Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We’ll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest book. FUN.
The winner from last week’s Author Spotlight with Carolyne Aarsen is June Shirey! Please email info@suzannewoodsfisher.com with your mailing address!
This week we are featuring Mary Ellis! To win a copy of her new book, A Little Bit of Charm (Harvest House Publishers, 2013) leave a comment on this post.
Tell us a little about your new book . . .
Rachel King has always wanted to work with horses, but when her handsome boss sweeps her off her feet, she starts to doubt everything in life, including her Amish faith. Horse breeder and trainer, Jake Brady dreams of winning the Kentucky Derby with his new colt. But how much is he willing to risk for a chance at fame and fortune?
A Little Bit of Charm—a story about making choices that will last a lifetime. This book involves Thoroughbred horseracing, expensive “hobbies” in a Christian’s life, the Amish working in an English world, dating outside your faith, and the lure of money for young people.
How can readers find you and your books?
My books are available at on-line outlets, in both print and electronic versions. They’re also available at brick-and-mortar Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, and at Christian bookstores, chain and independent.
Anything new for you on the book horizon?
I have some new historical romances coming. I’ve always loved American history, and this series is set during the American Civil War. Look for A Heart Divided in January of 2014 from Harvest House.
Why do you write?
I can’t help myself. Stories keep popping into my head and demand to be written down.
If you could wish one thing for your future, what would it be?
That everything in life would stay as it is now, which we all know is impossible. Life keeps changing, but I’m not fond of change.
Best author moment?
My best author moment came at the end of a multi-author, all-day seminar for new writers. I’d given two workshops, and everyone was in the auditorium for the student award ceremony. I was named “Author of the Year” by the University of Akron, Wayne College. I cried all the way to the podium. It was such an honor.
Worst author moment?
My worst author moment came when a small, independent Christian bookstore hosted me for a signing and no one came. I felt so bad for the owner because she’d baked cookies and went through a lot of trouble.
If you weren’t able to write, what would you do?
Walk around the yard talking to myself. I’m not joking. I love to tell stories and can’t see myself stopping.
Describe your ideal circumstances to write.
I love to write scenes or chapters away from my office. Anywhere really—a coffee shop, lawn chair in the shade, on my deck. My ideal would be a condo at the beach for a month. I would write all morning and swim or ride my bike all afternoon . . . with no cooking involved.
Right this moment, what does your office look like?
A mess. My office doubles as the guest room and my Labrador retriever just hopped up on the bed with wet paws. Now that quilt has to be washed . . . again.
How would you describe your writing style to a reader?
I am a plotter who likes most of the story figured out before I begin. I do change things as I go along, but I must have a skeletal outline to hang my story on.
Ever had a bad review? How did you handle it?
I once had a 1-star review of the first Amish novel I wrote. Blessedly, it came a year after the book’s release. It wasn’t hard to let it roll off my back since the reviewer didn’t like all the “Christian stuff” in my book. Obviously, he doesn’t know Amish people very well.
What’s one thing you learned about the publishing industry in last five years? Last year? Last six months?
Change is inevitable. Publishing keeps changing at lightning speed. It’s hard for an author to stay current.
Are you an introvert? Extrovert? In between?
I like to think of myself as shy, but it’s not true anymore. I am an extrovert when I get around people, because I spend so much time locked away in my office.
Do you enjoy public speaking as an author? Why or why not?
I love public speaking. As a former schoolteacher, I’m quite used to getting up in front of rascally crowds and waxing on! There’s no better way to interact with readers and up-and-coming writers than a library or community speaking engagement.
Can a person make a living as a writer?
Hmmm, that’s a loaded question. I’m blessed to have a working husband to help pay the bills. I now write full-time, but if I had to pay all bills alone, some serious adjustments to my grocery cart would have to be made!
What are you working on now? Newest release?
My newest release is A Little Bit of Charm, which is book 3 of the New Beginnings series. I so enjoyed writing that series. Right now I am working on A Plain Man, which picks up Caleb’s story from Sarah’s Christmas Miracle. Revisiting those characters is like having lunch with old friends, without all the calories. It will release from Harvest House in April 2014.
Any last thoughts to share?
I love to hear from readers at:
www.maryellis.net
www.maryeellis.wordpress.com
Facebook
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Thank you so much for this great interview. Mary Ellis is quite an interesting person. I love that she would walk around the yard talking to herself if she didn’t write. The world of a writer is so fascinating to me. I can’t wait to read A Little Bit of Charm.
great interview. A Little Bit of Charm sounds wonderful. Please enter me in contest. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Loved the review especially talking to yourself. I’m quilty I do the same thing only I answer myself, that way I hear what I want to hear,lol! Reading about the book “A Little Bit of Charm”, I love it! I love reading about Amish, horses even Cowboys! Can’t wait to read this. Thanks!
Love your books and the topic.
As usual, your recommendation is all I need to buy this book. Thank you.
nice interview. A Little Bit of Charm sounds like a cozy read. Please enter me in the contest.
I love the interview with Mary Ellis. Love her books. I especially like getting to know the authors. That she was a former schoolteacher doesn’t surprise me. I think she’d be great with kids! Thanks for the contest and the chance to win.
donnac.taylor@hotmail.com
Love the review of Mary Ellis. Can’t wait to read to A Little of Charm. Love horses and cowboys and reading about the amish.
I loved this interview. I have started reading Sarah’s Christmas Miracle and I love it. Thank you for the opportunity to learn more about her.
I’m a huge fan of Mary Ellis! I was taken back when I read that someone had the nerve to give you a 1-star review!! If the reviewer didn’t like all the “Christian Stuff” in your book perhaps they should be reading another genre of books!! I’m here to say…you’ll never receive a 1-star from me. Your books are tops!
I would love to win a copy of A Little Bit of Charm.
Thank you for this giveaway and great review!
Blessings!
Judy B
judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com
I loved this interview. I am so anxious to read the book. Mary Ellis sounds like someone I could be great friends with. I walk around talking to myself all of the time. Sounds like a great book.
This looks GREAT. I love Amish fiction. I’d love to win a copy 🙂
Your book sounds great. I love books about the Amish, I find their peaceful way of life beautiful. I look forward to reading this new book 🙂
I enjoy finding out more about the authors of the books I read. I love reading your books and can’t wait to start this one.
Before becoming a writer Mary taught Middle School and worked as a sales rep for Hershey Chocolate.
I can’t wait to read this book! This was a fantastic interview, I learned so much. There are some authors who are now trying to write Amish books, but they just do not have a understanding of how to write a Christian based story. I am so happy there are authors like Mary and Suzanne that do write outstanding stories that warm out hearts.
I love your books that I have read , I have the Miller Family series, They were very good ! I had already decided you were a teacher before you became a writer. Seems like all good writers were teachers first ! I would love to add this book to my collection.
I really enjoy meeting new authors. Thanks, Mary, for a look into your life and Suzanne for having her. Count me in!
Hi. Great interview. I personally am an introvert, but tend be surrounded by people that are complete opposite. =)
I would love to read your material! Amish stories are always so sweet. Thanks!
I’m a new fan of Mary Ellis…thank you for introducing yourself to me through your interview. I would love to win A Little Bit of Charm. Thank you for the chance!!
i have seen your book on the net but have not read any of them yet you do a great book and then they are around the Mennonite aor the amish
Thanks for sharing Mary! Nice getting to know you a little better. May God continue to bless you in your writing! Thank you for the chance to win one of your books!
Another new author for me to try. Oh my Amazon bill will be high this month. This is my passion to read. And two years ago a customer of my bookstore got me to try an Amish book have been hooked ever sense. I am going from here to Amazon to get a copy. Can’t wait
I’ve never read any of Mary Elliss’ books but her new book sounds wonderful! She also sounds like a wonderful person!
Love Mary Ellis! I have met her and reading this sounds just like I’m talking to her! Very personable lady! No one will be disappointed reading A Little Bit of Charm!! Or any of her books!!
Sounds like another good read! Please enter me in the contest. Thanks for your generous heart! Blessings!
I loved Sarah’s Christmas Miracle. and can`t wait to read “A Plain Man”
“A Little Bit of Charm” sounds interesting too
Sounds like a good book.
looks like a great read. Hope to win a copy
I love reading Amish books, just picked up The Letters from the library on Saturday along with 3 others. can’t wait to read Mary’s new book.
What a fun person Mary Ellis must be! Think her school students were blessed to have had her teaching.
Now I must get some of her books.
Mary was a teacher and a sales Rep for Hershey chocolate. I love all hebooks and met her at a book signing for our hostess Suzanne Woods Fisher in New Philadelphia Ohio
Would love to win.
I enjoy reading Amish stories of any kind. Will have to add this one to my to be read list!
What a great interview ! I have read all your books to date And can’t wait to read A Little Bit Of Charm. I love Amish stories , I always get drawn into the characters and love to see their characters unfold.
I am so looking forward to your new series also about the civil war. A Heart Divided sounds like a great read. I also love this time period to read about, such a tragic time but also very inspirational time in our history. My late husband’s grandfather actually fought in Gettysburg July 2 and was wounded but survived but lived in pain rest of his life. Thanks to both Suzanne & Mary .
mcnuttj@rocketmail.com
Enjoyed reading about this author and her books, Plain Man sounds like it will be a great story. I like the ones about men.
thanks for sharing
Paula O
Great interview. Staying in a condo for a month at the beach sounds great. I’ve noticed that most writers do most of their writing outdoors. It must be God’s gift of nature to open their hearts and minds to their creativity of writing. Mary Ellis your books and covers are very inviting. I think maybe you got a one star review from the one person not just because all the Christian in it, but rather the Christian stuff was getting into his heart and didn’t know how to deal with it. God does work in his own way. Best of luck with your books and writing career. Hope to read your book soon.
Interesting interview. I have enjoyed reading this series and would love to have a copy of the new one!
Lovely interview. I enjoy Amish fiction and Mary Ellis writes some good novels. Please enter me in the contest to win a copy of this book.
Thanks!
I love to read. I am always looking for new authors and/or books to read. I would love to win your book.
Have a great day! 🙂
I love your books, can’t wait to read this one.
Can’t wait to read more of your books! Thanks for the enjoyment you bring to so many of us!
Jill Olsen
Little Bit of Charm sounds great love the topic
I would love to read this. It looks great.
Anxiously waiting to win!
I also love that she says she would talk to herself-I do it all the time!! I would love to read this-love getting to know new authors (new to me)!!
I like reading about the authors. Her book sounds very interesting.
Oh! I wish you would’ve said where you’re from…I attended Wayne College (many yrs ago, when the campus was ONE bldg!) so I’m thinking you must live somewhere around Wayne County, where I live! You’re book sounds like one that I wouldn’t be able to put down, once I started it! THANKS for the nice giveaway!
Would love to win your book! Your books are very fun to read!
Thank you Suzanne for a great interview with Mary Ellis. Her book Little Bit of Charm sounds like a great book. Would love to win.
I have read several of your books and have enjoyed them very much. I am looking forward to reading this new one. I hope I win.
I loved your interview and would love to win A Little Bit of Charm. The cover looks so great and can’t wait to read it. I love reading about the Amish, God, and horses all I one book! WOW!!! Please enter me in your contest for this book. Thanks. Judy F
Love your books
I loved the interview with Mary Ellis! She sounds a lot like me! 🙂 This book, A Little Bit of Charm, is about two subjects that are my main interests for reading…The Amish and horses! I cannot wait to read this book and the next coming!!
Thank you for the opportunity to get to know this author a bit better! I would surely love to win her book!
sounds like a wonderful read with horseracing, dating outside the Amish world, etc. I’d love a copy.
I love that your dog is right there with you when you work.
Great interview! I would love to win a copy of her book, thanks.
I really enjoyed reading about the new book and your interview. I am so hooked on the Amish books and would love to read this one. thanks for the opportunity .
I have read many books by Mary Ellis and loved them all. Amish fiction is my favorite reading. The Liberian at our Library calls every time she gets a new Amish book in. She knows how I love to read them. I have to keep a journal of the books I read because I have been known to get on and have already read it! Thank you for the interesting interview.
I love all your books, please enter me in the contest to win a copy. I can’t wait to read “A Little Bit of Charm”
Great interview. I love the cover of course, well because of the horse. Cathces my attention every time. <3
I'd love to win a copy!
I love reading the interviews! Mary said she would walk around her yard and talk to herself if she didn’t write the stories down. I look forward to reading these books!!
Hi, Mary!
I really enjoyed your interview, & learning more about you, your writing, & your books. I can identify with not being fond of changes. I haven’t read any of your books – but am attracted to your storylines – & would really like to. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of one of your books!
would love to win your new book thankMary Ellis
Great interview! Please enter me in the contest!
I’m looking forward to reading this book!
This sounds like an exciting book to read – I love stories of the Amish and love stories about horses.
Thank you for the opportunity to win this book.
What a beautiful cover, I would be so happy to add this book with the few that I have. What it means to win is that I get to keep the book and not have to return it to the library like I always have to. I love your writing so I am hopping that I will win. But like always I will feel happy for the ones that do win, an I will read as soon as I am able thank you for this chance. Karen at khsmith97217@yahoo.com
I think I have a new series/author to follow. Must see if I can get my hands on a copy.
I love reading all Amish books. I would love to win this book.
I love Amish stories and enjoyed reading the review about Mary Ellis and would love to read her book.
I enjoyed the interview , looking forward to the book, as well as her new historicals. I must go back and read the first two in the series. I do enjoy Mary Ellis’ books. Thank you for the chance to enter.
Love reading the interviews and entering the contests. Thanks for this opportunity and God bless.
Would love a chance to win 🙂 Thanks so much!
A Little Bit of Charm
Thanks for entering me. Enjoyed the interview, your dog sounds like mine, loves to be on the bed 🙂
What a nice interview. Thank you for the chance to win Mary’s latest book.
I love to read Mary Ellis’s books! Thanks for the awesome interview, and thanks for the chance to win her new book!
Debbie Rhoades
ReadingMama922@gmail.com
Have read A Widow’s Hope by Mary Ellis and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would love to win a copy of her new book!
Thank you for sharing this author spotlight with Mary Ellis. I look forward to reading A LITTLE BIT OF CHARM! Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.
I have enjoyed getting to know Mary Ellis through this interview. Would love to win her book!
Mary taught Middle School and worked as a sales rep for Hershey Chocolate for twenty years.
Mary taught Middle School and worked as a sales rep for Hershey Chocolate for twenty years. I love the books that I have read of hers, and would love to win.
It was great getting to “know” Ms Ellis. I hope I win!
This sounds like a great book, I can’t wait to read it!
I by love reading Amish books, especially “Haven” by Suzanne Fisher Woods. I also love the Stoney Ridge collection.
I’m always looking for new authors to read, hope I win.
I’ll be getting this book as soon as my library gets it.
Thanks.
Have a blessed day!
I love reading your Amish books! Please never stop!!
Fantastic interview. I love Mary Ellis books. She’s a fabulous author. Thank you for the opportunity to enter this giveaway. Please enter my name.
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love Mary Ellis books. Would love to win one.
Love your interview, and also love reading your books. Grew up around some Amish people during my teen years. Can’t wait to read A Little Bit of Charm. Thanks for all your great work.
Sherry Crane
Mary, I can’t wait to see you in November. Your new book sounds interesting. I like the idea of talking about dating outside your faith and expensive hobbies. Your historicals will definitely be on my to-read list. As always. Take care!
kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
Sounds like a great book. I’ll look forward to reading it. Like your contests but love your books even more 🙂
I am an introvert but no one believes me. I say hi to everyone but I rarely let anyone in past that point. I’d love to win and read your book.
This sounds like a wonderful book I would enjoy reading. Mary Ellis is a good writer I like her books. Thanks for the nice review too.
I would really love to win this. A little Bit of Charm sounds so good.
This was a great interview and look forward to a chance to read the book.
Can’t wait to read this!!
Great post & I love your books. A Little Bit of Charm sounds like a definite must-read! Thanks for the opportunity to win…Linda
Mary taught Middle School and worked as a sales rep for Hershey Chocolate for twenty years.
What an interesting lady! Would love to win this book!
Wouldn’t mind “walking around the yard” with you while you talk to yourself! Sounds fun. I hope to read this book. The cover pic is really cute, as well!
I have read some of Mary’s books and really enjoyed them. This sounds like another one for me, lol.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
Great interview. I enjoy Amish fiction a lot. Also happy to hear you
have historical fiction in the future!
lgm52(at)hotmail(dot)com
wow…a school teacher….do you miss it?
Love to win a book….
thanks for writing!
I would love to win A LITTLE BIT OF CHARM. I really like reading Amish fiction. Look forward to your upcoming books too. sharon, CA
Loved the interview, I would love to win A Little Bit of Charm as well as anyone else would. I love Amish fiction and learning more about the Amish.
Thanks for sharing Mary Ellis.I love your books.Great interview.I totally enjoyed in.
a wonderful posting…thanks for the chance to read Mary’s latest novel 😉
I love learning information on authors that I like. Thanks for the great interview and a chance to win her book!
susanlulu@yahoo.com
So enjoy reading your books. Would love to win! Thanks for much for writing good, clean, enjoyable books!!! Blessings……
I would love to win a copy of Mary’s book.
Mary–So glad to know you! You’re a lovely person and a wonderful writer. Thanks for taking time to share your life with my blog readers (and your many fans!). Warmly, Suzanne
Love I interview. At list I know I’m not alone in my habit talking to myself. Book sounds very interesting. Would love to win
I would love to win. This book sounds interesting. Thanks for the giveaway. Have a great day!
I can’t wait to read this book. It looks like is going to a nail biter, edge of your seat type story. Thanks.
lovely interview…cant wait for her next book!
Can’t wait to read this book!
This book sounds wonderful. I really enjoyed the interview as well.
It looks like I have to add another series to my ever-growing list of books to read. I rarely get a chance to read books when they first come out because the large print editions are released at a later date. Thank you for the chance to win.
Like your idea of a writing place- condo at the beach, write all am and have fun on beach all afternoon. Love to win this book. sharon, ca
Even though I don’t have a writer’s bone in my body, I wouldn’t mind a month in a condo at the beach either! 😉
Thanks for sharing Suzanne & Mary!
A little bit of Charm sounds like a very interesting book. I like something new in Amish fiction.
I enjoy reading your books and would love to win a copy. Thanks for sharing with us.
I would love to win this book, thanks so much!
Keep them coming!!
Great interview…I can’t wait to read this. Thank-you for the opportunity to win this.
Would love to win. Luv to read Amish :0)
I look forward to reading and reviewing your book!
I would love to read this as I have read the first two and love them:) Thank you for the chance! Love these interviews:)
Looks like a great read! Love the cover!
This was so much fun reading the interview! I can’t wait to read the book!
Thanks for the great interview. I love Amish fiction and would love to read this book. I think spending a month at the beach writing sounds wonderful. I would like to spend a month at the beach reading!
Great interview. Love reading those great books and I know this will be a good one too.
I enjoyed reading this interview. Thanks so much for the chance to win her book.
Really enjoy your books. So does my mom.
What a wonderful interview! Thanks so much for sharing. I have put this book on my Amish book buy list! Can’t wait to read it : )
makeighleekyleigh at yahoo dot com
Your “Worst Author Moment” made me feel so bad…
Love the cover, book looks interesting…. love to win it
Loved the interview! Would love to read more about the Amish fictional and nonfiction.
Interesting interview. Enjoyed the synopsis of this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
lgm52(at)hotmail(d0t)com
Love your books and I look forward to reading A Little Bit of Charm.
Nice interview, I enjoyed it.
Thank you so much for the interview. Love reading amish stories and books. It’s nice to read a book and know that I don’t have to worry that there is going to be filth in it. Keep doing what you are doing and I will keep reading, LOL. Thanks again.
I believe Mary Ellis is new to me , would love to read her books. Interveiws are so wonderful , love getting to know folks. Please enter me !
Linda Finn
Thanks for a chance to win 🙂