Interview Tricia McGill

by

Judith R. Parker

1. How long have you been writing?

Full time about 15 years. But all my life would be a more accurate answer. I've always had a vivid imagination, but didn't get time to concentrate on writing all my ideas down until I retired early.

2. How and why did you choose to write a time-travel romance?

I guess because I love reading them. The dedication in Until Eternity says, "To lovers of fantasy, and to those who, like me, believe in time-travel. Just because you don't know someone personally who has done it, doesn't mean that it's not going on." I believe that anything is possible, and the concept of traveling through time fascinates me.

3. Why did you pick the era and location?

I didn't pick either, they popped into my head, just as all my other ideas do. I wanted this book set in a time that, to my knowledge, no one else had ventured into. Being English, and having visited Tintagel in Cornwall, Dartmoor, and Exmoor many times, and also sharing my hero's fascination for the Romans and the Dark Ages, it seemed inevitable my story would be set in this location and time period.

4. Do your heroes represent your dream lover?

Hmm, not my dream lover. I think all my heroes are based partly on my father as far as character goes. I think this is why I find it virtually impossible to write a dark and dangerous hero. But in looks I have favorite movie stars who represent my heroes. My current favorite is Hugh Jackman. I fall in love with every hero I create and if the comments from my critique partners are to be relied on, they do to.

5. Do you belong to a critique group? If so, have they helped you in your writing and how?

I belong to the Melbourne Romance Writers Guild. We meet once a month. Yes, the encouragement and advice from this talented group of ladies has helped me enormously. Others see things in our writing that we would never pick up because we are too close to our work. And we really need other writers to critique our work, especially those dedicated to the same genre, not relatives or friends.

6. Do you have pets?

One dog, Jessie, who can be seen on my web site. I've always had a pet and cannot imagine life without one. She is part Chihuahua, part terrier and loves people, but hates other animals.

7. If a wicked witch was going to change you into an animal, which animal would you prefer to be?

Goodness, that's a hard one. A horse probably, but one that had a kind owner--or was wild and free.

8. Do you prefer warm or cool weather?

I came to Australia to escape the harsh winters in England so obviously prefer warm weather. But have to admit I hate it when it gets hot. Temperate is my favorite. I love autumn here in Victoria when we get sunny days and cool nights.

9. What marketing tips would you give to other writers?

Promote your books shamelessly. Never undersell your talent. Give talks or workshops whenever and wherever you can. You must have a web site. Run contests on your site. Make flyers and bookmarks-or have them made-and send them to as many conferences or conventions you can. If prizes are given then send books as give-aways. Advertise in the top magazines where you get a review of your book.

10. What are your three favorite books?

Three? I'm only allowed to pick three? That's a hard one. In fact it's downright impossible.

"Years" by LaVyrle Spencer. (or any book of hers) "Desperado" by Sandra Hill. (ditto, any book of hers, especially the time-travels) "Son of the Morning" by Linda Howard. "Knight of a Trillion Stars" by Dara Joy. Told you it was impossible.