Crafting Crime and Cozy Mysteries: A Conversation with Kate Fellowes

42 Stories Anthology Interview with Kate Fellowes: Judge of the Crime Chapter

Biography

Kate Fellowes has published six mystery novels and many essays, with short stories featured in outlets like Woman's World and Crimestalker Casebook. By day, she works at a public library, and by night, she’s crafting her next mystery. When not writing, you can find her blogging at katefellowes.wordpress.com.

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BAM: Hi, Kate! Let's start with a bit of an introduction. Where are you located?

Kate: I’m based in Wisconsin.

BAM: A cozy location. And where do you write?
Kate: In the winter, I write at home. In the summer, I take my writing to the beach.

BAM: Writing at the beach sounds idyllic! Now, let’s break the ice. What’s your drink of choice before you get started?
Kate: Coffee, of course.

BAM: Classic choice! Which country do you enjoy visiting, aside from your home?
Kate: England—there’s something so special about it.

BAM: England is a wonderful place. What about sweets—what’s your favorite treat?
Kate: Definitely chocolate.

BAM: So, it’s caffeine and chocolate—perfect fuel for a writer! What books have you read recently?
Kate: Some great reads lately: How to Solve Your Own Murder, Mother-Daughter Murder Night, Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder, and The Framed Women of Ardmore House.

BAM: A solid list! Now, let’s talk art. Are there any artists whose work you particularly admire?
Kate: I’ve always enjoyed the Wyeths—N.C., Andrew, and Jamie. I especially love Andrew’s End of Olsons’, North Point, and Wind from the Sea.

BAM: I see the connection between your love of the sea and Andrew Wyeth’s paintings. Does the ocean inspire your writing?
Kate: Absolutely. It’s peaceful, yet powerful, and I find the beach atmosphere gives me a lot of creative energy.

BAM: Your passion for the environment shines through. Is there a message you want to subtly convey in your work?
Kate: I hope people reconsider eating animals. It’s not just about kindness to animals but about the environment. We can’t call ourselves environmentalists if we’re contributing to the planet's destruction through our food choices.

BAM: That’s a powerful message. As an experienced author, what would you say is your greatest achievement in writing?
Kate: It was incredibly exciting to see my cozy mystery A Menacing Brew reviewed in a national magazine when it was released in 2020. I also won the San Diego Public Library’s Matchbook Short Story contest in 2019 with my 50-word mystery, Whodunnit?.

BAM: That’s impressive! Rejection is part of every writer’s journey, though. How do you handle it, and how do you celebrate your successes?
Kate: I’ve gotten used to rejection, and I don’t let it sting as much anymore. I always know where to send my work next, so if it gets rejected, it goes right back out. I like to keep a dozen submissions out at once, so there’s always a chance of good news. When I publish, I buy a charm related to the piece for my bracelet—I’m on my fourth bracelet now!

BAM: Those bracelets sound like a wonderful way to celebrate your accomplishments. I’d love to see them if you ever get a chance to share a photo! Moving on to your future writing goals—what are you looking to work on next?
Kate: I’d love to write another book in my Kirkwood Clues cozy mystery series—maybe one set around Christmas. I’m also thinking about trying my hand at a sweet romance, a break from the mysteries. And I’ve got a Big Book in the works—something of a family saga/women’s fiction piece. I wish I could write every day, but for now, I aim for several days a week with a three-page minimum.

BAM: Your goals sound exciting, especially the Big Book! Thanks so much for your time, Kate. One last question: do you have a message for the authors in the Crime chapter of 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42?
Kate: I really enjoyed reading the variety of stories in the Crime chapter. With such crafty minds at work, I’m sure we’ll see a few novels emerge from these talented authors, and I can’t wait to see them!

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Connect with Kate Fellowes
For more about Kate, visit katefellowes.wordpress.com.
Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) @katefellowes.
Check out her contribution to 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42 in the Craft of Writing chapter, where she shares 42 words of advice on craft.

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What is the 42 Stories Anthology? The 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42² is a groundbreaking literary project. 📚 It’s a novel structured into 42 chapters, each containing 42 stories—totaling an astounding 1,764 stories. Every story has approximately 42-character titles and roughly 42-word bios, making it a truly unique reading experience. ✨ In addition to its innovative format, each chapter features 42 unique covers and highlights 42 Stories of Excellence Awards 🏆, judged by a panel of 42 experts. The anthology is more than just a novel—it’s a platform that brought together over 1,000 authors, from world-famous writers 🌐 to first-time published talents 📚. Contributors were limited to four acceptances, ensuring a rich and diverse collection of voices. Few authors reached that maximum, adding to the anthology's distinctiveness. 📝 Beyond the book itself, the project includes 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Interviews 🎥, an engaging interview segment where I aim to connect with as many of the participating authors as possible. These interviews amplify their voices 🎤, shining a spotlight on their craft. The goal is to celebrate and share the incredible talent behind the anthology, giving the world a chance to discover these remarkable wordsmiths. Too many great writers remain unknown, and this initiative strives to change that by showcasing 1,764 stories in a single anthology. 🌟 Where to Watch, Read, and Connect: 🔗 Blog Interviews: Find written interviews on Blogger: https://bamwrites.blogspot.com/ 🔄 YouTube Channel: Watch the interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bamwrites42 📺 Stay Connected: 🔗 Mailing List: Subscribe here to stay updated. ✉️ Official Website: 42storiesanthology.com 🌐 Merch Store: Redbubble Store 🛍️ Social Media: 🕺 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/42stories 💍 X/Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/book_of_42 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/book_of_42 📸 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@42storiesanthology 💃 Threads: https://www.threads.net/@book_of_42 🔄 Connect with Me: 🌍 Facebook: facebook.com/bamwrites 📚 Twitter/X: twitter.com/bamwrites 🎨 Instagram: instagram.com/bam_writes 📸 LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile 💼 Pinterest: pinterest.com/bamwrites/ 🌈 Medium: medium.com/@bam_42 🔗 Amazon: https://shorturl.at/AdS6n 📖 Blue Sky: @bamwrites.bsky.social 🌌 Goodreads: Goodreads Profile 🔗 Blogger: bamwrites.blogspot.com 🔗 Final Note: Thank you for supporting the 42 Stories Anthology! ❤️ Your likes, shares, and comments help spread the word about these amazing stories and their talented creators. Together, let’s celebrate the art of storytelling and give these authors the recognition they deserve. 🎉 Until next time, remember to remember! ✨~ Bam and the 42 Stories Anthology Team

42² Interview | Curtis A. Deeter | Special Guest Judge | Monster Chapter

Curtis A. Deeter is an author of fantasy, science fiction, and horror. He is the founder and editor of Midwest United States-based Of Rust and Glass, and the host and co-producer of the Proud to Be of Rust and Glass podcast, which celebrates all things artistic in NW Ohio and beyond. When he is not writing, he enjoys spending time with his family, discovering new music, and taste-testing craft beer at local breweries.

 

BAM: Who do you write to when you picture your reader?

Curtis: Anymore, I write for myself. When I have a story I want to tell, and I know that I’d like to tell it to a wider audience, I write what I’d like to read first and then think about the market in later drafts, keeping an “ideal” reader in mind when it comes to voice, character, content, etc.

BAM: So, you see the reader you want to be, and go with it. Makes sense. Curtis, what got you into writing?

Curtis: I started writing at an early age, and I always tell people it was because I used to be read to/read a lot, in particular, classic science fiction and fantasy stories on long drives back and forth between Wisconsin and Missouri. From there, I started with what’s essentially fan-fiction of those stories until I found my own style and direction.

BAM: Sounds like you have a lot of practice before deciding to write. It must have led to many drafts of stories. What are the most drafts you've done for a story?

Curtis: My current novel, Ronald, the Ronin, took 7 complete re-writes before I was comfortable sharing/querying. An epic fantasy I started in Middle School is probably in its 20^th or 30^th iteration, though it’s never been fully written from start to finish.

BAM: Will have to check the book out. While writing, do you play music or what shows/movies?

Curtis: I LOVE to turn up some instrumental music, whether it’s classical piano, prog/post rock without vocals (Russian Circles, Explosions in the Sky, Isis, etc.) or even good ole’ Lofi Girl. Headphones are preferable, as it shuts out the rest of the world, and lyrics throw me off because I love to sing along.

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BAM: The French YouTube channel, Lofi Girl? I've seen a few of the videos. Okay, let's get more into your writer process. How do you handle story rejection, and celebrate acceptance?

Curtis: This depends on the day, really. If I’m having a rough Mental Health day, a rejection can feel like a dagger to my ribs. Most of the time, all it takes is a brief acknowledgement and a shoulder shrug. Rejection happens. If you want to be a writer with anything published beyond self-publishing, rejection comes with the territory. That doesn’t mean it’s easy, but it does mean you have to learn to accept it. If you don’t, writing as a business will eat you alive. As for celebrating, I should do this more. Usually, it’s a pat on the back. Sometimes, I’ll share the news with my wife for a brief, “Hooray!” but publication isn’t something I dwell on much. Royalty payments, on the other hand, those deserve a beer or two (quality dependent on the size of the check, of course).

BAM: Payments are a great reason to celebrate. Tell me about your writing goals. 

Curtis: For my writing, I will be a career writer in one form or another. I’m not there yet, but manifestation, amirite? I write primarily fantasy and science fiction, often a bit odder than a lot of the current commercial fiction, but I’m learning how to stay within my niche while also catering to a larger audience. As I’ve gotten more comfortable with writing, I’m also considering different avenues than traditional publishing (short form video and audio, possible work with an illustrator for digital/print work, serialized stories, etc.). I’d also like to get at least one screenplay adapted at some point in my life. That would be SO dope.

Short term, I’ve gotten away from my own writing over the last few years. It’s gone from being easy to being a slog at times, and that’s simply because I stopped writing every day. It’s true what they say about writing: if you stop using it, you can lose it. The more you write, the easier it flows, and it’s always easier to stick with it day in and day out than try to pop in and out of the work whenever you’re feeling frosty. So, that. To just get back to a solid routine.

Stay connected with Curtis's work on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and up to date with his writing on Amazon. And be sure to check out his 42 words of advice in the 42 Stories Anthology's craft of writing chapter.

42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42 is available on Amazon, both physical form and e-book. We also have an anthology challenge page on Facebook. Keep up with the anthology through the website, Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and Threads. 

My social media: Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Goodreads, Pinterest, Bluesky, and Medium.

Until next time, remember to remember

Anthology Release Announcement

 

Hello everyone. This post was emailed to many of the authors, but the email went into spam folders and promotions folders. 

I'm excited to announce that the anthology is released. 

Until New Year's Day, the book will be $30 USD for a physical copy. 

With that discount, authors are also able to participate in bulk order discounts. 

The publisher, MacKenzie Publishing, is willing to do a buy four, get one free deal. There's no limit. 

 To get this discount, email the publisher directly here. cathy42storiesanthology@gmail.com

If you just want one copy, they're available on Amazon and Pothi with more distributors to come.  

While the price is discounted from $42 to $30, it is a great chance to get a few copies as gifts for friends. 

On that note, if every writer were to ask one or two friends to leave a review of the book on Amazon and Goodreads, it's potentially over 1,000 reviews. 

This benefits not only the anthology sales, but also provides more chances of people reading your story and looking up other stories you've written. 

Note: We are in the process of making a hardcover version. The price is estimated to be around $50. However, it is unavailable as of now.

If a physical copy is beyond your price range, 

e-books cost $9.99.

There's also a merch store through Redbubble.

 Proceeds help me pay the editors and artists.

Also, if you were an author, artist, editor, or judge involved with the anthology, I'd be happy to interview you. A template for that is available through Google Drive. Simply download the template and email me the document with your answers.

There's also an anthology website where everyone involved with the book is listed: 42storiesanthology.com

Until next time, remember to remember.

BAM and the 42 Stories Anthology Team