Camille Cabrera joins us for this week’s The Cozy 52 interview. Learn more about how she started writing, her favourite author, and get a small teaser of her next book, Lady Cavendish’s Christmas Caper.
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 Camille Cabrera
NAME: Camille Cabrera
LIST ALL YOUR COZY MYSTERY SERIES:
- My most recent cozy mystery novels are The Mystery of Mistletoe Motel and Lady Cavendish’s Christmas Caper (set for release November 2023).
HOW ARE YOUR COZY MYSTERIES PUBLISHED? My cozy mystery novels are generally self-published.
The Q&A
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF
My name is Camille Cabrera. I was born and raised in sunny California. My love of reading started early and quickly turned into a passion for creating my own stories. My most recent cozy mystery novel, The Mystery of Mistletoe Motel, reached the top spot on Amazon’s Mystery Romance chart. When I’m not crafting new stories, I’m often walking around random neighborhoods or exploring different coffee shops.
LIST THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF THAT WE WOULDN’T READ IN YOUR ‘OFFICIAL’ BIO.
- I am double-jointed in my thumbs. I would say that it offers an added bit of flexibility when writing stories under strict deadlines (pun intended).
- I am a sweet tooth for chocolate. When given the opportunity, I order ice cream sundaes with a chocolate brownie, chocolate ice cream, extra hot fudge, and chocolate sprinkles on the top. Chocolate only, please!
- A final unofficial fact is that I like to make time for fun mini-adventures. I pick a random day in the middle of the week and drive to a small town. I like having a bit of freedom in my schedule to explore new places and stay inspired. I don’t usually make a plan until the very last minute, but it always works out!
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START WRITING? WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WRITE COZY MYSTERIES?
You can have the long and the short version of this story. As a kid, I struggled to read. I needed extra attention when it came to organizing letters into words. I felt behind in school and desperately wanted to know what the other kids seemed to grasp. After practicing for countless hours, I realized that I loved reading. A few years later, I read several grade levels ahead of my peers. It gave me a sense of pride. I had mastery over an area of study and it gave me confidence the to forge ahead. My love of reading slowly blossomed into a general curiosity about writing. I never thought that I would end up crafting imaginary worlds for a living. My writing began as a slow, unsteady trickle and turned into a constant flowing river of words.
I chose cozy mysteries because I love feeding my curiosity. From a young age, my favorite question was “why?” I wanted to know and learn everything about the world. Perhaps, I also chose cozy mystery because it feeds a part of my heart that remains eternally hopeful about human nature. I like to read stories that simultaneously reveal the darker and lighter aspects of humanity. Cozy mysteries maintain a lighthearted tone while capturing a reader’s attention for hours on end.
WHAT SUBGENRE(S) OR THEMES OF COZY MYSTERIES DO YOU WRITE?
The novels include strong holiday themes. My stories center around specific holidays in an effort to set readers off-balance. Paranormal themes also hold a special place in my writing because I love exploring the unknown. It’s fun to play with themes and subgenres that offer a certain level of uncertainty when solving a mystery.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR COZY MYSTERY SERIES. WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SERIES?
I have two cozy mystery novels with a third tentatively on the way. The worlds and characters from each book do not currently overlap. The stories are not part of an ordered series but they can be read together. Of course, I wouldn’t rule out making a series in the future.
WHY DO YOU THINK PEOPLE LOVE TO READ COZY MYSTERIES?
I think people love cozy mystery novels because they explore the twilight of human nature. The stories shine a light into the darkest corners of our hearts and minds. Once a mystery is resolved, the story leaves only the lingering trace of shadows.
Cozy mysteries have a way of delving into heavy subjects like murder while remaining upbeat. The focus remains on finding a resolution while exploring each character’s motivations. Cozy mystery attempts to fill-in the blanks. The final chapters often provide closure. Readers turn each page, hoping to find answers and momentarily escape from lives filled with questions.
ASIDE FROM BEING AN AUTHOR, ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THE COZY COMMUNITY IN ANY OTHER WAY?
I love teaching writing workshops! Currently, I have several upcoming workshops designed to teach participants about the art of crafting a novel.
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE WRITERS?
Agatha Christie. She wrote the cozy mystery genre into existence. I have the utmost respect for Agatha Christie’s creativity and wit. My bookshelves and Kindle tell an eclectic story. I read everything that I can get my hands on. Perhaps, my childish sense of curiosity never left.
IF YOU WERE MAROONED ON A DESERTED ISLAND, WHAT 3 BOOKS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU?
My three books include both emotional and practical selections. For example, my selection includes a lengthy survival guide, a book filled with hope, and a book packed with comfort. I chose three entirely different books because I want to be able to survive mentally, spiritually, and physically. Luckily, books make it possible to achieve all three goals.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PROJECTS COMING UP THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
Yes! My latest novel, Lady Cavendish’s Christmas Caper, comes out November 2023. The book is available on Amazon for preorder. I placed a small teaser for my upcoming novel below:
Lady Cavendish firmly believes that she’s only a lady in name. All of her friends call her Charlie. She’s convinced that the name Charlotte is too sophisticated and borders on being painfully self-assured. Lately, nothing about Charlie’s life bolsters her confidence. In fact, she has absolutely no idea what she’s doing…
Charlie has until next Christmas to find a priceless missing art piece that’s the only thing standing between her and her inheritance. The cozy British town is hiding more than just the location of the noteworthy artwork. Charlie’s late grandmother wrote that she would only receive the castle and all its treasures after successfully finding the tactfully hidden artwork. As the clock moves closer to the deadline, it will take a Christmas miracle to help Charlie earn her inheritance and keep her wonderful new home.
Eager to explore Haversham, Charlie heads out sightseeing. It isn’t long until a flat tire leaves her stranded outside of the local tavern where a tall brooding stranger lends her a helping hand. Intrigued, Charlie proposes an innocent little wager. One harmless bet leads to another and soon she’s agreed to host a Christmas Eve party at the castle. Unwilling to admit defeat, she takes the challenge in stride, but will the town’s sleepy secrets come to light just in time to foil the holiday spirit?
The Quickie 5
- FAVOURITE FOOD: It’s a tie between sushi and pizza. Nothing tastes better than pizza after a long night out. I love folding a slice of warm, melting pizza in half and embracing the mess.
- BEVERAGE OF CHOICE: Coffee! I’m almost always drinking coffee. In general, I prefer a black iced coffee. I’m not particular about the time of day. Anytime is a good time for coffee.
- MOST PRIZED POSSESSION: My books. I find myself adding to the collection at least twice a month.
- FAVOURITE SEASON? Summer! I adore the warmth and sunlight. The long days and heat inspire me to explore new places. Inspiration tends to strike when I’m walking along the beach or simply sitting outside and enjoying a sunny day.
- FAVOURITE VACATION SPOT? It’s so hard to choose! I enjoy both ocean and mountain focused sports. When it comes to simple vacations, I like visiting small beach towns. Anywhere with water captures my heart.
To keep up to date with Camille Cabrera online, you can connect with her on:
Wonderful interview! So glad Camille kept trying to read when she was younger and mastered it. Look what became of that effort all those years ago!