Picture a Texan storyteller who spins cozy mysteries with a Southern flair—meet Linda P. Kozar! An award-winning author of over 28 books, Kozar blends humor, faith, and whodunit charm in her novels, captivating readers with tales like Misfortune Cookies. From her quirky Christmas newsletters to founding a writers’ guild, her journey is as delightful as her stories.
The Making of Linda P. Kozar
Born and raised in Texas, Linda P. Kozar’s love for storytelling bloomed early. As a child, she devoured books like Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, drawn to gothic romances and mysteries. Her knack for writing shone through in wacky, long Christmas newsletters that friends eagerly awaited each year. Before novels, she honed her craft as a journalist, mastering deadlines and storytelling under pressure. In 2007, her passion for mentoring led her to found The Woodlands, Texas chapter of the American Christian Fiction Writers, earning her the ACFW Mentor of the Year award.
Linda P. Kozar’s Unforgettable Stories
Kozar’s cozy mysteries, like her Until the Fat Ladies Sing series, are brimming with Southern charm and laugh-out-loud moments. Her debut, Misfortune Cookies (2008), introduces Lovita and Sue Jan, two sassy salon owners solving murders in small-town Texas. The series, including titles like Dead as a Doornail and Weighty Matters, mixes humor with heart. Beyond mysteries, Kozar’s devotional works, such as Sweet Tea for the Soul (ECPA Bronze Sales Award, 2022), offer comforting reflections rooted in faith. Her versatile style spans romance, speculative fiction, and nonfiction, always infused with vivid characters and a touch of whimsy.
Her writing process is as lively as her stories. Kozar often writes “seat of the pants,” letting inspiration guide her, as she did with Misfortune Cookies, penned in a two-week burst. Her faith shapes her narratives, weaving themes of trust and hope, inspired by verses like Proverbs 3:5–6. Whether crafting a murder mystery or a devotional, Kozar’s work feels like a warm chat with a friend.
Why Linda P. Kozar Matters
Linda P. Kozar’s impact extends beyond her books. As a mentor, she’s nurtured countless aspiring authors through her writers’ guild and podcast, Chat Noir Mystery & Suspense, where she interviews Christian fiction writers. Her devotionals, like Sunshine for the Soul (2021 Selah Award winner), uplift readers with spiritual encouragement. Kozar’s ability to blend humor, faith, and mystery has carved a unique niche in Christian fiction, inspiring readers to find joy in life’s puzzles. Her legacy lies in her stories and the community she’s built, fostering creativity and connection.
- Key Works: Misfortune Cookies, Sweet Tea for the Soul, Sunshine for the Soul
- Awards: ACFW Mentor of the Year (2007), ECPA Bronze Sales Award (2022)
- Fun Fact: Her Jack Russell Terrier, Gypsy, often steals her writing time!
Ready for a cozy mystery or a soul-soothing devotional? Snag Misfortune Cookies or Sweet Tea for the Soul and dive into Linda P. Kozar’s delightful world!