Writing the Cozy Mystery: Expanded Second Edition

Writing the Cozy Mystery is a concise writing guide that describes step-by-step how to write a winning whodunit.
Do you want to write a cozy mystery but don't have a clue where to start? Or perhaps you're already writing a series, and you need tips on how to keep your material fresh. Writing the Cozy Mystery is a handy reference guide that will help you develop your characters, establish the setting, plot the story, add suspense, plant clues, and solve the crime.
This award-winning second edition contains examples from the author's Bad Hair Day Mysteries along with writing exercises, marketing tips, advice on how to maintain your series, and special considerations for cozy authors. You'll find everything you need to know in an easy-to-read, clear manner to write your own mystery and to refresh a long-running series. Recommended for cozy writers, mystery fans, and creative writing classes.
Gold Award Winner in the FWA Royal Palm Literary Awards
Gold Medal Winner in the FAPA President's Book Awards
First Place Winner in TopShelf Magazine Book Awards
Agatha Awards Finalist
"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
"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. Highly recommended." Catherine Bruns, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Cookies & Chance Mysteries
"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, NY Times Bestselling Author of the Tarot Cats Mysteries

Nancy J. Cohen writes the Bad Hair Day Mysteries featuring South Florida hairstylist Marla Vail. Titles in this series have been named Best Cozy Mystery by Suspense Magazine, won the Readers' Favorite Book Awards and the RONE Award, placed first in the Chanticleer International Book Awards and third in the Arizona Literary Awards.
Her nonfiction titles, Writing the Cozy Mystery and A Bad Hair Day Cookbook, have earned gold medals in the FAPA President's Book Awards and the Royal Palm Literary Awards, First Place in the IAN Book of the Year Awards and the Topshelf Magazine Book Awards. Writing the Cozy Mystery was also an Agatha Award Finalist.
Nancy's imaginative romances have proven popular with fans as well. These books have won the HOLT Medallion and Best Book in Romantic SciFi/Fantasy at The Romance Reviews.
A featured speaker at libraries, conferences, and community events, Nancy is listed in Contemporary Authors, Poets & Writers, and Who's Who in U.S. Writers, Editors, & Poets. She is a past president of Florida Romance Writers and the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America. When not busy writing, Nancy enjoys reading, fine dining, cruising, and visiting Disney World.