Some may wonder why I've listed Storm Front, the first book in the Dresden Files series, under "Mysteries I've Read". Because it fits. It's not a cozy, but still...
Harry Dresden is a private investigator. He also happens to be a wizard, but he's a wizard trying to find out Who Done It. This book could just as easily fit on the Mystery shelf at my local Big Bookstore as in the Fantasy section.
Plan to see more of the Dresden books listed soon. I like Harry's smart-alecky tone. After hearing that James Marsters--Spike from Buffy and Angel--read the audiobooks, I may have to indulge in one or two of those as well.
The Dresden Files television show is also worth a watch on SciFi Channel. They've changed a few of the specifics, but got Harry just right.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
To Cozy or Not to Cozy
That is the question.
I grew up reading Agatha Christie. And as much as I enjoyed Hercule Poirot and his little grey cells, I preferred Miss Marple. Let's face it, that little spinster has spawned a lot of offspring. Jessica Fletcher immediately comes to mind. Tommy and Tuppence were a lot of fun, too, and set the stage for other sleuthing couples.
Many who write in what can be called the cozy genre hate the moniker. They prefer "domestic mystery". Whatever. I like the sound of cozy. I picture an overstuffed chair, doilies on the arms and afghan draped over the back, next to a little piecrust table. A good reading lamp, a cup of tea (Earl Grey, of course), a few snickerdoodles on a Royal Daulton plate and a ginger cat curled up on a braided rug. All set before a cheery fire in the fireplace. What could be better?
Today, however, the thriller is king. Shoot 'em up bang bangs with explosions and gory details. Not that I don't enjoy those, too. It's just...if I'm going to spend the time it takes to write a novel in one world or the other, I'd prefer the doilies and snickerdoodles.
Having said that, my mystery doesn't take place in England but in Colorado. The protagonist isn't an aging spinster but a 35-year-old single father. He has an Australian Shepherd instead of the ginger cat. And there may some sex and violence thrown in for good measure.
I don't plan to post any excerpts here, but will chronicle the trials, tribulations and triumphs of turning out that first cozy. Right now, I'm at page 109.
Stay tuned.
I grew up reading Agatha Christie. And as much as I enjoyed Hercule Poirot and his little grey cells, I preferred Miss Marple. Let's face it, that little spinster has spawned a lot of offspring. Jessica Fletcher immediately comes to mind. Tommy and Tuppence were a lot of fun, too, and set the stage for other sleuthing couples.
Many who write in what can be called the cozy genre hate the moniker. They prefer "domestic mystery". Whatever. I like the sound of cozy. I picture an overstuffed chair, doilies on the arms and afghan draped over the back, next to a little piecrust table. A good reading lamp, a cup of tea (Earl Grey, of course), a few snickerdoodles on a Royal Daulton plate and a ginger cat curled up on a braided rug. All set before a cheery fire in the fireplace. What could be better?
Today, however, the thriller is king. Shoot 'em up bang bangs with explosions and gory details. Not that I don't enjoy those, too. It's just...if I'm going to spend the time it takes to write a novel in one world or the other, I'd prefer the doilies and snickerdoodles.
Having said that, my mystery doesn't take place in England but in Colorado. The protagonist isn't an aging spinster but a 35-year-old single father. He has an Australian Shepherd instead of the ginger cat. And there may some sex and violence thrown in for good measure.
I don't plan to post any excerpts here, but will chronicle the trials, tribulations and triumphs of turning out that first cozy. Right now, I'm at page 109.
Stay tuned.
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