An Award-Winning Author Blending Heartfelt Romance with Cozy Mysteries
Lucinda Race shares her journey from nonfiction to fiction, insights into blending mystery and romance, and her love for storytelling inspired by life experiences and small-town authenticity.
Award-winning and best-selling author Lucinda Race has been enchanting readers for years with her delightful blend of romance and cozy mysteries. A lifelong fiction enthusiast, Lucinda fell in love with storytelling at a young age, devouring cozy mysteries and romance novels that sparked her imagination. While her childhood peers dreamt of conventional careers, Lucinda was crafting tales filled with love, suspense, and joy—a reflection of her true calling as an author.
Her journey began in nonfiction, crafting technical documents that lacked room for humor or emotion. Yet her passion for storytelling ultimately led her back to fiction, where she found her voice and her audience. Today, Lucinda is celebrated for her signature McKenna Family Romance series and the Paranormal Cozy Nook Bookstore Series, weaving narratives that capture the charm of small-town life and the emotional depth of love stories.
Lucinda resides amidst the scenic hills of western Massachusetts. Her two loyal companions—a miniature long-haired dachshund and a shih tzu mix rescue—are ever at her side, offering inspiration and comfort as she writes. When not crafting her next bestseller, Lucinda can be found curled up with a book, immersing herself in the genres she adores.
“Small towns are mini universes unto themselves, which adds to the gasp factor in cozy mystery books.”
In a recent interview with Novelist Post Magazine, Lucinda shared insights into her creative process, inspirations, and journey as an author. Here’s an exclusive look into what drives this celebrated storyteller.
Blending Paranormal Elements with Cozy Mysteries
Lucinda’s Paranormal Cozy Nook Bookstore Series adds an unexpected twist to classic mystery tales. “I love reading paranormal cozy mysteries, and adding those elements gives an author a broader license for creativity,” she explains. This creative freedom allows Lucinda to craft unique storylines that stand out while maintaining the heartwarming feel of her books.
Balancing Romance and Suspense
One of Lucinda’s hallmarks is her ability to blend sweet, clean romance with suspenseful murder mystery plots. She notes, “I would like anyone at any age to read these books, so keeping them sweet in the romance department and non-violent despite the murder mystery aspect is the best avenue to success.” This approach ensures her stories are both accessible and engaging.
Life Among the Rolling Hills
Living in western Massachusetts has profoundly influenced Lucinda’s small-town settings. “Small-town life means you recognize faces, family names and gasp, ‘You heard he did what?'” she shares. This unique dynamic adds vibrancy to her storytelling, making her fictional towns feel authentic and relatable.
Transitioning from Nonfiction to Fiction
Lucinda describes shifting from nonfiction to fiction as a liberating experience. “Writing fiction is so much easier. I can have characters do what I want, say and act according to my muse. It’s a wonderful thing,” she reveals. For her, fiction offers the freedom to create worlds full of charm and complexity.
Drawing Emotional Depth From Life Experiences
Lucinda’s experiences as an older woman who found love a second time have deeply influenced her later-in-life romance stories, such as Lost and Found. “My personal life had ‘all the feels,’ and I wanted to bring that to life in my work,” she shares. This authenticity resonates with readers who connect with the emotions embedded in her characters.
Building Series Arcs
Lucinda excels at creating series that allow each book to stand alone while contributing to a broader narrative. “Elements like family dynamics and small-town settings connect the books as a series. However, I try to write a book that has a satisfactory story arc of its own,” she explains. This thoughtful structure keeps readers invested in every book while encouraging them to explore the series as a whole.
Finding Joy and Fresh Ideas
When asked to choose her favorite project, Lucinda likened it to picking a favorite child. However, she admitted a soft spot for her Price Family Romance Series, set in a Finger Lakes winery inspired by a trip with her husband. “Sitting in airports and observing people gave me endless inspiration,” she adds, highlighting how a simple moment can spark countless stories.
Advice for Aspiring Authors
Lucinda encourages aspiring writers to follow their muse: “Don’t let what the rules say stop you. I thought I couldn’t write cozy and romance crossover stories, but tossing away the rule book unleashed my creativity.” For those looking to blend mystery and romance, her advice is clear—embrace your unique perspective and let your imagination run free.
With her authentic voice and knack for capturing the intricacies of life and love, Lucinda Race’s novels continue to resonate with readers. Her stories remind us that life is a blend of joy, mystery, and heartfelt connections—a timeless theme, no matter the genre.
