Episode 332: The Craft and Business of Cozy Mysteries — Interview with Andi Cumbo-Floyd

by Gabriela Pereira
published in Podcast

Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing Andi Cumbo-Floyd.

Andi is a writer of both magical realism and nonfiction, but in the last year, she has taken on a new persona as ACF Bookens, author of cozy mysteries. Today we’ll be talking about her process and strategy in crafting this series.

When she’s not writing, Andi is also an editor and writing coach, and she runs a beautiful, supportive online community. She lives in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains with a number of animals who cannot possibly coordinate their veterinary needs.

In this episode Andi and I discuss:

  • Why Andi cautions against writing for the market, but encourages writing in a particular niche that you love.
  • What Cozy mystery tropes readers tend to expect, find funny, and appreciate.
  • How writers of the Cozy mystery genre tend to market themselves, including newsletter writing tips.

Plus, their #1 tip for writers.

About the Author

Andi Cumbo-Floyd is a writer of both magical realism and nonfiction, but in the last year, she has taken on a new persona as ACF Bookens, author of cozy mysteries. She lives in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains with a number of animals who cannot possibly coordinate their veterinary needs.

Her decision to begin writing under a pen name had nothing to do with secrecy, obviously, and everything with finally putting into place all she had learned about marketing.

You can find out more about Andi on her website. You can also follow her on Facebook and Goodreads. 

Plotted for Murder

Andi Cumbo-Floyd

She has always said if she was running, it’s because she was being chased. That’s never been more true.

It’s Autumn, bookstore owner Harvey Beckett’s favorite time of year, and she’s most excited about two things – her bookshop’s float in the annual Harvest Parade and pumpkin everything. But when her best friend Mart finds the body of her running coach and high school gym teacher behind the bleachers one fall morning, Harvey becomes enthralled in a mystery that uncovers their quaint town’s darkest secrets.

When Harvey’s curiosity gets the best of her, she and her pup Mayhem find that maybe there are just some secrets left undiscovered.

If you decide to check out the book, we hope you’ll do so via this Amazon affiliate link, where if you choose to purchase via the link DIY MFA gets a referral fee at no cost to you. As always, thank you for supporting DIY MFA!

(Right-click to download.)

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