Your Genre

I got to thinking today about why I write in the genre that I do, I decided:

One, I write mostly cozies because I'm a scaredy cat. Cozies are just scary enough to keep me intrigued, but still able to sleep at night.

Two, I love solving a good mystery. The more twists and turns the better (as long as the reader can keep up and it all makes sense).

Three, because they're like the Utopian of genres. Bad things happen, but in the end everything is going to be okay because that's the way the world is. Every loose thread is tied up into a pretty little package. Justice is served.

Four, I love writing in themes. Beauty Secrets of course is a beauty-themed cozie, which means I get to talk about lipstick, style trends and murder all in the same book!

Fifth, not only do I love writing cozies, but I love reading them. I'm a firm believer that you should read what you write. If you don't, you won't know what's out there and what the current market trends are. You have to stay one step ahead in publishing (or try to) and knowing what's on the market is one way to do that.

So what about you? Why do you write the genre that you do?

Jumpin' on the Bandwagon

I finally did it. Numerous people told me to read the Sookie Stackhouse novels, AKA TrueBlood, and after years of putting it off, I finally did. And guess what? I liked them. A lot.

Why did I wait so long to read them? Well, every now and then I like to thumb my nose at pop culture. You know, read the lesser known authors, ignore the masses.

What about you? Is there a book you took forever to read (for whatever reason) and then low and behold, you read it and liked it?

I Love Food

Reading everyone's Happy Posts have led to me realize that us writers really love food, especially CHEESE! and SUGAR!!!

This of course got me to thinking about my own writer diet, which is very unhealthy, but oh so enjoyable. For example, I eat chocolate ice cream while querying agents. It takes the sting out of rejection and makes the process slightly enjoyable. Edy's Double Churn Chocolate is my fav.

Second example, Nerds always make the day taste sweeter. I totally love crunching on the sugary candy while editing. Writing not so much, as inevitably a few are bound to drop into the keyboard and put a funk in my day. My currently handicapped space bar can attest to that.

And who could forget frosting? I have yet to meet a flavor I did not like.

Thank heavens for gym memberships and willpower. After all, we can't eat too much, right? I mean, we all have to look hot for our book tours and pub photos!

Okay, so what about you? Any favorite foods that I missed out on? Care to share your foodie obsession?

Cheers to you--I'm off to scope out the fridge...

Can I Get An Opinion Here?

Series - have you ever written one? They tend to be my favorite to read and write because once I meet a character, I hang on and don't let go until the. very. last. page.

Sounds all poetic, doesn't it? But is that really practical from a writing standpoint? Especially for an un-agented writer like moi?

I think I remember reading somewhere that Janet Evanovich doesn't recommend it - not until the first book sells. Which technically makes sense. Why would you write a sequel if the the first book hasn't sold yet? Duh. Who cares if you love the characters and the plot?!

But...But...

But what do you guys think?

In case you can't tell, I'm itching to start a new WIP. I've done just about all I can with BEAUTY SECRETS and I'm looking to spark my creativity again with a new novel. I've tentatively titled BS's (nice acronym) sequel LIP GLOSS & LIES - and I already have it outlined, but I haven't written a single scene yet.

So, before I dash off to write a the next greatest novel, I'd thought I'd get your opinion. You tell me, write a sequel or start something new?