Author Spotlight: Ashley Brandt

Ashley Brandt is an award-winning author who writes mysteries and paranormal stories. The first book in her Fairhope Murder Mystery series is Dye By Design. It features a bookish amateur sleuth and a sharp-tongued fashion designer sidekick who just happens to be a ghost.

Cozy Crime Reads Interview with Ashley Brandt

What attracted you to the cozy mystery genre?

I enjoy cozy mysteries for their engaging plots and colorful, relatable characters. I prefer mystery and charm rather than graphic violence or explicit content.

What are a few of the essential elements that make a cozy stand out to you as a reader?

As a reader, I enjoy charming settings and quirky characters! I am a sucker for a good paranormal twist.

Do you have a favorite amateur sleuth?

Hands down, my favorite amateur sleuth is Aurora Teagarden of the Aurora Teagarden series by Charlaine Harris. Born and raised in Georgia, Aurora is a level-headed woman with a sense of humor, a love of books, and strong ties to her community.

What inspired your first cozy mystery?

Having read cozy mysteries for over half of my life, I have found a certain comfort within their pages. I wanted to create something similar to that experience; I wanted to paint my own charming corner of the world, with its own quirky and lovable characters, and weave my own mystery.

How do you research and create the "cozy" elements in your books, like the settings and community?

When I am writing a cozy mystery with a real-world setting, I do extensive research on the location. Sometimes it is a place that I have personally visited; otherwise, I do internet research, including images, maps, distances from one place to another, local businesses and public buildings, population, etc.

What is one key step in your writing process that helps you transform an idea into a finished book?

A key component to the writing process is solid character development. It is important to create characters with unique characteristics and idiosyncrasies that are relatable and interesting to readers and do not distract from the main story line.

What advice would you give aspiring cozy mystery authors who want to start writing their first novel?

Writing a novel is a long and involved process. You can expect to encounter writer’s block, weather dozens of hours editing, and critique of your work. You will encounter rejection and hit walls. Keep going. Remember to keep your expectations realistic and manageable and celebrate your wins. Afterall, not everyone who decides to write and publish a book actually does it!

How can readers connect with you online?

I love hearing from my readers!

• My website is: ashleybrandtbooks.com

• My Instagram handle is: Ashley.brandt.9461

• My Tiktok Handle is: authorashleybrandt

• Or, if you’d like to send an email: ashleybrandtbooks@gmail.com