J.C. Keough

Paranormal Mystery Author

I Should Be Writing

Plotting Like a Detective: Unraveling the Threads of Cozy Mysteries

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Welcome to the mysterious world of cozy mysteries, where the tea is hot, the crimes are cold, and the amateur detectives are always one step ahead (or at least they think they are). Today, we’re delving into the intricate art of plotting like a detective in the cozy mystery genre. Grab your magnifying glass and your favorite cozy blanket, because we’re about to uncover the secrets behind crafting a plot that’s as puzzling as it is entertaining.

Chapter 1: The Quirky Setting

Every good cozy mystery begins with a setting so quaint and charming that you almost forget there’s a murder about to happen. Whether it’s a picturesque village, a bustling bookstore, or a knitting club with more drama than a soap opera, the setting is key. Just remember, the more eccentric the setting, the better. A yarn store where someone gets strangled with a particularly fluffy skein? Now, that’s a cozy mystery waiting to happen.

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Cozy Writing Spaces: Where Wine, Cheese, and Witches Collide in the Perfect Mystical Nook

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Hey Y’all!

This is another blog for my fellow story conjurers. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blank page, desperately seeking inspiration for your mysteries, fear not! Today, we embark on a quest to uncover the secrets of creating the ultimate cozy writing space—a place where the magic happens, quite literally.

Enchanting Ambiance:

Step into your writing lair and let the enchantment begin. Dim the lights, toss in some fairy lights for that whimsical touch, and sprinkle a pinch of stardust around (metaphorically speaking, of course). The goal is to transport yourself to a realm where your mysteries unfold like ancient scrolls being unraveled by mischievous woodland creatures.

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The Magic of Beginnings: Crafting Unforgettable Introductions in Urban Fantasy

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Abracadabra and Supernatural Shenanigans: Crafting Hilarious Kickoffs in Urban Fantasy

In the quirky universe of Urban Fantasy, where vampires can’t resist a good Merlot and werewolves have a knack for bad traffic days, nailing the first chapter is like casting a spell with a side of laughter. Join me on a journey into the comedic cosmos of Urban Fantasy, where the magic of beginnings is sprinkled with humor and a dash of the unexpected.

Summon the Supernatural at the Wine Bar:

 Urban Fantasy loves to mess with the mundane. Picture a sorcerer arguing with a self-checkout machine over the price of potion ingredients or a vampire trying to blend in at the dog park. Bringing the supernatural into everyday scenarios not only tickles the funny bone but also hooks readers by making them wonder, “What if my local wine bar is secretly a supernatural hangout?”

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New Year, New Adventures: Setting Writing Goals and Sticking to Them

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Ah, the start of a new year—a time for fresh beginnings, renewed motivation, and a stack of untouched notebooks that I promised myself I’d fill with profound thoughts. Yes, it’s that time when I dust off my keyboard, sharpen my pencils (metaphorically, of course, who uses pencils anymore?), and set writing goals that I swear I’ll stick to this year.

Goal #1: Write Every Day

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, I proudly declare, “This year, I will write every single day, no excuses!” Fast forward to January 2nd, and I’ll find myself binge-watching dog videos on YouTube, convinced that I’ll find inspiration in the way Rover destroys a squeaky ball. 

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National Novel Writing Month 2023

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Hey there, fellow aspiring novelists and occasional daydreamers! Have you ever sat down with your glass of wine in a cozy wine bar, looked out the window, and thought, “You know what? I could totally write a book!” Sure, we’ve all been there. It seems like a piece of cake until you’re staring at a blank page, trying to figure out how to start your epic masterpiece.

Well, fear not, because November is here, and with it comes National Novel Writing Month, or as it’s more commonly known, NaNoWriMo. It’s that magical time of year when writers from all walks of life gather to take on the daunting challenge of writing a 50,000-word novel in just 30 days. Yes, you read that right. It’s like a literary marathon for the creative soul.

NaNoWriMo was what finally got me to sit down and start writing after years of dreaming about it. I decided to dive into this wild adventure in 2016, and guess what? I managed to write 70,000 words, nearly eighty percent of the first draft of my very first book, Dying in Dallas, during NaNoWriMo. While the title might sound ominous, the experience was a rollercoaster of hilarity and heartbreak. Let’s just say that I might have written myself into a corner or two and left my characters in some questionable situations. It took me nearly four years to get Dying in Dallas to the point where I could publish it, but without NaNoWriMo to give me the initial push, it might never have seen the light.

So, for all you brave souls gearing up for this literary sprint, I’ve got five quick tips to help you prepare for and conquer NaNoWriMo:

  1. Carve Out Time to Write: Make sure you set aside dedicated writing time in your busy schedule. NaNoWriMo is all about consistency, so find your daily writing slot and stick to it.
  2. Plan Ahead, but Not Too Much: Some writers are meticulous planners, while others are pantsters – they fly by the seat of their pants. Find your balance. An outline can help, but leave room for spontaneity.
  3. Go for a Walk: If you get stuck, take a stroll, and let your mind wander. Trust me, some of my best ideas pop up when I’m meandering around the neighborhood or a forest trail.
  4. Join a Supportive Community: The NaNoWriMo community is an incredible resource. Connect with fellow writers, attend local write-ins, and find your writing tribe for encouragement and a healthy dose of humor.
  5. Stock Up on Wine: Forget the wine flights – you’re going to need a well-stocked cellar to keep those creative juices flowing. Your local winery is about to become your second home. You didn’t think I was going to leave wine out of this, did you? Silly, silly writers. Hemingway always said, “write drunk, edit sober.”

Remember, NaNoWriMo is all about fun and the sheer joy of writing. So, whether you finish with a literary masterpiece or a novel that’s basically a giant plot hole, it’s all good. The journey is the destination, and you’ll have an adventure that’s worthy of its own book someday.

So, grab that laptop, a fresh notebook, and your trusty pen, and let the writing commence! This November, you’ve got 50,000 words to conquer, and I believe in you.

This NaNoWriMo I’ll be focused on finishing the first draft of Whining in Wolfland. This will be my second November with that as my goal. Hey, some NaNoWriMos go better than others. I hope you’ll join me with whatever novel you have banging around in your head.

Happy NaNoWriMo, my fellow word-wranglers!

May your wine glass be full and your muse ever so slightly tipsy.

June Mysteries: Unraveling the Secrets with Female Sleuths – A Cozy eBook Giveaway!

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Calling all mystery lovers! Get ready to embark on thrilling adventures, solve captivating puzzles, and dive into the enigmatic world of cozy mysteries and female sleuths. This June, we have an exciting treat for you. Introducing the “June Mysteries: Unraveling the Secrets with Women Sleuths – A Cozy eBook Giveaway!” Get your detective instincts ready as we bring you a collection of gripping eBooks in the Cozy Mystery genre, featuring remarkable female protagonists who are about to crack some intriguing cases.

What’s the Buzz About?

Picture yourself curled up in a cozy nook, engrossed in a captivating mystery novel. Now, imagine that experience multiplied by a whole collection of thrilling tales, all at your fingertips. Our June Mysteries eBook Giveaway offers you the perfect opportunity to discover new authors, delve into intriguing plots, and accompany talented women sleuths on their daring quests for truth and justice.

What Can You Expect?

  1. A Treasure Trove of Cozy Mysteries: Step into a world where small towns, picturesque settings, and charismatic characters come together to form the backdrop for compelling mysteries. Prepare to be immersed in cozy atmospheres and join our clever women sleuths as they untangle intricate webs of secrets.
  2. Diverse Range of Women Sleuths: Meet a diverse cast of formidable women detectives, each with their own unique strengths, skills, and personalities. From seasoned professionals to amateur investigators, these female protagonists will captivate you with their wit, intelligence, and determination to solve the most baffling cases.
  3. Twists, Turns, and Page-Turning Suspense: Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of suspense, as our hand-picked selection of eBooks will keep you guessing until the very last page. Experience heart-pounding moments, unexpected plot twists, and nail-biting suspense that will leave you hungry for more.
  4. Engaging Plotlines and Rich Settings: Immerse yourself in the intricately crafted worlds of these cozy mysteries. From quaint bookstores to charming cafes, from charming coastal towns to historical landmarks, these stories will transport you to captivating settings that add an extra layer of allure to the overall reading experience.

How to Participate:

Participating in our June Mysteries eBook Giveaway is a breeze. Simply follow these easy steps:

  1. Visit our website during the giveaway period (June 1st to June 30th) and navigate to the eBook giveaway page.
  2. Browse through the extensive range of cozy mysteries, select your favorites, and download them in popular eBook formats compatible with your e-reader or device.
  3. Share the news about our giveaway on social media using the hashtag #JuneMysteries to spread the joy of reading among your fellow mystery enthusiasts.

Conclusion:

Get ready to immerse yourself in the enthralling world of cozy mysteries and female sleuths this June. With our “June Mysteries: Unraveling the Secrets with Female Sleuths – A Cozy eBook Giveaway,” you can embark on thrilling journeys, solve perplexing puzzles, and experience the sheer delight of reading captivating mysteries. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to explore new authors, discover remarkable female protagonists, and uncover the hidden secrets that lie within the pages of these engaging eBooks. Mark your calendars and prepare to unravel the mysteries this June!