1. What inspired you to start writing/creating art, and how has that inspiration evolved over time?

When I was 8 years old I was gifted a diary. You know – those little pink ones with about 50 pages and a lock and key? I never wrote anything about myself in it, like Dear Diary… I wrote, instead, stories about a lonely girl who goes on magical adventures and makes friends with animals and unusual grownups. I filled the diary up in three weeks and asked for another one! I still write stories about lonely girls – women now, who find love where they least expect it!

2. Can you share the story behind your latest work? What was your creative process like?

For some time, I’ve wanted to write a post-Covid story. There were so many losses during those horrible two years, losses of loved ones, careers, lifestyles, everyday freedoms, that I felt now we’ve had enough time since lockdown ended, and we could go on with our lives again, that a story about losing someone to the horrible disease wouldn’t be so raw. I may have been wrong about that, because when I was writing this, I had to stop several times to cry and grieve along with the characters. Suffice it to say, I was afraid I’d written a real downer of a holiday tale. But the saying great stories are made in the editing process is true for a reason. To balance the sadness, I added humor and happy events. Humor that readers have come to expect form Amy Charles, her family, and the people of Dorrit’s Diner and Dickens.

3. What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your work, and why are they important to you?

The basic theme is everyone deserves a happily ever after and that love can heal any wound – emotional or spiritual – if you are open to receiving it. They are very important themes to me because I was raised in a very dysfunctional home where love was showed in an emotionally destructive and damaging way. I wanted to create a world where people could find love and not be destroyed by it, but emboldened and inspired!

4. What advice would you give to aspiring authors/artists who are just starting their journey?

Never never never give up. I was 55 when I got my first book traditionally published. I’m 64 now and have been through 4 trad publishers and gone the indie route. I have 61 books in circulation – full length 85-95k word books and I get to bring joy to people’s lives every single day when they open up one of my stories. I never gave up because the dream to be a published author burned in me like a wildfire.

5. What role has self-publishing or independent production played in your career, and what have you learned from the process?

I started out trad and when I was dropped by one of my publishers, I already had all 4 books in a series written, so I decided to self pub them and I’ve never looked back. I am 85% self pubbed still today, with one of my trad publishers still getting books from me. I have learned so much – more than I ever really wanted to know about the publishing industry, LOL. The main thing is before you ever begin, make sure you know everything you can know about formatting, editing, cover design, etc, and hire the best to help you.

6. How do you connect with your audience, and what has been your favorite moment of reader or viewer feedback?

I don’t do a newsletter because I write a daily blog, so FB, and tiktok are my major ways of reader/author connection during the times I am not doing booksignings. My favorite moments are always when I get to meet my readers at conferences and signings. The love that is on display is unequaled. When they tell me that one of my stories lifted them from a bad day, or helped them get thru a trying time with laughter, I get all weepy!! It really is too much emotion for me to process- but I
lovelovelove it!

7. How do you handle challenges like writer's block or creative burnout, and what motivates you to keep going?

I have neither. I treat my writing like a job and as such, I never have writer’s block or burnout. I am always plotting 3-4 books out at a time because my brain never shuts down. Ideas flow through me daily and honestly, there aren’t enough hours in the day sometimes. My motivation to keep going are the voices in my head screaming for me to tell their stories.

8. What’s next for you? Can you share any upcoming projects or future creative goals you’re excited about?

In December I am in an anthology titled LOVE, LATTES, and Holidays where all the proceeds goes to a service to get Vets service dog. In 2025 I have 10 books on the publishing docket. 6 are reprints from books I got my rights back from a publisher, 4 are brand new stories.

9. Who are some of your biggest creative influences, and how have they shaped your work or style?

Nora Roberts is my writing warrior spirit. I heard her speak and met her in 2015 and she said the only advice she gives to people who want to write is to “sit your ass down in the chair and write. Good, bag, ugly. Write every day and treat it like your livelihood.” And I have done just that. Her stories are all ones I wish I could have told, but she does it better. LOL

10. How has your personal life or experiences influenced your writing/art, and are there any particular moments that stand out?

Many of my characters are in the medical field. I am a retired nurse married to a doctor, so I use a great deal of what I’ve learned over my career in creating situations in my books that would require some kind of health care. In one of my books, the heroine suffered from PTSD after being held at gunpoint in an ER she was working in. I’ve been in situations like this in my career as well, and knew the emotions that run through you when you’re experiencing something terrifying. It does add a layer of authenticity to the writing.

Peggy Jaeger | Author

Leah Dawkins | Author