Peril in Pink (Hudson Valley B&B Mysteries) by Sydney Leigh | Author Interview

Thanks for taking the time to share a bit about yourself with my readers and me!

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hmm, where to start? I live in a lakeside town just outside of Toronto, Canada with my husband, two kids, and our rescue dog. I love libraries and coffee shops, so I write most days in one or the other. Almond milk cappuccinos are my jam. I take Improv classes at my local community center because they bring me joy. I have lots of hobbies including snowboarding, hiking, watching reality TV, and spending time with friends and family.

How long have you been writing?

I started writing about 12 years ago, when my daughter was still a baby.

Did you always want to be an author? What made you choose the cozy mystery genre?

I didn’t always want to be an author, but I always loved telling stories. The cozy mystery genre was a natural choice for me because I’ve always loved reading mysteries.

Do you prefer to read cozy mystery books, or do you have another favorite genre? What are you reading now?

I love cozy mysteries but I also read a lot of modern romance. Right now I’m reading Happy Place by Emily Henry and Photo Finished by Christin Brecher.

Do you have a favorite place to write?

Coffee shops and my local library. It’s a tie.

What’s on your desk (if you write at one!)?

Although I don’t have a desk, I do keep my writing essentials in my purse, which include my favorite pen, a notebook, sticky notes, and my Macbook.

What is the first book you remember reading as a child? What was one of your favorite books you read as a child?

The first book I remember reading as a child is The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis. I still love it to this day.

Do you like audiobooks, physical books, or e-books better? Why?

Audiobooks and physical books. I listen to books when I walk the dog and I read physical books when I’m at home.

If you had the opportunity to live anywhere in the world for a year while writing a book that took place in that same setting, where would you choose?

I’d love to live in an Irish village and write a cozy inspired by the town and its inhabitants.  (Christy: Me too!)

What or who has influenced you the most as a writer?

Murder, She Wrote is up there. There are so many authors who inspire me. Some of the biggest influences are Jenn McKinlay, Olivia Blacke, Vicki Delany, and Emily Henry.

Do you have any author friends who support you while you’re writing? Do you belong to any writing groups?

I have so many author friends who are incredible in their support and encouragement. The first one that comes to mind is thriller author Hannah Mary McKinnon. She has helped me at every step and continues to be a huge support. There are so many others as well. It’s a fabulous community. I’m in a writing group called the Deadlies.

Finally, what are you working on now? Can you tell us a bit about it?

I’m writing the second book in the Hudson Valley B & B Mystery series. It’s about a bachelorette party gone wrong.

Thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions!