Rhode Island Authors Showcase - Featuring Hank Ellis!
The Rhode Island Authors Showcase is back! Each day in November, I’ll be featuring a different RI author. Each post features a giveaway – a book, an anthology, or something else! All you have to do to be eligible for the daily drawing is leave a comment on the blog post. I’ll use a random number generator to pick a winner one week after the blog post (to give you time to catch up).
By commenting on each post, you’re also entered to win our bigger prizes: GRAND PRIZE is a $250 Amazon gift card, BONUS PRIZE is a $100 Amazon gift card, and the CHEER UP YOU WON SOMETHING PRIZE is a $50 Amazon gift card. The big prizes will be chosen, again using a random number generator, on December 7.
Welcome to author Hank Ellis! Hank's participated in the RI Author Showcase in previous years, and it's a pleasure to have him back. Let's find out more about him:
Hank, where is your hometown? I grew up in Scituate, lived in North Kingstown for 30 years, now in Exeter.
What genre(s) do you write? Literary fiction (YA adventure stories, magical realism, fantasy, Christian).
What have you written? The Promise series are adventure stories for adolescents and curious adults that celebrate friendship and teamwork, respect for all cultures, our divine connection, and the importance of caring for our planet. Also, short stories and poetry in four ARIA Anthologies: Selections; Past, Present, and Future; Hope; and Green.
Who are your favorite authors? CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien, Alfred Lansing.
What were some of your favorite books growing up? Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage; The Chronicles of Narnia; The Lord of the Rings.
What do you like best about writing? Telling a story, creating perilous adventures, letting my mind wander.
What do you find most challenging about writing? Writer’s block. When it occurs—not if—I wonder how to continue or end a story. Solution: I’ll end my session for hours, days, or even weeks if necessary, and change focus completely. I like woodworking, turning wood on a lathe, or working in the yard. It’s amazing how clearing your mind helps the process. Getting stressed
is the worst thing that can happen.
Where do you draw your inspiration? Past events, life. I imagine myself in the scene and what I or other friends and relatives would do.
You've been given the chance to collaborate on a novel with CS Lewis. What's the title going to be? Although intimidating, I'd jump at the chance! I love his books. And we’re both believers in the Triune God: (God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). My books are filled with references to the “Maker” or “Maker of the universe” and my characters are given amazing “gifts” by God’s
intermediary, the guardian Eli. Lewis writes of interdimensional and time travel, as do I. Our
book would be titled Journey to Othertime. Othertime is a word used in Lewis’ book The
Dark Tower.
Want to know more? Check out Hank on Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/7y2d3v8a
Hank's website: http://www.hankellis.net
Hank's Amazon page: https://tinyurl.com/5evcawyr
Peter and David Wilson are two adventurous, adolescent brothers, who make a fantastic discovery in the nearby forest. One afternoon in late June, they stumble upon a huge mysterious cavern protected from the elements for centuries. Using dreams and deciphering riddles, they travel through underground passageways to meet the maker of their dreams. Through a series of strange and supernatural encounters, Peter and David must rely on resourcefulness, perseverance, and love to lead them to an opportunity they could never have imagined and make a decision that will change their lives forever.
You can win a copy of The Promise: A Perilous Journey by answering this question: Do you believe in another dimension, where ghosts, spirits, angels, and demons might dwell? (Hint: there are no wrong answers!)
