Why is cozy mystery such a popular genre? What are the important tropes? What are the best ways to market a cozy series? Debbie Young talks about these aspects and more in this interview. In the intro, K-lytics genre reports; Findaway Voices Headphone Report 2020; Edison Research Infinite Dial report on audio; 16 tips on how to self-publish audiobooks [BookBub]; Audio cookbooks, a new format? [The Guardian]; IKEA replaces print catalogue with audiobook [Quartz]; Loud and Clear by Spotify; Sell your ebooks and audiobooks direct with Payhip and Bookfunnel; and is a new Nook device coming? [The Verge]. Plus, last chance to get 50% off my ebooks and audiobooks direct from me at Payhip.com/thecreativepenn with coupon: LOCKDOWN until the end of March 2021. Here's how to use the coupon. Today's show is sponsored by ProWritingAid, writing and editing software that goes way beyond just grammar and typo checking. With its detailed reports on how to improve your writing and integration with Scrivener, ProWritingAid will help you improve your book before you send it to an editor, agent or publisher. Check it out for free or get 25% off the premium edition at www.ProWritingAid.com/joanna Debbie Young is the author of cozy mysteries and feel-good contemporary fiction, set in an English village in the Cotswolds. She also writes books for authors and runs the Hawkesbury Upton Literary Festival. [Headshot photo credit: Laura Young] You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and full transcript below. Show Notes * The increased need for happy stories during difficult times * Writing first drafts longhand with a fountain pen * On the essential tropes of a cozy mystery * Using village people and experiences in fiction without offending locals * The importance of book covers for letting the reader know what they’re getting * Effective ways to market cozy mysteries * The benefits of in-person events for authors You can find Debbie Young at