Mary Ellis' "Never Far From Home"

We're happy to have Mary Ellis with us today talking about her book, Never Far From Home. To learn more about Mary and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
Since I live in a rural area, I’ve been fascinated with farms for many years. Researching to write Never Far from Home was a real eye-opener for me. Agriculture, even Amish farming, is much more complex than most would assume. Since I have visited Amish families since childhood, I am enjoying writing stories set in the close-knit Christian community of Holmes County, Ohio. Getting to know sheep and horses up-close-and-personal has been a special treat.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I spent about eight years writing in several different genres and sending to too many publishing houses to count. Then I tried submitting to agents instead. I found my wonderful agent this way, and she sold my two romantic suspense novels. When I decided to change from ABA to CBA, she found my current publishing house, which is a “perfect fit” for me.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I used to teach middle school math and algebra, but not English, which might not surprise my editor. My favorite pastime is snorkeling, even though I’ve never lived close to a beach in my life. And I once volunteered at the Cleveland Zoo as a docent snake–handler. I used to wrap (well-fed) boa constrictors around my neck and shoulders during presentations to school groups.
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m currently finishing the third in the Miller Family series, The Way to a Man’s Heart, which will be released in July. I’m also working on a Christmas novella to be released late next summer.

5) Parting comments?

If there are any discouraged writers who are reading this…don’t give up! Many times I was ready to throw in the towel, but now I’m so glad I didn’t. Have faith.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?

Readers can find me at http://www.maryeellis.wordpress.com/. I love to hear from fans at maryeellis@yahoo.com.

Lyle A. Way's "Shades of Gray"

We're happy to have Lyle A. Way with us today talking about his book, Murder in Shades of Gray. To learn more about Lyle and his book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?

The idea came to me one night when I couldn’t sleep. It seemed an obvious thriller, because people naturally write the elderly off as being unable to do anything. The story is about a murder syndicate where the assassins are all seniors with the theory that if they are found around the scene of the crime, the police will only want to get them out of the way, never thinking they might be the killer.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.

I pitched the book to publishers and agents at the Christian Writers Conference in Glorietta, New Mexico, and got good reviews. I had it edited by a professional editor and then started the onerous task of sending query letters. After 40 rejections, all saying the same thing, that the recession was not allowing publishers to take on new clients, I chose to self publish, which has worked very well for me while teaching me the importance of marketing.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.

1. I was a deputy sheriff in Oregon many years ago, which gave me a love for police work.

2. I was the president of the largest retirement center in Lubbock for 22 years, which gave me an understanding of what seniors are really capable of doing.

3. I received a Bachelor of Theology degree at the age of 60 yrs.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?

I just finished a sea novel about a smuggler in the South China Seas, and am currently beginning work on a novel about a secret vigilante group bringing crooked politicians to justice.

5) Parting comments?

I love bringing exciting mystery/suspense novels to the Christian market where readers can enjoy a good thriller without being embarrassed by profanity, sexual scenes, or sickening gore. Each of my novels has the Lord Jesus appearing incognito, working with individuals as he has always done. All of my books give the way to finding God, in un-churchy terms.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?

http://www.lyleaway.com/

email lway@windstream.net.

Margaret Daley's "Heart of a Cowboy"

We're happy to have Margaret Daley with us today talking about her book, Heart of a Cowboy. To learn more about Margaret and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
I was asked by Love Inspired to do a three book series with homeschooling as the backdrop. I used the ranch that Zachary, the hero, owns in the first book of the series. When I wrote him in the first book, he stayed in my mind and had to have his own story

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Since it was requested by my publisher, there wasn’t a journey so much as coming up with a series that showed different situations that would lead parents to decide to homeschool their child. Then I wanted to write about problems a parent might have homeschooling a child. I only wrote about three situations, and there are many more out there. I admire the parents who choose to homeschool their children.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
That’s a hard one. I’m pretty open. I hate to exercise but I’m exercising every other day. I hate to do yard work but love a beautiful yard. I love playing mindless games as a break from writing. Somehow that gets me back into the writing mode.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m staring my third book in Guardians, Inc. for Love Inspired Suspense. It will be out next year, and it’s about a female bodyguard agency.

5) Parting comments?
I’ve been blessed to be able to write. I hope readers enjoy the stories that keep coming to me.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My web site is http://www.margaretdaley.com/
My blog is http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com/