Plotting a New Series!

I’m deep in the middle of two completely different cozy series right now, one under my pen-name and another as a ghost-writing assignment and even as I try to keep track of the very different characters forming the two series, other ideas swirl around inside my head.

I took some time about a month ago to firm up a series that occured to me during a quick vacation down the East Coast of the United States. My husband and I knew that we were moving back to the West Coast of Canada so we took the opportunity to travel through Maine and explore the fabulous scenery. It seemed like every corner we went around had me calling out for my husband to stop so I could take a picture and as we drove cozy mystery settings kept running through my brain.

The Setting: Bridal Veil Resort

Start the first day of your new life together in a romantic setting on the rugged coast of New England.

Accommodation:  The main house features 6 private luxury suites.  Another 6 Victorian tiny homes are scattered around the picture-perfect grounds.

Food:  Enjoy a gourmet breakfast in the privacy of your private dining room.  Our attentive staff has over 50 years experience with catering to the most exacting standards.

Photography:  World renowned wedding photographer Claire de Laune captures your special day with her unique flair.  Claire makes her home here at the resort, and The Bridal Veil, with its white foam and misty spray is one of her favorite locations for pictures of the happy couple. 

The Characters

PRIMARY CHARACTERS:

Claire de Laune:  Professional photographer, she is spending a year at the Bridal Veil Resort while her parents (also professional photographers) are taking a year off to travel the world.  5’11’ tall, long auburn hair, classic Irish looks.  Proud of her Celtic heritage, tired of jokes about her name.  Claire lives in the attic of Cliff Manor along with other employees

Kassidi Monpetite:  Housekeeper for Bridal Veil resort.  Kassidi would rather be weaving/beading/crafting than changing towels and plumping pillows, quite short.  She also enjoys baking and is trying to move up to being pastry chef for resort.  Testing her recipes on Claire and others constantly.  Does wedding cake decorations

Ciorstan Oesterlein, Wedding Planner/Hotel Manager:  imported from England, causes much hilarity among newly weds with phrases like “I’ll have you knocked up in the morning.”  Claire has worked with Ciorstan at high end resorts around Europe and has an okay working relationship with her.  There is some history with Claire’s parents.

Sextus Mahony:  Security Manager at Bridal Veil Weddings. Arrived for one of the large Instagram Influencer wedding ceremonies and never left. Prefers to be called Mahony (for some strange reason). Claire isn’t comfortable with the way he makes up to Ciorstan -who is older than either of them.  He has connections with law enforcement — state, federal, overseas — but is vague about how he knows them, and why he is working at a honeymoon resort.  Not a fan of marriage.  He and IT manager arrived at the estate together but aren’t necessarily best buddies.

Herbert Koeslin: IT manager at Bridal Veil Weddings. “Just call me Herbie – as in ‘The Love Bug’, interested in Kassidi hints of past shenanigans involving them on the west coast around Los Angeles/Silicon Valley.  Boyish face, short like Kassidi.

Highlights of Bridal Veil Wedding Resort Cozy Mystery Series:

Every move on the grounds of the estate is video taped, CCTV everywhere. 

Guests have to sign consent form before coming on grounds, all are aware they are being filmed.  Putting together reality show type video for all brides is part of all packages.