Author Spotlight: Elizabeth Pantley
Bestselling Fiction & Non-Fiction Author
Elizabeth Pantley is the author of the Magical Mystery Book Club Series. Image credit: Elizabeth Pantley
Elizabeth Pantley is a bestselling author of fiction and non-fiction books. Her cozy mystery series include the Magical Mystery Book Club Series and the Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic Series. Elizabeth also wrote the international bestselling No-Cry Solution parenting book series, which is now available in over twenty languages.
Read more about the Magical Mystery Book Club Series
Read more about the Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic Series
Cozy Crime Reads Interview with Elizabeth Pantley
What attracted you to the cozy mystery genre?
When I first moved from writing nonfiction to fiction, I did what everyone recommends: Write what you read. I love cozies – especially those with a paranormal element, so that’s what started my journey.
What are a few of the essential elements that make a cozy stand out to you as a reader?
I love books that draw you in and create a movie in your head. Books that give enough world building that I can see the setting. I also love stories with memorable characters. Those who are interesting or funny. And of course, mysteries – those without gory details but with a great who-done-it to solve.
What inspired your first cozy mystery?
It’s quite odd, but stories just pop into my head! A kernel of an idea first appears and quickly blossoms into a full story. I think about it often for a few weeks, and It’s like watching a movie being created in my mind.
Puzzles and Premieres by Elizabeth Pantley
How do you research and create the "cozy" elements in your books, like the settings and community?
I like to set my books in places I have been – it makes it easier to build a world that feels real. I set one book in a magical theme park, because I love Disneyland and have been there many times!
My most recent book, Puzzles and Premieres, was inspired by my trip to the Sundance Film Festival, where my movie producer daughter had a movie premiere. It was an amazing epic event, and I just knew that the book club had to go to a film festival in a ski town! Her movie won a coveted Sundance award, and it will be in theaters next fall! Since I was invited to the Red Carpet, backstage, and the After Party, I was able to experience it all firsthand - which made a really fun book setting. There was no murder mystery to solve when I was there (thank heavens!), but you can bet that the book club will be immersed in one!
What is one key step in your writing process that helps you transform an idea into a finished book?
One of the first things I do is make a character list. Then I go online and search for pictures that match the people (or paranormal beings!) in my head. I also search for photos that feel like the setting I have in mind. I make cards and post them on my wall so I can “see” the people and places in the story.
Books 1-10 in the Practical Magic Mystery Club Series
What advice would you give aspiring cozy mystery authors who want to start writing their first novel?
Stephen King said it best. He said, "to be a good writer one must read a lot and write a lot." That’s the best advice I’ve ever heard. I think I read several hundred mysteries before I wrote my first one, and continue to read and write every day.
How can readers connect with you online?
I have a brand-new website in the works! In the meantime, you can reach me in these places, and I’ll share the new address as soon as I have it.
Elizabeth Pantley Mystery Bookshelf
Use the arrows on either side of the image below to see Elizabeth Pantley’s cozy mystery books.
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