If you’ve ever cracked open a brand-new book and wondered how it came to be—where the idea started, how the characters found their voices, or what changed along the way—this year is for you.

I’m thrilled to finally share that I’ve been working behind the scenes on a brand-new paranormal cozy mystery that will be published by Crooked Lane Books. The first draft is officially complete. That alone feels worth celebrating with a warm cup of tea and a happy sigh.

There’s a New Ghost Whisperer in Town

This new book introduces Tinsley Wintermere Garrett, a runaway bride who returns to her Connecticut hometown hoping for peace, quiet, and a chance to start over. Instead, she finds herself stepping in as an interim librarian and reconnecting with an ability she thought she left behind in childhood: the ability to see and communicate with spirits.

When a spirit asks for help proving she was murdered, Tinsley is drawn into a murder mystery that shows how the past has a way of resurfacing in small towns. Think librarian sleuth, gentle paranormal elements, a cozy New England setting, and a mystery that unfolds with heart, humor, and just enough chills.

I’ll be sharing more details as the year goes on, but for now, that’s the heart of the story.

Why a Paranormal Cozy?

I’ve been a longtime reader of paranormal cozy mysteries, and there’s something about the genre that’s always stayed with me. I love the way these stories explore the idea of the afterlife with warmth and curiosity rather than fear—where ghosts aren’t just something to be frightened of, but voices that still matter.

Writing a paranormal cozy also gave me the chance to step outside my comfort zone while staying true to what I love most about cozy mysteries: strong sense of place, community, gentle humor, and characters you want to spend time with. Adding a touch of the supernatural opened the door to deeper questions about grief, unfinished business, and connection without losing the comforting tone that makes a cozy feel like home.

The idea for this story first sparked when I learned there are businesses that tend gravesites by planting flowers and caring for headstones, and I couldn’t stop wondering what might happen if a ghost appeared during one of those quiet moments. From there, a whole stack of what-ifs followed, and the idea grew into what is now my first draft. And I have to say, I absolutely love the story and I can’t wait to share it with you.

That excitement is part of what made this project feel like the perfect opportunity to try something a little new while still writing the kind of story I love to read.

A Little Publishing Behind the Scenes: What’s a “Partial”?

Since this is a behind-the-scenes year, I thought I’d start by demystifying one publishing term you may hear authors mention: the partial.

In traditional publishing, a partial is a portion of a manuscript rather than the full book—usually the first few chapters or a set number of pages. It gives agents and editors a chance to experience the story’s voice, characters, and tone without reading the entire manuscript.

For this book, the process looked like this:

• I pitched the idea to my agent, sharing the premise, genre, and what drew me to writing a paranormal cozy mystery.

• Once she was excited about it, I worked on a polished partial—the opening chapters of the book.

• That partial was then submitted to my editor at Crooked Lane Books, offering a first glimpse into Tinsley’s world.

Even though a partial is only part of the book, those opening pages do a lot of heavy lifting, which makes revising them both challenging and a little magical.

Why I’m Inviting You Behind the Scenes

Writing a book is often a quiet, solitary process—but reading has always been a shared experience. This year, I want to bring those two worlds a little closer together.

Once a month, I’ll be pulling back the curtain to share:

• How the story evolved from draft to finished book

• Character insights and inspiration

• Setting details and cozy touches

• What surprises me (and sometimes challenges me) along the way

From time to time, I’ll also be including short Q&As with members of my publishing team—editors, designers, and others who help bring a cozy mystery from manuscript to bookshelf. Their perspectives offer a fascinating look at the collaborative side of publishing, and I’m excited to share those moments with you as the year unfolds.

Whether you’re a longtime reader of my cozy mysteries or discovering my work for the first time, I hope this series makes you feel like part of the journey. And to kick things off, I’m thrilled to start with a brief Q&A with my editor below.

Q&A with My Editor

What excites you most about paranormal cozy mysteries?

Faith Black Ross, Senior Editor at Crooked Lane, says:
“One of the things I love most about paranormal cozy mysteries is the blend of a familiar, comforting cozy mystery structure with a fun, slightly spooky element. It adds something unexpected to the story without tipping into anything too woo-woo or genuinely scary—which is perfect for wusses like myself!” 😊

What’s Coming Next Month?

I’ll be sharing what happens after the first draft is finished and how a story begins to change once it moves beyond the page and into editorial hands.

For now, thank you for being here, for reading, and for sharing in the excitement of something new. This story has already found a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to share more with you.

Before you go, curious minds want to know do you enjoy paranormal cozies, or do you usually reach for traditional cozy mysteries? And if you’re curious about this new book—or the writing and publishing process—what questions would you like me to answer here or in a future post?