcome Christa Nardi, author of Riddles, Rogues, and Murder, to Salty Inspirations today. Christa joins us to share her thoughts on the different ways authors approach writing cozy mysteries.
I find myself to be a Plantser! Take it away, Christa!
THE MANY WAYS OF WRITING A COZY MYSTERY
By Christa Nardi
In most discussions of the writing process, one of the first questions an author might be asked is whether they are a “plotter” or a “pantster.” A plotter maps out the entire story in outline form before they actually start writing. How completely they plot varies. Some will outline the basic plot. Others outline scenes in detail and match those with character descriptions and motivations. Regardless of the level of plotting, all plotters have a plan (an outline) before starting the writing process. They may use specific apps like Scrivener, Plottr, Novel Factory, and others to aid them with a variety of graphics or simply write out an outline. Plotters value the plan, and the detailed outline guides their writing process. Even though Plotters like the structure provided by the outline, that doesn’t necessarily mean a scene or two doesn’t change in the writing process.
A pantster is first, someone who doesn’t plan. The term comes from the phrase of “flying by the seat of their pants.” They don’t want an outline that tells them which scene comes next and sees that as stifling. They write what comes to mind and I’ve heard some pantsters comment to the effect that the characters direct them as the story unfolds. I can relate to this, in part, as I often don’t know who the killer is to begin with. For a pantster, they might not know who the villain is until the end. To some extent, pantsters thrive on the freedom of not having an outline to follow. Instead, they let the characters and their imagination drive the story to a satisfactory end.
More recently, a third type emerged – the plantster. This is some version of a combination of a plotter and a pantster. At some level, there may be overlap across all authors, with differing weights given to one or the other. For this reason, a plantster could manifest in different ways. For me, and I would identify as a plantster, I start off with some very basic ideas – who is killed, where, and how does that affect those around him, including my MC or someone close to her. The first few chapters are more pantster as I develop the victim’s character, possible motives, and address reactions and clues. At some point, I decide I need to outline what I already wrote in order to move forward and be sure the story flows, so I shift to a plotter but working backwards. I revise or add to what I have and sketchily outline the rest of the story – emphasis on sketchily. The pantster in me isn’t surprised if who I had in mind isn’t the killer in the end.
Writing a mystery tends toward structure, especially in police procedurals. When writing more character-driven mysteries like a cozy mystery, the focus on the characters may lend itself to more of pantster. The approach is in part dependent on the author’s personality and style. Does the pattern of the writing process matter to you as a reader? Not likely. Even committed pantsters address the need for structure and pacing as they revise the draft. Similarly, the final version by a plotter doesn’t include the outline and guides they built in. Whichever group the author falls in, hopefully, revision and editing smooth it out. As a reader, you will rarely know which approach was used. You’ll only know whether it worked or not, whether the author engaged you in the process and whether you found the story satisfying.
Riddles, Rogues and Murders: A Twisty Cozy Mystery (A Stacie Maroni Mystery) by Christa NardiAbout Riddles, Rogues, and Murders
Riddles, Rogues and Murders: A Twisty Cozy Mystery (A Stacie Maroni Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
12th in Series
Setting – Virginia
Independently Published
Publication date : February 23, 2026
Print Length – 230 Pages
Digital
ISBN-13 : 979-8993350219
ASIN : B0GH4BXFZY
Other formats will be available too.
What begins as a blissful ladies’ spa day meant for rest and renewal turns deadly when a striking young model is found murdered in the parking lot. Amateur sleuth Stacie Maroni is the one who discovers the body, notifies the police, and studies the woman and her jewelry. A bit obsessive about things matching, Stacie wonders at the silver earring mixed with everything else gold. Litle does she know someone nearby is filming her. As rumors swirl and clues surface, Stacie notices unsettling details: two men of average build, both wearing dark wedding bands, and threats against her and Jasper—someone believes she has something worth killing for.
With a brash, womanizing FBI agent jumping to dangerous conclusions and pressure mounting from all sides, Stacie finds herself pulled deeper into a mystery she never intended to solve. As tensions rise and threats close in, she must rely on her instincts and her friends to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again or the FBI agent arrests her for the murder. In this seemingly cozy town, even with her police connections, danger lurks around every corner.
A twisty tale for cozy mystery fans.
About Christa Nardi
Christa Nardi is an avid reader with her love of mysteries beginning with Nancy Drew and other teen mysteries. Her protagonists are smart, intelligent women sleuths. She authors four mystery series; Stacie Maroni Mysteries, Izzie Di Sante Mysteries, Sheridan Hendley Mysteries, and Cold Creek Cozy Mysteries. Her writing is best characterized as cozy mysteries with an edge. The stories do address negative issues, but consistent with the cozy genre, there’s no graphic violence or sex on the page, and no profanity. Characters may get knocked down or shot at and there are murders. Christa is a member of Sisters in Crime. When not reading or writing, Christa and her husband live in Texas. Christa enjoys traveling and playing with her dogs and granddaughters. She supports animal rescue and other efforts to help others.
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February 23 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHTFebruary 24 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT
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Looking for your next bookish escape? Thank you, Christa Nardi, for sharing your insights with us today! If Riddles, Rogues, and Murder looks like a book you’d enjoy, be sure to add it to your TBR pile.
Browse the blog for more cozy mystery recs, behind-the-scenes extras, and guest posts from sleuths you’ll love. And don’t forget to say hi in the comments!
As always, thanks for stopping by for some Salty Inspirations! —Michelle❤️
