Author Spotlight: Julie Mulhern

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

Since my mysteries are set in the 1970s, I invested in back issues of Gourmet Magazine and Architectural Digest. If I need inspiration for a menu or a living room, I go to my magazines. The setting for my books is my hometown, Kansas City, Missouri, and the Country Club District (including The Country Club Plaza). Ellison, my heroine, spends much of her time at her country club. For those who don’t belong to a club, I hope that the books offer a peek behind the curtain.

Ellison’s life centers around her family—most especially her daughter and her controlling, nose-in-the-air mother (think the Gilmore Girls with murder). To that, add a best friend with a penchant for bad men and martinis, a handsome detective, a handsome lawyer, a housekeeper we’d all love to have, and a unique relationship with Mr. Coffee.

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

Difficult question, because it’s different for every book. Sometimes I start with the murder (no clue whodunnit). Sometimes I start with the murderer. Sometimes I wander into the mist and cross my fingers that it will work out in the end.

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

Read widely. Identify what you like and figure out why you like it. Then, write. Join a writing group and hone your craft. Write more (most successful authors have a book or two hidden on an old hard drive). Find critique partners. Write even more. Develop your writer’s voice. When you’re done, you’ll have a book you can be proud of.

How can readers connect with you online?

• JulieMulhernAuthor.com

• Julie K Mulhern on Facebook

• CountryClubMurders on Instagram

Julie Mulhern Mystery Bookshelf

Use the arrows on each side of the book to see Julie Mulhern’s mysteries. Click on the book to see a description and reviews on Amazon.