Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After about ten years of effort I just completed my first book in my planned fantasy series. Planned is a loose term as I never considered I would finish one book, but here I am. I am a working professional, aspiring author and full time husband and father to humans, canines, and felines. About the book… well, I’m not classically trained in writing, or particularly well versed in literature— but according to people that know about these kind of things… my book is pretty okay… maybe even better than okay.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Promise of Iron. This has been a work in progress for the better part of a decade. The first draft was very different. Written about ten years ago, it focused on the story behind the story, the larger forces at work. Admittedly it missed all the heart a story needs to truly live. Enter stage left, Aubree McCoy, my four-year-old daughter. You could say she was the inspiration… you could say she helped me find the heart of the story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Other than trying to write in a noisy house full of kids and pets…my computer setup is pretty unique. I sit in my recliner with a tv mounted on the opposite wall. That way when I get tired of writing I just lean on back and take a quick snooze. In terms of actual writing habits… I don’t outline much outside of the grand story. I think of a scene, find the emotion and intent, then place my characters in according to their motivations within the story. I throw out a lot of what I write if it doesn’t feel right.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think most fantasy authors will provide the usual suspects here. I like Brandon Sanderson because he has a great name and makes great stories. I think Pat Rothfuss might be the best at capturing my attention and transporting me into a scene. Kingkiller Chronicles has that epic quality that makes you angry when you finish the book. Coincidently one of the few series I have read more than once. As far as style I think Glen Cook and his Black Company might be one of my favorites. It is blunt, to the point, and lacking all the bells and whistles.
What are you working on now?
Trying to get people to read my debut novel. It is a full time job- blog posts, review requests, twitter, facebook, aggressively calling friends and family and blackmailing them into writing Goodreads reviews…
I also do a wheneverifeellikewriting-blog on my website. Its pretty mediocre. I will start on Echoes of Illyria: Book Two when I find some free time.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Other than awesome gang right? I get decent traction on twitter but to be honest I am so new at it I don’t know what works or doesn’t work at this stage. Right now I am opting for the shotgun approach and aiming for maximum damage.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, wrote.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Lira is a terrible character. I hate her and want her to die. You should fix that if you want people to read you book and not hate you by proxy.
Paraphrasing here…
What are you reading now?
I HAVE NO TIME!!!!!!!!!!!! The Rhythm of War was just realized so I need to read that asap.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Get to a point of exposure with A Promise of Iron that I can take the effort of promoting back to writing. So expect book two sometime in the Spring of 2031.
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?
Mine because I am told the pages are highly flammable and make excellent kindling. The Name of the Wind because I have already read it a few times… might as well go for the high score. And a book about surviving alone on a desert island.
Author Websites and Profiles
Brandon McCoy Website
Brandon McCoy Amazon Profile
Brandon McCoy’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account