Mary Ellis Interview

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

A: Mary Ellis has written twenty-two novels. Her debut book, A Widow’s Hope, was nominated for a 2010 Carol Award. Living in Harmony, won the 2012 Lime Award for Excellence in Amish Fiction while Love Comes to Paradise won the 2013 Lime Award. She is currently writing Secrets of the South Mysteries. Book one, Midnight on the Mississippi, was a finalist for the RT Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Award, and finalist for Daphne Du Maurier for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. Book two, What Happened on Beale Street, won the Judge a Book by its Cover for Inspirational Romance.

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 my first contract with Five Star Publishing, and I stayed with her until her death last year. My new agent is the incredible Julie Gwinn of the same agency.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release Sunset in Old Savannah.

A: In Savannah, everyone has something to hide. Investigative partners and best friends Michael Preston and Elizabeth Kirby are hired by a wealthy socialite to do surveillance on her wayward husband. When the husband turns up dead, the socialite becomes the police’s chief suspect. Mike and Beth must follow the clues through the historic town with more secrets than branches of moss-draped oaks. The duo uncovers a hodgepodge of potential murderers, including a scheming business partner, a resentful mistress, and a ne’er-do-well brother. As praise of their agency gets around, Mike and Beth must hire investigator Kaitlyn Webb to ease the workload. But will ghosts of Kate’s past threaten everyone’s safety before a killer can be put behind bars?

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for Sunset in Old Savannah?

A: From travel. I have been to Savannah many times, and each time I see something that I missed before. It’s an elegant, charming city, filled with history and friendly people. It is so unique that plot twists for stories come to mind each time I’m there.

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

A:  Never judge a book by its cover, no pun intended. My story involves infidelity in a marriage. Often people, including Christians, are quick to judge if someone is unfaithful. Of course, the book doesn’t condone the husband’s behavior, but it is possible for a marriage to survive and thrive through forgiveness. All of us have sinned.

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

A:  I have a scene when my hero and heroine are interviewing candidates for a new position as traveling PI for Price Investigations. The candidate that Michael Preston likes Beth Kirby despises, and vice versa. When they finally land on an applicate they both like, they practically hire her without looking into her background or references. I tried to make the scene as humorous as possible, so it’s my favorite. I love humor in mysteries.

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 just finishing book one of a new mystery series. It’s called Night Falls on Charleston. And I’m doing the research for book 2, which will be set on the Gulf Coast of Florida. My new series is very similar to Secrets of the South mysteries, since my readers have enjoyed those books.

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.Author

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

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