Denise Swanson has cozies covered! With four series, including the Stumble River (most recently, Die Me a River) and Chef-to-Go (look for Leave No Scone Unturned next March), she creates relatable heroines – small-town gals who have to set things right. No wonder she’s a New York Times bestseller.
How does a book start for you?
Each book is different. Sometimes a title will pop into my head and I’ll start there. Sometimes it’s something I hear or read on the news. And occasionally, it’s a dream that will lead me into a story.
Who in your latest book has surprised you most – and why?
My sleuth’s cousin shocked me when she decided that she was Celiac. I hadn’t intended her to have that condition and in fact had to go back to a previous scene to make sure it was consistent with her gluten allergy.
When and/or where is your latest book set and is there a story behind that setting?
My upcoming book, A Call to Charms is set in a fictional town called Echo Springs. It’s a bit like Brigadoon in that not everyone can see or enter it.
What are you working on now?’
I’m currently writing the third book in my Chef-to-Go series. No title yet.
Which question didn’t I ask you that I should have?
How about what do I write besides cozy mysteries? I also write contemporary romance and have two connected series in that genre. The Change of Heart books consist of a novella and three novels. And the Delicious Love series currently have two novels, but I have plans for at least three more.
New York Times bestselling author Denise Swanson was a practicing psychologist for twenty-two years. She writes the Delicious Love and Change of Heart contemporary romance series, as well as the Scumble River, Devereaux’s Dime Store, and Chief-to-Go mysteries. Her books all feature small-town heroines with lots of heart.
Denise’s books have been finalists for the Agatha, Mary Higgins Clark, RT Magazine’s Career Achievement, and Daphne du Maurier Awards. She has won the Reviewers Choice Award and was a BookSense 76 Top Pick.
Denise lives in rural Illinois with her husband, classical composer David Stybr.