February Author Spotlight: Taj McCoy
Ashyle Noelle • Feb 21, 2023

BIO

Oakland-raised law grad, Taj McCoy, is committed to writing stories championing Black and multiracial women of color, plus-sized protagonists, Black love, and characters with a strong sense of sisterhood and familial bonds. Her debut novel--a romcom featuring a plus-size heroine--SAVVY SHELDON'S FEELING GOOD AS HELL was published by MIRA Books (Harlequin HarperCollins), and her second book, ZORA DIZON BOOKS HER HAPPY EVER AFTER is scheduled for release on April 18, 2023. When she’s not writing, she may be on Twitter boosting other marginalized writers, trying to zen out in yoga, sharing recipes on her website, or cooking private supper club meals for close friends.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BOOK(S)!

SAVVY SHELDON FEELS GOOD AS HELL is an adult romcom featuring a plus-size Black and Thai heroine who goes through a bad breakup in Los Angeles. Her ex blames her work ethic and her weight, which shakes her confidence and leaves her wondering whether she should make changes to try and win him back. However, as she gets to know and begins to date the contractor renovating her kitchen, she realizes that she doesn't need to change anything about herself--she is desirable and lovable exactly as she is. Her best friends and her family support her as she finds her way to loving herself and to the professional life she wants.


My next book, ZORA DIZON BOOKS HER HAPPY EVER AFTER is an adult romcom love triangle based in Washington, D.C. The main character, Zora, owns an indie bookstore and has a crush on Lawrence, a local author. When his cranky best friend, Reid, comes for the book signing, Lawrence makes his move, but not before Zora makes an impression on Reid. She ultimately dates both men and feels pressure to choose; however, she suspects that the guys are hiding a secret from her. Before she can choose the man she wants to move forward with, she has to figure out what these guys are hiding from her.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL GET OUT OF YOUR BOOKS?

I hope that readers find connection with my characters--that they see the complexity in intersectionality. My hope is to represent the intersection of my own identities in my characters, to help others feel seen, and to provide readers with an escape where characters deal with real conflicts but don't have to be subjected to trauma.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WRITE?

Writing has always been the best way for me to express myself--I've loved it since I was a child. My first publications were in elementary school, and so I've always known that I was meant to write in some capacity. I took detours along the way, attended law school and worked as a law school admissions and career development administrator for about 12 years before moving into a freelance strategic consulting role so that I could write full time. Ultimately, I want to share stories of Black love, excellence, and joy that leave readers feeling  happy, hopeful, and seen.

HOW DO YOU WEAVE YOUR CULTURE INTO YOUR WRITING?

I think it's important to have culture be a part of the MC's day-to-day--it's in the food, the conversation, the prayer, the family relations, the treatment of others, the humor. I think it's important to permeate all of these different aspects--to subtly immerse the reader in different ways so that they're not beaten over the head with it in a glaringly obvious way. Coming from a bunch of different angles makes it more relatable to more people, since no culture is completely monolithic.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING A BLACK CREATOR IN PUBLISHING?

I think there are more gates and more ceilings than any of us anticipate at the onset of our careers. The barriers and bias that we encounter along the way can be really discouraging, and it is so important to build community so that you have support and guidance from people who understand.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT YOU ARE REALLY EXCITED ABOUT CURRENTLY (W/OUT GIVING TOO MUCH AWAY)?

We just announced an anthology that I'm editing, EVEN IF THE SKY IS FALLING, which is a collection of six steamy short stories where couples are bunkered together and make the most of the time that they have left, believing that the world might be coming to an end. I'm too excited about the incredible authors who are contributing--they're turning up the heat, and they're all hilariously funny.

BEST TIP ON WRITING CRAFT?

Get comfortable with revising your projects. It's easy to get defensive or to feel like edit suggestions are little digs at us personally, especially when the story is close to our hearts, but revision is so necessary, and I've seen my manuscripts bloom and really shine with the help of others. We don't have to take every piece of advice, but I pay close attention to the pieces that resonate.

ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER BLACK CREATORS?

Every part of the process includes teachable moments--even rejection.

WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND YOU?

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