About Peggy Wirgau…
Peggy Wirgau writes stories, articles, and novels for middle grade readers and young adults. Her work has been published in Appleseeds, Learning Through History, Insight, and other periodicals. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and writes and edits material for a nonprofit organization and an investment banking firm. She and her husband have two adult children and live in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Peggy is also a Registered Nurse.
You can find Peggy at her website/blog, http://peggywirgau.com, on Facebook at Writer Peggy Wirgau, and on Twitter @PeggyWirgau.
Q&A with Peggy…
Tiffanie Lynn asks, “What inspired you to write this book?”
My novel is based on a true story about a 12-year-old passenger who was on the Titanic. While researching some of the passengers and what happened to them, I read about Ruth Becker and her heroic acts in the lifeboat as she waited to be rescued. How did a young girl, who had just been separated from her family, manage to think of others and help them on that terrifying night? I had to tell her story!
Diane E. asks, “How do you “get over” the insecurities of everyone not liking you/ your books?”
I’m not sure any writer truly gets over it. I’ve heard even multi-published authors often still feel those insecurities. Of course, nobody likes rejection, and when you work hard on something and you pour your heart into it, it hurts when someone dislikes it. Writing has been said to not be for the faint of heart, and that as writers we need to grow a tough skin. Part of the growing means we keep learning how to write better, pay attention to feedback we get from good writers, and accept rejection as part of the process.
Chickie B. asks, “If you weren’t a writer, what would you do..or what do you also do?”
I’m a Registered Nurse, so I would consider working in that profession again. Sometimes I think it would be easier than writing! Other than that, if I could choose to do anything other than write, I would love to be an interior decorator.
Ashley A. asks, “What motivates you to write?”
I love discovering a story that makes me cry or laugh out loud, or with a true story, to be able to say, “Wow! That actually happened!” I want to tell stories like that, ones that grip the reader’s heart in some way. Most of all, I want to show through my writing that God is real and active and longs for us to call on Him. He may answer in ways we don’t expect, but He definitely will answer. He’s shown me this in countless ways, and that’s the greatest motivation that lies behind any writing I do.
Daniela D. asks, “What is your favorite book and why?”
I have several favorites, but I’ll name two: The first is “Rooms” by James Rubart. It’s one of those can’t put-down books… an amazing story about a man who inherits a house and the rooms inside are somehow part of his very own soul. Another favorite is “Promise Me This” by Cathy Gohlke. I love it because it’s a Titanic story (and I’m a fan, as you may have guessed) but also because it’s beautifully-written with impeccable attention to historic details.
Thank you so much for taking time to share with us today, Peggy!
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