Thursday, March 16, 2017

DOCTOR'S DILEMMA - Richard L Mabry, MD - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I’m always glad when we have a new Richard Mabry book. Both my husband and I love reading his medical suspense novels and novellas.

Welcome back, Richard. Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I never had any desire to write a non-medical book. I am a physician, trained and licensed in otolaryngology (that’s ENT to most people). I was in solo private practice for over two decades and a professor at a nationally known medical center for ten more. But after the death of my first wife (see below), I wrote a book about my feelings and actions. I’m proud to say that The Tender Scar: Life After The Death Of A Spouse, has been in print for a decade. That was also my stepping-stone to writing fiction.                                                                                                                                                How did you become interested in writing?         
At the first writer’s conference I attended while learning how to write my non-fiction book, I was challenged by some established authors to try my hand at fiction. After four years spent writing or revising four books that garnered forty rejections, I received my first fiction contract. By then I was hooked, knowing I’d found my “second profession.”                                                                  
And we are all glad of that. What compelled you to write a book on this subject?
My initial purpose was to keep my name active. As some people know, the publication of Christian (or “inspirational” as it’s called in some places) fiction has undergone a significant change in the past several years. I was caught up in a problem with one of the promising publishers (experienced people setting up a new company), and found it had been almost a year since my last novel appeared. Responding to continued inquiries by my readers, I decided to self-publish this long novella. It’s about half the length of a conventional book, but I honestly like what it says.
                                                                                                                                                           
What is the main theme or point that you want readers to understand from reading your book? Are there any other themes present in the book?    
Doctor’s Dilemma deals with the problems faced by a physician just out of specialty training. He has difficulties that, through no fault of his own, drive him to accept a position. At first it seems perfect, but then the flaws begin showing up. The theme here is that physicians, just like all of us, have problems, some of which aren’t apparent to outsiders. The point, which I try to make subtly, is that even though we may leave God behind, when we begin to seek Him, He’s right there. 
                                                                                                                                                      
That’s a very good point for all of us. Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book?
Although this book details the problems faced by a young physician and the woman he finds himself falling in love with, the principle applies to all of us, whatever our situation and status.
                                                                                   
What makes your book different than any other books similar to yours that are in circulation today?
I’ve discovered that readers enjoy a look inside the “real world” of medicine. Because of my background, I’m able to give that to them, providing medical information without sending them to the dictionary or Internet to look up the meaning of words, phrases, and actions.          
           
I love that about your books. How does the book intertwine with God’s call on your life and how you are currently serving Him?
When Cynthia retired (two weeks before her fatal intracranial hemorrhage), I was preparing to retire from medicine. What I found, over the course of the next year or two, was that He wasn’t through with me. It wasn’t easy (learning to craft a novel never is for most of us), but I discovered that I could witness effectively through writing Christian fiction. So that’s what I’m doing.                                                                                                                Do you have a favorite Scripture verse?
There are several I’ve learned to lean on, especially Romans 8:38-39 after Cynthia’s death, but the one that applies to my writing (and with which I sign my books) is Psalm 139:1-5. Verse 4 (in The Message translation) says, “You know everything I say before I start the first sentence.”

Oh, I love that. I’ll have to mark it in my Bible. When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?        
A lawyer friend and I began playing golf together once a week when he probated Cynthia’s will. That has lasted to the present. We’ve walked together through the deaths of both our wives and our marriage to new ones, we talk about everything, but never reveal it to others.

Other than golf, I enjoy reading (mainly mysteries and police procedurals), watching reruns of sitcoms, and being the best possible grandfather I can.

We all need a friend we can trust like that. They are priceless treasures. Where can my readers find you on the Internet?
I post on my blog Tuesdays (general “stuff”) and Fridays (“the writing life”). Readers can sign up at that location for my newsletter, which gives them information and previews about my books. I also post a couple of times a day on my Facebook fan page.  My twitter handle is Richard Mabry.                                                                                                                                                                       
As we close, is there anything else you would like to add?
My next novel, Cardiac Event, is written and edited, although we’re not certain about its publication information. Meanwhile, I hope your readers will enjoy Doctor’s Dilemma.

And, of course, I want to thank you, Lena, for having me here today.

Thank you, Richard. It’s a great pleasure to host you here. I’m eager to read both Cardiac Event and Doctor’s Dilemma.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Doctor's Dilemma - paperback
Doctor's Dilemma - 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 or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

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.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

28 comments:

Jackie Layton said...

Thanks for sharing, Lena! I respect Dr. Mabry so much and enjoy his books!

Jackie Layton said...

Okay, this is one of the first times I've gotten to say this. I live in South Carolina. It's been 12 hectic and wonderful days. Please add me to the drawing. Thanks!

Richard Mabry said...

Jackie, thanks for your comment.
And Lena, good to be a guest with you again. I appreciate it.

Melanie Backus said...

Thank you Lena and Dr. Mabry for a great interview. Another good one, I am sure!

Melanie Backus, TX

Linda Kish said...

I like to read medical stories and Dr Mabry writes good ones.

Linda in So Cal

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Cindy W. said...

I love Dr. Mabry's books and would love to win a copy. Thank you for the chance.

Blessings,
Cindy W. from Indiana

Richard Mabry said...

Thanks, Melanie, Linda, and Cindy for your comments.

kim hansen said...

Love a good medical drama book. north platte nebraska.

Richard Mabry said...

Kim, I appreciate your commenting all the way from Nebraska.

Bonnie Engstrom said...

I love Richard's writing. I hope I win this novella. I do read only on Kindle now because of my eyesight and being able to enlarge the text.

Bonnie
Arizona

Connie Porter Saunders said...

I enjoyed learning more about Dr. Mabry and his books. Thank you for sharing.
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

kam110476 said...

Hi Richard & Lena! I've truly enjoyed the few books of Richard's that I've read and Doctor's Dilemma sounds just as great!
Kristen in OK

Winnie said...

I love medical suspense books. This one looks and sounds so intriguing. I'd love to win a copy. I've been wanting to try one of your books, Dr. Mabry.

Winnie T from Utah

Richard Mabry said...

Thanks for all your comments--keep them coming.

Caryl Kane said...

I enjoy medical suspense! Dr. Mabry, I'm excited to read Doctor's Dilemma.

Caryl K in TEXAS

Karen Sue Hadley said...

Howdy from Oklahoma. I enjoy your books, the suspens is well written.

Abigail Mitchell said...

This book looks great!
Abigail in VA

Library Lady said...

We have all of his books in the church library. Thanks for giving me the chance to win this one.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Florida

Richard Mabry said...

Thanks Caryl, Karen, Abigail, and Janet. I appreciate the comments. Good luck to you all.

ReadingMama922 said...

I love reading Dr. Mabry. I love in Yukon, Oklahoma, and would love it if Dr. Mabry could do a book signing in Oklahoma. We really have nice people here.
Debbie Rhoades
ReadingMama922@gmail.com

Richard Mabry said...

Debbie, I don't dare "diss" Oklahoma (even thought I'm a native Texan), because Kay was born and brought up there. But book signings in general aren't what they used to be, and for me they're not a current option. However, I'm sending you an email about another option.

Lourdes said...

Another book love it, like all the Richard's other's I know that Doctor's Dilemma will be great one too.

Lourdes Long Island, NY

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me!!
Conway SC.

Pam said...

Richard Mabry's books are ALWAYS good reading! Would love to read Doctor's Dilemma!

Pam in OH

R Merr said...

Love these kinds of reads! From DownEast ME

Unknown said...

Lena, what a great interview. Medical fiction has never been a big pull for me until reading about God's call on Dr. Mabry to start writing...so touching. Dr. Mabry, thank you for sharing your testimony. I'm looking forward to reading one of your books now, and maybe I'll be lucky enough to win this one.
Amanda J. from FL

Richard Mabry said...

Thanks to all of you for leaving comments (and such nice ones). I appreciate it.

rubynreba said...

Medical fiction is always interesting to me. Glad to be able to win this book.
Beth from IA