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When we feel valued for who we truly are, we’re charmed.

From a logistical perspective, charm derives from contented familiarity. Knowing that character A takes a walk along the river at 8 o’clock sharp every morning or that character B, locally renowned for his moody paintings of meadows, sets up his easel on the village green on foggy days, provides welcome predictability, a comforting rhythm to daily ... See more

Most cozy mysteries take place in self-contained communities. This guideline serves several charm-inducing purposes, both logistical and thematic.

charming amateur sleuths show genuine interest in the people and situations around them. When chatting, your sleuth maintains eye contact

The second form of second person makes the reader into the protagonist of the story. This is a bit easier to spot, although it can be subtle as well. Here is an example: “You wake up in the morning to find that you have turned into a giant insect overnight.”

Second person feels different for a reason. Beyond using or implying the word you, it forces the reader to become an active participant in the story. Being a participant to what is happening can affect the reader in ways that first and third person simply cannot.