Cornish charm and cosy mysteries: Judy Leigh's path to one million books
25 October 2024
Since completing her MA in Professional Writing at Falmouth University in 2015, Judy Leigh has achieved extraordinary success, selling over one million books across three different genres.
Her time at Falmouth was pivotal, not only shaping her writing career but also inspiring her much-loved Morwenna Mutton series, which draws on the warmth, charm, and character of Cornwall. From cosy crime to dual timeline historical novels, Judy’s work captivates readers worldwide, and with exciting new releases on the horizon, her writing journey is far from over.
We caught up with Judy to find out about life after her MA at Falmouth as a full-time writer.
Congratulations on selling over one million books! How does it feel to reach this milestone in your writing career?
It’s a bit surprising. When I did the Professional Writing MA at Falmouth, I wanted to write novels and get them published, but I had no idea I’d sell so many, so quickly, and in three genres. At Falmouth, I enjoyed all elements of the course, but from the start, it was all about the novel. It definitely called to me.
You had a diverse career before publishing books—from teaching theatre and writing punk lyrics to directing plays. How have these experiences fed into your writing?
I think being a performer and a lyricist gave me a sense of audience: it’s a giving profession, not a selfish one, in so much as the needs of an audience or a reader are uppermost. My focus is on entertaining, using words, imagery, devices, and plot to make sure someone enjoys what I’ve written.
You completed your master’s in 2015. How did it help shape your writing journey and who would you recommend it to
Everyone and anyone. My agent was impressed from the beginning that I had a master’s degree. People value it. I think it’s very possible to be a brilliant novelist without any qualifications, but I come from a place that really values education of all types. New learning and continued learning are important. During the MA, I met so many talented and wonderful people, and I really felt that I was starting a new and positive journey. And who doesn’t want to be a student?! I am nowhere near finished with my learning yet, not by a long way.
"New learning and continued learning are important. During the MA, I met so many talented and wonderful people, and I really felt that I was starting a new and positive journey. And who doesn’t want to be a student?! I am nowhere near finished with my learning yet, not by a long way."
- Judy Leigh
How much of your own life in Cornwall has influenced the Morwenna Mutton series?
I wouldn’t have placed my character in Cornwall if it hadn’t been for the year I spent in Falmouth doing the MA. Seal Bay is pretty much based on Falmouth. I dream that the series will be a film or TV series one day, starring Dawn French as Morwenna. The series is all about flavour: the warm Cornish people, families, friends, humour, the seaside, the way of life, pasties and cream teas, and old places where ghosts might hang out. Cornwall is unique and special, and the location and the people are wonderful.
You write a range of series under two different names – which are your favourite books to write?
It’s like a perfectly balanced and celebratory meal, having all three. The ‘golden age’ books under my own name are the main course – rich, nourishing, and always packed with good things. The cosy crime is the dessert – shorter and sweeter. The Elena Collins dual timelines are the glass of brandy that comes at the end, something special to relish – I love the research, delving into the past, exploring how ‘now’ links with ‘then’. All three genres make me a very nourished author – and a happy one.
Can you share any exciting projects that are in the pipeline?
Yes! I have a new book out in December, The Silver-Haired Sisterhood, set on Skye, a follow-up to Five French Hens. The five friends are back, and there are more adventures. Then, in January, The Cream Tea Killer is published, the third in the Seal Bay series. Morwenna and her family are knee-deep in a crime that shocks Seal Bay to the core. I’ve also just written an Elena Collins dual timeline novel based on Cornish witches in the 1600s, inspired by a visit to Mullion Cove. I can’t wait for that one – but it’ll be out in the spring.
All my titles are available in paperback, hardback, audio, and eBook formats from my publisher, Boldwood Books.
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