Meet author Peggy Wirgau
Susan loves connecting with fellow authors, so let’s chat!
Peggy Wirgau is a Michigan native but moved with her husband to Colorado in 2023. She writes through the eyes of real women in history who did the extraordinary. Her first novel, The Stars in April, is based on the true story of a twelve-year-old Titanic survivor. Peggy is an active member of the Historical Novel Society and American Christian Fiction Writers, and enjoys giving presentations at conferences, schools, and book clubs. She and her husband have two adult children and three grandchildren.
Tell us about your newest book.
To Outwit Them All is based on the true story of the only female member of George Washington’s group of citizen spies, known as the Culper Ring, during the American Revolution. Betty Floyd is the niece of William Floyd, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Forced to flee her Long Island farm for New York City, Betty keeps her Patriot ties a secret until a murder at the British prison drives her to join the highly secretive Culper Ring. Gaining the trust of enemy officers at New York’s finest balls and soirees, Betty catches the eye of Britain’s Director of Intelligence, the charming Major John André. But the slightest misstep could expose her and the entire Ring. Amid heightening collision between duty to her country and deepening feelings for the Major, Betty attempts to uncover a plot led by Benedict Arnold, leading her to the very brink of death.
What inspired you to write your story?
There really was a Culper Ring, and one female member. Her identity remains unknown, although many have speculated as to who she was. Some evidence points to Betty Floyd, the niece of William Floyd, who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. I decided to write the book through the eyes of Betty, as if she was the spy known as “the lady who would outwit them all.” I want readers to know more about the Culper Ring and what they did behind the scenes in the fight for independence, and what it might have been like for a young woman masquerading as a Loyalist to the Crown while gleaning information for General Washington.
What genre do you focus on.
I focus on historical fiction because I’ve always loved reading about the past, imagining what life was like in different time periods, and how people dealt with hardships or great disasters.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I’ve written two books, and both took me years to write because I’m a slow writer, I love to procrastinate, and I can’t help but edit as I go. Also, they both involved a great deal of research and deciding what parts of that research were needed for the stories.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Marketing is hard for me, but a necessary part of being an author today. I’m very tech-challenged.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Hearing from readers is so heartwarming and satisfying. I write for them, and hearing from them is the absolute best.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I’m a Christian, and I try to show through my books that God (in very subtle ways) guides those that seek His will. And a fun fact — I’ve lived in five states: Michigan, Washington, Virginia, Florida, and now, Colorado.
What is your favorite pastime?
I have a few, including spending time with my grandchildren, baking, gardening, taking walks, exploring historical sites, and reading.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
My debut novel, The Stars In April, is based on the true story of a 12-year-old Titanic survivor named Ruth Becker. Ruth was traveling aboard Titanic with her family from India, where her parents were missionaries, to Michigan. When the ship struck the iceberg, Ruth was separated from her family in the lifeboats but managed to help other passengers. When I read about her, I had to know what she was like, and that led to writing her story. I was fortunate to meet a friend of Ruth’s from later in her life and he told me many things she had shared with him about her life in India, which I was able to include in the book.
What are you working on now?
Publicity and marketing for To Outwit Them All and looking for the next real unsung heroine to write about!
Website: Peggy Wirgau
Link to book: Link will be available when book is ready for pre-order.
Social media links: (1) Facebook, Instagram.
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