Author Spotlight: Sydney Leigh

Author of Peril in Pink and Instagoner

Sydney Leigh is the author of Peril in Pink and Instagoner. Image credit: Sydney Leigh

Sydney Leigh is the author of Peril in Pink, the first book in the Hudson Valley B&B Mystery Series, and Instagoner, the first book in the Bark and Blog Mystery Series.

Cozy Crime Reads Interview with Sydney Leigh

What attracted you to the cozy mystery genre?

It was the title of a book that first caught my attention. I still remember it and it still makes me laugh--it was Rita Mae Brown (& Sneaky Pie Brown), Murder, She Meowed. My sister was reading it when we were on vacation and I snatched it right out of her hands. I was smitten!

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

I love banter between characters and I love a good setting.

Do you have a favorite amateur sleuth?

Jessica Fletcher has always been my number one. While some kids in the classroom wanted to be sports stars, pop idols, or superheroes, I wanted to be JB Fletcher.

What inspired your first cozy mystery?

During the pandemic I binge watched a documentary series called "Motel Makeover" on Netflix. It was about two best friends that traded in their day jobs to buy an old motel and turn it into a pink-doored trendy motel that appealed primarily to women. Instantly I knew it would have to be my setting.

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

I work part-time at a consignment shop in a small lakeside town on the shores of Lake Ontario. It's like living in a cozy without the murder(!) and helps me tremendously with characters and setting. The strong sense of community is essential.

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

As simple as it sounds, it's all about sitting down and diving in. I also like to take breaks between my drafts and read my work out loud. A friend of mine sends her drafts to her e-reader. I think both are great.

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

I think coming up with an amateur sleuth you enjoy writing helps. The more you know the characters, the more you know how they'd react in any given situation. But truly, the biggest thing for me is just starting to write. Maybe try setting a timer for 30-minute periods and see what you can get done.

How can readers connect with you online?

I'm usually lurking on Instagram. It's my favorite social media platform and am always happy to connect with readers. (Connect with Sydney Leigh on Instagram)

Sydney Leigh Mystery Bookshelf

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

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