People often ask me why so many of my stories feature artists, musicians, creative souls, and beautiful places. The answer is simple: art has saved my life more than once.
Whether I’m standing in front of a canvas with paint on my hands or writing a novel with a cup of coffee nearby, I’m doing the same thing—telling stories that help people believe in beauty, hope, and new beginnings.
As an artist, I’ve always been fascinated by what lies beneath the surface. A painting is never simply paint on canvas. It is memory, emotion, longing, courage, and imagination layered together. The same is true of a great love story or a compelling mystery.
That’s why my romances often feature artists, musicians, writers, designers, photographers, and creative dreamers. In Claimed by The Sheikh, my heroine is an architect. In The Italian Billionaire’s Christmas Bride, the hero is a billionaire fashion designer and the heroine is an art therapist.
Creativity is an act of vulnerability. Every artist knows what it feels like to put a piece of your heart into the world and hope someone connects with it.
In many ways, falling in love requires the same courage.
One of my favourite themes to write about is reinvention.
Perhaps that’s because I’ve reinvented myself many times throughout my own life.
I’m especially drawn to later-in-life romances because they reflect a truth I’ve come to understand: life doesn’t end at fifty, sixty, or seventy. In many ways, it becomes richer.
My characters often find themselves standing at a crossroads. A marriage has ended. A dream has been abandoned. A betrayal has shattered their confidence. Then something unexpected happens.
A second chance.
A new beginning.
A person who sees them as they truly are.
Art and creativity frequently become part of that healing journey. A song, a painting, a sculpture, or even a forgotten dream can help a character rediscover who they were always meant to be.
My love of cozy mysteries comes from a slightly different place.
I’ve always been fascinated by secrets. Not the dark, violent kind, but the hidden stories people carry with them. The things left unsaid. The mysteries tucked inside families, communities, and history itself.
Cozy mysteries allow me to explore those questions while still creating worlds readers want to spend time in. I love writing charming small towns, eccentric characters, quirky animals, historic buildings, and clever puzzles. I enjoy creating mysteries that challenge readers while leaving them feeling uplifted rather than disturbed.
For me, the best cozy mysteries aren’t really about murder. They’re about community.
They’re about people finding courage, friendship, belonging, and truth.
As someone who has always found magic in the creative process, I wanted to create a series that celebrated the beauty of art, the warmth of small-town life, and the thrill of solving a mystery. This is how Willow Hollow—a charming Montana retreat tucked beneath the expansive skies of the Big Sky State—came to life.
Art has always been a passion of mine. It tells stories, evokes emotions, and sometimes even hides secrets. In Murder on the Canvas and the mysteries to follow, I wanted to explore how art can inspire both beauty and intrigue, where every brushstroke holds a potential clue, and every artist hides a story of their own.
Cassandra Fairweather, the heart of this series, is a character close to my heart. She’s a little bit of me—curious, creative, and unafraid to dive into life’s mysteries. Through her, I hope to take you on a journey that combines cozy charm with a touch of suspense, all wrapped in the irresistible allure of Montana’s breathtaking landscapes.
Perhaps that’s why I’m equally drawn to art-themed romances and cozy mysteries. Both explore transformation. A painting begins as a blank canvas.
A character begins a story uncertain of who they are. A mystery begins with a question. By the end, something has changed. Someone has grown. A hidden truth has been revealed.
I think that’s what keeps me writing.
Not simply the romance.
Not simply the mystery.
But the possibility of transformation.
The possibility that beauty can still surprise us. The possibility that there is more to discover.
As an artist living among the tropical beauty of Panama, surrounded by jungle light, birdsong, and endless inspiration, I find myself returning to the same belief again and again:
And whether I’m painting a canvas, writing a romance, or crafting a cozy mystery, that’s the feeling I hope to leave with every reader. A sense of wonder. A belief in second chances.
And the comforting reminder that the most beautiful chapters may still lie ahead.
Why I Write Cozy Art Mysteries: How Storytelling Heals, Brings Justice, and Offers Escape
Agatha Christie’s Secret to Writing a Great Mystery
An Interview With Mollie Mathews on Writing Every Day and The Inspiration Behind Her Stories