Welcome back,
Shelley. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on
the horizon?
God has given me so many blessings in my chosen career! I am
hopeful He will continue to want me to write. I’m currently under contract for
several books through 2016, so I will be busy working on new Amish novels as
well as some historicals set in Texas .
Tell us a little
about your family.
I’ve been married for 25 years to my college sweetheart. We
have two children who are now adults! Our son is named Arthur, and he lives in Colorado . My daughter,
Lesley, just graduated college and recently got engaged! She lives in Kentucky . They are
awesome kids and awesome people. We also have two dachshunds who keep me
company during the day.
Has your writing
changed your reading habits? If so, how?
I’m happy to say that writing has not changed my reading
habits. I’ve always read several books a week and I still do. I’ve also never
been a critical reader. I rarely read novels and criticize the author. If it’s
a good story, I’m happy.
What are you working
on right now?
I’m happy to say I’m in the middle of two books. One is an
Amish novel, which will be published in May or June of 2016. Another is a western
historical. Hmm. Oh, I just received some revisions for another book. It’s the
first book in next year’s Charm series, and it will be published in February,
2016.
What outside
interests do you have?
I love to travel. My love to experience new places is one of
the reasons I go to so many book signings. I love seeing different places. My
husband and I also love to travel for fun. We have a big trip to Europe planned for next fall. When I’m not planning
places to go, I like to bake and walk and hang out with our dogs. I’m very easy
to please!
How do you choose
your settings for each book?
I chat with my editors at Harper Collins for each series’
setting. For my historicals, I usually come up with a place and time that
interests me then wait and hope that it interests them, too!
If you could spend an
evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?
I can’t think of anyone famous! I would actually simply like
to spend an evening with someone fun who has great stories to tell! I would love
that.
What is the one thing
you wish you had known before you started writing novels?
That I would be able to make a career out of it. I had so
many rejections and so many books that didn’t sell well when I first started, I
got very discouraged. If I had known that my hard work would one day pay off, I
think I would have slept better at night! I used to spend many nights wishing I
was a better writer.
What new lessons is
the Lord teaching you right now?
He is currently teaching me to enjoy each day more. I work
hard and I plan a lot. I’m currently working on relaxing a little more every
day! One of the best things I’ve learned to do is to never turn on the computer
on Sundays. I love having a real day
off.
What are the three
best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?
Write every day that you can, even if it’s just a page or
two.
Take chances. Work on projects that you aren’t sure will be
successful. Send out work to agents and editors!
Accept criticism. When an agent or editor or critique
partner notices a way you can improve, listen. Everyone can get better at
something … even writers!
Tell us about the
featured book.
The Proposal at Siesta Key is the story of Penny Troyer and
Michael Knoxx. Michael is kind of a celebrity in the Mennonite and Amish
community. Their paths cross in Pinecraft when Penny goes to hear him speak. I
love these characters because while at first they seem so very different, they
both have had to overcome a lot of obstacles.
I have read this book
and loved it. Please give us the first page of the book for my readers.
The moment Penny Troyer turned the dead bolt on the
front door, she knew it was a big mistake.
No matter what her mother was doing, or where she was, she always,
always heard the distinctive snap of the front door deadbolt disengaging.
Penny froze, feeling vaguely like a burglar caught
red-handed, and mentally began to count to five.
She barely made it to three.
With
all the fanfare of a trio of trumpeter swans,
her mother’s high-pitched call echoed down the hall. “Penny? Penny, what
are you doing?”
Penny bit back an irritated retort—something she’d been doing
more and more lately. “Nothing.”
“It must have been something. I am fairly positive I heard
you at the door.”
God had really blessed her mother with hearing that was just
too good. “I’m simply going to sit on the front porch.”
Practically before Penny had time to take another breath,
her mother appeared in the entryway. Her hands clutched the sides of her apron,
and concern shone in her truly beautiful periwinkle-colored eyes. “Why?”
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
I have a website and blog. www.shelleyshepardgray.com
I’m also very active on Facebook. www.facebook.com/ShelleyShepardGray
And on Twitter. @ShelleySGray
Thank you, Shelley, for sharing this new book with us. I'm really enjoying this series set in Pinecraft in Florida.
The Proposal at Siesta Key Five Book Giveaway
The Proposal at Siesta Key: Amish Brides of Pinecraft, Book Two (The Pinecraft Brides) - Amazon
The Proposal at Siesta Key: Amish Brides of Pinecraft, Book Two (The Pinecraft Brides 2) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
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The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
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13 comments:
I dated and married a youth pastor from the church I attended so I can relate to this book about a young girl attending a conference at the Pinecroft gathering. I would love to win and read this book. sm CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
I do enjoy Amish books.. I'm sure I'd love this one too :)
dkstevens NEBR
I'd love to win! Thanks for the opportunity and the interview. :D
Shannah, NC
smmcclamrock (at) gmail (dot) com
Thank Prophet suleman for restoring my marriage. I had been separated from my husband. I was told about Prophet suleman spell how he restored Marriage the source of my encouragement and wisdom. I had been praying and standing on the promises of Prophet suleman My husband mailed me and said we will be reunited and living as a family in the country where he lives. Above all, my husband has grown in faith you can reach Prophet suleman true email via:.prophetsuleman@hotmail.com
Shelly, I so enjoyed your interview on today's blog! Congrats to your daughter on her college graduation and engagement! What an exciting time in her life and yours too, I bet! I pray many blessings on her upcoming wedding.
Like you, I turn off my computer on Sundays. Not that I am a writer, but I am on it quite a bit during the week. We have set aside Sunday's for family time, relaxing, reading or whatnot. It's some great "down" time from a busy work week for my husband. And a great way to connect as a family unit.
Thank you for coming to share and to learn more about your newest book "The Proposal at Siesta Key". I'm definitely excited about it! The little excerpt whet my appetite! Thank you for the chance to win a copy. Blessings to you and yours, Shelly.
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
Trixi in OR.
Thank you for another chance to win! This sounds like an excellent read - I'm looking forward to enjoying it! And for what the Lord is showing you, to enjoy life more - this is your special time with your daughter; it will be one of the best times to enjoy each other!
Jeanie in Phoenix
Looking forward to reading this book. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
Karen G., NY
kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com
Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway, SC.
I have loved Shelley's books forever it seems! Thanks for the interview and the opportunity to win this. I received the first one rather late, so would love to read them back to back!
dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com
Diana in SC
I love reading Amish fiction and I love the Pinecraft setting of the book
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann in NY
That cover is beautiful!
Sierra
Indiana
Thanks for the chance to win this awesome sounding book.
I so want to win this book from Shelley. Have tried several times with no luck. Maxie from TX. > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
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