Chatting with Author Peggy Bird

Well, friends!  It seems like I’ve been on a month-long hiatus!  And I feel as if I’m still a bit jet-lagged from the holidays…is that a reasonable complaint?  Or am I simply inventing excuses?   *smile*    At any rate, I’m glad to be back. 

We have a special treat today.  I’m excited to be hosting Peggy Bird, a Crimson Romance sister, and a very prolific writer.   Although Peggy and I are only just beginning a friendship, I’ve watched her interactions with other writers for a while now and can honestly say she is a wonderful, tireless cheerleader and a never-ending source of light and inspiration.  I admit I haven’t had a chance to dive into her books yet, but they are definitely on my TBR list!  (If you’ve sampled them, please comment!)

Greetings, Peggy!  Thanks so much for stopping by.  It’s wonderful to host such an experienced writer as yourself!   I know my readers – like me – are anxious to find out a few intimate, intrusive things about you,  such as… what your workspace looks like…?

Actually, I have two desks and at the moment, one is tidy and one a mess.  On the neat one, I have my MacBook and a cup full of pens along with my latest manuscript in two piles—already edited and to-be-edited. So far, so good, right? Take a glance at the other desk that sits at right angles to my smaller one, the one I use when I handwrite. On it I have two iPads, one iPod, a stack of books to be mailed to my Bookmooch buddies, my “to-do” pile (unattended over the holidays, it apparently reproduced and created new baby “to-dos”), and my paper calendar. Oh, and my printer. And the new ink cartridges I just bought. And the box for the new iPad. And the labeler my husband just returned.  This week’s task? Clean it all up, of course.

I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one who ‘foundered’ a bit over the holly-days.  You’ve helped my spirits already!  Now, let’s see, one MacBook, two iPads, one iPod, and a labeler.  Sounds like you’re a die-hard techie.  I love it!

Can you share a favorite quote?

One of my favorite writing-related quotes is from E. L. Doctorow: “Writing is like driving a car at night. You can only see as far as the headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.”

Brilliant!  (And mighty encouraging, too.)   Peggy, it’s a given that you write Romance, but do you dabble in other genres?  Do you write other things besides novels?

I have written a mystery that got very good rejections from agents and editors and I have a half-finished YA (Young Adult) historical I co-wrote with a writing buddy. Both are buried someplace in my filing cabinet. I have had memoir pieces published in a dozen or more anthologies, stories in several children’s magazines and three plays produced locally, one in a grade school and two as scripts for puppets in the Kids on the Block Awareness program.

Sounds like you are equally at home in many genres.  That’s great!  I’m sure that adds a lot of diversity and range to your work.  And I love the ‘very good rejections’ comment.  Often an acceptance comes right on the heels of an encouraging rejection.   

Tell me, how much of your books are based on real life?

My latest book has a number of elements of my real life. Together Again is the story of Margo Keyes, a woman born and raised in Philadelphia who moves to Portland, Oregon and never wants to leave. We share a birthplace, an addiction to sticky buns from the Reading Terminal Market and a love for Portland and the Columbia River Gorge. That’s where it stops, however. I didn’t marry my childhood friend, am not a lawyer and have never, to the best of my knowledge, met a Russian mobster.

That’s probably a blessing!  What books would you say have influenced your life most?

For my novel writing, two books I read when I was young from an old box of my mother’s books were probably formative—one was Forever Amber, the other was a British romance, The Sun and the Sea. I changed the way I looked at the world after I read Guns, Germs and Steel and The Feminine Mystique. And I’m a great admirer of/believer in Karen Armstrong’s books, particularly A History of God.

What are your current projects? Can you share a little here?

I can just about see the end of my six-book series, Second Chances. The third book, Together Again, will be released on January 14^th. The fourth book is under contract with Crimson Romance. Book #5 is in the process of final editing before submission to Crimson (see question re: what’s on your workspace?) The first draft of the final book, number six, is finished. The book I’m editing is Believing Again which is, of course, a romance, but it is also the story of two people who have lost faith—in themselves, in their vocations or their loved ones. When they meet, their attraction calls into question their cynicism about life and love. It may be my favorite of the series. But then, I always say that about the one I’m working on.

You are definitely a brave soul.  A six-book series!  Wow.  Sounds like a project that keeps you hopping!  Thinking back, what do you think was the hardest part of writing your latest book?

 

I just finished a blog post about how hard the research was for Together Again. The story is set in Philadelphia, where both Margo, the heroine, and I were born, and Portland, where I’ve lived for most of my adult life and where Margo now lives. I know Portland’s quirks and pretensions quite well. But I haven’t lived in Philly for some time. So I did lots of research online. Took me hours. Not because the subjects were arcane or obscure. But because I kept getting sucked into the vortex that is the Internet, bouncing from one shiny object that distracted my attention to another. To justify the time I spent, I’d have to set at least two other books there!

I can so relate!  I always think of the Chip and Dale cartoons…wasn’t it Dale who was always distracted by the shiny, sparkly objects?  That’s definitely a danger in our line of work!  *smile*

I realize you’re a prolific writer.  Have you ever hated something you’ve written?

On a daily basis, some weeks, it goes with the territory. Some days, if I wind up with one decent sentence, I’m lucky. On the other hand, sometimes scenes I delete because I think they suck turn out to be not so bad after all six months down the line and, with a little revision, can be used in something else I’m writing. And I’d bet I’m not the only writer who, at a public reading of his/her work, changes a word or two because he/she realizes how much better it would be if THAT word was just different.

I agree.  I’ve learned not to permanently delete any passages.  It’s best to let everything ‘percolate’!

What was your last Tweet, Peggy?

I have resisted Twitter because I couldn’t handle the idea of Peggy Bird tweeting. However, I finally caved. I’m not as addicted to it as I am to Facebook and Pinterest—yet—but I can feel it coming. My last tweet was to RT (re-tweet) an announcement about Crimson Romance sister Synithia William’s newly released book Worth the Wait.

One of the things I’ve learned is that a truly blessed writer has a great support system.  Who makes up Peggy Bird’s support system?  What do you do when the support isn’t there?

I have the most amazing group of women friends anyone has ever been blessed with. Some of the women I’ve known for decades, others for only a few years. Some I’ve lived next door to, some I’ve worked with, others I’ve met through my art interests. In addition, my husband and I have three adult daughters between us who are as close to me as friends. I have no idea what I’d do without this fabulous group of females. I’m lucky enough never to have had that experience. They can interpret my emails and Facebook posts to know when I need cheering up or a celebration—and they provide it.  They show up for readings, launch parties, birthdays, holidays or just because. We hash over books, problems, music, politics, theater, children, and health on a regular basis, in person, on the phone or electronically.  

That is awesome.  Sounds like you know just exactly how lucky you are! 

Now, Peggy, I have some fun and unusual questions for you. 

 

Please fill in the blanks: 

If my closest friends could describe me they’d say I was smart and well read.

Don’t be surprised to find me bragging about my perfect grandchildren.

If I had a super power, it would be: the ability to make peace between people and nations.

It’s the simple things that mean the most! A “small” thing that I adore is: chocolate.

Most days I smell like clean clothes.

When I grow up, I’m going to be surprised.

You will never, EVER find me willingly in a grocery store.  Except to buy more chocolate.

I want to send a Shout Out to someone special. My life is more extraordinary because of all the women friends who always have my back.

And finally, for your fans – let’s leave our readers with ways to get in touch…

 Find Peggy Here:

 

Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Link to order Together Again:        Amazon

Thanks so much for spending time with us Peggy, and for patiently answering our questions.  You’ve been a great sport!  Good luck with your series!   --

 

 

***

 

 

An Interview with Author Amanda L.V. Shalaby!

Hi Amanda!  Thanks for joining us today.  I have lots of questions for you - let's get to them...

What does your work space look like?

Oh, it’s a terrible mess.  I’m obsessed with post-its, and all the note blocks I can buy at Home Goods.  It must be the influence of my historical England stories, because I love my office space to be deliciously cluttered!

Tell us 3 interesting things about you.

My Shih Tzu dog, Bella, has a larger wardrobe than I have.

I buy Clinique makeup during every Bonus Time, whether I need makeup or not (always not).

I should own stock in Smash Burger.

What is one favorite quote?

“A desk is a dangerous place from which to view the world.” – John le Carré

What inspired you to write your first book?

A dream, of course!  But that little number (written when I was fourteen years old) is right where it ought to be – in a special drawer, not to see the light of day until the time comes when I can do some serious polishing!  My Crimson Romance novel, Rhianna, published this year, was inspired by my very dear grandmother, Catherine M. Fisher, and would not exist but for her request.  It is to her and for her.

Do you write in more than one genre? 

Right now, I am enjoying writing historical romance.  My current project, which is nearing completion, continues in that genre.  But I have a special place in my heart for fiction with coming-of-age and loss of innocence themes.  As I anticipate a much-needed break from historical romance, I plan to polish some of my unfinished works in that area.

 

What book are you reading now?  What rating would you give it?

I’ve been re-reading the classics, even reading some for the first time.  Right now, I’m enjoying Little Women, and I give it four stars!

What are your current projects?  Can you share a little of that here?

Sure!  Here is a short synopsis of my current project:

Audra Kingsley, a wealthy heiress, may not have seen much of the world, but she knows exactly how she wants her future to play out – and a coming out ball held at her country estate, Kingsley Manor, would suit her just fine.  Her father’s wish that she be presented at St. James in London seems silly and an awful lot of trouble, since she is to marry her neighbor and childhood sweetheart, Lord Crispin Brighton.

Obligingly, she travels to King Street with her patroness, the eccentric Lady Sutherland, with the intention of returning home to her beloved as soon as the affair is completed.  Unknown to Audra, Lady Sutherland is in no rush to leave London, and intends to spend the Season in town with friends and relatives – and show Audra she has more options in the suitor department than Crispin, a second son.

Thus imprisoned, and receiving no correspondence from home, Audra finds herself surrounded by few friends, and is forced to attend parties, balls and operas – all while becoming the object of a secret admirer’s obsession.

Suspense, deception and the power of true love are laced through this adventurous tale.  Will Audra escape?  And to what lengths will she go to return home?

 

What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing your book to life?

When I began forming the story of Rhianna, I literally knew nothing of 19th century England.  I had not watched a single period movie, or read a single Jane Austen novel.  I had to do years of extensive research just so I would feel comfortable writing about the period. 

 

Do you ever experience writer's block?  What do you do to overcome?

I think every writer gets writer’s block from time to time.  I find the best thing for me is to walk away from the work for a while, or discuss it with a trusted companion.  My mom happens to be both my “ideal reader”, to quote Stephen King, and my first critique partner.  A hot cup of coffee helps, too!

Here are some "Fun Questions":

Fill in the Blanks:

I love pizza with extra cheese & sauce!

I'm always ready for a movie night with my hubby.

When I'm alone, I write, read, cook or dress up my dogs.

You'd never be able to tell, but I write novels!

If I had a halo it would be pretty straight.

If I could travel anywhere I'd be in London right now!

I can never try out for American Idol because singing is not my gift!

For your fans;

Find Me Here:

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/AmandaLVShalaby

 

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/AmandaShalaby

 

Blog: http://AmandaLVShalaby.wordpress.com

 

Pinterest: http://www.Pinterest.com/AmandaLVShalaby

 

To order the book: Crimson Romance ebooks | Amazon | B&N | iTunes

Thanks for visiting!  Good luck and great sales! 

 

 

Author Molly Kate Gray Visits!

Hi Molly Kate!  It’s wonderful to have you visit with us today.  I have lots of questions for you.  Let’s get to them…

 

What is one favorite quote?

It is not our abilities that show what we truly are...it is our choices.  Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

What inspired you to write your first book?

My first “book” will never be published.  My daughter had been really sad that the Harry Potter series ended.  As a fun challenge for myself (and a treat for her), I wrote “my” version of what the next year would entail for the Harry Potter characters.  It was simply for fun, but it showed me that I could write a novel-length story.  I also learned just how much I enjoyed writing.  After completing that story, I began working on original fiction.

Do you write in more than one genre?

Yes, although I’m currently only published in romantic suspense.  I have a young adult romance (with a dash of paranormal) in the works.  I’ve also just begun a contemporary romance that I hope to develop into a series.

How much of the book is realistic or based on real life?

Small Town Secrets is somewhat autobiographical.  I hadn’t realized how much of myself I’d put into the story until my husband read it and commented on it.  I knew that I found writing it to be oddly therapeutic, and I suppose that’s because I’ve seldom discussed that part of my background with others.

Are there any new authors that have grabbed your interest?

I recently finished reading Deep Autumn Heat by Elisabeth Barrett.  I really loved her writing style and the small town she built as the story developed.  I haven’t had a chance to read the next book in the series yet, but I really thought the first story was excellent.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Originally, Small Town Secrets contained an epilogue that wrapped up the story that didn’t make it in the final, published version.  I wish I’d worked harder to keep that last chapter in the book, since I really miss the sense of completion the epilogue gave.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about his/her work?

I’m incredibly fond of Kimberly Derting’s work.  I read a lot in the young adult genre, and I’m always impressed with the element of suspense she’s able to bring to her books.  Also, watching Jay and Violet’s friendship evolve and change throughout the series has really been a beautiful story to read.

What was the hardest part of writing your latest book?

I started writing Fade to Black last spring.  When I first began working on it, I had no idea what my summer held in store.  I lost 3 family members in 6 weeks – one being my sister in law and the other was my father.  Being emotionally drained really brought my writing to an unexpected halt, and then it was really difficult to get started again.  Simply completing the story proved to be a huge challenge, and it was a relief when I could say that I’d finally worked through it and finished the story.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

I’d love to say that writing is easy, and while I truly enjoy bringing characters and stories to life – writing is still hard work.  You’ll have times when writing flows like melted butter on hot toast, and then you’ll also hit patches where your books are developing at glacial speeds.  People who are successful are those who just keep going, even when they’ve hit a difficult point in their work.

Do you write an outline before every book?  Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I’ve been told I write in a kind of unique pattern.  While I don’t plot my stories out completely, I do write my final chapter first.  That way, I know my final destination.  After the conclusion, I write the climax of the story.  Then, I build my “novel journal” where I keep character sketches, pictures of actors who look similar to my characters, and photographs of buildings or other settings in the town I’m trying to build in my novel.

If you had to go to a deserted island with only five books, which ones would you take?

Little Women, The Little Princess, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, The Body Finder, and whatever story I’m reading at the time (I hate to stop a book in the middle).
 

Now for the Fun Stuff!  Please Fill in the Blanks:

I love pizza with Italian sausage and banana peppers.

I'm always ready for pictures of Ian Somerhalder.

When I'm alone, I’m almost always plotting my next scene (or chapter) in my head.

You'd never be able to tell, but I really hate drawing attention to myself in public.

If I had a halo it would be safely tucked away somewhere, since I’d never dare to wear it (see my answer to the statement above).

If I could do anything I'd find a cure for food allergies.  (It’s really sad when my kids are limited in where they can go and what they can do because they might accidentally be exposed to something they can’t eat.)

I can never visit Australia because I’m incredibly claustrophobic.  (I could never stand to be on a flight that would last that long.)

 

Where can Fans Find you?

Website: www.mollykategray.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MollyKateGray

Twitter: @MollyKGray

Blog: www.mollykategray.com

To order the book:  Playing with Fire

 

Thanks so much for being here, Molly!  We're wishing you success and many sales.