Ask the Author: Shirlee McCoy
Answered Questions (5)
Shirlee McCoy
Hi Marybelle,
That's a great question. I'd written 35 Love Inspired Suspense books, but I wanted to go back to my roots. My very first published book was a small town romance with just a hint of suspense. STILL WATERS was meant to be a light easy read, and I loved writing it. Shortly after it was published, Harlequin expanded Love Inspired to include a suspense line, and I was asked to write for that. I love writing suspense, but sweet romance is such a lovely change of pace. I think my strength as a writer is in characterization, and the longer stories that I'm writing for Kensington give me an opportunity to delve deeper into what motivates my characters. It also gives me more time to explore the relationships between characters and to build the romance at a more languid pace. I feel very blessed to have been able to venture into a new genre and very thankful for my work with Love Inspired Suspense. Sometimes doing something new makes the 'old' stuff even more exciting, and I found that is true with my writing. So, yes! I am enjoying the adventure!
That's a great question. I'd written 35 Love Inspired Suspense books, but I wanted to go back to my roots. My very first published book was a small town romance with just a hint of suspense. STILL WATERS was meant to be a light easy read, and I loved writing it. Shortly after it was published, Harlequin expanded Love Inspired to include a suspense line, and I was asked to write for that. I love writing suspense, but sweet romance is such a lovely change of pace. I think my strength as a writer is in characterization, and the longer stories that I'm writing for Kensington give me an opportunity to delve deeper into what motivates my characters. It also gives me more time to explore the relationships between characters and to build the romance at a more languid pace. I feel very blessed to have been able to venture into a new genre and very thankful for my work with Love Inspired Suspense. Sometimes doing something new makes the 'old' stuff even more exciting, and I found that is true with my writing. So, yes! I am enjoying the adventure!
Shirlee McCoy
Write for yourself. I guess that's the best advice I can give. Don't write with the goal of publication...even if that's where you're heading. Write a story that you would want to read. One that you write because you love it. The market changes so quickly, and, as you've said, it is inundated with product. But, remember this - there is nothing new under the sun. Every story has been done before. You are what brings the new and extraordinary to the tale. Your voice is what will bring the characters to life. You have yourself to offer to the market, and it doesn't matter how many manuscripts get rejected, yours can still be the one that sells. This industry is tough. Rejection is part of the journey, but if you persist, you will find the right place and the right time for your work.
Shirlee McCoy
Hi Venessa! You are correct! There is a fourth brother. I left him overseas for a while and wrote his story in my Heroes for Hire series. It's book 9 - Defender for Hire. Thanks for ask. I'm glad you enjoyed the Sinclair brothers trilogy!!!
Shirlee McCoy
I'm glad it arrived, Emily!
Shirlee McCoy
Hannah, I sent the book out quite some time ago. I'll send another. Let me know if you ever get the first. I did have someone tell me her packaging was messed up in the mail.
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