Mary Ellis Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.

A: Mary Ellis has written twelve best-selling novels set in the Amish community and several historical romances. Her latest, Magnolia Moonlight, is third of a new mystery series, Secrets of the South, from Harvest House Publishers. Before “retiring” to write full-time, Mary taught school and worked as a sales rep for Hershey Chocolate, a job with amazingly sweet fringe benefits. She enjoys traveling, gardening, bicycling and swimming, and lives in Ohio with her husband, dog and cat.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

A: I suppose I was in my twenties, but life kept getting in the way. Finally, when I was in my forties, I scratched out a little time to write each and every day.

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?

A: To date I have published 12 Amish inspirationals, 3 historical romances, and six romantic suspense mysteries. My agent, the late Mary Sue Seymour, landed by first contract with Five Star Publishing.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release Magnolia Moonlight.

A: When a local Baptist preacher takes his own life, his congregation is quick to believe rumors, but his widow is certain his death was no suicide. When Price Investigations scratch beneath the surface, they discover Reverend Dean was a victim, not a thief.  The two new partners uncover an elaborate pyramid to bilk millions from unsuspecting non-profits, thousands of miles from the small town of Natchez where no one is whom they appear to be.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for Magnolia Moonlight?

A: From travel, I was so inspired by Natchez, Mississippi and Bay St. Louis, MS that I had to build a story around those two lovely places.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

A:  That everyone makes a fool of themselves at some point in life. We simple must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, learn from our mistakes and move on.

Q: What is your favorite scene/chapter from the book?

A:  I have a scene when my hero bails our heroine out of jail. It’s not her best moment, but the hero is so patient and kind to her, it’s my favorite scene in the book.

Q: What inspires you to write?

A: I have so many stories in my head, if I don’t write them down, my sweet dreams turn into downright nightmares.

Q: How has being a published novelist differed from your expectations of the profession?

A: Frankly, I had no expectations when I got published 10 years ago. And publishing keeps changing so fast now, that I don’t dare have any current expectations. I simply work hard with whatever opportunities God brings my way.

Q: What advice or tips do you have for writers who are just getting started?

A: Don’t give up. Make sure you have your work professionally edited if you plan to self-publish. And always behave in a professional manner. Bad behavior will come back to haunt you.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?

A: I am working on Book 5 of Secrets of the South Mysteries. It’s called Night Falls on Charleston. I just turned in Book 4 called Sunset in Old Savannah which involves a pair of PI’s out to help a woman who’s accused of killing her husband.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?

A: I love to read, work in my garden, or walk my dog. My favorite pastime is swimming, but unfortunately, I don’t live near water.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A: I can be found at maryellis.net or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Mary.Ellis.Autho

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?

A: I would love to chat with readers on Facebook or email.