Interview and Giveaway with Loucinda Mcgary

Welcome to Jagged Edge today!

Would you like to tell us a little about yourself?

Thank you so much for inviting me to join you on your blog today!

My two great passions are travel and writing. So far, I’ve visited 47 states and more than 25 countries. I like to incorporate some of the fascinating places I’ve visited into my stories. I’m the author of three romantic suspense novels from Sourcebooks. Two of them are set in Ireland and one takes place in Venice, Italy. They also each have some different paranormal elements.

You can find me online at Romance Bandits (www.romancebandits.blogspot.com), my personal blog Aunty Cindy Explains It All (www.auntycindy.blogspot.com), FaceBook (http://www.facebook.com/#!/loucinda.mcgary) and of course my website (www.LoucindaMcgary.com).

What inspired you to write?

I’ve always been a storyteller, and a voracious reader. When a book didn’t end the way I wanted it to, I would make up my own ending. Eventually, I began making up the whole story.

What authors influenced you as a writer?

From the time I was a young teen, I’ve loved reading the great old gothic romances of Phyllis A. Whitney, Victoria Holt and especially Mary Stewart. Some of my readers have mentioned seeing similar elements in my work to these wonderful authors and I couldn’t be more pleased.

Your favorite character?

All my heroes. I’m always in love with my heroes. If I don’t love them, how can my readers?

What is your favorite Quote?

I love quotes and am constantly discovering new favorites. Here’s my current one: There is no rehab for stupidity. – Chris Rock

What is one book everyone should read?

Everyone’s tastes are different and I wouldn’t presume to know what everyone likes, but I do love the idea of everyone reading. People should read the book that most interests them, that compels them to keep turning page after page. And when they reach the end, they should be able to close the back cover with a satisfied sigh. I hope my books accomplish this great feat for my readers.

If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world, which would it be?

No doubt about it, Middle Earth from J.R.R. Tolkien’sLord of the Rings. A nice comfy hobbit hole sounds delightful.

What is the one thing that every writer needs to have or do?

Every writer need to grow skin thicker than a rhino to shield against all those rejections and negative reviews! Unfortunately, these do not get any easier to take the more you get. I thought they might, but so far this has not been the case for me.

Are your books different to your personal favourite books by other authors?

Not really. My stories and characters do have my own personal filters and slant but basically they are suspenseful adventures about falling in love.

What led you to writing in this genre?

I write the kind of books I like to read.

What inspires you the most when you write?

My characters. I know far more about my characters and their back stories than ever makes it between the covers of my books. All of my stories start with one or more of my characters. Once I get to know these people, then I begin to develop the plot.

As far as what inspires me to create my characters, literally anything and everything. For example, my bookThe Treasures of Venice was originally inspired by a piece of music from an early 20^th century opera, The Jewels of the Madonna. Usually my inspirations are a combination of things. My newest book, The Wild Irish Sea was inspired by my interest in twins and Celtic legends about selkies.

How long does it normally take you to write a book?

My first two books, The Wild Sight and The Treasures of Venice each took me about a year to research and write. Since The Wild Irish Sea was also set in the north of Ireland, I was able to use some of my research from The Wild Sight, so it only took me 9 months to write.

What are you most excited about this year?

The sudden upsurge of books being offered directly to ebook readers. I believe this gives both readers and writers many wonderful opportunities they’ve never had before. I haven’t taken the plunge and purchased an ebook reader yet (am I the last person in the known universe?) but I have hopes for a Mother’s Day or anniversary present.

What book do you wish to see come out as a movie?

Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander, doesn’t everyone?

Funniest question you have ever been asked?

How do you research your love scenes?

Answer: I have a rich fantasy life.

What happened while writing one of your books that you did not expect?

While doing research for The Wild Sight, I ran across a genetic anomaly called the Niall Marker, which I knew I had to include in my story. Over a year later, after I’d sold the book and was waiting for it to be released, I was watching a show on PBS about African American’s tracing their roots. The show’s narrator was shocked to learn that he had ancestors from Ireland, and the reason he knew this was because he discovered he had the Niall Marker!

LAST QUESTION:

Was there a question you wish I would have asked but didn't?

What are the best things about being a published author?

Readers and fan mail! I want to be able to entertain readers the same way the books I’ve enjoyed reading have entertained me. I am always so pleased and gratified to learn that someone read and liked one of my stories.

I’m also amazed that people in such far away places have discovered my books. I recently received a post card from Andorra! I’ve also heard from readers in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Malaysia. I don’t think I’ll ever grow tired of the thrill of hearing from readers.

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