Writing the Cozy Mystery is a concise writing guide that describes step-by-step how to write a winning whodunit. Do you want to write a cozy mystery but don’t have a clue where to start? Or perhaps you’re already writing a series, and you need tips on how to keep your material fresh. Writing the Cozy Mystery is a handy reference guide that will help you develop your characters, establish the setting, plot the story, add suspense, plant clues, and solve the crime. This award-winning second edition contains examples from the author’s Bad Hair Day Mysteries along with writing exercises, marketing tips, advice on how to maintain your series, and special considerations for cozy authors. You’ll find everything you need to know in an easy-to-read, clear manner to write your own mystery and to refresh a long-running series. Recommended for cozy writers, mystery fans, and creative writing classes. Gold Award Winner in the FWA Royal Palm Literary Awards Gold Medal Winner in the FAPA President's Book Awards First Place Winner in TopShelf Magazine Book Awards Agatha Awards Finalist “If you want to write a cozy mystery—or really, any kind of mystery—this is the book for you! Everything you need to know in one handy volume.” Victoria Thompson, Bestselling Author of the Gaslight Mystery Series “If you are thinking about writing a cozy mystery, read this book first! Nancy lays out all the necessary steps in an interesting and informative way that is easy to follow. Highly recommended.” Catherine Bruns, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Cookies & Chance Mysteries “Nancy J. Cohen offers clear examples, practical writing exercises, and friendly advice designed to help the beginning cozy author start—and finish!—a saleable book. Even seasoned cozy writers can find helpful hints for building better characters and story.” Diane A.S. Stuckart, NY Times Bestselling Author of the Tarot Cats Mysteries "Nancy J. Cohen offers clear examples, practical writing exercises, and friendly advice designed to help the beginning cozy author start--and finish!--a saleable book. Even seasoned cozy writers can find helpful hints for building better characters and story." --Diane A.S. Stuckart, NY Times Bestselling Author of the Tarot Cats Mysteries "If you are thinking about writing a cozy mystery, read this book first! Nancy lays out all the necessary steps in an interesting and informative way that is easy to follow. This book was an invaluable tool when I wrote my first cozy. Highly recommended." Catherine Bruns, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Cookies & Chance Mysteries "If you want to write a cozy mystery--or really, any kind of mystery--this is the book for you! Everything you need to know in one handy volume." Victoria Thompson, Bestselling Author of the Gaslight Mystery Series "Too many writer's guides focus on style and how to write; but Nancy J. Cohen's Writing the Cozy Mystery: Expanded Second Edition doesn't limit itself to literary mechanics alone. This makes it a highly recommended pick for all levels of writers; from those who enjoy mysteries and need a clearer definition of 'cozy'and its applications to writers already well aware of the genre, but who need tips on how to sustain suspense or sprinkle believable clues throughout a cozy production." D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review "This edition is chock-full of writing knowledge from which any author would benefit, especially the mystery writer. I recommend this book to those that wish to write a mystery, or are feeling overwhelmed and clueless about the next steps in their draft. Complete with chapters on writing a synopsis and information on pitching your novel to agents and publishers, this book is an excellent resource for the mystery writer." 5 stars! Alyssa Elmore, Readers' Favorite I wrote this edition because of the many questions I received from readers of the first version. Questions such as these: Can I use real places? Does the crime have to be a murder? How many suspects are a good number? When should the dead body show up? How can you avoid police involvement? What is a Red Herring? Can serious issues be included in a cozy? All of these questions, plus many more, are addressed in this expanded volume.  Chapters Include: 1.  Defining the Genre 2.  World Building 3.  Creating the Sleuth 4.  A Web of Suspects 5.  Heightening Suspense 6.  Solving the Puzzle 7.  Muddle in the Middle 8.  Romance and Murder 9.  The Grand Finale 10. Series Continuity 11. Organizational Tools 12. Special Considerations 13. Keeping a Series Fresh 14. Writing the Smart Synopsis 15. Mystery Movies 16. Marketing Tips 17. Final Words 18. Resources Nancy J. Cohen writes the Bad Hair Day Mysteries featuring South Florida hairstylist Marla Vail. Titles in this series have been named Best Cozy Mystery by  Suspense Magazine , won a Readers Favorite Gold Medal, earned first place in the Chanticleer International Book Awards and third place in the Arizona Liter