A Warm Welcome to My Friend, Peg Phifer

Meet Peg

It's such a treat to have Peg today. She was one of my first critique partners. For a chance to win one of her two giveaway copies (an e-print and a paperback) please leave a comment AND your email address. Limited to those in the lower United States. Now on to her interview:

How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?


There was no clear ‘call’ that I can point to. But I knew He called me. Does that make sense? I love creating, the process of taking something, and idea, a concept, and making it happen. I used to design my own paper doll clothes. I love to sew, knit, crochet and do a lot of other handcrafts. Or at least I used to before arthritis invaded my hands. So, yes, along with those other creative things, I love to write. That is a creation effort in a field of its own.

True! What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I write Romantic Suspense, which is a delicate balance of romance mingled in with all the danger and suspense. Mine seem to have a little less romance and more suspense. At least this first book does.

Well put, Peg. How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

I’d love to be a goal-setter, but I’m not. Every time I try to establish a set writing time or word goal I fail. I’m a horrible manager of my own time. TO SEE THE SUN has taken me a total of, um, 20 years, give or take. That’s because I couldn’t find the right character and setting to bring it together. I’m praying the next one won’t take that long, because the Lord might not grant me that long to write another book.

And I'll be anxiously waiting for the second book. (She's a great writer, folks!)Tell us about your new book. What is the spiritual message in it? What can readers expect to get from reading it? How and where can readers buy your book?

There really is no solid spiritual message. I’m not made that way. It is written from a Christian Worldview, but the ‘message’ is covert. There’s no “Christinese,” no spurious or gratuitous in-your-face religion. Yet I believe readers will know there is a firm foundation of faith, that the characters are real.

Books can be ordered from:

· Amazon.com

· Amazon Kindle

· B&N (nook)

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through?

Yeah, there have been a number of discouraging things that would make me think about quitting, but the Lord wouldn’t let me. My husband doesn’t “get” the writing thing and that’s probably the hardest part. Now he’s delighted that I’m finally published, another battle looms over the marketing journey. And, of course, there’s the work of writing Book Two

Who’s inspired you the most?

I think, of all the many wonderful writers I’ve met and those I admire out there, I’d have to say James Scott Bell, first of all, and then Ronie Kendig. Jim Bell is more suspense than romance, while Ronie writes a more balanced mix. At least that’s what I get from them.

I agree. Would you explain how you “chose” (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?”

Nope, it’s one-potato, two-potato! Seriously, though, my first contract was a totally God-thing. There was no proposal, no synopsis, no agent . . . it just happened through a private email loop where I was asking questions through the writing over the past, oh, three years, I guess. But last spring we mutually nullified the contract. Then I was recommended to Ellen Maze, an Indie who loved the book and took me on. So, I am one of those self-published authors. The whole experience has gone well. I’m pleased.

I'm thrilled for you. Indie publishing is growing nicely. Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

I’d love to! But no, I’ve got Book Two to finish and start this process all over again. A process I love, despite the occasional, discouraging stumbling blocks.

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

I don’t like gossip or gossipers. They destroy. I love pizza and Mexican food. I love handcrafts of all kinds. Unfortunately, I can’t do them anymore. Arthritis has invaded my hands and I just can’t make them cooperate on the small stuff. But I can still play the piano, and type! Thank God for that, or I wouldn’t be responding to this interview. J

Where would I like to travel? I’d love to take what used to be called the Grand Tour through Europe; I want to see England, Scotland and Ireland, my heritage; I want to go on a cruise.

You recently had a book published. How and where can readers buy your books?
· Amazon.com

· Amazon Kindle

· B&N (nook)

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

Website: http://www.peggyblannphifer.com/

Blog: http://www.whispersinpurple.com/

I have several interviews and guest appearances coming up. To find out when and where, check out this page:

www.peggyblannphifer.com/veranda.htm

Peggy Blann Phifer is an author and columnist, book reviewer and author interviewer, whose work has appeared on various Web sites and writer periodicals both in print and online. She is also an avid reader who loves to escape by diving between the covers of a good book. Peg enjoys handcrafts of all kinds and her home shows off some of her work, though most end up as gifts for friends and family. A retired executive assistant, Peg now makes her home in southern Nevada with husband of 25 years, Jim.


TO SEE THE SUN is her debut novel, released January 2012


Thank you so much, Peg, for joining us this week!
Readers, Peg is giving away two copies of her book: an e-copy and a print. Leave a comment and an email address.

Blessings!