The Cozy 52: Q&A with author Sharon Michaels * book frolic

Sharon Michaels is the next author to join us at The Cozy 52! Sharon writes a variety of cozy mysteries and I love that she also has her stories are mainly in the form of novellas, or as she calls them “cozy, sweet, fun short reads” – they’re perfect for sneaking in a cozy when you’re extra busy!

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 Sharon Michaels

NAME: Sharon Michaels

LIST ALL YOUR COZY MYSTERY SERIES:

The Oscar the Doxie Detective Mystery Series – 4 Short Read Books
A Fun Cozy Dog Gone Good Who Done It Mystery – 4 Short Read Books
A Pam and Paul Cozy Mystery Novellas – 4 Books
The Witch’s Creek Series – A small town paranormal cozy mystery short read – 2 Books

a photo of the books written by author Sharon Michaels

HOW ARE YOUR COZY MYSTERIES PUBLISHED? Self-published on Amazon – All my cozies are available in Paperback, Kindle, Kindle Unlimited

The Q&A

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF

I am a “mature” author who began writing fiction about five years ago. I write sweet, clean, fun cozy mysteries with strong, smart, active mature characters. My cozies include a touch of later in life romance and happy endings.

I’ve found many of my readers don’t have time to sit and read long books. When I started writing fiction, they asked me to write short stories – short reads – novellas. These are complete stories/books you can probably finish in one to two hours.

Being a voracious reader, I read at least a couple of hours every evening before bed. I like to write the type of books I like to read – books that have “real” emotions, plot twists and turns, and satisfying endings.

My husband and I live in the desert Southwest United States.

LIST THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF THAT WE WOULDN’T READ IN YOUR ‘OFFICIAL’ BIO.

Studied ballet for years and wanted to become a Radio City Music Hall Rockette dancer, but I never grew tall enough.
My husband and I reconnected while attending our 20^th high school reunion and have been together ever since.
I was a motivational speaker before I began writing fiction.

Cover No More Surprises by Sharon Michaels

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WRITE COZY MYSTERIES?

I love a good mystery without all the gore. Cozies combine the thrill of solving a mystery and the plot twists that keep you guessing. We are cheering for the smart amateur sleuth who won’t stop until they find answers. In the Oscar the Doxie Detective series, the sleuths were canines. In my other series, the sleuths are couples who work together to solve the crimes. And, not all crimes involve a dead body.

I write cozy mysteries with smart, independent, thoughtful women, and mature, strong, and considerate men. I’ve found that writing later in life characters I’m able to give them an inner wisdom that many younger characters haven’t yet had the opportunity to develop.

WHAT SUBGENRE(S) OR THEMES OF COZY MYSTERIES DO YOU WRITE?

I’ve just begun dipping my toes into the cozy mystery paranormal genre. The Witch’s Creek series was the first time I wrote characters who were witches and warlocks, and I loved it! Then in the last Pam and Paul Bigelow mystery, No More Surprises, Please I have a ghost asking for help finishing up some unfinished business. I see my writing slowly evolving into the “believable” paranormal genre.

In general, all my stories include family, friendship, pets, and small towns.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR COZY MYSTERY SERIES. WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SERIES?

I won’t get into all of them, but the one series that has the biggest chunk of my heart is The Oscar the Doxie Detective series. That series was written to honor our beloved rescue mini-dachshund Oscar. I wanted to capture his never give up attitude, his spunk and his sassy doxie spirit. He was a character for sure!

As my writing confidence grew, I started delving more deeply into my characters personalities. One of my favorite characters is 92 year old Aunt Tabitha, who first appears in book two of the A Fun Cozy Dog Gone Good Who Done It Mystery. Aunt Tabitha is feisty, smart, and has endless energy. She also writes best-selling steamy romance novels. I want to be like Aunt Tabitha when I am 92!

WHY DO YOU THINK PEOPLE LOVE TO READ COZY MYSTERIES?

They can read a good mystery before bed and not have nightmares!

Honestly, I think it’s because a well written cozy is a nice place to spend time. The towns are quaint and nice, the people friendly and helpful, and there’s a happy ending. Who wouldn’t want to live there?

ASIDE FROM BEING AN AUTHOR, ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THE COZY COMMUNITY IN ANY OTHER WAY?

I have a Facebook reader’s group called Chatting with Sharon. I enjoy the interaction and am very appreciative of their opinions and suggestions. My readers have become my extended family.

I love doing takeovers in the various cozy mystery Facebook groups. I also make it a point to comment on other author’s posts.

WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE WRITERS?

My favorite author is Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb. I have been reading her books for years!

When you talk about cozy mystery authors, there are many fabulous ones. I don’t want to leave anyone out. If an author writes believable characters, a good story and a satisfying ending, then at that moment, they are my favorite writer.

IF YOU WERE MAROONED ON A DESERTED ISLAND, WHAT 3 BOOKS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU?

This is a tough one to answer…

Stephen King On Writing
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Naked in Death – Book 1 in the Eve Dallas series by J. D. Robb

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW OR UPCOMING WRITING PROJECTS THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?

There’s always something in the pipeline swirling around in my very active imagination.

Since I publish short reads and novellas, my goal is to release one new book a month.

Right now, I’m working on a prequel to the Oscar the Doxie Detective series. You’ll have to read the series to understand, but Oscar the dog was a human private investigator before he became a dachshund living in Arizona. I know, it sounds confusing. Trust me, it all makes sense when you read the series.

I’d like to write an entire series starring Aunt Tabitha.

And, there’s a prequel in the works for the Pam and Paul Bigelow series.

And…