Sunday, August 9, 2015

SPOTLIGHT: Peggy Hattendorf Author of SON OF MY FATHER - A FAMILY DYNASTY

Today, it's my pleasure to have Peggy Hattendorf, author and member of Rave Reviews Book Club, as my guest:


How Did I Decide To Write My Book?
Blog



The notion of writing a book started about nine years ago with a concept of a beautiful and wealthy young woman who flitted around the world socializing in the circles of the international elite from the worlds of business, politics, sports, fashion etc. She was the “jet setting” consummate “party girl.” As I continued to conceptualize my intended protagonist – the character fell flat and I couldn’t break through and write about her seemingly frivolous existence. She was shallow and one dimensional.

The idea of writing a novel was shelved for a long time, as I surmised if I was bored with the character my potential readers too would lose interest. I still brainstormed ideas – but I couldn’t write through my blockages. Frustrated and fraught with self doubt, I figured the whole book writing process best be left to highly creative individuals. 


But I was still motivated and something continued to gnaw at me – providing a glimmer of hope that maybe this wasn’t just a pipe-dream or unrealistic pursuit.

It was still long in coming but finally I had the striking realization - to recast my main character. While not abandoning the idea of a female lead, diligently I set out to craft the character with more depth and substance. She would be armed with a pedigree education starting in Swiss boarding school and culminating with advanced degrees from Harvard and Wharton. A step into the business world brought her to the family founded multi-national worldwide conglomerate, Barrington Holdings International. Groomed for this since she was a small child – it was all she ever knew. As the only child of Elizabeth Matthews Barrington and Jonathan Robert Barrington, she’s the presumed heir apparent. With a defining career in the makings, she labors with the tensions and discord of the contentious relationship with her father. Jonathan as the antagonist provides the perfect counterpoint. This entangled relationship spills over into her personal life as well as she continues not only to meet but exceed all his expectations. For the first time, I gave my character her name - Christiana Lynn Barrington.

This was pivotal in deciding to write – Son of My Father – A Family Dynasty. From that point forward, characters and storyline started to be defined and the book was formulated.

I welcome your comments or questions and am reachable at:

Peggy@peggyhattendorf.com

Author – Son of My Father – A Family Dynasty
Travel Editor – hers Magazine

Author Bio:
Peggy’s earlier careers helped cultivate and enrich her interest in writing. In her executive positions in the non-profit field, she had the opportunity to compose technical and operational handbooks for staff and volunteers for a number of name recognized organizations. Her management experience guided her to a multi-decade second career in the travel industry highlighted with the co-founding of a nationwide marketing consortium and independent contractor network. With over 5000 members, generating $180 million in annual sales, she wrote daily travel updates and news briefs distributed electronically to the membership. Today, she maintains an ambitious travel schedule and is the Travel Editor for hers Magazine where she writes travel feature articles and Hotel Review blog posts. In addition, she still serves on a number on non-profit boards. Her background with upscale and luxury travel products served as cornerstones in the character development and storyline of her first novel – “Son of My Father – A Family Dynasty.” She is currently working on her second book.




Author Contact:
Twitter: @peggyhattendorf
Facebook: www.facebook.com/peggy.hattendorf
Website: www.peggyhattendorf.com



13 comments:

  1. Loved the idea of you staying with it Peggy. Congratulations on your Spotlight honor. Thanks to Christa for hosting

    ReplyDelete
  2. Congratulations on your Spotlight, Peggy! This is a lovely post, and it's great to get to know more about you and your writing! :)

    Christa, thanks for hosting Peggy today :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've discovered that characters cannot fully develop until you give them a name. You can get all their facts straight beforehand, but until they have a name, their true personality won't shine through. I'm glad you found your character's "name" even if it took a while for her to tell you. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Congratulations on the Spotlight, Peggy. I look forward to reading Son of My Father. Your explanation of its evolution convinced me to buy a copy! All the best to you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Congratulations on your Spotlight, Peggy; it's nice to get to know you here

    ReplyDelete
  6. Daddy-daughter dynamics are often the most rewarding to work on - and in the billionaire world you can find lots of twists and tangles to work through... Sounds like you won't get bored with this one Peggy ;-)
    Thanks for having us over Christa :-)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Congratulations on the Spotlight, Peggy! Enjoy your time in it.

    Christa, thanks for hosting. Your support is appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Peggy, good to know you, and congrats for your selection as a Spotlight Author. You are sitting on a very prestigious seat reserved only for the best supporters. Well done.

    ReplyDelete
  9. It is amazing how one can come to write. I'm a non fiction writer and it can be equally hard to put things into some sort of perspective so you can convey a story. And when you start to write the ideas keep coming, sometimes in your dreams. Peggy this is an exciting article. We know exactly what you mean. Congrats on your Spotlight Tour.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great interview, Peggy and Christa! Persistence pays off in the long run. Definition of persistence is "firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition"

    ReplyDelete
  11. Congratulations on your Spotlight Author seat, Peggy - I can see that you have taken your writing very seriously and I look forward to reading Son of My Father. Thank you for hosting us, Christa!

    ReplyDelete