18Q Peggi Ridgway

Peggi Ridgway

1. Did you choose the writing profession or did it choose you?

Both. I started writing around third grade and never dreamed of becoming a writer; but when I took a job as secretary on a regional magazine staff, the doors to fee-lance writing swung wide open. That was a nice surprise.

2. What is your background? (education, work, etc.)

No college degree, just six years of college work. I studied journalism, photography and art because I loved them. I completed a three-year diploma course of liberal arts, education and teaching studies in a non-denominational Christian college in Chicago, then attended the American Academy of Art in Chicago, where I learned the fundamentals of good graphic design.

3. When did you ‘know’ you were a writer?

Years after having had several hundred feature articles published in magazines. As a single divorced mom, I wrote to supplement my full-time income as a secretary and office manager. One late night after finishing a cover page story, it hit me. I’d finished and I was pleased with what I’d written. In an instant, I knew I loved the process of research, writing and finessing a non-fiction article. I likened the experience to hiking a mountain trail in its roughest, most challenging segment: I’d prepare (research and planning), then struggle (write) while moving forward, sometimes slowly and around unexpected barriers. Finally, I’d crest the mountain top (finish) and see the trail far below as if it were only a memory; and before me, glorious splendor and release, a panoramic view and an experience I’d only dreamed of as I’d been hiking (writing). I knew I wanted more mountains to hike.

4. How would you describe your style of writing?

Conversational, natural-flowing and straightforward.

5. What is your writing process?

Careful research including interviews (in person when possible) followed by the arranging of my notes and organizing of my story. Although I could easily read directly from my shorthand interview notes, quite often I transcribe them just to strengthen my familiarity with my topic. With preparation done, writing comes easy.

6. What was your path to publication?

Remember my first job as secretary for a regional magazine? My boss put me to work as editor of the events calendar and then as a writer of feature articles. I loved it. Before long, I had a call from another magazine, which opened more doors. In later years, I self published five books under my company name.

7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea?

Build or commission the building of a professional website, then market the hell out of it. Most importantly, get links to it from sites that offer complementary products.

8. What are the biggest surprises you’ve encountered as a writer?

For one who enjoys writing non-fiction as much as I do, how much I sometimes procrastinate actually starting a project.

9. How do you inspire yourself?

What are your sources of creativity? People I interview inspire me. They’re accomplished. They overcame obstacles and they realized their dreams. I love telling their stories and how their lives touched the person or project I’m writing about.

10. What is your proudest writer moment?

Winning a National Conference of Christians and Jews media award and publishing a story about my adult son who, although confined to a wheelchair has accomplished miracles in his life, including learning to drive again.

11. What’s the best advice you were given about writing?

Carefully study the writing of reputable publications such as Time and Newsweek. I diagrammed sentences in those articles, wrote notes in the margins, circled lead-ins and closing statements and dissected them until I felt I’d written them myself.

12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment?

Any time I realize I’ve forgotten to mention something or should have stated something differently.

13. What business challenges have you faced as a writer?

Getting paid by struggling publications created hardship in the early years when I depended upon my supplemental writing income. Today writing is one of many services I provide as an editor and web developer, so it’s part of my service package.

14. What is your writer life philosophy?

A little humility and re-writing results in a better story.

15. When you’re not writing what do you do for fun?

Go to movies and do watercises (water exercises I developed for myself) in the health club pool.

16. Who do you like to read?

Bill Bryson, Paul Thereoux and other essayists. Travel essays show me worlds I can’t see in person.

17. What’s your advice for new writers?

Closely study the writing of reputable national award-winning writers. Then see if you can write as well as they do without copying their personal style.

18. What are you currently working on?

Work-related writing for customer websites and a magazine I edit. On a personal level, I’m writing a television sitcom screenplay.

Peggi’s 18Q