Ellen Gable Hrkach is a freelance writer and author of five books, President of the Catholic Writers Guild, self-publishing book coach, speaker, NFP teacher and book reviewer. Since 2010, Ellen’s books have been downloaded over 500,000 times on Kindle. She and her husband are the parents of five (nearly grown) sons and they live in rural Pakenham, Ontario Canada.
(Released April 2014) A Subtle Grace (O’Donovan Family #2) is already a bestseller! (#1 Religious Drama) 1896, Philadelphia: In this sequel to “In Name Only” (2009, FQP), “A Subtle Grace” continues the story of the wealthy and unconventional O’Donovan Family as they approach the dawn of a new century. At 19, Kathleen (oldest daughter) is unmarried with no prospects. Fearing the lonely fate of an old maid, her impatience leads to an infatuation with the first man who shows interest. The suave, handsome son of the local police chief seems a perfect match. But will her impulsive manner prevent her from recognizing her true beloved? A disturbing turn of events brings a dark shadow that threatens the life-long happiness she desires.
(Note: Although “A Subtle Grace” is a sequel, it can be read as a stand alone book, independently of the first book in the series.)
Amazon Kindle: www.amazon.com/Subtle-Grace-ODonovan-Family-ebook/dp/B00J3XMWP6/
Novel website: www.asubtlegrace.com
Ellen’s other books:
In Name Only (O’Donovan Family #1) (published 2009, winner 2010 IPPY Gold Medal in Religious Fiction and Amazon Kindle #1 Bestseller March-April 2012) One sentence synopsis: 1876, Philadelphia: Orphaned teen girl marries virtuous man but he dies and she must marry his immoral and obnoxious brother.
Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/In-Name-Only-ebook/dp/B003JTHOCQ/
Novel website: www.innameonly.ca
Stealing Jenny
(Amazon Kindle #1 Bestseller in Religious Drama with 240,000 downloads)
One sentence synopsis: Mentally unstable woman kidnaps pregnant mother of five.
Amazon Kindle: www.amazon.com/Stealing-Jenny-Ellen-Gable-ebook/dp/B005M4K4S2/
Novel website: www.stealingjenny.com
Come My Beloved: Inspiring Stories of Catholic Courtship
12 true life courtship stories
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Come-My-Beloved-Inspiring-Courtship/dp/0973673613/
Novel website: www.comemybeloved.com
Emily’s Hope
Based on true parallel stories of a modern woman and her great-grandmother.
Amazon Kindle: www.amazon.com/Emilys-Hope-Ellen-Gable-ebook/dp/B003JH899A/
novel website: www.emilyshope.com
I began writing fiction in 2001 after my husband suggested that I write a novel based on the parallel true stories of myself and my great-grandmother. Although Emily’s Hope is overtly preachy and not as well-written as my other novels, I learned the basics of novel writing over the course of those four years. Back then, there was only one Catholic fiction publisher (Ignatius). They weren't taking submissions and the only option was to self-publish. It was a lot more difficult in those days (no Print on Demand companies and there was a stigma attached to so-called “Vanity Publishing.”) I hired editors, proofreaders, and others to assist me.
Advice to writers: Never give up, keep writing and trying to polish your skills. Avoid being “preachy.” Write a good story well and the message will shine through. If you're going to self-publish, hire others (editors, proofreaders and cover designers) who can help you to produce a professional quality product to compete with the bigger publishers.
Thanks for visiting with us today, Ellen, and sharing your story, your books, and your great advice! Here's hoping you find many new readers here on The Back Deck!
Two of my favorite writers, together. :)
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