Hey there, fellow cozy mystery lovers!
I have been a pastor for many years, and I can honestly say that serving the church is an awesome job. You get to preach the gospel, serve the sacraments, and attend endless potluck dinners that feature heavy carbs and lots of things with frosting, and wear long robes, which make you look like a cross between Dumbledore and a Jedi knight.
But did you know that being a pastor is a fantastic background for writing cozy murders?
First of all, pastors are great communicators. We can talk your ear off about theology, spirituality, and life in general. We know how to weave words together to create a compelling story that will keep you on the edge of your pew.
Second, pastors get to meet all kinds of interesting people. We know how to read people's body language and pick up on their quirks (not that church members have quirks), which comes in handy when creating memorable characters.
Finally, serving in a congregation gives you a unique perspective on human nature. You learn to see the world through the eyes of different people - the lonely, the grieving, the joyous, the fulfilled. You see how they cope with life's challenges and how they interact with others. This knowledge is invaluable when it comes to creating plot twists and turns, as well as developing the overarching themes of your stories.
So, there you have it - being a pastor is the perfect profession if your plan is to write cozy murders on your day off. If you are a pastor who wants to write—go for it! Just don't tell your congregation about your side hustle, or they might start wondering if you're planning to murder them in your next book.
Kidding, of course! Or am I...?
See You in the Pews!
Reverend Jane