Interview with Judi McCoy

The Writer's Inn: Thank you so much for allowing us this interview, Judi. So tell us, when did you decide that you wanted to become an author and have your books published?

Judi McCoy: It was 1994 and I had a job that required a lot of travel, so I always had several books with me for the down time. After awhile, I was changing plots I read, adding characters, and coming up with my own dialogue, so I decided to give it a try. It was the first year that Romantic Times began giving their aspiring author course, so I signed up and went to the conference, then I joined RWA and went to that conference as well.

The Writer's Inn: What was your journey like to becoming a published author? Was it a rocky road or smooth sailing?

Judi McCoy: Considering how difficult it is to break in today, I consider my journey long but smooth. I entered ONE contest, got decent scores, and was happy to know I could write at least well enough so that people could understand my message. I sent out chapters and began getting ‘good’ rejection letters almost immediately, so I looked for an agent and found one in my first 10 choices. After that, things moved at a nice pace.

The Writer's Inn: Do you have a specific writing style?

Judi McCoy: I plot in my brain first, then work with a group to talk out the idea. Once that’s straight in everyone’s head, we do a chapter by chapter outline, and I bring it home and start the process. My thoughts might change as the book progresses, but I still use that first road map to keep me on track.

The Writer's Inn: How long did it take for you to complete "One Night with a Goddess?

Judi McCoy: Six months, which is about the time it takes for all my books.

The Writer's Inn: Now, Judi, we've read the synopsis of "One Night with a Goddess" and it definitely sounds like a real page turner. Please tell readers a little about your novel.

Judi McCoy: One Night With a Goddess (ONWG) was one of those books that just about wrote itself. I knew Chloe inside out and I knew she needed a very down to earth man, yet someone who was noble, someone she could admire, a person that deep inside she could relate to. I thought about that man; what would he do for a living, how would he care for an aging grandmother, what might have happened to him to make him noble, and Matt popped into my head fully formed. I really love the book and think it’s the best one in the goddess series.

The Writer's Inn: What are some of your views on the new authors coming onto the literary scene these days?

Judi McCoy: This is a huge business. People who love to read like a variety of genres. I think there’s enough room in this profession for all ‘good’ writers and I like to see everyone get their chance to follow their dream.

The Writer's Inn: Who are some of your favorite authors out right now?

Judi McCoy: I enjoy Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Elizabeth Beverly, but I’m reading a bit more mystery these days so I have a few favorites there too. Tamara Myers, Cleo Coyle, and Hailey Lind to name a few.

The Writer's Inn: What advice do you have for new and aspiring authors that are just getting started in their literary career?

Judi McCoy: I think the fun saying from Galaxy Quest fits my point of view. “Never give up. Never surrender.” The only way you will NOT be published is if you stop writing. Do it every single day, even if you only put down 100 words. Don’t overanalyze, don’t worry, don’t doubt yourself. Just write.

The Writer's Inn: Do you have other aspirations besides writing and if so, what are they?

Judi McCoy: I have a few hobbies that sometimes get lost in the shuffle, but basically writing is my life.

The Writer's Inn: As an author, how do you prepare for the criticism which is part of a writer's life?

Judi McCoy: Criticism is difficult to take. It’s like entering your infant in a Pretties Baby contest and coming in last. But after a while, you develop an outer shell that helps the bad roll away and you learn to say thank you to any comments, store them away, and give your next book your best shot.

The Writer's Inn: What is the most surprising thing that you've learned about the publishing industry?

Judi McCoy: Hah! That there is NO secret handshake, no inside track, no inside info that will get you published except talent and determination

The Writer's Inn: Will you be doing any book signings in the near future and if so, what cities do you plan to visit?

Judi McCoy: I have a HUGE book coming out in March 2009 called Hounding the Pavement, and I’ll be going on tour. Signing at RT in Orlando, Dallas Texas, New Jersey, Virginia, Pittsburgh, and several mystery conferences.

The Writer's Inn: Judi, what can your readers expect from you in the future?

Judi McCoy: Hounding the Pavement and the books that follow (Heir of the Dog is book 2, out in December 2009) All royalties from the sale of Hounding the Pavement will be donated by me to Best Friends, the largest animal rights no kill shelter in this country. There are BIG plans for this book, and I should have an exciting announcement to make about them shortly.

The Writer's Inn: The Writer's Inn would just like to thank you for allowing us this interview with you, Judi, and wish you nothing but continued success in your literary career. We know that you will go far and can't wait to see more of your work in the near future!

To find out more exciting news on Judi McCoy and her novel, Making over Mr. Right, please be sure to visit www.judimccoy.com