Welcome to Judi McCoy
Pirates, all! I want to welcome to the Revenge my friend and mentor, Judi McCoy. Judi is a longtime author, beginning with what I would call light paranormal romance and recently graduating to romantic mystery. Her newest series features a dog walker in New York City who can talk to dogs!
I’m going to crow a bit about Judi here. The royalties from her first book in this series, Hounding the Pavement, are being donated to the Best Friends Animal Society. This is the group that took in the Michael Vick dogs and is featured in the program, Dogtown, every Friday night on the National Geographic Channel. The second book in this series, Heir of the Dog, will be available in October.
She is a true dog lover and an excellent teacher, having taken over the Beginners Writing Program at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention some years ago. Her students all adore her and she makes herself available to them for years after the classes.
Lady Jane and I just adore Judi and would walk on coals for her. Please welcome Judi. She is a font of information, but new to blogging. (I’ll be helpin’ her out today.) 2nd Chance aka, Maureen
I’d like to thank Maureen for inviting me on this site. I understand the members who blog are a lot of fun, which is great. Everyone needs a bit of laughter in their lives, and it’s wonderful when you have a group of friends to share that laughter.
I think Maureen already told you about her time in Pittsburgh and her first writing course and the time she spent in Orlando, but just to recap: She’s a fantastic person and she’s grown into a good writer. I’m very proud of how far she’s come. And Terri O, too. She’s a member of my Chesapeake Romance Writers’ chapter and, if we can get her to finish a book, will also have great success.
I want to tell you about the very kind thing Maureen and Jane (who is also a dear friend) did for me in Orlando. They showed up with gifts that took me completely by surprise. They put together ‘Judi McCoy survival kits’; adorable bags full of goodies not only to make it through my class, but also to promote my book. Maureen made chocolate puppy paws and Jane’s husband bought each student a copy of my new book, Hounding the Pavement. I was so in awe, I started to cry. I don’t think anyone has ever done that nice a thing for me before.
So here I am, ready to comment or answer questions on whatever is asked. Actually, I’m a terrible blogger, so I have my yorkiepoo Rudy, the star of Hounding the Pavement, write the blog for me. I know it’s a cop out, but Rudy can say things I can only think, and he does give a doggie perspective on the world around him. His blogs are available on my website www.judimccoy.com so check it out. I’m running a contest and posting pictures, so feel free to join the fun.
Well, pirates? Feel free ta ask Judi bout her years of experience, her love of dogs, her new series, what she thought a’ me Fairy Dogmother costume at RT…
Books by the Crew
66 comments:
I be blushin' here. Honest, I didn't know she was gonna gush 'bout me and Jane-o. Honest. Pirates pledge...least not till she sent me the blog and I wrote the intro. And posted the pic so ya all would know what costume I was talkin' 'bout...
Mornin' Judi! I be up in a few hours. Ya ask Terrio if'n ya have any problems!
Welcome aboard!
Hi Judi, Its great to meet published authors on board like this. Though I would advise that you don't show any fear and talk about your books. That way these pirates will all be swooning at your feet in no time. 8)
Do try a large rum and blackcurrant before you start. Or if you should prefer, I have a bottle of rather special scotch hidden from pirate view. If your game, I'll share it with you in the crow's nest. :wink:
I'm pretty sure that some guys read romance novels and although they are few in number aboard this ship (apart from the bosun's hotties of course! ), I reckon a few, like me, would love to write a good romantic fantasy.
I would really like to know whether you get any fellas in your classes.If so, do you prefer teaching the guys or the gals? and which of them pick up the writing skills most efficiently?
You could be walking the plank if you give the 'wrong' answer here but I promise to save you if you end up in the drink! *grin*
If there should be no men learning to write, what sort of reaction would you expect if one walked in and asked if he could join the class?
I find this interesting as I once had the inverse experience. I was attended some lectures on mathematical physics. The theatre was full of eager men students when a lone girl walked in and sat on her own at the back. I bought her a coffee in the interval and we became great friends as we talked about Green Functions.
You wouldn't believe how romantic Quantum field theory can be...when you have the right companion!
A little serendipity can always help in both fictional and real life romance I think. :D
Judi!!! So nice to see you out and about! Don't worry these pirates are not as scarry as they seem! Actually I have found them to be quite entertaining!
So, tell us all when will the 2nd book in your series come out?
Glad to see a familiar face aboard! Enjoy!!
With Love Jane
Good morning, my dear Judi. So excited to finally get you on the ship. I promise this blogging thing is quite easy and you'll be addicted in no time. Also, a couple of the ladies that float around here share an agent with you, so you really are among friends.
And just for the record, in six weeks I am done with school and will be hitting the keyboard full steam ahead. I WILL have a finished MS by Dec 31. Pirates honor! (Do we have honor? Huh.)
I just realized I don't think I've ever heard your call story. Can you tell us how you got into this crazy circus? (I can't believe I've never asked you that!)
Hi Judi! Welcome aboard. :)
Thank you for what you're doing for the doggies. That's incredibly sweet.
I'll ask my favorite question then. Plotter or pantser? What's your writing process?
Marn - That question has started so many tussles in our chapter, you have no idea. LOL! I love Judi's take on the subject so I can't wait for the answer.
LOL! I love that question. There was a point not too long ago, before our recent expansion of pirates, that I was the only plotter among us.
And now you have a fellow plotter :)
Hi Judy! So glad you could jump on the ship this morning! Your books sound awesome -- can you tell us about your call story, or how you got your agent?
Judi is working on commenting, but for some reason her computer is not cooperating. Or our site isn't. Either way, we're working on it!
damn technology. Going and ruining our fun again.
Well, fiddle! My reputation is mud... (I do have a reputation, right?)
I told her it was easy-peasy! What is it with some computers?
Sorry, Judi!
Hang in there, pirates, I'm sure we'll get her up and running soonest. If not, reply to my e-mail Judi and I'll cut and paste for you...geez!
Thanks for helping out Terrio!
OK...trying to think how I can keep things moving here... Uh...I don't know Judi's call story, so I'm looking forward to hearing that, too.
I know I'd like to know how she picked a dogwalker as the heroine of the new series. And why New York City?
You guys ask good questions!
She did write one novel with a pirate theme. "Say Your Mine" features a pirate from the Revolutionary War era who ends up in modern day Florida dealing with a town on the verge of bankrupcy...and a sexy accountant who fate has thrown in his path...
Well, so you've gone and lost her!
I always wondered if you really knew how to operate that sextant.
You definitely need a British pirate to show you how all this high tech stuff works. *g*
I've been sitting in this crow's nest all day and there's no scotch left *hic*
I'm gonna go home for tea! *splash*
Back in the mid 90s I had a crappy job that required a ton of travel, so I found myself alone in hotel rooms many a night. I’d always been a big reader, so that was my escape from being lonely. On evening, I read a book with what I thought was a bad ending, and I decided I could probably get it right. I made up my mind to try, went to the Romantic Times convention in Nashville , and signed up for their first Aspiring Author course. I also joined RWA and went to their conference in NY City. That got me on the right track and things developed from there.
To pants or to plot, that is the question!!!
When I first started writing, I was a pantser, and I could never figure out why my book always seemed to fall apart in the middle. Then I met a group of authors in Dallas who plotted and critiqued together, and they dragged me kicking and screaming, into their web. It was the best thing I ever did. I learned how to craft a story so it had a beginning, a middle, and an end, and it MADE SENSE.
I’ve plotted ever since, many times with people from the same group even though I’ve moved from TX.
I don’t go into great detail when I plot, but I do map out the route I want my story to take and hit the high lights so I don’t forget anything while I’m writing.
Hi Judi,
So glad to have you here! Your students do love you and we are so glad to spread the word about your fantastic books!
I'm interested in hearing your call story too!
Sabrina
Q! Don't go! She's back!
I never claimed to know how to work a sextant...I man the bar!
Oh - forgot to mention I blogged about Judi being at the revenge today so I'm hoping to lure some more pirates to the ship!
Sabrina
Judi - Oh yay! A fellow plotter. Haleigh and I are always happy to have company. :)
And I think that having other people help with your plot is the best. SOmetimes something I think makes sense doesn't work for others. It's nice to have someone give me a different perspective.
And thanks Sabrina! :) I think we might be a little light due to the holiday.
And Hal, yay for us. Plotters Unite!!
Hang in there, everyone. Terrio and I are working with Judi to get more comments up. Not sure what is going on...we gots a wicked wind blowin' in taday?
Marnee, Hal...humph. Pantsers unite!
OK, I don't know Judi's call story, but I can answer some of Q's question. My writing class, in '08, had a guy. Jack was a total kick. He was fabulous at saving a place at the front of the line for all of us at the dinner and strong arming a good table for us. He knew everybody, I swear!
He wrote erotica and had a MS that was well over 500k. He took the class with his step-sister after attending an RT the year before with her. He's pitched his story and gotten requests, but never seemed to actually take the next step. We're hoping to lure him back next year to Columbus, as he couldn't make Orlando.
He's still a lurker on the BB Judi initially set up that I monitor now.
We think Judi has been kidnapped by barbary pirates... At least that sounds better than technical difficulties.
*snortals* barbary pirates do sound better than technical difficulties. LOL!
Do men take my class?
Over the years I've had several in class. Strangely enough, except for Jack who took the class two years ago, the men have been quiet. Personally, I think the women who show are so excited to be there they just take off running with questions, ideas, and comments causing the men to stand back and wonder what they're supposed to do.
I love having guys in the class because I like the idea getting their POV/take on things like dialogue and introspection.
Hey! Judi escaped from the Barbers! She be crafty like that!
How about your call story, Judi?
Uh uh, technology is sorta blind 'bout things like that...
Ah-hah! I think I figured out the problem. It was my fault, of course. I didn't fill in ALL of the info above 'leave a reply'.
Everything IS all about me, isn't it???? I thought the darned site would know my e-mail address etc.
Okay, back to business. I can't remember the other questions, so send them again. I have NO patience. That's the reason my husband says i'm a computer dunce. I can't be bothered learing. I want everything to work automatically.
Can we talk about dogs and Best Friends? BF really is the most touvhing and honorable organization fo helping animals, and not just dogs.
They take cats, horses, birds, reptiles, goats, etc. And when an animal dies, they give it the nicest funeral. I think that's what really clinched it for me. When I saw how they buried the animals they lost I cried and decided then and there this was where I wanted to give my charity dollars.
I know I enjoy the show.
Any thoughts on Vick now that he's been released...the bit about teaching kids not to dog fight?
As for the other questions, let me think... Your call story... And I'd like to know why you went with a dogwalker for your heroine.
And when did you switch from pantser to plotser?
Now you're not going to be able to shut me up.
I'm going to announce here FIRST that we rescued a Bichon. We brought Sasha home last Wednesday and she is a doll. The poor thing came from a Puppy Mill bust. She's 4 years old, and until they rescued her she'd NEVER had her feet on grass, and never interacted with a human.
The night we brought her home, she cuddled next to me in bed as if we'd had her from the beginning. She's sweet, soft-spoken, and easy to handle, but she doesn't know how to walk on a leash and her potty skills have room for improvement.
But it's okay. She's already found a p[lace in our hearts, and best of all she loves playing with out 4 year-old Shorkie. They'll grow old together, a thought i love.
I didn't realize these were the people on the Dogtown show. Or that there was a Dogtown show until I saw a commercial last night.
Judi - Everyone was wondering about your call story and where did you get the idea for the dog walker series. I also think it would be fun to hear about your experience with Hollywood. :)
Since I live in the area where Michael Vick is from, it's all him all the time on the news right now. Can't wait until that storm blows over.
Congrats on the new addition to the family! She sounds wonderful. I added to my family lately as well by adopted a kitten named Bumblebee. He's the most lovable and cutest little guy you could ever meet. Have no idea how I got so lucky but he's just perfect.
Do you think it's real? This pledge to work toward educating people about the evils of dog fighting? Or just a way to buy his way back to the NFL?
I think he learned a lesson and as horrible as his crime was, I think he could do good with kids. Goodness knows anything that will get through to the idiots who fight those dogs is worth a try.
Yeah, that is true...
Still with us, Judi?
What was it like when you got the call from the agent that someone wanted your first book? And which one was the first? I've read the Goddess books, the pirate book, the Mars needs men books, (as I term them...)...what was the first?
And I'll be disappearing for a short while. Bout two hours...but check back in later!
I remember sitting in my office in TX when i got the call and telling my agent 'thanks for the joke' especially since she said that it was Kate Duffy who wanted to buy my book. Apparently, Kate had been at a conference the year before and said out loud in front of several hundred romance authors that she would never buy a paranormal.
Even after I got on the Kensington loop, people pelted me with questons: "Are you sure Kate is your editor?" "Do they really want you to write for them?"
I was dumb and happy back then (come to think of it, I'm still dumb and happy) and I told Kate about the questions and Kate, in her own razor sharp way said, "Ah, but I never wanted to buy a paranormal until I read yours."
That was the beginning and things just progressed from there.
You live in Virginia??? Me, too. Where do you live? I'm doing a book signing in October in Chesapeake and I'm going to be at something called the Mutt Strut in Suffolk in September. I'd love to meet you in person.
MICHAEL VICK
My first thought is that he should be made to work at Dogtown, the Best Friends sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. They spent a fortune making room for the 22 pit bulls of Vick's that they rescued, rehabbed and are trying to adopt out.
He owes it to them to show his thanks. If he did, then I'd believe he was truly sorry for being such a slime ball
Ladies: I'm officially off the clock. It's time to make dinner for my husband and I. But I'll check back over the weekend, or maybe later tonight.
Thanks so much for letting me be a part of your crew.
Udi
Thanks, Judi. It was a slow day on the Revenge. As Terrio mentioned to me offline, forgot it was the three day weekend Friday, so lots of folks are off for the day.
I think that's a great story about Kate. I know Jane will love to read that...her being a big Kate fan. Just goes to show, you never know!
Hello Judi, oh fair one of the doggies. I adored Hounding the Pavement and am looking forward to Heir of the Dog. I understand you have a number of books planned in this dog walker series. Anything planned for afterward?
I'm hoping to write 12 books before I have to think about wrapping the series up. I just hope I know when the time is right, because I've read too many reviews on Amazon regarding Stephanie Plum. The readers are getting tired of her not being able to choose between Joe and Ranger, or being a bounty hunter.
My agent says wnen that series is over, I'll come up with another great idea, but who knows. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy every minute I have with Rudy, Ellie, and Sam.
Judi - The one in Virginia is me, Terri. The one who has pushed you in your wheelchair and brought you goodies in the hospital? LOL! It's me!
Laura - Thanks so much for coming by the ship. Once Judi got the technology down, she's been unstoppable. Hopefully she'll come back tonight or tomorrow and answer the question as I'm curious about that too.
And speaking of Amazon, I have a favor to ask. If any of you have an Amazon account, please go to the site and write a 5***** review for Hounding the Pavement. I need to sell a lot of books so Best Friends gets the money they deserve.
I'm off to bed, but I'll check in tomorrow. Maureen said there are a few authors on this site that have the same agent I do. Helen Brietwieser from Cornerstone Literary in LA.
I'd love to hear from them.
Judy! I see the fellow pirates gave you a great welcome today! So sorry I'm late. I've had technology problems all week and am just now getting all settled.
MM, I am really sorry for not getting by early. Smack my hand later, okay?
Thank goodness for MM (the dearest Maureen) for being a pantser. Otherwise I would be outnumbered on this ship.
I do admire you for donating the royalities. Don't tattle on me but your blog made me a little misty eyed. There is this commercial that airs on TV every night for the animal society that shows all the poor little kitties and puppies who are so mistreated and neglicted and it never fails to make me upset. Thank goodness there are ladies out there like you who are dedicated to helping them. Bless you for what you're doing and I'm sure that what Lady Jane and MM did for you... You totally deserved it.
Well, Judi...avoid Stephanie's problems and don't throw a third wheel into the mix. Let Rudy be the only third wheel Ellie has to deal with! Did you come up with a title for the third book yet?
OMG! The body snatchers have taken Sin! Who is this soft-hearted ninja pirate!?
You're a pantser? Your pieces always seem to flow so effortlessly, I guess I figured you had them plotted out nicely...
So, Judi, let us know when you went from pantser to plotser...
Ah, you've had a week of technology challenges. Mercury is retrograde, ya know...that can screw up all sorts of things. Took Judi some time to get online, and so she'll keep chatting tomorrow... I'll be at BayCon, a sciencefiction/fantasty convention most of tomorrow but will do my best to check in whenever I can. And will send her a reminder in the morning to check in again...
You must tell me all about this BayCon thing. I love all things fantasy.
I know. I have a soft spot for animals. And babies. I can't help it. I'm like ninja champion for all things unable to protect themselves.
And I can't believe you didn't know I was a pantser. I'm a total crazy pantser. I just like to write whatever comes to me. And even though sometimes I know the stuff in my head seems like plotting, it never makes it onto screen the same way. lol
I like being a pantser. I like not knowing where my story is going, it entertains me more that way!
Bay Con is held once a year in San Jose. It's the big local convention over Memorial Weekend. It's a kick, they have a costume contest, including hall costumes. Which is how you end up with a Klingon, a fairy and an elf all in an elevator at the same time.
I'll take my camera and see if I can get any pics. And keep an eye out for any special Twilight stuff for you! They have a huge merchant room, selling anything from posters to t-shirts, to jewelry, books, music...costumes... I'm broke, but I can look!
Are you going to be at Nationals?
omigosh!
They are having a TwiCon this year but I didn't plan to go but I have a girlfriend who's going and got into the special Q&A that only 250 got into!
I'm not going to be at Nationals this year. *sigh* I don't really have a reason to be there this year and it's my goal to have something to pitch in Nashville, which will be easier for me to get to. So I'm planning for Nationals next year. Since Ter has set a date for us to both be done (I'm sweating that December 31 date she set, ironically it's her birthday.) I'm hoping to get at least DV written or get AFT written.
You can do it! You can do it! Whoot! Whoot!
I am going to make Nashville if I have to sell off my library...
To be honest, I don't really have a reason to go to Nationals this year either. But I got a scholarship from my local RWA to help out and so I'm looking to make it anyway. Least I'll meet Terrio!
New Years Eve is her birthday? I got to make a note a' that!
Yay! Not for selling off your library, but for making it to Nationals next year!
You know, I've been working on setting my books free anyway. Free to get out into the world and be read by others. I mean...I have no heirs...what the hell is going to happen to all those books when I'm dead? I'm not going to re-read all of them before I die. I keep some, but most need to be free...
God forbid.
You could have a book party! Invite people over and set books out to be taken and people could have conversations about the books while getting them! You could have a romance novel book night! Complete with rum!
I honestly don't have that many friends who live locally... My friends are scattered all over California and the rest of the country... I'd take 'em to RT for those collecting books for charity, but I can't afford to ship them!
When I moved in September, I took 11 grocery bags to my local library, four more bags to the UBS and then kept the rest. Still need to buy another bookshelf, damn it.
I'm so excited that Mo is coming to Nationals! She'll get to meet Santa and J Perry too. And lots of others I'll force her to meet. LOL!
There's really a conference just for Twilight? I can't imagine. I did hear that a kiss on the cheek from Robert Pattinson was auctioned off for charity and two different people paid $55G a piece for their daughters to get those kisses. Imagine the money that dude could make if he broadened his services. ;)
Yeah, because I know what I'd pay him if I had the money. I might be able to see Mattycakes to make enough money to get a kiss from RPattz.
And yeah, this year there is a conference just for Twilight (and the Twilight saga). I'm not going, which is a bummer, but I have friends who've paid good money to be front and center.
I don't mean to throw a bucket of water on your Twilight party, but Stephanie Meyer is...how can I put this without sounding nasty...difficult.
I do a book signing in Phoenix, AZ every February, and Ms. Meyer lives very near their. The Valley of the Sun hosts a huge booth at the Chocolate Affaire, an outdoor festival sponsored by the city of Glendale. The romance writers are a huge draw and they invite other authors from around the country to join them.
Apparently this past year they invited Ms. Meyer and never received an answer, so they tried to contact her through someone an author knew was a friend of hers.
Ms. Meyer refused to come. They say she won't even tell friends what party she'll be going to because she doesn't want to be 'mobbed' by fans. She avoids them like the plague.
Sorry, but IMHO that's not the right way for an author to treat her fans. Those readers made her what she is today. wothout their support, she wouldn't be a best seller, she wouldn't have gotten a movie deal, and she wouldn't be getting the big money.
Like I said, that's just my opinion, but I answer every e-mail I receive from a fan. I never ignore a reader, even if they write to tell me they didn't like my book. I owe them for my success and I pay them the attention they deserve.
Ever since I lost my boy, I cry at everything. Hallmark commercials, dog and cat rescue ads, even the ad for flea protection where that little yellow lab sings "there ain't no fleas on me."
Well, sometimes the books have to rise above the author, I suppose. It's just the way of the world that sometimes the creative voice isn't in sync with those who appreciate their work.
I guess it was easier once upon a time when authors never really met their public to be a recluse. No one cared then if they were objectional people...
The internet makes it more important to try harder, I think. There is no real privacy anymore.
Hmmmm. Maybe that's why she is so determined to remain out of the public eye...
That is one cute commercial!
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