When I attended a virtual event hosted by my book cover designer, I expected to learn about the technical side of book cover design. What surprised me was how much the conversation focused on the connection between book covers and reader rewards. The designer shared how authors often come with a clear idea of what they want their covers to show. Usually, this reflects the vibe or a key element of their story. But as these authors publish more books and receive feedback from r

When I first started thinking about author branding, I faced a tough choice. I wanted a logo that reflected my personality—fun, colorful, and lively. But I also needed something serious and flexible enough to work across different book genres. Right now, I write cozy mysteries, but I’m also working on a traditional mystery series and might try historical fiction someday. Changing logos or reprinting materials every time I switch genres would be costly and confusing for reader

Traveling offers more than just a break from routine. For writers, especially those who enjoy cozy mysteries, it opens doors to fresh ideas, unique settings, and intriguing characters. As a writer and travel enthusiast myself, I’ve found that exploring new places sparks creativity in ways staying home never could. Let me share how travel can inspire your cozy mystery stories and help you craft engaging, authentic narratives. A sign for South Beach Discovering Unique Settings

Typewriter with text One of the most common questions writers ask is this: Which is better, self publishing or traditional publishing? The truth is that there is no universal right answer. The better option depends on your personality, goals, and season of life. For me, self publishing has been the right choice. Here are the main reasons why I chose to become a self published author. 1. Complete Creative Control The biggest advantage of self publishing is full creative contro

The Claire O' Keefe Mysteries When I created the Claire O’Keefe mysteries, I wanted to write mysteries that blended adventure, community, and heart in a way readers could truly connect with. My main character, Claire O’Keefe, is a little different from many cozy mystery heroines, but that’s part of what makes her so special. As the only child of a Korean mother and an American father, she grew up in northwest Arkansas surrounded by two rich cultures that shaped who she is tod

Writing a book can feel like standing at the edge of a vast ocean, staring at endless waves of possibilities and doubts. Many writers get stuck trying to craft the perfect story, convinced that every word must be flawless before they can share it with the world. I’ve been there myself, especially after writing four books in the Claire O’Keefe mysteries. The truth I’ve learned is simple: there is no perfect book . Instead of chasing perfection, writers should focus on telling

When you think of mystery writing, romantic comedies might not be the first place you look for inspiration. Yet, stepping outside my usual genre and diving into rom coms changed how I write mysteries in surprising ways. It might sound odd, but reading romantic comedies helped me improve my writing in three key areas: dialogue, pacing, and character development. This experience showed me that exploring different genres can offer valuable writing help, even if they seem unrelat

Publishing your book feels like reaching the summit after a long climb. You’ve poured your heart into writing, editing, and designing your cozy mystery, and now it’s out in the wild. But the journey doesn’t end here. If you want readers to find your book, you need to start marketing and promoting it. The transition from being a writer to a promoter can be awkward, but you owe it to yourself to give your work the attention it deserves after all the effort you invested. As a se

Writing a cozy mystery series has been a rewarding journey, especially because it allowed me to blend my real-life experience as an ESL teacher with my passion for storytelling. The phrase "Write what you know," often attributed to Mark Twain, truly guided me as I developed the Claire O' Keefe mysteries. Claire is an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teacher, a role close to my own, though I teach English as a Second Language (ESL). This connection gave me a solid foundatio

Reading books has shaped much of my life, offering new worlds, fresh ideas, and deep reflections. At the same time, writing my own books has been a journey filled with challenges and rewards. Along the way, I discovered that caring for myself as a writer is just as important as the creative process itself. In this post, I want to share my experiences with the books I have read, insights from my own writing, and practical tips on self-care that help sustain creativity and well