My Sci Fi interviews continue here on my blog. Today I’m interviewing Keith McCoy, author of The Travelers. Thanks for being here today, Keith!
Thanks for inviting me, Audra!
So tell us, is your novel more of a sci-fi story or a ghost story?
My debut novel "The Travelers" is truly a mainstream story with a sci-fi hook. It is emphatically not a straight sci-fi but rather concentrates on a young, black filmmaker who uncovers an encounter between a World War II GI and his British war bride, and an otherworldly, desperate woman who leaves her starving children with them to raise as their own. The legendary liner QUEEN MARY has a very significant role.
Is there a character in your latest novel that you relate to? How so?
The character I most closely relate to is Guy Turner and although I am not black and may have no right to conjecture as to his world, I understand his frustrations and disappointments in the thread of life. He uses his skin color as a reason to blame all of his misfortunes when, in reality, he is simply avoiding the truth of depression and melancholy. The war bride, Jess Bennett, is an elderly woman when he seeks her out to discover the truth about the decades old mystery and, to his chagrin, he finds that he is a kindred soul to her in that they both are bitter and pessimistic. But rest assured, all find redemption and peace through their shared journey.
What type of research did you do for this book?
I actually didn't have a significant amount of research to do for this novel in that I have been a collector of QUEEN MARY memorabilia since the third grade. "The Travelers" is truly character-driven, though, and the retired liner's history is a mere catalyst for the main characters.
What’s your novel about, in 25 words or less?
"The Travelers" is a journey to the limits of anxiety, despair, grief, and joy that are common to every human experience of suffering and growth.
THIS or THAT?
Twilight Zone or Outer Limits?
I must say that I prefer "Twilight Zone" as it was more character-driven than the "Outer Limits". I have recently discovered on cable, Rod Serling's early 70s show "Night Gallery" and find it quite intriguing (once you get past the clothes!) and though it is not as well-received as "Twilight Zone", the world of the supernatural is actually much more darker and daring.
Laser Pistols or Light Sabers?
I think Laser Pistols are cooler than Light Sabers!
E.T. or Signs?
"Signs" was more realistic and thought-provoking in my mind than "E.T." which I feel was a children's tale.
Planner or Pantser?
Although I love to tease and perform elaborate jokes on friends and family, I consider myself a planner. I think that most writers must have an introspective side to them as they are necessarily inclined to spend quiet time world-planning and plot-planning.
Where can we find out more about your projects?
I have a website www.keithwaynemccoy.com in which I discuss forthcoming projects and, weekly, do a feature on a particular piece of furniture or memorabilia from my QUEEN MARY collection.
Thanks for having me, Audra! Best wishes to all authors!
~Keith Wayne McCoy
Thanks for inviting me, Audra!
So tell us, is your novel more of a sci-fi story or a ghost story?
My debut novel "The Travelers" is truly a mainstream story with a sci-fi hook. It is emphatically not a straight sci-fi but rather concentrates on a young, black filmmaker who uncovers an encounter between a World War II GI and his British war bride, and an otherworldly, desperate woman who leaves her starving children with them to raise as their own. The legendary liner QUEEN MARY has a very significant role.
Is there a character in your latest novel that you relate to? How so?
The character I most closely relate to is Guy Turner and although I am not black and may have no right to conjecture as to his world, I understand his frustrations and disappointments in the thread of life. He uses his skin color as a reason to blame all of his misfortunes when, in reality, he is simply avoiding the truth of depression and melancholy. The war bride, Jess Bennett, is an elderly woman when he seeks her out to discover the truth about the decades old mystery and, to his chagrin, he finds that he is a kindred soul to her in that they both are bitter and pessimistic. But rest assured, all find redemption and peace through their shared journey.
What type of research did you do for this book?
I actually didn't have a significant amount of research to do for this novel in that I have been a collector of QUEEN MARY memorabilia since the third grade. "The Travelers" is truly character-driven, though, and the retired liner's history is a mere catalyst for the main characters.
What’s your novel about, in 25 words or less?
"The Travelers" is a journey to the limits of anxiety, despair, grief, and joy that are common to every human experience of suffering and growth.
THIS or THAT?
Twilight Zone or Outer Limits?
I must say that I prefer "Twilight Zone" as it was more character-driven than the "Outer Limits". I have recently discovered on cable, Rod Serling's early 70s show "Night Gallery" and find it quite intriguing (once you get past the clothes!) and though it is not as well-received as "Twilight Zone", the world of the supernatural is actually much more darker and daring.
Laser Pistols or Light Sabers?
I think Laser Pistols are cooler than Light Sabers!
E.T. or Signs?
"Signs" was more realistic and thought-provoking in my mind than "E.T." which I feel was a children's tale.
Planner or Pantser?
Although I love to tease and perform elaborate jokes on friends and family, I consider myself a planner. I think that most writers must have an introspective side to them as they are necessarily inclined to spend quiet time world-planning and plot-planning.
Where can we find out more about your projects?
I have a website www.keithwaynemccoy.com in which I discuss forthcoming projects and, weekly, do a feature on a particular piece of furniture or memorabilia from my QUEEN MARY collection.
Thanks for having me, Audra! Best wishes to all authors!
~Keith Wayne McCoy
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