Chris Abernathy joins us for this week’s The Cozy 52 interview. Read on to find out more about his Detective Whisker Cozy Mystery Series, what inspires his stories, and what he once did to escape a bath.
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 Chris Abernathy
NAME: Chris Abernathy
LIST ALL YOUR COZY MYSTERY SERIES:
- The Detective Whisker Cozy Mystery Series
HOW ARE YOUR COZY MYSTERIES PUBLISHED? self-published
The Q&A
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF
Hi! I’m a former radio and television personality who moved to the beach (the Alabama Gulf Coast) in 2020 looking for new adventures. My wife and I love to explore so we’re having fun checking out all the beaches along the coast, island-hopping in our boat, and finding out what Mardi Gras is all about. We have two boys, one still in school and one who just graduated with a Masters degree from the University of Alabama. Our dog, Gracie, keeps us company now that our boys are too busy for us. I’m a dual-national with both US and UK citizenship and make frequent visits back to the family home in the Scottish Highlands beside Loch Ness.
LIST THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF THAT WE WOULDN’T READ IN YOUR ‘OFFICIAL’ BIO.
- I recently added “calendar boy” the my list of experiences as I’m featured in the 2024 Southern Men in Kilts calendar. The calendars are sold as a fundraiser for the Scottish Society of Mobile.
- I’ve interviewed several famous people on radio and TV, including Hall of Fame sports figures and a former United States President.
- I once went streaking through my neighborhood after escaping my mother who was trying to give me a bath.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START WRITING? WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WRITE COZY MYSTERIES?
I’ve always been a storyteller, from scaring kids with campfire stories to a hosting radio morning show and narrating audiobooks. Working with authors to create their audiobooks made me realize that I could write my own books if I just sat down and did it. I chose cozy mysteries because I like to make people feel good. The characters and situations are fun without being edgy or controversial.
WHAT SUBGENRE(S) OR THEMES OF COZY MYSTERIES DO YOU WRITE?
Animal cozies
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR COZY MYSTERY SERIES. WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SERIES?
I’m a big believer that we can create the life we want for ourselves, and we can do it more than once. Too many people get stuck in a rut or don’t know how to move on after a big life-changing event. The Detective Whiskers series is about two characters, a middle-aged woman and a cat, who have had their lives turned upside down. Throughout the series they learn more and more about themselves and find new ways to enjoy life with new friends.
WHY DO YOU THINK PEOPLE LOVE TO READ COZY MYSTERIES?
We all have plenty of things worry about. A good cozy mystery helps us to escape into a story where we can try to solve a mystery and we know it’s going to be fun and it’s all going to turn out okay.
ASIDE FROM BEING AN AUTHOR, ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THE COZY COMMUNITY IN ANY OTHER WAY?
So far I’m just focused on the writing and reading.
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE WRITERS?
I love MC Beaton’s cozy mysteries but I also enjoy thrillers by Dan Brown and outrageous humor from Douglas Adams.
IF YOU WERE MAROONED ON A DESERTED ISLAND, WHAT 3 BOOKS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU?
A cookbook with recipes for pineapple, coconut, and seafood. A how-to guide to fishing. And The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams for pure escapism.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PROJECTS COMING UP THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
I don’t want to say too much yet but I’m working on a series set in the Scottish Highlands that I think will be a lot of fun.
The Quickie 5
- FAVOURITE FOOD: My friend Randy’s goulash
- BEVERAGE OF CHOICE: Margarita
- MOST PRIZED POSSESSION: my Radio Station of the Year award
- FAVOURITE SEASON? Autumn
- FAVOURITE VACATION SPOT? Scotland
To keep up to date with Chris Abernathy online, you can connect with him on:
