I'd like to introduce you to Peggy Waide, our speaker for the February meeting. Peggy has been married 21 years and has three boys, ages 16, 14 and 12. In between the testosterone in her house, this super mom manages seven states for Jazzercise and teaches three classes as well. Peggy has one of those Cinderella publishing stories. Her first book won the RMFW Colorado Gold Contest and the editor judging the contest, Leisure's Chris Keeslar, bought it. The Duchess For A Day was published nine months later in July 1999. Her second book, Potent Charms, was released in March 2000, and Mightier Than The Sword will be released March 2001. All three of her books are Regency Historicals. She loves to write spunky heroines and arrogant males.

Diana: Peggy tells us about your writing process. How do you organize? How long does a draft take? How long does editing take? How much time do you spend on writing each day?

Peggy: A simple statement, one line in a travel book or a short article stimulates me to ask the all-important question, "what if?" The mind slips into that wonderful place we writers play and create. The imagination. The answer triggers more questions, more answers, more questions and soon I'm wrapped within the adventure of my next project. I tend to be a plunger and write a chapter or two before I even plot the story. Inevitably I already know the final scene. It's filling in the other twenty chapters that is the challenge. I work with a storyboard for the plot and a profile outline for the main characters. Even then, driven by the characters, the plot takes unexpected twists and turns. I edit as I go because I take my manuscript virtually everywhere. I'd probably shoot myself if I actually calculated the exact number of ours I spent writing, but what can I say. I love it. Right now, I allow myself nine to ten months to complete a book.

I try to write everyday, even when I'm on the road, sometimes fifteen minutes, sometimes several hours. During the week, I'm at the computer by 7:00 am and then utilize the evenings after 8:00. On weekends, I block out a period of time (if possible) to really make some progress. I always carry pages to edit or a notebook to jot down ideas. I begin the majority of my scenes with a conversation between the characters. It's kind of weird, but that's how I think. The choreography, setting and details are filled in later.

Diana: What inspires you? What do you do to inspire yourself and keep on task?
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Peggy: Banana splits from 31 Flavors are always good. So is the chance to read, but first I have to write pages of my own.

While still in bed, I do affirmations. I believe these can really make a difference in your perspective on life and yourself. Several motivational posts adorn my office wall by the computer. I also keep my book covers in prominent view as well. They validate that I really truly wrote and published a book, and if I did it once, I could do it again. Keeping on task is a combination of discipline, organization and communication with those whom you share your space - husbands, children, roommates. This is my time -leave me alone. However, blood and tears will usually draw me from my writing stupor.

Diana: What are you currently working on?

Peggy:    My next book, yet untitled, centers on a character from Mightier Than The Sword. MacDonald Archer is a bastard and a smuggler. Lady Joanna Fenton is considered to be 'on the shelf' and the only responsible person in her family. Now her brother is missing along with an ancient Chinese artifact she plans to sell to pay her brother's gambling debts. She hires Mac to find them both before the public auction. It's the sparrow becomes the swan story mixed with a little intrigue and lots of romance.

Diana: Peggy, how do you do it? How do you balance your life? (Okay, teaser time here for the February program! <g>) What we might expect to hear at the February meeting?

Peggy: Determination is a huge factor to one's success. Ask yourself two questions: How badly do you want to write a book? And are you willing to pay the price? If the answer is yes then be prepared to make sacrifices and changes. Have a concrete goal in mind (oh noooo, not goals) Yes. You must have them. Success is a state of mind, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun along the way.

Diana: What advice do you have for writers, both published and unpublished?

Peggy: Persevere. Smile. Surround yourself with positive, genuinely caring people and do what you love to do!

Peggy's newest book will be available in March. Check out her web site: www.peggywaide.com. Be sure to join Peggy on February 17 at the HODRW monthly chapter meeting. (Details and location on page 12.)

As yet unpublished, Diana writes award-winning short contemporary cowboy stories and attempts to live where chaos exists with her husband and two teenage daughters. A freelance writer, she writes golf and travel pieces and edits a column for Suite 101 at http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/rodeo_and_cowboys.