Today’s Cozy Chat is with Harper Lin who I spoke with about her Cape Bay Cafe mysteries.
Hi, Harper. Thanks for joining me for a Cozy Chat. Have a seat and help yourself to some tea while we talk.
Can you tell us a little bit about the Cape Bay Cafe Mystery series? What gave you the idea for it?
I don’t live near the beach, but always thought it would be fun to. I also love cafes. Whenever I travel, the cafe scene in a city or town is very important to me, so this series is really fantasy fulfillment for me, to live in a friendly small town, running a cozy cafe where all the locals congregate—except for all the murders, of course!
Sounds like fun and a great theme for a cozy mystery series.
Do you have any advice to other authors about writing cozies or writing in general?
It’s easier to write a mystery when you plot it out first. Write down who the killer is, what their motive is, and a few other suspects and their possible motives. Sometimes I can’t plot out everything beforehand because the characters need to develop and discover as they go, but I do put down the bare bones of the story first.
I like that advice. I’m more of a pantster than a plotter, but I definitely agree it’s important to have some basic plot points and a character outline for a mystery. In my mystery, A STONE’S THROW, as well as its sequel which I hope will be published soon, I had an idea who I wanted to be the bad guy (or gal as the case may be), but I did change things toward the end.
What are you currently working on?
There is a fourth book in the series called “Latte, Ladyfingers, and Lies.” I also have two other books coming out in my other series, “The Wonder Cats Mysteries“, and “The Patisserie Mysteries“.
Wow! You write a variety of mysteries. I’m partial to the cat one. I must add it to my TBR cozy pile.
Do you write any genres other than cozies?
No, but I really want to write a young adult series. Perhaps a YA mystery series!
YA books are very popular right now. It would probably do well.
Can you tell me how you got started in writing?
I always read a lot, and I started writing for fun. Then I went down the self-publishing venture after lots of help from other writers and by hiring professional editors.
As a new author, I’ve found other writers tremendously helpful. They are so eager to share their experience, and the networking and support is very motivational.
What are your hobbies besides writing?
I love yoga. Sometimes I bake, but I don’t have as much time for that as I used to since I am busy writing all the time. Of course, reading is a big one!
I used to enjoy yoga. Now I’ve just been walking and doing Leslie Sansone videos when I can’t walk outside. The stretching is very important.
I also know what you mean about writing taking up so much time, and most authors are avid readers, as well.
Is there anything else you’d like readers of this blog to know about you and/or your books?
I hope my books are entertaining. Readers tell me that the stories help them relax after stressful days at work, so I’m glad I’m able to entertain them.
Books can be very relaxing, especially cozies. Even though they feature murder and other crimes, some of the characters almost become friends.
Thanks so much for joining me today and best wishes to you on all your series. I’m including some of your contact information for readers who want to connect with you.
Ruff Drafts 
