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
- paperbackDoctor's Dilemma - Kindle
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