Interview with Judi McCoy

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Judi McCoy. It’s a pleasure having you come visit us at Much Cheaper Than Therapy, where chocolate is plentiful and advice is free. So grab some chocolate and a lounge chair. Your therapy session has begun.

I understand you have a new release out called Heir of the Dog. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

The book is #2 in my dog walker romantic mystery series. I love writing these stories because they’re near and dear to my heart. Rudy, the ‘star’ of the series, is actually my boy Rudy, who passed away in January of this year. It’s been tough writing him, but he’s pushed me to do my best

Heir of the Dog is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

It was simple, really. In the book, Rudy inherits a huge some of money from a homeless man who is killed in the bowels of Central Park. He’s “Heir” to a fortune.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

My agent actually suggested I write something different, something that would ‘stretch’ my creativity. Well, writing about talking dogs has certainly done that.

Are you a plotter or a pantser and how did it affect the writing of this book?

I think I’m a little of both. I come up with an idea and think it through, decide on what happens in certain sections of the book, and start to write. I don’t use and outline, but I love the post-it note way of plotting

Did you have to do a lot of research for the book? What are your favorite research books or sites?

I went to New York three different times and walked Fifth Avenue, talking to museum guards, doormen, dog walkers, and anyone else who would speak with me. I also sat with two NYC homicide detectives to make sure of the way a murder was taken care of in the city. Two Februarys ago I went to Madison Square Garden and sat through the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, too.

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

I’d always wanted to write a story about a dog walker, but never thought of turning it into a series until I discussed it with my sister.

Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?

I love writing Rudy’s dialogue. He can get away with so much more than any of the human characters can.

Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing? How does your research affect your character development?

I don’t do any of that stuff. I’m lazy. I like to let my characters develop as the series/story goes along. Once I decide in my brain that I want that character, I make it work. If I don’t, they tell me what they want.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

My favorite author is Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Her characters are so real I believe they exist.

What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?

I did something unique for the first book in this series. I’ve donated ALL my royalties to Best Friends, the largest no-kill shelter in the US. As long as that first book is selling, Best Friends will get the money. I don’t believe any other author has ever done this for a charity before.

What do we have to look forward next?

Book three in the series, Death in Show, will be out in June 2010.

Thanks, Judi.

To celebrate her book release, Judi McCoy is offering a free book of Heir of the Dog to one lucky commenter on today's blog. (please check the blog Monday night to see who won. Chances of winning determined by the number of entries.)

She's under a killer deadline right now but will try and stop in periodically. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

Check out author’s website at www.judimccoy.com.