The Virtual Book Review Network

is pleased to interview Peggy Somers, author of  Gianna

Gianna

Peggy Somers: I always wanted to write a book and actually started several. I think I was first inspired by one of my college English professors. He made writing easier for me and I went on to submit several short articles and stories to the local newspaper. Some got published and I even got an award. When I graduated from college I began a career in auditing and finance. I worked for the government where I wrote lots of reports. After that, I couldn’t stay focused or complete my projects until 2004 when I began Gianna.

LAUREN SMITH: What did you do to prepare for writing your book?

Peggy Somers: I like to use timelines instead of outlines. I start entering events based on personal experience and research. My research includes factual items, newspaper articles, and stories that all give me ideas.

LAUREN SMITH: How did you develop the plot?

Peggy Somers: Once I start writing, it just kind of flows. I go back and forth between my timeline and notes, using my imagination to fill in the gaps.

LAUREN SMITH: Are any of your characters based on anyone – or any type of person - you know?

Peggy Somers: Yes. No one character is based on one person. Some of my characters have characteristics of one or more people I know. Some may have the physical characteristics while another has the personality type. Most are a mixture of people I know or admire.

LAUREN SMITH: How long did it take you to write the book – (was it longer or less time than you expected)?

Peggy Somers: My first book, Gianna, took me about two years to complete. The reason for that was I did a major rewrite of the book after it was “complete.” I kept going back and re-reading it before I submitted it for publication. My second book flowed much better and I knocked it out plus two more in about a year. The three books are “sequels” to Gianna involving her children’s lives.

LAUREN SMITH: Did you seek the support of a writer’s group or class?

Peggy Somers: No. Nothing other than my college experiences.

LAUREN SMITH: What surprised you the most about this process?

Peggy Somers: I thought that if I got Gianna out of my blood I’d be done. Well, I ended up writing four more books – three of them mentioned above and a fourth in a different genre. I guess I was surprised to find that I was able to continue writing books.

LAUREN SMITH: What tips would you offer to anyone writing fiction for the first time?
Peggy Somers: Be organized. That’s what works for me. I love using a timeline. It defines the limits of your book giving it a beginning and an end and you fill in the rest.

LAUREN SMITH: What can we look forward to in your next book?

Peggy Somers: My second book, Anais, is now available. It is about Gianna’s oldest daughter. It tells us a little more about Gianna, her husband and their college friends, but focuses on Anais’ viewpoint of her family. There’s drama, lust, sex, love, and marriage. It’s a continuation of life and relationships.

LAUREN SMITH: Is there anything we haven’t covered that you would like to include?

Peggy Somers: Yes. I just want to say that if you are inspired to write, do it. I waited way too long to complete my first project. The experience of completing a project is just so overwhelming and truly satisfying.

LAUREN SMITH: Thank you for taking the time to be part of this interview!