From international drug lords, to country preachers; from hopelessness to faith in Christ, "Classified" by first-time novelist, Peggy Hoy, has it all. Not your run-of-the-mill Christian fiction, this book will keep you on your toes from beginning to end. Just when ou think you know what is going to happen, Hoy surprises you with something new. I literally did not want to put it down, and I stayed up all night to finish it. With characters so real they seem to pop out at you from the pages, and with action so fast paced and real, you will soon find yourself in Hoy's world, laughing, grieving, and living right alongside her characters. This book is funny and sad, full of suspense and joy, and the message of God's love pours out through every word. "Classified" is a must read! I highly reccomend it.
Shannon: So, Peggy, what was your motivation for writing "Classified?"
Peggy: That's funny. It was a whim, actually, that evolved into so much more. I say it really started as a whim because I was turning forty and wanted to see if I could accomplish something. I joked that I was setting out to write the Great American Novel. Of course, like I said, after a while, I found that I truly had a desire to glorify the Lord in the story. When I set my heart to that, it all fell in place and I found the help I needed to finally finish something I started.
Shannon: Did you base your characters on real life people?
Peggy: I didn't start out to, but as my characters developed, I found that some of the personality traits in my characters - especially Ranson Hilliard - were found in a couple of men I knew. There are a couple other people who helped inspire Amy, but just bits and pieces. Sam, however is a totally fictitious character.
Shannon: Well, I have to say, Sam is my favorite character. :) So, is there a sequel? Can you tell us what we can expect?
Peggy: There is a sequel called "Closest Enemies" which continues to develop the first characters to be introduced and introduces a few more. You can expect kidnapping, fraud, counterfeiting and of course some more tender moments and life-changing events to add some spice. There is also a third book which wraps everything up in a neat little bow, I hope anyway! It's got murder and an all too-real terrorism plot.
Shannon: Wow! I can't wait. It sounds like you have a lot planned. When did you first realize you wanted to write books?
Peggy: I've always wanted to. Like I said, I've never been able to actually get it all to come together.
Shannon: I'm curious, and I know everyone else is, too; who or what inspires you the most?
Peggy: There are a million things that inspire me. It can be something as simple as a phrase I catch from someone telling about an event that happened to them, a picture I see or even a song. I'll be honest, too. You inspire me! I love talking to you about my work because you always have positive feedback, and since you had blazed the entire book publishing and printing trail for me, it made it much easier not to worry about the little hangups and just write!
Shannon: Well, thank you. Truthfully, you inspire me, too. "Classified" seemed to come to you so easy. It almost seems like you did quite of bit of reading to study your craft. Do you like to read as much as you like to write?
Peggy: I love to read when I'm not writing. When I'm writing, I don't want to read anything because it might inadvertantly cause me to write something about what I've read. I read my Bible, but I limit my reading to that while I'm writing. When I'm not writing, I'd love to find some Christian books which aren't so, well frankly, sappy.
Shannon: I know what you mean. Do you have a favorite author?
Peggy: I like to read after Debi Pearl for devotionals and marriage and child training guidance for non-fiction. As for fiction, before I was convicted for reading so much profanity, my favorite author was Diana Gabaldon with her Outlander series. For Christian fiction, I like Frank Peretti, but I like him much better when he writes alone and not with someone else. Also there is this local author named Shannon Wells who does a pretty good job, too, and I'm not just saying that because of the interview!
Shannon: Awe, you're too sweet. :) I think you're a pretty good writer, too. So, do you have any favorite books out there?
Peggy: I like This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti, and some of his other works, but I woulndn't read and re-read them.
Shannon: Besides writing, what other hobbies do you enjoy?
Peggy: I sing with my family in a bluegrass gospel group and we travel all over the country doing that. I like to sew quilts and I enjoy helping families learn how to begin homeschooling.
Shannon: You are a busy lady. lol How do you find time to write between singing engagements, home school, and all the traveling you do with your family?
Peggy: I have no idea! Honestly, I don't know where the time was stuffed in there. I stayed up a few nights, but my body isn't used to that and shut down without my permission most of the time. I never write when I'm at a meeting, either, because I want to focus on the ministry and pray for the services without hindrance of thinking about a plot during preaching! As far as homeschooling goes, it was Sarah's senior year and Logan didn't need me much either, so I guess that's where it happened. When I got started I would write probably sixty to eighty pages at a time, though. God was really good to give it to me like that!
Shannon: I notice your book is published by Father's House Publishing. I do not think anyone has heard of that publisher before. Can you tell us more about it?
Peggy: Father's House Publishing is my brainchild. As I looked for a publisher, I found that it was very expensive, first off. Secondly, I found that all the Christian publishers I could find were not all that picky about what they published or what version of the Bible the works featured. I stand strongly on the final authority of the King James Bible, and was convicted about having a company who promoted other bibles put their signature on my books. So I was led to start my own publishing company for the sole purpose of not having my name associated with any company who does not honor the Word of God exclusively in the King James Bible. I found that it not only eased my spirit, it cost me a whole lot less to do it myself than to go with an established publisher. I could have published for free through some other companies on line, but again, their name would be on my work.
Shannon: What advice would you give to all those aspiring authors out there?
Peggy: Keep it real. Even if it's fiction, you can make it believable! I know that junk sells, but I don't know how some of those authors actually rest at night knowing they put out so much trash! It's like cheese puffs, all air and no good stuff! Stay away from cliche phrases and leave some things to the readers' imaginations. It's not necessary to describe every little detail. Last but not least, write, write, write!
Shannon: Sound advice! Is there anything else you would like to share?
Peggy: Thank you for the opportunity to share some information with you about "Classified" and Father's House Publishing! I appreciate your interest, and look forward to working with you in the future!
Shannon: No, Peggy, the pleasure was all mine. Thank you!
So, there y'all have it! "Classified by Peggy Hoy can be purchased from the publisher's website
It costs $10 plush $3 for shipping and handling and Father's House Publishing accepts payments through PayPal.
Peggy mentioned her family's singing group. She sings with her husband, Ron, her daughter Sarah and her son Logan. The whole family is sincere, and their spirit filled singing blesses me everytime I hear it. They play their own instruments; no sound tracks for these folks. :) Check out the Hoy Family's website at
Thank you for joining me today! Y'all have a wonderful weekend, and I'll catch ya on Monday!
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