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 Kelly Irvin is Linda Finn! Please email info@suzannewoodsfisher.com with your mailing address!
This week we are featuring Shelley Shepard Gray! To win a copy of her new book, Eventide (Avon Inspired, 2013) leave a comment on this post. (And click on the banner at the bottom to enter to win a set of The Days of Redemption series!)
What is the smartest writing advice you ever got?
My agent suggested I let my faith guide me and try writing for the inspirational market.
What was your biggest break?
My agent sending three chapters of Hidden to the folks at Harper Collins. They took a chance on me, a no-name author.
I’m inspired by . . .just about everything—from the sermons at church to the lady at the grocery store doing something that strikes me as funny.
My great adventure has been . . . my husband and I went on a cruise in the Baltic Ocean last year. Walking around a palace in St. Petersburg, Russia was quite a moment for me.
The one thing I hope to discover is . . . how to exercise more and eat less dessert.
If I could go anywhere, it would be . . . I love to travel, so my new goal is to one day sit in a café in Buenos Aires.
If you have only an hour . . . I love to read. So reading is always my choice if I only have an hour to do something. I’m not one of those people who likes to be busy 24-7.
Describe yourself in one word
Dedicated
If your house were on fire, what one thing would you save?
I’d like to say I would take our special family photos, but since I am pretty terrible in emergencies (you don’t want to be bleeding near me) I’d probably take something dumb like my Kindle or a pair of shoes.
What has been your most surreal, “pinch-me-I’m-dreaming” moment so far?
Getting a phone call from one of the ladies at my publisher, to tell me that The Protector made the New York Times extended list. I was too shocked to say anything but ‘thank you for the phone call.’
What drives you to succeed?
I love to write, so I think what influences me the most are my readers. I still get amazed when I hear from someone who tells me that they can’t wait for my next book. That makes me want to work harder.
Best Surprise
My kids are in their twenties and are busy doing their own thing. I love when they call me out of the blue, or come home and want to spend time with me. I never take time with them for granted.
Best Saturday Afternoon Read
When J.K. Rowling’s last book in the Harry Potter series came out, I read the whole book on a Saturday. I sat out on our back deck, drank a pitcher of iced tea and happily told my family that I’d talk to them when I was finished. That was a wonderful Saturday, for sure!
Best Forgotten Custom
Gosh, this is a tough one! What comes to mind is the fact that my husband always opens the car door for me. It’s such an old fashioned thing that always makes me feel cared for.
Best Way to Break a Sweat
I have an exercise bike. I pedal and read (big surprise, huh?) That’s my favorite work-out.
Best Style Icon
Grace Kelly. She was so elegant.
Best Time-Waster
Solitaire games on my computer.
Best Indulgence
Getting a massage.
Best Advice
My brother told me when I was fifteen that I had a whole lifetime ahead of me . . . and that I could absolutely make all of my dreams come true. He was right! The best part about this advice is he doesn’t remember saying it!
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Shelly sounds like a person that would be fun to know. I would love a copy of her book.
I’d love to win a copy of your new book. I have enjoyed reading some of your others. Keep writing!
I enjoy reading Amish fiction so much. thanks for the chance to win. Shelly Shepard Gray is one of my favorite authors
Would love to win the book. Good reading.
Always great to learn more about the authors! I have had the privilege to meet Shelley. She is a very sweet lady! Thanks for the chance to win one of her books!
it’s always nice to hear from an author and they sound like someone you could actually have a decent conversation with.
You know…I have seen her books and would love to win this one. God bless!
Would love to win a copy of Eventide. I love Shelley’s books! Thank you for the opportunity to win!
Would love to win the book, Eventide.
Would love to win Shelley’s book. I have met her in person and she is so sweet. Love Amish fiction.
donnac.taylor@hotmail.com
Shelly sounds like an amazing person! And her book sounds amazing! Would love to win a copy! I love to get my hands on any Amish Fiction! Thanks for this fun giveaway.
I love her writing.
This sounds like a cool book love the writing
My favorite books to read are the amish stories….Have read several of Shelly’s books and would love to win a copy of Eventide. I enjoyed reading the interview with Shelly and learn more about her. Great writer!
Shelley sounds like a loving and caring person and I would love to win her book. Any of them would be fine with me.
I love reading the books on the Amish, since we have Amish friends in PA. who we have visited and they have come to Iowa to visit us. the simple life they lead means so much to me. They are very caring and loving people. Keep the good stories coming our way. Thanks
I have never read one of Shelly’s books but love to read Anish fiction. If I win her latest book Eventide then I will have to start reading all her books and gain yet another favorite author. Thank you for giving us insight into christian authors lives.
If I only had an hour, I’d do the same thing, Shelly. READ!! I MUST READ! lol I’d be lost without my books. 🙂
Wonderful article! Nice to get to know you better, Shelly! Thank you for the chance to win. 🙂 God Bless!
Cathy
I love Shelley Shephard Gray’s books too! My favorite books are Amish Romance! Thanks!
Thanks for this lovely post and great giveaway.
I would LOVE to read her book.
I can not wait to read the next book in the series and winning a copy would make it better yet. Thank you for writing in the Amish Genre
It would be great to win the next book in your series. I have three of your books now and enjoy all of them.
Very enjoyable interview. It’s true that something as simple as having a car door opened is considered old fashioned. I, too, am blessed to have a husband who does that for me. ♥
Would love to win a copy, always borrow mine from our Public Library. Your books are great
I enjoyed this post.Thanks for sharing Shelley.I love your books.jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com
I love Shelly’s books and would really enjoy reading Eventide.
I love reading your books Shelley. It would be great to win Eventide. Thanks for sharing with us.
Wonderful interview. I would love to win a copy of Shelleys new book. please accept my entry. Thank you.
Would love to receive this. My 92 year old mother loves to read, even with her macular degeneration, and Amish fiction, is one of her favorites. We always know what to buy as a gift for her.(then she lets us read them.) We love to trade and share! Thanks for offering a chance to win!
Awesome questions and answers. I had to laugh when you said you read the last Harry Potter in a day because that is what happened when I got the book for myself, granddaughter and grandson, we all sat right down and read it straight through
Somehow I missed the whole Days of Redemption series & can’t wait to start reading it! I love Amish stories & your writing.
I would love to win a copy of Shelly’s new book. Just love to read her books!
I would like to be entered to win a copy of this book. Thank you. Terrilea@yahoo.com
I have never read any of her books but would love to start.
We are kindred spirits. I try to have a book with me at all times so I’m never caught without something to read.
Love Shelley’s books
So love your books. It would be awesome to win.
Thank you for this giveaway. I would love to win a copy of Eventide. And thank you for introducing me to Shelley Shepard Gray.
Thanks for sharing this interview. I will be adding this author and her books to my TBR list!
Thanks for the insight on Shelley she seems so down to earth and like someone you would love to be good friends with very happy with her family and life it seems, its always nice to see the person behind the good books and what they are like and as always thanks for the giveaways.
I would love to win a copy. I am having a full shoulder replacement and the book would be a great healing for me while recuperating. Thank you.
Whether I win the book or not, it was neat reading about the normal things this author does everyday. The end result of publishing a book is creativity and accomplishment. Pretty cool.
I would love to win a copy of Eventide. And I liked Shelley’s answer to ‘best forgotten custom’. My hubby doesn’t always open or close the car door for me, but when he does I too feel cared for.
Writing and publishing is a wonderful form of art. Shelley is a fantastic author. What a blessed talent we are given through her writing. Please enter me in the giveaway. Thank you!
Please enter me in this giveaway. I really enjoy Shelley’s books.
i would love to win a copy of her new book. read the first two in the series. enjoyed them.
Would love to read a new author.
I have read almost all of Shelley Shepard Gray’s books she is a awesome writer who keeps her readers wanting more. I love the way she makes me feel the emotions of each character or actually invasion the scene taking place. I can’t wait to read her newest book!!!! I would love to win!
I am not sure where I would go. I don’t even have a passport. I use books to take me to places I would not be able to travel to. I know a couple in their 80’s. He always opens the car door for her and gives her a kiss. When I was riding with them to church I was not allowed to open my car door either. No kiss though. LOL I bragged on him so much to my husband that he finally started opening the door of me.
I would love to read this book!!
I love these Author spotlights, it is nice to peek into the lives of my favorite authors. I would love a chance to win her latest book.
I LOVE this series, can’t wait for Eventide!!
Would love to win this book!
Thanks for another great interview and give away! I’d love to win the book.
I love her books. I would love to win a free book. Thank you.
I’ve read several of the books now and have enjoyed each one. I love anything True Amish especially how they live. Thanks for a chance to win.
Love reading about Shelley! WOULD LOVE TO WIN “EVENTIDE”. Love Love Love hearing all about different authors and just LOVE reading anything Amish!
Yes, I agree I read every chance I get whether a few minutes, an hour, or more. Thanks for the info and giveaways!
Would love to win a copy of the new book.
I would love to win a copy of her book! Thank you for the chance!
Would love to win this book. Thank you for the chance.
How nice to get to know Shelley! I would love to win this book!
Just as Harper-Collins “took a chance” on this ‘no-name author’, I too, did just that and picked up Hidden a couple of years ago. I went on to read the rest of the set and an additional one as well. I would so love to win this new book Shelley! I love your writing.
Love reading s out the authors and their lives. I’m glad reading is what she likes yo do when even a little time is available. Thanks for the chance yo win. ozarkharness@gmail.com
Shelly sounds like a very interesting person – I’ll have to be on the lookout for her work.
Love reading Shelley’s books! Always looking forward to another one.
Great interview. I always look forward to a new book by Shelley.
Suzanne great interview with Shelly. Would love a chance to win her book. 🙂
Would love to win her new book, I am currently finishing her Sisters of the Heart series, very good.
Loved your interview, Shelley, & the opportunity to get to know you better, & learn more about your writing & books.
I love everything about the Amish, & visit their communities as often as possible. I don’t have any of your books, & would love to read Eventide – thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
would love to win.
I love Amish fiction and would like to read Shelley Shepard Gray’s book! Thanks!
I would love to read this and other books that she has written. It sounds wonderful.
I think my wife would love to read this book. I will give it to her to read.
This is exciting! I’m going to be meeting Shelley tomorrow, along with visiting my dear friend, Vannetta Chapman in Shipshewana, Indiana. Thank you for the wonderful blog feature and for offering this giveaway!
I would love to win Shelley’s book. She’s a fantastic author!! Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the giveaway. Please enter my name.
thanks for the chance to read the end of this wonderful series!
thanks for introducing us to Shelley; would love to read this book
Love to see that you are an avid reader! I think that your reading other authors must help you know what the reading consumer is looking for.
Love that you incorporate factual information in your books. Keep up the good work!