Emilie Richards- A Lie for a Lie: Overview

I’d love to return to the Shenandoah Valley series, and I do have ideas for a sixth book. Unfortunately, that decision is not only up to me. Publishers make decisions based on many things, primarily sales. If you like the series, buy the books new, either in hardcover or paperback. Wholesale club sales count, on-line bookstores who sell new certainly count, so do books sold at quilt shops, etc. Unfortunately used book sales do not, but many used book stores also sell new.

If you don't like to buy books, ask your library to order it, another sale that counts. And if your bookstore doesn't have a copy in stock, just ask them to order it for you. All the books are, at the moment, still in print. They make lovely gifts. I'm always happy to send autographed bookplates if you send me an SASE. Email for details.

Meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my next stand alone, Happiness Key.

3. My bookstore can’t get your older books. Won’t you please republish them?

Don’t I wish it were that easy. I am a traditionally published author, which means my publisher makes these decisions. So although it would be lovely to snap my fingers and call the printer, it doesn’t work that way. Luckily Mira Books has been great about reissuing my older titles, and I have every reason to believe they’ll continue. Check my website news for updates on what and when.

4. Is the Shenandoah Album series available on audio?

I’m thrilled that Sister’s Choice will be released by BBC Audio in November 2008. The rest of the series will be released in 2009, beginning with Wedding Ring and covering the whole series. All the books will be unabridged, and I can’t wait to see who is chosen to read them. I consider this great news for those with vision problems, commuters who listen to books while driving or taking public transportation and quilters or knitters who like to listen while their hands and eyes are otherwise occupied.

5. Can you fly to Anyplace, USA to speak to my book club or quilt guild?

Occasionally. Write and ask for my guidelines, and try to schedule way ahead of time. My publisher plans most of my promotional visits, and I have to make certain I have enough time to write my novels and spend time with my family.

If I can’t visit you in person, I’d like to have a 20-minute speaker phone conversation with your book club if you choose one of my books. You may request a conversation under “Get in Touch” on this website.

6. Why did you decide to write mysteries, too? Weren't you busy enough?

Honestly? To please myself. I love Aggie and her family. I love the traditional mystery. I love writing in first person and writing gentle humor. I have years of experience as a minister's wife. This was a no-brainer for me. If you love any of the above, reading the Ministry is Murder series will be a no-brainer for you, as well.

7. Please tell me you're planning more books in the Donaghue series?

I can't. However never say never.

8. Speaking of the Donaghues, what is the correct order to read the two novels? And what about the New Orleans series?

Donaghues: Whiskey Island, then The Parting Glass (both were re-released in May 2007)

New Orleans: Iron Lace, then Rising Tides

But I promise the book police won't come after you if you read out of order. The stories will still make sense.

9. Do you really answer your own mail?

I have a wonderful new assistant, who happens to be a quilter, too. The first day she came to work, she helped me put together a baby quilt. How perfect is that? Marna answers some of my mail, but even then I read every email I receive and add my own personal comments to her replies. I was very tired of apologizing for responding so late, and I love hearing from you.

Since I'm often asked similar questions, from time to time I'll tackle the most common ones here. I try to answer my mail in a timely manner, but you may find your answer on this page before I can get back to you.

1. I so much enjoyed One Mountain Away, but I need to know more about some of the other characters. Any chance there will be another book? Yes, and the second book, Somewhere Between Luck and Trust, is already finished. I'm now developing the third in the series. While I've already seen this referred to as a trilogy, my plan is for more than three. Stay tuned.

2. I really enjoyed the Shenandoah Album series, but I'm confused about the correct order to read the books. Can you help? You can read the Shenandoah Album series out of order, but like all series, it's more fun to watch characters develop chronologically. Here's the order:
Wedding Ring-2004
Endless Chain-2005
Lover's Knot-2006
Touching Stars-2007
Sister's Choice-2008

3. I love the Shenandoah Album series and don’t want it to end. Please tell me you’re writing another. I’d love to return to the Shenandoah Album series, and I do have ideas for a sixth book. Unfortunately, that decision is not up to me. For information on how to contact my publisher to urge them along, you can go here, where you'll find instructions on how to write or email at the bottom of my latest reader letter.

I can also announce that the first three of the SA book, Wedding Ring, Endless Chain and Lover's Knot will all be reissued again in the summer of 2013 as trade paperbacks with brand new covers and for only $9.99. Trade paper is the larger size, with larger print. A bargain.

Meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my newest series, Goddesses Anonymous, which debuts with One Mountain Away. I think these books, set in Asheville, NC, are the most like my SA series to date.

4. My bookstore can’t get your older books. Won’t you please republish them? Don’t I wish it were that easy. My publisher makes these decisions, so although it would be lovely to snap my fingers and call the printer, it doesn’t work that way. Luckily all my women's fiction novels are now available as ebooks. Check my website news for updates on reprints in the future.

5. Is the Shenandoah Album series available on audio? I’m thrilled that Sister’s Choice was released by BBC Audio in November 2008. The rest of the series was released in 2009, beginning with Wedding Ring and covering the whole series. All the books are unabridged,and with the exception of Endless Chain, available through Audible.com.

6. Can you fly to Anyplace, USA to speak to my book club or quilt guild? Occasionally. Write and ask for my guidelines, and try to schedule way ahead of time. My publisher plans most of my promotional visits, and I have to make certain I have enough time to write my novels and spend time with my family.

If I can’t visit you in person, I’d like to have a 20-minute speaker phone conversation with your book club if you choose one of my books. You may request a conversation under “Get in Touch” on this website.

7. Why did you decide to write mysteries, too? Weren't you busy enough? Honestly? To please myself. I love Aggie and her family. I love the traditional mystery. I love writing in first person and writing gentle humor. I have years of experience as a minister's wife. This was a no-brainer for me. If you love any of the above, reading the Ministry is Murder series will be a no-brainer for you, as well.

8. Please tell me you're planning more books in the Donaghue series? I can't.

9. Speaking of the Donaghues, what is the correct order to read the two novels? And what about the New Orleans series?

Donaghues: Whiskey Island, then The Parting Glass (both were re-released in May 2007)
New Orleans: Iron Lace, then Rising Tides, reissued recently in trade paper.

But I promise the book police won't come after you if you read out of order. The stories will still make sense.

10. Do you really answer your own mail? I really do.