Author Q&A with Alan McGill

This is a tragic love story. Two people who love each other so purely they are more concerned with the welfare of the one they love more than their own. But circumstances beyond their control have kept them apart. As the main characters are a Werewolf and a beautiful woman, the title is a reflection of this. Is (A) Cry in the Moon’s Light about wolf song, or her pain? The reader or in this case, listener, must decide.

I would say write a story that you find interesting. Get a good story first. Realize it is highly unlikely you will become rich and famous. Write for yourself and what you enjoy. Plot it out and edit it over and over again. Be open to critique and don’t just let polite friends read it. I wrote this story 18 years ago. When I decided to make it into a podcast, I went back to edit it and shape it for narration. What I found was how poorly it was written. No wonder nobody wanted it. Editing takes time and money, so publishers want something as close to done as possible. But it all starts with a good story.

I did some basic internet searches and reading on some historical facts. My book is Horror Romance based in the late 1700’s, so I wanted some perspective on what was happening at the time. Nothing with pinpoint accuracy. One of the primary characters is a Werewolf and they’re not real, right? But I wanted to use items such as castles, weapons, villages, transportation etc, that fit the time period. One of the main antagonists are the Hessians, so I did a little research on them and used that background to pay homage to the Headless Horseman.

I have three main characters, the Carriage Driver, the Werewolf and mi Lady. The story is narrated through the eyes of the Carriage Driver and the Werewolf is a prominent figure, but for me the main character really is mi Lady. She is late 20’s early 30’s, and we start by her coming from a wealthy mansion although there is so much more to her background than that. She has been described by a friend of mine as demure. She is sweet and kind, gentle and as beautiful inside as she is outside. She is mostly sad through most of the story as her one true love was lost to her many years ago. She regains that within the story. But she is also fierce and strong. She is a fighter and protector. She is the best human being in this world and I love writing for her. While I am excited to share her story, I am really excited for season 2 where she has an even more exciting role.

The short answer is yes. I have another podcast I will be launching that is all about the Story Behind this story and the show. In one of the episodes I discuss this very subject. I also based a lot of my performance on trying to emulate certain actors that I admire. For example, I tried to do a combination of Major Strasser from Casablanca and the Hugo Weaving’s Red Skull from Captain America, for the voice and attitude of the Hessian leader Colonel Voelker. I was also inspired by Russell Crowe for the character of Lord Parlimae. I see so many different actors and actresses in my mind. Zoe Saldana for mi Lady. Her ability to show emotion in her face and sadness is amazing. But there are so many who could play that role too. Or Idris Alba as the Gypsy father who saves……well…..that’s a spoiler.

When I write, I envision the story in my mind’s eye. I see it as a play or film. I try to describe what I am seeing on paper and in the narration. My hope is that I can take you there without you actually having to see it on film. This is why I narrated it and use sound effects as well as an original musical score.Hopefully this all allows your imagination to fill in what your eyes cannot see.