PHOTO: Award-winning author Misty Simon at a book signing event, engaging warmly with fans and sharing her passion for storytelling.
Inspiring Journey And Creative Secrets From A Beloved Mystery And Romance Author
Misty Simon shares her journey from aspiring writer to published author, detailing challenges, creative processes, and advice for aspiring cozy mystery and romance writers, emphasizing perseverance and storytelling passion.
Misty Simon has made a notable mark in contemporary fiction, especially in cosy mysteries and romance. Her journey from a passionate reader to a published author reflects her resilience and creativity, which shine through in her beloved series like The Ivy Morris Mysteries and Tallie Graver Mysteries. Simon’s storytelling is filled with sharp wit, heartfelt themes, and intricate plots that engage readers and keep them coming back for more.
Simon’s path to publication began in 1998 when she sought a hobby to replace excessive television watching. Rediscovering her love for reading inspired her to take up writing, although her first attempts were modest—starting with an unfinished novel and then children’s books, which she quickly realized were not easier to write. Early rejections in romance writing tested her determination, but Simon’s persistence never wavered. She even sold articles about antique cars, albeit under a male pen name, marking her first published works.
Misty Simon captivates readers with sharp wit, vivid imagination, and heartfelt characters, making her stories unforgettable and inspiring.
Her breakthrough came through contests, online writing groups, and short story sales, gradually building momentum. Simon’s defining moment was selling her first full-length novel just under a year after committing to writing full-time, which launched The Ivy Morris Mysteries series in 2004. Since then, she has balanced traditional publishing, small presses, and self-publishing, always adapting and embracing new opportunities.
Simon’s Tallie Graver Mystery series stems from a desire to explore themes of returning home and confronting the past, set against the backdrop of her hometown’s unique character. Inspired often by real-life stories from newspapers and online articles, Simon approaches her writing visually, describing her process as watching a movie unfold and transcribing it onto the page.
A proud member of Sisters in Crime (SinC), Simon credits the organization with providing valuable community support, publishing insights, and encouragement. “Having cheerleaders and being a cheerleader are two huge things that have moved me along in my career and personally,” she says, emphasizing SinC’s positive impact at every stage of her writing journey.
Her creative process involves mindmapping to develop characters and plots. Simon starts with basic reporter questions — who, what, where, when, why, and how — and builds lists of suspects and scenes. She then channels parts of herself into her main characters, brainstorming various scenarios and resolving potential plot issues before drafting. “The first draft should ALWAYS be messy so I don’t stop myself from writing whatever the characters are showing me is next,” she advises.
For aspiring authors, especially those drawn to cosy mysteries, Simon offers encouraging advice: “Never give up. If you have a desire to write, then write, even on the difficult days. You have stories to tell and there are people out there who want to read them. In fact, they NEED to read them, so don’t stop, even when it feels like you’re running on a hamster wheel. You’ve got this! Show up and it will happen.”
Misty Simon’s journey embodies the power of perseverance, passion, and creativity — qualities that have made her stories resonate deeply with readers and inspired a new generation of writers.
This article was adapted from an interview with Misty Simon in the latest issue of Reader’s House.
