Reviews

“If you are thinking about writing a cozy mystery, read this book first! Nancy lays out all the necessary steps in an interesting and informative way that is easy to follow. This book was an invaluable tool when I wrote my first cozy. Highly recommended.” Catherine Bruns, USA Today Bestselling Author

“Nancy J. Cohen offers clear examples, practical writing exercises, and friendly advice designed to help the beginning cozy author start—and finish!—a saleable book. Even seasoned cozy writers can find helpful hints for building better characters and story.” Diane A.S. Stuckart, aka Ali Brandon, NY Times Bestselling Author of the Black Cat Bookshop Mysteries

“If you want to write a cozy mystery—or really, any kind of mystery—this is the book for you! Everything you need to know in one handy volume.” Victoria Thompson, Bestselling Author of the Gaslight Mystery Series

“Too many writer’s guides focus on style and how to write; but Nancy J. Cohen’s Writing the Cozy Mystery: Expanded Second Edition doesn’t limit itself to literary mechanics alone. This makes it a highly recommended pick for all levels of writers; from those who enjoy mysteries and need a clearer definition of ‘cozy’ and its applications; to writers already well aware of the genre, but who need tips on how to sustain suspense or sprinkle believable clues throughout a cozy production….From plot development, revisions, and approaches to characters and crime; to publishing and marketing tips, Writing the Cozy Mystery: Expanded Second Edition covers all aspects of production and is a ‘must’ for any author who would adhere to the cozy ideal.” D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

“The author continues to maintain her status as the queen of the cozy mystery, a genre that she not only exemplifies in her own fiction but also defines and gives advice about in the expanded second edition of her guidebook Writing the Cozy Mystery.” Phil Jason, Florida Weekly.

“Author Nancy J. Cohen has done what I have wanted to do for a long time. Using words I could never find (She is a wonderful writer after all), she explains what a true cozy mystery should be. This one sentence says it perfectly. ‘These stories contain no explicit sex, violence, or bad language.’ She also goes on to mention ‘. . . they are clean books that can be read by all ages.’ WRITING THE COZY MYSTERY goes beyond explaining what a cozy mystery is and/or should be. Ms. Cohen lays the groundwork for any aspiring writer to create their own cozy mystery. By following her suggestions, I can see a batch of future cozy mysteries by new authors showing up on the scene within the next few years. A book that as a blogger/reviewer I will turn to again and again, WRITING THE COZY MYSTERY is the perfect resource for what I consider the best (sub) genre there is. Already have, WRITING THE COZY MYSTERY? Well, it’s time to update. This is the Expanded Second Edition!” Lisa K’s Book Review

“This edition is chock-full of writing knowledge from which any author would benefit, especially the mystery writer. I recommend this book to those that wish to write a mystery, or are feeling overwhelmed and clueless about the next steps in their draft. Complete with chapters on writing a synopsis and information on pitching your novel to agents and publishers, this book is an excellent resource for the mystery writer.” 5 stars! Alyssa Elmore, Readers’ Favorite

“If you have ever thought about writing a cozy mystery, you need to read this book. Everything you need to know about the genre is in these pages. The author gives you a wonderful definition of the cozy mystery genre. There is definitely a difference between a cozy and a traditional mystery. This is the place to learn about it. Nancy J. Cohen has a true knack for providing aspiring authors with the tools they need to accomplish their goal of writing their own cozy mystery books. It felt as if she was in the room with me explaining it all in an easy to understand method. It’s, also, a great idea having a book dedicated to writing one specific genre. Every genre has their own nuances. This is a quick read and the perfect guide to assist in your writing. It’s like having a writing course at your fingertips whenever you want it. Now I need to put my knowledge to use and write my own cozy mystery.” Yvonne Hering, Socrates Book Reviews

“Using her own successful series and experiences as a framework for examples, bestselling author Nancy J Cohen takes the writer from idea to publication and beyond.
She covers all the topics a beginning writer needs to get their story idea onto a page, as well as offering information on the process only one who has journeyed the path would know to include. With generous insider insights and fantastic resources, Nancy is a supporting figure in building and refining your book. From the writing all the way through to publication and promotion, this book is like having a personal mentor to turn to.
The book includes not only the necessary building blocks and required ingredients for a book in the cozy mystery genre but also suggestions, insights and useful exercises to encourage, support and aid any writer in making their book come to life and be more well received. Covered are aspects from creating characters and world building to networking with fellow writers and editors to building a supportive network of readers.” Laura S. Reading

“Great tool for the fledgling cozy writer…and an excellent resource for the experienced author, too. This slim (130 pages) volume is packed with great advice for the beginning cozy writer, breaking down the genre into its basics and clearly explaining mystery writing concepts. I wish I’d had a copy back when I was starting out. For a highly accessible how-to writing manual, you can’t go wrong with this book.” Ladyhart

“If you want to know the ins and outs of writing—not just cozies but any writing—Nancy Cohen is a treasure chest of knowledge, from the structure of writing to the very important marketing of your book. Cohen is a master of promotion whether it is print media or social media and a super interesting lecturer and expert on the craft of writing. If you buy only one book to learn about what to do—or not to do with your writing—this is THE book.” Grendal

“Whether you are an aspiring writer who doesn’t know where to start, or an author with a draft in need of tuning up, this book provides the building blocks to create a solid cozy mystery. The first ten chapters address the different elements of a good story, such as setting, sleuth and suspense. Examples are included. The balance touches on everything from organizational tools to marketing tips. I found the chapters on the “Muddle in the Middle” and “Writing the Smart Synopsis” very helpful. It ends with a nice list of resources for the mystery writer. The tone is pragmatic and direct without being intimidating. I’d recommend for new or aspiring authors, and for public libraries of all sizes, especially those with active writing groups. I received a proof copy at the World Mystery Convention with a request for an honest review.” M.E. Hill

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