1. Tell us about yourself.
I live in Oklahoma and besides writing for Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense, I teach at a high school. I work with students with learning disabilities and teach 11th grade English. This allows me to use my writing skills and that’s fun. I have a Masters in Education and have been teaching in Special Education for twenty-seven years.
Because I have a day job as well as a writing career, I don’t have that many hobbies—no time for them. I do play bridge once a month with a group I’ve been a part of for years. I love to go to movies and have lunch with friends. I also love to read books. I have so many books in my TBR pile, however, because my time is limited for reading.
I have been married to the same man for thirty-six years and he is such a support to me. We have one son who is married and he has
two children.
2. Do you maintain a set schedule? Is there such a thing as a typical day for you?
In the summer and on weekends I write throughout the day. When I am teaching, I will come home most days and write after I have checked my e-mail and relaxed some from teaching. I do often write everyday at least some. One page is better than none.
3. Do you use something to get you going when you sit down to write?
I check my e-mail and play a couple of games on the computer before I get started. I also do that as a break.
4. Are you a detailed plotter or a seat of the pants writer?
No, I don’t do a lot of up front plotting. I do know my characters well, though, before I start and the key points of the story (goals, motivations, and conflicts).
5. Do you normally start with storyline or with character or with some combination of the two?
I have started both ways in the past. It just depends on where my spark comes from.
6. Do you have a favorite theme or character you enjoy writing more than others?
Yes, I like the tormented hero (alpha). Also I often write about trusting the Lord and yourself. Forgiveness is another theme I write about. I feel those are so important in our lives.
7. Has anything about the way you work changed since you became a published author?
Not too much. I usually am a steady writer who writes almost everyday anywhere from a couple of pages to maybe 8 or 9. I have rarely written over 10 pages in a day. I consider myself the tortoise to the hare.
8. Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about your writing process?
I write everyday to keep myself immersed in the story. That way it is easier to pick up each day.
Don’t forget if you want a chance to win a copy of Heart of the Family this week, please email me at margaretdaley@gmail.com to be entered in my drawing. It will end Sunday evening.