How to Outline A Cozy Mystery: Workbook (Genre Fiction How To)

I grew up reading cozy mysteries and then somehow became a psychological suspense/thriller/horror writer. Now that I’m a little older I feel softer and gentler again lol I really love my cozy mystery ideas but I just needed help getting my thoughts and formula organized so I can pull the trigger. I’m an experienced formula fiction writer but this is the perfect resource to specifically adapt the common mystery fiction formula to the very unique cozy standard. I really like this workbook, I feel ready to write a killer cozy (hardy har har) and I will refer back to this repeatedly.

I've started writing more cozies than I'll admit to. And I've published... none. This book showed me several places where I totally missed the boat. Literally lost the plot. So, the info in this book is worth five stars... or more, if that was an option. Really, whether or not you've ever written a cozy mystery, I can practically guarantee you're going to learn new things from this book. Go buy a copy, right now. Really. I liked this book so much, I ordered a printed edition of her "How to Write a Series" book. I'm waiting for its arrival, before I decide I've done as much work as I need to, before reviving the cozy series I'd started writing. Why did I give this just four stars...? Well, I've read this in Kindle, but would have paid far more - cheerfully - for a PDF I could print over & over again. So, for now, the choices are: take lots (and lots) of notes, or buy lots (and lots) of copies of the printed edition. Worth every cent, I'm sure, but not my favorite way to work. The info is invaluable. I've read a lot of books about writing mysteries, and this was the first one with such major "ah-HA!" moments as I read. But, if you're eager to write a cozy and want the simplest process, I suggest the printed version of this book instead of the Kindle edition. Either way, you're going to jot a lot of notes. This information is that good.

This small volume is clear, precise, and concise. It is an excellent introduction to the genré of cozy mysteries by someone who has had plenty of success in the field. Her advice is sound and sensible. The book is short enough to read through in an evening - easily. If you are looking for somewhere to start in this genré, this is the place.

I’m just getting my feet wet learning the ins and outs of fiction and my goal to write cozies feels closer thanks to this guide and workbook. Now, off to do my homework!

This was a good book if you're a newbie, but if you've written a few books already, this is more of a mystery refresher.

I am finally able to sit down and read this book. And even though I am what you call a Plantser, plot and go by the seat of my pants, this book has a lot of great information that will be helpful when I try my hand at writing cozy mysteries. Might even try to "outline" it as she explained how to is the book with several different types of outlining. Great book. I can't wait to buy more of her books both nonfiction and fiction.

This book is great for those who don’t know the novel writing process since much of what is said aligns with that. But she also gives the bare bones of getting started on a cozy so that was worth it.

I’m happiest as a discovery writer, but Sara Rosett sets up some great signposts to aim for on my journey,

If you're interested in writing a Cozy mystery, this book goes through it step by step. If you are a plotter when it comes to writing, it's very helpful.

Not much to this book. I expected some useful insights into exactly how to plot a cozy and I don't feel that this book delivered on the promise of the title. There were questions that the reader is meant to answer to build their cozy plot I guess but questions like 'What are the clues that point to the identity of the killer' were not particularly useful without some idea of how to actually build a cozy plot. There were some useful bits of information but for the most part this workbook does not help the new author work out what should be in a cozy plot or show them how to actually build one. Plus inside the workbook it says that the workbook is for people who are taking the author's course on writing cozies and there were references to how you'd find out more information on particular topics if you took the course which is not playing fair with the reader who buys this book thinking it's a stand alone. It felt like key information was missing anyway from this book and it rankled to be told that maybe that extra information might be yours if you paid out extra for a whole course. I wanted a how-to with actual worked examples on building a cozy plot and this book just didn't deliver that.

I write post apoc, time travel science fiction and wholesome romance—and yes, I’ve always wanted to write cozies. After reading this clear, concise book, I’m ready to dive in. Thanks, Sara for sharing what you do so well with a total cozy noob!

Short introduction into plotting with a step by step guide on how to write a cozy mystery. Well worth reading and following.

Great for a quick overview, expensive for length, not in depth at all, dissapointed as her first book was good.