Margaret Daley is an award winning, multi-published author who writes both contemporary and historical inspirational romance. She has been writing since the late 1970s, and sold her first book in the early 1980s.
The current President of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Margaret is also a founding member of the first ACFW chapter, WIN in Oklahoma. She enjoys mentoring other authors and has taught various online courses. A few years ago, she retired after twenty-seven years of teaching children with special needs.
Margaret and her husband, Mike, have been married more than forty years and have one son and four granddaughters.
What sparked your writing journey?
I’ve always been a storyteller, even as a child. When I started reading a lot of books, the idea I might be able to do something like that–put a story down on paper–formed. I couldn’t shake it, so I did. That story won’t see the light of day, but it sparked my love of writing.
How does your faith play into your work?
It became a natural. I kind of fell into writing in the Christian market, but once I started, I didn’t look back.
Let’s talk about your new book, Shattered Silence: Men of the Texas Rangers Series #2 (Abingdon Press, September 2012). Please tell us about it!
This is my story about different forms of bullying in our society.
Here’s the back cover blurb for Shattered Silence:
A serial killer is targeting illegal aliens in southern Texas. Texas Ranger Cody Jackson is paired with a local police officer, Liliana Rodriguez, to investigate the murders. While the case brings Cody and Liliana ever closer, the tension between Americans and Mexican Americans heightens.
As Cody and Liliana race to discover who is behind the murders and bring peace to the area, what they uncover isn’t what they expected. Will Cody and Liliana’s faith and love be strong enough to survive the storm of violence?
Can you tell us about a recent “detour” in your life—or in one of your character’s lives—that taught you something?
I’m writing the fourth book in The Men of the Texas Rangers Series right now. I had planned to have my heroine’s ex-husband be one of the bad guys in the story, but as I wrote the scenes with him, the Lord showed me how I could use the ex-husband to illustrate my faith message—giving people second chances. I had to scrap what I had planned for that character and change the outcome of my story because I was detoured from what I had planned.
What’s next for you? I believe you have another book (or two) set for 2012 release?
Besides A Mom’s New Start in September (Love Inspired) and Shattered Silence in October (Abingdon Press), I have a November book called Christmas Stalking (Love Inspired Suspense) and a December book called Sadie’s Prize (Harlequin’s Heartwarming Line).
You’ve also served as President of ACFW for almost two years. How do you find time to do it all? Any tips for those of us who are also multi-tasking?
I’m organized and driven—two traits you need when you are multi-tasking. I do like to stay busy, but I’m looking forward to having more time for my family and friends.
A few fun questions…
When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?
Ice cream with caramel sauce, pecan pie or cookie dough ice cream—I love caramel and ice cream more than chocolate.
This website features musicians as well as writers. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?
I love music–many different kinds. Does that count? If it doesn’t, I have no musical ability. You don’t want to hear me sing although I love to sing and do in church and privately.
If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?
An uplifting song you can dance to.
In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?
I’m the mix between the strong, female lead and the girl next door.
I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.
I have three cats that adopted my husband and me. Until they appeared, we had always had dogs. It was a surprise but a pleasant one. I love our three cats that are very different.
Thanks, Margaret! It’s nice to have you as a guest at DivineDetour.
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For more information about Margaret, visit her website at http://www.margaretdaley.com/.
To purchase Shattered Silence logon to:
I love that your story took a completely different turn than you had originally intended. It seems like that often leads to a more realistic and compelling story. Thanks for sharing!
Angela, I’ve learned to listen to my characters, especially as I get into a story.