Margie Gosa Shivers

Margie Gosa Shivers
ANONYMITY

Interviewed by: Lauretta Pierce
January 07, 2004

Q. Who is Margie Gosa Shivers?

A. I'm a 56-year-old independent African American woman who decided to move her longtime passion to become an author to another level by self-publishing a suspense novel. I'm also the general manager/managing agent for Trinity United Church of Christ's senior housing projects in Chicago, IL.



Q. What inspired you to write the novel ANONYMITY?

A. The story idea behind Anonymity came to me as a vision in 1998. It lingered in my mind so much that I knew it was something I had to think deeply about, explore and create a full-blown novel from. That it ended up being a suspense novel with hints of romance was no accident because I loved reading romantic suspense and mystery books.



Q. How did you come about the title?

A. Halfway through outlining the story, it occurred to me that based on how the plot was unfolding, the motives and decisions of the main characters were based on the condition of anonymity. Thus, the title emerged.



Q. How did you come about Cara’s character?

A. I created this character, generally speaking, by using bits and pieces of myself and other women I know from my life in the South.



Q. How did you come about Mario's character?

A. I thought quite a bit about this one in the early stages of writing the plot. He ultimately materialized as someone the reader would totally dislike.



Q. How did you come about the kidnapping idea?

A. It was visionary and the idea stayed with me during the three years it took to complete the book.



Q. How did you come about Paula's plotting?

A. I wanted a character who could offer a sense of reality to the storyline and ultimately much more.



Q. How long have you been writing?

A. Prior to penning my debut novel, I mostly wrote newsletters, personnel and operational manuals relative to my employment as a child care program director and senior housing project manager. However, it was not until 1992 that I decided to venture off into writing fiction.



Q. Are you currently working on another novel?

A. Yes, I'm writing the sequel and the title is tentatively Against All Expectation.



Q. What type of atmosphere do you require to write?

A. I must have peace and quiet time alone. For me, this is necessary for the characters to drive my thinking and imagination.



Q. What message would you like readers to receive from reading ANONYMITY? A. The power of forgiveness and that hope can be realized when you defend what you believe is right regardless of the obstacles you have to overcome.

Thank you so much, Lauretta Black Pierce and the Literary World for your interest and support!