Spies, Secrets, and Storytelling: An Interview with Peggy Wirgau On the Creation of To Outwit Them All
By Arianna Blakeley
About the Book
In 1779, British-occupied New York becomes the backdrop for a daring young woman who risks everything to avenge the death of a Patriot soldier by joining George Washington’s secret spy network, the Culper Ring. Inspired by the true story of “355,” the mysterious lady spy whose real name remains lost to history, To Outwit Them All shines a light on one of the Revolution’s most enigmatic figures.
To Outwit Them All is a story of courage, patriotism, and forgiveness. I would love readers to get a sense of the Culper Ring’s role in the Revolution, especially that of a brave, unknown woman who risked everything in the fight for freedom.
~ Peggy Wirgau
What inspired you to write To Outwit Them All, and how was the book's title chosen?
The idea for the novel began when I saw a list of important women in American history. One name stood out, or rather, a number—355. She was the only female member of George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring during the American Revolution, and her name remains unknown to this day. Of several possible candidates for 355, one of them was Betty Floyd. As I discovered more about her, I began to see how she seemed to fit the bill for 355, and I couldn’t wait to tell her story.
The title came from an actual letter written in 1778. In the summer of that year, a coded letter was sent to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, George Washington’s Director of Intelligence and founder of the Culper Ring. It was written by Abraham Woodhull, aka Culper Senior. In the letter, Woodhull stated, “I intend to visit (New York) before long and think by the assistance of a (lady) of my acquaintance, shall be able to outwit them all.” The lady Woodhull referred to is believed to be the Ring member known as 355.
When did you start writing the book?
I began researching and making notes roughly five years ago, while waiting for the release of my debut novel, The Stars In April.
How long did it take you to write it?
It took about four years to write, although I didn’t work on it regularly by any means. There were months that went by when I didn’t touch it but played with the story in my head. When I finally dove back in, it still took over a year before I felt it was ready.
How did you research the book, and did you learn anything that especially surprised you?
I began by studying all I could find about the Culper Ring. In the process, one book I discovered was George Washington’s Secret Six by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger, which lists several possible candidates for 355, why each might have been her, and also why not. One was Betty Floyd, cousin to Culper Junior/Robert Townsend and the niece of William Floyd, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. This was the biggest surprise for me. Although there are few concrete facts about her, what we do know led me to consider the possibility of her involvement with the Culper Ring. She became the main character in the book, and the story is told through her eyes.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
There were many, especially because I was writing about real people and events. Incorporating the events the right way in the story and showing how they affected my characters took many edits. Another area where I struggled was deciding what belonged in the first chapter. I added, deleted, twisted and tweaked until it felt right. I also struggled with how to handle some very dark moments throughout the story.
What came easily?
Once I knew who my character was, I knew what she would be like and what she would have to do when she joined the Culper Ring. And the most fun scenes to write were her confrontations with her cousin, Robert Townsend, who led the Ring in New York City, and with Major John Andre, the British Director of Intelligence.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Many of the characters were real people. I did my research to learn about them and wove those details into the story.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
Two authors who have influenced me and my writing are Geraldine Brooks and Cathy Gohlke. They both manage to dig deep into human emotion and write wonderful, unforgettable books.
Do you have a target reader and what do you hope they take away from the book?
Yes, definitely one that loves history, reading historical fiction, identifying with a main character, and enjoys getting to know unsung women of the past that did the extraordinary. To Outwit Them All is a story of courage, patriotism, and forgiveness. It’s also timely, coinciding with America’s 250th birthday next year, as we look back on the people and events that led our nation to independence. I would love readers to get a sense of the Culper Ring’s role in the Revolution, especially that of a brave, unknown woman who risked everything in the fight for freedom.
On Writing
Some of what happens to Betty is based on truth, although there are gaps in the historical record. Those cracks between what we know and don’t know allowed the story to develop. As I wrote, I kept asking—What if?
Can you describe your writing process?
I do a great amount of research in the time period I’m writing about. There are always surprises, and my story may start to change depending on what I discover. I take copious notes, and to be honest, I’m not very organized. But I make a rough outline and try to make sure my story arc makes sense. Then I may start writing a few chapters. I try to not edit too much at first and just “get the clay on the wheel,” as I’ve heard said. I like to put the layers down, something like building a house—first, the foundation, then the floors with their plot points, the stairs for leading smoothly from one floor to the next, more stairs for the sub-plots, then the roof, so everything is tied together correctly. Dialogue throughout must be spot-on. Finally, the décor … all the sensory details, especially food!
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
My outlines, such as they are, don’t have chapter headings or sentences. They’re more like phrases, such as: At the prison, so-and-so dies, thunderstorm and a letter, something bad here, etc. They keep me on track for the first draft.
What did you see as the right balance between fiction and history as you wrote the book?
As an author of historical fiction, I wanted to write a suspenseful and engaging story while weaving in as much truth as possible. I needed to show what the Culper Ring’s mission was, how they operated, and their contributions to the Patriot cause during the Revolution. In addition, I wanted to shine a light on Betty Floyd, a plausible way she could have become a Culper Ring spy, and how she might have gained the trust of British officers occupying New York. She needed to have certain strengths and the right sort of personality that made her role as a spy perfect for her. However, I also imagined her as a young woman with mixed emotions, faults, and self-doubt. Some of what happens to Betty is based on truth, although there are gaps in the historical record. Those cracks between what we know and don’t know allowed the story to develop. As I wrote, I kept asking—What if?
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
Even with all that layering I mentioned, I’m also editing as I go. A clean house (manuscript) helps me see what’s missing or needs attention. Then I go back and edit again several times.
How did working with a professional editor on your first book help you in writing To Outwit Them All?
In working with an editor on The Stars in April, I learned to dig down and expand a scene, adding in the right sensory detail and how my character felt. Weaving in symbolism also helped me to develop that story. In To Outwit Them All, I tried to do the same, making it a much richer story that will resonate with readers.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
In traditional publishing, covers are professionally done by the publisher. My publisher went through roughly 12 designs before the final one was chosen.
Can you share a bit of your marketing plan for the book?
I’m working with a publicist and they have a good marketing plan for the book, but I’m also doing several things on my own with a focus on social media coverage. Plus, I recently visited the places where the Culper Ring operated in New York and Long Island and participated in an author event on Long Island to generate interest in the area. I took many detailed videos throughout and have been posting them on social media. Here is one for an example. The marketing plan will extend past the release date and into 2026, as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday and renew our interest in the Revolution and the many heroes who fought for independence.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
First, be willing to put the time into writing the best book you can and invest in an editor with experience in your genre. Don’t rush through this or attempt to skimp on a so-so edit. Get lots of honest feedback from other writers and use what makes sense to you. Go to writers conferences and learn all you can. And be familiar with the market by reading the best-sellers in your genre.
What are you working on now?
My heart is drawn to unsung women in history. I’m doing more research into American Revolutionary women for the next novel, but I haven’t nailed down a definite idea yet.
Anything else we should know?
I love hearing from readers! You can find me at www.peggywirgau.com. And please look for To Outwit Them All at your favorite bookstore and leave a review. Thank you!
Follow Peggy Wirgau on social media:
Facebook: @peggywirgauhistoricalfiction | Twitter: @PeggyWirgau
Instagram: @peggywirgau | Goodreads: @Peggy_Wirgau
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“To Outwit Them All”
Peggy Wirgau | October 14, 2025 | Iron Stream Media | Historical Fiction
Ebook | 978-1-56309-791-1 | $8.99
Paperback | 978-1-56309-790-4 | $24.99
Hardcover | 978-1-56309-796-6 | $36.99
Arianna Blakeley is a senior at Taylor University, majoring in Professional Writing and minoring in Creative Writing. Her favorite hobby is reading—mostly fantasy and sci-fi. She loves words, writing, and all things with stories. She worked as the Taylor Yearbook (Ilium) Head Writer for the school year 2024-2025. After graduating from Taylor, Arianna plans to pursue an M.F.A in Fiction Writing and chase her dream of writing novels.