Margie Gosa Shivers
Interviewed by: Lauretta Pierce
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A. It was visionary and the idea stayed with me during the three years it took to complete the book.
A. I wanted a character who could offer a sense of reality to the storyline and ultimately much more.
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.
A. Yes, I'm writing the sequel and the title is tentatively Against All Expectation.
A. I must have peace and quiet time alone. For me, this is necessary for the characters to drive my thinking and imagination.
Thank you so much, Lauretta Black Pierce and the Literary World for your interest and support!
ANONYMITY
January 07, 2004
Q. What inspired you to write the novel ANONYMITY?
Q. How did you come about the title?
Q. How did you come about Cara’s character?
Q. How did you come about Mario's character?
Q. How did you come about the kidnapping idea?
Q. How did you come about Paula's plotting?
Q. How long have you been writing?
Q. Are you currently working on another novel?
Q. What type of atmosphere do you require to write?
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.