Interview with Jessica McCord, webmistress

by Renee Uitto

This month, Renee asks GDRWA’s vivacious webmistress about her path toward becoming a published writer.)

What inspired you to start writing?

Gosh, I’ve always written. I remember sitting in my room, no more than seven years of age, trying to write my own song lyrics and poetry. I hope I write better than I did then, but hey. Seriously, I’ve always had a need to express and writing seems to be the only thing that works for me. If I don’t write, I get itchy inside, a pressure around my chest. It’s not just a hobby for me, but a matter of health. I love to write romance because of the ability to explore emotions and still have a happy ending.

What genres do you write?

I seem to be all over the map…So far, I’ve completed a book set in 1560 England with a hot Scottish man; another set in 1880 California with a mail order bride; a third set in present day with a floral shop owner and her sister’s ex-boyfriend; and I’m in the process of finishing another present day/1880 time-travel. I tend to write what interests me at the time. I figure I’ll settle down to one niche when someone actually wants to publish my stuff. (hint hint for any publishers reading this) =)

What are you currently working on, genre of romance?

Right now I'm editing my book set in 1600 Scotland. When I'm done editing, I'll finish my time-travel book. I guess that's Paranormal, right?

What types of books do you enjoy reading?

I love them all. I’d rather say what I don’t like, and it’s the intricate or political books. I prefer to read a plot where there are two main characters that evolve around each other. I really don’t like the ones where there’s ten main characters and this one’s in love with that one, who’s already in love with another, but has children with a third one, etc. I like the simple romances.

How did you find out about RWA? GDRWA? When did you join?

I first learned about RWA on NPR (Ntnl Public Radio) when they did a piece on the RWA national conference. From there, I looked into the Detroit area and am so glad I found it! I joined as a present to myself in August 2004.

How do you balance family, career and writing?

`That’s a tough one. I have a demanding job, and I tend to be a workaholic, so it’s a constant struggle for me to work, be here for my family and write. Usually, writing is the first thing to go, I’m ashamed to admit. But I’ve made some changes in my schedule and my family is really supportive, so things are balancing out very well.

Do you have any children?

I have 4 cats, 1 dog, 17 birds and a husband. Seriously, though, we just found out we're pregnant with our first child and are super thrilled! I'm just waiting to see what our other "children" have to say about it, though. =)

What is your writing schedule like?

I’m a total morning person, and do my best writing as soon as I wake up. I arise at the god-awful hour of 3:45 am and get to my office by 5:30 am. I write until about 7:15 and then put it away for the day and start my office work. I used to try writing at night after getting home from work but would always fall asleep at the computer. This way, I crank through my writing, have a great sense of accomplishment for the day, and go home to focus on my family until 9 pm when I crash out.

Where do you work?

I work at Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI where I am a Sr. Process Specialist. That just means that I get to go into all the depts. in the company and try to create efficiencies. My goals are to find ways to decrease health insurance costs through streamlining internal processes.

Do you plot your novels before writing them?

Absolutely! If I didn’t know where I was going ahead of time, I’d get nowhere. I usually come up with the idea, character sketches, etc. and then work with my husband to nail the plot down. He’s so good at twisting the plot even tighter, with his super “I-know-what’s-going-to-happen-next” talent with every TV show. It can drive me crazy when I don’t want to know that a character is going to die on my favorite show, but it works great when he’s helping me with my plots.

Are you involved with a critique group?

Yes – I’m part of a great group of 3 very talented writers. We meet every two weeks at a local Coney Island and give feedback on each other’s chapters. We have to send our chapter in advance of the critique session so we’re all prepared for when we meet. We don’t necessarily have to send sequential chapters for a single book, although that’s the usual mode of operation.

What motivates you to write? For example, music, ideas that you see and/or hear about?

Like I said before, there’s a cloying urge that settles in my chest if I don’t write. It’s probably me being psychosomatic, but there it is.

How did you become interested in becoming our webmistress? Is there anything else you would like to add?

I wanted to be an active participant with the GDRWA so I am forced to stay involved. It’s like insurance. Since I do Web stuff for my day job, it is a natural fit for my interests. The only thing I would add is that I’m grateful for the companionship and sharing that comes out of our GDRWA chapter. I am always so motivated after I leave our monthly sessions because I see others out there doing it – being successful and not taking no for an answer. It’s incredible and truly inspiring. I thank every one of our members for being there and sharing.

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