Reality Writes: Plotting a Cozy Murder, Real-Life Crime Scenes, and Author Etiquette—It’s All Happening at Ashland Mystery Fest

What happens when you hand a group of mystery writers a cozy town, a stage, and a fake murder to solve? That’s what this week’s Reality Writes episode is all about.

I’m joined by my friend and fellow author, Emmeline Duncan—creator of the Ground Rules and Halloween Bookshop mystery series. If you haven’t read her yet, start with Fresh Brewed Murder or Chaos at Lazy Bones Bookshop. You’ll thank me later.

We dig into:

• How Emmeline’s fictional Halloween town is loosely inspired by real-life St. Helens, Oregon (yep, the Halloween Town movies were filmed there)

• Why Ashland Mystery Fest is nothing like your typical hotel conference

• The brand new immersive crime scene setup Emmeline is building for this year’s fest (think: DIY sleuthing with cozy flair)

• What it’s like when a 10-year-old steals the spotlight as a murder victim reenactor (truly Oscar-worthy)

We also talked about reader etiquette—because yes, there’s a right and a wrong way to meet your favorite authors. Hint: If you don’t like someone’s book, maybe… don’t say that to their face?

Ashland Mystery Fest is turning three this year, and it’s growing fast—but staying true to its roots: intimate, interactive, and filled with all the charm of stepping into the pages of a mystery novel. We’ll have panels, readings, crafting sessions, and of course, the infamous Sleuth Dinner where authors host tables in costume (come dressed as your favorite sleuth this year!). My wig has already arrived.

And heads up—if you’re coming from out of town, we’ve got a new shipping station so you can mail books home. Because no, your suitcase won’t hold everything.

Give the episode a listen—especially if you’re curious about what goes into planning a mystery festival, or you just want to hear Emmeline and me debate the physics of candy-throwing.

Have questions about Ashland Mystery Fest? Want to know what it’s like behind the scenes? Drop them below—I’ll answer what I can (but I won’t spoil the ending).