Conflicts in Cozy Mysteries

HOW CONFLICTS IN COZY MYSTERIES ARE LIKE COMPETING PLANTS:

Conflict within cozy mysteries sounds stressful.

Cozy mystery conventions say we create comforting, satisfying endings, so why have conflict at all?

It sounds like an oxymoron.  

We need conflict to create a story. 

Cozy mystery conflicts behave like plants competing for resources. 

• They lean toward the sun, naturally. 
• Their roots stretch wide and far, naturally. 
• They build energy for bulb health, naturally.
• What does this look like a cozy mystery? 

From a plant’s perspective, who wouldn’t want bigger leaves?  

• The antagonist wants to be on time for work, naturally.
• The antagonist prowls around town looking for a more direct route to work, naturally.
• The antagonist finds the more direct route, then speeds down it, naturally.
• The antagonist’s car consistently smashes garbage can covers in the unauthorized alley, naturally.

Crime? 

Yes, smashing garbage can covers.

Motivation? 

The antagonist only wants to arrive at work on time. 

The conflict between your cozy mystery characters might consist only of conflicting goals.

REMINDERS FOR KEEPING IT REAL:

Don’t demonize Debbie.

Michelle’s words are tender, not terse.

Keep Kris cool.

Denise is nice.

Shelby never shirks.

Monica is marvelous.

Laura lurks, but is still lovable. 

Awesome Ann’s plans are wonky, but she’s not. 

Sandy isn’t shady.

Charlotte isn’t a charlatan.

Bella is benevolent, not malevolent.

Rach’s rowdiness doesn’t always disturb the peace.

Fannie’s foolish, but fun.

Kara kills plants, but can be otherwise caring.

HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW:
Personality conflicts exist in real life.

A clash between your cozy mystery characters can also exist.

Cozy mystery conventions don’t have antagonists that are diabolically evil. They are flawed individuals whose goals clash with another character’s goals.

EXAMPLE: There’s a plant in our area called the strangle weed. It uses their tendrils to wrap around anything strong (A.K.A. a healthy nearby plant). It needs sun, water, and would be too short to get these without help. It doesn’t mean to kill the other plant. It just happens. 

As a writer, we can be the ‘gardener’ in our own stories. 

We can sow discord. 

Prune.

Provide perfect growing conditions.

Or have our characters’ goals collide, creating conflict, naturally. 

Have a happy writing week.