Mary Ellis's Blog, page 5

This week on Suspense Sisters…..

We’re planning another great week on the Suspense Sisters. Check out our posts, our interviews, and our awesome giveaways!
 

On our review page, Iola Goulton reviews IF I’M FOUND, by Terri

Blackstock. This is the sequel to Terri’s great novel, IF I  RUN. Iola says this book is: “A must for thriller fans!”

You can find her complete review HERE.

On Tuesday, Suspense Sister Dana Mentink will share What’s Hot

in Inspirational Suspense and Mystery. 

On Wednesday Suspense Sister Mary Ellis is talking about “Lessons Learned From Walks on the Beach.” She’ll be giving away a copy of her new book, SUNSET IN OLD SAVANNAH!  
Friday, author DiAnn Mills shares her thoughts about Pinterest in

an article titled “The Power of Pinterest.” She’s also giving away a copy of her new book, DEEP EXTRACTION!

A pacemaker should have saved oil and gas magnate Nathan Moore’s life. Instead, it provided his killer with a seemingly perfect means of execution.

A bombing at one of Nathan’s oil rigs days earlier indicates his death could be part of a bigger conspiracy, a web Special Agent Tori Templeton must untangle. But her first order of business is separating the personal from the professional―the victim’s wife, her best friend, is one of the FBI’s prime suspects.

Clearing Sally’s name may be the biggest challenge of her career, but Tori finds an unexpected ally in the newest member of the task force, recently reinstated Deputy US Marshal Cole Jeffers. As Tori and Cole dig deeper into Nathan’s personal and business affairs, they uncover more than they bargained for. And the closer they get to finding the real killer―and to each other―the more intent someone is on silencing them for good.

That’s what’s happening this week on the Suspense Sisters. Don’t miss a single day. Sign up through email so you’ll get updates in the exciting world of inspirational suspense and mystery!

This week on Suspense Sisters I get to interview Ann H. Gabhart.

We’re planning another great week on the Suspense Sisters. Check out our posts, our interviews, and our awesome giveaways!

THIS WEEK:

Suspense Sister and Senior Reviewer, Marji Laine, presents another terrific review on our book page. Iola Goulton reviews STILL LIFE by Dani Pettrey. Iola says: “If fast-paced Christian thrillers are your thing, then you’ll enjoy STILL LIFE.” You can read the rest of her review HERE.

On Tuesday, Suspense Sister Dana Mentink

will share What’s Hot in Inspirational Suspense and Mystery.

On Wednesday we’ll hear from Suspense Sister Nancy Mehl. She’ll be answering several questions from readers. You could win your choice of FATAL FROST, a $10.00 Amazon gift card, or a chance to see your name in one of her upcoming novels!

Friday, I’m interviewing author Ann H. Gabhart. She’ll be giving away a copy of her book, MURDER IS NO ACCIDENT.

One body may be an accident. A second body means murder.

The old Chandler place should be empty. The magnificent Victorian mansion is for sale, even if its aged owner Miss Fonda doesn’t realize it. But when real estate agent Geraldine Harper enters the house on a sunny October day, she’s not alone. Minutes later, there is a body at the bottom of the steep steps leading to the tower room.

Deputy sheriff Michael Keane is called in. At first blush, it looks like the death was a tragic accident, but clues point to foul play. And when a second body is discovered, the race is on to find the culprit . . . before someone else dies.

If you like your small-town America sweet and quirky–with a dash of sinister–you’ll love this latest whodunit from deft storyteller A. H. Gabhart.

That’s what’s happening this week on the Suspense Sisters. Don’t miss a single day. Sign up through email so you’ll get updates in the exciting world of inspirational suspense and mystery!

 

 The Suspense Sisters! We love books!

 

When the Words Won’t Come

     Every writer has wrestled for hours when they can’t string seven words together into a concise sentence. We doubt ourselves, our mentors, the process we thought we’d perfected, even the quality of beans that went into our cup of java. It happens to the best of us. There is no one-size-fits-all solution since writers are as different as that shade of navy you’re trying to match. I can only give you my humble opinion to tuck into your first aid kit on possible cures.

     When the words won’t come I see two possible reasons, both of which involve turning off and moving away from your computer. How many times have we fallen asleep in our easy chairs, but tossed-and-turned in bed for hours? If you get out of bed and put the TV back on, you’ll doze off by the next commercial. Same is true about trying to force creativity in front of your laptop. Once you are seated in a lawn chair or a booth at the coffee shop, consider the first reason your well is dry: You need more story. This happens more often for seat-of-the-pants writers than plotters, but even plotters can reach a lull when the action or romantic drama needs help from a subplot to thicken the stew. Ask yourself: What can come along to blindside your characters? What’s the worst thing they fear? Make it happen. Often writers concoct a thrilling opening and know exactly how to bring their story to a tasty conclusion. They might even have some plot twists in mind, but in long novels, not even the most devout “plotter” can pre-conceive enough scenes to keep the pace moving. Go where it’s quiet, where you can roll your eyes back into your head. Suddenly story ideas will flow faster than you can jot down on your Starbucks napkin.
     The second problem we sometimes experience is the haven’t-I-said-all-this-before-syndrome. We’ve got our story; we’ve got our multi-dimensional characters. But we’re trotting out the same old metaphors and tired verbs. It’s time to get away to someone else’s creative work that’s not in the genre you write. Read a book by a writer whose work you admire to see how they craft a story. No time to read a full novel? Go to a movie, again one with a screenplay by someone you love. Sit back, sip your soda, munch your popcorn and enjoy. I’ve been known to utter things like: What a delightful black moment, much to my husband’s dismay. The key is getting away from yourself. Then when you return to your work-in-progress, the well will be primed with fresh creative waters.

This week on Suspense Sisters….

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We’re planning another great week on the Suspense Sisters. Check out our posts, our interviews, and our awesome giveaways!

THIS WEEK:

Suspense Sister Marji Laine has another terrific review on our book page. Brittany McEuen reviews A SPY’S DEVOTION by Melanie Dickerson. Brittany says: “A Spy’s Devotion was a delightful novel! I really enjoy the Regency setting and love finding good, clean books placed in this time period. Add in the fact that this story had a suspenseful thread running through it and also was a Christian fiction novel – well all of these things made me a very happy reader.” You can read the rest of her review HERE.

On Tuesday, Suspense Sister Dana

Mentink will share What’s Hot in Inspirational Suspense and Mystery.

Wednesday Suspense Sister Linda Kozar interviews author Nancy Jill Thames! She’s giving away a copy of her book,MURDER AT THE EMPRESS MOTEL!

 



A bitter legal and political conflict over fishing rights and the love of one woman turns deadly with the murder of a young attorney, drawing Jillian and Teddy into yet another exciting adventure.

Friday, we’re visiting with Suspense Sister Elizabeth Goddard! You could win a copy of her book, UNDERCOVER PROTECTOR!

Undercover at a tiger sanctuary, Special Agent Grayson Wilde’s convinced the owner must be involved in a wildlife trafficking ring—until someone tries to kill her. Now with Gemma Rollins’s life on the line, it’s clear that more than the wildcats need his help. Gemma’s determined to rebuild the tiger oasis she lost when her family died. But someone wants her out of the way, and she’s starting to wonder if her parents’ and uncle’s deaths were really accidental. Grayson says he’ll do anything to protect Gemma, but she can’t shake the feeling that her alluring new volunteer might not be all that he seems. With a vicious criminal closing in, though, she has to trust Grayson…because she won’t survive without him. 

That’s what’s happening this week on the Suspense Sisters. Don’t miss a single day. Sign up through email so you’ll get updates in the exciting world of inspirational suspense and mystery!

The Suspense Sisters! We love books!  Happy reading!   Mary Ellis 

This Week on my fellow Suspense Sisters…..

We’re planning another great week on the Suspense Sisters. Check out our posts, our interviews, and our awesome giveaways!

THIS WEEK:

Suspense Sister Marji Laine has another terrific review on our book page. Iola Goulton reviews BURIED MEMORIES by Carol J. Post. Iola says, “The plot and writing were excellent, and I resented each time I had to leave Nicki and Tyler and Cedar Key because life or children or work or food. Buried Memories is part of Carol Post’s Cedar Key series, but can easily be read as a standalone novel. Overall, an excellent suspense read.” You can read the rest of her review HERE.

On Tuesday, Suspense Sister Dana Mentink will share What’s

Hot in Inspirational Suspense and Mystery. 

On Wednesday we’ll hear from Suspense Sister Elizabeth Goddard. She’ll be giving away a copy of her book, UNDERCOVER PROTECTOR. 

Friday, we’re interviewing author Ronie Kendig! You could win a copy of her new book, CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE!

Four years after a tragic mission decimated his team, Cole “Tox” Russell has been disavowed by the United States. And that’s fine–he just wants to be left alone. But when a dormant, centuries-old disease is unleashed, Tox is lured back into action.

Tox and his former Special Forces team regroup to work with

FBI deception expert, Kasey Cortes, and fiery archaeologist, Tzivia Khalon, to search the globe for answers–and a cure. As the mission leads from one continent to another, it becomes clear they’re not just fighting a plague but battling an ancient secret society whose true goals remain hidden.

With time running out and the threat for a global pandemic rising, Tox and his team realize their sole chance might be to reach back through centuries of silence to find the only answer that can save them all.

That’s what’s happening this week on the Suspense Sisters. Don’t miss a single day. Sign up through email so you’ll get updates in the exciting world of inspirational suspense and mystery! 

2017…A Brand New Year!

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO GET IT RIGHT?

A brand New Year…a frightening reminder of our mortality and what lies ahead? Or another wonderful chance to maybe get it right this year.

For each of us, getting it right will have a very different connotation.

For some, it’ll be to lose those nagging twenty pounds, find a better job that pays more, or maybe forge a better relationship with children, grandchildren or a spouse.

For me, a Christian who has tried all of those before with varying levels of success, my only goal for the coming year is to forge a closer relationship with God.

At my ripe old age, I’ve finally realized I can do nothing without His help. I have tried to use my wit, my intellect, my talents, and my abundant charm to achieve my dreams. But all of those have failed me.

Only when I start the day in communication with the Lord, and then quietly listen to what He has to say, do I succeed.

We’re all so busy, and maybe that’s how life is supposed to be. But each night during 2017 I want to lay my head on the pillow and give thanks that I am not running in circles on a path to oblivion.

I am His child, and He has a plan for me. I am so thankful!

I certainly wish I’d gotten this through my thick head as a younger woman.

Happy New Year and May God bless you in 2017.

Mary Ellis

PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.

O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.

—Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

My Favorite Christmas Memory

 

  When I think back to the Christmases of my childhood, I always smile at one particular memory. For as long as I can remember, our extended family would gather at the home of one of my aunts on Christmas Eve. We would enjoy a lavish potluck dinner with the host family providing the main course while everyone else brought side dishes and desserts.  Afterward, we would catch up on family news—coming babies, recent graduations or promotions and other milestones, small or grand. Before the families would separate to attend church services at their own particular denomination, the children would anxiously await the arrival of one special guest—Santa Claus. My uncle (who recently passed away) would dress up in full costume and arrive with great fanfare down the staircase. (He would leave his sleigh and reindeer on the roof.) Over his shoulder, he carried a velvet sack filled with wrapped gifts for all the good girls and boys from infants through college-aged. Since I was the youngest of my generation, I was the last child who still believed in Santa Claus after my cousins discovered the truth about the man-in-red.
            But my mother and aunts didn’t want anyone spoiling my fun, so they instructed everyone to keep quiet about who really wore the silken beard of white. Yours truly continued to believe the myth longer than average. However, someone at school or perhaps a neighborhood kid finally burst my bubble. Once I overcame my initial shock, I thought about how pleased the old folks were that I still believed. So I played along with the subterfuge for several more years, becoming wide-eyed with anticipation for the jolly man to arrive. My aunts would watch my reaction from the corner of their eyes, pleased that the deception continued for another year. Finally, when Santa arrived and presented a middle-schooler with her treasure, I had so say: “Hi, Uncle Louie. Thanks for the gift.”
             Everyone moaned, while my mother looked broken-hearted. But all good things must come to an end. Now that my dear mom and uncle are gone, I still remember the joy they preserved for me because of their love. And because of the unending love of the Father and the gift of His son…once again I have something to believe in. Merry Christmas! May God’s blessings rain down on you and your family during this special time of year.

              The latest in Mary Ellis’s Secrets of the South mysteries, Sunset in Old Savannah , will release in March and may be pre-booked now.  [image error]

Enter the Suspense Sisters Contest to win fabulous prizes!

Would you like to win a Kindle Fire, $75.00 in Amazon gift cards, an iTunes gift card, candy and…lots of books?

Including mine….Here’s your chance!
 
It’s easy to enter, just use the Rafflecopter box below. We’ll pick one grand prize winner the morning of December 24th. (U.S. only, please)
 
Watch for other posts in December as some of the Suspense Sisters share stories, Christmas memories, or even special Christmas recipes.
 
This contest is our way of thanking you for being a part of the Suspense Sisters, and wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Time Management for Authors

In my blissful, pre-published days, I erroneously believed that once an author received the coveted “call” and turned in a complete manuscript, she could relax and put her feet up. Nothing could be further from the truth. Being published means honoring contracts in a timely fashion, along with a multitude of details. No longer was I squeezing time to “write a book” into my daily routine of tending home, family and day job. With each new release, the juggling act increases from three balls in the air, to four, five or even six.

Let’s take a look at how five projects could potentially demand your attention simultaneously:

First, there’s the book you’re currently writing and editing, according to your publisher’s expectations for word count, level of violence, etc.
Secondly, the book you recently submitted is by no means done. A plethora of add-ons must be finished before the book heads to the printer, such as developmental edits, line edits, back cover copy, book cover suggestions, and blurbs for catalogs and sales brochures.
Thirdly, if this was a series, chances are a book was recently released and requires promotion. Your title will either sink or swim during the first several months. An author must get the word out to readers through blog interviews, website and newsletter giveaways, and book signings, along with social media. Otherwise, with so many fine books releasing each year, how will potential readers find yours?
Fourthly, an author needs to research the next book she intends to write, and that often involves travel or at least long hours spent in the library. Not everything on the internet can be trusted for accuracy, so first-person travel, when possible, is especially helpful.
And finally, what happens when your current series draws to a close? If you don’t wish to be out of a job, you must devise an irresistible proposal that your publisher cannot turn down. Publishing houses consider projects well in advance, so authors need to think far down the line too. Considering all this stress, hard work and long hours, you might conclude that I’m complaining. Nothing would be farther from the truth. I love being an author and pray each night for God to make me a better juggler.  Happy reading!
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. Sunset in Old Savannah releases in early 2017. She can be found on the web at: www.maryellis.net or www.facebook.com/Mary-Ellis/Author
 
Please leave me a comment for a chance to win a signed copy of Magnolia Moonlight!
Happy Reading!

I’m featured on Suspense Sisters on Wed. Nov. 2nd. Win a copy of Magnolia Moonlight

It’s another great week on the Suspense Sisters!

This week reviewer Beth Ann Ziarnik Reviews SARATOGA LETTERS by Elaine Marie Cooper. Beth Ann says: “When I first realized that Saratoga Letters was a two-part novel with two separate stories—one in the 1777 and the other in more modern times—I wondered how author Elaine Marie Cooper could pull it off successfully. A fan of her earlier novels, I should have known she was up to the challenge. The result is a riveting Christian historical romantic suspense.”

To see her complete review, go HERE.  

On Tuesday, Suspense Sister Dana Mentink will share What’s Hot in Inspirational Suspense and Mystery!

On Wednesday we’ll hear from Suspense Sister Mary Ellis. She talks about time management for authors. (Boy, do I need this one!) She’s giving away a copy of her latest novel, MAGNOLIA MOONLIGHT!    Leave a copy on after the blog post for a chance to win. http://www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com/
 



Friday, Suspense Sister Cynthia Hickey will be interviewing

Gayle Gaymer Martin! Gayle will be giving away a print copy of her book, SECRETS WITHIN. (U.S. only.)

 

That’s what’s happening this week on the Suspense Sisters! Don’t miss a single day. Sign up through email so you’ll get updates in the exciting world of inspirational suspense and mystery!

The Suspense Sisters! We love books!