Ep: 125: Cozy Mysteries Take On Colonialism

EQ: How has the commitment to authenticity and intersectionality by  authors of color changed the writing landscape?

Guest: Raquel V. Reyes. Reyes’ short stories appear in various anthologies, including Mystery Most Theatrical, Midnight Hour, and Trouble No More. Find her on social media @LatinaSleuths.

Based on the recommendation of Mia Manansala in Ep 121, we invited Raquel Reyes to join us and share her own journey as a cozy mystery writer. We spend some time discussing her book, Mango, Mambo, and Murder, especially the integration of food and culture intertwined with a murder mystery. She shares some pivotal moments in her development as a writer, influential writers, opinions on Latinx representation in literature, and the changing landscape of the literary world. 

Related Resources:

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Hope: Facebook Group “Cozy Mysteries Crew”

  • Megan: Read Raquel’s work!

  • Raquel: Request books at your libraries or your independent bookstores. Give anthologies a try!

Ep. 121: Identity is Not a Plotline--On Cozy Mysteries & Representation

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EQ:  How has the commitment to authenticity and intersectionality by  authors of color changed the writing landscape?

We’re so excited to announce our new author series! Joining us today is  Mia Manansala, author of Arsenic and Adobo (Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mysteries series).

  • Find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @MPMtheWriter  

  • Check out her website: www.miapmanansala.com 

In this episode we learn all about the cozy mystery, a subgenre of crime! As you might predict, it is often described as “hallmark movies with dead bodies in them.” Mia shares her writing journey shouting out key mentors such as Kellye Garrett and Lori Rader Day. We discuss how the publishing scene is a business rather than an art, thus is slow to change. However, the consistent effort by the “everyday” reader (and any allies who want to see more representation)  is helping put pressure on the industry to expand the stories and authors they support.  We really appreciate Mia’s openness with us about her triumphs and challenges as a newly published author transforming a genre! 

Other Writers to Check Out:

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Hope: Check out Mia’s books–library or purchase!

  • Megan: Read the work and post about it!

  • Mia: Check out Crime Writers of Color