Interview B. G. McCarthy

by

Monique Lamont

1) When did you realize you had a passion to write?

Writing’s never been easy for me. I am a trained portrait artist. I live to draw. I always do a portrait of my hero before I start writing. Maybe writing is an excuse for me to do portraits of handsome men.

2) What inspires you to write?

Other people’s work, usually classics, to which I could never compare, a story in a newspaper, a painting I have seen. Anything I can’t catch in a drawing is inspiration for words.

3) Do you recall your first book? Did it ever get published? What have you learned about yourself since then?

My first book was an attempt at a romance set in the Caribou during the Canadian Gold Rush. I never sent it to anyone because I couldn’t get a clean page finished in my abysmal attempts to type. I was following the steps in a How to Write Romances book. It even had a list of purple prose phrases to use.  I tried to use them all. I’ve learned that one doesn’t have enough experience in her twenties to write about childbirth in a cave in the wilds of B. C., especially when you’ve never had a kid and have never even gone camping. As for purple prose…

4) Tell us about Mr. Midnight and what prompted you to write this story?

Mr. Midnight is listed as a romantic suspense novel, but that is a misnomer if you’re looking for pure adrenaline stuff. It’s more a character study with background elements of suspense and darkness. It sneaks up slowly. The romance is key. I wanted to examine what happens to the offspring of the rich and famous, also how new families can be formed out of tragedy.  The hero is a man looking for something he’s lost, maybe never had.  He finds his heart in the most unlikely place, in a woman he thinks he can never have. I also wanted to use what I know about Internet fandom and scary fanatics in a story.  

5) What was the best advice or tip you have received from another author that aided you in your endeavor to become published?

I’m still waiting for that. Most of the ‘real’ writers I know don’t accept the Internet yet or consider me published. Maybe one day they will. I went by the seat of my pants and did everything wrong.

6) How has being a writer impacted your life?

I wear cotton underwear and shop at Wal-Mart. Other fields pay better. I wish I was a doctor. A lot of people come to me for medical advice, by the way. I have an uncanny ability with rashes.

7) Are there other genres that you write?

I stick to contemporary romance. One day I may write my lady pirate story.

8) What inspirational words would you pass on to others who desire to write?

Read a lot. Classics and good current stuff like Margaret Attwood, even Steven King. Be more serious about it than I am. Choose to write instead of watching the BBC, cleaning house and baking and walking and goofing with your kids. I’m no inspiration.

9) What’s your favorite story you have written? Why?

I wrote a book called Ellen and the Spy. It goes with my next series called the Patterson County Chronicles.  Ellen is a crazy housewife who dreams of adventure. She says every bitchy thing I long to say. She shops at Wal-Mart, too.

10) What can your fans expect next from you? What are you working on currently?

I don’t know if I have any fans, but my next book is Maggie and Ice: The Patterson County Chronicles. I’m in love with Ice Newman, the hero. He’s the nerdiest bad-ass on the planet, a cross between Snake Pleskin and Clay Aiken. Snake Aiken anyone?