Author Spotlight: Mindy Quigley

What inspired your first cozy mystery?

The Mount Moriah Mysteries, which have a young, female hospital chaplain as the sleuth, were inspired by my work with the hospital chaplains at Duke University Medical Center. Their jobs are fascinating, and that environment is very fertile ground for the kinds of life-and-death stakes involved in a murder mystery.

How do you research and create the cozy elements in your books (settings, community, etc.)?

I’m a historian by training, and married to a historian, so research comes pretty naturally to me. Sometimes it’s as easy as yelling across the room — “Hey Paul, would a woman have had the legal right to a divorce in North Carolina in 1870?” Often, I’ll lean on friends who have expertise in a particular field or domain of knowledge. I’m lucky to have a diverse set of friends!

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

I worked as a project manager for years, and that training is very relevant for writing a book. You have this big thing that needs to happen, and the only way to see it through to completion is to make regular, systematic progress toward your goal.

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

My agent once said that he thinks cozies should be a “vacation for the mind.” I think about that a lot. What would allow readers to really escape into this world? Things like relatable characters, humor, twisty plots, and delicious food descriptions.

How can readers connect with you online?

Signing up for my newsletter is a great way to stay in the loop: http://www.mindyquigley.com/contact/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/minty_fresh_books

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mintyfreshbooks

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7281258