Author Spotlight: Jayna Morrow

Jayna Morrow writes cozy mysteries, adult sweet contemporary romance, and YA paranormal romance with heartwarming plots, realistic characters, and uplifting messages. Her cozy Motorhome Mysteries feature an amateur sleuth who writes mysteries and travels via RV with a close-knit group called The Happy Campers.

Cozy Crime Reads Interview with Jayna Morrow

What attracted you to the cozy mystery genre?

I’ve always been drawn to mysteries that feel like puzzles waiting to be solved. The cozy mystery genre, in particular, offers the perfect blend of comedy and clues. I love how these stories focus on communities, relationships, and quirky characters. Plus, the lighthearted (and often snarky) tone allows for humor, which I adore weaving into my writing.

What essential elements make a cozy stand out to you as a reader?

For me, it’s a well-crafted setting and colorful, relatable characters. I also appreciate a clever mystery with twists that keep me guessing. Add a dash of humor, and I’m hooked! Bonus points for puns and quirky characters. I prefer full-length cozies that are heavy on investigating but not police procedure. I’m a huge fan of dramatic accusations and comical misunderstandings. Hijinks, shenanigans, nosey neighbors, gossipy locals. You got ‘em…I’m buying your book!

Do you have a favorite amateur sleuth?

Jessica Fletcher from Murder, She Wrote is a classic favorite. She’s smart, resourceful, and has a knack for solving crimes while staying charming and approachable. I’ve modeled some elements of my own protagonist, Anne Marie Chandler, on that “ordinary person solving extraordinary mysteries” archetype. My MC is also a mystery writer. She drafts all her stories on a Royal KMM Standard typewriter that she affectionately calls Jessica. So, yeah, Jessica Fletcher has had a huge influence on me and my writing.

What inspired you to write your first cozy mystery?

I’ve always wanted to live a full-time RV lifestyle, and way back in 2016, I thought, “Why not combine my love of travel with my passion for cozy mysteries?” At that time, I wasn’t a full-time RVer yet, so I started with a place I knew very well - Caddo Lake. By 2018, I was in the query trenches with The Corpse at Caddo Lake and snagged my first partial request. Though that agent ultimately passed, his comment spurred me on. He said he absolutely LOVED the premise. I knew I had stumbled into a hot new niche. At that time, there weren’t any RV-themed cozy mysteries. Later that year, someone else had the same idea and started publishing camper-themed cozies. Others have followed. I’m thrilled this subgenre is doing well.

My biggest concern back in 2016 was that nobody would read my story because it wasn’t popular. Baking-themed cozy mysteries with recipes were the rage back then. They still are. But so are RV/camping cozies, and I couldn’t be happier about it. I’m happy to say that I am now truly living the full-time RV life. My adventures on the road provided endless inspiration for settings and scenarios, and I’ve since published The Corpse at Caddo Lake and two more in the series. I’m working on Book 4 now, and there are 2 spin offs “written” by my MC, Anne Marie as well. I wanted to share the joy and community of RV life while adding a dash of murder and mystery, and I think I’ve achieved that.

How do you research and create the “cozy” elements in your books, like the settings and community?

The settings in my books are inspired by real places I’ve visited during my RV travels. I take detailed notes, photos, and even sample local cuisine to capture the essence of each location. As for the community, I draw from real-life interactions with fellow RVers and locals, incorporating their quirks and kindness into my characters. To a certain extent. I definitely take a lot of creative license. My stories are a perfect blend of fact and fiction.

What is one key step in your writing process that helps you transform an idea into a finished book?

Outlining is my secret weapon. I start with a loose plot and a beat sheet and then dive deeper into each scene, focusing on the mystery and character arcs. This roadmap keeps me organized and ensures I hit all the key beats while leaving room for creativity. My outlines (no kidding) are typically between 10-15K words!!

What advice would you give aspiring cozy mystery authors who want to start writing their first novel?

Start with a sleuth you love and a setting that feels like home to you. From there, let your imagination run wild! If you write what you love, then you’ll have a long and happy career.

How can readers connect with you online?

I’d love to connect with readers! You can find me on Facebook at Jayna Morrow Writes and Instagram at jaynamorrowwrites. For updates, exclusive content, recipes, and giveaways, join my newsletter at JaynaMorrowBooks.com.