Author Q&A – Samantha McCoy

Q: From what I understand, you tend to write romance novels and erotic fiction. Is there anything in particular that drew you to these genres?

A: When I first started writing, I had no idea what genre I would write. I literally sat down and just started to type. When I was finished, it ended up being an MC romance. Since then, I’ve stuck with it. Relationships are a fascinating thing. Everyone’s is different, yet they all come back to the same thing – love. For me, I like telling the stories that revolve around real-life struggles. Things that readers can relate to. Things that we deal with in our everyday lives.

Q: What would you say is the toughest thing about being a writer? This can either relate to a specific genre or to writing in general.

A: Being authentic and finding balance. So many stories have already been told countless times. We’ve all read the billionaire stories where he pays for a bride and then they fall in love. So, writing one that is authentic, without it sounding like something that has already been written, sometimes gets extremely difficult. And definitely balancing life. Finding time to get words in between being a wife, mom, and Mimi. Making time to get laundry, dishes, dinner, and doctor appointments in while also ensuring that my stories are progressing.

Q: You’ve written quite a few books. Do you have a favourite? If not, do you have a favourite character?

A: I think my favourite book would have to be Sable, Book Four in my Iron Angels, MC series. Most don’t know this, but her story is mine. Bits and pieces were changed, obviously; however, the makeup of the story is all me. The book was my therapy. I poured my heart and soul into that book and through it, it helped me heal. As far as characters… I think my favourite is Diesel. His story is in Book Three of my Deil’s Henchmen MC series. He was just funny. Throughout all three books, his jokes and antics just kept me rolling.

Q: Is there a particular time of day when you write particularly well? For example, some writers claim to be more productive in the evenings. Is this the case with you?

A: Not really. For me, it’s getting away from the distractions of home. I write better sitting at Starbucks with my headphones in and music turned up, or sitting at the park in the car, than I do at home. If I’m at home, everything grabs my attention. The dishes, the laundry, a piece of paper on the floor, my grandson crying – literally everything.

Q: When did you first decide that you wanted to be an author?

A: I used to work in the corporate world for a global gas and oil company, and, to begin with, I loved it. However, over time, I started to hate the politics of it all. People were no longer people. They were human capital. So, I quit. I literally turned in my resignation, packed up my fancy corner office, and quit. And then I sat at home and completely freaked out, wondering what the heck I was going to do. I still had three kids at home to feed. A good friend at the time, who was a very successful author, told me I needed to start writing. I had helped her a few times with story plot holes and such. After a long conversation and a lot of convincing, I sat down, pulled out my laptop, and wrote my first book.

Q: What is your favourite part of the writing process?

A: Story building! I love plotting out a story in my head. Mentally seeing each and every character come to life. And as frustrating as it sometimes is, I love when a story is going right on track and suddenly a character throws me a curveball.

Q: Are you working on any new writing projects at the moment? If you are, can you tell us anything about them?

A: I am! I am currently (and almost finished) with the first book in a new series. Club Reign is a series that will take place in Chicago. It’s a nightclub located on the ironic Navy Pier. A place where the drinks will flow like the waters of the Great Lakes, and, by invitation only, so does the pleasure. This is not a typical HEA. After all, as I have already said, not everyone’s love story is the same.

Q: Do you have any writing advice that you are willing to share with us?

A: Keep writing. No matter how hard it gets or how frustrating, just keep writing. There will be days that you will feel like just giving up, but don’t. That first bad review, no matter how ridiculous, is going to hurt – but keep writing. If you have characters in your head that are demanding to be heard – then keep writing. Always, always, ALWAYS – keep writing.

Q: Have you ever received any “bad” writing advice that you think other writers should ignore?

A: Yes! I was struggling with writers’ block and had someone tell me to just keep pushing on. Worse. Advice. Ever. When you struggle to write a story, the readers can tell. Right there, in between all the lines, it will spell it all out. I ended up completely deleting the story because even I could tell it was forced. It sounded horrible.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit more about one of your books? You can choose which one!

A: Hmm. Sable is about a woman that gives her heart away only to find out she gave it to the wrong person. She feels completely broken – mentally and emotionally. She drives into a dark depression and moves away from her sisters because she hates who she’s become and doesn’t want them to see her weak. She finds a guy who is having his own life struggles, and she offers to help. In the meantime, she starts to fall for him. And him for her. However, Sable struggles with an internal battle – is she good enough? Can she trust another man? Will she just end up broken, again? And is there really a thing called second chance love? Sometimes, the battles we face in life will leave a lifelong scar…