The Writer's Snug

Welcome to the quirkiest corner of the internet! The Writer's Snug is like your favorite pub's cozy snug, where laughter flows as freely as wine and pints, and writing tips are sprinkled with a touch of urban fantasy and cozy mystery charm. Join us for a laid-back literary adventure where we explore writing tools, spin tales of whimsy, and unleash the power of irreverent creativity. From the click-clack of a whimsical quill to the warmth of a snug blanket fort, our blog is your refuge for all things funny, fuzzy (yes, we're talking about dogs), and fantastically wordy. Grab a glass of your favorite beverage, snuggle up, and let the chuckles begin!" 🍷🐾✨

Fantasy vs. Reality: Balancing the Supernatural in Urban Fantasy

by J.C. Keough Leave a Comment

Working Title: How I Accidentally Summoned a Hipster Werewolf

Once upon a time in the bustling city of Imaginationville, I embarked on a quest to explore the fine line between fantasy and reality in the realm of urban fantasy. Armed with a not-so-magic pen and a caffeinated beverage that promised enlightenment (but mostly just kept me awake), I delved into the mystical world where skyscrapers cast shadows on magical alleyways, and ordinary people discovered they had extraordinary abilities.

Supernatural Beings

First on the agenda: supernatural beings. In fantasy novels, you’d expect to encounter mysterious vampires, fierce werewolves, and elusive fairies. In reality, however, my attempt at summoning a supernatural being resulted in a perplexed hipster with fangs, sporting a plaid cape and carrying a reusable blood bag. Note to self: vampires in Imaginationville prefer ethically sourced nourishment.

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Plotting Like a Detective: Unraveling the Threads of Cozy Mysteries

by J.C. Keough Leave a Comment

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

by J.C. Keough Leave a Comment

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

by J.C. Keough Leave a Comment

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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The Magic of Writing Tools

by J.C. Keough Leave a Comment

Hey Y’all!

Today, I’m lifting the veil on the magical arsenal that transforms my humble musings into into published novels. So, grab your quills and parchment, because we’re diving into the enchanting world of my favorite writing tools.

FYI – This post has affiliate links. If you click on the link and buy something, I get a minuscule percentage of the purchase price. I have used each of the products in this post for at least a year, several of them for four or five. I am not an affiliate for or writing about these products because I’m getting paid, but because I use them and love them.

Apple MacBook Pro – My Trusty Spellbook:

Ah, the MacBook Pro, my modern-day parchment! Its sleek aluminum casing and radiant Retina display make me feel like a wizard casting spells with every keystroke. Plus, the touch bar adds a touch of sorcery to my writing routine – I like to think of it as my personal magic wand.

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The Writer’s Snug

by J.C. Keough Leave a Comment

Welcome to the quirkiest corner of the internet! The Writer’s Snug is like your favorite pub’s snug, where laughter flows as freely as wine and pints, and writing tips are sprinkled with a touch of urban fantasy and cozy mystery charm. Join us for a laid-back literary adventure where we explore writing tools, spin tales of whimsy, and unleash the power of irreverent creativity. From the click-clack of a whimsical quill to the warmth of a snug blanket fort, our blog is your refuge for all things funny, fuzzy (yes, we’re talking about dogs), and fantastically wordy. Grab a glass of your vino, snuggle up, and let the chuckles begin!” 🍷🐾✨

JTre

Cheese Louise: Cheese Louise Cozy Mystery Book One: Good read I enjoyed reading Cheese Louise. It is a fun murder mystery that keeps you entertained and wondering who the killer is. There are many suspects in the book, but the real killer is not who you thought it would be. Ms Keough, the author, has a way of writing that makes you hate to put her book down. I hope to read more books from her in the future.

Kimberly Stratman

Cheese Louise: Cheese Louise Cozy Mystery Book One: Fun story! So much fun to read about familiar Dallas locations and neighborhoods. Add in the new (to me) witchy facts, lovable characters, larger than life cat, for an easy to read caper.I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

Joleta Gallozzi

Cheese Louise: Cheese Louise Cozy Mystery Book One: An excellent Summer Read!!! I couldn't wait for this book to come out! I read the prequel, Follow, Follow Brie, and it was excellent. It is well written and humorous with a surprise ending, which made me excited for the next book in the series., The setting is in the Dallas, Texas area and I just love Keough's word choice that takes me back to Texas! Very authentic! Cheese Louise picks up the storyline, a few years later, and I still love characters, suspense, and surprises. This is a great summer read.

P. Floresca

The Blood Will Tell: A Laramie Harper Halloween Novella (The Laramie Harper Chronicles): Drama, Intrigue and humor I love how this author writes a story of intrigue, with unexpected humor thrown in. I also love wine and dogs and since they play a major part in the story, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more from this author.

Lynne Fiske

The Blood Will Tell: A Laramie Harper Halloween Novella (The Laramie Harper Chronicles): Great read Loved that it was set in Dallas, with name changes. The vampires were so interesting, I could hardly put the book down. Looking forward to her next book.

Dagnbit

The Blood Will Tell: A Laramie Harper Halloween Novella (The Laramie Harper Chronicles): Laramie is growing. I can't say it was bigger in Texas but it was a different story. The book can standalone. The ending was brutal with punished betrayal. I'm not sure I agreed with the punishment since she gives others far more leeway. The people she should be avoiding, her Mom and sister, she doesn't. There is nothing funny in the abuse she takes from them. And no, there is no way a Mom who loved her would act like that. Laramie is developing into more of a person though still naïve with tendencies that could drive anyone away. The friends she has are great, what an odd assortment of known and unknown. I'm looking forward to seeing what the next book brings.

robert hinojo

The Blood Will Tell: A Laramie Harper Halloween Novella (The Laramie Harper Chronicles): The Blood Will Tell said it all Such a fun read! While I don't suggest skipping the first book of the chronicles (Dying in Dallas), you will still enjoy "The Blood Will Tell" even if you didn't. Much like our vampire host, Laramie, our author J.C. Keough has found her pulse and keeps you reading.Keough did a beautiful job of recapping the first book, for those who haven't read it, while inviting you to a Halloween party at her mansion, The Madam. All of the characters come to life and you are drawn in to the party along with the other guests of cheating spouses, family drama, questionable friends and vampires in disguise who crash the party. You sympathize with Laramie as she tries to find love again and figure out who are friends and foes.Make sure to have a bottle of wine handy, as it is flows throughout the party, and your dog close by as dogs are always welcomed at The Madam.

C Smith

The Blood Will Tell: A Laramie Harper Halloween Novella (The Laramie Harper Chronicles): The perfect amount of twists and turns... The Whine Barrel, located in the beautiful Victorian home owned by Laramie Harper, is just about ready to open for business. Laramie has decided to throw a Halloween party to entice guests to her new business in the hopes of attracting future business. The party appears to be a smashing success with costumed party goers, pint sized ghosts, and of course - vampires. Things are finally going Laramie’s way.....or are they? This novella was a joy to read with just enough twists and turns to keep you wanting more without being confusing. I can’t wait for the next installation in the Laramie Harper chronicles.

C Walker

The Blood Will Tell: A Laramie Harper Halloween Novella (The Laramie Harper Chronicles): A Halloween party that doesn’t disappoint! Just finished the novella, The Blood Will Tell, and I throughly enjoyed it! I love the way J. C. Keough has written the character Laramie. I feel like Laramie is a dear friend, and we are having a girlfriends talk session and catching up. Laramie is the owner of a wonderful turn of the century home, known as the Madam. This is Halloween, so Laramie is throwing a costume party. Expect the unexpected and you won’t be disappointed!Great job! I am hooked and can’t wait to find out what Laramie does next.

Biggs_bookshelf

The Blood Will Tell: A Laramie Harper Halloween Novella (The Laramie Harper Chronicles): Frightfully delightful Laramie is back in a short for her First Halloween in The Madam ( her home and business). After the recent murder that took place in her home, she hoping free wine and candy will draw in the community and help erase all the negativity it’s brought. All is going well until it’s not. You can’t help love Laramie and her heart of gold but chaos follows her where ever she goes. A great short story with a heartbreaking twist that takes place two weeks after book one Dying in Dallas. A quick read totally worth reading!!!

JTre

Kimberly Stratman

Joleta Gallozzi

P. Floresca

Lynne Fiske

Dagnbit

robert hinojo

C Smith

C Walker

Biggs_bookshelf

The Writer's Snug

Supernatural Beings

Chapter 1: The Quirky Setting

Enchanting Ambiance:

Summon the Supernatural at the Wine Bar:

Apple MacBook Pro – My Trusty Spellbook:

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