Jonathan Whitelaw is a Scottish author and journalist now living in Canada who wrote his first novel at the age of 17. He’s since published several books in the cozy crime genre, including Morbid Relations and the popular Bingo Hall Detectives series.
In the latest episode of the Make Meaning Podcast, host Lynne Golodner interviews Jonathan about the cozy crime genre, why he’s drawn to it and the genre’s emphasis on humor, character, and setting. Plus, they discuss his publishing journey, from his first horrible book to being published by a small independent publisher to getting an agent and taking the plunge to become a full-time author. They also explore the differences and similarities between the publishing industry in the UK and Canada and how Jonathan has adapted his marketing to reach a North American audience while still appealing to his loyal UK readers.
In this episode, Lynne and Jonathan discuss:
Why you can write at any age
Audience differences between Canada and the UK
Genre talk
The expansiveness of writing and publishing
The popularity of cozy crime during times of crisis
The challenge of writing humor
Inspiration from in-law relationships
The need for luck and endurance in the author journey
Writing practice & daily routine
Juggling writing, parenting and income-earning
Importance of a supportive family and the "village" of the publishing industry
Book cover differences between countries
Lynne’s writing sabbatical in Nova Scotia
Finding your audience in different geographical locations
Links and Resources:
The Hobbit
Die Hard
Lynne’s Writing Classes & Programs
Nova Scotia Retreat
When Words Collide
Cozy Mystery
Agatha Christie
Terry Pratchett
The Bingo Hall Detectives
Ringwood Publishing
Harper North
Harper Collins
The Village Hall Vendetta
LJ Ross
Indigo
Colleen Hoover
Find Jonathan Whitelaw:
Website
If you enjoyed this episode, you’ll like these other Make Meaning Podcast episodes:
Episode 158 – Suzanne Nugent – On Character Development
Episode 149 – Anne-Marie Oomen – Writing Through Family
Episode 134 – Andrew McDiarmid – Simply Scottish
Episode 132 – Merryn Glover – Literary Fiction about Place
Episode 70 – Elena Reads – How to Stoke a Love of Reading in Kids
Episode 24 – Inner Voice
Episode 23 – Crazy Whole Life
Episode 22 – Suicide Prevention Through Yoga & Community
Episode 21 – All About Pie
Episode 20 – In & On the Water
Episode 19 – Defy & Hustle
Episode 18 – Shady Ladies & Detroit Hustle
Episode 17 – Telling Stories That Matter
Episode 16 – Burners Without Borders
Episode 15 – Passion for City & Soccer
Episode 14 – An Artful Path
Episode 13 – Teen Voices
Episode 12 – Finding Purpose in Community
Episode 11 - Building Up Women in the Middle
Episode 10 – Believing in Youth
Episode 9 – Creating Effective Classrooms
Episode 8 – Deeply Committed to Detroit
Episode 7 – Relationship-Based Legal Leadership
Episode 6 – Protecting the Great Lakes
Episode 5 – The Spirited Entrepreneur
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