Peter Jay Black joins us for this week’s The Cozy 52 interview. Read on to find out more about his books, including his upcoming Ruth Morgan cozy mystery series, what inspires his writing, and his favourite authors.
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 Peter Jay Black
NAME: Peter Jay Black
LIST ALL YOUR COZY MYSTERY SERIES:
- Ruth Morgan Cozy Mystery Series
- Murder on the Ocean Odyssey – Launching July 2023
- Murder at Vanmoor Village – August 2023
- Murder on Ivywick Island – September 2023.
HOW ARE YOUR COZY MYSTERIES PUBLISHED? Currently indie through Oakbridge Publishing, although that may change before launch. I’m a hybrid author, with traditional and indie books.
The Q&A
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF
I was born on the south coast of England and started writing quite late – in my early thirties. So I spent countless hours writing, working on my craft, and learning everything I could about the art of storytelling. I’m still learning. That’s what makes it so much fun.
LIST THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF THAT WE WOULDN’T READ IN YOUR ‘OFFICIAL’ BIO.
- I’m a dog-lover. They play a big part in my life (I’ll include a snap of one of them).
- I enjoy watching films and TV series when I get the chance, studying the way the writers, actors and directors tell stories.
- This may sound rather boring to most, but I also enjoy reading the latest science papers and about recent advancements in AI. We really are on the cusp of something truly amazing . . . and a little frightening.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START WRITING? WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WRITE COZY MYSTERIES?
I’ve always enjoyed the escapism with stories, whether they be via films, novels, or audiobooks. I like to empathise with the protagonists as they navigate interesting worlds. I started writing Crime Thrillers a couple of years ago, but realised my style would likely suit the cozy genre. I find the humour and cozy world building fun.
WHAT SUBGENRE(S) OR THEMES OF COZY MYSTERIES DO YOU WRITE?
I write in the main Cozy genre, but the protagonist, Ruth Morgan, is a food consultant and she travels the country with her pet cat.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR COZY MYSTERY SERIES. WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SERIES?
This series follows Ruth Morgan – a freelance food consultant – as she travels Britain in her motorhome. Of course, she’s often caught up in mysteries and various murders she must solve along the way. As for the second part of this question, I sat back and thought about it for a bit. It’s tough to answer because anything I write is inspired by so many other authors (Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle, to name the most famous two) and as a writer, you stand on the shoulders of giants. The short response is that everyone and everything inspires me.
WHY DO YOU THINK PEOPLE LOVE TO READ COZY MYSTERIES?
Everyone has their own experiences and nuances, their own worldviews. Fiction is subjective, but solving mysteries is important to all of us. It’s how we make sense of the world. On an escapism level, cozies provide that high-stakes mystery, with no gore or profanities, in a snug, reassuring environment. Somewhere you’d like to visit, filled with interesting people.
ASIDE FROM BEING AN AUTHOR, ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THE COZY COMMUNITY IN ANY OTHER WAY?
Although I do follow some cozy groups on Facebook, I’ve been spending every waking moment writing. When I get the chance, I’ll look into them more.
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE WRITERS?
That’s another tricky question for me to answer because there are so many, and I admire various authors for different reasons. I think for nonfiction, hands down it’s Bill Bryson. I’m a fan of his casual, self-deprecating style. For fiction, and for the level of research he undertook, I’d say Andy Weir. One of my favourite books is The Martian.
IF YOU WERE MAROONED ON A DESERTED ISLAND, WHAT 3 BOOKS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU?
The Martian (for reasons mentioned above), Great Expectations (a classic and a clever story), and Bill Bryson’s ‘A History of Nearly Everything’ (because I’m a fan of anecdotes and facts).
DO YOU HAVE ANY PROJECTS COMING UP THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
Currently, all my focus is on the Ruth Morgan series, but I do have the third book in my Nightshade Crime Thriller series sat in a desk drawer. When I get the chance, I’ll pull it into shape and put it through editorial. As for everything else, I have plenty of ideas, but nothing started. Story of my life…
The Quickie 5
- FAVOURITE FOOD: Steak & chips (fries)
- BEVERAGE OF CHOICE: Tea. Lots and lots of breakfast tea.
- MOST PRIZED POSSESSION: I guess it’s my iMac.
- SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter!
- FAVOURITE VACATION SPOT? I like to keep busy and entertained, so I’m a fan of NYC or even Disney World.
To keep up to date with Peter Jay Black online, you can connect with him on:
Fun interview Stephanie and Peter! Ruth Morgan is a fabulous character.:-)
Thanks Vera!