Ada Bell is the next author to join us for The Cozy 52 interview. I loved learning about Ada’s first writing attempts, why she enjoys cozy mysteries, and how many unread books she has on her e-reader (I thought I had a lot but Ada definitely has me beat!)
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 Ada Bell
NAME: Ada Bell
LIST ALL YOUR COZY MYSTERY SERIES: Shady Grove Psychic Mysteries
HOW ARE YOUR COZY MYSTERIES PUBLISHED? These are self-published, although I do have some traditional rom coms under another name.
The Q&A
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF
I’ve been reading and writing for as long as I can remember. My parents got a computer when I was 4 or 5, and I sat down and wrote a short story. When I was in the fifth grade, a friend and I wrote my first murder mystery—a play called “A Shot in the Dark.” The school cast and performed it with my classmates (I think it was part of a talent show??) All I really remember is that it started with a gun going off on an empty stage.
I’ll read most genres. For me, it’s about the story and the writing. If you can grab my attention, I’ll give anything a shot.
LIST THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF THAT WE WOULDN’T READ IN YOUR ‘OFFICIAL’ BIO.
- I love table top/board games. Like, adore them. Would play all day long if I could get paid for it.
- I am the youngest of five siblings. When my husband proposed, I jokingly complained that marrying him would give me yet another older sister (I do adore my sisters-in-law, though).
- I have lived in three different places for more than six months, and all were state capitals.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WRITE COZY MYSTERIES?
After being locked in the house with a toddler for a year, penning murder mysteries seemed like a great way to vent my frustrations. I wasn’t in any state of mind to write my normal kissing books, and I am a huge puzzle/mystery person.
WHAT SUBGENRE(S) OR THEMES OF COZY MYSTERIES DO YOU WRITE?
My books are paranormal cozies. The main character, Aly, is a biology major who discovers to her dismay that she has psychic powers. Culinary mysteries are fun, but I couldn’t write one: much like Aly, I am a terrible cook. 🙂
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR COZY MYSTERY SERIES. WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SERIES?
Weirdly, I think my series was inspired by a series of murder mystery puzzles I was working on. I got a few for Christmas, and as I was putting together the third or fourth one, I said, “These are so cool! How do I get a job writing these?” I never found the answer to that one, but then Aly presented herself to me, and she helped form the series around her powers.
WHY DO YOU THINK PEOPLE LOVE TO READ COZY MYSTERIES?
For me, it’s about being able to figure it out. I like putting the pieces of the puzzle together, to see if I can get to the answer before the main character. I love the challenge of reading cozies. But I also love the quirky characters, the small town vibe, and the puns. (It’s all about the puns.)
ASIDE FROM BEING AN AUTHOR, ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THE COZY COMMUNITY IN ANY OTHER WAY?
I’ve been unfortunately away most of the year due to circumstances beyond my control, but I’m one of the moderators of the Cozy Mystery Readers Corner on Facebook. We chat about books and cozy-related things, but we also have a monthly book club!
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE WRITERS?
My favorite cozy writers are Carly Winter, Stella Bixby, and S.E. Bigelow. I’m also a big fan of Amy Boyles. For romcoms, it’s Sophie Kinsella, Jen Deluca, and Mary Ann Marlowe. Kristin Wright’s thrillers are amazing, and I would read Kellye Garrett’s interpretation of a Geico commercial if she wrote one.
IF YOU WERE MAROONED ON A DESERTED ISLAND, WHAT 3 BOOKS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU?
I want my entire e-reader! All 573 unread books. I might finally catch up.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PROJECTS COMING UP THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
Shady Grove Psychic Mystery 5 is coming out on May 16, so watch for that one! I’m also excited to share that Book 6 will be out in November. I am very much hoping to get my spin-off series off the ground early next year, but I’m learning not to make promises I can’t keep.
The Quickie 5
- FAVOURITE FOOD: I’ve spent a ridiculous amount of time on this question, but when I can’t decide what I want, the one thing I will most often come back to is a good cheeseburger. I normally wouldn’t say it’s my favorite…but yeah, cheeseburgers are awesome.
- BEVERAGE OF CHOICE: Coffee
- MOST PRIZED POSSESSION: Coffee maker.
- SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer
- FAVOURITE VACATION SPOT? My favorite vacation is a cruise. There is unlimited food, all the time. I’m not that picky where it goes, as long as I can see some cool stuff once I get there. Mostly, I like being on the ocean. And as someone who spends a lot of time online, I like that most cruise ships don’t offer free wi-fi. It forces me to unplug and relax.
To keep up to date with Ada Bell online, you can connect with her on:
