Brewing Up Cozy Mysteries and Self Editing

Welcome to today’s episode. As we get nearer to Halloween, my craft segment this week is timely, given I’ll be talking about spooky mysteries, and the world of paranormal cozies.

In personal writing news, I have just received my fifth book in my cozy mystery series back from my editor, and I’m working through her comments, and revising my story. Then I’ll send it back for a second edit and then proof reading before sending it out to the world.

I have always believed copy-editing and proofing are best left to the professionals. But I do my own developmental editing, before sending my book to some trusty first readers (beta readers) for feedback.

So, what exactly is developmental editing, and how can you tackle it on your own? In a nutshell, developmental editing is all about the big picture. It's not about fixing typos or polishing your prose (that comes later!), but rather about making sure your story is structurally sound, your characters are well-developed, and your pacing keeps readers turning those pages.

Here are my tips.

First, take a break from your book. I know, I know—you're excited to get your book out there. And I must confess, I find this hard too.  But trust me, taking a step back from your manuscript after you've finished that first draft is essential. Give yourself some time and distance from your story, so you can come back to it with fresh eyes and a clear head. Go for a walk, binge-watch that show everyone's been talking about, or even work on a different project for a bit. When you come back to your book, you'll be amazed at how much more clearly you can see its strengths and weaknesses.

Then, read your book like a reader. Read it all the way through. Pretend you've never seen this story before and read it from start to finish without stopping to make notes or corrections. As you read, pay attention to your own reactions. Are there parts that feel slow or boring? Are there characters that feel flat or underdeveloped? Are there plot points that don't quite make sense or feel unearned? Make a mental note of these issues but resist the urge to fix them just yet.

When you have done that, map out your plot. Now that you've read your book with fresh eyes, it's time to get down to the nitty-gritty of developmental editing. One of the best ways to do this is to create a detailed outline or plot map of your story. Break down your book into its major plot points and track your characters' arcs and development throughout the story. This will help you see the big picture more clearly and identify any areas where your plot might be sagging or your characters might be acting out of, well, character.

Pacing is another crucial element of developmental editing. You want your story to move at a compelling, page-turning pace, without feeling rushed or bogged down in unnecessary details. Take a hard look at your plot map and identify any areas where the pacing feels off. Are there scenes that could be cut or condensed? Are there moments where you need to slow down and let your characters (and readers) catch their breath? Don't be afraid to be ruthless here—if a scene isn't serving your story, it's got to go. In fact, every scene should do a job. It should move your story forward in some way. If there are scenes which are just adding description or needless backstory, then cut them.

Your characters are the heart and soul of your story, so it's essential to make sure they're as well-developed and compelling as possible. Take a close look at each of your major characters and ask yourself some tough questions. Are they fully realized, three-dimensional people with their own goals, motivations, and flaws? Do their actions and choices feel authentic and consistent throughout the story?

Although developmental editing isn't about polishing your prose, it's a good idea to keep an eye out for any glaring issues with your writing style or technique. Are you overusing certain words or phrases? Are your sentences clunky or confusing? Are you showing instead of telling? Make note of these issues, but don't get bogged down in fixing them just yet. Remember, the goal here is to focus on the big picture, not to get lost in the weeds of line editing.

Only when you've gone through your book with a fine-toothed developmental comb, is it time to bring in some outside perspectives. Reach out to a few trusted readers—whether that's critique partners, writing group members, or just friends and family with a keen eye for story—and ask them to give your book a read. Be specific about the kind of feedback you're looking for and be open to their suggestions and critiques. Remember, the goal here isn't to have your ego stroked, but to make your book the best it can be.

Armed with feedback from your trusted readers and your own self-editing insights, it's time to dive into revisions. This is where the real magic happens. Don't be afraid to make big, bold changes to your story—if a character needs to be cut or a plot point needs to be reworked, do it. But also, don't feel like you must accept every suggestion or critique. At the end of the day, this is your book, and you must feel good about the changes you're making.

Finally, there comes a point in every writer's journey where you must know when to let go. You could tinker with your book forever, but at some point, you must trust that you've done the work and it's ready for the next step. So, take a deep breath, give your manuscript one last loving polish, and send it off to your copyeditor with pride.

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Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble – I love the enchanting world of paranormal cozy mysteries, where small-town charm meets otherworldly intrigue. They are so much fun, to read and to write. If you are ready to conjure up your cast of quirky characters and spooky suspects, it’s time to talk about what readers expect from this bewitching genre.

First things first, let's define our terms. A paranormal cozy mystery is a delightful blend of two beloved genres: the cozy mystery, with its charming settings, amateur sleuths, and focus on puzzle-solving over graphic violence; and the paranormal genre, with its supernatural elements, magical creatures, and things that go bump in the night. When you mix these two together, you get a recipe for a fun, slightly spooky mystery that's perfect for readers who like their whodunits with a side of whimsy.

So, what are some of the key tropes and reader expectations you should keep in mind as you craft your paranormal cozy?

One of the hallmarks of the cozy mystery genre is its focus on charming, often small-town settings. Think quaint villages, picturesque hamlets, and tight-knit communities where everyone knows everyone else's business. In a paranormal cozy, this setting might have a supernatural twist—maybe it's a town known for its ghostly hauntings, or a village populated by witches and warlocks. Whatever the case, your setting should feel like a character in its own right, with its own quirks, secrets, and supernatural shenanigans.At the heart of every cozy mystery is an amateur sleuth—often a woman, and often with a quirky hobby or profession that somehow aids in her sleuthing. In a paranormal cozy, your sleuth might have a supernatural edge, like the ability to see ghosts or read minds. Or maybe she's a witch who uses her magic to solve crimes, or a vampire with a nose for mystery. Whatever her supernatural skills, your sleuth should be relatable, likable, and tenacious in her pursuit of the truth.

In a paranormal cozy, your supporting cast is just as important as your sleuth. Readers expect a colorful cast of quirky characters, each with their own unique personality and supernatural abilities. Maybe your sleuth's best friend is a sassy ghost who helps her solve crimes, or her love interest is a brooding werewolf with a heart of gold. Don't be afraid to lean into the supernatural elements here—readers of paranormal cozies love a good magical twist!

While paranormal cozies do deal with murder and mayhem, they tend to keep things on the lighter side. Readers expect a mystery that's engaging and puzzling, but not too dark or violent. Think more "whodunit" than "gory details." Keep the focus on the clues, the characters, and the supernatural elements, and let the murder itself take a backseat.

Many cozy mysteries feature a touch of romance, and paranormal cozies are no exception. Readers love a good love interest for their sleuth, whether it's a charming ghost, a handsome vampire, or a mortal with a knack for getting into supernatural shenanigans. Just keep the romance sweet and PG-rated—cozy readers aren't looking for steamy, explicit scenes. Think Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

Readers of paranormal cozies want a satisfying resolution to the mystery at hand. They want to see the clues come together, the supernatural elements explained (at least somewhat), and the bad guy brought to justice. Don't be afraid to throw in a few red herrings and plot twists along the way, but make sure everything ties together in a way that feels earned and satisfying.

One of the joys of paranormal cozies is the way they blend supernatural elements with a dash of humor. Readers love a sleuth who can crack a joke while casting a spell, or a ghost who's more concerned with fashion than frightening. Don't be afraid to inject some levity into your mystery—it'll keep readers turning pages with a smile.

Many cozy mysteries are part of a larger series, and paranormal cozies are no exception. Readers love following their favorite supernatural sleuths from one mystery to the next, watching their relationships evolve and their powers grow. As you craft your paranormal cozy, think about how you can set up a larger series arc—maybe your sleuth has a bigger supernatural mystery to solve, or a recurring villain to battle. Give readers a reason to keep coming back for more.

And that’s all for today. Tune in for Wednesday’s Midweek Murder Motivation, where I’ll revisit Red Herrings.