New Client Alert – CJ Connor

Name: CJ Connor
What you Write: Mysteries (the cozier, the better) and queer romance
Agent: Jessica Faust
Why BookEnds? BookEnds was one of my top places to query because they represent so many mystery writers I love. I was also impressed by Jessica’s commitment to promoting diverse voices and how accessible she makes writing resources through her videos and articles. I could tell during our call that she shared a similar vision for a manuscript that I put so much heart into and felt confident in her knowledge and passion for the cozy mystery genre.

What genres do you write? Read?

I try to read a little of everything. If it’s compelling, I don’t care what genre it is. Sometimes, I’ll go to the new releases section of my library and pick out whatever catches my eye because I love trying new things. One of my recent reads was Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake, and I am still in awe over it.

I write mysteries and queer romance. When I was a teenager, I wrote a little sci-fi but if almost failing high school chemistry is any indicator, I just don’t have a science-minded brain.

Do you have a writing playlist or a vision board?  If so, what’s on them?

Yes, I love making playlists for my writing projects. It’s one of my favorite motivators. Here are a few on my playlist for Board to Death, a queer cozy mystery about a board game shop and the poor frazzled man who runs it:

• People Watching — Air Traffic Controller
• Lent— Autoheart
• Just Can’t Lose — The Aquabats
• Shark Attack — Grouplove
• Relax, Take it Easy — MIKA
• Bang! — AJR
• Think About Things — Daði Freyr

Drink of choice when writing? When not writing?

I don’t even know where I’d be without pomegranate green tea. At this point, I owe it a life debt for keeping me awake while I write. When I’m not writing, I love a light and fruity kombucha. French oak apple is my favorite. I’d also never say no to a blueberry basil one.

Day or Night writer?

I’m a morning writer all the way. I like to wake up around five and get some writing in before work. It helps me feel productive.

If you could meet any author, living or dead, who would you want to meet and why?

That’s such a hard question. I think I would want to meet Douglas Adams. I don’t write in the same genre as him, but I read his work at such an impressionable age. He was and always will be my hero for bringing the world so much joy through his writing. I’d love to tell him thank you for the laughs.

Where can readers find you on the web and social media?

I’m on Twitter and Instagram at @cjconnorwrites. I’m also on TikTok at @cozyqueerreads, though I’m still getting the hang of BookTok.