This is a two-part seminar that will meet at WriterHouse on Oct. 10 and Oct. 17, 2026 from 10 AM to 12:30 PM.
Description
The literary landscape has experienced a profound shift over the past decade. In an era marked by complex global anxieties, readers are increasingly retreating into the embrace of cozy mysteries. Far from being mere escapist fluff, this genre has proven itself a resilient and highly lucrative cornerstone of the modern publishing market. In fact, between 10-12 cozy mysteries are published each day.
The contemporary cozy offers a unique alchemy: the intellectual satisfaction of a classic puzzle seamlessly paired with the emotional comfort of justice restored. Today’s cozies boast robust sales, fiercely loyal readerships, and a canvas expansive enough to welcome an array of quirky hobbies, tight-knit communities, and idyllic—yet surprisingly lethal—settings.
Tea, Sympathy, and Cyanide: Writing the Cozy Mystery is an intensive, two-part course (2.5 hours per session) designed to explore and demystify this booming genre. Whether you are an established author looking to pivot or a novice drawn to the charm of the amateur sleuth, this workshop will equip you with the structural tools and market insights needed to craft your own compelling whodunit.
Session One: The Anatomy of a Cozy
Our first session focuses on the what and the why. What exactly separates a cozy mystery from a thriller or a police procedural? We will examine the non-negotiable tropes of the genre: the intrepid amateur sleuth, the closed-circle setting, the strict rule of off-page violence, and the vibrant, often eccentric cast of suspects.
Beyond the definitions, we will discuss the strategic and creative reasons for writing them. We will delve into current market trends, the financial appeal of series longevity, and the profound joy of building a fictional community that readers will want to return to, book after book.
Session Two: Constructing the Puzzle
In our second meeting, we roll up our sleeves and tackle the how. A successful cozy requires a delicate, almost architectural balancing act. We will break down the mechanics of plotting a murder, planting fair-play clues, and weaving effective red herrings.
Crucially, we will explore how to integrate the essential subplots—such as perfecting a culinary recipe, restoring vintage needlework, or wrangling a neighborhood cat—that give the story its warmth and heart. Through guided discussions and exercises, we will map out narrative arcs that keep the pacing taut while nurturing the genre's signature charm.
About the Instructor
Andi Cumbo is a former creative writing professor, a professional editor, and a publisher who is the author of over 30 books that each incorporate real-life places, people, and events in their pages. She writes cozy mysteries, romantic comedies, YA fantasy, and creative nonfiction and holds and MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Antioch University. She has taught at Santa Clara University, Stevenson University, and George Mason University. When she’s not writing, she and her young son name his toys odd things like “Blech-agh-bah” and try to figure out Lego Fortnite together. She lives in Charlottesville.
