Interview with Judi McCoy

I’d like to welcome our fellow blogmate and 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 DEATH IN SHOW . Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

Professional dog walker Ellie Engleman doesn't know much about the ins and outs of dog shows. But when one handler is killed, Ellie will learn that it's a dog-eat-dog world. Especially since the killer might now have it out for her. She and her sometime boyfriend, Detective Sam Ryder, will have to dig up the truth faster than a speeding bulldog...

DEATH IN SHOW is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

Actually, this title wasn’t the first choice. I wanted Liver Let Die and the marketing department at NAL said NO. They didn’t think anyone would buy a book with Liver in the title. I was heartbroken because Liver Let Die was THE perfect title (when you read the book you’ll understand why) these days, it seems that marketing is running the publishing business.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

After 14 straight romances I needed a change, but I love series. I brainstormed with my sister and we came up with it together.

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

I call myself a PLOTSER, which means I do a little of both. I know the premise, who gets killed and why (pantser) then I figure out how/when things are going to happen (plotter).

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

This book took a ton of research. Aside from attending ONE Westmister kennel club show a few years ago, I knew nothing about the dog show world. Luckily, two women in my Chesapeake Romance Writers’ group showed dogs and knew all about it. I also bought a few books that gave the rules and regs.

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

I’d always wondered how dogs were chosen as best in breed, best in group, etc. in a championship show. Then I heard how competitive the dog handling business way, so the murder scenario just fit.

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

In this book it was the villian. I got to give them an interesting personality and some interesting dialogue too.

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?

Ellie and Rudy, the stars of the book, and Sam, were already lurking in my brain when I came up with the dog walker series. The other characters trickled in as I wrote, and they still do. I try to include two new characters in every book. I never know when they’ll be used later on.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

I have dozens of romancver writers, but for mystery I like Cleo Coyle and Janet Evanovich (who doesn’t?)

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

I send a newsletter and I travel to signings. And I always have the next book on a bookmark.

What do we have to look forward next?

The death of a cross dresser, which was a ton of fun to write. I met dozens of interesting people who know all about that world.

Thanks, Judi!

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

She will be around all day today. 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 Buy the books at Amazon, B and N, Borders, any chain bookstore.