If you’ve ever wondered how I dream up the captivating tales of the Witches of Holiday Hills, you’re in for a treat, or at least I’d like to think so! 

Much like Abby the protagonist in the series, I know that inspiration can strike at any moment. For me, this series started with a simple idea: What if a cozy mystery author was also a witch? Thus, Abby was born—with an enchanting mix of spellbinding talent and a knack for solving mysteries. 

Holiday Hills, the imaginary town where Abby’s adventures take place, grew from my desire to find the perfect Hallmark small town and live happily ever after, but with a hint of Charmed for fun. 

Holiday Hills itself is a character in the series, a place where daily life meets magical adventures, and of course, murder. It has all the elements of my favorite small-town cozies, an enchanted forest where whispers of the past guide Abby, a magical candle shop where each scent tells a story, and an old bookstore-cafe that might just serve a potion with your latte. I draw from towns near me, Dahlonega, Ellijay and small towns in North Georgia, but touch of whimsy, and a lot of imagination to create my vibrant, colorful world.

Abby’s character, a cozy mystery author and witch, is the heart of the series. She embodies the quintessential elements of a cozy mystery protagonist—curious, determined, and with a nose for trouble. But adding the witchy twist gives Abby that extra sparkle, making her stories fun, but it’s Cooper, her Burmese cat familiar who really steals the show.

Creating characters for the Witches of Holiday Hills series is no ordinary feat. Sometimes, I have to dig deep into my creative muse’s notes to come up with unique, but interesting characters. I like to think I have a knack for breathing life into my characters, giving each their unique quirks and magical abilities. Whether it’s the snarky, prissy Seraphina (often called “Queen of the Coven” for her high-and-mighty attitude) or the Bessie who always seems to know just what you need, these characters feel as real as to me as my next-door neighbors—if my neighbors carried wands and brewed potions, I mean! 

I’ve made the hub of town, the soul of it all, the Enchanted Bookstore and Cafe. It’s not just a place to grab a cup of coffee; it’s where ancient grimoires might be hidden behind bestsellers, and where the gossip is almost as good at the coffee. 

Plotting a mystery, especially one with magical elements, is like brewing a complex potion. You need the right ingredients, mixed in just the right order. I start with the central mystery—something puzzling and intriguing enough to capture Abby’s (and the readers’) attention. From there, I weave in the magical elements, the red herrings, and the twists and turns that make a good mystery so satisfying.

I also love to play with the idea of magic being both a help and a hindrance. Sure, Abby can use spells to uncover clues, but sometimes magic can complicate things in unexpected ways. It’s all about finding that balance between the supernatural and the everyday challenges of sleuthing.

Writing the Witches of Holiday Hills series is a joyful experience. It’s a chance to explore a world where magic is real, mysteries abound, and a strong, smart heroine leads the way. I get to create a place where readers can escape to, filled with charm, wit, and a bit of enchantment.

So, there you have it—the magical process behind the mysteries of Holiday Hills. Next time you pick up one of Abby’s adventures, I hope you feel the same excitement and wonder that I do when writing them. Happy reading, and may your days be filled with just a little bit of magic! If you haven't read the series, you can grab it on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes! It's also free in Kindle Unlimited.