Author Spotlight: Carmela Dutra

What inspired your first cozy mystery?

Funny enough, it was actually a suggestion from a few literary agents I queried. I had spent seven years writing and illustrating children’s picture books before deciding to try something bigger. I wrote a sci-fi novel, and while some agents loved the voice, they all gave similar feedback: the story had too much comedy, the pacing was off, and I kept veering toward mystery instead of science fiction. A few agents said my voice was a perfect fit for a rom-com or cozy mystery. That suggestion was a lightbulb moment—I’m not sure why I hadn’t thought of it before! Roughly 80% of the books on my bookshelf are mystery novels and related genres. Those are my comfort reads, and writing one felt like coming home.

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

When I decided to write my food truck mystery series, I knew it would center around a pair of twins who run a business together. The main characters, Beth and Seth Lloyd, were inspired by memories of my grandmother and her identical twin sister. I wanted to capture that special bond—equal parts heartwarming and hilarious—and build a mystery around it.

The town of Clementine is fictional, but I wanted it to feel like a real small town nestled in the heart of the California Bay Area. I was born and raised in the Bay Area, and now I’m raising my two sons here, so this region is deeply rooted in my storytelling. The food truck culture here is vibrant and such a big part of daily life. It felt like the perfect and unique hook for my cozy series—something both fun and authentic to my experience. Researching it was easy (especially the eating part!), and I also kept a journal while reading and watching other mysteries, tracking red herrings, clues, and narrative twists to help me better understand what makes a compelling whodunit. That practice really helped me map out my first cozy mystery and build a believable, puzzle-filled plot.

Bay Area food trucks. Image credit: Carmela Dutra

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

Plotting. Learning how to plot effectively was a game-changer for me. It’s made drafting so much faster and helps me stay on top of loose threads, character arcs, and side plots. I used to write by the seat of my pants, but having a clear roadmap lets me write with more confidence and purpose.

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

Just sit down and start writing. Don’t worry about making it perfect—your first draft is meant to be messy. The important thing is to get the words on the page so you have something to shape and refine.

And just as important: to be a good writer, you must be a good reader. If you want to write cozy mysteries, immerse yourself in the genre. Pick up a few cozies and pay attention to the tone, the stakes, and how the small-town community plays a vital role in the story. See how authors plant clues, introduce red herrings, and build lovable (and sometimes quirky) supporting casts. The more you read, the better you’ll understand what readers love—and what you love—about the genre.

Also, if you plan to publish, especially traditionally, expect rejections and setbacks. I received 197 rejections before signing with my agent, and every single one taught me something valuable. Writing isn’t easy, but there are moments of real joy in the process. Celebrate those moments when they come. You’ve earned them. I always celebrate with my favorite Chinese takeout, and I highly recommend doing the same.

How can readers connect with you online?

You can find me at carmeladutra.com. On my website, I share a helpful blog series for writers called An Author’s Guide to Querying. It’s a step-by-step look at what querying means, how to research agents, write a strong query letter, handle rejections, and more—all based on what I learned during my own three-year querying journey. I also love connecting with readers and fellow writers on social media! I’m active on Instagram and Threads @authorcarmela, and on Facebook @authorcarmeladutra.

A Murder Most Fowl

A Murder Most Fowl is the first book in the Food Truck Mystery Series by Carmela Dutra.

This humorous cozy mystery features twins Beth and Seth Lloyd, who inherit a chicken-themed food truck from their late aunt Dolly.

They sign their truck, Kluckin’ Good, up for a cooking competition show. The competition heats up when one of the contestants ends up dead.

The twins decide to investigate with the help of their assistant.