The Cozy 52: Q&A with author S.C. Merritt

S.C. Merritt kicks off a brand new feature here on Book Frolic today – The Cozy 52!

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!

I’m very excited to welcome S.C. Merritt as my first interviewee for The Cozy 52 series!

Intro

NAME: S.C. Merritt

LIST ALL YOUR COZY MYSTERY SERIES:

Sweetwater Springs Southern Mystery Series (6 books plus prequel)
Bucket List Mysteries (1 book, book 2 scheduled for release March 2022)

HOW ARE YOUR COZY MYSTERIES PUBLISHED? Self Pub

The Q&A

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF

I have a wonderful husband of 38 years, Vic and two amazing kids. Nick is 35, married and lives in California. Rachel is 31, married and lives in Mississippi. My husband and I recently relocated to North Georgia with his new job. I have a Miniature Schnauzer named Izzy, I discovered my late-in-life passion for cozy mystery writing a few years ago when I wrote my first book just as a fun hobby. It’s turned into an exciting career that I never saw coming.

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

I traveled for a time as a professional singer and I still love to sing when I can
I’m a 24-year breast cancer survivor
I’m addicted to British mysteries

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WRITE COZY MYSTERIES?

It’s really all I read and watch (other than SEC football). I grew up watching all things crime/mystery/detective with my mother and grandmother as long as I can remember.

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

Sweetwater Springs series definitely leans culinary. The Bucket List series is culinary (she writes a southern food blog) but they also travel with their pets.

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

Sweetwater Springs is inspired by my small hometown in Alabama. It’s fun to write about places you know and incorporate people into your stories (usually in a good way) that you’ve known all your life. Especially events that really happened. The Bucket List series is inspired by my love of travel. I’ve never actually traveled in an RV/Camper, but always thought it would be fun.

WHY DO YOU THINK PEOPLE LOVE TO READ COZY MYSTERIES?

The thrill of the mystery and the challenge of the puzzle to figure out whodunit without wading through alot of foul language, sex scenes and gory details.

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

Being so new to writing, I don’t feel like I have alot to offer other authors in the way of advice on their writing. I’m still very much learning myself. I will be serving on author panels at two mystery conferences that are for fans and readers. That should be fun. I have only designed one of my own covers, but I have had great feedback and I do love to design.

WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE WRITERS?

CeeCee James, Tonya Kappes, Jenna St. James, Hope Callaghan, Kate Young

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

Bible, the complete works of Agatha Christie and a survival cookbook

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

Book 2 in the Bucket List Series will be released in March, entitled Boot Scootin’ Bump Off.

I’m also planning a new series set somewhere tropical…that’s all I know at this point, LOL

The Quickie 5

FAVOURITE FOOD: pizza
BEVERAGE OF CHOICE: Iced Shaken Espresso
MOST PRIZED POSSESSION: That’s a hard one. If my house was destroyed tomorrow, the only thing that I think I would be devastated over would be family photos (and maybe my bottle of water from Elvis’ swimming pool)
SUMMER OR WINTER? Yikes! Can I say Fall? if not, then Summer.
FAVOURITE VACATION SPOT? Hawaii

To keep up to date with S.C. Merritt online, please visit her website and follow her on social media!

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | AMAZON