From Dreams to Mysteries: An Interview with Donna Huston Murray

Donna Huston Murray is a lifelong mystery enthusiast who weaves quirky details and intriguing plots into her cozy mysteries. Donna shares insights into her creative process, from character development inspired by real-life influences to the diverse and unique settings of her books. She also discusses the challenges of writing under deadlines, the importance of humor, and the fascinating research behind her stories. Read her advice for aspiring writers and learn more about her beloved pets that find their way into her narratives.

Could you share a little about yourself and the cozy mysteries you write?

Hi, cozy fans! A little about me: When I was 10, I decided writing mysteries would be fun, and I never changed my mind. I still love to play with words. I like quirky little details and can never resist trying to solve a problem. Because real life often doesn’t turn out how I think it should, it always does in my books. Although my husband Hench and I should probably know better by now, we recently got a new puppy. Check my socials and you’ll understand. We live in Gwynedd, PA, USA

How do you develop your characters, particularly your amateur sleuth?

I confess: Ginger Barnes is essentially me. She’s married to the head of a small private school, has a son and daughter, an Irish setter, and a disturbing interest in crime. Being in the middle of all that, it occurred to me that an amateur sleuth would have access to any background topic I could dream up. The parents, the board, the teachers—even the students—all potential resources. One of my husband’s students became famous for feeding the homeless in Philadelphia and was invited to the White House twice. A world of possibilities!

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?

As you’ll see, I like to dig into a wide range of topics. FINAL ARRANGEMENTS, the novel that got me a 3-book contract, was set at the world-famous Philadelphia Flower Show. My editor wanted a book to precede it, so I set THE MAIN LINE IS MURDER at a school like the one run by my husband.

I’ve also done football and babies (A SCORE TO SETTLE), dieting and dogs (NO BONES ABOUT IT), a neighborhood murder (SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS), and a federal trial regarding antique oriental rugs (LIE LIKE A RUG).

FOR BETTER OR WORSE is still a true cozy, but it also shares accurate information about partner abuse, something that affects 1 in 4 women during their lifetime. It became a Finalist in the National Indie Excellence Awards.

I’ve just finished updating FAREWELL PERFORMANCE, which will become available shortly. An actress returns to her home town to do a film about returning to her home town.

What do you find most challenging about writing cozy mysteries, and how do you overcome it?

For me, the most challenging part of writing my cozies was the deadline. I recently came across the phrase “slow-release author,” and realized that’s me. I love to tinker with complications and polish the prose until I’m completely satisfied that I’ve done my best. I solved the deadline problem by going Independent.

Cozy mysteries often incorporate humor and wit. How do you balance the lighter elements with the seriousness of the mystery?

Good question! From the get-go, I’ve always made sure my main character treats crime of any sort with the seriousness it deserves. I lighten the books by giving Ginger Barnes (cozies) and Lauren Beck (crime novels) lighthearted, upbeat personalities with a sense of humor all their own.

Can you share any interesting research experiences or fun facts you discovered while researching for your books?

Once I needed a way to bollix up a school bus, so I told a car repairman what I had in mind. He said, “No! Please don’t write that. Someone will do it, and I’ll have to fix it.” (I used what he suggested.) I learned that oysters change sex at random. I interviewed a man who takes parties up Mt. Everest and concluded that rock climbers are just as crazy as I thought they were. I stood on the starter’s box of a thoroughbred horse race. I am a bit shy about asking, and not everything makes it into a book, but research challenges me to leave my comfort zone, and it always proves to be great fun.

Do pets play a role in your cozy mysteries, and do they reflect any real-life pets or experiences?

Pets, yes! My husband and I have always loved Irish setters, although we just “downsized” to a mini-Bernedoodle. Two of our previous setters appeared in books, most notoriously Gretsky, who needed a trainer desperately—in fiction and real life. His book is called NO BONES ABOUT IT, and in it a dog is the defendant.

Is there anything else you’d like to share that I haven’t covered in the interview?

For my new Lauren Beck Crime Novels, my young, ex-cop, cancer survivor was inspired by a woman I met at a football game. She once fed sharks from a cage underwater, sky-dived 34 times, begged to learn to fly retired Air Force planes, then learned how to repair them. She was also in and out of an iron lung for several years before being cured. Her bravery and infectious appreciation of life still impress me.

Finally, what advice do you have for aspiring cozy mystery writers?

Read. Study. Practice. If it’s necessary, have a day job. If writing is truly your passion, don’t quit. I wish you great success, but this you should know. Even if you never publish a word, your everyday life will be enriched by your efforts. Proof? You’re learning to express yourself accurately—in any situation. You’re researching stuff that interests you that you would never bother researching if you didn’t have a reason. Making up stuff is fun. Meeting like-minded aspiring writers is fun. (Who else understands your ambitions?) And maybe one day someone will surprise you by saying something so wonderful that it keeps you going for years. For me: “I just want to thank you. My daughter started reading because of your books.” Share your voice. You’re the only one who can do it.