Welcome to my first blog post! For those of you who’ve been on this journey with me, thank you—and welcome to the blog. If you’re new, a HUGE welcome to my world of cozy mysteries with a touch of magic, and sweet-with-heat, small-town romance books.
Now- A Day in the Life of a Full-Time Author
Being a full-time author isn’t just about writing fun books filled with humor and heart. It’s also running a small business—and that means wearing many hats. Some I adore (like writing!), and some… well, not so much.
Take bookkeeping. Not my favorite task. That’s where spreadsheets and a brilliant tax professional come in. I aim to get everything to her early each January—she’s an absolute dream to work with.
Marketing is another major part of the job. Promoting both new releases and backlist titles takes planning and creativity, but I enjoy connecting with readers in fun and engaging ways.
Now, the best part? The actual writing.
My Morning Writing Routine (Dog Included!)
Each morning starts with a mega mug of coffee and breakfast. My little rescue dog, Griffin, accompanies me on the long commute to the office (okay, it’s about 25 steps from the coffeepot to the desk—but it still counts!).
Once Griffin’s blankets are fluffed and his water bowl is filled, I settle in. No music—years ago, I realized lyrics would sneak into my chapters. I aim for one chapter a day, about 2,000 to 2,500 words. On the best days, writing flows like water from a spigot—just like the scene from Under the Tuscan Sun. My characters speak to me while I type, and I spend the rest of the day thinking about where their journey will take them next.
Why I Write Romance and Cozy Mysteries
You might be wondering—why both? Here’s the short answer: I write what I love to read.
My TBR (to-be-read) list is extensive, and includes paranormal cozy mystery, romance, romantic suspense, and women’s fiction. My stories feature strong women—usually in their late 30s to 50s—and the men who love them for it. I gravitate toward small-town settings where love grows in unexpected ways.
My very first series, The McKenna Family Romance Series, was about a widow running a bakery in a charming town—and the man next door who’d secretly loved her for years. A real-life moment or two snuck into that book (but shh, I’m not saying which).
As for cozy mysteries, I fell in love with them thanks to Nancy Drew. The ones I write often have a paranormal twist—witches, ghosts, and talking familiars are just too much fun to resist. My Bookstore Cozy Mystery series features all of the above—with a healthy dash of romance.
What’s Next on the Blog?
Next month, I’ll be sharing where I draw inspiration for my books—and how story ideas go from a spark to a full-blown series.
Spoiler: It’s part magic, part chaos, and a whole lot of fun.
Thanks for spending a few minutes with me. I’m so glad you’re here.
Until next time, happy reading!
—Lucinda
