Interview with Best-selling Author, Margaret Daley

2016/January by Marji Laine 53 Comments

As I mentioned last week, I hope to share some insight about some of my favorite authors of Christian Fiction, but I have a special treat today! Margaret Daley is offering an e-copy of her gripping suspense, Deadly Noel, right here! Answer the question at the bottom of the article in the comments to enter. Drawing will be held 1/19/16. And you can check out my review of Deadly Noel at the Suspense Sister Review Page, today, too!

Thanks so much for sharing your story with me! Gripping! I have to tell you, I opened Deadly Noel when I first received it, just to get a little taste before turning out the light. Instead, I had trouble putting it down! So I have to ask, do your stories start out with such dynamite, or does the dynamite come in after the main plot is sculpted?

That’s how I envisioned it when I started. I love writing and reading fast paced romantic suspense stories. That doesn’t mean I won’t go in and heighten the suspense even more when editing.

I also have a follow-up. I know authors who start with amazing characters and then dream up their problems. I tend to be inspired by everyday happenings or intriguing settings. How about you? Where does the story seed start?

My stories come from a lot of different places. I’ve often said that the Lord is my muse. Sometimes I can’t even tell you where the story came from. It just develops. However, this story in Deadly Noel came from reading about a prisoner released from prison because DNA proved he wasn’t the perpetrator of the crime he was convicted of.

Inspired by reality! That’s even more intriguing! Are there unique challenges when writing or working with stories about holidays or particular series?

You want to include the holiday but not let it overshadowed the suspense. Some series are tightly connected and the writer has to keep track of what has happened in the other stories to make sure it’s right in the new book.

If you were to choose another character from your book to be the star of another story (or series), which character would you choose and why?
In this case the question is easy. My next book in my Strong Women Series will be Jessie Michaels’ story. She’s the sister of the hero in Deadly Noel.

Oh, good! I liked Jessie! Can’t wait to find out what hero could possibly affect her! What enhances your writing? Food, music, TV or movies, or something else?

My life experiences and my imagination. Sometimes that can be influenced by something I’ve seen on TV or in a movie or read in a book.

What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t writing? (Alone? With friends? With family?)

Being with my family and friends. I love going to lunch and a movie with a friend or doing something with my granddaughters. They are 6 and 8 and so much fun to be with.

What is something you’ve never done but would love to try?

Skydiving, if I knew I was going to land safely and not hurt myself.

Oh, my gosh! I have heard so many people say that! Maybe in your bucket list for 2016? And since we’re on the subject and still early in the year, how did you ring in the New Year, and what plans/goals/resolutions do you have for 2016?

I don’t make resolutions, but putting that aside this year I’m working on trying to live in the present (in the moment). I’m trying not to get caught up in regrets over the past and trying not to worry about the future. I’m working on turning my worries over to the Lord.

Excellent focus! I’m so glad we got the chance to chat, especially about Deadly Noel! Here’s the short version of the book:

Kira Davis put the wrong man in prison. Now she has to catch the real killer before he kills her. Another romantic suspense story from Margaret Daley, USA Today Bestselling Author.

Assistant DA, Kira Davis, convicted the wrong man—Gabriel Michaels, a single dad with a young daughter. When new evidence was brought forth, his conviction was overturned, and Gabriel returned home to his ranch to put his life back together. Although Gabriel is free, the murderer of his wife is still out there and resumes killing women. In a desperate alliance, Kira and Gabriel join forces to find the true identity of the person terrorizing their town. Will they be able to forgive the past and find the killer before it’s too late?

Don’t forget to check out the review at the Suspense Sister Review page.

Your Turn: Wanna free e-copy of Deadly Noel? Simple! Leave your email address below and tell me your favorite focus, word, or resolution for 2016. Doesn’t even have to be your own if you don’t want it to! Drawing will be held on 1/19