Guest Post

Guest Book Blogger: Marie McNary

Ever wonder about the story behind some of your favorite book bloggers’ websites? Well, you’re in luck, because once each month Chicks on the Case features an interview with a well-known blogger. Our February spotlight is our good friend Marie McNary of A Cozy Experience.

marie-warrior-shirt

Please tell us about your blog. Why did you decide to write it? What are some of the challenges and/or successes you’ve experienced along the way?
My blog is called A Cozy Experience. I started in October 2016 out of a love for cozy mysteries. Cozies are a genre where I finish the book SO FAST and I’m never ready for it to be over. I wanted a place where lovers of all things cozy could come together to read, experience, and celebrate the experience of a good book. When I first started the site, it was to sell cozy book boxes and I did that for about a year. These days I do not sell the boxes anymore, but provide a website that is packed full of all cozy mystery related awesomeness. I also run the Cozy Experience Online Book Club where we read and experience one cozy mystery each month and end the month with a book chat with the author.

Do you also post your reviews elsewhere (Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.)? Why or why not?
I try to post my reviews in as many places as possible. The publishing world seems to be ever changing and one gift I can give my favorite authors is my posting my review of the book whenever others may look. Currently I post to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, BookBub, NetGalley, and the Cozy Experience blog and social media.

What are some of the best or most surprising experiences you’ve had related to your blog? 
All the wonderful people I have met! The cozy mystery community is wonderful and supportive. From fellow readers and bloggers, to the authors themselves. I love all the people I have had the opportunity to e-meet and can’t wait to meet everyone in person some day. One time I had a fellow cozy reader recognize me in my local library, which was super cool. I still get a rush every time “book mail” arrives at my door and feel honored that authors and publishers trust me to read and review these books.

What advice would you give to new bloggers and/or to authors who would like to connect with book bloggers?
For Bloggers: Do it! Starting a blog has never been easier and the Internet is full of resources to help. You have an unique point of view and perspective that only you can give. Start slow. Connect with others. Create an editorial calendar to help yourself keep track of it all. And HAVE FUN with it.

For Authors: Thank you for trusting us to read and review your work! While we would all love to read and review every book, sometimes we cannot get them all done. Please do not take it personally! If a review won’t work into a blogger’s schedule, don’t be shy to ask about other ways to work together. Most book bloggers would be happy to allow guest posts and interviews, which are less time consuming for us to get out and would still get you in touch with our audience.

You’ve recently started a new business to help authors promote their books on Facebook. Please let us know more about it! 
Through blogging at A Cozy Experience, one area of the cozy mystery world that seemed to be missing was social media support for authors. Now days authors have to do so much work promoting and selling their book when they should be spending their time celebrating their masterpiece! I provide custom Facebook Parties for book authors. I take care of the party from start to finish (promotion, writing the party, hosting the party, giveaway follow up, etc.) All you have to do is show up and enjoy the event.

Thanks so much for hosting me today!

Thank YOU for letting us host you!

Read more about Marie below and say hello in the comments!

Marie’s Bio

I am just your average coffee drinking, pro-wrestling loving, book reading girl. My hubby, Josh and I own our own marketing technology business. I spend a good amount of my time chasing after my three boys. I have twins that are seven and a nine year old. I also love baking (and trying the recipes found in my favorite cozies). I love to connect, so drop by any Cozy Experience social media and say hello anytime!

Visit Marie at: https://cozyexperience.com/

23 thoughts on “Guest Book Blogger: Marie McNary”

  2. Thank you for introducing me to this blog. I love to find new authors, and these kinds of blogs are one of the best ways to do it, other than personal recommendations.
    Reviews are great to find out about books, but how do you find the authors to read their reviews and find out about their books? These blogs!

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  4. Marie, I think your t-shirt says it all. You are the Ultimate Warrior for cozies and especially us ever-grateful cozy authors! Thanks so much for joining us at Chicks on the Case today!!

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  5. Marie, thanks so much for joining us, AND for your work on behalf of the cozy genre. AND for your fabulous Facebook parties. Trust me, authors, you want this woman doing your party. She’s a lifesaver. She’s even written a e-book about it that would be helpful to writers in any genre. You can find it on her website.

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    1. Thanks, Kellye! Facebook Parties are a great way for cozy mystery fans to get to know their favorite authors and also a great way for authors to get out there and e-meet more fans. My interactive workbook, 8 Steps to a Successful Facebook Party was designed for the DIYers who want to try to host one themselves.

      https://cozyexperience.com/shop/

      If anyone would like, they can use promo code “BOOKCLUB” and pick it up for $0.99.

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    1. Thanks, Mark! I enjoyed reading your profile last month – what a fun idea to profile bloggers. I know it’s tough to always remember when the Facebook events are. If you RSVP, Facebook is nice enough to give you a reminder when we start, which is helpful 🙂

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  8. Thanks for visiting, Marie! And a shameless plug here, Marie will be hosting a Facebook Launch Party for my upcoming release, TIL DEATH DO US PARTY, on March 29. (Check A Cozy Experience for details). All the Chicks on the Case will be dropping in — hope you’ll join us!

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  12. Marie! I’m super late chiming in (I’m entertaining a friend from out of town) but it was great learning more about you. Your Facebook parties are the best!

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