Explore the Charms of Cozy Mystery Writing with Author S.C. Merritt
Join me for a fascinating peek behind the scenes with S.C. Merritt, author of over 13 delightful cozy mysteries. From small-town southern charm to thrilling travel adventures, S.C. Merritt shares insights into her character development process, unique settings, and keeping balance of humor and mystery in her novels.
Could you share a little about yourself and the cozy mysteries you write?
I write small-town southern mysteries in my Sweetwater Springs series. My Bucket List series is more of a travel cozy, but still a southern feel since one of my MC’s is southern. They all have recipes.
How do you develop your characters, particularly your amateur sleuth?
The sleuth in my original series is patterned after me (or a wannabe version of me). Most of the recurring characters in that series are taken from real-life people in my hometown.
I have two sleuths in the Bucket List series. They are retirees who are polar opposites but become best friends at their retirement village. I’ve loved developing their back stories and pre-retirement lives.
Cozy mysteries often feature unique settings or themes. Can you tell us about the setting/theme of your latest book and what drew you to it?
My latest release, Double-Crossed Bones is Book 3 in the Bucket List series. It takes place in the Savannah, GA/Tybee Island area which is one of my favorite places. I incorporated a couple of things that are on my personal bucket list: attending the annual Pirate Fest and going on an airboat tour. I love all things “pirate” so it was fun to write.
What do you find most challenging about writing cozy mysteries, and how do you overcome it?
Trying to come up with new ideas, motives, situations that aren’t done to death. There are SO many cozies out there, it’s hard to find something that hasn’t been touched on before.
Cozy mysteries often incorporate humor and wit. How do you balance the lighter elements with the seriousness of the mystery?
My cozies are very light. The most serious thing I’ve ever included was the accusation of spousal abuse, but things that heavy are rare in my books.
Can you share any interesting research experiences or fun facts you discovered while researching for your books?
Oh, so much fun researching! I have one set at Graceland and you better believe I went down some internet rabbit holes on that one! Researching pirates off GA coasts was fun. The history of the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, moonshining in Alabama was fun too!
Do pets play a role in your cozy mysteries, and do they reflect any real-life pets or experiences?
My MC in Sweetwater Springs owns a miniature Schnauzer named Izzy, which happens to be my miniature Schnauzer’s name. LOL.
The two MC’s in Bucket List travel with a German Shepherd named Magnum (retired police dog) and a Scottish terrier named Angus.
Is there anything else you’d like to share that I haven’t covered in the interview?
My books, especially the Sweetwater Series aren’t marketed as such, but I do consider them Christian cozy mysteries. The MC is a church secretary (which is my real full-time job for the last 27 years), and she does share a few Bible verses here and there (nothing soap-boxy).
Finally, what advice do you have for aspiring cozy mystery writers?
It’s never too late to try something new. I had never written anything that wasn’t required in school until I wrote the first book in Sweetwater series in 2019. I was 58 years old when it came out in 2020. I’ve now published 13 books and it’s all been for fun. I have to reel myself in occasionally when I look at other very successful authors with money rolling in and remind myself why I started. It wasn’t to make a lot of money, but just because I love solving mysteries and I’m proud of what I’ve been able to write. I’m still amazed that people all over the world read what I write and really enjoy my stories.
