taragwrites.com

2/20/2026

I have wanted to write a book for ages. This time I think I might make it to completion.

This cozy mystery I’m working on has really got me hooked. This is the first time I’ve almost planned out the whole thing, got character sketches settled, and even made a map of the setting. And I have a board of notes for what hasn’t come yet.

I’ve gone so far as to sketch out books 2, 3, and 4 since I’ve been told that one way to sell a cozy to agents is to be prepared to write a series. When advice like that is given from a reliable source, who am I to ignore it?

I know. Seems like I might be putting the cart before the horse since I only have two chapters written. Well, two chapters typed. The rest of it is mostly written in my head. I’ve got the tropes. I’ve got the stakes. I’ve got the red herrings. I’ve got the quirky characters. I seem to be covering all of the bases talked about in the cozy class I’m taking.

How do other authors contain the rush when a project is going well? I think I could just keep writing, but my rational mind says that all of the sheer genius I think I’m going to pore into this book will disappear if I become sleep deprived.

I enjoyed writing my younger grade book. I’m about three chapters from finishing it up. I’ve temporarily set it aside. My muse is pushing the cozy book. I enjoyed writing the children’s fiction, but I don’t remember the excitement this book is giving me being a part of the writing procss. .

To give you an idea of how deeply this book has its claws in me, I skipped my afternoon nap for the last two days so I could keep writing and planning.

I think I have a little time before bed to read some of someone else’s cozy mystery. Hopefully, it will put me into the mood to sleep and keep my mind from engaging when I’m trying to fall asleep.