Ada Public Library

Shelley Shepard Gray, a popular author of more than 55 books, meets Phyllis Gossel (center) and Donna Englehart (right) during an hour-long talk and book signing at the Ada Public Library on Saturday morning.

The author told how she began writing, the work involved in producing so many books, and how much fun writing is to her.

With a laugh she said, "I get paid for making making things up." Most of her books are inspirational novels about Amish women (she is not Amish), but she has also tried her hand at historical novels, romance books, and westerns.

She is now researching Civil War life because that period of time will be the setting for a new work.

Popular author Shelley Shepard Gray will have a book signing at the Ada Public Library at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 13.

Her most recent title is “The Proposal at Siesta Key,” released May 12 of this year.

Since 2000, Shelley has sold over 40 novels to numerous publishers, including HarperCollins, Harlequin, and Abingdon Press.

She has been interviewed by NPR, and her books have been highlighted in numerous publications, including USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.

Under the name Shelley Shepard Gray, Shelley writes Amish romances for HarperCollins’ inspirational line, Avon Inspire.