Jill Piscitello joins us for this week’s The Cozy 52 interview. Read on to find out more about her writing, her favourite authors, and which habit she shares with her main character.
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 Jill Piscitello
NAME: Jill Piscitello
LIST ALL YOUR COZY MYSTERY SERIES:
- Music Box Mystery, Book 1: A Sour Note
HOW ARE YOUR COZY MYSTERIES PUBLISHED? A Sour Note was traditionally published by The Wild Rose Press.
The Q&A
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF
I’m a teacher who spends most of her free time writing, editing, and reading.
LIST THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF THAT WE WOULDN’T READ IN YOUR ‘OFFICIAL’ BIO.
- First, much like my heroine Maeve, I am a chronic nail polish picker. I cannot have a speck of paint on my nails unless a fancy event demands it.
- Second, I am an introvert to my core and am making a valiant effort to come out of my shell for this little thing called marketing.
- Third, I have a nasty habit of buying clothes that remain in my closet because I’m compelled to save them for a special occasion that never seems to arrive.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START WRITING? WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WRITE COZY MYSTERIES?
I love everything about the cozy mystery genre. Sometimes, it’s nice to know you’re picking up a book that won’t make you sad or scared. Cozy mysteries are pure fun. There’s enough negativity in the world. I seek to bring joy and light-heartedness with my writing.
WHAT SUBGENRE(S) OR THEMES OF COZY MYSTERIES DO YOU WRITE?
A Sour Note revolves around a music school and its employees. Maeve, our heroine, is allergic to cats. But her mother adopted four felines when her daughter moved out. No one expected her to land back home ten years later. Those cats aren’t going anywhere. Maeve’s cousin is a bit of a clairvoyant. So, I suppose the book might also loosely fall under paranormal and pet cozies.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR COZY MYSTERY SERIES. WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SERIES?
A Sour Note is set in Hampton Beach, NH during July. My family has vacationed in Hampton for decades. The location supplies an endless list of writing ideas. Maeve has returned home after a publicly embarrassing end to her engagement. She’s in need of a fresh start, but the discovery of a local celebrity’s body outside her mother’s music school further intensifies the media’s interest in her life.
WHY DO YOU THINK PEOPLE LOVE TO READ COZY MYSTERIES?
I think people enjoy quirky, likeable characters. Readers can rest assured that every page is free of graphic violence while they play detective and attempt to figure out whodunit prior to the amateur sleuth.
ASIDE FROM BEING AN AUTHOR, ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THE COZY COMMUNITY IN ANY OTHER WAY?
I have the pleasure of sharing an additional website with a group of talented mystery authors ( https://readingbetweenthecrimes.wordpress.com/). This new site features all things cozy from related articles to author interviews.
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE WRITERS?
I love Ellery Adams, Carlene O’Connor, Anne R. Tan, Jennifer Weiner, Elin Hilderbrand, Kristen Hannah, and Taylor Jenkins Reid.
IF YOU WERE MAROONED ON A DESERTED ISLAND, WHAT 3 BOOKS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU?
The Bible, Circle of Friends, and Anna Karenina
DO YOU HAVE ANY PROJECTS COMING UP THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
I’m currently working on a short story prequel to A Sour Note and the sequel.
The Quickie 5
- FAVOURITE FOOD: Chicken Caesar Wrap
- BEVERAGE OF CHOICE: Water
- MOST PRIZED POSSESSION: This is a hard one! If we’re talking about material objects and not people, I’d have to go with my wedding ring. I was a young bride with little money, so it’s nothing fancy. We just celebrated our 25th anniversary. One billion dollars in the bank couldn’t but a new ring to replace my simple band.
- FAVOURITE SEASON? Fall
- FAVOURITE VACATION SPOT? Hampton, Beach, NH
To keep up to date with Jill Piscitello online, you can connect with her on:
WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | AMAZON | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB
and you can purchase her book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
