Sarah McCoy Inspires Readers With Historical Fiction That Transcends Time and Borders

Exploring Stories That Connect Us All

Bestselling author Sarah McCoy discusses the inspiration behind her bestselling novels, her multicultural influences, the power of storytelling across genres, and her enduring love for connecting with readers worldwide.

Sarah McCoy is a literary powerhouse whose work bridges the gap between heartfelt storytelling and historical depth, earning her a well-deserved spot on the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestseller lists. From her evocative portrayal of Marilla Cuthbert’s untold story in Marilla of Green Gables to the lush intrigue of Mustique Island, McCoy has established herself as a master of historical fiction. Her novels, including The Mapmaker’s Children and the award-nominated The Baker’s Daughter, resonate with readers across the globe, weaving together richly imagined worlds with unforgettable characters.

Not only is her writing a testament to her boundless creativity and meticulous research, but it also embodies the spirit of a citizen of the world. With roots in Puerto Rico, Ireland, and Sweden, and a childhood shaped by her father’s military career, McCoy’s multicultural experiences give her stories a uniquely global perspective. Her ability to traverse genres—infusing historical fiction with elements of romance, fantasy, mystery, and more—makes each of her books an exciting new journey for readers.

Beyond her pages, Sarah McCoy has enriched the literary world through her essays, articles, and radio hosting. She’s a vocal champion of readers, an author who treasures the personal connections her stories create. Whether she’s inspiring readers with her tales of resilience and humanity or sharing her passion for literature as a teacher and speaker, McCoy’s dedication to the craft is palpable.

Sarah McCoy is a masterful storyteller whose emotionally rich, genre-defying novels captivate readers and celebrate humanity’s shared experiences.

In this exclusive interview, Sarah McCoy offers us a glimpse into the heart and mind behind her beloved works, sharing her thoughts on beloved books, her multicultural inspirations, and the universal joy of storytelling. It’s an honor to feature an author whose stories leave an indelible mark on readers and speak to the shared human experience. Let’s dive into the world of this extraordinary storyteller.

What’s the last great book you read?

SM: My friend Taylor Jenkins Reid’s book Carrie Soto is Back, which I thought was brilliant. Taylor writes women characters the way I want to read and see women—as bold, complex heroines bravely tackling the world we live in. 

What’s your favorite book no one else has heard of?

The Nine Days Queen: A Portrait of Lady Jane Grey by Mary M. Luke. It was the first novel that I read as a young adult that made me weep into the pages. I loved that book, Lady Jane Grey, and the history. It moved me in ways no other book had. I believe that was the impetus for my future as a historical novelist. Up until that point, I’d read either contemporary novels or historical nonfiction. When I felt the power of the two together… I was hooked. Still am. 

You’re organizing a party. Which two authors, dead or alive, do you invite?

Only two? Gracious, that’s difficult. I’d probably invite Lucy Maud Montgomery and Kate Morton. I feel these are kindred spirits and share my curious wonder about the world and our role as storytellers in it. We’d have a grand tea party in some luscious garden setting and quietly tell each other secrets while we drank the pot empty. 

What genres do you especially enjoy reading? 

I loving reading across genres. Because I write historical fiction, I gravitate toward it, but there’s danger in not daring to step outside of one’s own territory. It limits the mind and imagination, in my opinion. A good book is a good book no matter what category it is placed on a bookstore shelves. Genres are commercially made parameters for marketing. So, I read across genres and I incorporate those elements into my writing—historical, romance, sci-fi, cozy mystery, fantasy, nonfiction.  I hope readers pick up one of my books and discover magical realism (fantasy). Then, they pick up another and find a mystery. Another is a romance, and so forth. It’s a game I play with myself and my readers. Each of my books is a surprise and a new adventure.    

What books do you find yourself returning to again and again?

The Anne of Green Gables series by Lucy Maud Montgomery. It’s a balm for my soul to read of Anne Shirley, Diana Barry, Gilbert Blythe, and Marilla Cuthbert. The writing is kissed with Montgomery’s signature style and the characters feel like dear, old friends. They welcome me home to Green Gables with each successive reading. 

What books are you embarrassed not to have read yet?

I only read the first book in the Harry Potter series. I know! I was already at university when J.K. Rowley made her triumphant debut. I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone on assignment in a Contemporary Children’s Literature course. To be even more honest, I probably won’t ever read the rest, but I greatly admire the worldwide love of reading that Rowley reignited for millennials.   

What are you reading now?

I’m in a season of memoirs. I gobble them like popcorn.  I recently read The Girl on the Balcony by Olivia Hussey. Also, I’m No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts by Kristin Chenoweth and Stanley Tucci’s Taste. All so unique in style, content, and format—much like life! And all are excellently written. I couldn’t put them down. 

SM: You are an American but do other countries and cultures influence your writing?

So very much. My passport may be USA but my mother is Puerto Rican and my father’s lineage is Irish, Choctaw, Swedish. He was a military officer so I grew up overseas and moved all around the United States. My husband became a military physician. He grew up in Germany and loves to travel. We were stationed at a fort on the border of Mexico (El Paso, TX) for nearly a decade before settling in North Carolina. I am proudly multicultural. That’s a blessing that I do not take for granted. As the pandemic showed us unequivocally, the world is small and we are all interconnected. To answer your question: yes, other countries and cultures absolutely influence my writing and stories. Global community is the essence of humanity. After all, we’re sharing this crazy journey called life. 

What’s one of your favorite parts of being a published writer? 

Connecting with readers! You, readers, are the reason I write. There’s no greater joy than making lifelong friends through my books. It’s so encouraging to hear or read a review from someone explaining how my books have moved them, changed them, brought back a memory, helped them understand, or merely entertained them greatly. I know we, authors, are not supposed to read reviews, but I value the opinions of my readers too highly to ignore them. I read every single one. And yes, a few hurt but the majority inspire me to keep sitting down at my desk hour after hour, day after day. I’ve just opened my Zoom calendar to book clubs around the globe in celebration of Mustique Island. My website has a form for Book Clubs to fill out requesting a free, 30-minute virtual visit for me to pop into their group gathering, answer questions and say hello. Meeting book clubs virtually is one of the unexpected blessings of the pandemic times. We have all become experts in connecting across miles, countries, and time zones. It’s one of my favorite parts of modern publishing. I hope your readers reach out, too. 

What are you writing next? 

I tend to keep my new books pretty secretive until they are on the production line. I’m protective as a mother during their creative developments. That said, I can tell you that my new novel is loosely based on real-life events related to a celebrity mystery. It thrills me to be able to share this story. Harper Collins will publish it in 2025