Author Q&A: Bessie Barr

Today we're interviewing cozy mystery author Bessie Barr.

Barr's books spotlight small-town antics, quirky characters, amateur sleuths, and a proper dose of murder-in-the-middle. Readers describe her books as “must-reads,” with the perfect balance of humor, twists and turns, and furry sidekick assistance.

AUTHOR GUARANTEE: Bessie Barr Books can be read in any order and are free from profanity, graphic descriptions of violence, and explicit bedroom activities.

SADYE: How did you come to see yourself as a writer, and what inspired you to seek publication?  

BESSIE: I’ve always written. I kinda feel like it’s just in my blood. English and creative writing were my favorite classes back in high school and in college.

But, despite that, I decided on a degree in physical therapy. PT seemed more “steady” and “practical” to me as a younger lady. And it was.

I spent thirty wonderful years in home health physical therapy. I loved meeting all my patients and helping them succeed in their health journeys. But the whole time, I kept writing behind the scenes.

And then one day, after our kids were grown and after our parents had passed, my husband and I decided to shift, from North Texas down to the beach in the Coastal Bend region of Texas. And with that shift, I decided to pivot into writing full-time.  

It was time to put practicality behind me and let my creative self run free. It has been a beautiful adventure. 

SADYE: Tell us something about your writing process that’s unusual or that you haven’t revealed before.  

BESSIE: I often dream my characters. When I’m in brainstorming mode for a new book, my plot, setting, and characters live in my head rent-free.

For my characters, I love just pondering everything about them. How tall are they? What little flaws do they have? How do they respond to criticism or stress? What pet names do their loved ones have for them? How do they wear their hair? What style of clothing do they prefer?  

And then, at some point and almost without fail, they pop into my dreams at some point. It cracks me up because by the time I actually start writing their story, I feel like I’ve already met them once or twice!    

SADYE: Which of your characters would you most and least like to trade places with?  

BESSIE: I’d love to trade places with Birdie Black. She is the sidekick amateur sleuth and best friend to Finn Dockrey. And she is a super unique character.

She’s thirty-something and boon-docks on the beach, just over the boardwalk of Pelican Isle Estates (where Finn lives). So, her home is a tent on the top of her Subaru. Her kitchen is a campfire. Her shower is either the Gulf or the public showers down the beach. And she lives there with her orange and white fluffy cat, Queen Bean.  

She is salt and sass and wit and fearlessness all wrapped up in one fierce woman. Plus, she makes a mean butter-swim biscuit! (PS — her recipe is below!)

SADYE: What has been the most touching or memorable piece of reader feedback you’ve received?  

BESSIE: I had one reader reach out to say my book Death, Deceit and the Deep had her in tears.

I was perplexed, needless to say. Because I write cozies. And most people tell me they are either on the edge of their seats trying to figure out whodunit or laughing (because the antics between my characters are super funny at times). But crying seemed an odd emotion.  

Then she went on to tell me that she and her grandmother used to read Agatha Christie novels together when she was younger. And apparently, this particular Pelican Shores book reminded her of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile, a favorite of her grandma’s. And that memory brought back tears of happy times.  

How sweet is that?!! To be able to connect readers to happy times (present or past) is just such a privilege. 

SADYE: What message or theme would you like readers to take away from your work?  

BESSIE: I want readers to walk away knowing that the good guys win.

Cozies are so much fun for me to write. I get to be creative and throw in some ridiculous plot elements and plot twists and characters. And then, I get to let the good guys and gals be the victor.  

There is enough bad in the world. Writing cozies lets me offer a moment of victory to the good guys. And that’s a fun reminder. In the end, good triumphs over evil. 

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Learn more about Bessie Barr on her website, where her books can also be purchased, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Know an author you'd like to see featured? Email us with a recommendation!

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Birdie's Blueberry Butter-Swim Biscuits with Amaretto Icing

A Pelican Shores Southern favorite

Ingredients

• 2 packages blueberry muffin mix⁠ (Martha White makes a good one)

• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk⁠ (or 1 cup regular milk)

• 1/2 cup butter, melted⁠

• Feel free to add a handful or two of fresh blueberries (washed and patted dry). 

To Make

• Preheat oven to 450° F.⁠

• In a large bowl, combine muffin mix and milk until smooth.⁠

• Add melted butter to a 9x9 baking dish. Pour batter over melted butter, smoothing the top using a rubber spatula, and then use the rubber spatula to "cut" batter into nine squares.⁠

• Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.⁠

• Drizzle on icing while warm.

Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2-3 tbsp milk

• 1 tsp almond extract