Kathryn Long is this week’s guest for The Cozy 52 interview. Learn more about Kathryn, her books (written as both Kathryn Long and Bailee Abbott), how she got started, and where she gets her inspiration.
Who or What is The Cozy 52? Each week I will be sharing an interview with someone involved with Cozy Mysteries – an author, blogger, Facebook Group host, podcaster, cover designer – so that we can showcase this amazing community! I hope you’ll discover some new authors, plus learn more about what goes on behind the scenes with the people who write, publish and promote cozy mysteries!
Introducing Kathryn Long/Bailee Abbott
NAME: Kathryn Long
LIST ALL YOUR COZY MYSTERY SERIES AND HOW THEY ARE PUBLISHED
- Sierra Pines B&B Mysteries – Kathryn Long; traditionally published by Camel Press
- Paint by Murder Mysteries – Bailee Abbott; traditionally published by Crooked Lane Books
The Q&A
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF
Hi everyone! Stephanie, thanks for having me here. My name is Kathryn Long and I’ve been a published author since 2004. I started writing somewhat late in life. After raising a family and working as a special needs teacher, I began to work on what had always been a dream. Like most authors, I started at an early age writing poems and short stories, joined a high school writer’s club, and continued writing as a hobby. After retirement, I amped up my efforts and expanded to completing novels, search for an agent, and finally got my foot in the door. I tried various genres, but mostly mystery. To date, I have 13 published novels and working still. I’m married, have three grown children, a Maltipoo named Max, and live in northeast Ohio.
LIST THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF THAT WE WOULDN’T READ IN YOUR ‘OFFICIAL’ BIO.
- I was a change-of-life baby. My oldest sibling is 23 years my senior, the youngest is 16 years older.
- I have aerophobia and won’t fly. I did when I was 19, but never since.
- I was a great dancer at one time, even won a dance contest. Now, I feel like I have two left feet when I try!
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WRITE COZY MYSTERIES?
Pretty much right place, right time. Plus, I love writing mysteries and cozies are such fun! That said, I’m hoping to take a dive into something grittier, thriller or suspense maybe.
WHAT SUBGENRE(S) OR THEMES OF COZY MYSTERIES DO YOU WRITE?
The B&B series, of course, centers around a B&B, but there’s a show biz theme too.
The Paint series belongs in the crafts.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR COZY MYSTERY SERIES. WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SERIES?
The B&B series was inspired by my love for Cary Grant and the old classic movies. Ali Winston is an unemployed screenwriter. When her great aunt Julia, a former actress in the days of Golden Hollywood who quit the business to run a B&B, passes away, she leaves the B&B to Ali. It’s in a cozy town where murder stirs things up.
The Paint series was inspired by my visits to Bemus Point N.Y. and attending paint and sip events. Sisters, Chloe and Izzie run Paint with a View where paint parties are fun, until a murder happens on the premises.
WHY DO YOU THINK PEOPLE LOVE TO READ COZY MYSTERIES?
I think it has to do with the familiarity, like you’ve joined a community of friends. And they appeal to those wanting G rated stories—Murders happen off stage, so no bloody gore. No foul language or bedroom scenes.
ASIDE FROM BEING AN AUTHOR, ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THE COZY COMMUNITY IN ANY OTHER WAY?
Not really. I do participate in some Facebook cozy groups. I held my first #authortakeover last week. It was such fun. I made so many friends and new readers.
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE WRITERS?
Stephen King, the late Rachel Caine, Mary Stewart, to name a few, but my list constantly changes.
IF YOU WERE MAROONED ON A DESERTED ISLAND, WHAT 3 BOOKS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU?
To inspire and help me survive – Hatchet by Gary Paulsen and The Hobbit by Tolkien; and Stephen King’s 11-22-63 because maybe I’ll find a secret door to transport myself away from that island! 😊
DO YOU HAVE ANY PROJECTS COMING UP THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
Not at present, but I will have two books releasing in the months to come: Kill Them With Canvas, 2nd in the Paint by Murder series and Blooming with Murder, 3rd in the B&B series.
The Quickie 5
- FAVOURITE FOOD: chocolate almond ice cream
- BEVERAGE OF CHOICE: iced tea
- MOST PRIZED POSSESSION: maybe not my most prized, but I’d be lost without my laptop!
- SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer
- FAVOURITE VACATION SPOT? Anywhere at the beach!
To keep up to date with Kathryn Long (and Bailee Abbott) online, you can connect with her on:
KATHRYN LONG: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | FACEBOOK (AUTHOR PAGE) | GOODREADS | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER
BAILEE ABBOTT: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER
Thank you so much for having me share my story❤️
It was absolutely my pleasure Kathryn! I’m glad you reached out and connected with me!