Victoria LK Williams: Crafting Cozy Mysteries with a Tropical Twist
Meet Victoria LK Williams, the prolific cozy mystery author whose stories transport readers to sun-soaked settings and quirky characters. With over 30 books under her belt, Victoria infuses her tales with the charm and intrigue of South and Central Florida. Join us as we delve into her latest book, where lakeside mysteries and ghostly encounters await, and discover the secrets behind her success in the cozy mystery genre.
Could you share a little about yourself and the cozy mysteries you write?
I started writing ten years ago on a dare. I was only supposed to write one book and have one stranger read it. Now, 30+ books later, I guess you could say I found my calling. I have lived in South Florida for over 40 years, and this past year moved away from the beach life to Central Florida with my husband and 2 cats. This is reflected in my books, Cozy Mysteries with a Tropical Twist.
When I’m not writing I love to walk around the lake in our neighborhood, garden, read and needlepoint.
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?
In my last book, Catnip Caper; Professor Higgins Investigates #2, I wanted to write about a Florida setting that wasn’t coastal. Central Florida is full of lakes, sprawling horse ranches and gators! My husband and I spent Christmas weekend at a bed-and-bath in Gainesville, and I fell in love with the place. I spent time talking to the owners and found out the Magnolia Plantation, where we stayed, had 100 years of history behind it, including a ghost. I had to use that setting and extra characters in my book.
Can you share any interesting research experiences or fun facts you discovered while researching for your books?
Anyone who has ever visited Florida knows it is unique in more ways than just the beaches and wildlife. It’s the weather and the people too. The full-timers, the Florida crackers, the snowbirds, and the tourists - you can’t pick up a paper without seeing something outlandish. It’s only natural for a writer to “borrow” these experiences and work them into the writing. For instance, where I lived in South Florida, Spanish ships had sunk in a hurricane, their treasures lost in the storm. To this day, gold coins and other items are found offshore by divers and snorkelers.
Do pets play a role in your cozy mysteries, and do they reflect any real-life pets or experiences?
I’m excited to share these new covers for my first series, and we’re celebrating the 10th anniversary of the first books release.
Oh boy, do they! Cats, dogs, even a skunk, you’ll find them all in my mysteries!
I’ve had animals my whole life - always at least 1 cat - and it’s natural to draw from their personalities and mischief. A perfect example is Barney from Citrus Beach Mysteries. In one of the books, the housecat teased him too much and he waited for his revenge. When the time was right, he startled the cat right into the pool. Our beagle, Zippy, used to do the same thing.
Is there anything else you’d like to share that I haven’t covered in the interview?
I write both cozy and paranormal cozy mysteries - I can’t help myself! I love the thought of ghosts living amongst us, of mermaids swimming beneath the ocean waves or of fairies weaving their magic in the forest. A touch of magic or help from the past adds a bit of spice for me.
Finally, what advice do you have for aspiring cozy mystery writers?
Find what you really enjoy writing and dig deep. Don’t be so worried about following trends, everything seems to be cyclical. By the time you write for the newest trend and finish your book, there is a new trend in the market. Find the genre that you love reading, tweak it, and make it your own. And have fun! Writing isn’t fast or easy but if you love what you’re doing it’s well worth it.
