BIO: Shelley Shepard Gray writes Amish romances for Harper
Collins inspirational line, Avon Inspire and historical romances as Shelley
Gray for Harper Collins Christian Publishers. Her novels have been Holt
Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists.
Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New
York Times and USA Today
bestseller lists.
To date, Shelley
has published over fifty novels for a variety of publishers. Her novels have
been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed
on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Welcome back, Shelley. As an author, I
know it takes a lot of people to birth each book. Who were the people involved
in the birthing of this book, and what were their contributions?
You’re right, Lena ! I certainly does take a village to give life to
each book, and Whispers in the Reading Room had several people who helped so
much. One such person is my longtime girlfriend Julie. She met me in Chicago for a research
trip and embraced the research as much as I did! She toured the Palmer House
Hotel with me, visited the Fair exhibit at the Field Museum ,
read chapters, and pretty much smiled while I talked about the ideas for the
book for hours. My critique partners Heather Blake and Cathy Liggett helped me
plot, then replot, then rework the book several times. Over at my publisher,
Natalie Hanemann and Jean Bloom helped me with about a hundred things. I’ve
never been so grateful for so many caring friends and coworkers.
If you teach or speak. What’s coming up
on your calendar?
I love to visit
libraries, and I have been busy setting up several events for May and June,
2016. I’m also planning to attend next summer’s RWA conference in San Diego and the ACFW conference in Nashville . I love to travel and talk about
books.
If you had to completely start over in
another place, where would you move, and why?
I’ve actually
started over several times over the years, due to my husband’s job. Though it
was sometimes hard, I’m so glad I had the opportunity to have several fresh starts. I know I would have never
become a writer if we hadn’t been transferred to Cincinnati . As far as the future goes, I have
a feeling we’ll only move if our children start their families someplace far
away. Then, we’d pack up in a heartbeat!
If you could only tell aspiring novelists
one thing, what would it be?
Write! I meet so
many aspiring novelists who tell me all about their blogs and Twitter accounts.
For me, the only way to be a writer is to actually write every day.
You’ve been asked to be in charge of a
celebrity cruise. Who would you ask to take part, and why? (AS in what program,
singers, etc. [it doesn’t have to be writing related])
Boy, if I could
be in charge of a celebrity cruise, I’d probably just ask all my friends to
come, especially writers that I’ve met through the years but only see once a
year at conferences. Seeing them would be so fun!
Tell us about the featured book.
Whispers in the Reading
Room features a
librarian, a gambling club owner, the Chicago World’s Fair, and a murder.
Just months
after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds
herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has
never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she
knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.
Only when he
rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name
is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the
prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.
Please give us the first page of the
book.
From October 1893
Reported by Benson Gage
While the
majority of the city basks in the glow of the Columbian Exposition’s success,
far more dark events are taking place in the city’s underbelly. This
publication has learned there has been a spike in attacks and murders deep in
the heart of Camp Creek Alley. Has crime sought to take advantage of the fact
that most everyone’s eyes are on the bright Plaisance, allowing all sorts of
criminals to run rampant?
This reporter
can only advise for any reputable citizen with a care for both his purse and
his life to stay far away from the area. It is very likely that even
establishments that look reputable hide many dark secrets behind their
beguiling façades.
Intriguing. Where can we find you on the
Internet?
I’m everywhere
on the Internet! www.shelleyshepardgray.com,
on Facebook, and on Twitter (ShelleySGray)
Thank you so
much for the fun interview, Lena
Whispers in the Reading Room (The Chicago World's Fair Mystery Series) - Amazon
Whispers in the Reading Room (The Chicago World's Fair Mystery Series Book 3) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. 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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31 comments:
angela in ky would love to win.
Oh this sounds so good, I'd love to win!
Abby in Michigan
This sounds like a good read! Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
Wendy in FL
wfnren at aol dot com
This sounds like a fantastic read! I would love to win a copy. Thank you for that chance. Nancy from Massachusetts
This sounds like something I'd enjoy reading. I have to confess, the summary intrigues me! Would love to win a copy.
J.C. -Indiana-
I have heard great things about this one and would love to read it. Thank you for the opportunity.
Melanie Backus, TX
I love Shelly's Amish books but haven't read her mystery ones. From all the reviews on other blogs on "Whispers in the Reading Room", it's one not to miss along with the other 2 in the Chicago World's Fair Mystery series! I know I'd enjoy it because I love her writing already. Thanks for the fun interview!
Trixi in OR
I love libraries and I like the plot of this book.Thanks for the interview. sm CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
This does sound fantastic.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
Crazy amazing reviews flowing in for this book. One trusted reviewer had listed all of my favorite touch points in a book. I hear it is an especially great book for avid readers and romantics. :)
Terrill - WA
I've heard that, Whispers in the Reading Room, is a fantastic read. I would love to win a copy of it. I have been a fan of Shelley's for years and I had the privilege of meeting her in person a couple of years ago. What a beautiful sweet lady she is.
Blessings!
Judy B from Indiana
I have been hearing great things about this book!
Susan in MI
Sounds like a great book with different characters then Shelley's Amish books I've read! Elaine from Wisconsin
Sounds like a great read! Thanks for the chance to win!
Beth in Montana
I love the synopsis of the story! A librarian and a gambler. .. can't wait to see what happens.
Donna, TX
I love the synopsis of the story! A librarian and a gambler. .. can't wait to see what happens.
Donna, TX
Oh yes a new book. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom North Platte Nebraska
I'm excited about this book. I love that it involves a librarian. Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
Loraine in TX
I love Shelly's books! Shelia Hall sheliarha64(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi Shelley & Lena! Whispers in the Reading Room sounds so good! Plus, I love reading anything that takes place during the Chicago World's Fair!
Kristen in OK
kam110476 at gmail dot com
This sounds like a very interesting book! I would love to read it.
Edward A in VA
This is certainly different from her other novels I've read, but it sounds just as fascinating and intriguing. Thanks for the chance to win
Marianne Arizona
Enter me!
Blanch NC
I love Shelley's books! Would enjoy this one very much.
Anne, Chesapeake Bay VA
Enter me in your awesome contest!!
Conway, SC.
Love Shelley's books. Would really like to read this one. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Brenda in VA
I would love to win a copy of this book! Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
Morgan in Alabama
Mystery? Love it.
-Melissa in TN
I have been looking forward to this book. It has really piqued my interest.
Deanne in PA.
Mysteries, romance and a book by Shelley Shepherd Gray. What more needs yo be said?
Connie from KY
cps1950 (at) gmail (dot) com
Shelley Gray always intrigues whether she's writing Amish fiction or mysteries. Would love to win!
Pam in OH
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