Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Dr. Merrie P Wycoff is a recognized author, speaker, entrepreneur, and former Entertainment Tonight Lead Segment Producer.
At the age of ten, while on a school field trip to a local museum, I saw a colossal statue of Pharaoh Akhenaten. I was instantly mesmerized, and so was born my passion for Egypt, its history, and its ancient people. That passion has stayed with me from my growing-up years through today, fueled by my long-ago vow to write Akhenaten’s story. Now, I have fulfilled that vow with the publication of Shadow of the Sun, a 2012 ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Award finalist in Multicultural and Fantasy, and Honorable Mention winner in Fantasy.
In addition to a B.A in Public Relations at CSUC, an M.A. in Metaphysical Studies with IMM, and a Ph.D. in Comparative Religion with The University of Sedona, I earned my Egyptology Certificate with the University of Manchester in Great Britain. But I feel that perhaps the most important part of my education was my time spent with Abd’El Hakim Awyan, a recognized Elder and Indigenous Egyptian Wisdom Keeper of the Eye Tribe and Keeper of the Keys, whom I met on one of my visits to Egypt. My studies with him taught me things that could not be learned from books, invaluable teachings of ritual, magic, and history, all of which I have put to good use in this book, and in my personal life.
Merrie resides in Colorado, close to the majesty and the magic of the Rocky Mountains. There I follow my calling as a Vibrational Healer, writer and entrepreneur. Shadow of the Sun is my first historical fantasy.
My three other books are non-fiction. Born in Orgasmic Bliss, which is a personal diary of my journey through pregnancy and how I turned my pain in to pleasure during childbirth.
Work Like an Egyptian: The 9 Leadership Styles of the Ancient Kings and Queens is both an entertaining and insightful look at the leadership styles of Egyptian royalty. This is a study of valuable and relevant lessons that can easily be applied to the current business world, and everyday life.
Niche to Rich: Zap! Your Way to Success offers simple, yet compelling tips to give you courage in launching or improving your business. This book is full of useful tips and is based on my personal experience in turning a garage-based business into a thriving multi-million dollar enterprise.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Stealing the Shadow of Death is the second book in The Shadow Saga. This epic tale reveals the truth about mummification. It is one royal daughter’s journey to find her murdered grandmother’s body and bring her home for burial. Instead the Princess discovers that black sorcerers intend to mummify the Queen in direct violation of civil and spiritual law.
I have always been fascinated with mummification, but I felt there was more to the story than history books revealed. I was determined to uncover the ugly truth.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I hate to admit that I am a messy writer. I have open books scattered around my office because writing historical novels takes a great deal of research. My family has chosen to turn a blind eye when mama is writing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Marion Zimmer Bradley and the Mysts of Avalon made my heart sing. I knew I wanted to be an author after reading that historical fantasy. Frank Herbert and Dune was very influential in the creation of a new world. Surprisingly enough A Wrinkle In Time rocked my world as a kid. These books made me yearn to tell a story from a different point of view. In my Egyptian studies, historians paint Akhenaten as a heretic who destroyed Egypt. I portray him as a visionary who dreamed of a Utopia ruled with love and compassion versus the greed, superstition and fear of the previous rulers.
What are you working on now?
I am just starting to work on the third book in The Shadow Saga, Taming the Red Lion’s Shadow.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Booktweetingservice.com is the best way I’ve found to get the word out via Twitter.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read. Read. Read. Write. Write. Write. Edit. Edit. Edit.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Some will. Some won’t. So What. Some’s waiting. Your book may not to appeal to everyone in the world. Write what you love and that passion will show through.
What are you reading now?
I finally have time to read Inferno by Dan Brown. I love reading about Florence, Italy because I studied in Florence, and the book mentions all my favorite places.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Taming the Red Lion’s Shadow is about the Egyptian’s use of alchemy. I have just ordered 15 books on alchemy for my summer research project.
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?
The History of Egypt by Manspero, The Complete Works of Shakespeare and something by Nora Ephron to make me laugh.
Author Websites and Profiles
Merrie P Wycoff Website
Merrie P Wycoff’s Social Media Links
Pinterest Account