Interview Evanell

by

Jaxine Daniels

 1) Why do you write romance?

Because I believe in the magic of love and happy endings.

2) How long have you been writing, Peggy Evanell?

I’ve always wanted to write and started about twenty years ago when I moved to England and no longer worked. It took a while to discover that writing is a craft, and I had a lot to learn about VP, Voice, Goal, Motivation, Conflict, Scene and Sequel, Action, Reaction, Setting, etc.

3) What is your favorite book that you’ve written?

I think my favorite is the one I’m usually working on when asked that question, although I must admit I’m partial to one that may never be published because it’s about a Mormon girl.

4) What is your favorite book that you’ve read?

Tough question. I love the work of many authors, but Judith McNaught’s stories are some of my favorite, so I guess I’d say Whitney, My Love. I also love time travels, especially those written by Constance O’Day Flannery.

5) What made you write Glimpse of Never Ending Love?

When I wrote my first Glimpse story I switched places and identities with the heroine, Kacy (Eternity) and Catharine (Never Ending Love) so I could write about a girl from the past who got transported to the future. After writing historicals, it wasn't as easy as I expected to switch to contemporary.

6) You have two other "Glimpse" books. How are the three related, or are they?

Yes, they are related, although you don’t have to read them all or in order as each book stands alone.

The first, Glimpse of Eternity, is about Kacy, who is taken back in time to meet the man she has loved and lost in other lives, and dreams about in her current life. The second, Glimpse of Forever, is about her best friend, Jennifer, who is transported back in time to see Kacy. However, an opal, given to her by her true love, guides her to him instead of to Kacy. The third, Glimpse of Never Ending Love, is about Catharine, who switched places and identities with Kacy so she could return to the past. Having lived with Jennifer who helped her adjust to the twenty-first century before she traveled back in time, Catharine turns to Jennifer’s cousin, the man she has known and admired in past lives.

7) Have you ever written anything other than romance?

No.

8) If not, are you interested in doing so?

Maybe.

9) What would it be?

A story with a strong heroine who made a difference in the world.

10) If you could do anything that you’ve never done before, what would it be?

Have my three time travel stories made into movies (preferably by Walt Disney, so audiences of all ages could enjoy them).

11) You are so well-traveled. What is your favorite destination and why?

I like every place I’ve ever visited, although my husband doesn’t agree. I loved living in England, and would return there every year if I could because of the history, museums, people, theater and all the things you can see and do without having to travel miles and miles.

12) Tell us a little about your "normal" day.

It’s easier to tell about my week. I try to keep weekends free to spend with my husband and/or work on my computer. Most Mondays I work on my computer and/or see my son and grandchildren. I golf every Tuesday and Thursday and had my first hole-in-one last week. Yippee! I putt with a putters group on Wednesday mornings (during the winter) and meet with my Critique Group on Wednesday afternoons. On Friday mornings I play Mah Jong. When I’m not busy doing any of the above, I’m usually at my computer. I write early in the morning, late at night and as much as possible in-between.

13) If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

Woman: Maggie Thatcher. She’s a terrific woman with a brilliant mind.

Man: Robert Redford. He’s awesome and intelligent, plus blond and blue-eyed like my husband.

14) If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you like to have with you. Which of your characters do you want with you? Why?

First I’d want a computer or notebooks and pens and pencils so I could write. Second I’d like good food--(any kind of fish would be great--I’d have to eat to survive). Third I’d like a decent bed, or a foam mattress and pillow. I’d like my husband there too, because he’s my best friend. There’s probably some of him in every hero I write about. If I couldn’t have my husband, I’d like any of my female characters because I think they’re like my sister who is my best female friend.