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Event Details

How and Why to Write a Cozy Mystery, with Chuck Bowie

  • 6 Dec 2025
  • 2:00 PM
  • online via Zoom
  • Be the first

Registration

  • Tune into the Chuck Bowie cozy mystery workshop via Zoom
  • Tune into the Chuck Bowie cozy mystery workshop via zoom
Register

How and Why to Write a Cozy Mystery, with Chuck Bowie

Location

Online via Zoom.

Description 

This cozy mystery primer is good for established writers, as well as writers just beginning to make their way in the writing world. The aim of the workshop will be to enable writers to create a cozy mystery that lovers of this sub-genre would feel ‘at home’ when reading it.

There is a fine line between writing a formula-driven, derivative book, and creating an engaging mystery that softens the elements of the plot and characters (language, violence, etc) without losing the excitement of a great story.

This two hour workshop will touch on:

  • The Classic Western Epic Journey: The Elements of a Novel
  • Creating a memorable character
  • The Elements of a Cozy Mystery
  • Focus on Three Keys: Principal Character, The Setting (as a character), and The Supporting Cast (as a character)
  • How to Murder Off-Scene
  • How to Soften Language, Sexuality, and Violence Without Destroying the Story
  • Why Bother With a Cozy?
  • Who Reads ‘Em (and Why)
  • So, A Cozy is a Formula, is it? No. It’s not 
  • The Cover is a Tell, Which is a Good Thing
  • Tips on How To Get Started


About CHUCK BOWIE:


Born in Miramichi, Chuck Bowie graduated from the University of New Brunswick in Canada with a Bachelor Degree in Science. His writing is influenced by the study of human nature and how people behave. Chuck loves food, wine, music and travel and all play a role in his work.

In 2021 he launched his latest thriller set in Ireland and England, entitled Her Irish Boyfriend, fifth in the international suspense-thriller series: Donovan: Thief For Hire. He has just completed and published the third novel in a cozy mystery series, set in a fictional town in New Brunswick. It is entitled Death Between the Decks, and the setting is loosely based on the Miramichi area. He has also contributed to two anthologies of short stories: Autumn Paths and Winter Paths.

- Chuck recently completed tenure on National Council of The Writers’ Union of Canada

- Acted as Writer in Residence at Kingsbrae International Residence for the Arts, 2019

- Acknowledged as an author of note in the Miramichi Literary Trail installation, 2021

http://www.chuckbowie.ca

chuckbowie33@gmail.com


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