Erica J. Whelton is today’s interviewee The Cozy 52! Erica is a fairly new author, but has channeled her own experiences into her paranormal cozy mystery series. Read on to find out more!
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 Erica J. Whelton
NAME:Erica J. Whelton
LIST ALL YOUR COZY MYSTERY SERIES: A Medium with a Heart Series (currently 4 books with 3 more planned)
HOW ARE YOUR COZY MYSTERIES PUBLISHED? Self-Published
The Q&A
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF
I’m Erica. Married for the second time, but this time I got it right. I have 3 children who are all now adults. My daughter is a single mom of three young boys, and they all live with us. My oldest son is a 5th grade teacher, and my youngest son is an Airman in the United States Air Force. I, myself, served 8 years in the US Navy. I have 3 dogs, 2 cats and 5 redfoot tortoises. I like animals. I work as a Reporting Specialist/Data Analyst as my day job and in my spare time I am a writer of two series currently. One is my Cozy Mystery, and the other is Women’s Fiction (Small town).
LIST THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF THAT WE WOULDN’T READ IN YOUR ‘OFFICIAL’ BIO.
- I quote a lot of movies and tv shows.
- I am huge fan of Marvel movies and shows.
- I love the water and ocean but hate sand.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WRITE COZY MYSTERIES?
I was writing women’s fiction, but one of my aunts asked if I had thought about mysteries. It sounded like a fun challenge and so I dove in.
WHAT SUBGENRE(S) OR THEMES OF COZY MYSTERIES DO YOU WRITE?
My cozy is paranormal with a little romance. There is a baby and a dog in the series. Both are fun but challenging to write. I have to always remember if the baby or the dog are in the scene. I don’t want anyone to think, “Yeah, but what happened to….?”
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR COZY MYSTERY SERIES. WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SERIES?
My own paranormal experiences. While I don’t see dead people the way main character, Joanna does. I still have had several. I love the idea of an afterlife and our loved ones being nearby. I know that from my experiences, it’s possible.
WHY DO YOU THINK PEOPLE LOVE TO READ COZY MYSTERIES?
The characters are usually normal, everyday people, like our best friend or neighbour, and suddenly they have this puzzle to solve. They get themselves into trouble along the way but somehow come out on top. There is usual fun, quirky sidekicks too. Those are usually my favourite characters.
ASIDE FROM BEING AN AUTHOR, ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THE COZY COMMUNITY IN ANY OTHER WAY?
I am still a fairly new author and trying to find my place. I do my own cover designs which may or may not be a good thing. I am an admin of a Paranormal FaceBook group. I hope to do more as I grow and learn.
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE WRITERS?
I love Catherine Bybee, Emily March, Stephanie Bond and Brittany Brinegar as well as many, many others.
IF YOU WERE MAROONED ON A DESERTED ISLAND, WHAT 3 BOOKS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU?
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, any of the Little House on the Prairie Books, and anything by the above-mentioned authors.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PROJECTS COMING UP THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
Book 4 in my Medium with Heart Series; Inherited Murder will be released May 19, 2022.
The Quickie 5
- FAVOURITE FOOD: Tex-Mex or Sushi
- BEVERAGE OF CHOICE: : Dr Pepper
- MOST PRIZED POSSESSION: My teddy bear named Treasure that I have had since I was 2 years old. She has been with me every step of the way for the good, the bad, and the ugly.
- SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer, but if prefer Fall/Autumn over any other season.
- FAVOURITE VACATION SPOT? What’s a vacation? Kidding. I live in Texas, US. I love going a few hours away to San Antonio, Texas. There is a lot of history, the scenery is beautiful, and is easy to get to.
To keep up to date with Erica J. Whelton online, you can connect with her on:
