Blog - Page 7 of 39 - Bestselling Author Sharon Michaels

Creating Character Names

Creating names for my characters is one of my favorite parts of writing cozy fiction. A name can say a lot about a person, and I want you, my readers, to feel a connection to each character right from the start.

Here’s how I come up with my character names.

1. Think About Their Personality:

I start by thinking about who my character is. Are they bubbly and cheerful or quiet and mysterious? For example, a joyful character might have a bright name like “Sunny,” while a more serious character could be named “Sandra.”

2. Use Meaningful Names:

Sometimes, I look up the meanings of names. If I want my character to be brave, I might choose a name that means “strong.” This adds a deeper layer to the story and helps readers understand the character better.

3. Get Inspired by Real Life:

I often draw inspiration from people I know or have met. A friend’s unique name or even a favorite teacher can spark an idea. I might tweak the name a little to give it a fictional twist. Every book I write has at least one first or last name from someone I’ve known.

4. Consider the Setting:

The setting of my book plays a big role in naming characters. If my story takes place in a cozy village, I might choose traditional names. For instance, “Mabel” or “Walter” could fit perfectly in a historical small town setting.

5. Say it Out Loud:

When I think of a name, I say it out loud. It’s important to me that it has a nice sound to it. A name that rolls off the tongue can make a character feel more real and relatable.

6. I trust my instincts:

I go with my gut. If a name feels right, I go with it. There’s something magical about finding the perfect name that feels like it belongs to the character and fits the story.

7. I ask for help:

I often ask my Chatting with Sharon Facebook Group to help me come up with creating names. Or, I’ll use names of their pets as a guest animal sleuth. It’s fun having others help choose names.

The bottom line:

Naming characters is a blend of creativity and intuition. It’s a fun part of my writing process.

Amazon bestselling author Sharon Michaels loves writing cozy mysteries filled with mature characters, smart animals, and plenty of twists and turns.

Her short reads are sweet, clean, and fun.

You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction/

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Unraveling the Cozy Mystery: A Sweet Spot in Fiction

In the literary landscape, where thrillers race and horror looms, one genre offers a comforting retreat: the cozy mystery.
With its unique charm and gentle pace, cozy mysteries have become a beloved staple for readers seeking both intrigue and warmth.

The Origins: A Cup of Tea and a Murder

The roots of the cozy mystery trace back to the early 20th century, with British authors like Agatha Christie leading the charge. While Christie’s Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple were working through complex plots filled with murder and deception, they did so in small communities filled with friendly faces and literary wit. The quintessential cozy mystery began to emerge, offering a blend of intrigue and lightheartedness.

The genre truly flourished in the 1980s, driven by the popularity of amateur sleuths. Authors like Joan Hess and Lilian Jackson Braun brought ordinary characters—think quirky shopkeepers and nosy neighbors—into the detective role, crafting stories that combined mystery with endearing humor. These heroines (and heroes) often found themselves solving crimes in idyllic settings like quaint villages, charming cafés, or even cozy bookshops, which only added to the genre’s lure.

Cozy Characteristics: Whodunit Without the Gore

What sets cozy mysteries apart is their signature style. They typically feature:
• A non-professional sleuth: Often an amateur with no formal training, whose natural curiosity leads to daring investigations.

• A small-town setting: Cozy mysteries thrive in places where everyone knows each other, making every revelation and twist personal.

• Minimal violence: Murders might abound, but graphic depictions aren’t on the menu. Instead, the focus is on the puzzle and the personalities involved, creating a safe space for readers.

• A dash of charm: Whether it’s a cat-loving detective or a bakery owner caught up in crime, cozies are infused with humor and warmth.

Cozying Up to the Future

As we curl up with a cup of herbal tea and dive into a good book, the cozy mystery genre continues to enchant. With every page turned, readers are reminded that even in a world filled with challenges, there’s always a bit of light-hearted intrigue waiting to be uncovered.

So grab your favorite blanket, settle into your nook, and lose yourself in the delightful world of cozy mysteries—where every mystery has a warm hug waiting at the end!

Cozy mysteries from author Sharon Michaels

Amazon bestselling author Sharon Michaels loves writing cozy mysteries filled with mature characters, smart animals, and plenty of twists and turns.

Her short reads are sweet, clean, and fun.

You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction

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10 Reasons I Love Writing About Pets

As a cozy mystery author, weaving furry friends into my stories isn’t just a quirky detail; it’s a passion that adds warmth, humor, and hopefully charm to my stories.

Here are the reasons I LOVE writing about pets and furry friends:

Unconditional Love: Pets embody a dear devotion that enriches the human experience, adding layers of affection and loyalty to my characters.

Comic Relief: The antics of pets can provide the perfect dose of humor among the murder and mayhem and lightening the mood .

Relatable Characters: Pet owners often see parts of their own lives reflected in my characters.

Plot Catalysts: Pets can unintentionally uncover clues or lead characters to crucial revelations.

Quirky Personalities: Each pet has a unique personality, adding depth and variety to my stories, and ensuring that no two furry companions are alike.

Comfort and Coziness: Pets create an inviting atmosphere.

Themes of Loyalty: Pets mirror the themes of friendship and loyalty prevalent in cozy mysteries.

Character Development: A character’s relationship with their pet can reveal insights into their personality and growth.

Community Connection: Pets often bring characters together, fostering relationships and interactions.

Joyful Escapism: In a world filled with chaos, introducing pets offers readers a delightful escape into a world where love, mystery, and a wagging tail reign supreme.

Pets and furry friends in my cozy mysteries are more than just narrative devices. Furry friends are a heartfelt choice that for me, embodies joy, companionship, and the enduring spirit of friendship.

I can’t imagine my stories without them!

Amazon bestselling author Sharon Michaels loves writing cozy mysteries filled with mature characters, smart animals, and plenty of twists and turns.

Her short reads are sweet, clean, and fun.

You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction

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A New Canine Cozy Mystery – Murder in the Doghouse

Here’s the latest book in A Canine Cozy Mystery series – Murder in the Doghouse – Book 9
Welcome to Sunridge Junction, where the charm of small-town life meets the intrigue of a baffling murder.

You can grab your Kindle – Kindle Unlimited – Paperback – Audio copies of Murder in the Doghouse here:

From author Sharon Michaels a new animal cozy mystery available on Amazon

Sharon Michaels loves writing cozy mysteries filled with mature characters, smart animals, and plenty of twists and turns.
Her short reads are sweet, clean, and fun.

You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction

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Tails of Intrigue – A Canine Cozy Mystery

I’m excited to share Tails of Intrigue Book 8 in A Canine Cozy Mystery series. Do you like a cozy mystery packed with amateur sleuths, dog detectives and family bonds?
Then this whodunit set in a small town with hidden secrets is the perfect read for you!

You can grab your Kindle – Kindle Unlimited – Paperback – Audio copies of
Tails of Intrigue: A Canine Detective Cozy Mystery here on Amazon:

Sharon Michaels loves writing cozy mysteries filled with mature characters, smart animals, and plenty of twists and turns.
Her short reads are sweet, clean, and fun.

You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction

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