Pegg Thomas

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write historical romance and historical fiction. My 9th book, “Sarah’s Choice,” will release on August 3rd, my 10th book, “Lumberjacks & Ladies,” is with the publisher and set to release on Feb 1st, and my 11th book, “Maggie’s Strength,” is with my critique partners getting the red-pen treatment. I’m currently in the historical research phase for my 12th book, “Abigail’s Peace.”

I live on a hobby farm in Northern Michigan with my husband of *mumble* years. We raise sheep, chickens, and keep a few barn cats along with Murphy the spoiled rotten dog.

When not writing or researching, I’m busy at one of my four spinning wheels creating yarn from my sheep’s wool. I give away a handspun, handknit shawl with every book release to one of my newsletter subscribers. https://www.subscribepage.com/PeggThomas

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Sarah’s Choice,” book 1 in my Colonial America series “Forts of Refuge,” is a story that I woke up with. That’s never happened before – or since – but I knew who Sarah was and what happened to her all in one piece. I still had to work out the setting and details, but it was by far the easiest book I’ve ever written.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know that it’s that unusual, but I research the history of my book’s setting, and then weave my story through the actual historical events, even using some actual historical figures.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
James Herriot’s books were some of my favorites since I was a teenager. I love how he brought his characters to life, even his secondary characters. Francine Rivers’ “Redeeming Love” showed me how to unleash the power of emotions in writing. There are many others, of course. I can learn what works – and sometimes what doesn’t – with each book I read.

What are you working on now?
I’m researching book 3 in my “Forts of Refuge” series, “Abigail’s Peace.” This book will be set at Fort Niagara during the uprising known as Pontiac’s Rebellion in 1763. It’s much different from books 1 & 2 as Fort Niagara was never technically under siege. I have my work cut out for me on this one.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth always has been and always will be the best method, of course, but how to get those words into more mouths? That’s the question! I believe my newsletter is my best vehicle for that. https://www.subscribepage.com/PeggThomas It allows me to share a lot of who I am as well as my books with those who are interested.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Learn the craft. Plan to spend at least a couple of years and a couple of manuscripts just learning. Especially if you plan to go indie. I’m now a hybrid author, published traditionally and indie, plus I worked as a managing editor for a small publishing house for 3.5 years. There is SO MUCH to learn to turn out a quality product.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It was from my granddad. He said, “You only have one chance to make a good first impression.” He didn’t make that up, but it’s so true and so applicable to indie publishing. If you jump the gun and put out a book before it’s ready … you’ll shoot yourself in the foot with readers.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading “Behind Love’s Wall” by Carrie Fancett Pagels. She asked me for an endorsement on this inspirational historical romance set on Michigan’s Mackinac Island. I’m over halfway through and loving it!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d like to stay a hybrid author, so I’ll be sending more manuscripts to my agent to submit to publishing houses, but I have to say, I do love the immediacy of indie publishing. I like being able to see how the books are doing in real-time – not months later on a statement from the publisher. But I have another series half-written that I will likely publish indie too. So we’ll see how it all shakes out.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
the Bible
a survival guide
Robinson Crusoe

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