Interview with Margaret Daley, part deux

Captain's Log, Stardate 02.28.2006




Continuing my interview with Margaret:

CT: What's your writing schedule like? How do you ensure time for family and church?

MD: I usually write when I get home from school then on the weekends. You have to make time for your family and church as anything you want to do. I'm a very organized person and my son is grown and on his own now. It was harder when he was at home.

CT: What is your most memorable moment as a writer?

Selling my first book! Nothing beats that.

CT: When did you first discover that you were a writer?

MD: When I finished my first book, I started to think of myself as a writer. Of course, I will never show anyone that first book.

CT: Writing a novel is...

MD: like bleeding all over the white paper.

CT: LOL! I like that analogy. Must be your romantic suspense side coming out, or else Shirlee has rubbed off on you. ;) What's your greatest writing weakness and how do you overcome it?

MD: Description and details--I like a fast pace book and don't want too much description in the books I read. I have to go back and put it in after I've completed my rough draft.

CT: What's your best writing strength?

MD: Plotting--I love to brainstorm and come up with twists and turns.

CT: How do you handle deadline stress? Any advice or tips?

MD: I try not to get too close to a deadline because I don't work well under that kind of pressure. I try to set more time than I think I'll need for my deadline. With that said, I think I will be going right up against my deadline with the book I'm working on right now. It is the toughest book I've written so far.

CT: Most writers struggle with insecurity. How do you retain your confidence as a writer?

MD: Who said I was confidant? I have all the insecurities others do.

CT: Aaah, good to know authors have the same problems. What's the biggest risk you've ever taken as a writer?

MD: I've taken risks as a writer but I can't come up with the biggest one. I've tried to stretch myself with some books like the one coming out next March for Love Inspired Suspense called So Dark the Night. This book I'm writing right now tentatively called Vanished is hard because of the emotional stakes in it. A sheriff's daughter is kidnapped and he must be the parent as well as the cop. In inspirational romances with suspense you have three elements you must entwine together--suspense, romance and faith. That can be hard at times, especially in a smaller book.

CT: How do you handle writer's block? Do you ever get writer's block?

MD: I haven't gotten writer's block but I have suffered from writer's slowdown. I try to write through it if possible. Sometimes I just have to take some time off and get away from writing. I have been known to take a book on vacation and write on the beach.

CT: Describe your writing space as it is now, and your fantasy writing space.

MD: My office is painted hot pink and I have lots of flamingoes in it. I have a couch, desk and a lot of bookshelves filled with tons of books. I love my writing space.

CT: Hey, I love pink, too! I've only recently gotten over my denial and now I'm basking in my pinkness. Let's dress up in pink at RWA National. Do you have a special verse specifically to inspire your writing?

MD: I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20. It is so comforting to know that God is there for me always.

CT: What's the best writing advice you've ever received?

MD: You have to write to sell. If you don't put yourself in front of the computer and write, you will never be a selling writer.

CT: Thanks for doing the interview! Any parting words?

MD: Talent is 25% of writing and determination is 75%. Keep at it.

Camy here: Thanks, Margaret!

Knee update: Had my doctor's appointment today just to check my knee, see how it's healing after surgery. The doctor's assistant saw me, and she said it feels good. She even said I could start jogging, although I'm going to wait before trying that. Good to know I'm healing! Praise God!

My February contest: Today's the last day to enter my website contest for two Romantic Suspense book packs.

Bible in 90 Days: Day 48. I got back on track today and finished Isaiah. I have to admit I didn't understand a lot of what he talked about except the surface message--that the people of Israel need to repent in their hearts and not just worship with actions; that God will rain destruction as punishment for their sins, despite the fact He's been very lenient with them; and that God will not forget them forever. He will not only restore them, He will bless them abundantly. Isaiah gives a beautiful picture of Jerusalem the bride. And it fills my heart that I will be there.

Writing: I have to get the Genesis contest judges' packets ready to mail tomorrow, but then I'll do some writing after that.

Diet: It's hard to count calories when I cook, but I think I'm at only 1100 today, plus I went for a 75 minute walk with the dog. It was refreshing to walk outside after the rain--the air smelled so beautiful.