Interview With Author Angel Leigh McCoy
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’m writing novels in a world of my own creation called Wyrdwood. So far, I’ve published four books and one novelette in the world.
Wyrdwood is, you see, a town on the Oregon Coast where people with magickal powers and supernatural ancestry are welcomed and protected. The first three books are a paranormal-suspense trilogy (The Wyrdwood Welcome trilogy) intended to give readers a solid introduction to the world and its inhabitants.
I used to write for tabletop RPGs such as White Wolf’s World of Darkness, and video games, including Guild Wars 2 and CONTROL. When I left that career behind, I turned to writing novels. I bring all the world-building skills I used for game design to my books.
I recently moved from the big city of Seattle to a small town in Central Illinois. I’m still getting over the culture shock, but I’m growing to love it. I have two cats of my own and a portal in my backyard that lets in all kinds of magickal creatures. They make me happy.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called “The Catsitter’s Conundrum” (book #1 in the Catsitter Mysteries series). I love cats! I started catsitting to make a little extra money and fell in love with every one of my charges. Then, it occurred to me that I was good at it too, and so I decided to leverage my cat-whispering talents to write a series about a woman–like me–who catsits and who–unlike me–solves mysteries.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Some folks might consider this unusual. I write completely nude. Um, no. I don’t. But I wish I did. I do write every weekday for 2 hours in the morning and 2 in the afternoon, on Zoom, with my writing group. These coworking sessions keep me clothed and on target.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many authors and books have inspired me with their wordplay and/or storytelling. A few stand out including Phyllis A. Whitney, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Clive Barker, Neil Gaiman, Margaret Atwood, Robert A. Heinlein, and (yes, it’s true) Barbara Cartland (whose prolificity and photogenicity were epic).
What are you working on now?
The second book in the Catsitter Mysteries series is in the holy revision phase at the time I’m writing this. I better have it done by the end of 2023, or else.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote through Facebook, Instagram, and my own newsletter. I’m still learning about promotion. I find it terrifyingly overwhelming. Like being in a Zoom chat, accidentally clicking on your camera, and realizing you’re naked. (Only happened to me once, in a nightmare.)
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice…hmmm. Remember your audience. You’re not writing for yourself, you’re writing for them. And if you want them to love you, then you have to seduce them with the clarity, sincerity, and creativity in your words. You want them to see themselves in your book, or alternatively, see someone they wish they were. Good luck!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just keep writing. No matter what anyone says. No matter how difficult the process (or promotion). Just keep writing. That is the ONLY way you improve. It’s the only way you succeed.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading a book called “Reveal Your Wings” by E.S. Magill. It describes the process of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy for mental illness, including depression and anxiety. One of my characters is about to suffer a bout of depression. According to the author, KAT is a magickal and enlightening adventure that will make great story.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to write (at least) another four hundred books in the Catsitter Mysteries series. If people like them, then I’ll write even more. If not, then I’ll pull out one of the many ideas I’ve had to put aside for now. I have a few series brewing, including one about a reluctant undertaker and one about a dying detective. I may or may not ever write them.’
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Ooh. Interesting to think about.
Definitely “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” because it rebalances my psyche and has seagulls, which I would name and tame if I lived on a deserted island.
Also “The Official U.S. Army Survival Manual.” Great advice in it.
And “Webster’s Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary” because there are so many interesting things in it. I could spend years learning new words.
And the film script of “The Princess Bride” for fun, so I can run around quoting it even if I’m all alone. “Life is pain, Highness!” Or, “As you wish.” Or, “It’s not that bad! Well, I’m not saying I’d like to build a summer home here, but the trees are actually quite lovely.”
Author Websites and Profiles
Angel Leigh McCoy Amazon Profile
Angel Leigh McCoy’s Social Media Links