I’ve been eagerly waiting for Dr. Mabry’s newest book, Cardiac Event (watch for a review soon), and I’m pleased to welcome him back to the blog for a chat!
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 new book, Cardiac Event, is independently published and releases July 28, 2017!
Cardiologist Dr. Kirk Martin continually crosses swords with Dr. Cliff Hamilton, so he is surprised when Hamilton asks him to care for him after a heart attack.
When he is ready for discharge, Hamilton is found dead in his hospital bed, and Martin is suspected of murdering him.
After another doctor is found shot to death, Martin’s girlfriend, nurse Janet Rush, reminds him to be careful because he may be next.
Can he save his own life while searching for the identity of the real murderer?
Hi Dr. Mabry! Welcome back to the blog! You’ve answered my ‘fast four’ not that long ago, so instead, tell me – What are some things people might not know about you?
Richard:
Well, my background includes my serving as an interim minister of music (both in civilian life and while in the Air Force in the Azores).
Although I served in the Air Force and participated in a helicopter rescue, I’m terrified of heights.
I’ve played beach volleyball with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and felt old when Franco Harris said, “Thank you, sir.”
Although I could throw a curve ball, I couldn’t hit one, so I never advanced beyond semi-pro baseball. However, I have attended several baseball fantasy camps, and was standing in the first base coaching box when Mickey Mantle hit a home run off Whitey Ford.
Carrie: WOW! I think I would lead with that Mickey Mantle thing in general conversation 🙂
Did you always want to be a writer?
Richard: No. I practiced the specialty of otolaryngology (that’s ear, nose, and throat if you don’t like long words) for over 36 years, the last decade as a professor at a prestigious medical center. Although I wrote or edited a number of textbooks during that time, I never had any ambition to become a non-medical writer after retirement. I sort of backed into it when I decided to write about my experiences after the death of my first wife. Jim Bell challenged me to try my hand at fiction when I attended a writers’ conference. Incidentally, my non-fiction book was published more than a decade ago, and my publisher recently put out a second edition of The Tender Scar. Meanwhile, I’ve published a total of eleven novels and three novellas. Funny how all this worked out.
Carrie: God clearly had (and still has) a plan for you as a writer! As a reader who really enjoys your novels, I’m glad you took that leap!
What is your process when writing a novel? Do you plot everything out or write “by the seat of your pants?”
Richard: I’m a definite “pantser,” so far as the flow of the novel plot goes. I begin with a central premise. Then I populate the novel, at least the major characters. I have a general idea of how the plot will proceed, but that may change. I’ve often had to write as many as 10,000 words before I see where things are going, and at this point it’s sometimes necessary to revise or even rewrite the entire novel. Eventually I reach the point where I know how the novel is going to end, but when I start out I don’t know who the “bad guy” will be, so I have to keep the reader guessing along with me. If I plot out anything, it’s just in my head, and it frequently changes.
Carrie: I love that you don’t who the bad guy is when you start!
What was your inspiration for Cardiac Event?
Richard: Like most authors, I start with a “what if?” In this case, I wondered what would happen if a cardiologist (heart specialist) was asked to care for a colleague with whom he’d had differences in the past. Then, what if that second doctor died? From there, the idea grew, as did the list of characters. When I finished, I had a doctor and his fiancé, his physician associate, a chief of staff, a hospital administrator, some police detectives, and… Well, you never know what’s going to happen when you don’t plot things out in advance.
Carrie: haha! Keeps life – and novels – interesting 🙂
Will all your future novels be independently published?
Richard: People think a writer stays with one publisher indefinitely. That’s true of a few authors, but not many of us. Most of us have contracts (usually for two or three books at a time) that require renewal, and sometimes factors make us go with a different publisher. For example, the one that has put out seven of my eleven novels has discontinued its Christian (or “inspirational”) fiction line. The publisher with whom I initially signed for publication of Cardiac Event was a new house with experienced people at the helm, but financing problems threw a monkey wrench into the process. All this is of little interest to most readers, but it matters a lot to authors. What I can say for myself is that, as of right now, independent publication seemed to be the right thing for me. As for the future—who knows?
Carrie: God has led you all along the way so far in this crazy industry, and I know He will continue to do so.
Dr. Mabry is giving away a copy of Cardiac Event to one of my readers! (Print – US only, Kindle version – open internationally except where prohibited by law) This giveaway is subject to Reading Is My SuperPower’s giveaway policies which can be found here. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below.
What about you? What did you learn about Dr. Mabry and/or his books?
I love Doc Mabry’s books! And I love it that he doesn’t know the villain when he starts writing. 🙂
Now I want to know if you’ve ever be surprised by the villain in one of your own books, Patricia 🙂
I really enjoyed the interview. I love learning more about authors. That thing about Mickey mantle was really cool! I haven’t had a chance to read any of his books but its love to.
Rachel, I think you would love his books!
Thanks for the fun interview! I’ve heard a lot about Dr. Mabry’s books but haven’t had the opportunity to read one yet. As a physician myself, I had wondered what type of medicine Dr. Mabry practiced in his former life – now I know! Looking forward to reading his books soon (they’re all hanging out on my TBR planet).
I know all about the TBR planet 😉
Thanks, Carrie (or Meez Carrie) for this opportunity, and thanks to all those who’ve commented already. Good luck to all of you in the giveaway.
You are welcome anytime! 🙂
I’ve never read any medical-based books by a former doctor, so I’m really excited to see how Dr. Mabry’s expertise comes into play in his novels.
Also…Mickey Mantle? That is SO cool! Lol
His novels are great, Karen! I bet you’d love them 🙂
Dr. Mabry is brilliant, talented and creative. His novels sounds captivating and his years as a physician and in the air force were meaningful.
Absolutely!
Good article. I especially enjoyed reading how Richard develops his stories and characters. He of my favorite Christian writers.
his books are great, aren’t they? 🙂
That he is a retired ENT physician and that he served in the Air Force. He also has 10 published novels.
they are excellent novels, too 🙂
Minister of music, helicopter mission, playing beach volleyball with the Pittsburgh Steelers, doctor and author. There is more to Richard Mabry than meets the eye. Thanks for sharing this interview and giveaway.
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
🙂
Didn’t know about your stint in the semi pros. Interesting memories, fun facts! Will always enjoy reading your books, Richard!
I love to read medical-based books. I enjoyed reading about the inspiration for the story. It sounds so intriguing!
you will love his books, Winnie!
I didn’t know that Dr. Mabry served as an interim minister of music. I’ve not yet read his books. Thank you for the chance.
oh Caryl! you will love them!
I like the “what if” question you asked yourself Richard! It seems it would be great fodder for any story 🙂 The one thing I learned was that you are afraid of heights yet participated in a helicopter rescue in the Air Force. That had to have taken lots of guts! And you were an interim minister of music, that must have been funT!
Thanks for the fun interview & giveaway chance! I have a few of Dr Mabry’s books on my shelf & would love to add this one to the stack.
I learned that he had served in the Air Force. I haven’t read any of his books yet but love reading medical based stories. Thanks for the giveaway and interview.
you would love his books, Donna!
I learned that he played baseball.
that was new to me too 🙂
This sounds like a good mystery that I want to read. Hope I win the book. Hi Carie!
Hi Vivian!!
I appreciate all the kind words from each of you who left a comment. And apparently there’s still a lot about me you didn’t know–glad to fill in some of those blanks.
Happy Book Birthday!
Although I have seen Dr. Mabry’s books, I have never read one and didn’t know anything about his background. Great interview! I will need to pick up one of his books to read.
I am 3/4 way through this book and I’m loving it! You need to buy this especially if you like medical thrillers/mystery suspense type books. I’m “dying” to know who’s involved in the murders but I’m not one to sneak peeks in the back. Dr Mabry is an excellent author and being an actual doctor adds so much authenticity to the story!
Thanks for a chance at the giveaway! I learned from this interview that Dr. Mabry has has different experiences in his career; both are about serving the needs of others. His work as a Minister and then, as a Doctor, each show some kind of need and reflects Dr. Mabry’s concern for the well being of others. Nice character trait!
Great insight!!
i haven’t read any of his books, but having an EMS background, this one intrigues me 🙂 i also have a musical background, and i love the Mickey Mantle story!!
Thanks to all of you for your comments, and to Carrie for both her review and for hosting me here. I’m glad for the opportunity to get to know all her blog readers.
I love that he has actually been a doctor! I’m sure that adds so much to his books. Sounds like a great book!
Haven’t read any of Dr. Mabry’s books, but I definitely want to! I like that he doesn’t pick the “bad guy” from the beginning… maybe that’s guaranteed to keep the reader guessing! 🙂