I’m so delighted to welcome one of my fave suspense authors – Dr. Richard Mabry – to the blog today!
Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician, now writing “medical suspense with heart.” He is the author of ten published novels, three novellas, and a non-fiction book. His novels have garnered critical acclaim and been finalists for ACFW’s Carol Award, both the Romantic Times’ Inspirational Book of the Year and Reviewer’s Choice Awards, the Inspirational Readers Choice, and the Selah Award. He is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the International Thriller Writers, the Faith-Hope-Love chapter of the Romance Writers of America, the Christian Authors Network, and Novelists Inc.
You can connect with Dr. Mabry on his website, Facebook, and Twitter.
His latest novella, Doctor’s Dilemma, released March 13th.
Dr. Tyler Gentry had it all planned out, but the death of his parents in a plane crash changed everything. When he discovered his father had left him a mountain of debt, piled on top of his own student debt, the offer from Dr. William Hall to join his group of surgeons seemed a perfect solution. But the night before he was to start, Tyler received a call that told him to get out while he could.
Despite the salary and perks, Tyler found a curtain of mystery surrounding the surgical group. The only thing that made it worthwhile was the lovely operating room nurse, Ashley Wynn, with whom Tyler seemed to make an instant connection. But when their first date ended with his car exploding while she watched, Ashley seemed hesitant to continue their relationship.
The stakes continued to rise while Tyler was faced with his dilemma: stay or go?
Hi Dr. Mabry! I’m so honored to be chatting with you today – welcome to the blog! I start all of my guests out with a fast four:
Richard: Apples…because I can eat them without peeling.
Carrie: Peeling an orange is so tedious. Apples are much better, I agree.
Richard: Summer…because I can play golf without shivering.
Carrie: haha!
Richard: Dogs…because you can call a dog, while a cat will say, “Leave a message and I’ll get back with you.”
Carrie: LOL this is so true!
Richard: Coffee…because I got in the habit in pre-med, it was cemented during med school, and now the habit is fully entrenched.
Carrie: Yes, as a doctor and an author, you really didn’t stand a chance to resist coffee!
Around here I like to say that reading is my superpower. If YOU had a superpower, what would it be?
Richard: I’d probably choose invisibility, so I could hang around and see what people really think of my writing. (In other words, like many writers, I suffer from the Imposter Syndrome.)
Carrie: Plus you could do all kinds of research for your books and no one would be the wiser – except you!
Which books are “on your nightstand”?
Richard: I’m currently re-reading the works of the late Robert B. Parker, so Split Image is by my bed, and all the rest of his work is in the bookcase in the living room. (I love the way he tells stories using simple declarative sentences).
Carrie: I must confess that I’ve never read his books, but now I’m intrigued!
Writing spaces are as diverse as authors and books. Where is your favorite space to write?
Richard: I use a laptop, linked (via USB cables) to a monitor and keyboard, and it doesn’t stray from my office unless I’m traveling. Each morning I head for my office, just like I was going to work…which, come to think of it, I am.
Carrie: Writing is absolutely work!
Tell us about Dr. Tyler Gentry. Do you share any personality traits with your main character?
Richard: Tyler is a doctor just finishing his residency training in surgery. Almost overnight his plans for entering practice are turned upside down. The problems he encounters when he’s about to start work as part of the Hall Group make up the major thrust of Doctor’s Dilemma. As for sharing personality traits, I suppose that, like Tyler, I have a surgeon’s mentality, able to move resolutely forward despite setbacks and problems. Other than that, though, he’s a lot more handsome (and younger) than me.
Carrie: The ability to persevere is a very valuable trait. I hadn’t connected it to a surgeon’s mentality before, but that makes sense!
Do you have your books pretty much plotted out before you start writing, or did Doctor’s Dilemma take any turns that surprised you?
Richard: I definitely write by the ‘seat of my pants,’ although I do have the major characters, the overarching theme, and some sort of idea about the ending in mind when I start writing. However, in true ‘pantser’ fashion, I don’t have all the details, twists, and events plotted out. And I never know who the ‘bad guy’ will be until I’m two or three chapters from the end.
Carrie: Really?!? Oh i love that! Because neither do we as readers lol!
What do you most want readers to take away from Doctor’s Dilemma?
Richard: I suppose the take away message is similar to what my other novels carry: Despite what seems like a dead-end situation, trust in God and do the best you can. One of my friends has this motto on his door: “Things will be all right in the end. If they’re not all right, it’s not the end.”
Carrie: This such a encouraging truth to hang on to in the world we live in today.
Dr. Mabry, thank you so much for taking time to talk with me! 🙂 Before we say goodbye for today, tell us what‘s coming up next for you.
Richard: My next full-length novel is Cardiac Event. There’s been some question about how that would be published—whether by an established publishing house or self-published (like Doctor’s Dilemma)—but I hope to have all that resolved soon.
Carrie: I am looking forward to reading it!
Dr. Mabry is giving away a copy of Doctor’s Dilemma to one of my readers – print if winner is in US, ebook for internationals. (Void where prohibited by law) Giveaway is subject to Reading Is My SuperPower’s giveaway policy which can be read on the Disclosure page of this website. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below.
What about you? What quote or verse encourages you when you’re in a dead-end situation?
One verse that has helped me is Philippians 4:6 “Don’t be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” When I am struggling I turn to prayer and God’s help through the situation and this verse has become a life verse for me.
yes! amen!
I think the main quote that comes to mind would have to be “When one door closes, another opens. But often we look so long, so regretfully, upon the closed door, that we fail to see the one that is opened for us.” It reminds me that God is with us and that it’s his path not ours that we shall follow. That what we think is the dark periods of our lives are only so we can see the light we should follow.
i love that, Kay!
Live life to the fullest and focus upon the positive. After 5 years of ongoing major health problems, and difficulties and now RA I still believe.
amen 🙂
Joshua 1:8,9. If it was good enough for Joshua, it’s certainly true for me. “Be strong and courageous”. . . . . .”do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
amen!
Carrie, thanks for this interview. And my appreciation to each of you who has cited a favorite Scripture verse or saying. Since I began writing, I’ve used Psalm 139:1-5 beneath my signature. Verse 4 says “Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold O Lord, You know it all.” (NASB)
what a great verse!
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
love that verse!
Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. I enjoyed meeting Dr. Mabry!
such a great verse!
An apple a day keeps the doctor away! I like apples too….and dogs and coffee.
Doctor’s Dilemma was soooo good and everyone needs to get their own copy!
Not from the Bible but I like the saying, “Knowing God is never late, makes it easier to wait.”
i love that, Gail!
Psalm 121 is a big encouragement when facing a dead end situation.
absolutely!
Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Loved your responses here.
such an encouraging verse, isn’t it?
Phil 4:13 always encourages me: I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.
I really enjoy your books and have read them all so far, except Doctor’s Dilemma. I hope to read it soon!
you will love it, Cindy!
Romans 8:38&39. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord!
Love Richard’s books.
Paula, have to pop in and say that Romans 8:38-39 are the verses I said (from memory) when we committed Cynthia’s ashes to the ocean. So glad you mentioned these.
so sweet!
What’s meant to be will never miss you.
I like Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”
I also like “Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things will work together for thy good.”
Thanks for the interview, Carrie and Dr. Mabry! Dr. Mabry, your book sounds fascinating. I really enjoy medical suspense.
you’d love this book, Winnie!
I have often clung to this verse. “For He has said, I will never leave you or forsake you.”
In Hebrews
that was the verse my family clung to during my grandmother’s battle with Alzheimer’s 🙂
Philippians 4:6-7 pray.. be thankful.. have Gods peace to guard your mind.
love those verses 🙂
Thanks to all of you for leaving very meaningful verses and phrases. It’s nice to be able to lean on those.
I’ve always loved Micah 6:8 – And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God
i love that verse too – we make it so complicated, don’t we?
Dr. Mabry, you view of cats is SPOT ON!
I LOVE Isaiah 41:10 AMP. Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation]
such a great verse!!
I’m looking forward to reading Dr. Mabry’s books. I haven’t read any of them yet but hope to do so soon. I don’t have a particular quote or verse that is my favorite but I like several of the ones mentioned in others comments.
you will love Dr. Mabry’s books! 🙂
I have to choose Phil. 4:13 as my strength verse.
love that verse!
Proverbs 3:5-6Amplified Bible (AMP)
5
Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart
And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
6
[a]In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him,
And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].
excellent verses!
Philippians 4
“This, too, shall pass” has always helped me.
Yes!
The Bible verse that has helped me immensely is Jeremiah 29:14, which says “I will be found by You.”
i love that verse <3