Stepping Into The Story

As a budding cozy mystery author, I am immersing myself in the world of historic inns and B&Bs, for my collection of stories.

A historic inn or B&B is at the heart of every story I write.  

I write cozy mysteries.  My current series features a historic maritime inn, sitting on the coast of South Carolina since 1769.  It was built as a private residence for Captain Silas Beckett, and has passed through the family for centuries.  In 1930, it evolved into the charming establishment now known as The Compass Rose Inn.

My series will unfold across four books, each capturing the essence of a different season.  I can't wait to see how The Compass Rose will showcase that.

A different setting will be the backdrop for each new series.  

Each series will include four books, dedicated to the same setting and featuring the same, memorable characters.  The towns, it's businesses and community, will be completely fictional, but all will be influenced by the neighboring, real locations.

For my current cozy mystery series, the town of Compass Point is completely made up.  But, it is located just outside of Charleston, SC.  In Compass Point, the story revolves around it's local maritime inn.  The series will feature a variety of local businesses, including a tourist gift shop, a cozy seafood eatery, a bustling newspaper office, a charming bookstore, and more. To bring authenticity to these fictional establishments, I plan to explore similar businesses in the Charleston area for inspiration.

When I find something very similar to what I have in mind for my series, I will reach out to these business and request a tour and interview.  I've already reached out to an event planner and a waterfront inn, but I haven't heard back from either, yet.  I'll follow up with them next week, then move on to other locations, if I get no response.

Another delightful aspect of my cozy mystery story writing is the cast of characters who work each historic inn or B&B.  

While the staffing needs of each location will vary depending on the nature of the business, every story will feature certain roles filled by unforgettable characters.

Resident Chef - There will be one older person who runs the kitchen, in terms of food preparation. Among his or her cooking and baking duties, the resident chef will also be in charge of the menu, as well as stocking the kitchen and dining room with all the necessary essentials.  They may or may not utilize a pair of extra hands.

Resident Housekeeper - There will also be someone responsible for all the housekeeping, but their role will vary, depending on the Inn or B&B.  Sometimes she will only have the guest rooms and bathrooms to worry about.  Her role may encompass all the guest areas, including the dining room, reception area, and common room.  She may also be in charge of fresh floral arrangements throughout the property.

Innkeeper - This role will always be the matriarch family member.  She is the respected female head—often the mother, grandmother, or auntie—who holds influence and leadership within the family structure. She may be the cornerstone of traditions, decision-making, and emotional guidance.  She plays an authoritative role, steering the family’s legacy and maintaining a strong, positive presence in the community.

Front Desk Clerk - This will usually be a young woman from the community, possibly a college student.  

Gardener - This role will be either male or female, usually older.  He or she may or may not have part-time help.

Family members may also be called upon to fit into these rolls, in some stories.  But, whether these characters are family, members of the community, or family friends, they will each have their own personality and backstory.  Whether or not, they play a vital role in a mystery, we'll just have to wait and see.

This post was all about how I plan to step into the story as a cozy mystery writer.

I find all of these aspects of story writing with a historic inn or B&B theme fascinating.  I hope you do too, and it compels you to seek out my future books.  I love that you have decided to join me for the journey.

What do you think? Are you as intrigued as I am with B&Bs and the innkeeper lifestyle? Let me know in the comments below.

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Thank you for reading my blog post and I hope to hear from you, soon!